" Poor man's Potpie" - A rolling boil of water with lots of onions and potatoes. When tender, strips of dough dropped into the pot - add milk, butter, salt and pepper. Mom would roll her dough and cut the strips.

"Potato Salad" - Boiled cubed potatoes - chopped onions, hard boiled eggs, chopped celery, sweet picks, may, salt & pepper.

"Spaghetti and Meatballs" - Canned whole tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, fresh garlic, salt. Ground hamburger, garlic, onions, 1 egg, broken bread, salt. Roll and drop into sauce."

Gail Harris

"Don't kill your plants!!

You can decorate cheaply using baskets and other odds and ends to dress up your home.

Using colors perk up your home - and you.

Furniture should be comfy. Always lay on a sofa when buying - it's not just for sitting. Plants are nice."

Gail Harris

"I don't have a story per se but various memories:

Frank building an igloo.

Frank, Marty, and Rick tunneling under Ashley Drive.

Dan and his snowman Pal

Jen breaking bones sledding.

Marty being run over by Rick on his sled - needing stitches.

You (Jeanine), Jen, Laurie, Dan sitting on top of my green Olds that was totally covered by snow.

My first attempt on wooden skis when I was about 11 going down 34th Street and them breaking.

Streets blocked off for sled riding.

Hot fires and cocoa."

Gail Harris

"To see my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren walk with The Lord - every moment, every day. To be filled with His love - To read His word and live His word. To learn forgiveness. To learn what love is - His greatest Commandment. Then I could rest, knowing that those I love will spend eternity with God.

To have my son Dan back.
To have my family healed."

Gail Harris

"I loved Dances. In the summer we'd have dances on the tennis courts at Georgetown playground. The parents would go most of the time and dance too. It was always so romantic and exciting dancing under the stars on a warm night.

I also attended dances with my Dad when he was playing a gig. Once I was dancing with a gorgeous soldier (he was a life guard at the pool in Ft. Myer). His name was John Sullivan - black hair, blues eyes and tall. The lights went out - Dad's band started playing "Dancing in the Dark." I thought that was so clever!

St. John's Episcopal Church on O Street had dances every Saturday night. Once me and my "fellow" Russell Hellsinger were named Queen and King. I had a beautiful white gown with Ostrich feathers. St. John's is where I fell in love with your father."

Gail Harris

"I wanted to be everything - A pilot (funny, hey?) In the Army - A movie star - A singer - A nun - A mother - A Writer, etc., etc. , etc.

Well, I did get to sing professionally and play pro ball - I've written some children stories (unpublished) and most importantly A Mother. All in All, I've had great success."

Gail Harris

"To always keep God in your life. To recognize that there are many (MOST!) things that you have no control over - and need to learn to allow God to carry your burdens - to trust in Him.

Knowing that all things are possible through God, and nothing is possible without Him.

To ask yourself the question WWJD "What would Jesus do" before acting. 

Not to be fearful of asking God for help for anything. Remember, He wants us to ask Him - He's always there, it's us who wander from Him.

To always know that we are loved God. The ultimate, perfect love. To think of God as your parent, your best friend. Honor His Blessed Mother - She sits very close to Him and She has His ear. Ask Her for Her intercession. Pray for and to the dead."

Gail Harris

"During WWI there were Bond drives. My Mom took me to Haines Point in DC to a rally. There was live entertainment and after you bought a bond you'd get a ride in an Army vehicle called "The Amphibian Duck." It went on land and in the water. That was fun! I'm not sure if it was that time or at another Bond Drive, but I remember seeing Red Skelton and Bob Hope.

My favorite outing with my Dad was our Saturday movies together. Once on a hot summer day, after the movie, Dad took me to Cannon's barber shop on Wisconsin Ave and got my hair cut VERY short. I could sit on it. My Mom didn't talk to Dad for weeks. I loved it. There was no AC back then and my hair was thick and long and HOT."

Gail Harris

"It was a Sunday. I told my parents we were going to Glen Echo Amusement Park. We drove to Rockville, MD from Ft. Myer, VA. In those days, the roads weren't paved all the way, so it was a very long trip. Your Daddy had a 1933 grey Ford called "the Grey Ghost." 

We found a minister in his house. I lied about my age and said I was 18. There were no rules about proving your age and he believed me. When he heard I was Catholic, he attacked our belief on the Immaculate Concept of Mary, etc. We had a big fight (I was never shy) and I almost walked out. He issued our license and married us.

We went to Glen Echo (I didn't want to be a complete liar!) and ran into some school acquaintances (they saw the ring on my finger) and then went to O'Donnells Seafood Restaurant in D.C. and I ate frog legs for the first time.

I put my ring on a chain around my neck and under my clothes. No Hanky Panky that day - just kisses and hugs. The kids at Glen Echo told my Principal, Sr Roberta, on Monday that they though I got married. Sister called my folks and the shit hit the fan!"

Gail Harris

"We were riding in the back seat of Ralph Lewis' green plymouth and he said to me: "What would you say if I asked you to marry me?" I replied, "I don't know since you haven't asked me." He said, "well, what do you think I'm doing now?" I intelligently replied, "I don't know." He said, "Well, will you?" I again with great intelligence said, "Do what?" "MARRY ME" he screamed. "Yes," I said."

Gail Harris

"When my Father was dying I asked God to allow him to be around to see his sixth grandchild from me. Jennifer was born Dec 10th and the Lord allowed Daddy to see her and hold her. He also spent Christmas on Earth - then God took him February 16th.

There have been numerous times I have prayed for something specific re: one of my kids - and He has answered!

Before Dad died, he tole me I would have another girl - you Jeanine!"

Gail Harris

" - Backpacking around Europe
- Going to college
- water skiing
- going on large ships (cruise and buoy tender with Jen)
- singing with trios and bands
- travelling to South America with your Dad and Great Britain
- wave runner" 

Gail Harris

And from conversations with her over the years I know there are many more she would add to this list - it was written in the later 1990's and early 2000's. Perhaps we can all share our stories of adventure with her on this site.

"Me, you (Jeanine), Jen, Dan and Laurie lived in Frederick when I attended FCC and Mt. St. Mary's. AT FCC, I gave the Commencement address in 1984. That was an honor for me. When I was getting ready for finals at the Mount and at the same time you and Jen had playoffs and I was your coach, and I also had to write my commencement address for FCC - that was the most hectic time of my life! But walking up on stage, getting my diploma and seeing all my kids and some grandkids in the audience made it all worthwhile!"

Gail Harris 

"Frederick Community College (2 yrs) and Mt. St. Mary's (Grad)

I began a age 47 (I think.) I got an AA from FCC and a BA from MSM. I was living in Frederick MD at the time and I got a 2500.00 scholarship to MSM, then loans.

Your father and I parted and my attorney told me to go to school. I thought, how can I got to college when I didn't graduate high school. But, I began in Aug at FCC and then my GSD test in the following January. I also CLEP'd a lot of English credits at FCC.

Mt. St. Mary's was a natural choice. Rick had graduated from there and I was very impressed with his education and had perused a lot of his test books - the scholarship offer didn't hurt!"

Gail Harris

"My Dad was home with a broken ankle that he got when showing me how to broad jump a pair of steps. I had joined in with my schoolmates at Hyde (9-10 years old) in yelling names at some of the black kids. I used the word nigger. Some of the black girls waited for me and beat me up pretty good.

I ran upstairs to our apartment and told my Dad. He was very disappointed in me and made me go back outside and apologize to the girls who beat me up. Then he took the dictionary out and had me read the definition of the word nigger. I learned to be more respectful of others feelings and to be sure I understood what I was saying. 

My Dad also taught me the meaning of home - Mom too - especially when it comes to your kids - they're first. Love is sacrifice and giving of yourself - always wanting what's best for the ones you love."

Gail Harris

"I don't remember memorable Christmas's with family - we were all together frequently. But one Christmas during WWII will always stand out in my mind. 

My Mom and I were in a downstairs apartment Christmas Eve visiting with neighbors - Bud and May Day, their sons Roger and Richard, May's sister Gloria Detrick, her Mom Millie, and her boyfriend Charlie. My Dad was at sea. 

It was close to midnight and Mom and I were starting down the hall to go up the stairs to our Apt, when the front door opened and a man with a bear, peacoat and watch cap came in. He had a sea bag over his shoulder. We didn't recognize him. It was Daddy. That was the best Christmas present in the World. I think that was the trip he brought me a Fez from Egypt."

Gail Harris

"Ivanhoe, The Iliad and the Odyssey. While I don't remember much about the contents anymore, I remember the joy of my Dad and I reading aloud to each other. I also enjoyed reading about the lives of the Saints, I loved St. Bernadette. That's what I wanted my folks to name my sister."

Gail Harris

"My Dad took me out to McArthur Blvd and along the C&O Canal in our 1936 Dodge. We'd go at the crack of dawn on a summer morning. I'd either concentrate on shifting and forget to steer, or steer and forget to shift - I almost put us in the Canal several times. Daddy was very patient with me. 

My first car was after I married your Dad. So I guess it was the grey ghost. We had lots of other cars after that. I got my license at 15, lied about my age again - so until I was about 23 my license always showed me as 3 years older than I was. Your Daddy took over the driving lessons. He too was patient."

Gail Harris 

"It was a 1 bedroom at Barcroft VA - on the ground floor of a building. We didn't have much - a mattress on the floor (your brother Frank was conceived there), some hand me down pots and pans,dishes, silverware - mostly from my Grandma and Aunts. I think we had an old couch too. 

But I thought it was wonderful. We had a radio but no TV. There's a picture floating around the family of me standing at the back door of that apartment wearing a lightweight green blocked dress - I was 2 months pregnant with Frankie."

Gail Harris

"The first time was when I entered Holy Trinity School and for the next few years I felt warm and fuzzy. Then after I married and began my family, I still knew I believed in God and actually depended on Him and the Blessed Mother to help watch over my kids.

That feeling has never left me but I've had numerous times when I can't accept that God loves me - others yes, but me, no. My early thoughts about God's love were "Boy he's tough," but now I know that's not the case. 

I can accept easier now that I too am lovable. I'm a mere human and my love for my children is overwhelming - so it's easier to see how God's perfect love can be so overwhelming for his children."

Gail Harris 

"Well, Saturday was movie day. Sunday was very special to me. Dad would put on sloppy clothing (take a chiding from Mom) and then he and I would walk down O street to an Italian family's home named Cassamento.

There, while my father and Mr. C had a glass of his homemade 'Days Red' wine and spoke of current events, I would sit and listen. Later, Dad would buy a bottle of wine from Mr. C, we'd go home, have an early dinner that Mom prepared (I'd get 1 glass of wine) then while Mom cleaned up the dinner mess, Daddy would play the Sax and I'd march around the apt singing. Mom would join in singing.

Saturday night and Sunday were wonderful radio shows that we listed to. On some Saturdays we'd go to the Katalinas and play cards or board games and listen to radio shows and the grownups would visit and talk."

Gail Harris

"On St. Patrick's Day - all NON-Irish girls wore orange! We had to wear oxfords during classes, so everyone kept penny loafers in their lockers and we'd change as soon as last bell. We'd put shiny Pennies in our loafers. We'd collect and trade Baseball cards and also put them in our bicycle spokes. We also collected and traded playing cards that had various scenes, animals etc. on them.

Wearing our father's white shirts hanging over our blue jeans was BIG. Different Cig packs had us do certain things like "Lucky Strikes" we'd lick our thumb, press it into our opposite palm, then make a fist of the thumb hand - then hit our palm. Keeping track of numbers. Yo Yo's were BIG. Paddle balls too."

Gail Harris

"This is a toughie.

Burying my parents.
Burying my granddaughter
The death of my Son Danny has by far been the worst thing that has ever happened. I don't have the words to describe my pain or the fear I carry regarding the safety of my other children.

The loss of my family unity re: Frank, Marty and Ricky was my worse pain before Dan - now nothing is important compared to losing a child.

-Frank's serious illnesses (MD)
-Frank's fall from 2nd floor Apt in California
-Marty's getting his penis caught in the toilet seat (TX)
-Rick being hit with angle iron on forehead (TX)
-Dan's many head injuries and his car wreck (TX)
- Jen's many broken bones 
-Laurie's illnesses (MD and PA)
-Rick's eye injury playing ball and his severed medu nerve (MD)
-Your eye surgery (Jeanine)"

Gail Harris

"I met Daddy in January 1950, I was 14 1/2. He was 18 (Turned 19 in March). The first time I saw him was at our apt and I thought he was ugly, and I didn't like his personality at all. In fact, he walked my friend Janie Lovelett home. 

Then he showed up at a dance at St. John's a week later, and he looked totally different to me. He was wearing a chocolate brown double breasted suit. He asked me to dance - and while dancing (he was smooth) he said "what a perfect fit - you in my arms." Wow! He was smooth!

I liked his friends Don Diver and Dick Litzsinger and Ralph Levois. They were all nice guys. In fact, Don liked Rita and Ralph liked Catherine. Anyhoo - that night I knew I was going to marry him - I told my folks that "I had met the man I was going to marry."

Gail Harris

" There have been many. I'll list them, but not in order ot "The Happiest."

1. Our trip to Great Britain. (Jeanine)
2. My trip and cruise with Jen, Rob and David.
3. My backpacking trip around Europe.
4. My trip to South America with your Daddy. (Dave)
5. Being in College
6. Christmas's with all my children.
7. My trip to Alaska. (Jen)
8. My trips to Texas
9. My life with your Daddy.
10. My trips to Florida (6 in total)
11. My childhood/mostly.
12. Having all my kids at home.
13. Watching my children grow into great adults.
14. Seeing love in action among my children.
15. Seeing great plays.
16. Reading great books.
17. Listening to great music.
18. Riding in a speed boat feeling the water splashing on me. 
19. Seeing things through the eyes of my children.
20. My trips to California.
21. Seeing my children happy."

Gail Harris 

" It's very short!

Whatever decisions one makes, we have a lifetime to regret them so be very sure it's what you really want.

Love is a decision.

Life is only made complicated by ourselves.

Give of yourself.

Treasure good friends.

Family first.

Money is not the most important thing in life.

Put God into every aspect of your life.

Love yourself without being self centered.

Try not to be judgmental of others, that's God's job.

Choose your friends carefully - nourish that friendship." 

"I'd have to use more than 1 word. Wonderful - exciting - fulfilling - joyous - adventuresome.

I've had lots and lots of love - given and received. I've traveled - I've fulfilled many of my dreams - I've had fun - I've seen my children grow into adulthood. I've watched their progress with pride and admiration. I have wonderful daughters and sons in laws.

I have the best grandkids in the world. My friends are loyal and genuinely caring and of long standing. I am rich beyond measurement. The Lord continues to bless me - I have even lived to see Great grandkids. I'm pretty independent. I am truly blessed ... even through the pain."

"My Mother had a cousin Blanch - she was married to Arthur Vigues, who was a pharmacist. He either owned or managed the pharmacy at the Continental Hotel in Wash. D.C. (downtown). The pharmacy had a soda fountain. He hired me to work the soda fountain when I was 13.

I don't remember what I was paid - nor how long I was there. Of course, I did baby sitting and when my brother was born I helped with him a lot and at one point my Dad paid me $3.00 a week to take him to Georgetown Playground Mon-Fri for a couple of hours each day. That was a lot of money then."

Gail Harris

"I loved my life in Georgetown - everyone knew everyone. We had a huge group of kids and the playground was only a couple blocks away. We played all the time. 

Ft Myer was good too. There was a gym - soda bar - swimming pool - dances. I rode the bus to school from Ft. Myer.

We had dances at Georgetown playground too. Summer nights we'd sit on the front step of the Apt Bldg and sometimes eat watermelon and have contests to see who could spit the seeds the farthest or we'd have ice cream.

There was an ice cream factory on Wisconsin Avenue called Fussells - wonderful aromas! And a pie company at Wisc and O Streets - yummy smells. Life was good and I had lots of of fun growing up."

Gail Harris 

"I wasn't baptized until I chose my faith. That happened when I met Marita Katalinas when I was 10 yrs old. I decided I wanted to be a Catholic and switched from public school to Holy Trinity in the 5th grade, studied Catholicism and was baptized, received first Communion and was confirmed all at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown. 

My father was a Catholic and my mother a Lutheran - neither were practicing their faiths and had decided to allow me to make my own choice. I attended several churches before making my decision."

Gail Harris

" SPEND TIME looking at all consequences that can result from your decisions and then think about it again.

Always let your children know they are first in your life and you love them without condition.

Use the knowledge that perception depends on many factors and that individuals will see things differently. Ergo - try and understand others views and go from there.

ALWAYS keep GOD in your life.

If YOUR SOUL is healthy - so will everything else be.

PRAY

If you put others before yourself you'll have great peace."

Gail Harris

"I always loved to read - alone and with my Dad- I rode my 2 wheeler from the age of 4, alone, with friends and to the playground. When I was pre-school age, I loved to play cowboy and Indians. I used to "ride" the arm of an overstuffed chair- actually I remember wearing my gun holster well past pre-school age. 

I loved climbing trees - especially green apple ones - then eating them and also throwing them at things or people! There was usually a bunch of us kids.

Swimming was an all time favorite - I spent every possible moment in the summer at Georgetown playground swimming, playing softball, basketball and ping pong. I loved them all.

I loved music - listening and singing. I really loved it when my Dad played his saxophone. Also when my Mother's family got together (every week) and gathered around my grandmother at the piano and sange - My uncles would harmonize and me and my cousins would love it.

I went to the movies every Saturday with either my Dad or my friends. I liked kick the can too. My uncle Freddy Dommel played the trumpet."

Gail Harris

"I was named by both my parents. My Mom picked Gail because she listened to a radio program called "Danny and Gail." My Dad saw me right after I was born and said I was the "Maximus" (meaning the best) and so my middle name become Maxi - at least that's the story I was told! 

My Dad used to call me McClusky (have no idea why) and my Uncle Fred Wacker called me Garlic (I guess because I was Italian). And during my late teens and thru my twenties, I was called Gay - I was told that I was always so happy and had a joyous personality. Oh, my Daddy used to call me McCluskivitch too (no idea why).

When I was baptized I chose the names Mary Mildred, after the Blessed Mother and my Mother. When I was confirmed I chose the name Regina after my Godmother. (Rita's Mo. Last name Katalinas)"

Gail Harris