Follow Friday - Happy New Year & Second Year Blogiversary

Happy Second Blogiversary to 

"In Search of...?" all with the help and support of Geneabloggers with such a fantastic networking system and Thomas. 

Thank You So Much Thomas!

"Thanks to family and friends for their support this second year. I do appreciate it. Thanks for hanging in there with me especially when I just didn't write at all for several months. Several health issues and the passing of my mother that just hit me hard and of course this was the last think on my mind......  actually I thought about it a lot but just didn't do anything. Sorry. I let myself down.

It doesn't feel like a whole year has gone by already, but it has and  I guess I am mostly thankful that it is over. This was my  second year posting on my blog and I have to say there were lots of ups and downs and I will need to be able to deal with things a little better.  There were some great things that happen in 2015 that I have not yet let you in on and will be excited to blog about soon. I met new cousins YES  a couple  of new NEW COUSINS!!"

Here's to a Happy & Healthy New Year 
***2016***

My hopes for this third year will be a year full  of good friends, lots of fun family gatherings, more traveling than last year, amazing finds, crumbling brickwalls, finding living relatives, locating that elusive ancestor, finding that parish/town of origin in Germany
(Bavaria & Hesse-Darmstadt).

Tombstone Tuesday: RIP Mom and Dad at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery

On Wednesday September 2, 2015 my husband and I, my brother and wife, and my two sons gathered at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California to unite my parents for all time. It was a small gathering but one that was satisfying, very emotional and with a closure that we all needed.

                       John Patterson Jr. and Mary Jane (Little) Gardner both laid to rest today

They are both veterans of World War II. My dad also served in the Korean War. They were each given honors and a 21 gun salute. Very moving. An American Flag was folded and presented on behalf of my father to me and another American Flag was folded and presented on behalf of my mother to my brother. After the ceremony we visited the grave site and watched the two small boxes being laid in the ground. Stones will be put in place in a couple of weeks. Sacramento Valley National Cemetery is a spectacular place, clean, well maintained, unfortunately with plenty of acreage to grow. It is on a very flat piece of land just off Interstate 80 in Dixon where there is nothing but HEAT, DUST,  and WIND and more DUST.

And a month had gone by and both stones are in place. They are buried side by side. But now there are so many more that have been buried that it is difficult to see their two stones,.......  and of course their stones look the same as the other 10,000.......  white. It is impressive to see the thousands of white stones in very straight rows acre after acre.

Motivation Monday: Together Forever

.........and it has been 20 days since my last post....  I thought I was ready but I wasn't once I started to write.

Now I am ready  to talk about this sad news........my mother, Mary Jane (Little) Gardner,  passed away August 7, 2015. I am still today mourning her passing.

On the other hand I am also celebrating her life. Now she is back with her husband, she is happy and out of pain, she now has her vision back and can walk upright without fear of falling. This all makes me happy but sad because her physical body is gone.  I can no longer ask questions, no longer ask for advise, no longer share the good news and the sad news. But life has to go on, and I am sure the hurt will turn more into good memories in time. They say time heals.

My father, John Patterson Gardner Jr., passed and was cremated in 2006.  He has been living, so to speak, in the hall closet of my mothers home for 6 years, patiently waiting for his beloved wife and lover to join him. He lived on top of my refrigerator for another couple of years. But now the wait is over, they are together and it is forever..............

Obituary................
August 23, 2015
Sacramento Bee
Sacramento, California
Local Section, page 6B

GARDNER, MARY JANE (LITTLE)

Mary Jane, 95, of Citrus Heights, California passed away on August 7, 2015 at the Citrus Heights Terrace, Citrus Heights, California where she has been living the past 3 1/2 years.

Mary Jane was born May 11, 1920 in Cuba,  Allegany Co., New York. She is the daughter of Burton Harry and Emma May (Bristol) Little of Cuba, Allegany Co., New York. She was a long time resident of Roseville, Placer County, California and currently of Citrus Heights, Sacramento Co., California.

Married to John Patterson Gardner Jr. April 9, 1943 at Ft. Geo.G Meads, Maryland just before each of them received their overseas orders for World War II. ... she has been a California resident since 1957. She has lived in New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas & Germany. In 1957 they moved to California, first to Daly City, then San Carlos, Cameron Park, Roseville and last to Citrus Heights.

Mrs Gardner is a 1938 graduate of Dryden High School, Dryden, New York and 1941 graduate of Buffalo General Hospital Nursing Program, Buffalo, New York. She served with the 23rd General Hospital European Theater in the Army Nurses Corps during WWII (1942-1945) in Africa, France and Italy. Honorably discharged and returned to Alliance, Stark Co., Ohio to begin her married life. She retired in 1969 from Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame, California after 10 years as Assistant Nursing Supervisor. She continues to maintain her membership in the California Nurses Association & New York Nursing Association.

She is a supporter of the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs Gardner loved her family, gardening, cooking, reading and soap operas. She has an extensive collection of hummingbirds in glass, ceramic, wood and paintings. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and a good friend to many. Her family and friends will miss her.

Survived by her daughter Sandra Lee (Gardner-Aberle) Benward (Charles) of Citrus Heights, California; a son Robert Michael Gardner (Nancie) of Castro Valley, California; two grandsons, Michael John Aberle of Lodi, California; and Jason Gardner Aberle (Krisi) of Citrus Heights, CA. Three great grandchildren: Ashlyn Maykala Aberle and Aden Jackson Aberle of Lodi, California, and Josh Allen Nichell.

Preceded in death (Feb 7, 2006) was her loving husband, John Patterson Gardner, Jr.

The family requests that any remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society. Now Mary Jane and John will both be laid to rest in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.

Wisdom Wednesday ......... Back At Last

I am back.

Yes, I am back again.

Sorry for the empty months of no posts. I apologize for that, but I developed a health issue that stopped me dead in my tracks at the end of February, it really  tipped my world around, and turned it upside down.  I had to make a lot of daily life adjustments, but first I needed to admit I had a problem and then deal with it......... I learned how to breath properly, new medications, new eating plan, new exercise plan, new outlook on life. I want to live well past 100 so I needed to pay attention now AND  I HAVE. Medications are doing their job, food changes have worked wonders with 60 pounds gone (and hoping for another 40-50 this next year) Aqua classes weekly (and loving them even into these cold winter days), more walking thanks to my friend Jo and an app (Stepz) - it just lets you know how many steps you are walking throughout the day. Helps to know if you need more or you are doing fine. Some days ARE better than others. On top of that, my mother's health has been failing and she needs more attention and care.

I am happy to say with all the changes I have made, my health issue seems to be under control and I am able to get back into my old routine with some modifications. (but I will not take my health for granted, paying attention is the key to success) This year I canceled all trips especially if I had to fly.I really look forward to traveling again this next year and seeing all my genealogy friends and family across the country.  I am very thankful for the help of my doctors and my husband for caring enough to stick with me, lots of encouragement and support.

So I am back!!!!

Military Monday - Memorial Day Celebration

Memorial Day 

May 25 (observed)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States.  We take the time to remember the people who died while serving in this country's armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. 

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veteran Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

What do you do on Memorial Day? Do you go to your local cemetery? Does your local cemetery have an observance for the day? Do you help put out flags on the veterans graves? How do you honor our fallen veterans?  I seem to be hanging out at the local cemetery till noon honoring all the brave souls that are no longer with us. 

I Love You Dad

I will be honoring my father again.....US Army Retired Lt Col John Patterson Gardner Jr 1917-2006
Thank you for your service.

Each year I honor my father. He served over 20 years in the United States, Korea and Germany. He served in World War II (1st Lieutenant 119th Infantry 30th Division) and the Korean Conflict. It all  began in 1940 in the National Guard in Ohio, then enlisted in Army USAR ARTY, and went through the ranks from Sgt to Lt Col and retirement in 1962. Thank you again for your service.

My local cemetery is Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights, California.  .... The community seems to come together for a couple of hours and enjoys the program. I would love to invite you to our humble cemetery to share our observance with you. The Citrus Heights post of the American Legion #637 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars will hold a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial and gazebo located at the Sylvan Cemetery at 7401 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights. This service will honor those who served and died in the defense of this great nation. Invited speakers are Supervisor 4th District Roberta MacGlashan, Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost, Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd and members of the Citrus Heights city council. Others present will be Citrus Heights Boy Scout Troop #228, and Folsom Harmony Express singers, the Citrus Heights Police Department Honor Guard and bugler Ray Latimer. 
10:30 am Veterans assemble at south end of cemetery. The procession along the 'Avenue of Flags' concluding at the Veterans Memorial. 
11:00 am  Memorial service in the cemetery's gazebo with local leaders, American Legion, VFW and singers.
See you there...... 

Motivation Monday - Happy 95th Birthday Mom

Happy 95th Birthday Mom.....
.....and we all hope many many more to come

Mrs. Mary Jane (LITTLE) GARDNER

My mom's birthday is on the 11 May which is usually a separate day from Mothers Day but not always.    For several years over the last couple of decades we have celebrated the two special days as one.  How convenient is that! But I always look forward to celebrating both days separately........... after all her birth has nothing to do with her being a mother or the other ways around.

 
My mother was born in Cuba, Allegany, New York on Tuesday11 May 1920. Only a year after birth her parents separated and both remarried. She lived with her father. He was a young single working man and did not feel he could take care of an infant girl, so his sister and BIL took her into their home. She lived between her father, her Aunt & Uncle who she came to know as Dad and Mom and her grandfather on the farm. She was an only child. Mary Jane graduated high school and went off to Buffalo, New York for nurses training at Buffalo General. Upon graduation she joined the Nurses Corp.Army.

 She was a 1st Lt stationed at Ft George G Meade, met my dad, married him 9 April 1943 on base Ft George G Meade, Anne Arundel, Maryland and then both were shipped separately overseas. Dad, Lt John Patterson GARDNER, Jr  went to many areas in Germany while mom went to Africa, Italy and France..............both  honorably discharged and ready to settle down and start a family in Alliance Stark, Ohio. Along I came. Dad went back into the Army as Captain and off we went for our first tour of duty in Nurnberg, Germany where my brother was born (ooops, can't be President now- too bad).

We came back and forth between Germany and the states several times over the years.......... returning to the United States in 1957 for good. My dad was stationed in El Paso, Texas for a short time and then was transferred to the Presidio, San Francisco. We lived in Daly City and then settled in San Carlos when my dad retired in 1963.

My mom worked as a head nurse at Burlingame Hospital for many years. She sure enjoyed that. She of course started as a floor nurse on the graveyard shift, eventually got onto swing shift and finally made it to the day shift. Then she worked her way up to head floor nurse. She continued to take classes to keep her skills up to date. She told me that she always updated her New York Nurses license just in case they moved back. She said it was a difficult one to get and didn't want to lose it. I believe she kept it updated till the mid 1970's.  She retired when I got engaged and married in 1969, They moved again to El Dorado Hills (east of Sacramento) and then to Roseville.

Mom helped with the grandsons. They purchased a motor home and took the two boys with them many times. They belonged to several RV groups and did a lot of traveling with each of these groups - sometimes taking one or both of the grandsons.

 HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY Mom

Do You Know What Was Happening in US  & the world in 1920?
* The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote, was ratified.
* Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States
* United States presidential election of 1920, Ohio Senator Warren G Harding was elected President defeating Oho Governor James M Cox (Democratic) and Eugene V Debs (Socialist) 
* First commercial radio broadcast aired....... and radios begin showing up in private homes. Unlike today to have a radio in the home cost about $120, in todays money it would cost about $1500 (radio itself, charger & battery, antenna, speakers or headphones)
* Prohibition  comes into effect when the 18th Amendment is passed
* US population is estimated at 107,823,000
*World population is estimated at 1,811,000,000
* World: small pox becomes a major problem worldwide
* The Hague (Netherlands)becomes the seat of the International Justice Court
* New York Yankees buy Babe Ruth
* An earthquake measuring 8.5 magnitude on the Richter scale hits the heavily populated of Gansu province of China  
 *Inventions : Sticky Plaster USA by Earle Dickson; Hair Dryer Germany; The Tea Bag by Joseph Krieger; Parachute USA by Karl O K Osterday
* Cost of goods in 1920
bread 12cents a lb
butter 70cents a lb
bacon 52cents a lb
eggs 47cents a dz
cheese 38cents a lb
chicken 39cents a lb
coffee 47cents a lb
cabbage 2cents  lb
flour 41cents 5lb
lettuce 25cents for 3 heads
milk  33cents for 1/2 gal
potatoes  63cents 10lb
sugar  97cents 5lb
* Some TOYS: Musical Merry go Round; Marbles, Stick Horse; Gyroscope, Olympic Flyer Wagon; Erector set; Tinker Toys, Flossy Flirt Dolls
*Some examples of prices of auto's in the 1920's
    Chevrolet Roadster $490
    Cadillac Victoria $4540
    Ford Runabout $265 ($85 extra for starter and dismountable rims)

Sentimental Sunday - Tribute to My Mother

Mother's Day comes each year and I have celebrated it for more than 40 years now with my two sons. I love them both more than life itself. They are the joys of my heart. They make me laugh and cry. AND now they have given me beautiful grandchildren.

I also celebrate Mother's Day with my own mother and my brother when he is able. After all he lives several hours away in the bay area. My mom's birthday is on the 11 May which is usually a separate day but not always. For several years over the last couple of decades we have celebrated the two special days as one.  How convenient is that! But I always look forward to celebrating both days separately........... after all her birth has nothing to do with her being a mother or the other ways around.

My mother, Mary Jane (Little) Gardner was born in Cuba, Allegany, New York on 11 May 1920. She was an only child. She graduated high school and went off to Buffalo, New York for nurses training at Buffalo General. Upon graduation she joined the Army Nurses Corp as a first Lt, met my dad, John Patterson Gardner, married him 9 April 1943 at Ft George G Meade, Anne Arundel, Maryland and then both were shipped separately overseas. Dad, Lt John Patterson Gardner, Jr  went to many areas in Germany while mom went to Africa, Italy and France..............both  honorably discharged and ready to settle down and start a family in Alliance Stark, Ohio.

Mom was a nurse during the war but when she started a family (ME) she became a full time homemaker, raising me and my brother. My dad was in the Army so we traveled a lot. Mom was a trooper, having to pack and unpack, pack and unpack, etc etc  and take care of two young children. As an officers wife she was expected to step forward and help and support her husband in public, join the other wives in the officers club and do a lot of entertaining in the home. I always remember helping mom polish all the silver for another party. We helped bake cookies and our reward was a couple of cookies. An officers wife needed to put that best foot forward, a good role model for all wife's of officers and NCO ranks. I think it could be a lot of stress. Mom rebelled back and would not do somethings. ......... on my goodness can you imagine that especially in the 1950's & 60's......... wow, kudos Mom!!

Thank You for all the help and support with my two boys. Your devotion and love for them meant a lot to me as they were growing up. Working full time and raising two boys was not an easy thing so I really appreciated all the help. I know that they were thrilled to go on all the many trips you took in the motor home. They got to meet other people from all over the country, see other places they may never have gotten to see.......  what a great legacy !! thank you.


Happy Mother's Day and I hope we both have many more to come together.........................