Category Archives: Family

My dad writes about his mother

November 15, 2020Family, Memoriessusanmanzke

This is probably the earliest memory of my dad’s, except for a tiny memory of standing next to his father’s coffin at age 4 and being afraid of the priest.

I also adapted this memory for my novel, Chicken Charlie’s Year, though I did change his age in the book to ten years old.

This short account tells a lot about his mother and his relationship with her.

I hope you enjoyed this reading.

BTW: Mary Jane is an old-fashioned peanut butter- and molasses-flavored taffy-type candy. You can still buy this candy today. I’m not sure about Soldier candy. It might have been chocolates in the shape of soldiers.

A kitchen upgrade

November 14, 2020Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

My family still remembers this event. It was only the six of us working in the kitchen and it had nothing to do with food.

Good thing I wrote about it in my column. I was wondering when this happened and now my memory has been refreshed.

Russell’s a pumpkin, Becky a princess, Rob is the headless horseman and Rachel is the scarecrow

I wanted to show a photo of the wallpaper but I couldn’t find one of the kitchen except for this Halloween photo from 1982. It was 1984 when we pulled down all that wallpaper and revealed the yellow-painted walls underneath.

A Dad story

November 11, 2020Family, Memoriessusanmanzke

My dad loved telling stories and he always had an audience.

When Dad told his memories of his childhood, he added actions and vocal embellishments which made them special.

Even though Dad’s written stories don’t have as much flair, they are very special and fun, too.

Here’s one I recorded for today.

His Ma tried to show concern for her little boy, but a smile was on her face.

I adapted this story for my novel Chicken Charlie’s Year, which can be found at Sissy’s in Seymour, or on Amazon.com. It’s an easy read as each chapter is a story in itself. (Think Christmas gift.)

My first meeting with Bob’s parents

November 10, 2020Columns, Familysusanmanzke

When I was growing up, we addressed adults formally. “Hello, Mrs. Stephens.” But that wasn’t going to work with Bob’s parents.

Here’s my recollection of meeting the ‘Manzkes” for the first time.

In the early 1970s, Grandma Manzke was Bob’s grandmother. I’m not sure if that’s my title today or not. I’m trying for Grandma Susan, or just plane Grandma when no other grandmother is around.

Yes, formally, I’m Mrs. Manzke, but I’m not sure if I know that person.

Ballerinas in action

November 8, 2020Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Since daughter Rebecca was a toddler, she danced, copying the ballerinas on the television. The Nutcracker was her favorite.

A YMCA class gave our daughter, age 8, the opportunity to learn ballet steps. This column recounts a mother’s joy watching her daughter’s first official attempts at dance.

I can close my eyes and see the girls again as they stepped across the floor. The fun stays with me all these years later.

Enjoy the retelling of class four.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person