transcribingmemory

Excerpts of Winter, 1938

Yesterday’s post brought strong memories of Spring but today’s post is a throw back to Winter. Ever wonder what winter in New England was like in 1938? Tuesday, January 11th, 1938 Ernie has been thinking of asking Bill Sheasby and I, Lincoln Butson to the Nee Wah formal but I doubt they’ll go if we…

Excerpts January, 1938 The Theatre Again

The Theatre again! I’m an addict. Just reading about Babu performing in a play again makes me itch to be back in again, too. From her talking about auditions to dress rehearsals to performance night, there is jealousy but something more – a rush, an urge, a left over spark that reminds me of the…

The Donkey Serenade

Twice in January, 1938 Babu talks about “The Donkey Serenade” after going to see the movie Firefly. Wednesday, January 5th, 1938 Missed school tonight and went to see “Firefly.” It was magnificent. I can’t forget the “Donkey Serenade.” Wilkelmina Kuzdzal and I sat together. Jaime gave me a ride home and asked to me to…

January, 1938

A new year, to bed at noon, a ride in the Cord, a pie ate in the kitchen, a diary read by prying eyes? Jeb here to see Ernie, listening to the radio with Zosh, lots to do at work, Firefly and a Donkey Serenade to remember, lunch at the expense of the company and…

Writing Wednesdays: Writing Non Fiction

It makes me nervous. It’s also all that more exciting. I forget all the time for brief moments that the people in these books, besides Babu, are real. Yes, maybe they have mostly all passed, but their children and grandchildren haven’t. Meeting Kathy last weekend and hearing her talk about the past and all the…

“Cooperate with Nature, It is Kind”

Another new book and new year and, as always, I get excited first about the book itself. This year, she uses a variety of colored ink. On the inside page, written in green, is her contact info including the house I am currently in, and her phone number. 818 818, guys. That was her phone…

Zosh’s Legacy

I’m still thinking about Babu’s birthday party and about meeting Zosh’s daughter, Kathy. More importantly, about the interactions Kathy had with the family, especially Babu. When you hear stories, especially ones you hear more than once, there is this mistaken sense of ownership. You feel the person who told you the story and you now…

December Lovin’ or Nah

I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. On Saturday, December 4th she tells Johnny L. she loves him and I don’t think she has ever said it to any other boy before. Saturday, December 4th, 1937 Saw “Nothing Sacred” and “Adventurous Blonde.” Ernie and I shopped but didn’t buy anything. My voice is going an account of…

December, 1937

1937, still moving into a new home, an alumni game which steals her voice, a bad case of laryngitis, a trolley ride with Ray Balut and Jackie Stefanik, Benny is going to the Rose Bowl, supposedly, finally a cozy home and steam heat, shopping for bedroom slippers, white sweaters, sport coats on sale, and portraits,…

Sto Lat!

Saturday was Babu’s 99th Birthday! Her children are all here from corners of the country and she is thriving. I love to see her reactions this time of year. Just look at how she is looking at that cake! The handsome man lighting the candles is my husband, Adam, and I’m in the stars and…