All's Not Lost
My life belies the reality of harshness in present day living. On the slippery edge of history, our World, in the past few days, is bubbling over in acts of inhumane carnage : Syria, Berlin, Turkey, ... . While life in this World around me is in turmoil, I feel I'm in the lap of luxury, safe in the few steps that takes me from bed to a chair, to another chair, then maybe to a chair out in the lanai overlooking the pool.
-All's not lost.-
Not lost- because I have grandchildren entering that stage of life where what they do and what they say will make a difference in their lives and the lives of others that makes up humanity. What each says, what each does is strictly up to each of them. They are all individuals urged to think and act independently with the emphasis being on thinking.
All's not lost - I feel blessed - Blessed to have children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren - all's not lost -
Old Pops, Ronald C. Downie
Monday, December 26, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Organized Though Unplanned
Constance Mae Hall entered my life in the early 1960's, we married in the spring of 1964, and went to The Worlds Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York for our honeymoon. By the 1970's we had a family of five : Heather, Lia, and Ronald joined the family at their birth. We lived downtown at 338 Walnut Street until moving to the north end at 778 North Evans Street in 1974 to take advantage of the ease for our kids to walk to school : elementary, middle, and through high school and graduation.
Connie happens to be one among us who was born in late December ( Dec. 23rd ), born in the height of Christmas, so her birthday did not get much individual attention for most of her life. At the winter solstice, longest night-shortest day, born just before Christmas Day her life seems shorted since her birth.
She was born the 9th girl, the last girl, to Florence and Charlie Hall although they, Flossie and Charlie, tried again and had a boy, their last child, they named him Douglass. Hand me downs were often and commonplace, much needed and appreciated, a little thread worn by the time she got to wear them.
In spite of her day of birth, Connie seemed rarely to complain of her place in life as it unfolded for her. I was involved with the business of being in business; she was involved in being a good mother and a fine homemaker. Connie began working again as the children matured toward adulthood and worked until a year and a half ago, even though, she was on a reduced hourly schedule a year or so before stopping work.
Now, Connie spends a good deal of time caring for my infirmities. My problems are not reversible, they just get more debilitating as I age. Once invincible, now that thought is laughable, the fate of life here on earth is that the grim reaper has his eye on each of us as we individually reach certain thresholds. That old boy must have singled me out early as I worked, ate, and drank myself to excess. He never quit although he never understood the power of good women. Connie, within her limitations, and our daughter, Lia, who seems to have few, if any limits on her abilities, monitor my health on a day to day basis. This time of year should show that none of us is invincible but are fallible, even the best of man died on a cross.
To Connie Mae on her birthday,
With all my love, Husband, Ronald C. Downie
Constance Mae Hall entered my life in the early 1960's, we married in the spring of 1964, and went to The Worlds Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York for our honeymoon. By the 1970's we had a family of five : Heather, Lia, and Ronald joined the family at their birth. We lived downtown at 338 Walnut Street until moving to the north end at 778 North Evans Street in 1974 to take advantage of the ease for our kids to walk to school : elementary, middle, and through high school and graduation.
Connie happens to be one among us who was born in late December ( Dec. 23rd ), born in the height of Christmas, so her birthday did not get much individual attention for most of her life. At the winter solstice, longest night-shortest day, born just before Christmas Day her life seems shorted since her birth.
She was born the 9th girl, the last girl, to Florence and Charlie Hall although they, Flossie and Charlie, tried again and had a boy, their last child, they named him Douglass. Hand me downs were often and commonplace, much needed and appreciated, a little thread worn by the time she got to wear them.
In spite of her day of birth, Connie seemed rarely to complain of her place in life as it unfolded for her. I was involved with the business of being in business; she was involved in being a good mother and a fine homemaker. Connie began working again as the children matured toward adulthood and worked until a year and a half ago, even though, she was on a reduced hourly schedule a year or so before stopping work.
Now, Connie spends a good deal of time caring for my infirmities. My problems are not reversible, they just get more debilitating as I age. Once invincible, now that thought is laughable, the fate of life here on earth is that the grim reaper has his eye on each of us as we individually reach certain thresholds. That old boy must have singled me out early as I worked, ate, and drank myself to excess. He never quit although he never understood the power of good women. Connie, within her limitations, and our daughter, Lia, who seems to have few, if any limits on her abilities, monitor my health on a day to day basis. This time of year should show that none of us is invincible but are fallible, even the best of man died on a cross.
To Connie Mae on her birthday,
With all my love, Husband, Ronald C. Downie
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Left Behind
Wife, Connie and I left behind in Pottstown a house we lived in for 42 years and easily raised three children there because not only could we easily see both the Middle and High Schools but the grade school, Franklin, was just a few blocks walking distance. Easily accessible schools is a must in good child raising.
778 North Evans Street had many more assets than location going for it, for us to live there forty two years; such as, three large bedrooms and a full bathroom on the second floor. Also, on the first floor, a huge living room, a comfortable dining room, an adequate kitchen, and an all purpose room. Add to this, a "mother-in-law" quarter of a bedroom / sitting- sewing room and another full bathroom.
This fully masonry house with a full basement is complimented with an extra large, detached, masonry garage fronting the southend of a deadend alley. The property line adjoins The First Presbyterian Church to the south and is the anchor house on the east side of Evans street, a block filled with extremely desirable neighbors. Leaving our neighbors has been one of our most difficult decision in relocating.
Complimenting this home are mature plants and trees of stature and color that makes its extra large front porch so inviting. A comfortable front porch expands the livability of a house beyond description, sort of like, the feeling we get of a warm old comforter on a chilly day.
"Location, location, location" has always been the clarion call of real estate salesmen and saleswomen. Above and beyond, "Location" is this this house we called home for over four decades. It will be available after January First. Please contact me :( ronaldcdownie@gmail.com )
Thank You !
Ronald C.Downie
Wife, Connie and I left behind in Pottstown a house we lived in for 42 years and easily raised three children there because not only could we easily see both the Middle and High Schools but the grade school, Franklin, was just a few blocks walking distance. Easily accessible schools is a must in good child raising.
778 North Evans Street had many more assets than location going for it, for us to live there forty two years; such as, three large bedrooms and a full bathroom on the second floor. Also, on the first floor, a huge living room, a comfortable dining room, an adequate kitchen, and an all purpose room. Add to this, a "mother-in-law" quarter of a bedroom / sitting- sewing room and another full bathroom.
This fully masonry house with a full basement is complimented with an extra large, detached, masonry garage fronting the southend of a deadend alley. The property line adjoins The First Presbyterian Church to the south and is the anchor house on the east side of Evans street, a block filled with extremely desirable neighbors. Leaving our neighbors has been one of our most difficult decision in relocating.
Complimenting this home are mature plants and trees of stature and color that makes its extra large front porch so inviting. A comfortable front porch expands the livability of a house beyond description, sort of like, the feeling we get of a warm old comforter on a chilly day.
"Location, location, location" has always been the clarion call of real estate salesmen and saleswomen. Above and beyond, "Location" is this this house we called home for over four decades. It will be available after January First. Please contact me :( ronaldcdownie@gmail.com )
Thank You !
Ronald C.Downie
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Evan Alexander Downie
Evan Alexander Downie
Young's the man we honor today :
Slim in body, strong in presence,
Handsome, young fellow, full of pep,
New graduate, into nursing.
Our " Go To Guy ", grandson Evan,
Worked two jobs while at college,
Still kept up with his social life.
He's able to chew gum and walk.
Soon you'll be asked to take your place
Among your peers, among equals.
Then, all the work and study counts,
Making your mark in life on Earth.
It's up to you - how far you go.
In growing up - you overcame
Pitfalls that would whither others.
You, a guy with starch in his shorts !
Caring to care for the disabled,
Challenged, the sickly, the needy,
Is a calling born in the strong
Of character, those who serve man.
Nan and I admire you, our man,
Who could make our day by smiling
As you walked in the front door.
Never change, always be yourself.
Happy Birthday, Evan Alexander Downie.
Remember, be yourself, honest,
Dedicated, straight forward, true
To the name you carry forward.
Happy Birthday !
Love Nanny&Pop Pop
Young's the man we honor today :
Slim in body, strong in presence,
Handsome, young fellow, full of pep,
New graduate, into nursing.
Our " Go To Guy ", grandson Evan,
Worked two jobs while at college,
Still kept up with his social life.
He's able to chew gum and walk.
Soon you'll be asked to take your place
Among your peers, among equals.
Then, all the work and study counts,
Making your mark in life on Earth.
It's up to you - how far you go.
In growing up - you overcame
Pitfalls that would whither others.
You, a guy with starch in his shorts !
Caring to care for the disabled,
Challenged, the sickly, the needy,
Is a calling born in the strong
Of character, those who serve man.
Nan and I admire you, our man,
Who could make our day by smiling
As you walked in the front door.
Never change, always be yourself.
Happy Birthday, Evan Alexander Downie.
Remember, be yourself, honest,
Dedicated, straight forward, true
To the name you carry forward.
Happy Birthday !
Love Nanny&Pop Pop
Evan Alexander Downie
Young's the man we honor today :
Slim in body, strong in presence,
Handsome, young fellow, full of pep,
New graduate, into nursing.
Our " Go To Guy ", grandson Evan,
Worked two jobs while at college,
Still kept up with his social life.
He's able to chew gum and walk.
Soon you'll be asked to take your place
Among your peers, among equals.
Then, all the work and study counts,
Making your mark in life on Earth.
It's up to you - how far you go.
In growing up - you overcame
Pitfalls that would whither others.
You, a guy with starch in his shorts !
Caring to care for the disabled,
Challenged, the sickly, the needy,
Is a calling born in the strong
Of character, those who serve man.
Nan and I admire you, our man,
Who could make our day by smiling
As you walked in the front door.
Never change, always be yourself.
Happy Birthday, Evan Alexander Downie.
Remember, be yourself, honest,
Dedicated, straight forward, true
To the name you carry forward.
Happy Birthday !
Love Nanny&Pop Pop
Young's the man we honor today :
Slim in body, strong in presence,
Handsome, young fellow, full of pep,
New graduate, into nursing.
Our " Go To Guy ", grandson Evan,
Worked two jobs while at college,
Still kept up with his social life.
He's able to chew gum and walk.
Soon you'll be asked to take your place
Among your peers, among equals.
Then, all the work and study counts,
Making your mark in life on Earth.
It's up to you - how far you go.
In growing up - you overcame
Pitfalls that would whither others.
You, a guy with starch in his shorts !
Caring to care for the disabled,
Challenged, the sickly, the needy,
Is a calling born in the strong
Of character, those who serve man.
Nan and I admire you, our man,
Who could make our day by smiling
As you walked in the front door.
Never change, always be yourself.
Happy Birthday, Evan Alexander Downie.
Remember, be yourself, honest,
Dedicated, straight forward, true
To the name you carry forward.
Happy Birthday !
Love Nanny&Pop Pop
Friday, December 2, 2016
It was a good week
Some weeks are good, some darn good, but this one was a very damn good one : grandson Evan passed his test and is now a licensed nurse, Tom and Gail Carroll stopped in to see Connie and me, and in midweek, brother in law, Sandy -one putt - Burton, his wife, Phyllis- Connie's sister- their daughter, Wendy and friend Steve stopped by for a visit. All seemed well by being here down in sunny Florida with all the other visiting snowbirds. There are reasons some weeks are better than others.
Some weeks are good, some darn good, but this one was a very damn good one : grandson Evan passed his test and is now a licensed nurse, Tom and Gail Carroll stopped in to see Connie and me, and in midweek, brother in law, Sandy -one putt - Burton, his wife, Phyllis- Connie's sister- their daughter, Wendy and friend Steve stopped by for a visit. All seemed well by being here down in sunny Florida with all the other visiting snowbirds. There are reasons some weeks are better than others.
It was a good week
Some weeks are good, some darn good, but this one was a very damn good one : grandson Evan passed his test and is now a licensed nurse, Tom and Gail Carroll stopped in to see Connie and me, and in midweek, brother in law, Sandy -one putt - Burton, his wife, Phyllis- Connie's sister- their daughter, Wendy and friend Steve stopped by for a visit. All seemed well by being here down in sunny Florida with all the other visiting snowbirds. There are reasons some weeks are better than others.
Some weeks are good, some darn good, but this one was a very damn good one : grandson Evan passed his test and is now a licensed nurse, Tom and Gail Carroll stopped in to see Connie and me, and in midweek, brother in law, Sandy -one putt - Burton, his wife, Phyllis- Connie's sister- their daughter, Wendy and friend Steve stopped by for a visit. All seemed well by being here down in sunny Florida with all the other visiting snowbirds. There are reasons some weeks are better than others.
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