Thursday, April 29, 2010

Theme Thursday......Bicycle

Just say the word bicycle and so many memories come to my mind. Mainly of my Granddaddy!

My Granddaddy lived in Crossett, Arkansas and worked as a watchman at The Crossett Company, which later became Georgia-Pacific. Granddaddy didn't own a car, his transportation was his bicycle. He rode it to and from work, which was the night shift! He paid all of his bills in person, yes riding his bike all over town. He bought groceries on his bike and carried them in his basket! He didn't buy many groceries because he had (and worked by himself) a garden that would feed many people. He gave fresh vegetables to all who came by. What he didn't give away he canned or put in his freezer.

This picture was made on granddaddy's 86th birthday. He barbecued a goat and had a wonderful party with many people in his backyard. He gave his bike a fresh coat of paint for the party (this year it was black)



This picture is of me getting a ride in the basket...I know I had so much fun and probably begged for more rides!



We miss you Granddaddy! You were the best!


For more TT Bicycle, click here!

Nanny

15 comments:

tootie said...

What a sweet story! Your granddad sounded like a wonderful man.

Tanna said...

Nanny, I LOVE that story! Your granddad was a very special kind of man. That photo of you in the basket... I'm seein' a little of Miss Lila! Sweet, precious memories. Thank you so much for sharing them. Hugs ~ Tanna

Katherine said...

Nanny thank you for sharing this wonderful memory of your grandad with us! He sounds like he was a truly wonderful Man! Lovely photos!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, this brought tears to my eyes - I miss my grandpa soooooooo much!!!

Deb said...

what great memories...I remember my Papaw bought an old bicycle when I was a kid..fixed it up and would go riding with us kids...we thought that was so cool...an old man riding a bike...Mamaw never learned to ride a bicycle..Papaw tried and tried to teach her...

Betsy Brock said...

Awww..this was sweet! I'm sure he was known all over town with that bike!

And you...wow...Solar looks like her mom! :)

grammy said...

What a great theme???
Love the bike and that he was still able to ride it at 85
He seems like a wonderful Grandpa
I don't have many pictures of mine
but he was a character too (o:
come to think of it...he didn't have a car that I remember
we lived in a small town and he could walk where ever

So cute...little you in the basket (o:
I need to ask my brother if he remembers a car???

Jill said...

What an amazing man! I just love it that you have those photos and they are such wonderful memories! I love to ride my bicycle but rarely ride it for PURPOSEFUL activity like a trip to the grocery! I am inspired! Maybe I would spend A LOT less money too if all I had was a basket to fill up!
;)
GREAT TT!

Brian Miller said...

what a cool post...i wish we lived somewhere i could bike to work. i think my therapy clients might think i had lost it if i asked them to jump on a tandem when i picked them up; great memories of grandaddy as well!

It's Just Dottie said...

Nanny, your post today made me think about my Papa.Oh how I loved him!!! He taught me to ride my bike after my Dad died. We road many a mile together.
Sending smiles your way,
Dottie

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hey Arkansas, How are you???? I love seeing the pictures and reading about your grandfather. What a great man... I can see why you miss him. Thanks so much for sharing..

I used to have a bicycle similar to that one in the picture. Mine had a basket on it also... AND--it had a HORN.... ha ha ha
Hugs,
Tennessee

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a nice tribute to your grand daddy! You look so cute sitting in ther bicycle basket.

Solar Powered said...

Gosh, that made me tear up. I feel like there may be a part of him inside me somewhere. I wish I could have just one day of that life...my own garden, no car, no phone, riding around town to pay bills (probably more to say hello), a birthday party cooking in my backyard - that was the life.

And I agree with Noni...that is a Lila look if I have ever seen one!

Alison said...

Yes, I will have to teach them how to post comments. ha!
I was just telling Riley the other day about Grandaddy's grandaddy who rode his bike everywhere he went. He thought that was too cool.

Subby said...

Aw such a cool story! Miss mine as well. Happy(belated)TT :)