A visit with Granma and Grandpa Anderson was a treat because they lived in Hiland Park on Sarasota Avenue, whereas Granma and Granpa Pratt lived next door and we were with them every day.
Grandpa Anderson would start saying "Pallie we have to go home" about 10 minutes after they arrived at our house.
When I was real little they lived in West Bay. When I was about five years old I got to spend a week or two with them. Being the oldest grandchild on either side I reckon I got spoiled a little. I remember it was hot sumertime and Granma filled a washtub with water out in the yard in the sun and when it got warm I played in it. Better than any old store-bought wading pool!
Right across the highway was Uncle Bonnie and Aunt Edith Buchanan's home on the canal and the store where Aunt Edith was postmistress. Uncle Bonnie usually had a raccoon in a cage out front. I remember when I was bigger he conjured a wart off my knee.
Uncle Kade was just three years older than me; I'm not sure about the ages of the Buchanan cousins (but I could go look em up in the family genealogy-- Any comments and info will be welcomed. :~)
I have always been proud of Granma's work at the big shipyard during the War. AS Barry used to say, "She's a sport!" In later years she worked at Hentz's Grocery downtown, making doughnuts. After Granpa passsed away, she lived in what we used to call the "Peacock House" on Pratt Point in Parker , and I now call "Granma's House" (even though it isn't any more). I remember her big beautiful hydrangeas, and the best sunset on the Bay. Loved her front yard; it was easy to get down to the water. We had a great family reunion there one year; I was working for the News Herald and did a full page spread on the reunion. One photo included all three sets of twins--Buddy's, Vivian's and Jimmy's. If I can scan that NH page successfully, I'll post it. (if it's not too faded.)
This post could easily evolve into a biography. But not right now. Housework calls.