Posts Tagged ‘family’

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World Animal Remembrance Month

September 12, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

September is World Animal Remembrance Month. I suspect that most of the World is unaware of this fact. I only stumbled upon this fact today, myself.

The scope of this “remembrance” is “to remember, respect and honor the memory of all animals—a month to pay tribute to companion animal family members; animal victims of abuse, cruelty and neglect; animals lost in natural disasters; and animals killed in the line of duty.” http://www.answers.com/topic/world-animal-remembrance-month

Here’s my contribution to World Animal Remembrance – Meet Bessie the Cow.

eight people and one cow

Pictured here are my Aunt Louella, Great-Aunt Alice, Great-Uncle Charlie, Bessie the Cow, Great-Aunt Mary, my mother, Great-Uncle Sharon, cousin Mildred, and Grandma Bettie. How do I know the cow’s name is Bessie? Because when writing the names of the people in the picture on the back, my grandmother included Bessie. Multiple pictures were taken that day and Bessie figured prominently. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bessie, but I am sure she was a fine cow.

If you don’t come from a farming family, you might think it’s strange to include your farm animal in the family photo. Farmers totally understand.

Posted in animals, USA | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

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Castle Clan

January 5, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

five people, parents and sons

Our last evening in California was spent with family. Above is the core, parents and sons.

eight people - three generations

Three generations.

everyone taking pictures

It was a picture taking fest.

father and daughter arm in arm

DaddyBird and BabyBird had officially said goodbye the day before. It was a nice surprise to see her one more time.

father and daughter hugging

Big, heartfelt hug.

teens re-enacting Dr. Who evil angels

John and Natalie are hardcore Whovians and needed to act out the Dr. Who Weeping Angels.

couple walking away holding hands

It’s always nice to see a couple married 51 years holding hands. Even better when they are your in-laws.

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End of a Journey

November 20, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

smiling woman wearing a hat

On Sunday afternoon, my mother, Marian, ended her 88 year journey through life.

Finding a Mother’s Day card was always a challenge, because she was not the kind, sweet, supportive, and unconditionally loving mother that inspires greeting card sayings. She did, however, teach me many things for which I am grateful.

My mother worked hard. She was almost always in motion. When I was young, we lived on a small family farm and there were few tasks she wasn’t willing and able to do. She planted, tended, and harvested a sizable garden. She spent days canning the extra for the winter months. We were able to eat home grown vegetables and fruits all year round. She milked the cows morning and night when necessary. She even bucked a few bales of hay during summer harvesting time. She baked her own bread eight loaves at a time, kneading the large blob of dough by hand. She churned butter by hand. When she had a few spare moments, she would create clothing, blankets, and slippers. My mother taught me about industriousness.

She wasn’t a feminist, but from watching her in action I learned that women are equal to men. She wasn’t dependent on my father. She worked right along side him, just as hard as he did, contributing to the welfare of the family unit.

My mother made it possible for me to become independent. She was not a “helicopter” mother, nor a “tiger mom.” I learned that decisions worked best when I made them for myself. The consequences are mine, as well.

Mom taught me that laughter can get you through the rough times. She taught me that “pretty is as pretty does,” a maxim I still find reliable. Another gem she passed along – if you are doing something, do it well.

Mom, you have my love and thanks.

Posted in Us, USA | Tagged , , | 5 Comments »