Toys from Susan’s past

Family, Memories, Odds and ends

When Antiques Roadshow came to Green Bay in 2017, I tried for tickets, but when I didn’t win any, I volunteered. I knew that volunteers were allowed to have two items appraised, too.

I took two toys from my childhood: a doll handed down to me from my Aunt Mary Ann. (All three of us: me, my aunt, and the doll had the same color hair.) The other treasured doll from my youth was a Howdy Doody marionette.

Sweet Sue and Howdy Doody

I knew my dolls weren’t worth much. I just really wanted to know a bit about the fancy-dressed doll.

Marshall Thomas Martin, the doll appraiser, gave me a great gift. He told me that my doll was made after WWII. She was a plastic American Character doll. The best part was her name. She’s called Sweet Sue!

My Sweet Sue is only worth $45, but that’s okay. To me she’s priceless. My 1950s Howdy Doody marionette is only worth $20. Howdy is made from composite materials, which is why he has so many cracks.

I just thought I’d share them with you today.

A man and his cat

Bob, pets

I was in the kitchen but I could still hear Bob in the living room. He was upset. Not with me. He was having issues with our cat, Cruella.

When he went to ease back in his recliner, Cruella was ready to join him. This doesn’t bother Bob. In fact, he likes it when Cruella or Othello come to sit with him. What does bother him is when Cruella uses her claws to get aboard. Ouch!

Cruella also uses her claws to get his attention. She stretches out on his chest and puts her feet toward his face, trying to get him to pet her. The only problem is that she always has her claws out.

Bob and Cruella

I just wish he wouldn’t get so excited when she does this. I immediately think he’s in need of help and go to lend a hand. I’m relieved to find he’s just having an argument with the cat about the use of her claws.

It’s good that this isn’t a big problem, just an annoying one that makes him go “ouch!”

A creative expression of love

Bob, crafts, Family

Bob has gotten all kinds of get-well cards, but one could not be stuffed in an envelope. It had to be hand-delivered.

This card arrived a couple weeks ago, but I just never got around to photographing it. Finally, I took the time today.

This card is from our son, Rob, his wife Tara and our grandchildren: Ethan, Seth, Aryana.

A real ‘candy-gram’ from the Plover Manzkes

Here’s what it says:

“Hey Mr. Goodbar! We wanted to Take5 to tell you how Extra special you are with this Whopper of a card! With Mounds of luck we Scored bigger than 100Grand Payday as you Crunch and Munch on these Whatchamacallits. We hope our card brings you Snickers and Almond Joy. We love you… as tall as the Andes as big as the MilkyWay and more than all the Skittles in the rainbow! Hugs ‘n Kisses from Rob, Tara, Ethan, Seth, Caleb, and Aryana. We love you!

I’m pretty sure the creativity behind this card was from our daughter-in-law, Tara, but the love came from everyone. I hope I transcribed it correctly

I still haven’t had the heart to cut off any of the candy. Bob and I don’t need the extra sugar. Maybe we’ll have to have a party to share it all.

A chill in the air

Bob, Farming

Bob wanted to be outside today, but the weather didn’t cooperate. It’s only 42* and there’s a damp mist, too. My husband went out for a few minutes to talk to another farmer who needed a part, when he came back inside he was shivering.

I knew this would happen to Bob and I had a cup of hot cocoa ready for him to drink. He just can’t cope with cold/cool weather.

Right now Bob has kicked back in his recliner. He’s watching TV and snoring, so a quick afternoon nap for him.

When the weather was in the 70s, I couldn’t keep him in the house. One afternoon Bob helped me plant seed potatoes in our unusual raised beds –we don’t garden on the ground if we don’t have to.

Bob helped plant potatoes in raised bed (an old ez-flow fertilizer spreader)
(photo from Manzke archives)

We are waiting for nice weather again, as all farmers are–Bob will forever be tied to the land, even if he can’t do all the work anymore. Soil is part of his soul.

A few more photos with Wyatt

Family

I was outside a lot today and didn’t think much about my blog. Tonight I thought I’d share more photos Rachel took yesterday.

We had a laugh while waiting for Bob’s doctor to arrive. I’m trying to remember what Bob said that made us laugh.
Grandpa Bob, Wyatt, and Grandma Susan — photo by Rachel
Bob, Rachel, and Susan — Photo by Wyatt

As I post this, the sun is setting on our farm. I’m tired, but at least I put something on my blog. I’ll try to do better tomorrow, but I’m not making any promises.