Let me proclaim here and now that my Mom makes THE BEST pumpkin pie and THE BEST pie crust in the world. Hands down. Even people who don’t like pumpkin pie like hers. Mom learned how to make her perfect pumpkin pie and perfect pie crust from her mother, my grandmother Elsie Charlotte HAYES (1926-1992). Grandma was a terrible cook (terrible is an understatement)! But, the lady could bake…especially pie!
#52Ancestors: In Search Of My Flanagan Family’s Post WWII Tin Can Alley Home
My grandparents Michael John Flanagan and Elsie Charlotte Hayes moved across country, with no job and no money, for the health of their oldest child. Homeless, they first lived in a tent, then in a post-WWII quonset hut.
#52Ancestors: Elsie Charlotte Hayes, My Only High School Graduate Grandparent
My 19th week in Amy Johnson Crow’s “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” family history blogging challenge. The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. I’m closing the gap […]
#52Ancestors: 1970s Fashion & My Uncle Flanagan’s Wedding
My 17th week in Amy Johnson Crow’s “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” family history blogging challenge. The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. I’m closing the gap […]
Family Recipes: Grandma Elsie Charlotte Hayes’ Chocolate Missouri Cookies
My very favorite cookie in the whole world! Grandma Elsie With Valentine’s Day fast approaching this Friday, I thought I would share a family favorite sweet treat that you can quickly and easily make for your own sweetheart, children, or friends…my Grandma Elsie Charlotte HAYES’ (1926-1992) chocolate missouri cookies. These have been my very favorite […]
Paying Tribute: Elsie Charlotte Hayes Died 20 Years Ago Today
My grandmother Elsie Charlotte Hayes (1926 – 1992) Twenty years ago today, I lost the second most important woman in my life…my wonderful quirky funny grandmother, Elsie Charlotte Hayes. And I still miss her every single day. Even as I write this brief story about my grandma, my eyes are tearing up. Grandma was like a […]
Anniversaries: Every Family History Needs A Love Story Like Michael John Flanagan And Elsie Charlotte Hayes
June 22, 1946: My grandparents, Elsie and Mike Flanagan, on their wedding day…4 weeks after the night they first met. Blame it on The War. Blame it on them both having a hard lonely childhood. Blame it on….love. My grandparents, Michael John Flanagan and Elsie Charlotte Hayes — my second parents — were married 66 […]