My Favorite food

What foods do you like and dislike? Describe any food allergies you or other family members had.  Were there two or three food dishes your mother or father made that were especially memorable?

My favorite foods are just about any food with exception to sweet potato. Baked boiled, or candied any way you can cook it I dislike it!   I am not sure why I have such an aversion to them but I do.  We seldom ate together as a family but when my mom did cook we all ate every single bite we could get.  

She was an amazing cook. 

The foods I love and remember my mom cooking as a child are: 

First rutabagas- A thanksgiving delicacy. She cooked them several ways, boiled like potato’s or broiled under the oven grill.  I love them any way as long as they are covered with butter!

FIRST!!  Begin early in the morning!  hours and hours before you need to cook  them! HA!

They have a very hard outer core that you have to peel.  Well I guess you could consider this a form of "finger" exercise!!

Recipe:  Put them in a pan of cold salted water, cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer until very tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Drain the rutabagas, return them to the pan, and heat gently for 2 or 3 minutes to dry them. Mash the chunks with a potato masher or fork, the puree will always be slightly fibrous.

COVER WITH BUTTER -oooooo yeah! 

Second is Yorkshire pudding.  No it’s not pudding but a type of puffy biscuit.  You make if from the beef rendering.  You put that rendering in a cupcake pan and pour in a flour based mixture and put the whole thing into a very hot oven and it turns into this puffy delishiousness.  YUM!  I’ve tried many times but never quite got it like my mom’s.

Recipe:  After you have cooked your roast.....

Vegetable oil, if necessary, 1 cup all-purpose flour, cup milk ,1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs 

Increase oven temperature to 450°F. In medium bowl, beat flour, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the eggs with wire whisk just until smooth. Pour batter into pan of drippings and oil. Bake 18 to 23 minutes or puffy and golden brown (pudding will puff during baking but will deflate shortly after being removed from oven).

The dealio with these delicacies is you have to have beef gravy

(and my momma could make scratch beef gravy!)

and you pour your gravy in these cute little gravy boats.

The next thing is Spaghetti.  Most people make spaghetti in a pot, but my mom used her black cast iron frying pan.   She would fry the hamburger, use fresh tomatoes, onions, and then sometimes mushrooms if we had them, and then various spices.  I used to stand behind her and hold her legs and she would shake the pan to get it just right- I would shake right along with her.  It would cook on the stove for hours.  If there was any left for dinner after all the fingers just grabbing a piece here and spoonful there it was amazing!

The only thing my Dad cooked was when I was in Young visiting him as an adult.  He made potato cakes. They were fresh potatoes from his garden, and he put tuna fish in them.  He fried them in a black cast iron pan.  They were delish!  Other than that my dad never cooked. 

As far as any family allergies,  I can only think of one thing.  
My baby sister Geraldine has Celiac Disease.  It is a intolerance to gluten. She realized she had this as an adult It has been a real struggle for her and took her quite a while, but she has learned to adjust her lifestyle and live with this disease..  

Then I am not sure if this would be considered an allergy, but my oldest sister Louella has diabetes.  She got his also as an adult.  We all wondered who was going to be the first to get this as it runs so rampant in our family.  She has to watch her sugars and carbs.  She controls it with oral medication and diet and appears to manage it quite well.

On a lighter side, again, 

there is my allergic reaction to sweet potatoes! 

 

Strengths

What do you see as your greatest strengths?

What were some of the challenges you have had to deal with in your life?

My greatest strengths?

Boring!!   sighhhh.

Do I have any?

I think I have already given you a good idea of the challenges in my life – no need to repeat them again.

So, Wow…..this took me quite a bit of time to start this post.

As I kept pondering all I could do is think of all my bad qualities.   The strange thing is that my strengths are also part of my weaknesses.  So, I feel this is an oxymoron type of a post.  The good the bad and the ugly.  HA!

I am determined yet stubborn, confident yet head strong, I hold a grudge although I don’t want to, selfish meaning sometimes I don’t trust others to do as good of a job as I can so I do it myself.  Geezzz this stinks to see it in writing. Accomplished, yet lazy.  (Many say how do you do it all?)  The list could go on and on.....  But, let’s not make this a Bobbi Roast shall we?  HA!

If I had to think of a strength, I guess I would say I am not afraid of life.  I take life by the reigns and make it move.  I move fast and hard.  

I think I am that way whether it be trying a new craft,  starting a new job, painting a room, starting a dance business, learning photography, teaching myself genealogy, upholstering a couch for the first time ever, making a decision (in a split second) deciding what to eat for dinner or what to wear that day.  I will make it work. If the outcome is not as good as I had hoped, I move on and make it better next time.  But along with that… is the fault that I don't let anything get in my way which sometimes is not so good.  I mean along with this drive “to do” comes the refusal to listen to others. (ASK MY HUSBAND) 

I think that has come from growing up with 5 women at home.  Having to deal with daily life and just making things happen because no one else was going to make it happen.  I watched my mom do the same thing and learned by modeling myself after her.   

 If I had to think of another strength I would say it would be creativity.  

I watch others as they work and see them struggle to make decisions about what to put where, what colors to use, how to compose their idea,  The either  lay out their options without really trying any of them or give up before they even begin.   For me, I start with an idea having no real “set” plan for the finished product, and make choices as I move along.  Oh, I have had to tear things or pull things down or even start over again up a couple of times, but for the most part, it seems to work out.  I think this goes along with the strength I mentioned above.I guess I am not afraid of changing my idea a little midstream so my creativity is free to flow.  I think if you don’t try it, you’ll never really know what you prefer 

Okay enough about my strengths, I can imagine people may read this and say… what an arrogant woman she was.  I guess I feel like listing your strengths is similar to boasting….

So…then…

TTFN!

Grandparents

Share some memories of your grandparents.

Did your grandparents live close by? If so, describe how they were involved in your life. If they lived far away share some memories of visiting them or of them traveling to visit you.  Who were your aunts and uncles? Write about any of your aunts or uncles who really stand out in your mind. Give some details about them (names, personalities, events that you remember doing with them, and so on).

I lived most of my life not knowing any family relations.

It was just my immediate family-my Mom and 4 sisters.  Back in the day..... my day.....  that was a little unusual, but now I think that is considered a "norm".  I didn't really realize I didn't have family because most of the people who lived around us kind of adopted us “Twining girls"  They looked after us and kept my mom informed of all goings on...  what do they say, "it takes a village"!  I can't say that I wasn't jealous of those who had grandparents and were showered by them at Christmas, birthdays, and school events, but I think my mom helped us cope with it by being the strong person she was.  Thanks Mom!  

There are a few memories of mom's family....

The only person who visited from my Mom's side was her Uncle Robert.  We girls called him Uncle Robert as well.    My mom grew up in her granny's house and Uncle Robert was granny’s son.  Jemima was her daughter, so my Mom grew up with her aunts and uncles kinda like her brothers and sisters.  The memory I have of Uncle Robert was he was short and stocky.  He had a Scottish accent which I LOVED!  These memories are from when I was in grade school so they aren’t very clear.  He and his "friend" drove to TX from Canada for a visit.  I am pretty sure he stayed for a day or two.  I really don't remember the visit very much, it was short and we never saw him again.  My older sister Joanne had a relationship with him when they both were in Florida, but that didn't end well.  Uncle Robert live the last years of his life in Canada. I spoke to him a couple of times just briefly. He sent me a few pictures and told me about his life and sent me a family history outline.  He was a double amputee from his diabetes was in a wheelchair, and not able to get around too much.  He lived the last years of his life alone and passed away from Diabetes in Canada in XXXX

The people from my Dad’s side were:

There was my Dad's sister Lola and her husband Frank Robertson. They had two children, Tom and Doreen.  Being young I really never knew why they moved to Texas, but I supposed it was to be around my Dad.  I think my Uncle Frank sold insurance, and Aunt Lola was a stay at home mom.  But I could be way off base as well.  they lived in the same town, but we only had an occasional visit.   

Taken in the backyard in our home in Denison

Lola, Dad, Glen

Doreen Tom Bobbi Joanne

Judy Geraldine

 While Aunt Lola lived in TX, my grandfather Glenn Twining came alone for a visit.  He only visited the one time and I really don't remember much about it.  I do remember his calm loving voice and his beautiful eyes.  They were the same as my Dads.  My Uncle Frank was a lovely man. I think I can say that he loved us with some confidence.  He was kind, soft spoken, and always showed us attention when he was around.  I was afraid of my Aunt Lola.  She was stern and somewhat abrupt and never really acted like she like any of us.  Sometime around the time when my father left for England, Aunt Lola and Uncle Frank moved to Ohio.  My mom and younger sisters visited them once, and I went up there for a few days when I was in elementary school.  

Aunt Lola, Doreen, Geraldine, Judy, Uncle Frank

Taken in Ohio

At some point in time, my Grandfather Glenn Joseph Twining moved to Ohio and passed away there.  23 Nov 1965

After a few years after that, Lola and Frank separated and then divorced on May 5, 1976.  Lola stayed in Ohio and Uncle Frank moved to Florida. Tom and Doreen still live in Ohio but don't have a relationship with each other.  Aunt Lola passed away in 21 Sept 2009 in Ohio and Uncle Frank passed away in  30 April 2009.  I believe due to his severe illness he moved back to Ohio with Doreen where he passed away.  Lola and Frank are buried in the same plot in Ohio.  I'm fine would be just a glimmer into Uncle Franks personality.  He never worried about himself, always about someone else.  

Doreen had one daughter, and lost her husband early.  She has one grandchild but we never from her.  Tom is married with children, I think 3 but I don't know of his whereabouts in Ohio.  Its strange that I am so dedicated to having a strong family when I grew up with very little.

During the times when my dad lived in AZ his mother moved into a motor home in Young.  I visited there as an adult and met Josephine my grandmother.  I remember her coming to the door and how shocked I was because she looked just like my aunt Lola.  We chatted for an hour or so, and then I left.  She gave me a few mementos and some family pictures.  But that was the only conversation I remember having with her.  I wish I had more “nerve” to stay longer, ask more questions, or even start a relationship with her.  But she passed away shortly thereafter and it was too late.

 So there you have it.  

My family in a nutshell.  

And some of them were nuts!  
But a nut never falls far from the tree.

Perhaps that is why I want my family to be "normal" and know and love each other all their lives.  After I am gone, that is the legacy I hope I have instilled. I hope my children have a strong desire to always stay in touch, and to have the cousins close to each other..  Love, forgive, forget, because there is strength in family, and families are ETERNAL!  

School Details

Where did you go to school? Give some details about what was school like for you and some of your memorable experiences. What were your favorite subjects in school? Explain why.  What subjects did you like the least? Explain why.  Who were some of your friends in school? Explain what your friends were like and what they are doing today if you know that.  If you went to college or a vocational school, what school did you attend? Describe what memories you have of those years and what subjects you studied.

Okay so it is July 25th and I have missed about 4 months of journaling. So I am going to combine 5 questions into one post.  Lets see how it turns out... 

I went to Kindergarten through 2nd grade in England.  I rode the bus to Schothrope AFB with my sisters.  I got bus sick almost every morning.  I don't remember much about the school.  

I started out 3rd grade in Denison Tx at Golden Rule Elementary School.  It was a small school that was located by the "Peanut Factory" which kinda smelled.  Just down the street was Freds.  Freds was a local mom and pop Circle K type of market.  I mention this because this little store was one of my only times I got in trouble at school.  We had recess and lunch at the same time and it switched occasionally.  Lunch first then recess and it would switch recess first and then lunch.  My friend had permission to walk to Freds at lunch time.  (I did not).  So.... we got recess and lunch mixed up and walked to Freds when we thought lunch was to be.  Then it took us longer than we thought and we got back late.  “Well when we got back, everyone was up in arms.... I walked into my classroom and they were just leaving for lunch.  My teacher yelled “Bobbi you go to the Principals office immediately” I’m guessing they though I was intentionally skipping school.  I went to the principal’s office, got a spanking, he called my mom, my mom had to leave work and come pick me up.  I thought my life was over. Really the whole ordeal was really quite innocent.  Needless to say I never walked to Freds again.  

My 4rd grade teacher was Mrs. Anderson and I loved her. She was an older white haired lady who was very kind to me.  

As an adult, I visited the school,  and realized just how small it really was. Unfortunately it has been torn down now.  

Wow... I guess I AM old!

I went to McDaniel Jr High school

which was located pretty much downtown Denison.   I rode the bus- which of course was NOT cool.  I was a Twirler for the band and played the clarinet like my older sister Joanne.  I loved being a twirler (which is different than a majorette) but some of my friends were trying out for cheer and so did I.  I made it and was so excited!  Go Hornets!! McDaniel was a old three story building - and pretty old even in my day.  

But I LOVED IT!

Across the street was Watsonburger.  The best burger joint in town.  All my friends would eat lunch there, but I didn't have money (just those old bologna sandwiches)  but enjoyed walking across and getting lunch with my friends.  Mom gave us 15cents for a carton of milk, and I would save that up and occasionally get a shake or something. At this time girls wore dresses to school and they had to come down to the middle of our index finger.  (Twiggy Style) I had lots of great memories cheering and making new friends.  

A silly memory that I have is….   the high school boys would drive over to the Jr. High and watch the girls do PE outside for 5th and 6th period.  I had PE 5th and Cheer 6th.  One day for PE we were running track around the school (in our one piece PE uniforms) and some arrogant High school boy called out to me from his car.... "Hey Sparkle legs" again "Hey Sparkle Legs" ..... "when's your mom gonna let you shave?"  At first I didn't get it, but then it hit me.  My blonde hair on my legs was sparkling in the sun.  I was sooo embarrassed.  That night without permission from my mom, I used my sister razor and shaved my legs. 

And... Paul Willliams... oh Paul!!!  Hunk of DHS!  He was a year under my oldest sister, was a Sr. in high school when I was in the 9^th grade.  I had met him at one of the High school games and he was friends with one of my friends older sister.  He was the most handsome man at Denison High, the football Quarterback, and he called me!!!!  Yep , he called ME when I was in the 9th grade and asked me out.  I begged my mom.... beg is not quite strong enough, pleaded, begged, moaned and begged some more... and she said no.  I was too young.  It crushed me- I thought my life was over!  You can’t imagine the sadness I had when I had to tell him no.    

But. my oh my.. how times have changed!  I would have been about 14.  Dating had never really been on my mind.  Not even in a group. (Good call mom!) 

My favorite school subjects in Jr & High School were English, History, Science and Socializing!  Hated math.  I had a great Science teacher who motivated me- can't remember his name anymore.  But I was a straight A student, always.  It came pretty easy to me without much studying.  Always on the Honor roll.  

A couple of my friend were Barbara Jacobs, Rhonda Stull.  I was friends with the cheerleaders.  I was widening my horizons and experiencing new people and things. I had lived such a sheltered life until this time.  It seemed like everyone was rich and had experience so much more than I had.  

Denison High School

Take the Axe Back! Pork chops Pork Chops greasy greasy we can beat the Bobcats Easy Easy! 

I attended Denison High School where I was a cheerleader all three years.  My Best friend was Diana Pipkin was on the cheer squad me.  She and I both had boyfriends that were two years older.  They both graduated while we were sophomores.  So our Jr. and Sr. year we both hung out a lot.  She had a car and I didn’t.  She would start her car with a push button on the dashboard!  Imagine that!  She took me everywhere. Reid Swain (my boyfriend) parents were huge football fans so they would often pick me up to get to the games.  We didn't go on dates, but we went to all the parties and activities and waited for our boyfriends to come into town for dates. I was lucky to have such a great friend with good morals and standards.  I continued to be a straight A student because school was still easy for me.  Some other friends in high school were Susan Eustice, Jerry Means, XXX     It was a happy time in a small town

Those were the days.... and my mom wasn't around much in those days.  She worked and worked.  She expected much and we didn't like to disappoint her.  I was lucky she instilled in me good morals and qualities otherwise I could have been a pretty wild child!  It was the 70's for heavens sakes—

Peace! 

Far out! Cool!  

Keep on Truckin! 

Catch you on the sly! 

Keep on Keepin on! 

Dream On!, 

Pysche! 

Barf ! 

Right on! 

Can ya dig it! 

Don’t be a spaz! 

To the Max! 

Funky!  

Chill out! 

Right on!  

Its like cool man! 

What it is! 

Jive turkey!