Category Archives: The Small Pictures

I so admired you both for the wonderful friendships that you had. Even for me, 11 & 9 years your junior, I loved that you had friends that felt that 25 Alston Avenue was a welcoming place. And while I … Continue reading →

We’re not talking about the Alamo here.  I’m not referring to where the Texans kept gun powder, cannon balls and other ammo.  We’re talking 25 Alston Avenue, and that small room wedged in between our kitchen and our breakfast room.  … Continue reading →

While it is true that Mommie Soph’s “recipe book” had neither the volume nor diversity of a The Fanny Farmer Cookbook, there were elements in her canon that were true masterpieces.  And I am proud to say, nay… incredibly proud … Continue reading →

Her name was Dorothy, or Dora. Or, at least that was the closest proximity coming from her native Polish. But before I get to that, let me expend a few sentences on “looking up”. Looking up to the both of … Continue reading →

 CHRISTMAS CHEZ 25 ALSTON AVE It would be easy to recall on Christmas morning my excitement in seeing all of the presents, superbly wrapped and displayed in front of our fireplace, with Christmas/Holiday cards on the mantle framing the scene. … Continue reading →

There came a day when I had a chance to sample some of Bessie’s tuna fish salad. I don’t know if this was a handed-down recipe from her native North Carolina. Maybe she saw the recipe in a magazine? Maybe … Continue reading →

This story begins with Margie’s Market on Whalley Ave. I can remember going there with Mom. There maybe no other market on the planet where you are not allowed (I’ll say it again, not allowed) to pick out your own … Continue reading →

A few years ago I joined a group on Facebook: “50s & 60s Westville”.  And with all the mishegas about Facebook and privacy issues, I still enjoy the good things that there… love the jokes, the animal oriented stuff.  And … Continue reading →

In many ways Sandy is a blessing in my life. Sandy pays close attention to honoring the memory of her family members that have passed away. And she has been kind enough to add Mom, Dad & Mommie Soph to … Continue reading →

The days of summer brought a change in our “diet” on 25 Alston Avenue. Cookouts… hamburgers, hotdogs, london broil, sweetcorn, chicken & watermelon (the basics). Pink lemonade and Iced Tea (served in the pitcher that had an English hunt scene … Continue reading →

Mommie Soph, Ellen and I were sitting in the den one evening. Maybe Mom and Bessie were in the kitchen or dinning room? And while in the den we were joined by a bat. Ellen and I bailed out and … Continue reading →

I’m not one for sending cards (or making phone calls, either). But there was a day that I was into sending cards. And it was when we were on 25 Alston Ave. I think it was August when someone would … Continue reading →

The other day Sandy was busy assembling the salad course for our dinner… adding some cut carrots and celery to salad in the bag. I couldn’t resist pinching a few. I was nosily crunching my way when a small picture … Continue reading →