I was born and raised on a farm in Coventry RI. I was born at home and kept by the wood stove to keep warm. As a family of 11 children, being the oldest, we certainly didn't have money. However; I do treasure my years growing up. We lived on a farm ~ I guess a couple hundred head of cattle~ we had the most wonderful vegetable gardens ~ of course we had to plant, weed and pick for canning. We slaughtered a cow every few months for our meats. We certainly had the freshest milk ~ right from the cow. I didn't walk to school, but my first school was a one room school with all 8 grades and one teacher. I remember going there for only a year when we moved into our new grade school 1-6. Some classes had two grades per teacher I enjoyed that like and miss it dearly.
All of my family still lives in RI. I met my grade school sweetheart in the 7th grade and we are still together today. We have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Ray was in the AF so we did lots of traveling and moving. I enjoyed all of that life. We do a family reunion each year at the big state park in RI where my dad eventually went to work when the farm was sold. It's right on the ocean so lots to do.
The past weekend, I co- chaired the Florida State Convention. It was held at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral. We had 577 wonderful sisters in attendance. I have heard nothing, but good comments of the weekend. We had lots of goodies to give away and everyone seemed to enjoy them a lot. Our entertainment was from the Sterling Casino Ships at the Port. We could not have asked for any better entertainment. We had the main entertainment inside and then we all joined at the pool for more fun and entertainment. Lots of dancing and Karokee. Thursday night while we were setting up, I got some awful pains in my chest, left the convention and went to the ER ~ after lots of test we were down to his first choice, but had to eliminate the heart. I have Gall Bladder problems ~ he gave me meds to keep the pain away for the weekend and I was back at convention Friday morning to get ready for the big opening. Of course, I was not allowed to do anything, but I was there. It is wonderful to have it all behind me now. I am resting until I see my doctor for more tests, but my mind is on the 2006 when Karen Ing and I will be hosting and International Convention in Kansas City. I think this will be lots of fun for everyone. So mark it on your calendars and start saving your pennies. Got to run for now ~ enjoying everyone's stories.