A Day of Rest and Love!

Sundays are a day of rest.  Everyone puts on their best cloths and Dad drives the family to 8 o'clock mass.  Before they go into church they are reminded of the rules, no talking, turning or squirming. Anyone who breaks the rules will get Dad's "stare of terror" that reminds them what they will get after mass is over.   All the boys will eventually serve as Alter boys and Father Mooney will talk Jim and eventually Paul into attending the Little Seminary of St. Joseph, but neither will stay more than a year.  The good looking girls at the public school next door are just too much of a distraction for both boys.

After breakfast the family drives to Black Rock to visit Grandpa and Aunt Mae at 92 Gallatin Avenue. The tall Grandfathers clock in the entry is chiming as they arrive since Dad times the arrival at noon, not a minute before or after.  John and Paul race to be first on Grandpa's lap and Aunt Mae picks up whoever loses and gives them big hugs and kisses.  Next to Grandpa's chair is a side table with a metal donkey that holds his cigars. The boys love to pull the donkey's ear which makes the tail rise and a cigar to come out the back end... very funny!

Grandpa has a big workshop in the garage behind the house.  His saw, drill press, lathe and jig saw are all connected to pulleys mounted on a long shaft connected to a single motor.  All of the machines run regardless of which one he is using and of coarse make lots of noise.  The boys love to play with a wagon that Grandpa made with the front and back axles connected by cris cross rods.  Turning the handle connected to the front wheels makes the back wheels turn in opposite direction so the wagon can literally "turn on a dime and give nine cents change".  

Dad usually drives to Stella Niagara to visit with Mother's Aunt Nora who is Mother Ludwina at the convent of St Francis in Stella Niagara. Mother rushes into the waiting room and gathers all the children inside her gown and vail in a big hug and kisses for everyone.  They all sit down on the couch while she asks each one about their week and school. They often go out on the lawn and play kick ball with several other Nuns joining in, running around in their gowns and veils flowing the the breeze.  Lunch is served in the dining room before they depart for home with another round of hugs and kisses.  Mother Ludwina restores at least some of the love that the children have lost. 

Dad will often drive to see the Niagara Falls or over to Lockport to watch the ships being raised or lowered in the locks on the Erie canal. Sometimes they stop to see Uncle Walter and Aunt Delores and their nine children, the two families together have enough kids to start their own school.