We have been closed now since very early in March by a pesky coronavirus by the name of COVID-19. We are both considered in the ‘high risk’ age group so we are finding ways to amuse ourselves while we self-isolate. We are fortunate in that we have found ways to make this work for us, mostly cleaning corners in storage areas that haven’t seen the light of day in 20 years.
I was going through a box of memorabilia of my mother’s and ran across a letter, presented to her mother (my grandmother). I knew she had been highly educated for her time – also found a good report card – and that she had belonged to something called the Airport Club (Colorado Extension Homemakers Association). I remember doing various projects with her; she taught me to embroider, crochet, hand-quilt, tat (yes, that was popular to make your own lace edging for collars and such) and sew. We used to make ‘cancer pads’ by the dozens for the hospital – prior to throw away type pads. I own a quilt that took the grand prize at the Larimer County Fair one year (a wedding present for my first marriage). I also have now inherited a lace tablecloth she crocheted that took the grand champion prize at the Colorado State Fair. She was indeed a talented lady, and no mooch when it came to hard work.
She and my grandfather raised mink for fur and meat in the early days after the depression. She was known as Rosie the Riveter (her name actually was Rosie) during WWII. She grew and canned everything and anything. I used to help her separate milk after she milked their cow and collected eggs, butchered their own pigs. They had a small cherry orchard on the back half acre and I ran across pictures of my daughters, aged 4 years, and 18 months at the time, on top of ladders, helping pick cherries! I did NOT know how truly involved she was with the extension club, though, although I faithfully use one of their high altitude cookbooks. This letter was so much fun to read.
We should treasure times like these that allow us the leisure to do the things we are always “too busy to do”! A tiny sliver of a silver lining to this big thundercloud is resetting our priorities and reminding us to work together against a common enemy.
