What I Did This Summer: Lindsay Park 50th Anniversary

Well I haven't abandoned my blog, just been on a sabbatical......sort of, kind of.  Although I have had a few post ideas backed up on a list, just was a bit too busy to sit and write.
As I get back into the swing of things I will be posting random saved up posts, in no particular order.
 

I moved into Lindsay Park with my mother in 1964 (I forbid you to do the math), but it has been my home for that long.  2014 would actually have been the 50th celebration, but we celebrated August 29th 2015....and it was a glorious celebration.  Below are just a few shots of that glorious day.  See the videos (Part 1 and Part 2) at the bottom of this post.

LP 50th Celebration Part 1

LP 50th Celebration Part 2 

Fashion Week.....Labor Day of Love

Summer doesn't end until  September 22, but Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer.  That means we can put away the white pants, halters, and flip flops.  Although these rules are obeyed by most, some fashion rebels break them with style.

On newsstands now, the magazines are thick with tweeds, wools, scarves and capes, but The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is buzzing about what we will be wearing Spring 2014.  Below, experience behind the scenes with me, my sewing machine, and The Ground Crew.

Acedemy of Arts Prep Days for Fashion Week from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

September 2013 Fashion Week With The Ground Crew from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Lindsay Park Oldtimers Day 2013

What I did this summer continues with Lindsay Park Old Timer's Day.....

Lindsay Park Co-Op isn't without problems.  From politicians, the board, and/or management, we've had our share of angst, but Lindsay Park Oldtimers Day is about Love.  On this day in August neighbors (including former residents), come to the "Big Park" and celebrate. 

Lindsay Park Oldtimers Day 2013 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Brother, Husband, Uncle, US Army Officer, and Judge

1922-2013

I loved saying my Uncle is a judge.

For me it was a sense of pride and confidence, “My Uncle is a Judge” I liked the way it sounded.

For years when I would be called for Jury Duty, if I were called for a case, and with great authority rise up and say “MY UNCLE IS A JUDGE!”, with my arms stretching making dramatic gestures. The judge would ask “Who is your Un- cle?” and again with great drama “CLAUDIUS MATTHEWS!”, and most judges knew exactly who “MY UNCLE” was. After some discussions, then came the “You’re excused!”, and I would exit the court.

I was taking a business class and they had invited a lawyer to come a explain business laws and responsibilities of small business owners. I can’t remember what happened in the Q and A, but I think I disagreed with the lawyer. At some point I said “MY UNCLE IS A JUDGE”, the speaker asked “Who is your Uncle?”, and I said “CLAUDIUS MATTHEWS!”.

He got a bit nervous and said “Oh my God, I have a case in front of him tomor- row, nobody tell her my name!!”.

Years later, when Uncle Sammy retired, I asked “You were my way out of Jury Duty, what am I going to do now???”

and Uncle Sammy said with a sly smile “Guess you will have to serve” 

Recently, when he was in the hospital I would come to visit and sit with him awhile babbling about this and that. One of my ramblings I quoted another lawyer who said “Courts are about Equity” and Uncle Sammy perked up with a re- sounding “THAT’S RIGHT” He loved the law and the court was a place where you get Equal justice under the law. He believed that strongly. 
My Uncle is a Judge, and I think Uncle Sammy liked the way that sounded too. 

It was sad to see him leave this world, but one of my last conversations with him, I asked what branch of the service was he in.  He was in the Army and served 2 years....then he got out.  I asked was that when he decided to become a lawyer?  He responded "Yeeees!"  He seemed surprised I asked, but also it was like he remembered this milestone in his life.

Uncle Sammy lived a long life doing what he loved, the law and as I said before he loved being a judge.  I will miss him dearly.

What I Did This Summer: July 4th

July 4th was a blast and I spent (July 6th) with my (not really blood, but they treat me like I am) Family.  Like James Brown says (biopic coming out next year), I FEEL GOOD!

Lauretlton, Queens July 4th BBQ from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

The Unofficial End

It is the UNOFFICIAL End of the Summer.  I haven't posted as regularly as I should, but there was much activity in and out of this apartment.  

It's show and tell time of what I did this summer (this is one of a few posts). Please feel free to comment on what you did this summer.

Beginning with Memorial day I spent my a day of fun, play, and honors with a family that has always made me feel like I am blood.  Below 3 videos that sum up the fun.

Memorial Day Hang

2013 Annual Memorial Day Hang Part 1 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Look to 2:20 for the phenom who dunks like a pro!


2013 Memorial Day Hang Part 2 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.


Please forgive the shakiness of this video, but I am hoping you will get the love that was put into it and the love of the day.   Stick it out to the end, there is a crack up moment.  Go get a snack it's a bit over  8 minutes.


2013 Memorial Day Hang Part 3 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.