Didn't we all have a Ma Tante....- AUNT Lula?

My Ma Tante Lula, ( Aunt) had a boarding house during the 70's My Uncle Lawrence had been in the Navy and when he passed- My -Ma Tante took in Navy "boys" as she called them. ( to make ends meet) .
Ma Tante was my Nanny's sister so she really was considered my Grande Ma Tante (Aunt)..
You don't hear much about boarding houses anymore...but in those days they were fairly common. Ma Tante had a fairly large home and like this wonderful painting by J.C. would cook wonderful and wholesome meals for her 8 (boys).
I remember spending 2 weeks with her over Christmas...my oh my we cooked all hours of the day and night...We would just get the breakfast dishes done and it was time to make lunch....it was never ending... And what an education I had that Christmas Break in the early 70's/ She was a fabulous cook and baker, and her "boys" were so loved..
They helped her as much as she helped them and there was such a sense of community in her home. Many of the neighbours would help with getting groceries for her and it was not unusual to see many of her "boys" hanging clothes on the clothesline, shovelling snow from the porch and sidewalks and doing any repairs that were needed.
I remember one of them Jacques was his name....I heard this beating.... I went to the porch and there he was with a broom, beating up the hall rug.... with toque on his head and sock feet....( it was snowing) ( he was wearing clothes..when I noted education I meant in the culinary arts) lol
Way before dyson balls and Eureka vacuum cleaners were common appliances in the home.
I am sharing these stories as a hint of what is coming around the corner.. And NOOOOO I don't expect anyone to be giving up their appliances nor do I feel any of us are prepared to take in any "boys" and feed them all hours of the day...
But I will share, there will be many many moments of smiles and memories of simpler times...
I will certainly be setting an example.....
Just wait and see....

Ma Tante would have loved hearing Nat King Cole one more time x
Ohhh and did you note her lovely gingham dress....? lol

RE-visit this blog hop coming in Jan/feb
Pat shares with me, we have a few spots open for YOU.. let's support all those we know who have CA... pattern is a huge BRA FREE....