More to Get the Bitches...

My parent's household/family...

(large row home in SW Philly - never renivated)

Furniture mom purchased, her blond bedroom set, and drawers for baby
clothes. My large extended family often trades and passes on furniture.
No stigma attached. Mom's house is a combo of items, like Marie's, no
yellow couch. Large rooms. Furniture replaced when worn out. Depression
mentality. Pulls plugs on appliances instead of switching off. Very
frugle.

Mom born in SW Philly, last of 12 births. Only 6 survived childhood.
Her father a large fierce man, lost eye in a drunken card game. (I used
to stare at grandpop's glass eye on his bureau. He was a diabetic. Lost
a leg from infection. I used to ride on his good leg when he was
hoisted out of bed.) Grandpop abusive towards his wife. Only stopped
when my mother hit him in the head with a frying pan. (Mom still hates
men.) Household was in debt. Mom and aunt T. worked to pay back taxes.
All siblings graduated high school. Two uncles went to college.

Mom didn't want to marry. My dad was persistant and very nice. He won
her over. Mom was a gymnist in High school, pummel horse. She has a
temper. She once took a shot at my brother. He ducked. My father got
the black eye. He told everyone, "My wife beats me." Dad's good joke...
"My dish washer is 55 years old and has never broken down. It's my
wife. HA HA HA" (Laughs like Ricky Ricardo)
Also jokes, "My wife hates men!" "She hits me in her sleep!" He warned
both his sons in law.
Mom wanted to be a nurse. She had severe skin allergies. Her hands
still break out in itchy, watery bumps.

Thanksgiving was always held at home. Christmas at Aunt T's, and Easter
at aunt B's. The three sisters always coordinated their cooking. At
times they'd make fresh pasta or home made raviolli. Baked sweet bread
and large Italian cookie dolls that were iced for Easter gifts. Largest
gatherings at aunt B's in her semi-finished basement. Long table on saw
horses w/ 30 people + kids easily fit.

Mom's parents lived with aunt B. Grandpop farmed the lot next to her
house which they owned. Grandmom could knit and crochet beautifully.
Once caught her kicking a cat in the behind, sending it shooting
accross the yard.

Education drummed into us as kids. More liberal household. My sister,
art teacher - married w/ 4 kids. My brother, single / geologist -
continued ed. - can approve patents... Worked in Austrailia many years.
Was away from home while I grew up and got married...

Dad is the 4th of 5 children born in S. Philly. This grandmother was
energetic and heavy. Told of my father's birth before the kitchen
stove. She moved fast and talked loud and fast. Would shuffle plates on
the table like cards. Not one would fall off. Made killer spaghetti. No
one has matched hers since. Grandpop was a tailor. Taught my father the
trade. Dad also went to trade school. Joined navy - morris code
operator. When they realized he was a tailor they sent him to do that
work.

Dad's quiet and good natured. Loved to tease us as kids. We'd pay back.
My brother once drew on his farehead with macuracrome while he was
sleeping. Tortured my mother once by planting a radio under her bed
with the volume low. Shoved wire under the baseboards to connect it and
would turn it on in the middle of the night. She'd walk around at night
looking for the source. Tortured each other too. Cups of water above
doorways. Vasilined inner bathroom doorknob. Snuck in bathroom and
threw cold water over the shower curtain. Stole the towels.