Today, Veteran's Day - 2013, I am thinking about my daddy, Harold A.Carr. He served in the Navy and Pacific during World War II. He is still my hero, stilll brave and loved by so many.
I am also thinking about my friend, J.R. Hoffman. He served in the Army during World War II. He was one of the many waves of soldiers to land on Normandy.
I have too many friends from my youth who served and died in Viet Nam. One of them is J.R. Hoffman's son, David, my second cousin. I lost my childhood friend, Mark Haverland and Jr. High and high school friend, Richard Harrison. I lost 2 dear friends from Winfield High, Joe Willis and Terry Miller. They had already lost a classmate, Roger Byus. I knew him because he played football for Winfield. Gerry Simpson graduated from Buffalo High School. Robert (Bobby) Burdette was 2 years ahead of me at Poca High School.
The 60's weren't all fun and laughter. So I consider it a honor to have known all those who served and those who sacrificed their lives. I also want to honor my beloved friends who came home. There are many but Jim Cochran and Eddie Jividen are two of my favorites!
Photo: My dad, Harold Carr, on board the USS Waukesha, during WWII. I think he is such a handsome sailor. I love you daddy!
Phil Everly died January 3, 2014. If you don't know who he is, it's ok. But, for millions of Baby Boomers it is a very deep loss. I love the Everly Brothers so much. I still have my 45's . I saw them about 10 plus years ago in St. Louis. They were touring with Simon and Garfunkel! Talk about hearing some incredible harmonies! I often tell my grandkids that the big influence for me in learning to sing harmony was the exposure to the likes of The Everly Brothers; The Beatles; Crosby, Stills Nash and sometimes Young; The Hollies; multitudes of the great Girl Groups of the 60's; The Bee Gees and the list is endless. I think my favorite song was "Dream" or maybe "Crying in the Rain" or "Let it Be Me." If you are not familar with their music, head straight to Amazon.com. Thank you Phil Everly and God Speed. Your devoted fan, Sandra Carr Neely
Shirley Temple. She filled my childhood with such happiness and joy! My sister, Beckie and I would watch her movies over and over. Yes, we thought we could tap dance and no, we couldn't! In 1957 my parents gave me the 12 inch Shirley Temple in her Heidi dress plus the outfit from Baby Takes a Bow and Stow Away. I still have her and the ourfits! They are almost perfect. When Don and I were first married, he bought me the 1933 Sirley Temple. She is 21 inch made of composition and is wearing her Little Miss Broadway dress! Fast forward to 2012. I bought a set of Shirley Temple movies at Sams. I didn't know if Anna and Brooke would like them. After all, it is a world of computer games and the like. We started with Heidi! They loved it! Brookie thought she could tap dance. I don't know where she got that idea! It turned out that she really loves Shirley and started taking tap! She is in her third year and is a natural! Anna and Brookie play with my 1957 Shirley Temple, along with a few of my other childhood dolls. I do remember that I had to choose between Shirley and Mary Heartline. I'm still looking for the right Mary Heartline doll. Shirley was my favorite though. I will tell you that I have dreaded this day. Shirley Temple Black gave generations of children joy and hope for better days. Remember, her movies were new during the Great Depression. Adults and children went to her movies and for a hour or two, they could escape from their troubles for awhile. God Bless you, Shirley and thanks for laughter,love and memories that you brought to my life. You are now bringing it to a new generation. Remember: "YOU'VE GOT TO S-M-I-L-E TO BE H-A-double-P- P-Y!"
