Remembering an Irish gem

The news that Carolyn had feared, yet expected, came true last week. Her mom, Annie "Ma" Tate, passed away early Thursday morning. Through the sadness, the family has also had the time to remember the good times and Anne's great sense of humor. Irish to the core, and to the end, she could make you laugh. She still enjoyed a smoke and a toddy ... how can you not appreciate someone who has lived a life of 87 years, still wanting a little fun. Maizie remembers Anne's last party, appropriately a St. Patrick's Day one at Carol's, where "Ma" asked, "Carolyn ... how old am I? A hundred and one?" M leaned over and said, "No, Anne, I think you're 87." "Carolyn, how old am I ... 99?" "No, Mom, you're 87." She then turned back to M and said happily, with authority, "I'm 87." That, along with all her family, the corned beef and cabbage and some good Irish coffee, made it a great day for her ... her last "public" outing.

She leaves her four daughters, one son, and lots of other relatives and friends who loved her. Right now, she's probably having a great reunion party in Heaven, looking down and smiling, thinking, "I done good." (well, her English was much better than that, but you know what we mean)

So, Annie, we leave you with that good old Gaelic blessing: "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." You were loved. Does it get any better than that?

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Great fun and a good cause: The Carson City Band Association is holding its annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at Fuji Park on May 9 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door, or by calling 883-6438. This event benefits the high school band, especially students who could not afford to be in band without this help. "The Jon Holloway Project" will be entertaining. The Carson Chamber Singers Spring Concert is on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the First Methodist Church. $15 general, $12 seniors, students and association members; free for ages 16 and under. Such a deal to hear such lovely music. Both events will be fabulous.

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And you need to get reservations by May 8 for Snapshot Day 2009. This is where you get to learn about the Tahoe-Truckee River Watershed, take samples, and help the local environment. It will be on May 16 around the area (you will be assigned a location), and they need you. Call Mary Kay Riedl at 687-9454 for information. The Unnamed Acting Company will have auditions for "Loving Lives" on May 5 at the Children's Museum at 2:30 p.m. Call 250-5336 to reserve an audition number and get details. They are a talented group.

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We leave you with an Irish joke in Annie's memory: "Eighty-two year old Paddy O'Rourke went to the doctor for a physical. A few days later the doctor saw Paddy strutting down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. 'Ah, Paddy,' he says, 'you're really doin' great, aren't ya?' 'I am, Doc. Jist doin' what ya said ... get a hot momma and be cheerful.' The doctor looked at him. 'I dinna say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur and be careful.'" (thanks to Rhonda Knox and the Internet)

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Happy May Day tomorrow. Leave a flower for those you love. And don't forget the Kentucky Derby this weekend.

- Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are long-time Carson City residents. They can be reached by e-mail at editor@nevadaappeal.com.

Nobody Asked Us, But ... is moving to the Sunday edition of the Nevada Appeal. Look for them there starting May 3.