Hudson Mill Bridge

Well, it has been several days since I've written. It's spring break for me right now and my husband and I are working on some projects at home. Today, we took a break and went to Hudson Mill Bridge near Oneonta. It's a coverered bridge that was built in 1934 and restored in 1984. I will probably look up it's history later on. You know, when I have time! There are seven old covered bridges in Alabama ( I don't think that's counting the one at the falls). Anyway, we want to eventually visit all of them. Are we boring or what?! Never mind!

There's so much I want to put on here, and thanks to my Dad, Nell and my cousin Jodie, I have lots and lots of interesting material on both sides of my family.

I'm sleepy now though, so the rest of the stories will have to wait...

More next time...

Karen Denise Rodriguez

Mom and Dad

Remember I said we should honor those who have gone before us? Well, tonite I would like to also honor my parents, who thankfully are still with us. There were times during my childhood and up when I didn't honor them as I should. It's not an easy thing for two young people to commit to each other and their children often at the cost of their personal hopes and dreams. There's a lot of perserverance involved. But my parents did and to this day remain committed to each other, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This imcludes my 97 year old grandmother. There was a period of time when I was astray from my family, but they welcomed me back into their homes and their lives and have never thrown it up to me. Maybe they bite their tongues sometimes...I don't know. I'm just very thankful for them.

My dad and mom are both very generous. Dad tries to keep us all fed and is always ready to open up another can of beans. Not to mention an endless supply of coffee and tea. Southern hospitality truly lives on in him.

My mom excels in everything she does. Always has. From 1st chair clarinet at Gadsden High to top shoe salesperson at Martin's every month since she's worked there. Which, by the way, my Nanny finds hilarious for some reason.

Ther's so much more to them than this, but I can't write all nite! Anyway I'm both thankful and proud to be their daughter...

More next time,

Denise Rodriguez

family blog intro...

About a year ago, I had in mind to start a Swindall family website. Instead, I ended up with this blog. For one thing, it's free! I think I've always valued family to some degree, but as I've gotten older I've come to value it much more. I remember days when it seemed that almost every nite we were visiting with aunts and uncles and their families. I miss those days. Anyways, since those days are gone and time and distance hinder us, I thought we could connect this way. I would like to share family news, pictures, recipes, stories, memories, future plans, hopes and dreams and other family interests. I thought I might also use this to remember and honor our family members who are gone for now. Maybe we could post remembrances of them on their birthdays or anytime for that matter. Our most recent loss was Aunt Nell. Her funeral was on January 27th. I used to live across the street from her, along with Uncle James and Grandma. Once she cut out a mama kangaroo and a baby kangaroo from a cloth print of them. She stuffed them and sewed them up for me. The mama even had a real pouch to carry the baby in. She would also let me pick out a llittle golden book or small toy when I went to the store with her. I usually picked a book. But, one time, after my Nanny had told me about washing her hair in Octagon soap, I scoured the store till finally I found it. I'll never forget the look on Nell's face! Then she laughed and laughed. I always liked to hear her laugh. By the way, I don't recommend the Octagon soap! More next time, Denise Rodriguez