Category Archives: Memories

Clare’s Most Famous Autograph

Events, Family, Memories, Music, Things, ,

Remember autograph books? I still have mine — it’s got the “Love Is…” characters on it. Clare got one at one point — maybe she was in middle school. She had friends and teachers sign it. I just found it during our Great Knee Wall Purge of 2023.

One night I was planning on taking her to go see my favorite singer/songwriter, Dan Bern. Clare was unable to go with me — maybe she was sick. Anyway, I went on my own. We decided that maybe I could have Dan write his autograph her new autograph book.

I got to the venue (Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington, VA) early, saved a seat for myself and grabbed dinner from next door. After eating I sat and listened to the sound check and chatted with my friend Marc (may he rest in peace). I mentioned to Marc that I was going to bring my daughter, but she couldn’t make it but she wanted Dan’s autograph. He immediately beckoned me to approach the stage and ask Dan now instead of later. Dan said he was happy to sign her book and asked what her name was.

I expected him to sign his name, and maybe write a quick note. I sat back down while he was writing — it seemed to take a while and I wondered if he didn’t know what to say and started getting embarrassed. Minutes later he handed me the book and said he hoped it was okay with Clare that he used more than one page. I was dumfounded when I looked at what he wrote. And drew.

What he did was so kind and selfless. I remember thinking that he’d be a great dad someday. And he is! His daughter Lulu is probably about the age Clare was when Dan wrote this for Clare.

Vintage Promotional Pen

Memories, Things,

I am not sure how my Mom and Dad knew Phyllis Walters. As far as I know she didn’t live in Elgin. I may be mixing up my parents’ friends, but I think perhaps Phyllis and her husband sold Christmas trees every year and we’d trek there most years to get a tree. I vividly remember sitting in the little shack, drinking something warm. I think they gave my parents Glogg.

I remember my mom talking about Phyllis running for this or that office and being active in some candidates campaigns. I don’t think I listened very closely since I really didn’t remember her that well.

Among the items I brought home from my Mom’s house was a strange looking pen in a canoe shaped box. On further inspection “Phyllis K. Walters, Recorder” could be seen in red on the side. On even further inspection (taking the pen apart), the inside of the top barrel contained three coin batteries, long spent, as far as I could tell.

Curiosity got the better of me so I spent a few dollars to buy new batteries for this strange pen. What do you think? Money well spent?

OMG! It lights up!

I am curious about who was given this pen? Anyone who expressed interest in Phyllis’ campaign for Recorder? Folks who donated to her campaign? Am I the only person who replaced the batteries?

While it came with an extra ink cartridge, it seems to have dried up so I won’t be using this pen for correspondence. I’m not sure what I will be using it for, if anything.

Found Items: Happy Birthday Dad

Family, Memories, Things, ,

My mom must have kept all these letters and notes — typical. Here’s a note written sometime after we moved to Alexandria.

Dad --

I am really sorry for being so late in sending you a card. Believe me -- I had quite a case of the guilts -- especially after talking to you. I have no excuse except procrastination.

Dean and I went to Annapolis, MD and got you this shot glass (they didn't have any martini pitchers). Hope it got there in one piece.

Well, the stove is hooked up, the dishwasher and garbage disposal are ready for an electrician to get electricity to them. and I've used the washer already. We will probably wallpaper ("ooh ick" you say?) over the weekend, then paint. The kitchen will be done soon! We will send pictures.

How was your birthday dinner? And the "golden ball" afterward at the Moose? Hope it was fun.

We ordered cable tonight. Our antenna was trashed in the most recent snowfall.

I've also enclosed my most recent school photograph. I don't have a use for it. Feel free to lose it! I'm looking my age -- wrinkles and all!

Even though I am a grown up and married, I get so lonesome for you guys sometimes it hurts.

Love,
Dona

I don’t remember writing or sending this, but I remember the shot glass — it had a Naval theme. I remember working on the kitchen in our first house. We put in very late nights wallpapering, I remember that.