Shannon here: Delores Topliff shares how her grandparents met, plus a change to win an e-book copy of her Historical Romance, Christmas Tree Wars. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: June 14th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Delores:
How Grandpa met Grandma
Grandpa was the oldest son in Minnesota in the days when most oldest sons became priests. He wasn’t sure that was the future he desired without considering more options first, so he rode a train to Oregon’s Willamette Valley where fruit trees produced like the garden of Eden. Strong and hardworking, he got hired in a cannery recording flats of processed fruit that workers brought to check in to advance to the next stage.
He soon noticed one young woman who brought him processed flats exactly twice as often as everyone else. Hardworking, attractive—he wondered what it would be like to have a helpmeet with such an amazing work ethic? He decided to know her better. Towards the end of the day, he complimented her production speed and asked if he could walk her home.
“That would be nice,” she said, “as long as you don’t mind walking along with my sister and her fiancé.”
“That’s fine,” Grandpa said.
As the sun set over golden hills and Grandpa saw his new lady friend approach, he did a double take. She was accompanied by another young woman who looked just like her—same height, same features—same everything.
“I’m Elmer,” Grandpa said and stuck out a hand.
“I’m Verda,” Grandma said. “Meet my sister Vera and her fiancé, Cecil.”
Grandpa’s eyes bugged as his head swiveled from side to side and from one young woman to the other.
“But, but— You’re just the same,” he said.
“That’s right. We’re identical twins!” Grandma smiled as Grandpa realized that instead of one industrious young woman bringing twice as much processed fruit as any other, two identical twins were each bringing him the normal amount. Truth to tell, Grandma was not an unusually hard working gal, but Grandpa was already smitten.
Appearances can be deceiving. It remained a family joke that instead of finding a wife who loved hard work, Grandma preferred to avoid it. Fortunately, Grandpa worked hard enough for any two people. He stayed out west, married Grandma, and they raised a nice family together for many happy years.
His encounter with a good-looking twin changed his life forever and kept him on the West Coast.
I haven’t written up my Grandpa and Grandma’s love story, but I have written a fun Romeo and Juliet novel called Christmas Tree Wars. My book is set in 1966. When Lady Bird Johnson was the presidential First Lady who would decorate the winning tree. The book also covers the Rockefeller Tree tradition in New York City.
Question for Readers: Who was your favorite First Lady who decorated the White House Tree? Have you seen that or the National Mall or White House Trees in Washington D.C.? Would you like to?
About Delores: Delores Topliff grew up in Washington state but married a Canadian so enjoys dual citizenship. She teaches university, travels, and writes children’s books, historic novels, and a memoir-travelogue of her nine extensive trips to Israel. She loves her two doctor sons and five grandchildren and divides her year between a Minnesota farm and the gentler climate and people of Northeastern Mississippi. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Christmas Tree Wars:
Christmas is meant to be a time of goodwill, but there’s no peace between two neighboring Christmas tree farmers involved in a longstanding feud. Can this year be different with a bit of holiday romance tossed into the season?
When the financial planner son and forestry major niece of feuding Christmas tree farmers come home to help their families in crisis, it takes Christmas tree wars to a whole new level. As the young people seek success by competing to provide a national Christmas tree, romance fills the air and connects them like mistle to toe.
Christmas Tree Wars Delores’ Books
Come back June 4th for June Foster!
I have admired the Christmas decor of all of the First Ladies. It really shows their different personalities. I have dreamed of going to NY City to see the Rockefeller square tree, but have only been to DC during cherry blossom time and in the summer.
I’ve been to DC once but not in cherry blossom season. That would be amazing. Glad you got to do.
I love all of the White House Christmas trees that have a more traditional “homemade” appearance. Popcorn strings are pretty to me in place of garlands.
I like the same trad. styles you do, even popcorn strung w/ cranberries, and I love the variety and heartwarming styles some first ladies manage to create.
I like Laura Bushes tress because of the “snow” on them. They also looked cozy and inviting and brought back good memories.
You’re right. She was one first lady who definitely emphasized a heartwarming family style.
I agree with Barbara Diggs, Laura Bushes trees were the best. I’ve been to Rockefeller Center several times around Christmas, so I’ve gotten to see a few of the trees there.
You and Barbara Diggs (and her great husband) would enjoy each other. I’ve only seen the Rockefeller Center trees on TV but I had fun researching for my book, and I learned a lot 🙂
I have a winner! David Peer won the drawing. I appreciate Delores for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.