Sunday, September 26, 2010

Mosaic Monday - "Ma and Pa Kettle"

Growing up in a small college town made for some great childhood memories. I never realized until I was a married woman and moved several times that our lifestyle was just so downright good. I really enjoy reflecting on enjoyable times that sadly there are no pictures of to share what my sister and I were up to... especially in the summertime. Most likely the pictures though in my mind make up for this.

There was a city park not terribly far from our neighborhood. There was a bridge that went across a ravine at the park. We never knew the real name of the park, but we called it "Billy Goat's Gruff". On a summer day when all parents were at work, an older neighbor girl would organize a day at the park. We were probably nine and ten years of age. The older friend was a "mature" thirteen. She would pack a picnic lunch of sandwiches, Dixie cup ice creams, glass jars of water and paper goods. We loaded it all into a red wagon and in single-file "marched" to the park for a day of fun. There was a group of trees and if you walked within these trees you would find a small clearing. Right away we would set to work, sweeping and dividing the area into "rooms", outlining the rooms with small rocks. We were a blend of The Boxcar Children and Ma and Pa Kettle. All day long we played, taking turns being "Ma" and "Pa" or the children which we named: Archibad, Gertrude, Myrtle... and other down to earth names I cannot recall. Somehow in the game of make-believe we would act out a cute boy friend coming to ask Ma and Pa for their daugther's hand in marriage. I guess we were on the verge of finding out what romance was all about... or so we thought!
I was usually "Ma" and cooked food like porridge... whatever that was... I just knew in old books people ate porridge. I made sure that there was plenty of greens and cornbread. I also made sure that the "kids" drank all of the their milk. Funny how we picture through the eyes of a children how family life should be.
These were good times... 

I'm linking to Little Red House

for Mosaic Monday



12 comments:

Nancy's Notes said...

Karen, what a great mosaic! I get the picture from reading your sweet stories that you and the Cleavers must have been neighbors! Your stories are full of such fun and wonder!

Hugs,
Nancy

Carol said...

Sweet memories! Enjoyed reading about the old days :) Good times for sure!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Good post...I love the reference to Ma and Pa Kettle...we used to call my parents that when they would bicker...I haven't thought of that in years.

A Garden of Threads said...

Wonderful mosaic, thank you for sharing part of your childhood. Sounds like you have fond memories of those times. Take care and have a great week.

Julie Harward said...

This brings my memories back to me! Nothing like a childs imagination! Too bad so many now don't even know how to have one! :D

Apron Senorita said...

Hi Karen, so go to visit again. I like your post. Vintage pictures and sweet memories are always a way to bring a smile.

I drove down to RGV this weekend to take care of my grandmother while my mom took care of my Aunt Connie in San Antonio. Between my aging grandmother and my aunt, we have our hands full.

I sincerely appreciate your prayers!!

I am going to do the Jackson Street Festival in Harlingen the first Saturdays of October & November. We are also doing Diaz Festivos the 1st weekend of December in McAllen. If you're in the area be sure to look for us.

Take Care!
Yoli :)

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Lovely pictures...Thank you! Cathy

Theresa said...

What a delightful story! We don't realize as kids how good we have it! The porridge... my granddaughter calls oatmeal porridge:)

Have a blessed day dear Karen! HUGS!

Celestial Charms said...

Lovely mosaic photos. Such sweet memories. I always enjoyed those Dixie cup ice creams too. Loved the wooden spoons!
Maureen

Sue said...

Karen, I think we all have special memories from our childhood that will stay with us forever. I can remember cleaning out our old shed and creating a club for the neighborhood girls. We had special by-laws and everything. I had forgotten all about that! We must have been around 9, too.
I'd say that your childhood times were as good as mine were!
Thanks for coming by to visit and sign on as a follower. The pumpkins I bought are created from twigs and other pieces of wood- whether shaved, sliced, rolled...
The wreath is especially pretty. I'll post it once I decide where it is going.
:-) Sue

Mary said...

Oh what a sweet post! Thanks for sharing your memories with us at MM. :)

dtbrents said...

Those are wonderful pictures and memories. Doylene