Hello to everyone from Florida. I’m down here in this hot and humid weather to spend some time with my family. I’m staying at my sister’s house and popping over to visit my parents every day. It is always a treat to have some one-on-one time with my sister. One nephew is here, the other is competing in a national swim meet out in California and will be returning home with his Dad on Saturday. And my favorite nephew-dog, Max, is giving me lots of loving. Max is crazy about me; he goes nuts when he sees me again. Of course I am a dog lover and he knows it, but my theory is that I am of the same gene pool as his mother and that makes me extra-special to him.
I thought I’d share a precious treasure from my sister’s home. I’ve written before of my great-aunt Rhoda, my maternal grandmother’s youngest sister. Rhoda and her sister Margaret died in the flu epidemic of 1918. Imagine: there were 5 children in the family and in about 10 days there were only 3 left. Rhoda was the baby of the family, just a teenager when she died. Grandma never got over her death or Maggie’s. Both Meredith and I have some things of Rhoda’s. I have letters she wrote to my Grandmother when Gram was away from home in nursing school, Rhoda’s copy of Alice in Wonderland, and some locks of her hair. Meredith has her doll, Dinah.
Dinah is lovely and in very good condition. Meredith keeps her in a glass case. Rhoda held her and loved her and every time I see Dinah I am so moved. Her face is beautiful. Like my Tressa doll, she has an issue with her feet: they are reversed. That makes her more precious. My Grandmother made all her clothes.
I’ve read many of Rhoda’s letters to my grandmother and she was sweet, funny and full of life. Grandma went home to nurse the family through the terrible epidemic and she almost lost her own life. I know she mourned Maggie deeply but the loss of her adored younger sister was especially devastating. And she lovingly held on to Rhoda’s treasures for all those years then passed them on to us.
If you’re interested in reading any of my previous posts on Rhoda, just type in “Rhoda” in the search box at the top of the blog.
Today, I plan to spend some time with my Mom when my Dad is at his Doctor’s appointment. I need to know how she is really feeling.
Tonight, Meredith, my nephew Jake, his friend and I are going to watch the Tampa Bay Rays play. I love me some baseball! Let’s not mention that the Rays are doing better in the standings than my beloved Red Sox. I will be happily cheering for the Rays because they must beat the Yankees.
I’m trying to read everyone’s posts in my spare time, but I’m afraid I don’t have time to comment as yet. I’ll do my best during the coming week.
I’m glad you’ve arrived in Florida safely. I bet your family is so thrilled to see you!
I love Dinah’s dress– and hey, the pearls are classic! Dinah has lovely style! There are some special dolls in my family also– with handmade clothes. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for dolls.
Hugs,
Jill
That doll is absolutely beautiful! What a keepsake. You spend time with your sister and mom and pet that dog. Have yourself some relaxation and we’ll see you when we see you.
Brenda
Claudia, Have a wonderful visit with your family! Dinah sure is a great keepsake.. The dress is very beautiful as is the pearl necklace she’s wearing.. I am a doll collector myself, but don’t own any vintage ones.. I’ve seen lots that I’d love to have especially in the antique shopes!
Blessings,
~Lynn
Dinah is surley a family treasure. I have read an expansive account about the Spanish Influenza of 1918 and as a nurse and a person it is scary stuff. Do not comment lovey on your vacation we understand…love your family! hugs♥olive
What a beautiful doll and precious memories! Enjoy your time with your family and don’t worry about commenting, we all understand. Hugs, Nan
What a lovely doll and thank you for sharing such a touching story about your ancestors. I am glad that you are visiting your family down in Florida. It sounds like you are having a wonderful visit. I’ll be waiting to hear more.
Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
That is such a sweet story about Rhoda and her doll. Her memory lives on through her personal treasures! Have a wonderful visit with your family!~Hugs, Patti
Hi Claudia,
Dinah is beautiful. I love hearing all the history she holds, so nice you’re sharing it with us.
Good wishes to you and your family!
xo~Tracie
Dinah is just lovely Claudia! What a treasure she is (and I love her feet, they add character! But what a sad story of your Grandmother’s family… how does someone get over losing 3 children so close together… We are so blessed to have the medical help we get now adays that we forget what went before us. Although we never should. I hope you have a wonderful time with your family in Florida – and that your mum is much better. Have fun at the Baseball ;)!
hugs
Jen xo
Not to worry. We know you will be back soon in real form. Enjoy your family while you can.
T.G.B. xoxoxox
Aaaah, well if you are at the Rays’ game, you are about 12 minutes from “My Cottage of Bliss”!! Hope you enjoy the game and the rest of your visit. :)
hi claudia,
what a heart wrenching story about your great aunts. so tragic. how nice to still have some of their possessions.
enjoy your family and keep cool. maybe you can have a shabby expedition diversion!
thinking of you …
xo
elyse
My Grandfather’s sister died at 8 yrs old. She was the only girl. 3 boys, my Great Grand mother was the teacher in their small town in CO. It is scary to think about, and how very lucky we are to really not have this happen as much anymore. I love the doll! I hope you can enjoy your sweet family while you are there and give Max hugs!
Hugs, Lisa
So glad that you are having a wonderful time and spending “quality time” with everyone.
Love meeting Dinah. What a treasure.
Leann
Claudia,
What a sad story about the your Aunts. Oh to lose so many. Reading this on the eve of my own sweeties birthday is tough. So wonderful that you each got a little something of her to remember this part of your family legacy. I’ll have to go read more of her story. Lisa
1918. I am always amazed that my parents, who were both born that year, did not perish during that epidemic. How wonderful that your sister and you have such treasures to remember your grandmother’s youngest sister by. And even more wonderful, that your grandmother kept and preserved these things for so many years. Precious.
Don’t let that Florida humidity get you down. I’m two days away from returning to it. Never thought I’d say it, but I can’t wait to feel it.
Dinah looks beautiful on your blog. She is amazing and knowing she has been loved by so many of our relatives is special. You are a wonderful sister, daughter and aunt. You are loved by all of us in FLorida and we are so, so happy you are here.
XO, Mere
Claudia I will love you anyway even if you want the Rays to beat my NY Yankees. LOL! I have not visited in a while glad I did to see that beautiful baby what a gorgeous doll. Have a great weekend Grace xoxo
Those sweet dolls are in such good condition. The detail on the dress is so pretty. Have a nice weekend. I am happy that you get to spend some time with family. Hugs, Dogwood
Hi Claudia Sweetie…
How wonderful to be spending some time with the family. Can check on Mom and Dad and visit with your Sis and the nieces and nephews. What a fun time.
Sounds like you are going to have fun going to the baseball game. Lots of fun. We have the Diamondbacks here, I have been to a couple of their games, nothing really major happened at either though.
That doll is beautiful and how wonderful that the two of you have preserved these beautiful items of love, just as your sweet Aunt Rhoda did until the day they were passed on to the family. Her little face is so beautiful Claudia. I love her.
Thank you for sharing. Have a gorgeous time while you are there. Remember to take time to smell the roses, are lives are just to darn short.
Many hugs and so much love, Sherry
HAPPY PINK SATURDAY CLAUDIA.
ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY. I AM ALSO A BIG RED SOCKS FAN BUT THEY NEED TO STOP FIGHTING…THEY AND ALL THE TEAMS ARE TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE YOUTH.
THE DOLL IS BEAUTIFUL AND I WILL COME BACK LATER TO READ THE LETTERS. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. THERE IS SUCH HISTORY IN GRAVEYARDS….YOU CAN TELL ABOUT THE FLU EPIDEMICS AND OTHER THINGS.
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND WITH YOUR SISTER AND PARENTS.
HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE
Hi Claudia,
I’m sending you healing thoughts and prayers for your family. I hope things start looking up for you sweetie.
Hugs,
Meri
This story is moving, Claudia. You know as long as we live and think of our beloved parents or friends they are not completely forgotten because we perpetuate their life a little bit. I like to think of that :o)
That doll does have a beautiful face! What a sad story.
It’s hot and humid here in ATL. I feel like I’m living in Florida!
Manuela
Such a treasure to see and touch this doll. She is a connection to dear loved ones.
Enjoy your stay, Claudia.
HI CLAUDIA,
I’M BEHIND IN READING ALL THE POSTS TOO. I HAVE BEEN SO BUSY LATELY. I’M GLAD YOU HAD A SAFE TRIP TO FLORIDA, PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR MOM, I HOPE SHE IS FEELING OK.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT WITH YOUR SISTER, AND YOUR MOM AND DAD. RIZZI