Walking with the Real Ghosts of Christmas Past

Sigh....This time of year I really miss my grandparents: my mom's folks, my dad's folks, and my Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Bill.  I have mentioned my Grandma Phyllis many times, and now I would like to tell you the rest of the story.

Phyllis and Bill were actually my aunt and uncle, my dad's oldest sister.  She was the oldest, and Dad was the youngest of the nine Lyons kids.  She and Bill were married when Dad was born.  Grandma and Grandpa were running the Hazelden Country Club for Mr. George Ade at this time, and Phyllis and Bill were farmers.  They had no children, so when Dad came along, they helped raise him when things were busy for her folks.

When I came along, Phyllis was always my "Grandma," and Bill was "Grandpa."  It was so fun to have three sets of grandparents.  They are all gone now, but at Christmas time, I can feel them with me more than ever.

Here are some pics from the early years! YIKES!  Pardon the black sides!  These are copies from slides, and I just realized I did not edit them.  Grrrrr.... It's too late to go back now.  Let's call them "vintage pictures," and enjoy them in their original color.

Back row:  Grandpa Bill, Grandpa Todd (Mom's dad), Mom
Front row: Grandma Phyllis, Me Grandma Lyons, my brother,Grandma Flossie (Mom's mom)

 

 My Grandma Lyons admiring my Christmas sense of style and accessorizing.

One of my favorite presents, a reversible coat with matching hat!  LOVED it!

 Back in the day, we had a real tree, and my mom put the tinsel on ONE STRAND AT A TIME.  We even got to help!

 One summer, we visited Santa at Santa Claus, Indiana.  I think this was circa 1966 or 1967.

Ho Ho Ho!  Time to get back to wrapping presents!   Hope you enjoyed this little trip back in time!  I might have to dig up a few more if I get all my other work done!