Aunt Myrtle

 My grandmother and my Aunt Myrtle became much more important to us (kids) after we moved north. Before the trek I had been taken up to see them previously. Dimly remember train trip and first of many motion sickness problems...if it moves I've probably been sick there.

The weekends would frequently bring a visit Myrtle or the two of them . Some form of sweets usually would come as well. Kisses and hugs, too. We liked the sweets, not so happy with all the kisses.  On some weekends Liz or I would go over to visit. She did a better job of that than I did, she likes tea. Red Rose tea from Newfoundland, not the locally available product. I have no idea if there was a real difference. Sugar and cream. Still don't do that concoction unless I'm not feeling well. But the other beverage of choice was "Strawberry milk", a mix of milk with a dose stawberry flavored syrup. As a direct result of this, I detest all things "strawberry"!

Most of Myrtle's working life was for a large company in Boston named Bigelow & Dowse. The company was involved in industrial hardware, hers was a secretarial position. Every now and then some odd-ball, piece would show up from work...a nuts and bolts statue is one I remember. She made a lifelong friend  there, Jessie Tetlow. Somehow this pair were involved with a church run girls camp, My sister Liz was able to attend the camp for quite a few seasons. Sure she enjoyed, her emptyplace at the table meant the rest of us ate more...win,win!

The picture of Myrtle and the large plant/hat is so totally removed from the quiet, calm woman that we all remember that it had to be included. It was taken on one of her several trips back north, Newfoundland or Nova Scotia. Simply so not her!

It's hard to believe, but I am the oldest remaining Barrett. Myrtle and her brother Mel left us with no cousins. Mother's side only two. But with ten younger siblings the name will soldier on.