Thank you, Linda. I always think I have finished writing her story, but then other memories pop up. I feel like she is here in the room as I write these things down. We don't forget our moms, do we?
Thank you for letting us get to know Katy through these touching memoirs. She, and others of her generation deserve to be remembered for their selfless dedication to family and hard work. Judging by the photo, she got through it all without losing her joy for life.
Yes! She ALWAYS remained optimistic. She knew she could manage anything - no matter what and KNEW everything would get better. Cynicism never crept in. I wish I had received that gene! ha ha ha
Thank you for sharing. Your memories are the best tribute anyone can provide for their mom. I was lucky to be raised by a strong, loving and dedicated mom too!
Thank you so much, Susan. I always hope her stories are of interest to others besides family. I sure do miss her. I hope your mom is still with you, and, if not in body, then always in spirit, right? Katy's voice is still in my head every day though I lost her nearly six years ago.
No doubt, Wade. Thanks for reading these memoirs. It is keeping her alive for me, and if others can enjoy her story, I am so pleased. Happy day to you neighbor.
Such a beautiful post, Sharron! I adore the yellow roses story!
Brussels sprouts (fresh, not frozen - not that I've ever tried frozen) are in my top-three favourite veg, the other two being white cabbage and asparagus. I am always culinarily unhappy in those couple of months between the end of the sprouts season and the beginning of the asparagus season...
I've loved everything I've read of the Katy memoir. It's absolutely glorious.
Oh, thank you, Rebecca, for hanging out with Katy. You would have liked her. And she would have called you "my sweetheart." I wish she were here so I could read your posts to her. She would have delighted in them as much as I do.
Cannery Row, and then some! Canneries, frozen food, drying sheds, green houses, strawberry fields, agriculture workers everywhere. That's pretty much our area - except I live in the corner that is next to the sea rather than next to the fields. You'd like it here, James! And you and my mom would have got on well.
It is really interesting to think of Santa Cruz in that light. I was reminded of the shootings in Half Moon Bay earlier in the year and the poor living conditions. I can't imagine having to live that way. . . and the three mile walk at midnight. Oh my!
Santa Cruz is a beach resort town and a college town since the '60s and we have residents of all socio-economic strata. Many houses now sell for $2 million, apartments rent for $6K per month and also a lot of small, old "motor-court" apartments where seven ag workers may live in two rooms. A lot of poverty and homelessness and crime here now. NO ONE would walk down town after midnight, much less the railroad tracks. Still...my home and a lovely place to live for the most part. Thanks for your comments!
Sharron, Thank you for sharing more stories from your mother's life. Your mom Katy inspires by the force of her character, strength and ability to adapt to life's challenges. Even though I have lived for decades in this agricultural state, I have never before read any description in fact or fiction of what it really takes to put brussel sprouts, frozen spinach, or canned pears on the nation's table. You made your mom's grueling work vivid. It is a privilege to read your tribute to her. -Marina
Wow! Marina, thank you! I am so glad this was not only entertaining, but a little educational as well! Mama's stories are so important to me. It feels like she is still alive and with me when I write them. You know how that is. Happy week-end to you, my friend.
Aaw, what a sweet story of your mom's hard work in days long ago! The flowers you sent - what a neat idea!
Thank you, Linda. I always think I have finished writing her story, but then other memories pop up. I feel like she is here in the room as I write these things down. We don't forget our moms, do we?
Thank you for letting us get to know Katy through these touching memoirs. She, and others of her generation deserve to be remembered for their selfless dedication to family and hard work. Judging by the photo, she got through it all without losing her joy for life.
Yes! She ALWAYS remained optimistic. She knew she could manage anything - no matter what and KNEW everything would get better. Cynicism never crept in. I wish I had received that gene! ha ha ha
Thank you for sharing. Your memories are the best tribute anyone can provide for their mom. I was lucky to be raised by a strong, loving and dedicated mom too!
Thank you so much, Susan. I always hope her stories are of interest to others besides family. I sure do miss her. I hope your mom is still with you, and, if not in body, then always in spirit, right? Katy's voice is still in my head every day though I lost her nearly six years ago.
You and your mom are incredible storytellers. And an incredible story. I bet your mom really did walk uphill both ways in the snow to school.
No doubt, Wade. Thanks for reading these memoirs. It is keeping her alive for me, and if others can enjoy her story, I am so pleased. Happy day to you neighbor.
Such a beautiful post, Sharron! I adore the yellow roses story!
Brussels sprouts (fresh, not frozen - not that I've ever tried frozen) are in my top-three favourite veg, the other two being white cabbage and asparagus. I am always culinarily unhappy in those couple of months between the end of the sprouts season and the beginning of the asparagus season...
I've loved everything I've read of the Katy memoir. It's absolutely glorious.
Oh, thank you, Rebecca, for hanging out with Katy. You would have liked her. And she would have called you "my sweetheart." I wish she were here so I could read your posts to her. She would have delighted in them as much as I do.
What a lovely thing to say, Sharron! You're quite the sweetheart yourself!
A really well told story. That whole region is alluring and reminds me of Steinbeck.
Cannery Row, and then some! Canneries, frozen food, drying sheds, green houses, strawberry fields, agriculture workers everywhere. That's pretty much our area - except I live in the corner that is next to the sea rather than next to the fields. You'd like it here, James! And you and my mom would have got on well.
That's it for sure! You live in a very nice area. I'm sure I would like your Mom as well.
It is really interesting to think of Santa Cruz in that light. I was reminded of the shootings in Half Moon Bay earlier in the year and the poor living conditions. I can't imagine having to live that way. . . and the three mile walk at midnight. Oh my!
Santa Cruz is a beach resort town and a college town since the '60s and we have residents of all socio-economic strata. Many houses now sell for $2 million, apartments rent for $6K per month and also a lot of small, old "motor-court" apartments where seven ag workers may live in two rooms. A lot of poverty and homelessness and crime here now. NO ONE would walk down town after midnight, much less the railroad tracks. Still...my home and a lovely place to live for the most part. Thanks for your comments!
That it certainly is.
Loved it. Feel privileged to have known her
Rainy
Thank you, Rainy! I am glad you have good memories of her.
I'm in the factory, living it all with You and Katy. Thank You!
Sharron, Thank you for sharing more stories from your mother's life. Your mom Katy inspires by the force of her character, strength and ability to adapt to life's challenges. Even though I have lived for decades in this agricultural state, I have never before read any description in fact or fiction of what it really takes to put brussel sprouts, frozen spinach, or canned pears on the nation's table. You made your mom's grueling work vivid. It is a privilege to read your tribute to her. -Marina
Wow! Marina, thank you! I am so glad this was not only entertaining, but a little educational as well! Mama's stories are so important to me. It feels like she is still alive and with me when I write them. You know how that is. Happy week-end to you, my friend.