Taste Test

Suburban Chicago, Spring 1973. We're baking cookies again.

A Saturday Visit to the Waiting Room

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Suburban Chicago, December 1972. I don't recall why we visited Mom's office that day. Perhaps Dad wanted to hang some more photos in the waiting room (where, like in most doctors' offices, the magazines were plentiful and outdated).

Notice the $2.00 charges for non-business-hours telephone consultations. I worked in that office as a receptionist during the summers; here I am sewing that blouse.

Happy Call

Suburban Chicago, January 1977. Mom does not seem to be engaged here in a work-related call. The throw pillow features Lithuanian motifs; the mother of my friend Ron made it for Mom (Ron's Mom also made the best Cepelinai I've tasted). The watercolor is by Murinas.

Here's the pillow today:

If you don't like it, then consider a Russian proverb: "In taste and colors, there are no friends." That's what I tell a friend each time I start (another) beige sweater.

Overstimulated

December 24, 1960. My Mom remembers Santa bringing only one toy for me each Christmas. I remember more. Here's a post-Kūčios, gift-opening session at which I received at least three gifts. There's a top, and I got a telephone so I could be just like Mom. This also is the year when Santa delivered the skunk.

Ah, look! It's Christmas Eve, and Tatjana has put on a dressier housecoat. Tatjana's habit of wearing housecoats drove Mom batty.

Related by Marriage: Performance Garb

Suburban Chicago, July 1980. Mr. Irene's Los Angeles Cousins prepare to depart for the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival. The group stands in the backyard of Mr. Irene's childhood home.

Does the design on those sleeves look familiar? Does it look like Mr. Irene's Los Angeles Cousin is checking her cell phone?

Evening Nap

Suburban Chicago, June 1972. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, dozes in the chair that stood closest to the TV.

The plaque hanging above the telephone is a relief depicting a stork pair. Dad picked it up during our European vacation. The drapes featured an avocado and gold pattern.

Empty

Gills Rock, Wisconsin, June 2015. The connection is gone.

Babos Receptai (Part 11)

Here's a recipe in which my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, illustrated our tendency to mix the Lithuanian and English languages:

Tatjana also has written the telephone number and surname of a patient on the lower corner of the page. The patient must have called for Mom while Tatjana was baking.

Lithuanian newspapers regularly use English words in their stories (they do correctly conjugate or decline the words). For example: the Lithuanian word for "exhibit" is "paroda," and the word for "television show" is "programa." Articles now use the word "šou" (pronounced "show") to describe both. And "reality show" is "realybės šou."

General Manners: Follow directions.

Suburban Chicago, April 1961. My babysitter offers behavioral tips during a children's party.

Waiting

Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1963. The parents wait for the Christmas pageant to begin.

She's still on the phone.

Suburban Chicago, December 1974. Mom advises a patient while she crochets an afghan.

Halloween Manners: Share your work with your furry friend.

Suburban Chicago, October 1971. Gigi is curious. (I was getting ready for a party.)

Sunday Paper: Moving Edition

Suburban Chicago, December 1959. Mom's talking with a patient again, and I interrupt my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana.

The Pink Cake

Suburban Chicago, July 1960. My Parents adopted American traditions: girls get pink cakes, and everyone sings "Happy Birthday."

Let's stage a scene in the kitchen.

Suburban Chicago, March 1959. We have a phone, and we keep a basket of wax fruit on the table.

Evening

Parry Sound, Ontario, July 1959. It's good to be in a place where the telephone doesn't ring.

Little Monkey

Suburban Chicago, December 1961. I remember that monkey top. Check out the pants: they look like woven, Lithuanian fabric.