Old Times

 

I recently came across this photograph of my paternal grandparents (I believe in Northern Wisconsin in the 1930's). It's one of my favorites- another that I will have to dig up is an early picture of them on the farm that involves my grandma hooking my grandpa around the waist with a cane.

 

These two were a major influence in my upbringing and I miss them every day. My grandpa was a local legend with a sharp wit, who taught me long-hand arithmetic, made me memorize all the native species of birds and trees, and got me interested in Latin. My grandma was one of my best friends. I loved hearing all her stories about growing up in the 20's, and sampling all the goodies she'd bake for us while we were at school (like chocolate raisin cookies or yellow cake with chocolate frosting in an old tin cake pan). I could fill volumes with all the wonderful things they taught me.

 

I thought it was funny that I came across this at the time I was writing about the calming effects of watching water- it must run in the family!