Easter on the West Coast was at Uncle Puzz's place in Sacramento. It was the first time in some years, that all three brothers (Puzz, Don and Jim) all got together. From Uncle Puzz and Aunt Joyce, all four kids were there (Christine, Hank, Mary and Carol), Puzz's granddaughter Jennifer was there as well as her son Anthony. From Uncle Don and Aunt Marion we had Bonnie, Nancy her husband Mark and their beautiful German Sheppard. From Jim and Laura, Ed, Carmen, Ceci, Susan, Jake, Bob, and Becky were all there.
We all had a very nice time.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Great Aunt Ruth Passes Away
Great Aunt Ruth, passed away at the age of 98.5 in Rye Beach New Hampshire. She fell asleep and passed away. I flew back east. Someone had to represent the family from the West Coast. Her nephews Charles (Puzz), Donald and Jim all wanted to attend, but could not. Aunt Ruth was a special lady, she was one of our last links to the past.
When I arrived in Manchester, Andrew Bear picked me up and drove me to Dr. Bob Bear's house. I was thinking we would go straight to the hotel, that Bob had been so generous to arrange. I was sure that it would be too late and everyone would be asleep, but no. They were all at Bob and Cyndi's house. It was great to see so much family. We spent the evening looking through photo albums and swapping stories. We all looked at a picture of Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bob's wedding. There was a young boy in the picture. We speculated that it might be my Uncle Puzz, but we weren't sure.
The next morning we all met for breakfast. A number of us went to the funeral home for a viewing and say goodbye to Aunt Ruth. Next we all proceeded to the church for the memorial service. There were flowers. One bouquet was from my Uncle Puzz. There was a note attached. "...from a grateful nephew that was at your wedding". It was him in the picture.
Three of the grand children read passages from the Bible. Gus gave a wonderful eulogy. Next we took turns sharing a favorite moment. Here is mine:
My daughters Lila, Ceci and myself were visiting Nancy at her house. Aunt Ruth was staying with her. Nancy brought out a recipe for orange cookies written by the hand of her grandmother Sarah Bear. Nancy, Lila and Ceci proceeded to make those cookies. It was the coming together of five generations. Sarah with her recipe, Ruth, Nancy, myself and Lila and Ceci. It was very special. The girls even squeezed oranges by hand to make the cookies.
It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed the cookies outside. Nancy asked her mom "Well mom, what do you think? Are they like Grandma Sarah used to make?". Aunt Ruth thought for a moment. She nodded and said "They are good. Very good. Just like hers, .... but hers were better."
I fished by reminding the family that when George Burns passed away, the headlines said "Burns and Allen back together again" and now it was "Bob and Ruth" back together again.
I learned more about Aunt Ruth during her memorial service than I knew in my 47 years on this earth. In 98.5 years, you can touch a lot of people in many special ways. She surely did that.
At the burial, six of her grandchildren were her pallbearers. We said our final goodbyes as a lady sang "Somewhere My Love", the song that Uncle Bob always hummed to Aunt Ruth.
After we returned to Bob's house. There he made roast beef sandwiches on these special rolls and cream beer from Buffalo NY. We looked at pictures and now we knew that was Uncle Puzz in the wedding picture. We told stories till it was time to call it a night. We said out goodbyes and retired back to the hotel.
I'm so grateful that I could attend and Aunt Ruth had an important part to play in that. She along with my Grandmother Mary Bear and Great Aunt Louise kept in touch over the years. They would pass news back and forth about how the family was doing. They visited each other over the years. We were always hearing about Aunt Ruth, Uncle Bob and their families. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have had a reunion a few years ago. Our families would have drifted apart and become two. It did not.
Bob was amazing. He took such good care of everyone. He made all the arrangements. His family opened their home and their hearts. Thank you Bob, Cyndi and Andrew.
When I arrived in Manchester, Andrew Bear picked me up and drove me to Dr. Bob Bear's house. I was thinking we would go straight to the hotel, that Bob had been so generous to arrange. I was sure that it would be too late and everyone would be asleep, but no. They were all at Bob and Cyndi's house. It was great to see so much family. We spent the evening looking through photo albums and swapping stories. We all looked at a picture of Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bob's wedding. There was a young boy in the picture. We speculated that it might be my Uncle Puzz, but we weren't sure.
The next morning we all met for breakfast. A number of us went to the funeral home for a viewing and say goodbye to Aunt Ruth. Next we all proceeded to the church for the memorial service. There were flowers. One bouquet was from my Uncle Puzz. There was a note attached. "...from a grateful nephew that was at your wedding". It was him in the picture.
Three of the grand children read passages from the Bible. Gus gave a wonderful eulogy. Next we took turns sharing a favorite moment. Here is mine:
My daughters Lila, Ceci and myself were visiting Nancy at her house. Aunt Ruth was staying with her. Nancy brought out a recipe for orange cookies written by the hand of her grandmother Sarah Bear. Nancy, Lila and Ceci proceeded to make those cookies. It was the coming together of five generations. Sarah with her recipe, Ruth, Nancy, myself and Lila and Ceci. It was very special. The girls even squeezed oranges by hand to make the cookies.
It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed the cookies outside. Nancy asked her mom "Well mom, what do you think? Are they like Grandma Sarah used to make?". Aunt Ruth thought for a moment. She nodded and said "They are good. Very good. Just like hers, .... but hers were better."
I fished by reminding the family that when George Burns passed away, the headlines said "Burns and Allen back together again" and now it was "Bob and Ruth" back together again.
I learned more about Aunt Ruth during her memorial service than I knew in my 47 years on this earth. In 98.5 years, you can touch a lot of people in many special ways. She surely did that.
At the burial, six of her grandchildren were her pallbearers. We said our final goodbyes as a lady sang "Somewhere My Love", the song that Uncle Bob always hummed to Aunt Ruth.
After we returned to Bob's house. There he made roast beef sandwiches on these special rolls and cream beer from Buffalo NY. We looked at pictures and now we knew that was Uncle Puzz in the wedding picture. We told stories till it was time to call it a night. We said out goodbyes and retired back to the hotel.
I'm so grateful that I could attend and Aunt Ruth had an important part to play in that. She along with my Grandmother Mary Bear and Great Aunt Louise kept in touch over the years. They would pass news back and forth about how the family was doing. They visited each other over the years. We were always hearing about Aunt Ruth, Uncle Bob and their families. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have had a reunion a few years ago. Our families would have drifted apart and become two. It did not.
Bob was amazing. He took such good care of everyone. He made all the arrangements. His family opened their home and their hearts. Thank you Bob, Cyndi and Andrew.
Ceci Turns 18
Sunday January 27th, a day that will live in infamy, Ceci Bear turned 18. I suddenly realized that all of our children were adults. I felt 70.
It was a quiet day. Ceci didn't want a party. In the morning the family went to Dim Sum with her boy friend Jay. That evening Carmen and myself took Ceci and Jay to Ceci's favorite Vietnamese restaurant.
My daughter grew up so fast.
It was a quiet day. Ceci didn't want a party. In the morning the family went to Dim Sum with her boy friend Jay. That evening Carmen and myself took Ceci and Jay to Ceci's favorite Vietnamese restaurant.
My daughter grew up so fast.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Grandmas Birthday
Saturday January 26th, we celebrated Grandma's (Laura) 70th birthday, which was (January 23rd). Bob had to work the weekend, so he came up during the week and spent the day with Grandma on her actual birthday, which was nice.
Dave was not able to attend due to a new film he is working on with Ultimate fighters.
Charlie and Teresa were not able to attend as they had caught the flu that had been going around. Despite all that, there were plenty of people including six friends of grandma that we met for the first time. There would have been a seventh, but one was also out sick with the flu.
Ed proposed a toast and mentioned that now grandma is 70, she is officially old. It was pointed out that grandma has been using the "I'm old excuse" since she was in her 30's, grandpa confirmed that she had used this excuse in her 20's and there are rumors in Mass, were she grew up that this excuse was first use when she was in the third grade.
Everyone had a great time. There were a number of presents including a trip back east to see the leaves turn and visit friends and family. It was grandma's day. Happy birthday! I can't wait till we do this again in 70 years.
Dave was not able to attend due to a new film he is working on with Ultimate fighters.
Charlie and Teresa were not able to attend as they had caught the flu that had been going around. Despite all that, there were plenty of people including six friends of grandma that we met for the first time. There would have been a seventh, but one was also out sick with the flu.
Ed proposed a toast and mentioned that now grandma is 70, she is officially old. It was pointed out that grandma has been using the "I'm old excuse" since she was in her 30's, grandpa confirmed that she had used this excuse in her 20's and there are rumors in Mass, were she grew up that this excuse was first use when she was in the third grade.
Everyone had a great time. There were a number of presents including a trip back east to see the leaves turn and visit friends and family. It was grandma's day. Happy birthday! I can't wait till we do this again in 70 years.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas 2007
Carmen's family traditionally celebrates Christmas on Christmas eve, while the Bears generally celebrate Christmas, Christmas morning. This normally works out just fine, and this year was no exception.
The evening started off with our entire family: Lila, Ceci, her boy friend Jay, Lina, Edgardo, Carmen and myself. With both daughters it is a rare occasion when even the four of us are able to get together, so we decided to take a picture.
Martha joined us along with her son Kike, and her boyfriend's family, including his mother. Our neighbor Jackie join us as well. We had a lot of great food and plenty to drink. Some of the presents that stood out where 16 x 20 framed photos of Jay and Ceci that were presented to Jay and Ceci, my cloth napkins and a copy of the movie "Writers Day".
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you will already know about the cloth napkins and the movie. They were on my birthday present wish list. It concerned me that I received them on Christmas, but it would not be the first time that Christmas and my birthday were merged.
We ended the evening at about mid-night playing the "Sponge Bob" version of monopoly.
The next morning we were off to Fresno to enjoy Christmas at my sister Susan's house in Fresno, but there was a hitch. After the arrangements for Christmas were made, Lila got a job through the holidays working at the La Quinta Hotel in Berkeley. She was scheduled to work Christmas day from 3:00pm to 11:00pm, so Lila was not able to go to Fresno with us. She did get to sleep in however and trust me she appreciated that.
Our neighbor Jackie was good enough to keep Lila company and go with her to her work.
My mother showed up about 9:00am with her homemade coffee cake. We all piled into Martha's mini van, which she was nice enough to loan us. We had one more person than would fit in out Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. So off we went, Mom, Ceci, Carmen, Lina, Edgardo and myself eating coffee cake as we rolled down the highway. It took us about 3.5 hours and while I drove the rest nodded off and enjoyed a good nap.
Other than Lila, everyone was there Susan, Willie and Jake did a fine job of hosting David, Charlie, Teressa, Bob, Reeva, Becky, Dad and ourselves. The food was great and there house was just right for such a gathering. Jake played the guitar as presents were passed out. Charlie looked pretty cool with his new sunglasses.
As we opened the presents. I noticed that everyone seemed to be getting presents but me. Finally the last present was taken from beneath the tree and sure enough, no present for me. I made the mistake of pointing this out.
Next thing I know, they pull out a 42 inch high definition wide screen television out of nowhere. I was floored. I had not expected this at all. The size is just perfect and will fit in our entertainment center. By the way, I think I heard someone mention that this was Christmas/Birthday present. Now just when I thought I was so spoiled, my sister Susan presented me with something I did not think existed.
It was my grandfathers railroad watch. My dad had been wrong, it did not get lost or stolen. Susan had it the entire time. Since she was not able to attend Fathers Day, we had no idea she had it. Susan declared me "Keeper of the Watch" and it is my duty to at some point in my life to declare the next "Keeper of the Watch", which she said should be a male. I have to admit, I had tears in eyes. I knew exactly what it was when she held up the sock containing the watch. As I reached for the sock, I touched it and my grandfather. I don't think I have ever been so spoiled at Christmas/birthday. It was very special and I want to thank all of you so much.
We ended our stay with a picture of the five kids of Laura and Jim.
We packed up our loot and drove back. We dropped Ceci off at her boy friends house and I was dropped off at Lila's work to spend the rest of the shift with her. Jackie caught a ride home and I decided to enter this into our blog and email a few high school friends to wish them a Merry Christmas
The evening started off with our entire family: Lila, Ceci, her boy friend Jay, Lina, Edgardo, Carmen and myself. With both daughters it is a rare occasion when even the four of us are able to get together, so we decided to take a picture.
Martha joined us along with her son Kike, and her boyfriend's family, including his mother. Our neighbor Jackie join us as well. We had a lot of great food and plenty to drink. Some of the presents that stood out where 16 x 20 framed photos of Jay and Ceci that were presented to Jay and Ceci, my cloth napkins and a copy of the movie "Writers Day".
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you will already know about the cloth napkins and the movie. They were on my birthday present wish list. It concerned me that I received them on Christmas, but it would not be the first time that Christmas and my birthday were merged.
We ended the evening at about mid-night playing the "Sponge Bob" version of monopoly.
The next morning we were off to Fresno to enjoy Christmas at my sister Susan's house in Fresno, but there was a hitch. After the arrangements for Christmas were made, Lila got a job through the holidays working at the La Quinta Hotel in Berkeley. She was scheduled to work Christmas day from 3:00pm to 11:00pm, so Lila was not able to go to Fresno with us. She did get to sleep in however and trust me she appreciated that.
Our neighbor Jackie was good enough to keep Lila company and go with her to her work.
My mother showed up about 9:00am with her homemade coffee cake. We all piled into Martha's mini van, which she was nice enough to loan us. We had one more person than would fit in out Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. So off we went, Mom, Ceci, Carmen, Lina, Edgardo and myself eating coffee cake as we rolled down the highway. It took us about 3.5 hours and while I drove the rest nodded off and enjoyed a good nap.
Other than Lila, everyone was there Susan, Willie and Jake did a fine job of hosting David, Charlie, Teressa, Bob, Reeva, Becky, Dad and ourselves. The food was great and there house was just right for such a gathering. Jake played the guitar as presents were passed out. Charlie looked pretty cool with his new sunglasses.
As we opened the presents. I noticed that everyone seemed to be getting presents but me. Finally the last present was taken from beneath the tree and sure enough, no present for me. I made the mistake of pointing this out.
Next thing I know, they pull out a 42 inch high definition wide screen television out of nowhere. I was floored. I had not expected this at all. The size is just perfect and will fit in our entertainment center. By the way, I think I heard someone mention that this was Christmas/Birthday present. Now just when I thought I was so spoiled, my sister Susan presented me with something I did not think existed.
It was my grandfathers railroad watch. My dad had been wrong, it did not get lost or stolen. Susan had it the entire time. Since she was not able to attend Fathers Day, we had no idea she had it. Susan declared me "Keeper of the Watch" and it is my duty to at some point in my life to declare the next "Keeper of the Watch", which she said should be a male. I have to admit, I had tears in eyes. I knew exactly what it was when she held up the sock containing the watch. As I reached for the sock, I touched it and my grandfather. I don't think I have ever been so spoiled at Christmas/birthday. It was very special and I want to thank all of you so much.
We ended our stay with a picture of the five kids of Laura and Jim.
We packed up our loot and drove back. We dropped Ceci off at her boy friends house and I was dropped off at Lila's work to spend the rest of the shift with her. Jackie caught a ride home and I decided to enter this into our blog and email a few high school friends to wish them a Merry Christmas
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
What about BoB?
Bob Bear of Morro Bay, California has taken time away from his frito-lay driving day job to unleash on to an unexpecting web-surfing universe his website, whatmeanstheworldtome.com. I am inviting each and every one of you to visit and submit your story.
Thank you,
Bob Bear
Thank you,
Bob Bear
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Edgardo Turns 88
Today was Edgard Sing's (Tata) 88th birthday. He spent the day with his daughters Carmen and Martha and their families minus Carlos who is in the US Air Force in Abeline Texas. Pedro, his wife and Jay (Ceci's boyfriend) came over for dinner as well.
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