The Clapper Family Chronicles: November 2022

Monday, November 21, 2022

My mom is the reason for my love of Charlie Brown and the Gang. I have such fond memories of when I was a little girl and my mom would turn on the Charlie Brown holiday specials on every year for me and my sister to watch. Back then, you could watch the specials on CBS (eventually moved to ABC), and today the only way to watch the holiday specials is on Apple TV. So, if you're a Charlie Brown fan who wants to watch the holiday episodes, you can do so for FREE on Apple TV without even creating an account.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

My Uncle Patrick Devine

It’s been 43 years…

It's so crazy that it's been 43 years since the passing of my Uncle Patrick. Uncle Pat died in a car accident on November 17, 1979. He was only 27 years old. That day forever changed our lives. 1979 was a horrible year for our family because we also lost my Grandpa Leo that year. I wanted to share some of my memories with you about my Uncle Patrick. Patrick enjoyed doing puzzles with 5,000 pieces or more. I used to see the pieces all spread out all over the pool table we had down in our basement. Patrick loved photography and music. Patrick had this amazing stereo system (the entire neighborhood could hear his stereo when he played it) and a huge album collection that he kept immaculate. I recall so many times sitting out on the front stoop and listening to him play his guitar. Patrick was great at side jobs and could put a fence up, and the job looked like it was done by a professional. I loved the Brady Bunch growing up, and he loved Star Trek, so there was always a fight for the TV in the living room. Patrick had a dog named Ginger that was the love of his life. Gosh, I could go on and on. It's amazing the impact he had on my life in the short time he was with us. I love my memories, and in my mind, my Uncle Pat is forever young. P.S. I know when I smell the scent of petrulli that he is near.