Carousel~Kitten

Carousels and Kittens

The carousel originated in Europe, but reached its greatest fame in America in the 1900's. During the late 1800's, many skilled European carvers immigrated to the United States to produce carousels. Keep in mind that the best carousels were found in America, not Europe. The immigrant craftsmen wanted to make sure that their work reflected their dreams of what coming to America meant. The true American spirit was seen in the unique and free-flowing styles of the horses created in America.

The carvings of these immigrants were a great improvement over the first efforts of unskilled carvers. Usually the side of the carousel horse facing the audience, the "Romance" side, was adorned with carved decorations, while the inner side received little attention. The golden age of carousels only lasted 25 years, but still brings back wonderful childhood memories today.

I grew up near Cedar Point, which is the second oldest amusement park in North America! Cedar Point first started out by being a local place for bathing facilities by the lake. In the 1880's the "Water Trapeze" opened becoming the parks first roller coaster! Cedar Point Amusement Park was founded in 1870 in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point is the main attraction in Sandusky. I was fascinated and mesmerized by their display of Carousels at Cedar Point. The admission was only a couple dollars, so we went there frequently for weekend entertainment.

When I was a child I had my kittens to keep me from being too lonely. One special kitten I got was a calico. Her name was Tinker Bell and she rarely went outdoors, since we lived in a busy city when I first got her. She kept me company and was my best friend for several years. So, I’ve always been especially fond of kittens and love to watch them chase a ball of yarn, or a cricket.

My Genealogy Research

My Uncle Clark put the “genealogy bug” in my ear. I created my first website, “Looking Back In Time”, for him. My Burwell Family is from England. My Cseh Family is from Hungary. And My McMurtrie roots are from Ireland and Scotland. My Mom was a Burwell, but she made the greatest Hungarian goulash and had that Irish temper!! And she was neither Hungarian or Irish, Go figure!

Life is a Journey

I was born in Painesville, Ohio. My parents owned Chek Trailer Sales in Mentor, Ohio. Then they bought property in Madison Ohio to expand on their dream. They named it “Dream Haven Resort”. As a young child, I had the opportunity to meet Don Shula, Robert Taylor, Arnold Palmer, and Zorro! Of course, I don’t really remember it, I was only about 3 when Don Shula had his wedding reception at “Dream Haven”. I am currently writing a book about my parents lost dream and its effect on my life. It will actually be a series of books. The first book will be “The Burnt Corner Club”, in memory of my oldest sister, Diana who founded the club. It will share secrets kept behind the doors of the Burnt Corner Club. The adventures we traveled if only in our dreams. The bonds and promises we made with each other, to make up for those we didn’t feel with our family.

I treasure my years in Willoughby, Ohio and those while in Largo, Florida. But, ultimately I ended up in The Land of Oz. Of all the places I’ve lived, Kansas was the place I felt most “at home” and “most loved”. I fell in Love with my soul mate, so I made it my home. We raised three daughters, who gave us nine wonderful grandchildren. My strong “family bond” was not an inherited trait. It is something I built out of my life experiences. I developed a strong bond with my girls, nurtured it at every opportunity, and have built memories that I am proud of. I have become what I might have been. I’ve learned a few things along my journey. The most important of which is that you should love what you have while you have it because life is all about changes, and your life can change in an instant. So, don’t waste time worrying about stuff. Appreciate what you have been given! And, make some memories with those you love. And it is more important to LISTEN than to SPEAK, that is why God gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth!

Strong Faith In God who tries to lead us in the right directions

I made a journey back into my past after having a life threatening illness. I had to heal and put the past in perspective. I do believe that we all do the best we can at the time with the knowledge and the resources we have. I believe that God is always there, trying to lead us to follow a path that will enable us to use our abilities to their full potential and to become what we might have been. But, sometimes we just aren’t listening or we let other things get in the way. I believe that each day is a gift given to us by God. What we choose to do with each day is entirely up to each of us. If you choose to waste it, or use it for good, it is important. Because when tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever, in it place is something we left behind. I want to leave something good behind. I want to be remembered for being a giving and caring person. So, I try to live each day for good. I try to remember to be humble, be very patient and have empathy for others.