Happy Memorial Day

Carl Gustav Nordstrom and his sister Karin, August 1942

Carl Gustav Nordstrom,my grandmother's younger brother, served as a Seabee during the Second World War. Like many veterans, Uncle Carl did not talk much about the war. Luckily, the reminiscences of another Seabee, Roger Casseday, were published earlier this month by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A video interview and the published article are here. Reading about another Seabee's experiences in the war provided insight to my Uncle's.

One story I do remember Uncle Carl telling me is that everyone aboard ship wanted to be the first in line at breakfast. Apparently, when the milk canisters were opened all the cream had risen to the top and if you were there when that happened, then "score." Okay, I don't think "score" was his exact word, but I gathered that cream made breakfast better.

Thank you Uncle Carl. I hope you are served plenty of cream with breakfast in heaven!

Happy Burns Night

Burns Night, 1947

This article about the United Scottish Societies dinner honoring Robert Burns is dated 1947. At the far left is my grandpa's oldest brother, David Hood. I recently learned (or relearned) that my Uncle David came to America 100 years ago this month. He arrived on the Furnessia on January 4th, 1911. I wonder if would have been so keen on haggis and toasting the immortal memory if he had remained in Scotland.

I never attended Burns' Night growing up. In fact, I probably would have been hard pressed to tell you who he was.  My first Burns' Night was in Scotland. I went to the Research Club at Glasgow University with my roommates. We were served tiny wee scoops of haggis, neeps and tatties.  I have to admit, it wasn't bad.  Although, my opinion might be different if the scoops had been bigger.

I have no idea how the scan of this clipping appeared on my computer. It is in fact, only one of two pictures my mom and I have of  Unicle David. The second is of him (in a kilt), his wife and their daughter.  If you have pictures of David Hood that you would be willing to scan and send to me, I would greatly appreciate it.