Tag Archives: signposts

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 6 – Part 3 of 5: “I HAVE To Go To Church!”

16 Apr

During the week before Easter, I was working at home balancing the books from our pool business. It was the last year that our store was open and the task was challenging to say the least. Honey, (my mom), looked … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 6 – Part 2 of 5: The Stage Is Set

9 Apr

Shortly after the “Stone Wall Prayer” event, my sister, Gini, got hold of a Catholic Bible and informed me that there was indeed a Hell. I flat out told her she was crazy. Although in the back of my mind, … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 6 – Part 1 of 5: The Stone Wall

2 Apr

The Stone Wall. Cold and hard. Built by Jim. Like Jim. A beautiful, field-stone, retaining wall surrounded my parents’ property on two levels. It was divided by a circular staircase that led up to their front landing. The wall wrapped … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 5 – Jim, Dad & The Boss: Part 3 of 3

21 Mar

Dad’s upholstery business was very successful. A self made man, dad worked tirelessly and was rewarded with a very early retirement. He was left with the freedom to do anything that he desired and everything he wasn’t allowed to do … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 5 – Jim, Dad & The Boss: Part 2 of 3

14 Mar

Dad’s father disapproved of the marriage. He thought that if anything happened to my father during the war that his military death benefit would go to my mom instead of him. He was so against their marriage that he banned … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 5 – Jim, Dad & The Boss: Part 1 of 3

7 Mar

My father, Jim, was the black sheep of eight kids. Raised in the Bronx, NY, shortly after the Great Depression, dad had to make his own way in life. His father’s strict and dominating nature had a profound impact on … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 4 – The End of an Era: Part 2 of 2

22 Feb

While at home the following Sunday afternoon, just as the raviolis were boiling, Mr. Dodgie called me. He tried to compose himself, but had a hard time completing his sentences without stammering. “I don’t know what to say” he began. … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 4 – The End of an Era: Part 1 of 2

15 Feb

The next pool season, our 7th, was on the horizon, but not without troubles. This time it was with the property where the store was located. Due to some tax issues, we were being forced to move our business. This … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 3 – Arnie’s Hat

8 Feb

Our pool business constantly received deliveries to sustain inventories and the repair needs of our customers. The influx of new buyers caused us to be busier than ever. As our business grew so did our deliveries. One of our regular … Continue Reading

Signposts Along the Way: Signpost 2 – Grandma’s Blessing

18 Jan

A few weeks later, I had the sudden urge to visit to my 80 year old, Italian grandmother. Grandma, who lived with my mom, was from the old country and loved to have visits. She would formally receive us at … Continue Reading