Day 1446

We often see one, or more, of our Golden Boys looking towards the ceiling. At times, they actually seem to follow “something” moving across the room. Once we notice the behavior, we always try to see whatever is mesmerizing them. No bug, reflections or wisps of dog fur can be seen. We jokingly give credit to the beloved ghosts who are said to reside in our home. (Take the Anoka Ghost Tour sometime!). We are strangely comforted by the thought.

Being the third generation to live in The Big White House, there are numerous items and pieces of furniture that have been handed down from previous owners. Even Colonel Paul Giddings (my grandparents bought the home from his widow in the 1940s) has left his mark.

For starters, our most famous ghost, according to the Ghost Tour guides, left over 2000 books (some from the turn of the century) in the library. The Colonel seemed to enjoy history, economics and politics…at least they’re pretty! I might not choose the genre, but I love the feel of those books in my hands. Knowing that he held them is a wonderful gift.

He also left his dining room table and chairs along with an apparatus that would call the help in for refills and other needs during dinner parties. That chair at the head of the table…his chair, still commands respect!

My Nanny’s rocking chair, my dad’s recliner, dish-ware, pictures…so many things touch my heart with a memory or a feeling. No wonder the Goldens sense something from time-to-time…we all do and we welcome that unexpected guest with open arms!