#26
285 Oaks Rd
Oxford, PA
Purchased September 2017
Moved in December 1, 2017
Sunday, March 8, 2020
#24: 1427 Flint Hill Rd Landenberg, PA
#24
1427 Flint Hill Rd
Landenberg, PA
10/97 - 5/2005
Our first purchased house
1427 Flint Hill Rd
Landenberg, PA
10/97 - 5/2005
Our first purchased house
#23: Elkton-Newark Rd Elkton, MD
#23
Elkton-Newark Rd
Elkton, MD
1993 - 1997
Large rented house on 5 acres with a barn
This was a very cool place. A pretty old yellow Dutch Colonial. Very out dated but lots of charm with some built-in cabinetry and those old glass doorknobs. It was on a fairly busy road about a quarter mile from the highway (Rt 95), and the driveway entrance was just before a liquor store. But the drive wound back through a woodsy area before turning and opening up to where the house was. So once you were back by the house, you couldn't see or hear the road. It was a "four square", with living room, dining room, kitchen, and large room at back door, plus a half bath on first floor. There was a beautiful screened in porch on the side with French doors from the living room. Upstairs were four bedrooms and a full bath which opened from both the hall and the master bedroom.
We loved it there.
The upstairs of the barn was off-limits bc our kooky old landlady Jane Stradley was a hoarder, and she had a lot of stuff stored up there. But the ground level was ours, and I promptly put a horse in it. I bought a pretty little bay who was I think Arabian and Standardbred. Very hot, very green. I named her Chesapeake. I never even got to ride her. I spent lots of time training her on the longe line and trying to gentle her, but then she somehow had a bacterial infection or an aneurysm or something that caused her to bleed out through her nose. It was awful, just gushing. By the time the vet got there it was too late.
I got another horse not long after. An off the track Thoroughbred I named Jasper. Also very hot and green, but had way more miles under saddle than Chessy had, so I was able to ride him from the get-go. I had not only our nearly five acre pasture to ride him through, but a lot of adjoining land that I wasn't really legally allowed to ride on, but did anyway. There was the Cecil County Airport just the other side of our property, and next to that, probably dozens if not hundreds of acres of Goretex campus. Eventually I branched out from there and would ride him down some of the local roads into other open areas, and one time even rode him over to Milburn Orchards. Nothing beats the rush of a gallop through open fields on the back of a fast horse!
I decided to leave Bryn Mawr Rehab bc the commute was just too much (about an hour), and it was pretty stressful there. I took a job in home health care and found that I really loved that environment. I loved the flexibility and autonomy. I was the only OT on staff, and saw patients in three states (PA, MD, DE).
Fred and I were trying to get pregnant, but having trouble with infertility. We were tested seven ways to Sunday, and tried different medications and temperature charts, etc, but with no luck. We were finally at a fork in the road between moving forward with more involved procedures like IVF, or giving up. We decided to just "give it a rest" for six months or so. And during that time, of course, I got pregnant. Probably one of the happiest days of my life.
Shane was born Feb 15th, 1995. I had gone into the hospital on Fred's birthday, but after a long and difficult labor, Shane was born by c-section early the next morning. I hired a sweet grandmother named Bunny as a nanny for Shane when I returned to work. It was nice bc I could stop in sometimes to see him. But after awhile, I knew I wanted to stop working full time so I could spend more time at home with him. So I took a part time job at a skilled nursing facility in their rehab dept. I didn't like it as much, but the pay was good and I got to be home more.
We were still fast friends with Billy and Jen, and they came over a lot. She had had a fourth baby, Jack. They were godparents to Shane. Four months after Shane was born, Jen gave birth to twins, Erik and Ellie, and we were godparents to Ellie. One year, we gave all the kids (theirs and Shane) a pony for Christmas. He was a sweet little black pony about 12hh we named Midnight, and he gave a lot of kids a lot of joy for many years. Such a sweet temperament and very trustworthy.
It's hard to put into words how intertwined our lives were and how meaningful that relationship was. To say we were "best friends" doesn't seem to do it justice.
Donald
Kuma
Pg with Bonnie
Stradley selling
Elkton-Newark Rd
Elkton, MD
1993 - 1997
Large rented house on 5 acres with a barn
This was a very cool place. A pretty old yellow Dutch Colonial. Very out dated but lots of charm with some built-in cabinetry and those old glass doorknobs. It was on a fairly busy road about a quarter mile from the highway (Rt 95), and the driveway entrance was just before a liquor store. But the drive wound back through a woodsy area before turning and opening up to where the house was. So once you were back by the house, you couldn't see or hear the road. It was a "four square", with living room, dining room, kitchen, and large room at back door, plus a half bath on first floor. There was a beautiful screened in porch on the side with French doors from the living room. Upstairs were four bedrooms and a full bath which opened from both the hall and the master bedroom.
We loved it there.
The upstairs of the barn was off-limits bc our kooky old landlady Jane Stradley was a hoarder, and she had a lot of stuff stored up there. But the ground level was ours, and I promptly put a horse in it. I bought a pretty little bay who was I think Arabian and Standardbred. Very hot, very green. I named her Chesapeake. I never even got to ride her. I spent lots of time training her on the longe line and trying to gentle her, but then she somehow had a bacterial infection or an aneurysm or something that caused her to bleed out through her nose. It was awful, just gushing. By the time the vet got there it was too late.
I got another horse not long after. An off the track Thoroughbred I named Jasper. Also very hot and green, but had way more miles under saddle than Chessy had, so I was able to ride him from the get-go. I had not only our nearly five acre pasture to ride him through, but a lot of adjoining land that I wasn't really legally allowed to ride on, but did anyway. There was the Cecil County Airport just the other side of our property, and next to that, probably dozens if not hundreds of acres of Goretex campus. Eventually I branched out from there and would ride him down some of the local roads into other open areas, and one time even rode him over to Milburn Orchards. Nothing beats the rush of a gallop through open fields on the back of a fast horse!
I decided to leave Bryn Mawr Rehab bc the commute was just too much (about an hour), and it was pretty stressful there. I took a job in home health care and found that I really loved that environment. I loved the flexibility and autonomy. I was the only OT on staff, and saw patients in three states (PA, MD, DE).
Fred and I were trying to get pregnant, but having trouble with infertility. We were tested seven ways to Sunday, and tried different medications and temperature charts, etc, but with no luck. We were finally at a fork in the road between moving forward with more involved procedures like IVF, or giving up. We decided to just "give it a rest" for six months or so. And during that time, of course, I got pregnant. Probably one of the happiest days of my life.
Shane was born Feb 15th, 1995. I had gone into the hospital on Fred's birthday, but after a long and difficult labor, Shane was born by c-section early the next morning. I hired a sweet grandmother named Bunny as a nanny for Shane when I returned to work. It was nice bc I could stop in sometimes to see him. But after awhile, I knew I wanted to stop working full time so I could spend more time at home with him. So I took a part time job at a skilled nursing facility in their rehab dept. I didn't like it as much, but the pay was good and I got to be home more.
We were still fast friends with Billy and Jen, and they came over a lot. She had had a fourth baby, Jack. They were godparents to Shane. Four months after Shane was born, Jen gave birth to twins, Erik and Ellie, and we were godparents to Ellie. One year, we gave all the kids (theirs and Shane) a pony for Christmas. He was a sweet little black pony about 12hh we named Midnight, and he gave a lot of kids a lot of joy for many years. Such a sweet temperament and very trustworthy.
It's hard to put into words how intertwined our lives were and how meaningful that relationship was. To say we were "best friends" doesn't seem to do it justice.
Donald
Kuma
Pg with Bonnie
Stradley selling
#22: 1009 Wilson Rd Wilmington, DE
#22
1009 Wilson Rd
Wilmington, DE
July 1991 - April 1993 (?)
Rented 3 bedroom split level house in northern suburbs of Wilmington.
We moved here so Fred could start his general surgery residency at Christiana Hospital.
I took a job with Genesis Rehab, travelling to different skilled nursing facilities they contracted with, but I didn't like it. After a few months I began working for Bryn Mawr Rehab, which was very similar to the job I had in NJ and I liked it much better.
This was a huge house for us. Besides the 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths on the bedroom level, there was a pretty, sunny living room, dining room and kitchen on the mid-level, and a big den on the lower level,
plus another half bath and a laundry room (a first for me). Also had a big back yard with a little slate patio. Very pretty.
We were barely moved in when Fred met one of his fellow residents, Billy, who hadn't found a place to move with his wife and three kids. So Billy and Jen, four year old Katrina, two year old Michael, and newborn Kara (and their Great Dane Speckles) moved in with us. They weren't there long, maybe a month and a half, until they sold their house in VA and bought a house of their own in Newark. But long sincere friendships had been established.
Fred's hours were long and grueling. He was working sometimes 90 to 100 hours per week or more. He got tonsillitis at one point, and before he woke up from the anesthesia, the other residents painted his toenails bright red.
I used to take the dogs on walks through the hills and woods by the Brandywine Creek.
But all good things must come to an end. One day I came home from work to find a Sheriff's sale sign in the front yard. I don't know what our landlord Bernie was doing with our rent checks, but I guess it was not paying the mortgage.
We looked at a couple houses in the hopes of buying, but we weren't ready financially yet.
But I found a really cool rental.
1009 Wilson Rd
Wilmington, DE
July 1991 - April 1993 (?)
Rented 3 bedroom split level house in northern suburbs of Wilmington.
We moved here so Fred could start his general surgery residency at Christiana Hospital.
I took a job with Genesis Rehab, travelling to different skilled nursing facilities they contracted with, but I didn't like it. After a few months I began working for Bryn Mawr Rehab, which was very similar to the job I had in NJ and I liked it much better.
This was a huge house for us. Besides the 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths on the bedroom level, there was a pretty, sunny living room, dining room and kitchen on the mid-level, and a big den on the lower level,
plus another half bath and a laundry room (a first for me). Also had a big back yard with a little slate patio. Very pretty.
We were barely moved in when Fred met one of his fellow residents, Billy, who hadn't found a place to move with his wife and three kids. So Billy and Jen, four year old Katrina, two year old Michael, and newborn Kara (and their Great Dane Speckles) moved in with us. They weren't there long, maybe a month and a half, until they sold their house in VA and bought a house of their own in Newark. But long sincere friendships had been established.
Fred's hours were long and grueling. He was working sometimes 90 to 100 hours per week or more. He got tonsillitis at one point, and before he woke up from the anesthesia, the other residents painted his toenails bright red.
I used to take the dogs on walks through the hills and woods by the Brandywine Creek.
But all good things must come to an end. One day I came home from work to find a Sheriff's sale sign in the front yard. I don't know what our landlord Bernie was doing with our rent checks, but I guess it was not paying the mortgage.
We looked at a couple houses in the hopes of buying, but we weren't ready financially yet.
But I found a really cool rental.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
#21: 14-8 Civic Center Dr East Brunswick, NJ
#21
14-8 Civic Center Dr
East Brunswick, NJ
September 1988 - July 1991
Rented apt
Fred and I lived in this second floor one bedroom apt.
I worked at my second internship (psych) at The Delaware House in Burlington, NJ, about an hour away.
I also worked weekends at Treasure Island to bring in some income, and we lived on that, wedding gift money, and my savings from when I was in college.
When my internship ended, I interviewed for a few OT jobs and was offered all the jobs I applied for. I accepted the one at JFK Medical Center in their in-pt rehab unit. Marybeth and Lori both worked there, as well as another friend or two we had gone to school with, and it was only about 15 minutes from the apt. Perfect first job. I started there in January 1989 and had a starting salary of $30,000!
Fred continued medical school at UMDNJ and did medical student rotations through a lot
of the local hospitals.
We had a second hand green L-shaped sofa, and I remember Fred practicing his stitches on the back of the sofa.
We did a lot of "playing house" in this first apt of ours. We enjoyed cooking together, even going to the grocery store together. We felt like such grown-ups! I remember a lot of day trips to Allaire State Park, apple picking at a nearby orchard, etc.
We took a road trip to Baton Rouge to visit the Bigs.
We had Kaya and my cat Daniel, and at some point made an impulsive pet store purchase of a long-haired Akita puppy we named Kuma Senshi (Bear Fighter).
Towards the end of our stay there, Fred had to apply for residency, and we made some road trips out to visit some of the programs so he could interview. On a trip to New Hampshire, the car heater broke and we were so freezing, and afraid of breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
The next morning we got back into the car to drive the car to a mechanic before Fred's interview and found that the sodas left in the backseat had exploded, and there was frozen soda covering everything. We dropped the car off and then walked about a mile through snow and ice to the hospital for his interview.
14-8 Civic Center Dr
East Brunswick, NJ
September 1988 - July 1991
Rented apt
Fred and I lived in this second floor one bedroom apt.
I worked at my second internship (psych) at The Delaware House in Burlington, NJ, about an hour away.
I also worked weekends at Treasure Island to bring in some income, and we lived on that, wedding gift money, and my savings from when I was in college.
When my internship ended, I interviewed for a few OT jobs and was offered all the jobs I applied for. I accepted the one at JFK Medical Center in their in-pt rehab unit. Marybeth and Lori both worked there, as well as another friend or two we had gone to school with, and it was only about 15 minutes from the apt. Perfect first job. I started there in January 1989 and had a starting salary of $30,000!
Fred continued medical school at UMDNJ and did medical student rotations through a lot
of the local hospitals.
We had a second hand green L-shaped sofa, and I remember Fred practicing his stitches on the back of the sofa.
We did a lot of "playing house" in this first apt of ours. We enjoyed cooking together, even going to the grocery store together. We felt like such grown-ups! I remember a lot of day trips to Allaire State Park, apple picking at a nearby orchard, etc.
We took a road trip to Baton Rouge to visit the Bigs.
We had Kaya and my cat Daniel, and at some point made an impulsive pet store purchase of a long-haired Akita puppy we named Kuma Senshi (Bear Fighter).
Towards the end of our stay there, Fred had to apply for residency, and we made some road trips out to visit some of the programs so he could interview. On a trip to New Hampshire, the car heater broke and we were so freezing, and afraid of breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
The next morning we got back into the car to drive the car to a mechanic before Fred's interview and found that the sodas left in the backseat had exploded, and there was frozen soda covering everything. We dropped the car off and then walked about a mile through snow and ice to the hospital for his interview.
#20: 435 South Main St Cedar Run, NJ
#20
435 South Main St
Cedar Run, NJ
May 1988 - September 1988
Summer after college graduation
Fred's house
Moved in with Fred after my last year of college and his first year of med school. We made a little apt area up in the attic, covering the ceiling with sheets and making knee walls with paneling, with space behind for storage of all our stuff. I think Kenny lived in the house, along with Pop and his sister Aunt Dot, who was his caregiver.
I worked hard on cleaning up the back yard in preparation for the wedding rehearsal. I cleared junk, I planted grass, I pruned and picked up branches.
The wedding rehearsal was just a backyard barbecue, but it was a beautiful day and everyone seemed to have a nice time.
Our wedding was June 25, 1988. A beautiful but hot day with an outdoor ceremony under a gazebo with a lake backdrop. It was really a perfect wedding, at least on such a limited budget (the whole thing was about $5,000).
Afterwards we took a very short honeymoon. I think two nights at the Inn of the Dove, about 20 minutes from Atlantic City.
Monday morning I started my first internship ("phys dys") at Garden State Rehab in Toms River, NJ.
435 South Main St
Cedar Run, NJ
May 1988 - September 1988
Summer after college graduation
Fred's house
Moved in with Fred after my last year of college and his first year of med school. We made a little apt area up in the attic, covering the ceiling with sheets and making knee walls with paneling, with space behind for storage of all our stuff. I think Kenny lived in the house, along with Pop and his sister Aunt Dot, who was his caregiver.
I worked hard on cleaning up the back yard in preparation for the wedding rehearsal. I cleared junk, I planted grass, I pruned and picked up branches.
The wedding rehearsal was just a backyard barbecue, but it was a beautiful day and everyone seemed to have a nice time.
Our wedding was June 25, 1988. A beautiful but hot day with an outdoor ceremony under a gazebo with a lake backdrop. It was really a perfect wedding, at least on such a limited budget (the whole thing was about $5,000).
Afterwards we took a very short honeymoon. I think two nights at the Inn of the Dove, about 20 minutes from Atlantic City.
Monday morning I started my first internship ("phys dys") at Garden State Rehab in Toms River, NJ.
#19: Kean College, Union, NJ
#19
Kean College, Union, NJ
Freshman dorms
8/87 - 5/88
My last year of college
I got a position as an RA in the freshman dorms. I had my own apt, with a shared bathroom with the other RA, Sue.
I also continued my job at the bank, and worked on weekends as an OT Assistant at Woodbridge Developmental Center, which was mostly providing ROM to severely impaired adults living in a state institution.
I was able to put a lot of my earnings in the bank (did a lot of short-term CDs) to save for our first six months of marriage, since Fred would be in medical school and I would be doing my internships.
So I had the three jobs, was a full time student, and was planning the wedding, slated for June 1988.
I was trying to lose weight for the wedding, and I think I developed a mild eating disorder. The gown I purchased from JC Penny came in and was 4 sizes too big, so I exchanged it for a smaller size (a 5). My pre-wedding weight was, I think, 117 pounds.
Fred had graduated college, and was in his first year of med school, living with three or four roommates in an apt in New Brunswick. He was allowed to have Kaya there. It was nice to drive down to see him, take Kaya for walks, and have study time together.
I graduated magna cum laude, with a 3.79 GPA. I decided not to attend the ceremony, since I wasn't really graduating with my close friends, and I had so much going on with the wedding.
Kean College, Union, NJ
Freshman dorms
8/87 - 5/88
My last year of college
I got a position as an RA in the freshman dorms. I had my own apt, with a shared bathroom with the other RA, Sue.
I also continued my job at the bank, and worked on weekends as an OT Assistant at Woodbridge Developmental Center, which was mostly providing ROM to severely impaired adults living in a state institution.
I was able to put a lot of my earnings in the bank (did a lot of short-term CDs) to save for our first six months of marriage, since Fred would be in medical school and I would be doing my internships.
So I had the three jobs, was a full time student, and was planning the wedding, slated for June 1988.
I was trying to lose weight for the wedding, and I think I developed a mild eating disorder. The gown I purchased from JC Penny came in and was 4 sizes too big, so I exchanged it for a smaller size (a 5). My pre-wedding weight was, I think, 117 pounds.
Fred had graduated college, and was in his first year of med school, living with three or four roommates in an apt in New Brunswick. He was allowed to have Kaya there. It was nice to drive down to see him, take Kaya for walks, and have study time together.
I graduated magna cum laude, with a 3.79 GPA. I decided not to attend the ceremony, since I wasn't really graduating with my close friends, and I had so much going on with the wedding.
#18: Room to rent/Shannon's apt/Stephanie's house
#18
May 1987 - August 1987
Room to rent/Shannon's apt/Stephanie's house
This was the miserable summer after what should have been my senior year, the year in which all my friends graduated. But because I went off track, I still had another year to go. The residential program for the summer classes was dismantled, so I could not live on campus as I had the summer before.
I stayed for a week or two in a boarding house, but then a college friend Shannon offered that I could move in with her and her roommate for the summer. So I packed up all my stuff and made many trips up the steps to her third floor apt. That afternoon Shannon's roommate came home and said I would have to leave, but said I could stay the night. I was so distressed.
Then Stephanie said her parents said I could stay the summer at their house in Parsippany, about 45 minutes away from my job. So I brought all my stuff back down to my car, and drove to Stephanie's house, and hauled all my things into her house and up to the second floor to the guest room. Her family just sat there watching TV and never offered to help bring any of my things in. I was so grateful they invited me to stay in their home, but dismayed at how they just sat there without offering to help.
May 1987 - August 1987
Room to rent/Shannon's apt/Stephanie's house
This was the miserable summer after what should have been my senior year, the year in which all my friends graduated. But because I went off track, I still had another year to go. The residential program for the summer classes was dismantled, so I could not live on campus as I had the summer before.
I stayed for a week or two in a boarding house, but then a college friend Shannon offered that I could move in with her and her roommate for the summer. So I packed up all my stuff and made many trips up the steps to her third floor apt. That afternoon Shannon's roommate came home and said I would have to leave, but said I could stay the night. I was so distressed.
Then Stephanie said her parents said I could stay the summer at their house in Parsippany, about 45 minutes away from my job. So I brought all my stuff back down to my car, and drove to Stephanie's house, and hauled all my things into her house and up to the second floor to the guest room. Her family just sat there watching TV and never offered to help bring any of my things in. I was so grateful they invited me to stay in their home, but dismayed at how they just sat there without offering to help.
#17: Kean College, Union, NJ
#17
August 1985 - May 1987
August 1985 - May 1987
Junior and senior year of college
Junior year:
Roommate Stephanie Simon, another OT major
Two other roommates were Dee, a tiny, feisty Greek girl who was in
a sorority, and another girl whose name I don't remember but she was
very uptight. She was engaged, and I remember we all kind of felt
sorry for her fiancee. She graduated end of the year, and then we
awkwardly asked Dee if she could move out so our friends Marybeth
Curry and Lori Macechok, also OT majors, could move in for senior year.
a sorority, and another girl whose name I don't remember but she was
very uptight. She was engaged, and I remember we all kind of felt
sorry for her fiancee. She graduated end of the year, and then we
awkwardly asked Dee if she could move out so our friends Marybeth
Curry and Lori Macechok, also OT majors, could move in for senior year.
Got job as a Salary Administration Assistant at National State Bank,
working 25 hours per week. Unable to stay full track with OT program,
so had to go “off track” which meant an extra year of school.
working 25 hours per week. Unable to stay full track with OT program,
so had to go “off track” which meant an extra year of school.
Bought my first car, brand new Mercury Lynx, stripped down with
manual transmission, no a/c, no power anything. Couldn’t even drive it
off the lot bc I didn’t know how to drive a stick. I think it was mostly Kevin
Inman that taught me? Gave Mommy my old Bug. Daddy cosigned the
car loan, but got mad bc I saw the paperwork, which listed his salary.
He didn't think it appropriate that I knew how much he made (which
was about $75,000).
I was good at being able to put a lot of my money in the bank, but I also
sent a "stipend" to Fred, b/c he did not have a job, feeling he had to give
everything to his heavy course load (pre-Med Chemistry major). So I
sent him pocket money so he could go to the movies, eat out some, etc.
I also sent some money home to Mommy.
manual transmission, no a/c, no power anything. Couldn’t even drive it
off the lot bc I didn’t know how to drive a stick. I think it was mostly Kevin
Inman that taught me? Gave Mommy my old Bug. Daddy cosigned the
car loan, but got mad bc I saw the paperwork, which listed his salary.
He didn't think it appropriate that I knew how much he made (which
was about $75,000).
I was good at being able to put a lot of my money in the bank, but I also
sent a "stipend" to Fred, b/c he did not have a job, feeling he had to give
everything to his heavy course load (pre-Med Chemistry major). So I
sent him pocket money so he could go to the movies, eat out some, etc.
I also sent some money home to Mommy.
The summer between junior and senior year I was able to get a job as
RA in another campus dorm, for summer students. Worked out
perfectly so I could keep my job at the bank. I would drive home
to LBI on weekends.
RA in another campus dorm, for summer students. Worked out
perfectly so I could keep my job at the bank. I would drive home
to LBI on weekends.
Senior year:
Me ("Banana"), Stephanie ("Puff"), Marybeth ("MB"), and Lori
("Lawrence", "Lawrence Taylor", "LT"). Friend Denise in another dorm,
("Niecy Noodle", "Noodle")
("Lawrence", "Lawrence Taylor", "LT"). Friend Denise in another dorm,
("Niecy Noodle", "Noodle")
Lots of Ramen noodles and matzah bread
Lots of fun, trips to campus pub, study parties where we all got very silly
School was academically challenging, but we all helped each other and
all did really well.
Fred decided to buy a puppy he saw at Boscov's dept store. A
Husky/Shepherd mix we named Kaya. It was a really stupid move,
bc neither of us could keep her at school. So Mommy actually took her in
for a few months until Fred was home after the school year ended.
School was academically challenging, but we all helped each other and
all did really well.
Fred decided to buy a puppy he saw at Boscov's dept store. A
Husky/Shepherd mix we named Kaya. It was a really stupid move,
bc neither of us could keep her at school. So Mommy actually took her in
for a few months until Fred was home after the school year ended.
#16: Kean College Union, NJ
#16
Kean College
Union, NJ
1st floor apt
August 1984 - May 1985
Sophomore year college
Roommate Renee Breeden. A little bit of a culture clash as she was
black and came from an urban area. I don't think she knew what to
make of me. She found it beyond belief that I did not own a house key
and we never locked our doors. I don’t really remember two other apt-mates.
black and came from an urban area. I don't think she knew what to
make of me. She found it beyond belief that I did not own a house key
and we never locked our doors. I don’t really remember two other apt-mates.
Worked in a photo dept of a dept store, mostly making phone calls to set
up appts
up appts
Fred proposed. During a weekend visit, sitting on the bed in my dorm, he
handed me the ring box and said, "Here". I wasn't exactly sure that he was
proposing, and didn't know to put the ring on my left hand until a friend told me.
We were 20, I think.
handed me the ring box and said, "Here". I wasn't exactly sure that he was
proposing, and didn't know to put the ring on my left hand until a friend told me.
We were 20, I think.
#15: East 31st St Beach Haven Gardens, NJ
#15
East 31st St
Beach Haven Gardens, NJ
May 1984 - August 1984
East 31st St
Beach Haven Gardens, NJ
May 1984 - August 1984
I moved back into Mommy's house the summer after my first year of college.
She had moved again since I graduated.
I worked at MAB Paint Store (along with Fred) in the morning, and then the Colony
Movie Theatre at night. It was a rough summer with Mommy, with lots of arguments.
She objected to me driving home late at night after visiting with Fred. I remember her
blocking me from walking out of the bedroom we were arguing in, and her slapping my
face. I felt so trapped.
Summers after that when I would go home, I would just stay with Fred, first at his
(Dad's) house, and then later we stayed in Joe and Donna's old trailer.
She had moved again since I graduated.
I worked at MAB Paint Store (along with Fred) in the morning, and then the Colony
Movie Theatre at night. It was a rough summer with Mommy, with lots of arguments.
She objected to me driving home late at night after visiting with Fred. I remember her
blocking me from walking out of the bedroom we were arguing in, and her slapping my
face. I felt so trapped.
Summers after that when I would go home, I would just stay with Fred, first at his
(Dad's) house, and then later we stayed in Joe and Donna's old trailer.
#14: 509 S Plaza Franklin Lakes, NJ
#14
509 S Plaza
Franklin Lakes, NJ
August 1983 - May 1984
A purchased 3 bedroom house (Daddy's and Caggy's).
Carey and Michelle were little, not in school yet.
Carey and Michelle were little, not in school yet.
I lived there my freshman year of college (Ramapo) as a commuter
student. I had a bedroom set up in basement
Plan was to take two years of gen ed and then transfer to SUNY College student. I had a bedroom set up in basement
of Environmental Science and Forestry (accepted into program junior year
of high school). Changed my mind for practical reasons like too far removed
from Fred and poor earning potential. Changed to the more pragmatic
course of Occupational Therapy.
Worked as receptionist at Apple Ridge Country Club.
Fred and I started our long-distance relationship, since he was in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Once a week phone calls, several letters per
week, maybe once a month face-to-face visits
When the school year ended, I moved back home with Mommy before the
next school year.
When the school year ended, I moved back home with Mommy before the
next school year.
#13: W 21st St Ship Bottom, NJ
#13
W 21st St
Ship Bottom, NJ
April 1981 - August 1983
Year-round rental
3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths
Second floor of two floor duplex, bayfront
Second floor of two floor duplex, bayfront
No dock, but bulkhead
Beautiful sunsets
Powerful winds, needed to nail door shut sometimes to keep it from
blowing open
Kerosene heater, burning holes in our nightgowns
blowing open
Kerosene heater, burning holes in our nightgowns
Taking raft or inner tubes out on bay
Donald bought an old black convertible Cadillac
Donald graduated HS and joined the National Guard
Donald bought an old black convertible Cadillac
Donald graduated HS and joined the National Guard
Worked at Taco Island, diner as waitress, Colony Movie Theatre
Junior prom with Matt Bradley
Surprise 18th birthday party
Surprise 18th birthday party
Senior prom with Scott Vanaman
Started dating Fred right after prom. He'd come pick me up for a date
and Veronica would go get her little purse and we'd take her with us.
Daddy gave me my first car, green 1969 VW Bug. Over time, lots
of problems, including hole in floor on driver’s side, so I would get
splashed if I drove over a puddle, wipers that needed a “push start”,
almost non-functional heat. It was a "semi-automatic", so I had to shift
gears, but no clutch. Engine in the back, storage under the hood.
and Veronica would go get her little purse and we'd take her with us.
Daddy gave me my first car, green 1969 VW Bug. Over time, lots
of problems, including hole in floor on driver’s side, so I would get
splashed if I drove over a puddle, wipers that needed a “push start”,
almost non-functional heat. It was a "semi-automatic", so I had to shift
gears, but no clutch. Engine in the back, storage under the hood.
Graduated HS there
I was able to get full financial aid for college, and Fred got a full merit
scholarship to King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
I was able to get full financial aid for college, and Fred got a full merit
scholarship to King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
#12 102 E 15th St Ship Bottom, NJ
#12
102 E 15th St
Ship Bottom, NJ
July 1978 - April 1981
Year-round rental
Bungalow, ocean block
My own bedroom on second floor, with yellow shag carpeting, a
beanbag chair, and lots of posters of horses and Christopher Atkins
beanbag chair, and lots of posters of horses and Christopher Atkins
Washer on the back porch often froze, so we had to take clothes to
the laundromat or wash by hand in tub (used underside of Donald's
skateboard as washboard).
No dryer, so hung clothes on
line in back yard or on lines rigged up in stairwell
the laundromat or wash by hand in tub (used underside of Donald's
skateboard as washboard).
No dryer, so hung clothes on
line in back yard or on lines rigged up in stairwell
One time a baby cardinal kept flying to me and landing on my
shoulder or head when I was hanging clothes, with the Mama bird
scolding him.
Wounded goose in tub.
shoulder or head when I was hanging clothes, with the Mama bird
scolding him.
Wounded goose in tub.
Babysitting the Tevin kids, Thought they were so rich.
Lots of fun with friends, going to the beach.
Getting Veronica ready for school and on the bus
Spaceship box I made for Ron
We always ate dinner on TV trays in LR bc there was no room at table
"Furniture shopping" on big trash night with Bob's truck
We always ate dinner on TV trays in LR bc there was no room at table
"Furniture shopping" on big trash night with Bob's truck
Photography class in high school
Mommy very depressed, lots of time in her dark cave of a room
Started to become aware that we were poor.
Food stamps for grocery shopping, "government cheese", generic
food, donations from churches
Carl lived with us from 8/79 till 8/80Started to become aware that we were poor.
Food stamps for grocery shopping, "government cheese", generic
food, donations from churches
Gave Mitzi away
High school
Color guard
Band trips#11: 32 E 16th St Surf City, NJ
#11
32 E 16th St
Surf City, NJ
September 1976 - July 1978
Year-round rental
First floor of a two floor duplex. Upper unit summer rental, lots of noise
Ocean block
Mary, Veronica and I shared a room, Donald had a room, as did Mommy
Halloween candy stolen in a “mugging” when I was maybe 11 or 12
Mommy took pity on me and transformed a front porch room that had been
used as storage into a bedroom for me. First bedroom of my own. Very
tiny, only enough room to hold the bed and a dresser, but I loved it
used as storage into a bedroom for me. First bedroom of my own. Very
tiny, only enough room to hold the bed and a dresser, but I loved it
First “boyfriend” Pat Taylor, one of the summer rental folks from upstairs
Records playing during dinner, stack of 45s
Simon and Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond
Mommy going out in evenings to The Villa on the Blvd
Connie spent a lot of time with us when her Mom would take off.
Connie spent a lot of time with us when her Mom would take off.
Matt and Ann Bradley
Donald got an Atari with Pong
Donald's model airplanes and ships
Donald taught me about football. I knew all the teams and QBs
Overrun with fleas. Glasses of water throughout the house where we would
pick off fleas and put them in water glasses to drown
pick off fleas and put them in water glasses to drown
Before moving, washed every item of clothing, sheets, towels, etc at
laundromat, and double bagged in black trash bags
laundromat, and double bagged in black trash bags
#10: 5901 Ocean Blvd Brant Beach, NJ
#10
5901 Ocean Blvd
Brant Beach, NJ
January 1976 - July 1976
Small 1 bedroom/2 room apt over garage of Bishop’s house
Mary and I shared twin bed, Donald on pull-out trundle, Veronica in crib
(all in bedroom), Mommy on daybed in main room.
(all in bedroom), Mommy on daybed in main room.
Ocean-front
Dark brown cedar shingles, yellow trim
Got lost on beach first time taking bus home from school, not sure
which bus stop
which bus stop
Fire in kitchen when power came back on, catching towel over parakeet
cage on fire. Donald put it out.
cage on fire. Donald put it out.
Mommy's fish net with starfish and shells
Bob's kitchen counter
Miss Julie
Mary’s BD party at Bishop’s house
Mommy was housekeeper/cook for Bishop
Mommy was housekeeper/cook for Bishop
Latin masses in Bishop’s LR
Donald, Mary, and I stayed with Daddy and Caggy that summer while
Mommy and Veronica stayed with friends until they could find a new place.
Donald, Mary, and I stayed with Daddy and Caggy that summer while
Mommy and Veronica stayed with friends until they could find a new place.
#9: 1301 Personality Ct Lexington, KY
#9
1301 Personality Ct
Lexington, KY
? - 1/76 (?)
A purchased 3 bedroom small ranch home
Best friend Chris
1:1 Talks with Daddy on deck
Wall ball in basement
Caggy's notes on floor
The "good sofa" we could only sit on in our church clothes
The little park area Daddy built down by the creek in the woods
From there to LA to see Mommy and meet Veronica 7/75, but then
back to KY till 1/76
back to KY till 1/76
Asked Mommy how women became pregnant. She told me the
man gives the woman a seed.
man gives the woman a seed.
#8: 3550 Pimlico Parkway Apt 93 Lexington, KY
#8
3550 Pimlico Parkway
Apt 93
Lexington, KY
4/75 (?) -
Three bedroom apt.
Moved there end of 4th grade b/c Mommy was pregnant, although we didn’t
know that at the time of the move
Liver and onions
Moved there end of 4th grade b/c Mommy was pregnant, although we didn’t
know that at the time of the move
Liver and onions
#7: Bay Terrace Ship Bottom, NJ
#7
Bay Terrace
Ship Bottom, NJ
Sept 1974 - May 1975
Winter rental
Bayside half of a second floor apt above garage
2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Sand and gravel back yard
On the bay with a dock
Fishing, swimming, crabbing, Mommy’s attempt to cook crabs
About 2 blocks from LBI Elementary School
Friends with Noelle
Mommy’s boyfriend John
Mommy bought me Princess, with money from the divorce, I guess.
She was a leopard Appaloosa with a roached mane. We boarded her
where we bought her, in Parkertown. Mommy would drive me out there when
she could so I could ride her.
Mommy turned 30 our first full day there. Kids were 11, 9 and 6.
Mommy wrote: "That's where we lived when I found out I'd have Veronica,
and I was happy (just surprised!). The bay froze in winter, and winter winds
would blow across that ice. I'd be happy when my children were home from
school".
Mommy bought me Princess, with money from the divorce, I guess.
She was a leopard Appaloosa with a roached mane. We boarded her
where we bought her, in Parkertown. Mommy would drive me out there when
she could so I could ride her.
Mommy turned 30 our first full day there. Kids were 11, 9 and 6.
Mommy wrote: "That's where we lived when I found out I'd have Veronica,
and I was happy (just surprised!). The bay froze in winter, and winter winds
would blow across that ice. I'd be happy when my children were home from
school".
Met Caggy Dec (?) 1974, they married 1/4/75
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)