My grandson Charlie loves to play with his father’s childhood treasure box of toys. James’ mom brings them out when he visits. I took these last month when we stayed at the farm.
Tag: childhood
Planted in 1963, Our Family Christmas Tree
A friend drove over from Morristown to Morris Plains (New Jersey) today. It’s where I spent a decade of my growing up.
Photographed this evergreen for me. Sent me the photo. Between 40 and 50 feet tall now. Wow!
I was wondering if it was still there after all these years.
We had a live tree with the roots encased in a burlap sack just that single year. I remember how we watered it and of course it was really heavy to get out of the living room.
Usually we’d get a cut tree, close to Christmas Eve. You know the ones- sometimes hard to get level in the metal stand or the base of the trunk is too thick so you get a metal bucket and some rocks, the fresh trees that drop needles before Epiphany, or you grab the trunk and are dripping with sappy gum. These real trees evoke Christmas of yesteryear with the pine fragrance. Not a candle or soap or air freshener. True woodsy clean fresh pine along with a tangerine peel says Christmas to me.
This Christmas tree was planted behind St.Paul’s Church in Morris Plains where our dad was the rector. We lived in the Rectory across the street.
The photographer prefers anonymity to a photo credit but I’m grateful for the effort and can’t wait until my brother and sister see this magnificent tree. Thank you.
Happy memories. 
The Hendricks Family Christmas (1963) Tree today. 2-10-19
Pepper, Penny and Charlie at the Farm on a Snowy Sunday
Saturday night after the anniversary party, we spent the night at the farm in Crestline. There was blowing snow, drifting across the roads. The roads too bad to drive back to the city in the dark.
Sunday morning we had a nice breakfast and watched Chuck blow and plow the quarter mile drive to the main road. Charlie has fun watching and the dogs were in and out.
Then Charlie bundled up and went outside-tried his hand at shoveling- but not for long.
It was too cold.
My camera lens fogged up with condensation from the temperature change, outdoors to indoors. 
From the archives- Walking in the Apple Orchard
Today’s post is from nine years ago-
“Photo from the archives. V suggested posting an occasional favorite photograph from before I started the blog. She requested this one.”
Anna, Erika and Michael walking in the apple orchard. Jack was home napping with Mark. Maura was born Nov 2008 the month after this photo was taken
Same Shirt, Same Couch- 38+ years Difference
My son Mark, (uncle to Charlie) on the left holding his brother Matthew, Philadelphia Christmas 1980.
My grandson Charlie on the right, holding “Henny” Pittsburgh, January 2019.
(Yes, the couch used to be jewel red)
The brand of shirt was Health-Tex and I’d say it held up quite well. Who knows why I saved it.
Three Kings and Coffee with Friends
The three kings made it to the manger at my friends’ home. The Christmas/Epiphany spirit was still in full celebration this morning. What a lovely spread. I had coffee and cookies with milk poured from a cute cow pitcher. We caught up on our latest family adventures and remarked how quickly the grandchildren are growing.
It’s always good to enter a place where you are loved. Take time to connect with positive and kind friends.
Looks like I’m having coffee all by myself and now realize I should have made sure another cup was in view. This pic doesn’t tell the whole story.
Destination Moon,Driving a Cab in “Havana” and Dinosaurs
It’s been a lot of activity this weekend.
Charlie enjoyed seeing the Destination Moon exhibit at the Heinz History Center. His second visit.
We went home for lunch and later in the afternoon we went to Phipps Conservatory where he drove a cab in Cuba. He told us to not stand in front of the car while he’s driving.
Sunday it was dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
And the sun came out today, shining on the Cathedral of Learning at Pitt 
As His Parents Left For a Wedding
Charlie (3 1/2) watched Laura and James pull out of the driveway and head to a family wedding last Friday the 27th. Mary and I stayed and played with Charlie.
He didn’t cry. Penny watched by his side.
I’ve posted similar pictures of the same scene. You wonder what’s going through his mind. A little wave.
You Can Dress Them Up
Brothers on Christmas Eve after church.
Someone is Excited for Christmas
My son Mark took this photo this Christmas Eve as Maura did a dance to Jingle Bell Rock.
There’s a high level of excitement in the air, awaiting Christmas Day.
His photo definitely captured the mood.