Letters to Mom

Missing you like crazy, Mom.  You're still loved by so many.  When I think about all the lives you influenced, it makes me smile and shed a tear.  Love you

We've been saying that we should weed through your HUNDREDS of turtles, Mom.  I finally started today.  I started with one shelf, cleaning, dusting and photographing the turtles and decided if they stay, get donated or possibly sold.  Some I set aside to see if Jackie wanted them.  We have a few to donate and several to look up for possible sales.  We're keeping only a few - first to be set aside are the trio of boxes that you loved so much, Ma.  It's hard, really hard to do this but its beyond time to do so.  We don't collect turtles.  We're going to keep turtles that mean a lot to us or ones we just like.  The others will find new homes, Mom.  We know you'll understand.  The ones we will probably sell are being wrapped in bubble wrap after being cleaned and photographed. We miss you, Mom.  Every single day. Mom adored and treasured this box.  She's look at it for hours and take in every turtle and other critter...

Two of the items we found are a jar of ocean water from Big Sur during an Ostara or Aegir's campout and ash from Mt. St. Helen's. Stepdad Chuck went on a run up there on the truck. I remember Mom trying to get water from the ocean without her feet getting wet.  She got the water but the keeping the feet dry didn't quite work out. LOL

Hey, Mom; It's been awhile, I know.  I'm working on getting better physically and other stuff.  Changing the way I eat a little, trying to walk more and get a decent amount of sleep.  We lost Gary Powell from the Marine Corps League.  Small cell etc etc etc.  Lynn says that Norma is devastated.  I sent her some photos that we took over the years and an email.  We'll send a card tomorrow or the next day.  Lynn says Harrison is frail and the detachment gets smaller and smaller.  Mike and Brenda are moving to Texas, Lou and Jennie moved to Idaho along with the Derry's.  Ralph and Viv would like to sell their place and move... We miss everyone there but have to admit we're glad to be out of California.  Boy, we miss the people and land but not the prices (nor the idiot liberals). We started going through the tubs downstairs.  We found the crystal, Ma.  Not one piece was broken.  One of the pint glasses and a wine ...

Hey, Ma; Ever think I'd get on stage with Alice Cooper and gang?  I did and it was amazing! https://www.facebook.com/randy.sanders.144/videos/pcb.1744417725681069/1744415379014637/?type=3&theater

Hey Mom; Lynne posted that Leslie passed away in her sleep.  She was our age, Mom.  Wow She and Angie were together 30+ years, has it been that long? Hadn't seen her in decades but it still hurts.

Hey, Mom; Really missing you, especially this time of year.  Maybe you remember that trivet that Grandma had from the First Christian church of Berryville, Ark.  A 100 yr celebration plate that was in fine condition (without the metal holder).  We contacted the church and the preacher said they'd be delighted to have it and that the Carr family is a stable of the church. Awesome.  I sent it along and got back a card with the following: I donated it in memory of Grandpa Roy, Grandma Maude, Uncle George and Mom (Kathy) - we got a very nice card in return: Dear Barbara and Jackie - thank you so much for the trivet you sent to the church. I was especially thrilled because I knew Roy and Maudie.   I am married to Gordon Carr whose dad was Everett, who was Roy's brother. So I think that makes you cousins.  My email is Allawayne@gmail.com and my phone is 870-654-5944 if you would ever want to contact me."  I was hoping someone would conta...