THE OLD BRINK PLACE

The property where we live, used to be known as "The Old Brink Place". It seems the Brinks were a large family with about 15 children and lived here back in the 1930's and 40's. This area did not get electricity until 1947. There is still an old pump down in the bottom of the hollow behind our house.
There is a foundation where their house had been, as well as the foundation to the outhouse. Flowers such as Peonies, Daffodils and Irises still come up in the spring around the old setting. Mrs. Brink lived in the house. In front of the house was a small, 2-story log cabin that still stands on the property. Long time area residents told us that Mr. Brink lived in the top of the cabin and used the bottom as a workshop. (I guess separate houses could be considered one form of birth control after 15 children)

Mr. Brink built the pews and the pulpit for a new church that had started up nearby. They continued to be in use until about 10 years ago when the church renovated.

One of the older attorneys in our small town is also known as a local historian. He does a lot of Real Estate title work and while talking to him one day, the conversation turned to the property we had purchased and were living on.

He grew up in a nearby community that had an old country general store where not only were you able to buy the things you needed but also you were able to catch up on the latest community news. Getting to the store was an adventure in itself in those days. Access was only attained by traveling on one of the unpaved, dusty, rocky roads.

One hot summer day, he was drinking a soft drink, while his father was visiting at the store, he noticed a horse and wagon pulling up. The wagon was full of children of all ages and gender. The driver of the wagon was their father, Mr. Brink. Mr. Brink was having the clerk fill his order when another gentleman came up in a vehicle. He had a small child with him who was crying loudly. He brought the child into the store and presented him to Mr. Brink. "I think one of your children fell out of your wagon".

Apparently, there were so many in the wagon and they were so excited about getting to go to the store, no one noticed when one of the smaller ones had fallen off.

I loved learning this little bit of history about our home. We've lived here over 30 years now. I wonder if it will be called the "old *** place" if we move away. We moved here from a very large city back East and enjoy living in a small community with lots of not so long ago history still remembered.

I'm Homesick

I’m getting homesick. I haven’t been home more than three single overnights for over a month. The air conditioner at the farm went kaput. It was just a large window unit. I’ve been trying to get DH to install central air for over 10 years. Finally he agreed. But it would take the contractor we wanted about a month to get to us. Of course, this has been one of the hottest summers on record here in the Midwest. So, in the meantime, I’ve been staying at the air conditioned lake house among other places. It really hasn’t been all that bad but, I’m anxious to get home.


DH’s last day of work, was June 30. He is officially retired now. I think he is just now starting to really feel the freedom tho. He acts like a different person. Like a kid who is really enjoying playing hooky. School starts August 17, and he isn’t having to worry about setting up all the bus routes, finding enough drivers and getting all those calls from parents wanting to know what time the bus will be by their house and why can’t the bus come 2 miles down their dead end road and pick up their child in front of their house. “Why it would only add 10 minutes to the route.” Let’s see-10 x 6 different kids = 60 minutes added to the ride for everyone else. But there is usually over 50 children on each bus. But that’s not his problem any more. Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!!

DH has purchased a nice, used, 29ft., travel trailer; which wasn’t dirty, until I started cleaning it. I decided I needed to clean and (re)line all the shelves and drawers. I also decided to deep clean the refrigerator and the gas cooking stove. After that, I wanted to clean the carpeting. I also needed to stock it. I guess not getting around to that massive yard sale I was going to have, does have its merits. I did not have to buy very much to equip the kitchen. DH had parked the trailer on our lot next to the lake house so, I was able to work on it every day.

Then, the drapes in the bedroom really needed replacing. But that’s another blog.

We took the trailer to our son’s for the 4th of July. We just parked it behind one of his outbuildings. We are looking for a nice lot near their COE lake where we can park the trailer. That way, DH will not have to commute as far to work part-time at Son’s store this fall. Having our own place to stay will keep us from filling like we are overstaying our welcome at Son’s.

The 4th of July was on a Tuesday which made for a very long weekend. Between Son’s church and family activities, I was exhausted when I got back. It was lots of fun tho.

One afternoon we met at DDIL’s cousins’ house for lunch with about 30 other family member’s. We all agreed that we could “live” in the cousins’ pool house. It was a large, well decorated and appointed, open, room plus bath and well equipped kitchen. Lots of room for tables for the food and lots of seating. It also has a large covered veranda with picnic tables and more seating. Or- we could sit around the pool on one of the lounge chairs or at an umbrella covered table. Everyone brought lots of great food and it was so enjoyable. The cousins have worked very hard and
recently sold their business and plan to enjoy the fruits of their labors. More power to them.

Another evening, Son’s church had a “Party in the Park”. Originally, they were the only church participating but this year, some other churches asked if they could join. It was really like an old fashioned 4th of July, (except no politicians). Lots of booths with 25 cent hotdogs, cotton candy and/or drinks. Various very talented singers and musicians on a simple stage with great amplification. Fun games
for the children as well as face painting, etc. There are definite advantages to small town living.

Then another evening, we went to a nearby public park on their COE lake and had a picnic of sorts while waiting for what has got to be the most beautiful fireworks display I have ever seen. Stars, happy faces, flowers, along with bursts of traditional fireworks, for over 20 minutes, left us feeling overwhelmed with their beauty. Another small town doing the 4th of July right. They too had an outdoor
stage with a number of local artists performing during the evening. And of course, the occasional political speech to remind us that the 4th of July celebrates our right for each person to vote for what they believe.

It’s been over two months but I have just now had the time and opportunity to post. I’ll write more soon about my recent adventures.