My first memory of Pud dates back to the 1950’s … .waiting for she & Nancy to come home for lunch from the Mead where they both were employed. I knew once we finished eating ....it would only be a few more hours til we could go to see the horses!!
My love of horses began when I was very young. Pud & Nanc purchased/rescued 2 horses after they were established in their careers and could handle the extra expenses. Lady was an 8-year-old Morgan and Silver was a 3-year-old Palomino. Rumor has it I approached these creatures at age 2 and walked underneath them, hugged their legs and when I was atop - kicked like the dickens!! Every summer vacation was filled with time in the saddle or on the ground feeding them sugar cubes and carrots. I truly believe my passion for horses and my equine gene was predestined for me through my 2 wonderful Aunts and these 2 magnificent creatures.
Lady was the first horse I ever rode....
And Silver was the second one :)
Spending summers in Chillicothe as a child was great fun & eating Grandma’s cooking was a REAL treat. I remember her humming away in her tiny kitchen making pies & still humming when preparing that awful smelling liver for the 2 cats Bootsie & Schmo. Life didn’t mean much in the Hyson household if it didn’t include animals – even that snapping turtle Grandpa had in the back yard!
When the opportunity arose to own a house in the country – at that time Orchard Hill was considered country – they seized the moment. I remember Grandma being SO excited @ the huge kitchen she would now have to cook in, plus a washer & dryer on the same floor & Pud & Nancy had a bathroom with 2 sinks – life could not have been sweeter. Grandpa was the proud lion over looking his pride & new abode.
The house on the hill.....
The deer often came to visit & get a snack...
Unfortunately, when Grandpa died shortly there after ….all the responsibility fell on Pud’s shoulders. I learned over the years that the whole idea scared her to death BUT she made all the decisions with intelligence, common sense & a grain of salt.
She, Nancy & Grandma traveled out of state many times & ended up in Bensenville on numerous occasions. I remember waiting on the corner of Green Street on the day they were coming. When I could see the car – I’d run down the street & beat them to the driveway. Hugs & cheers could be heard 2 doors down & there was AlWAYS a dog to take a walk. The fun really started when Dad got home from work & the Manhattans & laughter would abound.
On these visits, Pud would always find time to give Mamie, our beloved Fox Terrier, a hair cut (the rest of the year she pretty much looked like a shaggy mutt.) And when the transformation was complete – I swear Mamie walked taller & ate less garbage!!
Many years later, Mom & Dad purchased land in Michigan to build their retirement cabin. I wish you could have seen Grandma or Pud or Nancy wielding a sickle to mow down the weeds – t’was a sight to behold. Dad was always pleased when he drove up after work on Fridays to see this newly landscaped back yard. It became a very special place for all of us for many years to come.
When Trevor – my eldest – was 7 mos old…Mom & I flew to Chillicothe so the Hysons could meet the newest member. I’ll never forget the sight of Trev in his walker on their patio zipping around trying to chase their cat or dog. They were always too quick – but Trev pursued until they all would just get out of his reach & plopped. Another chuckle was when Grandma was cooking in the kitchen & Trev grabbed a hold of her dress & she simply performed her duties without missing a beat with a child & walker in tow. The funniest thing that happened was when all 4 of we adults were seated in the living room & Trev somehow managed to pick up one of Grandma’s African Violets & placed it in the tray of his walker & delivered it right to Grandma when she was cooking…..Pud blamed Nancy right away….too funny.
Aunt Nancy is trying to act scary :)
One of Puds Yorkie's taking a ride in Trev's walker
Bruce, Trevor, Kyle & I visited Chillicothe almost every summer @ which time Pud, Nancy & Grandma would spoil them rotten with attention & toys. I can still picture all of us @ Harts waiting for them to select their newest Ninja turtle, transformer or what ever else what was in season for boys @ the time. When we returned to the hill – everyone would be on the floor playing with the latest purchase & having a ball …except Grandma … she’d be in the kitchen baking something she felt my gents would like for dessert that night.
Pud retired early to take care of Grandma when she no longer could care for herself. She & Nancy devoted their lives to making sure Grandma was well taken care of. We enjoyed relieving them with our visits every year, but it was not enough to decrease the stress. Pud made the decision to hire some help & things slowly fell into a routine. When Grandma passed away @ 106y/o….she thought a good nights sleep would never again be missed…until Nancy was diagnosed w/ cancer. The caretaker role was once again in play.
After Nancy passed away, Pud ‘s life was very quiet & sedentary with the exception of Dudley & Gracie & her caring neighbors. We visited twice a year in hopes of bringing some noise to her quiet household. Thanksgiving was always a treat b/c we would buck the system & have Prime Rib for dinner & chocolate for dessert!
Pud & her Dudley
Gracie Grace.....
The sight & sounds of my husband & Pud trying to get a fire lit in the living room fireplace makes me smile to this day.
The fire did actually get lit after some discussion!
My sister Barb & I stayed with Pud last February when we returned to Chillicothe for Aunt Katie’s funeral and we both noticed a decline. In May of last year – it was decided that she was not safe living by herself & my cousins – John & Jay - drove her to Cincinnati & she eventually became a resident of the New England Club. She could have her beloved pets – Dudley & Gracie – with her & all her medical needs were met. She often would tell me that she felt like she was on a cruise ship …every thing was SO nice & the people were very friendly. My cousins & their wives Venita & Debbie were wonderful making sure her needs were taken care of whether it be to buy food, escort her to a Doc appt or take her to a family event outside the facility. I learned just recently that she even got to visit the infamous Cincinnati Zoo!
The sight & sounds of my husband & Pud trying to get a fire lit in the living room fireplace makes me smile to this day.
My sister Barb & I stayed with Pud last February when we returned to Chillicothe for Aunt Katie’s funeral and we both noticed a decline. In May of last year – it was decided that she was not safe living by herself & my cousins – John & Jay - drove her to Cincinnati & she eventually became a resident of the New England Club. She could have her beloved pets – Dudley & Gracie – with her & all her medical needs were met. She often would tell me that she felt like she was on a cruise ship …every thing was SO nice & the people were very friendly. My cousins & their wives Venita & Debbie were wonderful making sure her needs were taken care of whether it be to buy food, escort her to a Doc appt or take her to a family event outside the facility. I learned just recently that she even got to visit the infamous Cincinnati Zoo!
Pud & Venita plus Craig & Christa
Pud with John & Jay
In some of my phone calls with her – it seemed like she was sitting @ my kitchen table …sharing my adventures @ my horse or what the boys were up to…..plus solving all the worlds problems. If anyone ever had an opinion it was Pud!!
She had it with her in Cincinnati.
Sundays when I’d be in Bensenville with Mom – I would often call Pud and she & her sister would talk – sometimes for just a little while & other times for quite a while. Usually one of them was trying to tell the other one what to do…..just like old times.
One of Pud’s passions was her work with the Ross County Humane Society…she was a VERY dedicated & active member either sitting on the board OR bathing dogs for adoption day. Both Joan & I adopted felines from the shelter & drove them back to Illinois for their forever homes. It was routine for, who ever visited Pud to call when they safely arrived backing Illinois. The first question she always asked was …..every one survive ? ….we all knew she was referring to the latest member aka the adoptee and not the humans! It was just who she was….an animal lover like no other.
I trust Mildred aka Mildew aka Pud is on top of Lady trotting around in heaven with: Punch, Bizby, Higgins, Bootsie, Schmo, Sid, Rocky, Peaches, Sparky, Prissy, Bubba & of course Silver all chasing their beloved human & having a ball.
Peter was a great source of support & humor
She was a very special person to both human & animals….rest in peace Pud & don’t worry @ your beloved Dudley & Gracie…they will be in good hands……just like you from this day forward.
Thanks for posting this Ann, I had been hoping for a chance to read this. It was a very nice tribute and I loved all of the pictures too.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kristin
That was really, really nice Ann. It brought a tear to my eye. Although not a common name, Pud was always a familiar name at your house. You were all very lucky to have your aunts and Grandma as long as you did. And Pud's love of animals lives on forever in the Baader girls. Georgi
ReplyDelete(I am hoping that the feet Peter is handling in the picture are Barb's!)
Debbie recently sent me your blog site after a chit-chat on the phone Sunday. Ooooh, I so enjoyed your post and I got to see a photo of Debbie (who I call Froggee - 'cause she likes frogs) and John. I share your love of horses and enjoyed reading your other
ReplyDeletepostings on Buddha.
Hugs,
Barb in Texas