Reduced Circumstances

When your mama moved you into this apartment, ninos, it was a dark and difficult time for her. There were days when I wondered if she could summon the strength and energy necessary to make this tiny place livable for you. But I worried for nothing. Mame (like GG before her) could transform a cave, a root cellar, a railroad freight car into a home, and in time, a showplace. It is deeper than mere decorative skills. It has something to do with spirit combined with love or caring. Each place she has lived has been unique, tailored to who she was at that time, and who may have been in her life. In this apartment, almost everything is set to your size and capabilities, grandchildren, with an intent of fostering self-sufficiency. The emphasis is on function and yet the affect is somehow lovely and endearing.



The glass cabinet contains your ceramic bowls and plates for everyday use. A holder on the table has utensils and condiments. The refrigerator contains small glass pitchers with milk, water and kombucha, plastic glasses are in the cabinet. Similar play tables and chairs dominate the living room with its mini couch and piano.

You are eating fresh raspberries while waiting for your morning oatmeal.

Most of my pix of Mame's clever use of space did not turn out (need new camera) but here is her wall mounted dish drainer arrangement. This is necessary due to the almost total lack of counter space in the miniature kitchen, smaller than the galley kitchens of many small boats and RV's.


Auntie Erin helped you plant some herbs in window boxes. You have learned to graze on their produce. Next Mame must teach you that not all plants are edible.


A lovely little playground is near the apartment. It has some nice amenities and your nanny takes you there often, although sometimes you do not want to go (a tribute perhaps to how well your mama has made the apartment into a comfortable, inviting haven).

Once there you each seem to enjoy yourselves.

Clam finds endless things to do. He plays well alone, but is beginning to watch other children and join in at least the fringe of their play.

Weezie knows all pictures are for my blog. She smiles for the camera, but I think she is reasonably happy overall. She and Clam have endured enormous changes in the last year or so, and like most children they have displayed their resiliency. Meanwhile, this was a good day. Let's go home and have a smoothie.