So much of my early childhood was spent very carefree with activities such as playing baseball, swimming at the country club pool and reading comic books under the shade of a big tree in the hot summer afternoons. The thing most special about summers though, were getting to spend time at Grandma's house on Chartres Street. We would have picnics in the yard with the whole family getting together. These always included lemonade, corn on the cob, raspberries and eating fresh rhubarb with sugar. Grandma was always ready to have any and all over for dinner. We would also be able to spend the night on the "sleeping porch". With old screens all around us and gum stuck in the holes in the screens so that the mosquitoes couldn't make it through to get us. It didn't matter if it was hot and muggy or raining....it was such special times we had. Grandma would also always have fresh raspberries and ice cream, as well as cookies in the old cookie jar that never lasted long once we arrived! Hence we were nicknamed the LOCUST! Whenever we arrived you could be sure the food wouldn't last long. Gram never got upset or angry over things....that I can remember. When I got to spend time at Gram and Grandpa's by myself, I got to go to work with them at the laundermat and cleaners. I can remember it being soooo hot in the cleaners and Grandma would show me how to put the suit coats on the steamer and let the steam take out the wrinkles. It was so exciting to see the coats puff all up and blow out the steam! Gram would sit on the big orange chair in the living room to read and drink her beer. I think I remember her smoking too but that wasn't for long. She seemed to give that up when we were all very young. We would have short conversations and read our books or magazines. She made the time spent there on Chartres very special and I will always be grateful for having these special carefree times shared with such a special woman. One who was always busy doing something, never seemed to get tired and always set an example to follow. Thank you Grandma for all the special times, your time and unconditional love! Always, Annie Bannie Boo Boo