Brooklyn Back When - Open Thread

Francesca wrote: Hi Patsy -

Frank is well. He's trying to adjust to being retired (not as well as I adjusted). When we move to FLA he will start a business of some kind; he can't be retired; he's going nuts (thus driving me nuts). I never get bored. It was an adjustment for me to have someone home with me after all these years...

We were not planning to move until we sold my house in NJ; however, since the cold weather is upon us, we've changed our mind. Now we
are planning to go anyhow - sometime end of January. Much to do; I
can't think about it or I get overwhelmed. It is going to be hard; but
I thank GOD it is for a good reason, and my choice. I pray for those who are less fortunate and are losing their homes. I'm practically giving mine away. Ok my dear - love and blessings! Enjoy your weekend!

Hi Francesca,

I got your emailed, but have not responded just yet. Where abouts in Florida do you plan on moving to? I'm sure it's not near me. I wouldn't be so lucky. I'm in Weston (between Miami and Fort Lauderdale). Love ya, honey.

STEVE K,

Put your picture up.

Subject: Gentlemen???

Suzie Benc 17st wrote: Hey Chris....your just an angel...you lost Jeannie not too long ago...and your telling me your sorry....you have a heart of gold....My Brother died along time ago....I was 16 and he just graduated from Bishop Ford....he was 18. Im just thankful for this site that we could all re-connect...with some old and new friends on here.

on a happier note...I found the freakin percolator....lol...in Kmart...they had the aluminum one but it was made cheap ...the top was broke on the one in the store....so I bought the glass one ....My mom used this one also...it was only 18- ...not bad! Now I need something else I can go shopping for....so keep talking ladies....lol. (just kidding)

Hi Franny ....and yes Ms. Bruno was a beautiful women also...literally.

Hey Annmarie... I wrote the address down ...I have to pass 1 night and say hello to all of you ...I miss bs'ing with your Mom....I love that lady!
tell her I said hello....

Hi to the midnight crew.....Janet & Carol...so funny ...I only worked midnights...cause I can stay awake for days ....just dont let me close my eyes.....

Hi Gentlemen & Warren hope your day went well....

Hey! Does this mean I am not a gentleman??????

Suzie - now for then, my condolences. Losing anyone is not easy to bear. I'm sure Michael was the 1st person to greet him when he passed away. I'm very happy that you overcame and became the beautiful, strong angel that you are.

Well, it's finally Friday YIPEE!! Now if I didn't have to work until 8pm tonight it'd be even better!

Everyone enjoy the weekend. I usually don't get a chance to log on/blog over the weekend but I really enjoy my Monday reading of everyone's posts.

Suzie,

This site is a little miracle. We just keep repeating that same sentiment over and over again because it truly is a blessing. It makes me so happy to check in every now and than to see what's going on with my Brooklyn friends. I never thought I would talk to any of you ever again and now after all these years, we're chating about coffee pots, christmas blends, recipes, book deals, learning about each others wonderful talents (festina the artist, marilyn the soon to be author, me and debbie bonavita, cocktail artists, and you helping to save lives).

The best part about this is that it is all so comfortable to communicate with all of you. It's because of the wonderful place we came from.

Well, I just made the 90th snowcone for my son's friends, several rounds of snacks and I'm ready to collapse at only 3:30 p.m. Guess I'll use that percolator!

Wonderful talking to you Sue.

Hugs,
Christina

Hi Francesca-- Sorry, the Sacco name does not ring a bell. What I meant was we knew just about everyone between 5th & 6th aves on 12th Stree but only a few from between the other avenues unless we went to school or Church with them. Since our Church was beetween 4th & 5th Aves on 12th St, I probably saw plenty of people there whose names would not come to me. Some of our neighbors were the Hickey's, Crowley's, Martin's, Walker's, Lombardi's, Placido's, Petito's, Draddy's, Murphy's, Webster's, Highland's, Fiorello's, Barfett's, Flynn's, Jaworski's, Walsh, Cash, Farrel's, Lyons, etc: etc: There were a couple of families just above 6th ave that we knew. One was Mrs. Johnson who was a teacher in PS 40's another was a Mrs Fitzgerald (May have that wrong). She had twins but more likely to know her from Germains. She made the Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches.. Between 4th & 5th aves we knew the Felthams, the Banks and the Strozycks and I am sure some more. .

Hey Warren...Germain's was the best around the Holidays...I remember the quarter rides right opposite the food court....and just sitting on a ride and eating a hotdog....then going upstairs to sit on Santa's lap....and tell him everything I wanted...and wondering how the heck was this guy gonna fit through our chimney.....I was busting to tell him ...stop eating so much ...and Ill leave the back yard door open! I wish my kids could have experienced some of the memories that I have....its just not the same now....K-Mart doesnt cut it!

Hi Suzie

#1 I am glad to hear I am special instead of not a gentleman. Believe me I am not that touchy. Just having some fun.

#2 I feel sorry for people who never got to Germains. We only went down to Fulton St Department stores when we could not find what we wanted in Germains or Belmont's Clothes. Germains was something special. I wonder what happened to the beautiful Clock that was on the sidewalk in front of the store. When I worked across the Street in the Palace Meat Market I use to listen to the chimes to see what time it was. We had a dog named Bosco. he would sneak out of the house on 12th Street and somehow make it to Germains without being killed. Remember, not only did he have to cross 13th and 14th Streets but 5th Ave as well. people used to tell us that he would sit in the outside lobby between the storefront windows and if someone dropped a hot dog it never touched the ground. GULP down it went!!

Subject: Little Miracles

Chrissy "O" H wrote: Suzie,

This site is a little miracle. We just keep repeating that same sentiment over and over again because it truly is a blessing. It makes me so happy to check in every now and than to see what's going on with my Brooklyn friends. I never thought I would talk to any of you ever again and now after all these years, we're chating about coffee pots, christmas blends, recipes, book deals, learning about each others wonderful talents (festina the artist, marilyn the soon to be author, me and debbie bonavita, cocktail artists, and you helping to save lives).

The best part about this is that it is all so comfortable to communicate with all of you. It's because of the wonderful place we came from.

Well, I just made the 90th snowcone for my son's friends, several rounds of snacks and I'm ready to collapse at only 3:30 p.m. Guess I'll use that percolator!

Wonderful talking to you Sue.

Hugs,
Christina

Well, my dear lil home-made, and kindred soul sister, if you ask me about miracles, which I turely believe in, you are the best miracle ever! You were a big part in bringing us all together!!! Thank you!
You are so thoughtful, competent, creative, giving and loving, it just gives me hope that there are still really beautiful people out there in this sometimes miserable world.
Thank you Twiggy. I wish you were here, physically!!! lv u xxoo

Maybe I can come by you some day i Fl and make a beautiful children's mural for your kids on their room walls, on me may I add...with glitter, buttons, bows and cars!!

Festina My Sister:

You know I wish I were there too. Festina, thank you for all the sweet things you say about me. You are really too kind. The pleasure was all mine to be a part of reuniting the gang again and as I've said earlier, it was so helpful to me after Jeanne passed to be involved in such a wonderful event........one that Jeanne would have loved as well. It was very comforting to me to be surrounded by all of you who knew her. Honestly, it was thrilling to plan and I will do it over and over again.

It would bring me so much joy if you came to visit us in Sunny Florida. I think it's still 75 degrees right now and it's 7:00 p.m. It's beautiful weather, I must say. Honestly, Festina, my door is open anytime you need a little get-away and a visit with your new sister. I think James is itching to come down again. He loves it here. I was talking to him last night and he was asking about the weather. I guess we'll have to see what happens with Marie's daughter. I do not know how this woman is dealing with the fact that her child is going to leave us soon. Just heartbreaking, to say the least.

Okay, if ever I had the priviledge of having one of your works of art on the walls of my home, I would be overjoyed and would compensate you greatly. You don't have to be an art expert to know that what you do is truly outstanding ! What a gift from God!

I Love You, Festina

The Dash
by Lynda Ellis © 1998

I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning . . . to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date of her death.
But he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
she spent alive on Earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash midrange.")

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real.
And always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more.
And love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile.
Remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash.
Would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

Debbie Bonavita McCarthy wrote: Sue, sadly I remember when your brother passed. It is very hard to get past. My sister Edith is gone 24 years and it seems like yesterday. Time moves so fast we really all should enjoy every minute to the fullest!!!!

Christina, my best bud, how's your coffee?? LOL I'm having a glass of wine with a shot of black haus and cranberry. Rough week!!! Love ya......Debbie

Hey Chuck, what is this black haus and cranberry? Never heard of it. Sure wish I were there having one with you and a few guys and dolls from this blog, right Debbie? Enjoy, my friend.

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