Category Archives: Chuck — Susan’s dad

A Chuck Paska story

September 3, 2022Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska storysusanmanzke

My dad always told fun stories about his boyhood. Everyone always wanted to hear them when we had family gatherings. This is one of my many favorites.

I hope you enjoyed this retelling. If you want to read my interpretation, check out my novel, Chicken Charlie’s Year. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chicken+charlie%27s+year&crid=2EC5EC9S7JBKT&sprefix=chicken+charlie%27s+year%2Caps%2C214&ref=nb_sb_noss

I felt like my dad was with me when I wrote this book.

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

A broken decorative Santa

December 6, 2021Christmas, Chuck -- Susan's dadsusanmanzke

Only a few Christmas decorations. This one needed fixing.

My Santas remind me of my father, and his love for playing the man in red.

Now to find a different Christmas ornament that the cats won’t break.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm.

Pig’s revenge

October 15, 2021Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska story, Familysusanmanzke

I love sharing my dad’s stories. This one is about butchering a pig, a job he hated.

Even in the city people raised chickens and a pig or two in their backyard in the 1930s. This is one story about a pig incident.

The cat that came for my video today is Cruella. She wasn’t happy about being kept in my arms and immediately left, voicing her opinion.

I hope you enjoyed my reading of Dad’s story. We never raised pigs when I was a kid. Dad had enough of them when he was growing up.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm.

Dad’s love song lyrics

July 27, 2021Chuck -- Susan's dad, Chuck Paska storysusanmanzke

I wish I had a recording of my dad singing this song, but I don’t so you’ll just have to listen to me reading the words — no music.

Dad learned to read music when he was in his 60s. Most of the time he played music by ear.

He also taught himself how to play the guitar, harmonica, organ, and accordion. I did not take after him.

I wonder if my cousin George remembers any of the songs he and my dad wrote together. One was called One Legged Chicken. It was hysterical.

Little sister Lee

June 7, 2021Chuck -- Susan's dad, Family, Memoriessusanmanzke

My dad became a big brother when his half-sister was born. He found her a cute baby until she grew into a tattletale.

Listen as I read two of his family stories.

As Lee and dad matured, they became friends.

When Lee needed real help, Dad became her pretector.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person