Sunday, July 14, 2013

So, what did happen on the eve of Dad’s 22nd birthday?

Mum said YES!

To My Darling Incy

On the eve of my 22nd Birthday, there wasn’t a happier man on this earth than me. Thanks for saying “yes” and here’s to a Wonderful and Glorious future, together.

Loving You only, for Ever and a Day,
Mac.
xxxxx 8.12.1945 xxxxx


Mum's autograph book, a gift on her 15th birthday 1937
11th June ‘37
With fond love
from
Mum, Dad and Sisters
for
A Happy Birthday

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Bob, Johnny & Mac

When I first had a look through all of Mum & Dad’s photos in the big box that lives in my spare room, I didn’t know what to do with them and had no idea about starting this blog. Some photos were in albums but most were just loose in Kodak wallets and I left them as they were except for this picture of Bob, Johnny & Mac. It caught my eye for two reasons and so I put it to one side.

I used to work in Liverpool in the early 1980s in a photographic darkroom. I would travel in by train and occasionally get the ferry across the Mersey when the trains were on strike. I took it for granted that Port Sunlight village had its own train station and really enjoyed being able to walk to the station, something I still do where I live now in Cark-in-Cartmel. When I was a teenager Anne also worked in Liverpool and I would often meet her off the train with our dog Max. As we walked through the Dell, Max would always know where we were going and as soon as we saw Anne walking down the stone steps opposite the station, Max would run to her and nearly knock her over! He was a big alsatian. I’m sure Anne has some fond memories of him. Keith used to take him for walks and runs too. I think I’m right in saying that Max had a go at all the family (bark, bite, growl) except Mum.... he was a bit of a mad dog!

Anyway, one of me mates at werk looked just like Bob in the photo... it’s so uncanny that when I look at it I just burst out laughing! It makes me think of the James Cole character in Terry Gilliam’s Twelve Monkeys.

The other reason is Dad’s big grin!.... he looks so happy. I can see so many of my family’s faces in Dad’s face... me, Keith, Kerry...

Anyone know who Bob & Johnny are? Dad has a bandage on his knee and I wonder if this has anything to do with his accident? Rob knows that story I think?

Dad could be so happy because it could be the 8th December 1945, the eve of Dad’s 22nd birthday. What happened on that day I hear you ask..... well that’s another blog post!!!.......


A happy Mac & pals
Back of above print