Jobs
At a Lutheran mission in Nebraska, this early job of Pat's helped her perfect her laundry techniques.
What is a linen girl?
This childhood pet of Pat's met its untimely death when it flew into a bowl of gravy.
What is a bird/pet parakeet.
Born in Racine, Pat spent her early years living on a resort near this locale in Wisconsin.
What is Fort Atkinson?
An avid reader in her youth, this genre of books were among young Pat's favorites.
What is horse stories? OR What is mystery novels?
Her kids knew they were in big trouble whenever she assigned them this new name.
What is "Mud"?
At a state mental hospital near Peoria, Pat was employed in this difficult role.
What is a patient escort for patients receiving shock treatments?
Pat loved her time on the farm growing up in Canton and helped care for these baby animals, including bottle feeding (before she lost interest).
What is a lamb?
Pat lived in a few farmhouses and in a schoolhouse near Canton, Illinois, for a time when this unfortunate event happened in 1951 (or 1952), resulting in the loss of many favorite toys and family photos/Bibles.
What is a house fire in the old farmhouse?
Don't go breaking Pat's heart - this British singer/piano player is a long-time favorite of hers.
Who is Elton John?
Careful not to miss marking any family members' special occasions, mom sends this by mail on or around these special days, complete with a note, a poem, or greeting for her loved one.
What is a birthday/anniversary card?
Pat was employed for one day at this well-known Kankakee, IL, department store in this role (which she promptly quit after her 2hr training session).
What is a salesgirl at Sears Roebuck?
Named after a breakfast food, this beloved family dog had a puppy and met an untimely end when it was run over by a car.
Who is Muffin?
Starting her college career at Augustana in Rock Island, Illinois, Pat ultimately graduated from this University in 1965.
What is UW Madison?
Pat's all-time favorite musician.
Who is Elvis?
Mom loves to keep a close eye on this for every zip code her loved ones reside or travel to.
Pat has been employed in this night shift role at two different hospitals.
What is a medical stenographer/medical records clerk?
This Palecek family cat needed a cast after getting its paw stuck in what unfortunate napping spot?
What is the engine/fan belt of the family car.
Pat and Jim enjoyed living here from 1971-1973 on an acre of land with a large garden and driving their three young girls around in their green Plymouth station wagon.
Where is Bourbonnais, Illinois?
This Western themed radio & TV show featuring an Arizona rancher and aircraft pilot from the early 1950's was among young Pat's favorites.
What is Sky King?
Easily overwhelmed by too many options, this can be a tricky task for Mom.
What is ordering food at a restaurant?
Pat held this daytime job in a school setting before retiring from the workforce.
What is a teacher's aide/instructional aide?
This pet made a great escape from its enclosure, was replaced by a lookalike from the pet shop, and once found did not at all appreciate having a new roommate.
What is a hamster?
Pat settled in this Indiana town to continue raising her kids, joined a bowling league, worked as a medical stenographer and teacher's aide, all while serving as family chauffer and sports spectator/cheerleader extraordinaire.
Where is Carmel, Indiana
This 1960's era TV show with a small town Carolina sherriff was one of Pat's favorites.
What is the Andy Griffith Show?
A now daily question/refrain overheard anywhere Mom & Dad can be found.
What is "Did you take your pills?" or "Oh, I forgot to take my pills!"