Beautiful day outside here in Northern Ill. 33 degrees, some sun and slight wind. Brings my failing memory back to Christmas's years ago. Times sure have changed, as a kid we sometimes got a homemade gift from family members plus an orange from school teacher. One year I did receive a brand new bicycle, I was the after thought of the family {baby} whereas my older sister Ann403 and brother never got one, they always liked me better. . We went to Grandma and Grandpa B. S. Warner for New Years Day for Christmas and have oyster soup which I never did learn to like. Looked forward to their gift cause by our standards was very nice, like a new shirt or scarf.
Some have asked me where I got the name Skeeter, was given to me by my Grandpa Bertie Steen Warner. As a young kid would follow him around like a little puppy and always ask him questions, He would say "you pester me just like a mosquito" so eventully shorten it to Skeeter. The name has stuck throuout my life. I have been told by my relatives I most resemble my Grandpa B.S., that gets me to the story of his name. He was born in the late 1800's when it was popular to name you after your mothers maiden name, hence the reason for Steen. I never knew for sure but guessing they gave him Bertie to give him caractor. When born was somewhat small, and might have thought he would need to learn how to be "tuff" if teased about his initials. It did teach him not to take himself serious and have a great sense of humor. All his close friends called him B.S. and I have in my possion his many checks that he signed BS Warner. I could tell many stories but time is limited to one. He invited the neighbors over for a Sunday duck dinner, while eating the neighbor remarked how good the meal was wondered out load where he got the duck, knowing they didn't raise any. B. S. answered I stole it from you Jake. Those were the good ole days.
Hope everyone enjoys their Christmas as much as I always do. Merry Christmas to all and have a very Happy New Year.
The Skeeter