Category: Irene

You’ve see some old journal entries along the way from my lovely Irene.   She’s been gone for many years but I think about her often and turn to her journal some days when I need a little song in my heart.  From the rainy day after school with my feet in the oven, delivering dandelions for her kitchen table as wee thing, to naps while she lovingly tucked my blonde hair behind my ear…I still miss her like crazy.

At a recent conference in Sydney, we were all asked  “if you could meet up with anyone….who would it be” my answer was (and always is) Irene.    I could easily have picked an artist, a great musician, a historical figure…..but  nothing would make me happier than sitting down with a cup of tea, some biscuits and a quiet afternoon catching up on all that she’s missed.

The flower delivery continued yesterday, clutched in Noah’s little hands pushed lovingly upwards.   My heart filled with love for this sweet boy who had no idea that some daisies picked off the side of the road, could totally make my day and bring me back to some very sweet memories.

This is me, sending love, love, LOVE!    I have to give some away, my heart is currently overflowing!

With great love (for this child),

Shirly (Irene) Brink
sbrink@vintageconcierge.ca

 

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 12, 1975

Made more soup.  Bonnie washing and plumber inspector came.  Vern in to talk sewers again.   Will be putting another “Y” in drain hold to pass inspection later on.  Made 2 fig pies in afternoon.

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 11, 1975

I done washing, hung inside, then it cleared up.  We went to Port Hope.  Molly and Edge along. Shopped at Bake shops and on to Zellers and Dominion near Cobourg.  Ate there and came to Molly’s and ate again.  Home 9pm.  Good day.

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 10, 1975

Bright and cold.  Shirly here all AM.  We took several pictures some very good ones.  Had lunch and folks left at 1pm.

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 8, 1975

Made apple pudding biscuits and snack cake in AM.  Shirly here all morning for breakfast.  Made soup in afternoon.  Watched TV awhile in eve.

I wonder what she watched in the evening.  🙂

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 7, 1975

Lovely day.  Away to Knob Hill at 1pm.  Molly and Edge along, lunch in Whitby and home about 5pm. Watched TV in eve.

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 6, 1975

Vacuumed and dusted house, went to Orono with Molly and Edge afternoon.  Got my needle and shopped.  I got a print for dress and groceries at Toms, then to Kirby for meat.  Ate at the Dutch Oven.  Home at 4pm. Good day.  Full.   George arrived at 8pm.  Supper.

Love(d) her always,

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- February 5, 1975

Bright for a while then blustery again.
Bonnie washing and took to the dryer downtown.

I suppose she went downtown so she didn’t have to pick up the washing and repeat.

Love(d) her always,

Cold and blustery.  Tidied house some, wrote to Aunt Gerta and sent her Valentine with it.  Read some AirPath book later.

I love google.   I wonder what AirPath book she was reading.   Something tells me she wasn’t reading about a US Patent No. 3925523 A.

Love(d) her always,

I have such loving memories of Irene.   From warming me in a chair in front of the oven after a rainy day….bringing her endless bouquets of dandelions (that she always put in a vase on the kitchen table with great joy)…falling asleep in her lap while she tucked my hair behind my ear …sigh. I miss her still.

Irene wrote daily in a journal that I pick up with loving remembrance.    It spans nearly 10 years (March 31, 1973 to September 26, of 1982) and includes “facebook posts” in her glorious handwriting. I’m really hoping that mom forgets that I have it.  I do suppose that particular cat is out of the bag now.

As you get to know me, you will also get to know Irene.  I’ll share what she ate, the weather and what she cleaned or baked that day.    I really should dig up the recipe for her biscuits and put on a pot of tea.   Mom!!!!!!  I need to “borrow” the recipe book too please!  🙂

Irene Byers – Journal Entry- January 24, 1975
Shirly here early, then went with her mother shopping.  I made lemon pudding and ham casserole for dinner.  Don Vinkles here in evening for cards.  George had gas, burping all night.

With great love (for this lovely lady, and poor George),