Remember...

We remember those who served...those who returned....those who left a part of themselves to preserve freedom. Each day that I hear the jets fly over head leaving and returning to Luke Air Force Base here in the West Valley of Arizona, I say a thank you. It is a sound of my freedom that I hear. My dad served during Pearl Harbor, my husband/Mr H served in Germany during the Viet Nam era...  my son Eric was in the  reserves during Desert Storm and my son Dennis, an artist raised money for the effort.....  proud of them for their contributions.
Have a great day....

My flag and Papa's smoking stand

Happy 4th of July

I do hope everyone is having a good holiday. Mr H and I are still indoors staying out of the hot hot air. Especially with the a/c working properly!

I am so pleased with Mr H......he has been working on refinishing my Papa Piccirilli's (dad's dad) smoking stand. When Papa died in May of 1969, I asked for and got his smoking stand. I have such wonderful memories of this small piece of furniture. Through the years of my having it (since 1970) it has had some rough times.  I mentioned that I wished it had not been painted and Mr H slowly striped and stained and now it is back!

It is not very big, but to me it is gigantic. The door opens to a small compartment. You can see the depression where his ashtray sat and to the center back a small hole which held the pipe rack. Those items I never got. Papa had several pipes to choose from and he kept his matches and tobacco in the compartment. I can still smell the aroma of his tobacco. If you do the math, I have it now for 41 years and it was in his house since before I was born and I am 64...very old...not me the stand! Papa was not allowed to smoke in the house not matter what the New England weather. He quietly sat on the front porch. He was the sweetest man alive. Memories~~~~~~~~~~

I want to thank those of you who had suggestions for my baby shower .....CalamityJr who wants to "attend" and suggests a party complete with opening gifts before sending them on and Nancy who suggests calling it a Grandma's shower. Not bad ideas........I will keep you posted on this.

Well, now, did I mention that the biscornu is finished? it is indeed....small but nevertheless it is finally completed. Would you like to see it......then let's go to my other place and take a look.

I am so pleased to have you visit with me. Thank you for your caring friendship.