Happy Birthday to Steve

Steve was still a little twerp when I left home and could no longer tell him to keep quiet and not disturb me.  So I've had a lifetime to get acquainted with him.  He and Ann were my prime photo models when they were little since they were compliant and did everything I asked them to do.  As a result, there are more photos of them than of any other family member. Top photo, the John Wayne era in Jackson.  Middle photo, how to survey for a new milk barn.  Bottom photo self explanatory.  When Steve was born we were hustled off to Cindy's to kill time.  I remember Dr. Coulston, that urbane, gentlemanly, kindly doctor who delivered you commenting on Mother's wonderful homemade bread.  Then our house got noisier since Ann wasn't making a lot of racket by then.  We all remain in awe of your artistic and creative skills, of which I have none.  Dad would especially be proud of your accomplishments, as are we all.  Now if you would just take up quilt making to compete with your sisters.  We all hope you have a memorable and happy birthday.  We just wish we could see you more often.  From your former kindly roommate.

WHAT IT WAS

Judy was kind enough to post the finished piece, this is what we started with.

Steve's New Work

I am hoping that if I post the first picture, that Steve will post the rest and tell the story.  Isn't this BEAUTIFUL?

John Wayne, Tom Selleck, or Steve 1983 Jackson WY

Steve

I apologize for feeding the blog so much this morning. Recovering from the flu bug that was generously shared while we were together last week (thankfully it is about a 24 hour bug), has given time to just sit and start on the photo scanning again. I ran across this photo of handsome Steve and one of our many cute kittens. This does show a little more of the "guys" bedroom.

In the Days when Steve was really Cool. In PINK shorts. Are you kidding me? Happy Birthday

Another Letter to Keep

As you can see, this letter was written in 1961 and I was living in Seattle by then.  I loved Steve's illustrations on his letters.  It was a very personal and homey touch.

I have already read this letter to Steve over the phone.  But I still wanted to share it with the rest of you.

Steves Letters

Postmarked 1959
Dear Judith,
"My dear loving, loved (sometimes) sister, a miracle has occurred.  We can now start communicating again and still have a good dear feeling toward each other."    (to whom was this referring?)
"Everythings fine up here.  We work, we earn, we eat, and we pay.  My back is about ready to drive me insane if I'm not already there.  I think I've sprained it, or maby its a slipped disk, or maybe-if you see any red stains on this letter you know that it is broken.  I really haven't seen the DR vetenarian yet so I really don't know whats what.----------
     What do you mean from balls to girls?  I don't even look at girls any more.  That is not unless I see one.  Danny has kind of gone, gone, gone on himself or either else I have.  May I got his girl again.  You know I've started a new fad I have to tell you about.  Most of the other boys hate it (beacause it take their girl) unless they join our ranks.  But boy it sure gives the girls a thrill.  It's the old give and go.  You know where you give them all your gush then ya mush on. 
      I still think though that Danny and I are the only high school kids that haven't been on a party.  Aren't you proud of me?
------
      By the way I'm enlosing a picture of me and of Mike.  (two different poses of his class picture)  Speaking of twins being exact, notice that the mole on his neck is in the same place as mine.
Well no time to gab.  Its the old give and go process you know.
                                                               Love,
                                                                  Stephen Blood Jr.
                                                                   Mike Blood Jr.
P.S.  Write

When Steve Was Cool

I have lost the envelope and have no date for the following letter.  I am thinking it was while I was at BYU.



Dear Pudy,
     I'm piping in on you baby and sending this with the cats when they blow.  Like I've been buzzed by germsville again.  Cool, I live and breath but not very good though cause I've got a 'll of a throat tickle.  Like dad I've got the flew to go with it. 
     Life is but a merry merry go-round isn't it?  Like the cats will probably tell you all this sand and dirt before you shake down this cool line.
     I was going out for basketball this year but I guess that Santa fixed that for me.  Some people are just naturaly attrached to me and I guess that the wheel at the germ center is one of those kind persons.  I would have had good chances fo making the varsity reserve.
     Last Saterday afternoon I felt real good and pulled a fast one on the cats and got my drivers license. Of coarse I got it with the idea that I would  Blow the works while they were gone but fortune smiles down again on asweet dear little boy.  How square.
     I don't know why I bug you with all of the jazz.  I guess that I write to you like this so that you won't understand me.  ARe'nT i A goood tyrep thuogh?
     Well I'm going to the flats for a few zs.  I'd tell you happy hunting but I don't think that it would do you any good.

                                                                         Love,
                                                                             Steve

Steve joined the Powell High School band

Happy Birthday, Steve!

You were so doggoned cute - How did you grow to be so tall? When you were born, we all came home from Grandma Wasden's house to find you stretched out on a pillow - completely filling it from one end to the other. You had many talents that you used as you grew older - the drama of your plays, including being in the "mellerdramas" in Jackson Hole, showed that you had the particular talent of being "theatrical". Then there was the time you entered a high school painting in the Wind River Art Show in Riverton, and won in your division (I had a devil of a time getting your painting of clowns back to you.) You were always a good uncle when my kids came visiting, and we had times down on the river sketching and discussing your future. The last 40 years or so, you've been using your woodworking talents to showcase your witty animal art, and to decorate places like Snow Lodge and Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park, among other places. We miss you - New York State is a long ways away, but we do get an occasional glimpse. We appreciate Mary Lynn and the beauty of your New York home. Hope your day will be a good one.

The Bobbsey Twins

I just can't resist adding this picture to the family album. Ann and Steve holding hands like the best of pals that they were (and still are). I'm not too sure, but I think Ann has her cut-off pants on back to front - she never, ever had a tummy - she was always skinny as could be. Love the bracelets, as an added wardrobe embellishment. One thing about Mother - she never interfered with our desire to dress up - as long as it was at home. The added embellishments put an added dollop to our playacting. (Remember Judy at Ralston with the funny cast-off girdle that someone had included in a batch of clothes that we were gifted with? Or the wonderful fur animal that had a head and a long tail that had a clasp so we could wear it around our necks? (We were very sophisticated when we wore that one.) There were hats with veils, and strange clothes. Some of the hand-me-downs that landed at our house were remodeled by Mother to try to eke out our wardrobes, but mostly, we had make-believe. In looking back, it seems to have been a magical childhood. There were certain rules of deportment that we were expected to adhere to, but in reality, we lived a pretty free, imaginative life.

Steve sitting on his sled with a cat, waiting for the snow to fall

   

First Photo: Steve

I remember so well, this photo of Steve is the very first picture I ever took with my new Baby Brownie.

The Summer of Hepatitis

The summer of 1959 was charged with emotion and challenges. I came home for the from BYU engaged, Mother was away at Laramie finishing her batchelor's degree, Ann was busy keeping the peace, Dad was lonely and bought a TV, and Stephen contacted hepatitis.
You can see from the photo how gaunt he was, and if this was in color, you could also see his yellow skin. He was one sick boy and our parents were deeply concerned. There was the trip to Dr. Colson's office for our gama globulin shots.
I remember asking Mom and Dad if I could go to Washington to meet Robert's parents (likely excuse), one night when Steve was particularly ill. What was I thinking?
Steve, how come you had to go to Viet Nam with this in your history?

Steve and Mary Lynn Meet Us in Palmyra

We were so pleased when Steve and Mary Lynn came to Palmyra to see us.  There were a few problems, however.  Steve called to say they were in town and would soon be there so we told them to meet us by the Catholic church a half-block north of the corner with four churches on it, across from the 39 stone steps up to see the grave of Alvin Smith, which we did not attempt.  Steve, however, neglected to tell us he was in the other Palmyra south of the true Palmyra and that it would be some time before he arrove.  I saw him go whizzing past the four-corner-church aggregation, realized he was not oriented correctly, so to speak, and then returned.  Whereupon, he shooed the dog in the back seat, who was not anxious to go there, but went peacefully, and we headed for the Hill Cumorah.  Several of the tour members remarked that Steve and I looked identical.  That could have one of two meanings:  (a) I really look young and handsome, or (b) Steve looks like an old geezer.  After Hill Cumorah, we drove south to Canaindaigua  and looked at the mansions on the end of one of the finger lakes and had dinner.  I felt a little surreal to be so far out of place and still have my little brother around.  We had a great time, agreeing that he and I missed our conversations with our Dad.  For my sisters, Steve looks shaped up in each and every regard, so rest easy.  This visit was definitely a major highlight of our trip.

In this photo, Steve is considering whether it will be worth it to make some little noises that might irritate me.  Note the original Hole in the Wall, from the doorknob, which fit perfectly into the hole.  I did not learn this until the last couple of months, but Steve and Ann were the original Hole in the Wall Gang, dumping pea pods and other treasures down there.  An anthropologist would have a field day tearing this house apart.

Fun and Nonsense

Happy Birthday Steve

This was probably the "let's just have fun stage". At this point in time we didn't know any better.
I suspect this is about the age we were when we dressed up in each other's clothes and Dad pretended to not be able to tell us apart. And possibly this is the age where we shot spit wads at each other across your/Dwight's bed. Remember how we would laugh, and the red welts would really hurt? And we listened to the World Series on the little radio in your room? Love the cuffs on your Levi's.
And then we grew up - or so we thought. You looked so handsome and even in your Sunday best you still loved the kitten. You didn't mock my sugar water stiffened petticoats (they were murder on the back of my legs), and you were still my hero.

And then there are few, but very precious times when we get together as mature (?) adults when we still laugh and remember the magical times of a world that seems so far away.

Oh, the memories that photos stir up. Steve, you were always my hero - look at how far we have come - maybe. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and may the weather cooperate and bring sunshine just for you. Love you lots, Brother dear.