Happy Memories
Happy Memories
I can not believe the heavy red tile porch roof is still standing.
With all that mud debris standing on one side. It looked heavy
to me yet the roof edge had no buckle or curve. Still looking
straight as an arrow when built over seventy years ago.
Even the gutter and downspout were intact. The wood awning
on the side had been made from sturdy Olive wood shakes
and had survived the weather and even wartime years well.
A very small porch with a two person settee had a metal mop bucket
at one end sitting on a newspaper and towel. Under the bench
were four neatly lined glass liter bottles. On the four foot rope
clothesline were two work towels and one small work cloth.
They had been washed and were neatly pinned hanging
in the slight breeze to dry. They were old and well used
but cleaned with loving hands for the next job.
Five plants, well cared for, were out there in various bright colors.
Another hanging plant Schlumbergera or commonly called Christmas Cacti,
was hanging in the center of the porch.
This one looked to be about ten or more years old. There were buds but no
flowers at this time. May have been a clipping from the original plant.
The floor of the porch was made of modern day very neat red brick
and the small three foot high wall poured cement. They were both
modern contrasts to the ancient cobblestone street directing one
down towards the town.
Someone inside was a neat and tidy housekeeper, that was for sure.
Our walk up was a lot easier than our walk down would be but
I traveled this path many times in my childhood to carry baskets
of produce to Nonnina . She was the mainstay of our family.
A term of endearment meaning our little grandmother. I do miss her.
Today I have happy memories to remember and share.
©Julia A Knaake