Friday, July 26, 2019

Memories



Not one day passes, without I reflect on how I was raised.
I was fortunate to spend endless hours with a grandma who loved to take me along wherever she went, as  a result of that,  I was able to experience a grown up world through a child's eyes..

My grandma Ciss owned a bakery for thirty six years, each morning at seven sharp, she began her bread-baking, and sweet confectionaries. The tea-kettle whistled on the hob all day long, serving endless cups of tea to visitors throughout the day.
Policemen (bobbies) walked the foot-beat back then, and "Cissy's" bakery was the place to offer a sit-down, and enjoy a custard tart and a nice cup of tea. She was well loved  for her generosity.
I helped in her bakery since I was old enough to walk, doing all kinds of chores, from peeling bucket loads of potatoes for the meat and potato pies, serving the customers,  to delivering the freshly baked loaves of bread each day.




On Monday, her day off, we would ride the double-decker bus into Liverpool, and deposit her weekly earnings into the Littlewood's Bank. My grandmother loved Liverpool, it was her place of birth, a bustling city, with all that a city has to offer.




After shopping and eating lunch in John Lewis department store, we would make our way to the Pier Head at the River Mersey, and board a ferry boat to New Brighton, I'd play in the sand with my bucket and spade, and Ciss would sit and feed the seagulls. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we'd make our return ferry ride back to the mainland, and head home on the bus.
Simple days spent with my grandma, nurtured and loved, innocence and childhood going hand in hand.
I miss her with a passion.





18 comments:

Edna B said...

Such treasures your memories of Grandma are. I love those photos. It's always so nice to see the places one talks about. Especially because I have never been there. My heritage is English. My direct ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Lots of history here. I can tell from seeing photos of your house and yard the type of person you are. You are very nurturing like your Grandma. That is so wonderful. You have a super day, hugs, Edna B.

local alien said...

What a wonderful tribute. You grew up with a lot of love and great memories!
She loved bed on!!

Susie said...

Jo, What wonderful memories of your times with your grandmother. I love reading about your trips to Liverpool. That would seem like such an adventure to me to ferry to and from. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

DJan said...

Such a great story about a wonderful woman. You were so fortunate to have her in your life. She sounds like one in a million. :-)

marlane said...

Thank you for sharing your memories. I also had a Granny who lived not far from yours in Levenshulme, Manchester and I have happy memories also. Except she had two as I am a twin. We went to Blackpool for a day out. Times have changed so much since then.
http://picturepedigree.blogspot.com/

Kathy said...

Such wonderful memories. Wish I could have met her. She seems like such a warm, loving and caring person. Thanks for telling us about her.

Chy said...

Thanks for sharing Jo. Such a lovely memory! X Chy

Merlesworld said...

I to have fond memories of my grandmother from long ago.
Merle.........

NanaDiana said...

She looks like a lovely soul...I can tell she is a good person just by looking at her. How lucky you were to have her in your life. I had an aunt that was like that...and my memories of her are beyond precious. xo Diana

Heritage Hall said...

What lovely experiences and memories your Grandmother provided.
She looks like a "knowing" and sharing spirit. Your were blessed, indeed.

Changes in the wind said...

What a great blessing to be able to spend time with your Grandma and all she taught and shared. These things can not be taught but have to be caught.

local alien said...

Heaven knows what that last line was meant to say. Complete nonsense!

Belinda said...

What wonderful memories of your grandmother. It sounds so lovely.

Janice Kay Schaub said...

I love your memories and I had some lovely ladies in my life too. Our Auntie Annie was one she was the one who took me to tend family graves and maybe that's why I love old graveyards. Even here in the US I enjoy looking around the older ones.

The Wykeham Observer said...

Good memories of your life with grandma. Worth more than anything.

Anonymous said...

I loved hearing your story. My grandmother taught me to
quilt on her front porch when I was 12 yrs old and I'm still
quilting today. She was also a baker.
I would love to go back to Liverpool if I ever get the chance.
Your pictures brought back good memories.

Henny Penny said...

Oh Jo, so glad I looked back at your posts and didn't miss this one. I loved every word and picture. I can just picture you playing in the sand with your little bucket. Your grandmother was a beautiful woman. What good memories. When you move back to England, will you take me along? :)

L. D. said...

The memories are so wonderful. Even though a lot of it was everyday life, the flavor of your country seems to always linger. My British Aunt Eileen has been gone for a long time now. We lost her daughter a couple of years ago to cancer. Her brother is still alive and her too children live in California. Neither of those two really can’t begin to have any memories other than what my Aunt had share. Your grandmother has a gentle face.