Back in the day

By Mary Lou Sartor

The tennis court floor looks like an ice skating rink tonight. We experienced light rain during a few hours of this day. Now the wind is playing havoc on the building materials at the school.

Most of the yards of plastic covering on the many openings dance to the bitter blasts it puts forth.

Earlier, this evening I noticed tattered shingles in my yard and checked our roof, only to find nary a single shingle was missing. Someone will need roof repair.

Lately, a pair of chickenhawks have been playing aloft. They perch on the lines near our back fence watching for their prey

When they find their prey: rabbit, field mouse or whatever; my utility shed roof serves as a perfect place to partake of the meal.

Then they take pleasure splattering the mess they unload from a previous meal or two, on the patio window.

The naughty birds of prey do not do me any favors in cold weather, but those cleaning chores cannot be ignored at my house.

Sparkling clean windows tell people, the housekeeping inside must not

be so bad. My “ Ma Ma” Lynch planted that seed and I honor her and her words.

I loved going to her home for afternoon visits, once or twice a week, always one hour. Mother did not want me to get in the way.

I always sat on the shiny green enameled straight chair by the refrigerator, gabbed about everything, but my business at home and watched the meticulous housekeeper and my Aunt Jesse work.

Washday was Monday and the ironing took several hours on Tuesday. Only things they did not iron was underwear and socks.

No doubt, by the time they got to the bottom of the well-filled baskets of dampened down clothes. their arms and hands were tired.

I date back to when flat irons were still popular at her house and ours.

The beautiful treasures she handled and maintained with care, old and newer sparkled. I did not visit the parlor during those earlier visits staying close to that enameled chair, instead and liking what I saw.

Observing is one way to learn to do things and she was a great teacher, an excellent cook of comfort food and French cuisine, recipes handed down.

Sometimes she invited me to help her with yard work. She raised beautiful flowers in her gardens suitable for funeral arrangements, dahlias, coxcombs and gladiolas, and other kinds.

Her flock of chickens and gaggle of geese dropped a load of feathers to gather in the coal bucket and the leaves from the native trees had to be racked in autumn.

I enjoyed helping mom and dad at home, other than; when I went to 1120 North Harrison Street twice a week those time so long ago, the memories could not be sweeter.

I know my siblings and our cousins felt the same when they had special times with Ma Ma and Aunt Jessie.

If I could go back I would cross that field in a heartbeat-skipping all the way!

One day my little great-granddaughter remarked to her mom “ I think she likes us!” She was referring to me.

I think that was precious. She figured out what I knew to be true all along, for sure I do love my family each and every one.

Now I must check on the other gem in my life and Ms. Tootie Mae.

I can be reached by phone at 317-286- 7352 or drop me a line to 649 South Grant Street, Brownsburg, IN., 46112.