Category Archives: Family

A poem from my ancient archives

Family, Susan, writing

I don’t remember writing this poem, but I remember when I was frazzled trying to raise a houseful of children.

Bob was always working. Some days he was on the farm, other days he was a mechanic at the canning company. Too many days he worked at both. That left me at home trying to stay sane while caring for our family. I must have written this one on a particularly crazy day.

A perfect mother, I was not.

Here I used writing to cope.

Until next time, that’s all there is from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright 2022 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved.

I love our noisy family Thanksgiving

Family, fun

We missed the family members that were under the weather and couldn’t join us. We especially missed my Bob, as we do every day, but continued to have fun together.

There was even enough food left over for packages to go home with everyone. I’ll have turkey dinner again tomorrow.

It’s always noisy when we get together, and I can’t get enough of it.

Hard to hear every conversation or talk to each person individually. Bob and I used to compare notes after such a gathering. We both were involved in groups and heard different information. Afterward, when we put it all together we had a good picture of the family’s goings-on.

Until next time, that’s all there is from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright 2022 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved.

Big brother and little sister, a story from 1930s

Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska story, Family

My dad loved his little sister, but he had issues with her when they were young.

I can see the boy Charlie being embarrassed by his sister.

Also, taking care of her as a baby wasn’t high on his to-do list, but if Mama said to take care of Lee, Charlie did it, if not exactly how their mother expected.

I hope you enjoyed this story from my dad.

Until next time, that’s all there is from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright 2022 By Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Little sister, Lee, by Chuck Paska

Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska story, Family

My dad shared stories about his sisters. Here are two about his little sister, Lee.

When Dad told the story about the fence, he had many more details. His written account is shorter but still fun.

I’m glad I can share his stories here. I only wish I could share him telling them.

Aunt Lee counted on her big brother throughout their lives. Dad was her protector when things went bad.

She loved garage sales and got along really well with Bob’s sister, Ginny. Often, those two were off looking for finds at garage and rummage sales.

I’m sure happy that Dad wrote down some of his stories. These are a bit of him that I carry with me and love.

Until next time, that’s all there is from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright 2022 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved.

Another piggy story by my dad

Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska story, Family

My father was the greatest storyteller I’ve known. He used all kinds of expressions when he spoke. Too bad you can’t hear these stories from him in person.

Dad passed away in 1991. I’m happy I have his written stories that I can share with family and friends. It keeps a part of him alive for all of us.

Enjoy.

Until next time, that’s all there is from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright 2022 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved.