Treasurers from Home

This past weekend I visited my mother in Georgia and I was dreading the trip.  You see, my father died unexpectedly in March of 2011 and it still kicks me in the gut.  I hated going home for visits after his death because the house just wasn't our home without him. 

Last October, Mother moved into an apartment.  In between all the emotions of the past few years, my Mother has lost her vision and is legally blind. The house was becoming too much of a stress to keep up with as she has fallen twice.  And so it was time to bid farewell to what I lovingly refer to as "3058"......otherwise known simply as, home. 

We found her an apartment in Sandy Springs and she has plenty of folks who check in on her.  As a result, I basically spent the latter part of last summer and fall making weekend trips to Atlanta to help clean out the house.  I brought back several treasurers but had a few surprises waiting for me upon my arrival this time.

My Grandmother's Cookbook

This cookbook is where my father learned to appreciate the art of cooking.  And as you'll read here, where I ultimately got my passion for cooking as well.  I will treasure this gift always.

 

Notice how the spine is taped together (as was her Bible, which sadly, I did not inherit).

 

The yellowing pages contains notes on the tricks of soufflés.  THAT will definitely come in handy!!!

 

Mother's chafing dish.  It is in need of some polishing TLC but will be in working order just in time for Thanksgiving.

 

Part of my Barbie collection.  A perfect example of why I have the sweetest brother on the planet.  I loved Barbies.  LOVED Barbies.  As I grew older, I collected them.  While I got rid of most of them during the estate sale (I have no daughters to pass them on to and my brother didn't want them for his daughter - so really, why keep them)?  Out the door they went.  Except for these two.  I adore Audrey Hepburn and "My Fair Lady" is one of my favorite films.  I acquired these two Barbies at FAO Schwartz in New York City.  While I swore I did not want them, my brother knew better and saved them for me after I left. Thank you, thank you, sweet brother.  I love you!!!

 

Eliza Doolittle ready for Ascot

 

Eliza Dootlittle ready for the ball.

 

and finally, a fun find I found shopping with Mom.  Pretty spot on, huh?

 

I am falling in love with my hometown again.  It no longer feels like home but it is where I am rooted.  Mother, brother and I are moving on - and Daddy lives on in my heart, my memories and the treasures left behind.  I'm thrilled to have these small reminders of my childhood.

 

I'll leave you with a pic of "3058" decked out for Christmas.  It reminds me of the reason I picked Ray Charles, "Georgia" as my father/daughter dance............."other arms reach out to me, other eyes smile tenderly, still in peaceful dreams I see, the road leads back to you.........Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through, just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind".

 

 

 

Love you, Daddy.

xoxo,

TSS