Such is our friendship with the Andersons. In the late 1950's, Johnny, Betty, Bobby, and Peggy lived just north of Lamkin on the Barefoot Ranch. Mom and Dad quickly became best friends with them. Their family and my family bonded. We children were much like siblings. We had lots of fun together. We ate together often and visited almost daily. (Please refer to an earlier posting on 04/08/08 about Peggy. Just look on the right side and click on 2008 and follow from there.)
On Wednesday, Rick called and said that he had an opportunity to visit with our very dear, longtime friends, the Andersons in San Angelo. During their visit, Bobby asked for copies of some old pictures that we might have of the two families together. I
have posted a few below.In this first picture, we apparently are at my Stephens' grandparents house for dinner. From the far left and going clockwise are Momo Lila, Papa Johnie (partially hidden), Rick, Peggy, Johnny, Bobby, Gayland, Momo Johnnie, Daddy, me, and Mother. I'm supposing that Betty was taking the picture. I recognize the big white bowl in the center of the table as being the milk glass bowl that always held fruit salad.
In the picture to the right, the families are swimming at our favorite swimming hole, Fairview, on Resley creek. From front to back, there's me, Bobby, Peggy in Betty's arms, Gayland's feet, and Rick. We'd take snacks and swim all afternoon. Mother wouldn't get in the water, so she was our designated camera person and kid watcher
.To the left is a picture of me in a chair holding Peggy. I believe that it may have been taken at the Hall Ranch in Eden.
To the right is a picture taken in the driveway at our house on Willow Creek near the Leon River. From the left are Brenda, Bobby, our dog Prince, and Rick. It looks like Bobby might be holding a cat. That's curious because Mother wouldn't let us have cats.
Mom and Betty pose for a quick pic while standing at the refrigerator door in our remodeled kitchen at the Big House (the two story house).
Brit pulls Ryan in the wagon in front of Peggy's house on North Van Buren. Ryan is in the picture just below and both Ryan and Britney are in the other picture.
Finally, here is a picture of Mom with Marion and Betty on their front porch on Milton Street. We love you, Andersons, even though we don't see you nearly often enough.
