Tuesday, February 8, 2022
I want to share a few of my memories of my Aunt Betti. When I, Joy Gross, and my twin brother, James, were born, Aunt Betti was 15 years old. Actually 6 of my aunts and uncles, including Betti, ranged in age from 9 years to 17 years old. Uncle Frank was 24. So I kind of grew up with "older brothers and sisters" rather than aunts and uncles. Going to Gramma's on Sundays usually meant that I would have to stand by the piano and sing with Betti while she played the piano. (not my favorite thing to do) Songs like "Gray squirrel, Gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail" and "Playmate, come out and play with me", etc. She also played a song "Midnight Train to Heaven," I don't remember the words, but remember that title.
And then there were those Friday night drives to the late. And, of course, what did we do? SING!!! When we got to the lake, we'd have Hungarian coffee (I don't know what made it Hungarian), and play cards by kerosene lamp. There was no electricity and water was from the well. It was a wood stove, ice box, and kerosene lamps.
There was the bluff behind the cottages and the aunts and uncles would climb to the top. Jim and I were fortunate that they would always take us along as we were young and sometimes needed help around rock walls or to crawl on our bellies under outcroppings. But it was fun.
Aunt Betti lived with us (Marie and Tony) for several years. During this time she taught me a lot about "girlie" things, makeup, hair, etc. And Aunt Betti was the original "Dr Pimple-Popper." I can hear her "oh, that one's ready," Ow Ow as she squeezed..
Aunts Betti and Dolly taught me all about shopping. If Betti found something she wanted and it wasn't on sale, she would go back week after week until it was.
Lots of memories. I'm sure Gramma is smiling now that all her baby chicks are home. I'm sure that Aunt Betti was warmly greeted as she was the last one home. And then, I'm sure, the 5 sisters got back to their bickering with each other, just like they were never separated.
Love You Aunt Betti. Till we meet again....... Joy Gross Robinson
