Little Things that Bring Big Memories

The smell of coffee sometimes can stir my senses and bring back memories of another time. I'm usually reminded of being a little girl and being at my paternal Grandpa and Grandma's house. We called them Poppy and Mammy. They had an old percolator coffee pot. I can still remember how the coffee would smell in the morning. They always let me drink a little bit with cream (real cream). And then they would have toast. I remember it was one of those old shiny toasters with the old electrical cord. The toast would always blacken too much and they would have to scrape off the black. Then they would spread butter (real butter) all over it.

To me they were very happy times. Grandparents have this way about them. It is almost like their goal is to bring happiness into the life of their grandchildren. Maybe because around their grandchildren they can become kids once again.

 

My Poppy and Mammy when they lived on Florida Street. My brother is in the middle and front left to right are 3 of my cousins and I'm the little girl at the end in front of my Mammy.

 

 

My grandparents never had a lot. I remember their home on Florida Street in Evansville, Indiana. It still had an outhouse. This was in the early 1950's. But I still remember their home. I remember as a little girl having meals there and listening to the radio. I can still remember listening to "The Lone Ranger."

At the end of the broadcast, I can still hear the voice of the Lone Ranger riding off and yelling "Hi-yo Silver! Away!"

Such good times.

Later Poppy and Mammy moved into government housing. My Mammy would sew and make pillows and slipcovers and sell them to make a little money.

My Poppy taught me how to play cards. That probably wasn't a good thing to teach your granddaughter, but it sure was fun. I'd sit at the kitchen table with him and my uncles and play poker for hours. Also he taught me how to play solitaire.

It was only natural. My Poppy and his brothers had been riverboat gamblers and musicians on steamboats up and down the Ohio River. They could play any kind of instrument there was.

Unfortunately, the musical talent was never passed on to me. I'm sure it would have been more useful than playing cards.

They passed on several years ago. My Poppy going first and then Mammy years later. 

They were a great part of my life and I know their memory will always remain a part of me, especially when the smell of coffee fills the air.

 

I'm sure there are things in everyone's life that can spark a memory, a feeling of nostalgia, or maybe even a little sadness.

 

And Fall is always a special time. The chilly mornings with colored leaves bring back childhood memories that I always love. They are memories that always bring a good feeling inside.

 

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Fall

filled with wonderful days of making memories.