Thursday, June 22, 2017

House on Kentucky Ave

I moved from Colusa to Woodland when I was about 19 I believe, my Dad had a job for me working with him out at the Knaggs ranch, Mom and Pop lived in the large house on Kentucky, with the half circular driveway, the long spacious porch with the wide steps that were perfect for the kids to sit on and get in the way, how about the large front door, with the awesome brass hardware. As you walk in, the hardwood floors, large living room with fireplace and the opening into the large dining area where we would all enjoy many of Moms delicious meals was awesome, going back farther was the ball room, I had never been in a house with a ball room in my life, kids dug it, cause they could run and slide on the hardwood floors, till they were told to go outside and play, back then, the kids never walked in the house, they ran, seems like they were always enjoying themselves and it seemed like you could always tell which kids were in the house, just by the way they laughed. My kids thoroughly enjoyed being at Grandma and Grandpas house with all their cousins, the memories the kids shared with their cousins developed a strong bond between them that has followed them into adulthood. As you walk through the rest of the house, the five bedrooms, three bathrooms, large pantry, good size kitchen, long hall way, three porches and to top it off, a large spooky wine cellar, The house was surrounded by a tomato field, it was not for everybody, but I dug the smell of the tomato plants. Hell if you wanted a fresh tomato, you could walk out to the back yard and pick one.
I don't think anyone can think about that house with out thinking about the water fights, volley ball games, crack the whip and other games, all the laughter, the food, Moms ice tea, the parties and most of all, Mom and Pop and family and it seemed like on the weekends, I'd be driving to Mom and Pops and I'd see the kids heading over to Kentucky Market to get their candy.
I spent many Sundays sitting on the front porch, sipping ice tea and listening to Mom and Pop telling their stories about the old days, it was even better when some of the older folks had spent the night and would talk about the good old days. Having a beer and talking to Tia Chana and Tio Ray was always fun, I can still picture him rubbing his hands together and teasing Tia Chana about something, my Tia would just say "oh you don't know what your talking about" Belinda and I loved having a cold one with them.
I remember going to work with Pop in the morning, I'd eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast, I know, weird huh. Eating Moms tacos out in the field was always my highlight of the day. Hell, coming home from that hot dusty field, a shower and eating Moms delicious food was also a highlight of my day, I guess you could say, eating Moms food was a highlight of my life.

3 comments:

  1. Hey Tio ... I just read this. I was just thinking about this place yesterday, and wishing I could provide just an inkling of these feelings for my kids. We were always coming in from out of town, so the moments spent with my cousins, my tios and tias, and mostly my grandparents, were just extra special to me. Food, play, music, laughter = love. I miss this ... next year's reunion is a personal goal of mine to be there and reconnect! Cannot wait!

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  2. That house was special for all of us, I just wish all my Grandchildren could have been a part of it. The house is gone now, but the memories will live forever. I'll see y'all at the reunion.

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  3. Wow Bud. I just read this and you brought it alive for me. What a special place, special time, special family, and most of all special mom and dad we were blessed with. I personally don’t know anyone else with a big, laughing, loving, non fighting family like ours... especially with a family home like Kentucky Avenue! And now that I’m blessed to be a grandparent myself, I realize that I have yet another reason to thank my Heavenly Father for parents who showed us how to be the best grandparents! Mom was the ultimate warmth, love, nourishing in every way, grandma. And dad was the ultimate fun grandpa with his pranks. Lol! Get the kids started and list keeps going of how he would prank them in good fun. Buddy, we’re so blessed!!!!
    Love you brudda

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