Susie early established herself as Mommy’s girl. She was always content and happy as long as Mommy was in sight. If Mama was not in sight, oh my did she ever let her displeasure ring loudly and long. And, if Susie was not happy, no one was happy.
One evening we were in the living room and while Susie was busy, I tried to sneak out of the living room down the hall to the bathroom just to have five minutes for myself. Well, I got out of the living room, and went into the bathroom, leaving the door open and the lights off. I scarcely made it in the door when I heard her. She was creeping down the hall looking for me and every time her hand hit the floor she complained, “ma-MA….”
She also loved books from an early age. Do you see that twinkle of mischief in her eyes? Stay tuned for other photos that clarify that.
Bethy soon got over her fear of being overtaken by the new sister and began to practice the prerogative of the elder sister: she started to try to boss Susie. Fortunately or unfortunately, Susie had a mind of her own, and only minded Bethy’s admonitions when it suited her.
Most of the traveling we had done up until this time was work related. Now, with a car and some vacation time, we packed up our little family and headed for Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré is quite possible the most famous beach in Portugal. Not for great treasures, but for the feeling of having walked into the past. We stayed in a Pensaõ, (kind of like a bread and breakfast) and spent a few days there.
Nazaré is famous not only for the fishermen mending their nets on the beach, but also for the women whose fancy skirts covered seven petticoats of various colors. Fishermen’s widows sit on their stoops dressed all in black. They weave a warm a wool that they make into shirts or double-sided cape with a hood by request. You can see some photos of Nazaré here.
Another favorite vacation that year was Curia. Curia means “healing” for the hot springs where people still go for “the cure.” The Romans discovered it when they were in the Iberian Peninsula We stayed in The Grand Hotel for a few days. It was like a trip back to the 1920s in style. The service was superb as were the meals. Our suite was quite spacious enough for all four of us. Elisabeth discovered a table by her bed that, when she took the drawer out, she could hide inside – one of her favorite things to do.
What is your favorite place to vacation?
Love! These photos are so classic … and lovely. What a great thing – for a child to love books from such an early age. Enjoyed the snippets about Nazare’ and Curia.
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Thank you! It’s fun remembering and would be even better if we were still there.
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Susan, oh my goodness, you put so much time into this post and OH did I ever enjoy it! And what struck me the most, is the photo of you and how you are smiling while holding Susie. I hope you are sitting down because the way you are holding your head and smiling, you remind me of Princess Diana. Yes. True. I was struck by the resemblance in your facial expressions (shyness) and your bright smile. Thank you again, Suez, for another truly wonderful story. Love, Amy
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Thank you Amester. I always liked her – was preggers with Bethy when I watched her wedding when we were in Portugal. That feels like a million years ago.
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I know. I had this connection with her I still cannot explain, and now I see her expression on your face. Amazing. I wonder what all that means? Love, Amy
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I don’t know what it means, but she was an outstanding woman who got run down by the Royals. We lost her and Mother Teresa in the same year.
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I know. Talk about a double whammy. And I LOVED both. It was a very sad time for me. For real.
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I remember well how sad I was. That feeling stayed with me though my outward expression of myself has modified. I heard pastors putting them both down.
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I love Susie’s pink hat! That’s such an interest. Are there sharks by that beach? I mean, like lots of sharks, you know.
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More than likely they were fishing boats on their way out to fish all night. 🙂
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It is Portuguese custom to have babies and little children wear hats. The sun is very strong there, especially in the spring.
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Perfect! I should go, then, since I like hats more than I should.
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I see you in a fedora. Go for it.
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That sounds like a cool hat.
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It is a cool hat. Makes you look a little bit like ol’ Bogart.
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Yes, the prerogative of the elder sister is in effect in my house right now. But the younger runs hot and cold. Sometimes she just will take whatever play time she can get, and others she likes to throw quite a fit. It can be exhausting.
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Laughing…yes. I am the oldest of four and I spent most of my time dodging the bullet.
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As the baby sister in my family, I’m on Susie’s side! But don’t tell BigSister, or I’ll be in trouble… 😉
Great pics!
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I was thinking about you and your big sister when I wrote that. We big sisters can be overbearing at times.
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Yes, you can! 😉
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I’m working on it. 😀
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Aww, what sweet memories! And photos! ❤
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Thank you, Rachel.
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I enjoy your story telling, Susan.
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Thank you, Audrey.
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