Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

The Holiday Season is over, now we are into the cold, dreary days of January, although it feels like it's been January, weather-wise, since Thanksgiving. The unrelenting cold, the "nuisance" snow daily, the winter winds blowing and drifting what little snow we have. Lula got her water pipes insulated and ,so far, hasn't had any more problems. Judy's chimneys are finally finished and she's back to heating with wood. Problem is, she didn't get wood over the summer, so she's looking for some to continue the season. It's always something.

Windham has been booming! It's hard to drive through town without meeting a group of people crossing the street, people opening car doors in front of you, cars pulling out of parking spaces without looking. Going to Key Bank is always a challenge as you can't see around the cars parked at the curb. I try to look before I get to the street, but sometimes misjudge and still wind up almost hitting someone. It's just a short distance to Church Street, but takes skill and patience to get there. Don't get me wrong, we are thankful for our winter visitors as they bring much needed income to our area, but sometimes it's hard to put up with them.

Our community lost a wonderful person with the passing of Eric Towse. He was such a kind, gentle man who fought his illness with courage. We will all miss him. We also lost Ed Armstrong just before Christmas. Prayers and sympathy to both families.

WAJPL Seniors are on winter schedule and will be meeting on January 12, for the only meeting of the month. MaryLouise will have information on the upcoming trips, including the big trip to VA International Tattoo in April. Don't give in to Cabin Fever, come join us at the Senior Room at the Windham Ambulance building with the meeting starting at 1. If coming, please arrive a little early to get settled in and talk with your neighbors.

Continued prayers for Greg and the Beckmann family, Tricia LoPresti, John O'Brian, Jim Varelas, David Cunningham and Sandy Ebsen.

AS I REMEMBER IT

With the year 2025 behind me, and only the thoughts of Christmas to tide me through the Holiday. This year, as in past years, I was alone. I had plans (in my head), to have an early Christmas Eve dinner, then go to church with my sons. I did get to church, and although I cooked a meal, no one was able to enjoy it with me. Sickness came and spoiled my plans. So I am left with memories of the past.

All of the children in our house got to write a letter to Santa, then to make sure, we went to Miller Brothers and then again to Big Ben in Stamford to ask Santa, personally, for our Christmas wishes. We didn't have long lists, just a new doll, or accessories for the girls, and Western outfits for the boys. They all wanted to dress like Tom Mix with the hat, bandana, and gunslinger belt and holster for their cap guns. The sets always came with a sheriff's badge to pin on and show the world they were a real cowboy. As they got older, a Lionel train set was asked for, and that proved to be a gift that kept on giving, as there were accessories by the hundreds to add on to it. Cattle cars that unloaded cows, barrel loaders that loaded the barrels right on to the freight cars. Switches, horns, lights, billboards. The selection was endless! Soon an entire room had to be delegated to this magnificent train set.

One year I was surprised with a wicker doll carriage. It was painted white with bows on the bonnet part. It was beautiful and I so loved putting my favorite dolls in it.

Does anyone recall what their parents got from Santa? Did he only bring to the little ones, or did mom and dad get something unique? Maybe a new radio or a surprise appliance for mom? Except for maybe a new flannel shirt and some bandanas for my father, and a bathrobe and nightgown for my mother, I don't remember what they got.

Our stockings held candy, walnuts and an orange. Not the small gifts that everyone has to have today. Stockings were not the fancy stockings of today, but one of father's longest, brand new socks, that he then wore.

I remember a simple time. A time for family to sit and enjoy each other while playing with their new toys. Father sitting on the floor helping to set up the trains or hiding behind his chair during a shoot-out. I remember Mother brushing my doll's hair and teaching me how to change a diaper, as when you fed it, it wet. On Christmas she treated my doll like a member of the household. A real baby.

This year an inlaw called and was talking about what her 12 year old daughter got. Yes, it was an only child, but the conversation went on for about 10 minutes. There was makeup, hair curlers (yes, the same curlers that I threw out because no one uses them any more), video gams, a Kindle, pajamas, clothes, and more clothes, and the list goes on and on.

As for me, I'm content with my memories of how it used to be. I look back on the family time we had and just wish I could relive those times.