Sepia Saturday 102: Fish Tales

Chet Warwick and the one that didn't get away. Photographer unknown.

While I would love to tell a 'fish tale,' Chet Warwick actually caught the one that got away! When I heard of his fishing adventures, I suspected 'fish tales' -- these must be over-blown stories. His wife’s anecdotes of high waves, broken-down motors and remote bays were all confirmed by his sons. His sons were a mix of willing and unwilling participants.

I would definitely have been an unwilling participant -- I have caught two 'trophy' fish.  These are my only catches (not counting my husband). The first was a sucker (not my husband). I begged mercy and the fish was reluctantly released. (Don't tell the Fish and Game Wardens.)

My next fish was a real trophy - at least in dollars or memories per pound. Five days, four people, four out-of-state fishing licenses, two white-striped bass --  one caught by me!  Fish weight....  I think they were over the limit. (Don't tell the Fish and Game Wardens.) Enjoying canoeing all day; roasting fish over the fire with my husband and parents; listening to the 'Grand Canyon Suite' bouncing off the cliffs in a bay on Lake Powell; priceless!

And now I leave you to go fishing for more tales at Sepia Saturday 102.

Chester Arthur 'Chet' Warwick (1903-1973) was my grandfather. He was a jeweler by trade and a fisherman by heart.

Sepia Saturday 101: The Honeymoon Hitch

Amaryllis 'Mern' Hopkins, February 1952

There is something enticing about vintage cars especially when filled with intriguing passengers - in this case, my mother sporting a walking cast. (Every time I see this photo I have to wonder if my mother actually drove the car with that cast!)

Amaryllis 'Mern' (Hopkins) Warwick
Chester Arthur Warwick
ca 1953

My mother and father were avid skiers. I suspect their wedding date was chosen with the spring skiing season in mind. But fate would put a hitch in their honeymoon plans - at least the skiing part. My mother broke her ankle shortly before her wedding day.  She actually walked down the aisle wearing the cast so prominently displayed in the photograph above. There are no wedding pictures commemorating her hobble down the aisle, making this picture even more precious. Mom always related her wedding story with a smile as broad and infectious as the one in the photograph.

Mern Warwick, March 1952, Honeymoon

For more posts inspired by the photograph below, see Sepia Saturday 101.
 

Sepia Saturday 99: Fiddling Around

Chester Arthur Warwick, far right, ca 1923-1933, photographer unknown, probably Columbus, Ohio

Pictured at far right is Chester Arthur Warwick (1903-1973) fiddling around on his banjo. The photo was probably taken ca 1923-1933 based on Chester's age at the time (20s). There is not a violin in sight.  But, when it was time for my sister to choose an instrument to play, a violin emerged from Grandpa Warwick's attic. This was very fortunate for my sister who put it to excellent and delightful use.

Violin would not have been my first choice of instrument though I didn't really think about it much at the time. A violin was available and it was always assumed that I would play it. I found practicing violin more torture than pleasure. (Who wants to listen to yourself screech when you could listen to your virtuoso sister!) Once a piece was learned and you could actually play it, now that was heaven on earth.

My first recital is indelibly written in my memory and preserved on film as well. I can still remember my knees shaking and am thankful that no video or audio recording remains!  I made it through the piece but only because Mrs. Rumberg relinquished at the last minute and allowed me to use my music.

Liz Stratton, Mrs. Rumberg's Recital, Longmont, Colorado

Over time, Mrs. Rumberg learned how to insure my pieces were memorized before the annual recital. No waltzes or marches! She sent me home with 'gypsy' music, La Traviata.  Only much later did I realize the music was from an opera!  Now, what exactly was Mrs. Rumberg trying to tell me with her choice of opera?

Sepia Saturday 99  features a photograph depicting a troop of musicians including a few fiddlers. Had such a 'gypsy' ensemble been one of the school's musical groups, I would, no doubt, have practiced my school music more! For other takes on this musical theme, see Sepia Saturday.