Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Your Irish Eyes Be Smiling

The Irish eyes of my grandmother, Mary Mangan, 1919,
Denver, Colorado.
Born March 8, 1900. Happy Birthday, Grandma.

The Irish Tenors (John McDermott, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan) - When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHSV8igDiEo

There's a tear in your eye

And I'm wondering why

For it never should be there at all

With such pow'r in your smile

Sure a stone you'd beguile

So there's never a teardrop should fall

When your sweet lilting laughter's

Like some fairy song

And your eyes twinkle bright as can be

You should laugh all the while

And all other times smile

And now, smile a smile for me

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away

For your smile is a part

Of the love in your heart

And it makes even sunshine more bright

Like the linnet's sweet song

Crooning all the day long

Comes your laughter and light

For the springtime of life

Is the sweetest of all

There is ne'er a real care or regret

And while springtime is ours

Throughout all of youth's hours

Let us smile each chance we get

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Memorial Day and Regular Kids Who Were Heroes

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

My dad was from Marshall, Arkansas. He was 21 years old when Pearl Harbor happened. His older brother, Robert, had already volunteered to fly with the English in the Battle of Britain. As boys, they had built an airplane in the backyard, and dad had participated in a local aeronautical club as an

Robert, Grandma, Alphia, Larry, Maxine. Just after Pearl Harbor Day.

instructor. Both brothers were going to a teacher's college (Arkansas State Teacher's College) until Robert volunteered to fly with the Canadians to protect Britain.
After Pearl Harbor Day, my dad (Larry) joined the Navy, and my aunt Maxine joined the Army. Both my dad and Uncle Robert flew in the Pacific. My dad was a quick study, after flying Corsairs, became an instructor pilot. Robert became one of the first pilots to fly a B29 as part of the Billy Mitchell Group, sort of a test pilot while fighting the war.

The Lady Hamilton, B 29, Billy Mitchell Group.

Robert was captain of Lady Hamilton B 29, on a bombing mission that flew from India, over the Himalayas (called 'Flying the Hump') and China to Japan when the plane developed engine trouble, and the second target was chosen. Japanese Zeroes pursued. Robert, as captain, ordered most of the crew to parachute out (they were aided by Chinese and survived.) He and two other crew completed the mission but were shot down by the Zeroes, losing their lives in 1944.

College Memorial (OCA) with the names Robert Mills and Blake Treece.

My grandma's nephew and my dad's first cousin, Blake Treece, was a radio operator for a B-17 in the European theatre. Blake left the same college as his cousins to enlist. His plane was shot down in 1944 over France. The remains of the crew were buried by a French farmer and recovered in 2006 due to historical excavations of the Caen area. Blake and his crew members were then buried in 2006 in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Another of my grandmother's nephews and my dad's first cousin from Searcy, Arkansas, Claude A. McBride, served in the Army in the Philippines, being killed in action.

Regular kids from a most regular, simple town in America, Marshall, Arkansas. Where do the courage and brilliance come from? On this Memorial Day, by my observation as a teacher, the USA is filled with such courage and brilliance in all our boys and girls. The devotion, teamwork, collaboration that leads to heroic deeds develops in the minds, spirits, and souls of kids allowed to believe in their own capacity for excellence and their intrinsic value as citizens. Kids from all demographics and ethnicities, which is, of course, what America is made of.

I feel compassion for my little grandma in the photo, knowing she would lose her Robert. And her brother and sister would lose their Claude and not know ever what happened to Blake. (They passed away before his remains were found.)

We can value their choice to serve our country and expect the same excellence and commitment to all varieties of service to continue because all regular kids can be heroes. And they're sitting in your classrooms.

Blake's sister communicated with me after the original post in 2015, and told me about my dad's family in Arkansas. I'm very amazed and validated to have access to such information. Amazing world nowadays.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Your Irish Eyes Be Smiling

The Irish eyes of my grandmother, Mary Mangan, 1919, Denver, Colorado.
Born March 8, 1900.

The Irish Tenors (John McDermott, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan) - When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHSV8igDiEo

There's a tear in your eye

And I'm wondering why

For it never should be there at all

With such pow'r in your smile

Sure a stone you'd beguile

So there's never a teardrop should fall

When your sweet lilting laughter's

Like some fairy song

And your eyes twinkle bright as can be

You should laugh all the while

And all other times smile

And now, smile a smile for me

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away

For your smile is a part

Of the love in your heart

And it makes even sunshine more bright

Like the linnet's sweet song

Crooning all the day long

Comes your laughter and light

For the springtime of life

Is the sweetest of all

There is ne'er a real care or regret

And while springtime is ours

Throughout all of youth's hours

Let us smile each chance we get

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Memorial Day and Regular Kids Who Were Heroes

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

Robert, Grandma, Alphia, Larry, Maxine. Just after Pearl Harbor Day.

instructor. Both brothers were going to a teacher's college (Arkansas State Teacher's College), until Robert volunteered to fly with the British.
After Pearl Harbor Day, my dad (Larry) joined the Navy, and my aunt Maxine joined the Army. Both my dad and Uncle Robert flew in the Pacific. My dad was a quick study, after flying Corsairs, became an instructor pilot. Robert became one of the first pilots to fly a B29 as part of the Billy Mitchell Group, sort of a test pilot while fighting the war.

The Lady Hamilton, B 29, Billy Mitchell Group.

Robert was captain of Lady Hamilton B 29, on a bombing mission that flew from India, over the Himalayas (called 'Flying the Hump') and China to Japan when the plane developed engine trouble, and the second target was chosen. Japanese Zeroes pursued. Robert, as captain, ordered most of the crew to parachute out (they were aided by Chinese and survived.) He and two other crew completed the mission but were shot down by the Zeroes, losing their lives in 1944.

College Memorial (OCA) with the names Robert Mills and Blake Treece.

My grandma's nephew and my dad's first cousin, Blake Treece, was a radio operator for a B-17 in the European theatre. Blake left the same college as his cousins to enlist. His plane was shot down in 1944 over France. The remains of the crew were buried by a French farmer, and recovered in 2006 due to historical excavations of the Caen area. Blake and his crew members were then buried in 2006 in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Another of my grandmother's nephews and my dad's first cousin from Searcy, Arkansas, Claude A. McBride, served in the Army in the Philippines, being killed in action.

Regular kids from a most regular, simple town in America, Marshall, Arkansas. Where does the courage and brilliance come from? On this Memorial Day, by my observation as a teacher, the USA is filled with such courage and brilliance in all our boys and girls. Devotion, teamwork, collaboration that leads to heroic deeds develops in the minds, spirits, and souls of kids allowed to believe in their own capacity for excellence and their intrinsic value as citizens. Kids from all demographics and ethnicities, which is, of course, what America is made of.

I feel compassion for my little grandma in the photo, knowing she would lose her Robert. And her brother and sister would lose their Claude and not know ever what happened to Blake. (They passed away before his remains were found.)

We can value their choice to serve our country and expect the same excellence and commitment to all varieties of service to continue because all regular kids can be heroes. And they're sitting in your classrooms.

Blake's sister communicated with me after the original post in 2015, and told me about my dad's family in Arkansas. I'm very amazed and validated to have access to such information. Amazing world nowadays.

Monday, May 21, 2018

MzT's List of 25 Movies to Watch with Your Teen

Here are twenty-five of my favorite films. Although most of these are very famous, they might not be to a fourteen year old. Consider sharing films that meant something to you, sharing personal insights to your life experience. Some are fine for pre-teens, use your own discretion and consider ratings. Make watching your favorite movies a family occasion, to share your feelings and experiences at the time. Kids are amazed to imagine their grownups as kids. This can be a closeness-builder. Don't forget good snacks.

Not in order of importance or preference. Just as I thought of them. I have more, of course, like 'Braveheart,' or the original 'Spartacus' but I must limit myself.

The Sound of Music (1965) - IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Barbeque or Cookout?

So, you call it barbeque or cookout? Maybe grilling.

We've always called it barbeque. Maybe its a western thing. Mesquite wood, secret recipe barbeque sauce.

I'm surprised there's not a cooking show called Barbeque Wars.

Here in the desert, don't have to worry so much about bugs--Avon's Skin So Soft is a great insect repellant, BTW.
And if you are a vegetarian, don't ever feel left out. Apparently anything can be barbequed.

The All-American Tofu dog.

Had to put up something offbeat. Barbequed salad?

http://home.lifegoesstrong.com/slideshow/offbeat-food-cook-grill-slideshow-image/offbeat-food-cook-grill-salad

Here's some music to barbeque by:

God Bless the USA, and anything by the Boss.

I'm proud to be an American - American Soldier Tribute

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZf619DIpo

Bruce Springsteen - Born In The U.S.A.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Memorial Day and Regular Kids Who Were Heroes

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

Robert, Grandma, Alphia, Larry, Maxine. Just after Pearl Harbor Day.

The Lady Hamilton, B 29, Billy Mitchell Group.

College Memorial (OCA) with the names Robert Mills and Blake Treece.

My grandma's nephew and my dad's first cousin, Blake Treece, was a radio operator for a B-17 in the European theatre. Blake left the same college as his cousins to enlist. His plane was shot down in 1944 over France. The remains of the crew were buried by a French farmer, and recovered in 2006 due to historical excavations of the Caen area. Blake and his crew members were then buried in 2006 in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Another of my grandmother's nephews and my dad's first cousin from Searcy, Arkansas, Claude A. McBride, served in the Army in the Philippines, being killed in action.

Regular kids from a most regular, simple town in America, Marshall, Arkansas. Where does the courage and brilliance come from? On this Memorial Day, by my observation as a teacher, the USA is filled with such courage and brilliance in all our boys and girls. Devotion, teamwork, collaboration that leads to heroic deeds develops in the minds, spirits, and souls of kids allowed to believe in their own capacity for excellence and their intrinsic value as citizens. Kids from all demographics and ethnicities, which is, of course, what America is made of.

I feel compassion for my little grandma in the photo, knowing she would lose her Robert. And her brother and sister would lose their Claude and not know ever what happened to Blake. (They passed away before his remains were found.)

We can value their choice to serve our country and expect the same excellence and commitment to all varieties of service to continue because all regular kids can be heroes. And they're sitting in your classrooms.

Blake's sister communicated with me after the original post in 2015, and told me about my dad's family in Arkansas. I'm very amazed and validated to have access to such information. Amazing world nowadays.

Monday, May 16, 2016

One Memorial Today

Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont

Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady in Washington, DC. His younger siblings on the family farm in upstate New York (he volunteered from St. Alban's, Fifth Vermont) grew up and after the Civil War moved West to Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and California to become lawyers, Congressmen, ambassadors, journalists and teachers. His father, Haviland Livingston Sweet, died earlier in the War. Their sacrifice was not in vain.

He volunteered while working at a Print Shop in Vermont, where his family had lived on Grand Isle for generations since the Revolutionary War. His ancestors were Pilgrims and Wampanoags.

He was a regular kid who lived and died for great things.

He fought with his unit through all the major battles of the Civil War, being mortally wounded in the Second Battle of the Wilderness. If you ever watched Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War, you know how that one was particularly hellish.

http://www.pbs.org/civilwar/

One of Orvis' younger sisters was Alice Eliza Sweet Link, my great grandmother; she went West after the Civil War and became a teacher.

Trip to the Wilderness Battlefields

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ege_iMAo5w

With that haunting music that always brings tears to my eyes, Ashokan Farewell.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Teachable Moment: Memorial Day and Regular Kids Who Were Heroes

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

Robert, Grandma, Alphia, Larry, Maxine. Just after Pearl Harbor Day.

The Lady Hamilton, B 29, Billy Mitchell Group.

College Memorial (OCA) with the names Robert Mills and Blake Treece.

My grandma's nephew and my dad's first cousin, Blake Treece, was a radio operator for a B-17 in the European theatre. Blake left the same college as his cousins to enlist. His plane was shot down in 1944 over France. The remains of the crew were buried by a French farmer, and recovered in 2006 due to historical excavations of the Caen area. Blake and his crew members were then buried in 2006 in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Another of my grandmother's nephews and my dad's first cousin from Searcy, Arkansas, Claude A. McBride, served in the Army in the Philippines, being killed in action.

Regular kids from a most regular, simple town in America, Marshall, Arkansas. Where does the courage and brilliance come from? On this Memorial Day, by my observation as a teacher, the USA is filled with such courage and brilliance in all our boys and girls. Devotion, teamwork, collaboration that leads to heroic deeds develops in the minds, spirits, and souls of kids allowed to believe in their own capacity for excellence and their intrinsic value as citizens. Kids from all demographics and ethnicities, which is, of course, what America is made of.

I feel compassion for my little grandma in the photo, knowing she would lose her Robert. And her brother and sister would lose their Claude and not know ever what happened to Blake. (They passed away before his remains were found.)

We can value their choice to serve our country and expect the same excellence and commitment to all varieties of service to continue because all regular kids can be heroes. And they're sitting in your classrooms.

Blake's sister communicated with me after the original post in 2015, and told me about my dad's family in Arkansas. I'm very amazed and validated to have access to such information. Amazing world nowadays.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Barbeque or Cookout?

The All-American Tofu dog.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Two of Us

You and I have memories
Longer than the road that stretches out ahead

Two of us riding nowhere
Spending someone's
Hard earned pay
You and me Sunday driving
Not arriving
On our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home
We're going home

Two of us sending postcards

     Two of us sending postcards
               Writing letters
               On my wall
               You and me burning matches
                Lifting latches
               On our way back home
               We're on our way home
               We're on our way home
               We're going home

You and I have memories
Longer than the road that stretches out ahead

Two of us wearing raincoats

Two of us wearing raincoats
Standing solo
In the sun
You and me chasing paper
Getting nowhere
On our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home


    We're going home

                    You and I have memories
                    Longer than the road that stretches out ahead

You and me chasing paper; John Lennon's cats?

We're going home
Better believe it

Two of us writing music...

And now the music to this poem. The audio is slightly out of sinc, which I found amusing. Love Lennon's whistling.

The Beatles--Two of Us. Let It Be

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbixo7_two-of-us-1970_music

Two of Us

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Sunday, May 19, 2019

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Friday, May 25, 2018

Monday, May 21, 2018

Hurrah for Hulu and Netflix! But I say, even if you use ole skool tek like VHS (as long as it works, why not?) or DVDs, just have a blast from the past.

Forrest Gump (1994) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/

Lincoln (2012) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/

Men in Black (1997)

Frankenstein (1931)

A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Sophie's Choice (1982)

All in the Indiana Jone series, but especially

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

All in the series, but especially The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

All Mel Brooks' films, but especially The Producers (1967) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/

A Patch of Blue (1965)

Gravity (2013)

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Schindler's List (1993) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/

Glory (1989)

All Episodes--but definitely Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

The Sound of Music (1965) - IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

My Left Foot (1989)

Gone with the Wind (1939) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/

Titanic (1997)

All Sequels: Back to the Future (1985)

The Miracle Worker (1962)

Alien (1979)

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Monday, May 16, 2016

Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont

Trip to the Wilderness Battlefields

With that haunting music that always brings tears to my eyes, Ashokan Farewell.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Monday, May 7, 2012

mix

tumblr

Add This