Family traits

We know genetics has a hand in how we may physically favor one parent over the other.   But what about other traits such as a sense of humor?   Both of my parents enjoy a good laugh, as do I and so do my two boys.   

Memory Tribute April 1988

Again, as I sorted through my box of stuff, I found notes I had written for my mother's memorial.   I ended up writing up something, that I'll add at a later date.   But I found these handwritten notes and story ideas too good to be forgotten.

Help Wanted

When Dad (Richard) had lost his job at St. Joes, the tension some days would rise very high.   One Sunday afternoon, Mom (Audrey) noticed an ad for the Green Door in Cheyenne.   They needed dancers.   Now it is important to note that the Green Door was the local girlie dance bar.   Audrey went on to comment "Hmm, I could get a job there.   Just imagine the tips I would make when those drunks saw me take it ALL off, including my boob (she was post-mastectomy).

Martha and Audrey ready for the Rose Bowl January 1987

Fickle Women

Grandma Irene loves to tell the story about how Audrey  when was a little girl, she would come stomping into the house announcing that "i don't EVER want to play with David Krenke again!"   Moments later, Audrey would return asking ever so politely "Can I go over to David's house and play?"

Audrey on the farm, age and date unknown

Nicknames

Audrey and her mom used to always come up with some type of nickname for Audrey's latest love.   There was Teddy Bear, Collar Chewer and other names since forgotten.   But then, Audrey brought over this nice young man named Richard.   Seems Irene was at a loss for coming up with a nickname for Richard.   It was at that point that both Irene and Audrey realized this Richard fella was likely a keeper if they couldn't come up with a silly nickname.   It should be noted that Audrey continued with this tradition of naming the beaus that my sister and I came home with.   Sadly, she always found a name for them.   I am quite confident that if she were to have lived to meet her son in laws, she too would have been at a loss for giving them a nickname.

Audrey and Irene, August 1959

Merry Christmas

Audrey and Richard came home from the 1981 WA Kreuger Christmas part after a full evening of libation.  (yes, before we all became worried about DUIs, both Audrey and Richard were known to have enjoyed a drink or two).   Laura had received a Christmas greeting from her friend, Mitsu.   Mitsu had been an exchange student the year before but was now back home in Japan.   Audrey refused to go to bed, until Laura had picked up the phone and attempted to obtain a phone number through information.

Audrey in Waukesha, early 1980s

Hot Buttered Buns

Family celebrations such as birthdays and holidays always included Audrey's trade mark baked goods.   One such gathering took a turn to the endless state of giggles when Audrey passed the tray to her nephew, Craig who remarked that his aunt's "hot buttered buns were the best".   Without missing a beat, Audrey cautioned her nephew not to get the seat dirty with "his hot buttered buns".   The conversation continued until everyone was at the table, making some bun reference, much to the dismay of some of the more serious relatives as the table.

Laura, Audrey, George B and Barb N circa 1980

Laura, Cousin Ann and Audrey circa 1981

But Don't Tell your Father

One of Audrey's major roles (as is the case for many moms I suspect) was to mediate between father and children.   Richard was more the disciplinarian where as Audrey was clearly pegged by my sister and I as being more of the softer sell.  While in college, on a couple occasions, one of us would receive a check from Mom with the simple note of "Don't tell your dad".   She would then cover her tracks, and remove all evidence that such a check had been sent.   Nothing in the registry and she would remove the carbon.  (this was pre-online banking as well, so no digital trail was needed).  But, once Audrey passed away, Richard was stuck trying to reconcile her bank balance.   Gee Dad, we really wish we could tell you, but you know, Mom said don't tell!  

Audrey and Richard, Salt Lake City UT, Easter 1984

Female Ingenuity

One of the many cross country trips we made as a family, we experienced a little bit of car trouble.   We were traveling in two cars:   Richard and Laura had already left the rest area with the Uhaul with Martha and Audrey following behind in the car.   About five miles after we left, the car started to experience major problems.   Audrey pulled over and a friendly trucker driver soon stopped to help.   The driver quickly identified the problem as being a broken fan belt.  He offered to drive ahead and track Richard down (editors note:   this was the 1970s, long before cell phones had reached the scene).   Meanwhile, a second trucker stopped and said "That's an easy fix, do you have some cord?".   Why yes she did, as she remembered the cord from the laundry bag.   Scissors?   Why of course, every woman has nail clippers in her purse.   Soon this trucker was able to take the drawn string from the laundry bag and sent Martha and Audrey on their merry way.   In the meantime, Richard returns, with a fan belt in his hand, only to be passed by a smiling and waving Audrey!

Exploring AZ summer 1971

Sing that song again

Audrey and Richard enjoyed playing cards with their friends, Barb and Obie.   One unfortunate game was not going very well for Audrey.   After going set for the 4th time, she screamed at Richard "You two tailed *&!@@ $#@@@ SOB Jack Ass.   From a back bedroom, Little Kurt (Barb and Obie's oldest son) respoded "Sing that Song Again Auntie Audrey!"

Laura and Martha with Kurt and Kristin Nygaard circa 1968

In the closet

Audrey used to always enjoy spying on her older sister Phyllis especially when Phyllis and her cousin Zona Mae would be telling stories.   But as we all know, older sisters often term these tag along actions as pesty.   Family rumor has it that on one occasion, Audrey snuck in the closet of the room where the gals were gossiping.   But, as luck would have it, Audrey had to go to the bathroom really bad.   Not wanting to be discovered, she took one of her sister's shoes and completed her business.   One wonders what Phyllis must have thought when she went to put on her shoes and they were damp.

Audrey getting ready to sing in the choir at Hope Church, Wolf River Wisconsin date and age unknown

Editor's Reflections

As I read over these long forgotten stories, I am reminded of what a sense of humor Audrey had.   Sometimes my own memories become clouded and I think of her as being more serious.   But that is hardly the case.   And I see so many of her actions in my own actions as a parent.   I too am the mediator at times between my boys and their dad.   I enjoy a good pun and ineundo just as my mom did with her bun jokes (Hello, I work with high school kids, you've got to be able to laugh).   She used humor as a coping mechanism and a way to deflect the tension.   Oh how I wonder what it would have been liking, growing older with my mom by my side....I suspect she'd be getting quite the laugh out of watching me navigate this parenting path.   I love you mom, and miss your twinkling eyes and smirky smile!

Audrey in Wyoming mid 1980s