Mom and the basement

Late this fall we had a company come to spray insulation on the rim joists of the farm house. This helps with heating and keeping pests at bay. In the process of insulating, a path was cleared around the periphery of the basement. So most everything was moved.

This week we spent some time at the farm house, and cleaning and organizing was a priority. We tried out the washer and dryer- they both worked beautifully after at least 6 years of non- use. Monday was wash day, all the sheets, towels, clothes from the week were washed. In the spring, summer, and fall everything ended up on the clothes line in the yard, north of the house. Often the winter clothes line would be in the basement, with some of the heavier denim 'freeze drying' on the clothes line outside. The shirts, pillowcases, skirts, etc were sprinkled and ironed. Mom always had a hobbie or a magazine ( Good housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Cappers Weekly) close by for entertainment while the clothes were washing. 

But what has been on my mind lately was Gramma. As I took things out of dressers and out of cubbies I saw a glimpse of the 65 some years my parents lived in the same house. It was a well built mid-century home. Just big enough for a small family. Although Mom didn't much care for cooking, she always made nutritious meals when I was growing up. Her first cabinets from the 1940's are in the basement. 

I can imagine how excited she was when these metal cabinets were moved to the basement to be replaced with cabinets made on site and of Maple. I am amused to see these child proof drawers. These white metal 'cupboards' now store towels, supplies, tools, etc. they are showing wear but continue to be functional. Gramma and Grandpa were never ones to waste anything.

As I moved through he basement stuff I remembered Mom taking Oil painting classes, her canvases and oil painting supplies. She dabbled I water colors, too. So water color paper and water colors were neatly stored away for when the grandchildren would come over and she would have someone to share her hobbie with. And of course, the painted rocks around the wood stove.

Mom was an EMT, so I looked through first aid books and EMT training Manuels from the 1970's.