Wyatt and the Popsicle Truck

Wyatt had his first Popsicle from the Popsicle truck on Monday. He loves ice cream and even though the treats are more expensive, they are a lot bigger and fancier than the ones you buy boxed in the store. He got one with a face with bubblegum eyes. He loved it.

It brought back a memory of Nicole and Andrew and an experience they had when they were just a little older than Wyatt. You can hear the music forever, and one summer afternoon, we could hear the truck making its rounds across the creek. We decided they could have ice cream and sat them out on the curb to wait. They waited and waited. And waited some more, the truck never showed up. There were only two families with children on our street, so the driver apparently was not going to come by. Nicole and Andrew were two very disappointed little children. Ray put them in the car and went out and found the music and the kids got their ice cream. They were so tickled. After that however, we made sure there were treats in the freezer since we couldn't rely on the vendor coming around.

The difference is that now I run and get my camera to take pictures of events like these. I didn't take pictures of Nicole and Andrew. It didn't occur to me to do that. Scrapping makes you aware of the importance of recording the mundane. Nicole made me aware of that recently. She was looking at the albums I have done of Wyatt and said she enjoyed seeing the day to day layouts as much as the birthdays and Christmas. That is why I scrap.

Happy Father's Day

Nick and Nicole got Ray this fantastic grill for Fathers Day. It was a surprise and when Ray saw it, he just stood there dumbfounded. It was a return and not used, I don't know what we will do if Nick ever changes jobs. We cooked hamburgers on it last night, and turkey tonight. The first thing Ray said to me was, "Take a picture of this." So here it is.

Selma Alabama

Craig AFB in Selma Alabama was Ray's first assignment in the Air Force. We moved there in March of 1969 and left in September of the same year. It was two years after the March to Selma and segregation was alive and well in this little town. When we told my mother we had orders to go there, the first thing she said was "Selma Alabama, is that safe?" Actually, I liked Selma, it was small town, warm weather and probably since I was white very friendly. The Klan had a rally in downtown Selma one Saturday afternoon, I had been down there to shop, and never saw a thing. I remember someone telling me that the Klan could rally all they wanted, they just couldn't wear their hoods. Sometimes, I wish I had seen them. It would have been like seeing the devil from a distance. The only memory I had of any special treatment I got, was being in a checkout line, maybe even in Teppers and a black man was in front of me. He turned around and moved away for me to get in front of him. Being a good non southerner, I wouldn't take his place. Maybe that is an indication of racism, so much of it is so small you don't notice it, but everything adds up.

Now, in June 2008, we decide to drive back through Selma on our way home. It has been 39 years since we have been here. Most of the other places we have lived have changed so much we have a hard time recognizing them. Craig has been closed for years, but we recognized the buildings and the housing. We weren't able to determine for sure the mobile home park where we lived, but except for the March Memorial Park before we crossed the Pettus Bridge, it was like entering a time warp. The town looks almost the same. Old post civil war buildings, the high school was the same. We recognized it all.

However, some things are different. We ate at a restaurant on the edge of town. The clientele and the staff are all integrated. There were black professionals as well as white little league players there and it was OK. This would never have existed when we lived there in 1969. I know that it isn't all good in Selma. But having been there then and to see the change now is heartening. It may take a long time to change but change does come.

The bathroom to end all bathrooms

Mary Ann and Glynn have a bathroom bigger than a lot of apartments. Glynn owns a business that builds custom glass showers and custom mirror work all of which are elegantly displayed in this bathroom. There is a fire place, the tub has a water fall and there is a big screen television above the door. To say I was astounded and then greatly envious would be an understatement. I told Mary Ann that all they needed was a refrigerator and they wouldn't have to leave. She laughed and said they were going to get one installed shortly. A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and a water fall tub. Who could ask for more.

Old Friends

David, Alexander and Jack
Mary Ann, Alexander and Glynn


While we were in Georgia, we went up to Warner Robins to visit old friends. David and Mary Ann were stationed here at McConnell and I worked with Mary Ann. They went back to Georgia and life happened and they divorced. Luckily for us they remain on good terms and we were able to see both of them when we were in town. The last time we had seen Alexander, he was three years old. He is nine and very bright. Mary Ann's new husband Glynn is very nice too, we didn't get to meet David's wife. Glynn has the biggest barbecue grill we have ever seen. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it. Mary Ann's bathroom is a post all by itself. Mary Ann and I talked most of the afternoon. I really do miss her.

Things from last week...

Andrew's new home

We went to Valdosta, Georgia to visit Andrew last week. He bought a house and we got to help him get moved in. We hauled a U-Haul trailer down with furniture from Ray's mother's apartment, plus some pieces we had he could use. the end result looks pretty good. I think Andrew is satisfied with the way it looks too. He is very happy to have his own place and not have to have room mates.

I decided that if your child isn't going to get married and buys a house instead, that it was an excuse to help that child set up his home. We went out and bought curtains, mini-blinds, bathroom accessories and picture frames. Ray helped Andrew screen in his porch and helped him pick out a barbecue grill. Men have to have their priorities after all. By the time Friday came around, all of us were satisfied that we had the house to a point where Andrew was settled and wouldn't have to get a whole lot more. We didn't eat out while we were down there and I think Andrew enjoyed the Mom cooked meals too. I had a lot of fun, so the working vacation was worth it.