Edenton Family History

I've spent some time recently trying to learn more about my father's parents. My father was born in the old historic town of Edenton, North Carolina in 1930. Anyone who would know about my grandparents is gone now so I've tried searching some of the genealogy websites, garnering very little info. Time keeps me from researching as often as I'd like. My grandfather, William M Morris, was in WWI, was gassed during the war which resulted in some sort of paralysis in the form of a stroke or something. He was bedridden but I don't know at what point this happened. He did suffer depression from being unable to support his family and, when my father was 9, my grandfather somehow got hold of his gun and shot himself in the head. Writing this down for the first time makes me very sad. How he got the gun has never been known since the kids were always told not to give it to him for any reason. My father never talked much about this. I don't remember when I first heard about it. All my father would say was that people in town said "the son would do as the father would" (his actual words). I hate that kind of nonsense. My father didn't suffer depression, however, and when he'd say this, I always reminded him that he wasn't his father nor did he live like his father. Looking back now, it could have been scary, hearing my father say this. But, really, my grandfather had a good reason to be depressed. All I know about him was that he was a strict disciplinarian. A big man with red hair. Looked exactly like my Uncle William, Dad's older brother. My dad looked like his mother, Mary Ann Nixon. Nixon is a prominent name in Edenton, the Nixon family going back to at least the early 1800's. There is a Nixon cemetery, which I remember visiting once. From what I've gathered, my grandmother worked in a chicken factory, cutting up chicken, to support the family. I've also heard that she took in laundry and ironing. I know the kids also worked in various jobs to help out. My grandmother was a funny, warm, sweet lady who loved telling stories (just like my father and my son, Chad). If only I could get the three of them in a room together! I like thinking that my grandmother and my father are in heaven, telling stories and laughing. Anyway, my grandmother never saw me. She went blind in the late 1950's, but continued to live in the house she and her husband moved into when they were married. Being blind didn't stop her from cleaning her two story Victorian home on Broad Street. I remember seeing her wipe each step with a white cloth, one at a time, carefully backing down the stairs as she went. Her Venetian blinds were never dusty. I miss her.

My grandparents had three children, William, Mary and George Edward, my dad. When we would visit, everyone would call him, "Eddie" and I was always confused. These people are all gone now. William's wife is still living (in Texas) but I do not know her; however, she or her children may have some info. There's a source I didn't think about.

Anyway, I grew up hearing about the Chowan Herald, the weekly Edenton newspaper. I decided to call the paper and see if they had any info on my grandfather's death, since there must have been a police report or news item about it. Suicide is usually news, especially in a small town. This paper was established in 1934. I found the phone number and called the paper yesterday morning. I began talking to the lady who answered and told my story fairly quickly. She was quiet for a moment and then said, "I know about this. My mother told me. She knew your grandmother and on the day your grandfather died, she went over to the house and helped your grandmother." I was stunned. I almost didn't believe her but then she said, "I remember where your grandmother's house was - it's not there anymore." Since I knew this was true, I had no reason not to believe her. We talked for 20 minutes. She said that her brother was born in 1934 and might have known my dad. I asked if I could call again sometime, since I'd love to hear more, if there is more. Amazing! Talk about small town! My husband said, "Oh, it's just you and your coincidences." I guess so. I called my Mom and she was also stunned. Then she cried.

I wish I could go back there and do some research. I called the police department and when I told the lady on the phone I wanted some info about a suicide that happened in 1939, she declared, "Oh, Lord!" I almost laughed because she sounded just like my Aunt Mary, the NC accent and all. She tried to help me but was unable. At the Chowan Herald, there is a very old, decrepit book of records that no one is allowed to touch. It's too bad they can't somehow preserve it but maybe someday. This has been interesting and I've only begun, however, it will have to be put aside for now until I have more time to pursue it. I only wish I hadn't waited so long.

A Blue Ribbon Week

A busy week! Todd's birthday at the end of July. Then the county fair began a few days after. My daughter entered two drawings this year and did smashingly well! None of us have participated in the fair before so this was a new experience for us. Carmen entered a black line drawing of a baby bunny hiding in grass and a colored pencil drawing of a grasshopper on a mushroom. We went to the fair on the first day (Tuesday) and looked for Carmen's drawings in the Exhibit Hall. We found the mushroom and were thrilled to see she had won first place (youth division, category "Other".) Then we looked for the bunny ... and were amazed to see 3 ribbons hanging on it! She won first place (youth division, category "Animal"), then Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Which means she won first place of all the pen/pencil/ink drawings entered, including adult entries. Boy, were we happy for her! She also won a special prize given to "New Youth Exhibitor". Who knew? Now my sons are wishing they had participated and are planning what they can enter next year. Carmen received a lot of compliments on her artwork and she handled it with quiet grace. Makes me a proud Mom all around but mostly because of her sweet attitude.

Todd and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary last Saturday. We didn't have definite plans but we had a fun day. We brought home lunch from a nice place in town along the river so we could share with the kids. This place also sells ice cream and they had a flavor that I recently discovered I like but I decided not to buy any on this day. After lunch, I was wishing I had gotten the ice cream but I didn't tell Todd. Later, Todd and I went for a LONG walk, all the way into town and in and out of some antique stores and a favorite art gallery and a shoe store. When we left the shoe store, Todd turned toward the river instead of toward home. I asked where he was going and he said, "I thought we'd get that ice cream you wanted earlier!" That's what 23 years of marriage should do ... enable your spouse to read your mind! I was so shocked and pleased - it was the best ice cream I think I've ever had, since it was given with love!

We walked home and decided to make pizza for dinner. Todd volunteered to run to the store for mushrooms while I started preparing the meal. He returned home, leaning in the door with a big grin and a dozen white roses! He really knows what makes me happy! After dinner (with apple pie for dessert!) he and I drove up to the tallest hill in Astoria to watch the sunset. It almost felt like years ago, before we got married. We talked about things we would have done differently back then, in hindsight. Like getting married sooner than we did (we had a 9 month engagement, far too long for us). But it doesn't matter now, all our history has brought us to this point. Lessons learned and paths taken have created the marriage we now have. We both feel blessed to have each other.

It was a lovely, lovely day!

Next post ... Enrolling Chad in a college class. Stay tuned.

Sweet 16

My oldest turned 16 yesterday. Pretty amazing. I'm feeling all the usual cliches (where did the time go, etc.) We are so blessed, he is such a great kid. I think he's enjoyed this birthday since we stretched it out into three different days. With Todd and Todd's mom all having birthdays near Chad's, we celebrated last Saturday at my in-laws and last week, we went to Portland for the day, took in the zoo (he's an animal enthusiast) and had fun. Yesterday was cake and gifts, though one of his gifts still hasn't arrived. Chad has always been easygoing about getting gifts and always, always appreciates whatever he is given. I love that about him. I remember one year, at Christmas, we got him a Playmobil pirate ship and the kid cried, he was so happy! I think he was 7 or so. He just couldn't believe we actually got it for him. It was precious and, fortunately, we got it on film.


I don't know what God has in store for this child but I do know he has a good head on his shoulders. My prayer is that Todd and I will do all we can to guide him and prepare him for his future.

Summer Update

So far, my summer has been about lousy weather, being blonde and liking it, and various medical appointments. Since being diagnosed with osteoporosis last month, I have been focusing on my own health and maintenance. Getting more exercise, more calcium, trying to be more committed to using weights, have all taken up my time. Not to mention my mental health. My mother was diagnosed in her 60's so it's no surprise that I have it, though I wish it had waited a decade or more. On the other hand, I can do more to help myself now than later in life. Fortunately, my doc doesn't want me to take medication right now and I agree. I am not convinced the current meds out there are worth the risks that they carry. I am also over being depressed by this (well, almost). Being proactive feels better than wallowing in a sea of tears (ask Todd, he'll agree!) And get this ... being thin is actually a mark AGAINST me! Isn't that a rotten blow?!! Not enough weight to make my bones work harder. God, it's not fair!! (I know, who ever said life is fair.) That's where building muscle comes into play, if I can do it. Muscle is heavier, therefore, it might help my bones. O.k., enough about me.

My darling daughter has now joined the eye glass club in our home. She's actually very excited to be getting glasses as she has been complaining of not seeing so well far away. She chose a cute lavender pair that should be here next week. She does look adorable in them - wish I could wear them!

My oldest son was asked by a neighbor to feed their cats and mow their lawn while they are away in Alaska fishing. This is a fishing town and it's all too common for men to head off to Alaska for weeks/months. Sounds like fun, right? Anyway, Chad has been doing a great job of looking after the place and will be paid when this neighbor returns. His first paying job - cool! Hopefully, the catch will be plentiful as I'm sure Chad's pay will depend on how much they haul in.

Alec has suddenly become as tall as his brother, despite the fact that he's 2-1/2 years younger. And he has replaced Chad in the sarcasm department. Woo-boy, he's a pistol lately and it's no fun to come down hard on him but I have to. I refuse to let him grow up rude - know what I mean? Any one out there want to offer some helpful teen tips on this subject? I love my kids too much to raise them badly. I actually told my kids the other day that they are not to repeat my mistakes but to learn from them. Not sure they believed me on that one!

Seriously, though, nearly every day I am so thankful for my kids, who they are and how they act. They have been especially annoying since school ended (for some reason) but all in all, they really are not that much trouble. Especially compared to what I see and hear all around us.

Todd has been busy getting various jobs out of the way with our house. There is so much he wants to do and only so much time. He and the kids moved Chad downstairs into our finished basement, so now the boys each have their own room. I think they secretly miss each other but won't admit it. They have both enjoyed getting their rooms the way they want them and they'll be painting Alex's room soon.

Well, I just came home from getting my yearly mammogram (have you had yours yet this year??) and I'm off to do more laundry. And lift some weights.

She Wore A Dress!

Curious about the title? Yes/No? I'll get to that.

My father-in-law turned 80 last week and they had a big bash yesterday at his home to celebrate, including all their musician friends (and families) and their various musical instruments. Bob, the birthday boy, plays trombone in our local symphony, and is a member of a tuba quartet that is well known in these parts. The live music was loud, constant and varied. There was even an accordion player who played a polka and one couple couldn't help but dance. It was an unusually warm day for the coast but we try not to complain about nice weather especially for a party that was held primarily outdoors. It was difficult to talk sitting in front of the horn section but when I looked at Bob, he was smiling and looking around at everyone. I knew he was having a good time.

Now, I spent the last few days figuring out what everyone was going to wear to this party. My daughter, Carmen, is not usually inclined to wear a dress but I was planning to wear one myself so I thought I would just suggest that she try on the dresses she had in her closet to see if they still fit. She agreed without any fuss, even seemed a bit eager. I hid my inner joy. We put together an outfit for her with a pink t-shirt, a brown print sundress and leggings (to keep her legs warm). The sundress needed the t-shirt because it seldom gets warm enough here to go sleeveless, at least for Carmen and me. Anyway, she really liked her outfit and looked so cute in it. Now for shoes. Oops. She had outgrown her nice flats. Out we went to find shoes that fit and went with the dress. She is at a funny size right now, not yet in adults sizes but too big for little girl shoes. After trying on about 20 pairs of shoes (all on clearance, thankfully) we found some that fit her perfectly and she loved. Then we found some pink sparkly socks when she also loved. We were both very happy!

It all brought me right back to being a young girl, getting ready for an event and having to run out at the last minute to find something needed to complete an outfit (usually shoes!) It was almost surreal. One of those Mom moments, you know?

After the party, Carmen didn't want to change into play clothes and that was fine with me. I thought it was so cool that she was enjoying wearing a dress. Why is this so important to me? Because my daughter spends her day with older brothers and is a sweat shirt/sweat pants person, usually. Seeing her in a dress and liking it was fun and special. I want her to enjoy the fun of being feminine, like I do, and that doesn't always mean ruffles and bows. It means feeling good in what you are wearing and how you look. Nothing wrong with looking nice, considering how I see a lot of people dress these days.

So, perhaps there will be more dresses in Carmen's future, worn without complaint or pouting (as in the past). My little girl is growing up.

Call this "Kate In Summer". Irish blood runs thick in my veins, which means lots of reddish blonde. I'll gradually go darker but for now, this is me. Photo courtesy of Todd. And, yes, Cristina, I am having more fun. I dare you to try it!

Don't Laugh

I've gone blonde.

And it's weird.

I had been thinking that I wanted to go a little lighter for the summer, you know, a bit of a change. And it is a change, no doubt about that.

At the risk of blaming my husband, it was actually his idea. And he loves it. My kids all have mixed reactions. I'm still not sure. But there's not much I can do about it right now. It's only been a few days. We'll tone it down the next time we color it (Todd does this for me, bless him.) I think I've processed my hair enough for the time being. Let it rest.

If I'm feeling brave, I'll post a photo (if anyone actually cares, that is!) If anyone asks, I've decided to say that I've gone back to my natural color. I won't mention that this was my natural color when I was 16 years old.

Like I said, it's weird.

Other than that, we've just been busy. School throughout the month of June and then our summer break. The kids want to be done but we started a month late last year. Besides, with all the rainy weather we're having, staying indoors isn't so bad. Most of the time. Especially when I'm still a bit shy about my hair. Not looking forward to my mother-in-law's comments, we'll be seeing her in a few weeks. I'll just smile and change the subject. I'll bet my father-in-law will like it, though.