Feb 19, 2010

PSF - Lasting memory

Another PSF about flowers, except today's flowers are special. This PSF is about my Grandfather and the living memory he left behind.

My Grandfather spent most of his working life as a mechanic for Cadillac.  He always seemed to have a hint of the smell of car oil on him.  Probably because it was ground into his hands and forever stained his nails.

He worked on cars back when they were all as big as boats and had curb feelers.

I'm not sure if my Grandpa loved his job, but I do know he missed going to work once he retired.  He often told us of the time that Elvis Presley was visiting San Diego and stopped in to have his car serviced.

He said that there was a coke bottle rattling around in the back seat of his Caddy and that my teenager mom was so mad that he didn't swipe it for her.

I may not have know if he really loved his job........but one thing I do know is that he loved gardening, and he had one major green thumb.  He had a vegetable garden, fruit trees, nut trees, orchids and  container plants too numerous to mention.
When he passed away at the age of 87 his garden has shrunk quite a bit, but his orchid collection survived.  This orchid is from his collection.

We may not have my silly Grandpa around anymore but each spring we are reminded that he was once a big part of our lives.

Happy Birthday Grampi!


PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

33 comments:

DaBudges said...

what a sweet tribute to your grandfather. And his Orchids are Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

MomOf4 said...

Grandpas are very special. I lost my Grandpa almost 3 years ago and I still miss him every day. Lovely pictures!

Genny said...

Michelle,

That is the sweetest post. :) And I love how you call him Grampi.

Hugs,
Genny

More Than Words said...

Michelle..what a sweet post about your grandpa! The orchid is beautiful!!

And wow, Elvis! Can you imagine how much that bottle would have sold on Ebay? LOL

Anonymous said...

my grandpa always smelled like Old Spice! I love your edgeing on your pics.

Unknown said...

this was such a beautiful tribute! I am sorry for your loss. Grandparents are so wonderfully special aren't they? Mine passed away when I was a young teenager. I miss them.

Liz Mays said...

That was just wonderful and I'm so glad the orchids bloom on! What a loving tribute!

Marlynn said...

Such beautiful photos and what a lovely story to share!

Emily said...

What a great way to keep his memory alive!

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

What a sweet post!! Beautiful photos!

Laura said...

Very touching post and lovely photos.

Indrani said...

Such beautiful flowers and plants left by your grandfather. Great tribute, great post!

Casey's trio said...

It must be so nice to have such beautiful reminders of your grandfather all aroung you every spring!

LeAnn said...

What a precious post, and how wonderful that you have these flowers of his.

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

what a wonderful post - and what a beautiful reminder of him every spring!!

Mamí♥Picture said...

What a sweet post of your Abuelo!!
10 springs have gone by and those beautiful flowers return every year, how special is that!
{{{HUGS}}}

Alita said...

A moving tribute and a fascinating photograph. Great picture!

Anonymous said...

I love that his orchid collection is still going! Just beautiful.

Jessie said...

Beautiful! I love your story along with it.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Happy birthday celebration day of your grandpa. And, what a great reminder that you will always have of him.

woman who roars said...

Beautiful flowers and pictures. Grandfathers have such a special place in the hearts of their grandkids, and you've picked a lovely way of keeping his memory alive.

4thelove! said...

this post warms my heart....such true words and I wish I'd know more of the finer details like you spoke of. Glad you posted this.

Jenners said...

What a lovely way to remember your grandpa in a beautiful living plant ... and in your wonderful memories.

Claremont First Ward said...

How wonderful that you still have orchids that bloom each year to remind you of him.

Lindsay said...

Your post reminded me of my grandpa and his former love of rose gardening. He kept one up for years in his back yard, and they were always so beautiful and fragrant. I guess he just got a little too old to keep it up.

My Nanny died almost 11 years ago, and still when I smell certain smells and taste certain foods I can't help but remember her. I hate that most of her famous recipes were only in her head, because I think I would feel a connection to her through food better than most anywhere.

Staci Danford said...

That is just so precious to read. Don't we all hope that someday our grandchildren look back on us with such wonderful, touching memories.. Your grandpa is WAY proud today.
Staci

Unknown said...

Now this is too funny! My parents had orchids when I was a kid and they do again, lol. But that's not the funny thing, I had an uncle who worked for Lincoln AND he and my aunt had a fabulous yard and garden and were featured in the paper many times, lol. I love the shots of the orchids! Beautiful!!!

Cecily R said...

How did I miss this post? I thought I hit them all this (last) week...

What a wonderful tribute to your Grampi. That second shot is hands down one of the most beautiful flower photos I have EVER seen. I LOVE it.

sheila said...

Oh now that is just veryyyy beautiful! Happy Birthday Grampi!

Live.Love.Eat said...

I love orchids. And what beautiful memories of your Grandpa. I bet when you smell car oil you think of him too.

Baby Herzog times THREE said...

What a great post!!! You have so many memories of Grandpa. All the gardening is what will always stick with me for sure. Love this post, very touching.

carol daniels said...

What a wonderful way to remember your grandfather. We would have enjoyed each other's company.... we also love to garden and grow fruit trees, berries and grapes.

Nishant said...

.what a sweet post about your grandpa! The orchid is beautiful!!
work at home in india

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