A Schoolgirl From India 'Fesses' up to Mischief 72 Years Later!

'Telling a Story' * staged by Suzanne and Karo *

actually, this photo was shot in our bedroom

photo by suzanne 03/27/11

A few months ago, on March 20, 2011, I posted "Welcome Sweet Springtime" on my blog.  My mother saw it, and marveled at the photos of the Peacock I had captured as he strolled and danced through our neighborhood.  It brought back fond AND fun memories of her childhood, as the Peacock is the National Bird of India, and mom's favorite bird.  She wrote to me the following story of a mischievous event in her childhood.  I believe this to have happened somewhere in 1938, in India when mom was about 12 or 13 years old.

*** MOM-You Have The Floor! ***

Mom says:

"Am anxious to see your peacock pictures.  I always wanted to keep one, but they are so noisy...suppose it's like the rooster crowing, only their sound is more raucous, is that a word?  You need to have a large enclosed yard, and still they can fly out.  Brings back memories of when, as kids, we were returning home from school one day, and sneaked into a Government House where these peacocks hung out." 

Government House, CO11

I believe this one was in Calcutta (today's Raj Bhavan)

"just to show what they looked like"

Gate on side toward Dalhousie Square

 "Yeah, it is hilarious now when I think about it.  Government House was an enclosed, walled area, stretching for blocks of a street.  Our school, Loreto Convent, in Lucknow, India, was right across from it, divided by a main street that let into the British Cantonments.  There were gates that we could open and sneak in, and I CAN"T believe that we actually found THE NEST! 

Peafowl Eggs

"One of my hobbies was to collect nests...I had quite a collection of various bird nests, some, that I would show at school.  I just had to have some Pea eggs, tho, so I could have some of these birds to raise.  Yes, Mums would have put them under one of her hens if I could just get them home....AND-without getting caught and into trouble for 'trespassing'!"

"The guy who worked as our gardner was sent to accompany us girls home from school, and he always wore those full, voluminous pants.  My plan was to get the eggs, and have him put them in his large pockets to get them home.  Well, I found the nest, stole the eggs, ran through the gates, and made the servant put them into his pant pocket, and, oh, Suzanne, if only I had a picture to send you!  When we got onto our bikes, he threw that leg over the crossbar, and YIKES!  THE EGGS BROKE!  Hmmm, I guess he put them into the wrong leg pocket...alas! The damage was done! I think he would have strangled me if it weren't for the fact that we were on a main street!"

Not a happy camper!

Now, in my 'mind's eye', I can picture Mom and her sisters and friends running thru the gates, hollering, "I got the eggs!!!  Let's GO!  Put them in your pocket-and off we go!"

***  HEY!!! You kids!!! Where are you going with my eggs? ***

"I guess this means I won't be getting my peacock afterall!"

A sticky ride home, ya think?

"He didn't work for us very long, don't think Daddy liked his attitude...hehe!  Seems like I was always getting him involved in my "bird nest capers", tho, and I'm quite certain he cursed me...but not in English.  I did teach him the English alphabet, and he picked up fast on the English reading."

 "Still...you can imagine the broken egg running down his leg! What a sight!" 

***

I can't imagine my mom up to such mischief, and she said, "I didn't realize I was such a trouble-maker".  When my sister, brother and I were younger, mom would never had told us such a story of her own shenanigans.  We got into enough of our own.  I guess she feels safe telling it now that I'm older-no fear of me pulling any pranks at this stage of my life.  So mom, thank you for sharing this exciting tale in your life...I really got a kick out of this story, and many laughs!

My mother will be 85 years old July 8, 2011-just a couple of days away!  And I know she probably has more stories to tell.  My plan is to squeeze some of them out of her-I think she was quite an inventive girl, and I KNOW she's quite the inventive woman!

Happy Birthday Mom!

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

- Marion C. Garretty

***
So there we have it, my dear readers...a true story from years ago, and Birthday Greetings.  Here are a few more July Birthdays:

* Nelson Rockefeller * July 8, 1908
* My Dad * July 11, 1922/June 4, 1983
* Tab Hunter * July 11, 1931
* My Husband Karo * July 21, 1949
* Ernest Hemingway * July 21, 1899/July 2, 1961
* Karo's son Chad * July 26, 1970
* Mick Jagger * July 26, 1943

*** 
Thank you my gracious and youthful readers for taking time to stop by.  I always welcome ALL readers of ALL ages to visit, and tell me what you think!  And a Happy Birthday to all with birthday's in July from The KardKorner!  

Thank You!
Wikipedia
Yahoo Images
Google
bdayquotes.com
India
My Dear Mom


"Inside every older person is a younger person - wondering what the hell happened!"
 ~ Cora Harvey Armstrong

"What? NO EGGS???"

"Those Were the Days"...Have a Safe Independence Weekend!

I just stopped by to wish all of my readers a safe and FUN July 4th for this year of 2011.  And I hope you enjoy the lovely animation I chose for the occasion, (providing it works!).  Really...those were the days!  And, you know, I don't think it was as hot in the 1950's and 60's as it is now, or am I just an old 'fuddy duddy' now?  I have fond memories of July 4ths past, cooking hamburgers out on the grill and waiting for the right time to shoot fireworks.  It was also my brother Stan's birthday, so we had a dual celebration-even more fun! There would be an old coke cooler with a block of ice in it and a large green watermelon chilling.  And later, my dad would crank up the ice cream maker, and churn that nice cool dessert...mmmm!   Of course, my brother only wanted firecrackers and bottle rockets for his birthday, but one year he did get a coon skin hat like Davy Crockett (Stan was a great fan of Davy Crockett).  We would always sing the "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" song and I remember singing it on his birthday one year while we waited patiently for the WORD that we could start shooting firecrackers! 

 Yes...those were the days!

***

And, now, for a bit of SURVEY business.  I had a hard enough time putting that survey on my sidebar this time.  And the gadget function was malfunctioned-it wouldn't let me choose a close date.  But I think it's been there long enough.  We had 6 voters!!!  The most voters ever on one of my surveys!  So let's see...

Who said "Up your nose with a rubber hose"?

Choice #1:  Pee-Wee Herman

1 vote

Choice #2:  Henry "Fonzie" Winkler

2 votes

Choice #3:  "Scooter"

1 vote

Choice #4:  John Travolta

2 votes

Well, the reveal is John Travolta as Vinnie Barbarino in "Welcome Back Kotter"!  This was an American TV sitcom that aired from September 1975 until June of 1979, and virtually put John Travolta on the map.  And boy, are we grateful!

So, a first place ribbon goes to those who voted for John Travolta! I think I know who at least one of the voters was...but, I won't speculate at this time.

I think we'll give 2nd place to the two voters who chose Henry Winkler, aka "The Fonz".  You know, even tho he was just supposed to be 'cool', he, too, could come up with some corny lines.  Therefore, I can see him as a likely 'rubber hose' contender!  I believe I know who one of the voters is...but I think she recanted, eh?  And, that's KOOL!

I have a 3rd place ribbon for the lone voter of Pee Wee Herman.  I always thought he was cute, and especially liked his 1985 movie, "Pee Wee's Great Adventure".  I think my favorite scene was at the Biker Bar, when Pee Wee got up on the bar and danced to the song "Tequilla"!  I laughed until I cried-what a great scene with his white shoes on!  Now, every time I hear "Tequila", I think of Pee Wee.

And, finally, my dear, patient readers...I must give a 4th place ribbon to the person who voted for "Scooter", aka Shawn.  I guess we know by now, that Karo voted for 'Scooter".  Afterall, this was his poll!  So, to my hilarious husband, Karo, I award a 4th place ribbon!  Thank you Karo for your unique poll, and congratulations on a job well done! 

A big hug and thanks to all who participated in this poll...we'll have to come up with another one soon. 

***

In Loving Memory of my brother Stan (Born on the 4th of July)

July 4, 1950 ~ March 16, 2007

"Davy, Davy Crockett,

King of the Wild Frontier"

photo taken on Thanksgiving 1997

Fort Worth, Texas

***

I would like to thank the following:

Google

Yahoo images

Photobucket images

My Wonderful Husband Karo

My Darling Grandson 'Scooter"

Thank You Mom and Leta

Thank you my gracious readers for stopping by, and I appreciate those readers who are stopping by for the first time!  Please remember "safety first"!  Exercise your Independence by being responsible...but have a good time!  See you later.

It's a whopping 96 degrees at 8:00 pm in Fort Worth, Texas...whew!!!

***

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better."

~albert camus

A Dad's Day Tribute!

Is this a gray area? ...Or a Shy Guy?

photo by Suzanne maybe a couple of weeks ago

actually taken from my cell phone!

Karo doesn't always like his picture taken.  But I did get this one and thought it was pretty funny.  I have done more with my cell phone lately, especially having spent over a week downtown on jury duty.  That story, maybe later.  Karo is a great dad, stepdad to my son, and grandfather.  I was widowed in 1986, with a young son-it was ten years later that Karo came into my life.  By then, my son was 16 and a REAL handful.  He's been very good to us over the years, and is the best grandfather to Shawn.  I am the only living grandparent of this little boy, and Karo is truly the best grandfather, I believe specially chosen for Shawn.  By the way, both pairs of Shawn's Great Grandparents are living, and they share in the love and care for him.   

Happy Father's Day to my husband, Karo!

Karo and Grandson Shawn jamming a bit

photo by Suzanne * June 17, 2010

Karo's son Chad and Karo jamming

in our music room

Karo was, and still is, a very good father.  He was everpresent as a single dad in his son's life.  Chad, who is now 40, lives in Paris, Texas with his wife and family, and is a family Doctor.  He stays very busy, and we don't get to see them much.  Chad, too, is a caring and loving dad to three daughters.

Chad's daughters-our granddaughters

Madison, Mary and Katy

My Dad and us three kids in 1956

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

I'm the one with the smirk on my face (and the bad hair) sitting behind my brother!

 

 

 

Karo's Dad, brother Danny, and Karo (in front with his mouth open!)

1955 * Bridgeport, Texas

My brother Stan and his son James

July 8, 2006 * Kansas City, Missouri

My Stepdad Bob, a Great cook!

Weatherford, Texas * November 1989 (maybe)

Rusty and son Shawn sampling Easter candy

Fort Worth, Texas * April 16, 2011

Grandpa and Shawn laughing it up!

December 21, 2010

***

And, in the news...Fort Worth, Texas has won the "All-America City Award for 2011.  This is the third time  our city has won this award.  Once in 1964, and again in 1993.

 Congratulations Fort Worth!!!

Fort Worth mayor Mike Moncrief celebrates with staff!

photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Star Telegram

***

And now, my dear readers, I must retire for the evening.  I spent 6 grueling, emotional days on a jury and then came down with a nasty cold.  I'm trying to work my way back to normalcy-never fear...I'll catch up to you!  I have been browsing, you see.  And, I've been trying to rest and relax more-I'm one of those kids who just can't give it up and go to bed at a decent hour, but I'm trying!  And at 7:45 PM, it's a weltering (excuse me-that's 'sweltering') 100 degrees in Fort Worth-GAHH!

Don't forget the poll on my sidebar...we have 4 voters so far! 

***

And remember this...

"It is not flesh and blood, but the heart

which makes us Fathers and Sons."

~Johann Schiller

Flag Day In The US of A!

 Flag Day is Observed on June 14, 2011

I took the photo of this flag in our neighborhood on the night of May 24, 2011, during some pretty heavy storm activity.  It stood so tall, and a tornado was coming from back behind the flag.  Fortunately, it continued to go northeast of us, and the flag remained unscathed.  Unfortunately, the storms ravaged on and did much destruction in other cities and states.  I know those folks are still suffering from the damage and the trials of rebuilding.  Our prayers go out to these families for a quick recovery.

Photo by Suzanne * Fort Worth, Texas * May 24, 2011 

Red, White and Blue!  Our country's favorite colors!  While serving on the jury this past week (which is now in deliberation), I captured our beautiful U.S. Flag and our striking Texas Flag during a lunch break.  These two flags fly proudly in front of the Tarrant County College across the street from the Criminal Justice building.  After quite a few attempts, I was finally able to snag this photo as they were floating in the wind.

Downtown Fort Worth, Texas

Tarrant Co. College, Trinity River Campus

Photo by Suzanne * June 8, 2011

Remembering a Texas Governor

Governor William P. Clemens, Jr. 

April 13, 1917 ~ May 29, 2011

Photo taken by Suzanne June 5, 2009

Governor Rick Perry of Texas ordered all flags of the United States and of Texas to fly at half-mast on May 30, 2011.  This was in honor of former Texas Governor William P. Clemens, Jr. who passed away on May 29, 2011 at the age of 94 years.  Governor Clemens served as our 42nd and 44th Governor.  He served from 1979 to 1983, and from 1987-1991.  While on my way to work that week, I noticed this flag flying half-mast in front of one of our city buildings to honor the former Governor.  And I couldn't help but notice the beautiful, massive 'Crepe Myrtle' tree behind it.  Wouldn't do, but to have a photo.  What a lovely scene. The flag has now returned to full mast.

***

SHARING THE LOVE...FLAGS ON PARADE!!!

United States of America

India

Australia

United Kingdom

Canada

Denmark

Italy

Brazil

Germany 

China

New Zealand

South Africa

Russia

These are just a few of the beautiful flags of the world.  It's amazing to me that each country has it's own colors, yet we all agree on our patriotic symbols...flags being one of them.

So, let's celebrate Flag Day for all the world!

***

This time last year, I had been blogging for only a few weeks.  I didn't know what the heck I was doing.  Do I know now?  Probably not!  But, on June 12, 2010, I wrote and entered a post for Flag Day.  You can see it in my archives if you have a chance to browse...or click below to go there, if it works!

Thanks for stopping by...drop me a line if you get a chance.
  See you next time!

AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON MY SURVEY...
OR RATHER, 'KARO'S' SURVEY!

Celebrate Flag Day June 14, 2010!

I have a lot to be thankful for!
My Family and Friends
My wonderful and fun blogmates
Wikipedia
Yahoo Images
Google

Please forgive me if I failed to include your country's beautiful flag,

for there are so many to be proud of!

Shawn, sporting his Flag t-shirt and waving his Flag!

photo by mammaw * july 4, 2010

 

***

"Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue."

~George M. Cohan

A Prospective Juror's Musings...#0001122868!

You are hereby summoned to serve as a Juror in the Civil or Criminal Courts of

Tarrant County, Texas!

I was summoned to appear Monday, June 6, 2011 to possibly receive a court appointment so I could serve on a Jury.  Ohhh, such dread!  I had to go last year this time, and a couple of years before that, but was not chosen.  So, I grudgingly trudged downtown, anxiously awaiting the humiliating, cattle prodding procedure-and worried that THIS time, THREE could be a CHARM!

7:45 am * they're letting us in...off with the shoes, grab a bucket and put your shoes, purse, men's belts, and extra baubles or bling you might be wearing.  Now, this is understandable, but one lady was real concerned about whether or not the floor had been mopped recently.  She had so much jewelry in her hair and was asked to remove most of it.  I later saw her just sporting a pony tail! 

After going thru some 'make believe' mazed line that went nowhere, we made our way to the large check in room, where, if you're not there before 8:00 am, it's standing room only.  Got checked in, got a seat, and the great wait begins.  Cell phones going off all throughout the room...I can remember when you had to turn them off even a few years ago...time marches on quickly.  At 8:50 am, we're still waiting for the lengthy line of  'would-be-jury-agitators' to try to muzzle their way out of being there.  You're only allowed one time to beg off, which is what I had done in April, by going on line, (I was able to postpone until June) then you must 'bite the bullet' and show up.

9:30 am * roll call, and everyone gets a number to remember.  Then another roll call by your number-only scrambled up.  We were called in groups ranging anywhere from 13 people to 60 prospective jurors.  One #  went missing, so I guess they replaced the person.  Six groups went by, and on the 7th group they switched from numbers to names.  I was in the 7th group of 65 people.  So, what are the odds of me getting picked?  They gave us our court number and the judge's name, and sent us packing, to be in that court by 11:00 am.  Well, a relief for a break, and I had started chilling out some by then.  I hit the snack bar for some chips and a $1.25 bottle of water.  Everything was at least 90 cents.  Called Karo, gave him the scoop, then sat down, of course, with my little green notebook to write!  

10:45 am * I'm upstairs waiting for the next cattle call...and here it comes.  The bailiff calls roll, gives us each yet another number, and proceeds to seat us on church-like benches.  So, I sit gratefully, take out my notebook, and continue to write-after all- I was getting a story, wasn't I?  I just hope those sun-chips hold me for a while.  And the bailiff passes thru our crowd of 65 and picks up our 'boarding passes'.  He, then,  scrambles up our numbers and re-seats us on the benches.  Once that's done, he reads us our 'no cell phones, no reading in the courtroom' act, and proceeds to send us in there by our new numbers.  

Once seated, they give us a birdseye of the case to be presented.  And, not what I wanted to hear!  A horrific situation that has gone on for several years.  And the questioning begins, with 5 attorneys present.  It takes the 1st attorney 1 1/2 hours to question, when the judge finally says, "it's time to break for lunch at 12:30."

"Yes!  We have a lady Judge!"

1:30* Back in the courtroom...the same lawyer-he's not done yet.  So far, I'm not getting called on for any opinions.  I'm trying not to make eye contact with any of the attorneys.  The first attorney finally finishes and we're at break again at 2:40 pm. When we're brought back in the Judge says we may have to stay until after 5:00, because it's taking so long with the questioning.  During this time, they finally get around to me.  The attorney for the defense asks me if I'm a stockbroker...I say "no, I work in operations."  And he asks where I went to college, so I tell him.  Another one asks me if I have any biases concerning the case, and I had to say "No", considering the fact that I was not familiar with the case.  They of course, weren't able to give us the particulars, so, at that point, I had no biases.  But others did, and it does eventually come down to "we will not be able to pick jurors by 5:00.  So at 4:45, all but those with biases are asked to take another break.  I'm still not concerned, but Hey!  One never knows. 

5:05 pm * The bailiff comes out to get us...I had barely sat down, and they are calling off names again-I don't even remember who was calling the names...BUT OMG!!! They called my name loud and clear!!!  My unbelievable name-and they didn't stutter!  AAGGH!!!  This is not "Queen For A Day?"  It's more like "Don't Pass Go-Don't Collect $200.00"!

So, here I am, three days later, sitting on a 12-person jury for the duration of this week, and possibly into a few days next week.  I'm okay with it.  We can't talk about it until it's over, and that's rough.

Photo by Suzanne, June 8, 2011

 

This is the building we are in...it's 8 stories tall.  A very nice building.  We jurors have been treated with the upmost respect and with much consideration.  The Judge, attorneys, and our wonderful bailiff thank us every day for our time.  And I have already learned so much!  I know that once this is over, I will be grateful for the opportunity and experience, because I will come away from it with my life having been touched!

 

'When Women are Jurors'

by Charles Dana Gibson * 1902

Very few women served on juries in 1870's Wyoming.  But in the middle of the 20th century, we saw more women serving on juries on a regular basis.  It wasn't until 1954 that a woman was allowed to sit on a jury in the state of Texas.  That woman was Miss Louis Summers, who served with 11 men, and was the forewoman. 

Thank you so much, my gracious readers!  If you haven't noticed yet, there is a new survey at the top of my sidebar.  This comes from Karo!!!  Really, this is HIS survey, but it is legit!!!  Please feel free to vote...it could be fun!  And I hope to get with Rusty soon for his exciting updates on the Dallas Mavericks!

Thanks to the Judicial System of America

Thank You downtown Fort Worth, Texas

Thank You Yahoo

Thank You Google

Thank You to my husband Karo and grandson Shawn