Mothers in Law
Friends
Polly loved to swim. She was at their cabin by a lake in North Guilford, and one day she swam half way across, then decided it was just as easy to finish the journey all the way. My grandmother Agnes scolded her and said “Don’t ever do that again.”
I remember that story well. Every time I called mom from Florida and told her I took a walk and a swim, she would say I don’t like to walk, and then retell that story.
Agnes was Walt’s mom so she was obviously fond of Polly by making that remark. They loved each other, and she was special. They came to visit for a few summers, and Grandpa Dan helped my dad paint the house, and Granny helped with the cooking.
Ruth Ellen and Polly were great friends. Mom always said to me: ”You are lucky to be married to her”. I always responded Ruth Ellen is the lucky one. Then she would say “Yes she is.” The respect was mutual.
Haircuts
Ali often cooks using mom’s cast iron skillet. This is the same one that Agnes accidently hit me with one day as she and mom were were frying peppers and onions. I forgave her, but it took me much longer when she suggested to mom to put a bowl on my head and cut my hair. Not wanting to offend her, mom did it. I wore a hat for a week or so, problem solved.
One day she took Dave and me to get a haircut, and we were trying to be cool I guess. She marched us back in and said this is too long, cut it shorter or we’re never coming back. What a tough negotiator she was.