My Papa Gus was a Navy gunners mate in WWII, and later became the town's best mechanic. The man lived outside. I lost him at a very young age of 5, but I still remember him taking me outside, giving me old spark plugs to act as my "tools" so I could work on my blue tractor. He would buy me brown sacks FULL of candy from the Hickory Point convenience store (much to my mother's dismay, but when it came to Papa Gus and Kate, she had no say). He spent tons of time with me and spoiled me rotten. I worshipped the ground he walked on. Still do.
So handsome!
Papa Gus (standing) with my biological father (ground). I won't go into "him".
My Grandmother Jean worked for Sears and Roebuck and Belk. I'm pretty sure there are others, but this is all I can remember. No matter where she was or what she was doing, she always looked like a million bucks. She passed when I was around 11 years old, but I still recall snapping green beans with her, going on trips to Aunt Dollie's cabin on the river, picking pecans, and just spending time together. Y'all. She made the Best Banana Pudding Ever. You just knew what was around the corner when you saw a box of Nilla Wafers on the table. No store brands over here, she used the genuine stuff! Also, who knows what cheese toast is? Bread+cheese+ broiled until golden brown= mind blown with yumminess. Now, most people would just open a piece of individually wrapped "cheese", not Grandma Jean! This lady is the real deal. She would cut hunks off the block! I can taste the Southern version of bread and manna right now. Heaven worthy, you guys.
Grandma Jean and baby me.
Beautiful!!!
Only Grandma Jean could pull off shorts with that print.
I feel like I got my work ethic from my Papa Gus and my love for the home from my Grandma Jean. Now, my mama worked, but she was NOT domesticated. #1. She herself was a "daddy's girl", so she spent most of her time growing up outside with Papa Gus. #2. Most of my life, she had to raise me alone. She worked long hours to provide for me, so that left her little time to do anything else. Rightfully so. #3. She just didn't like the "home stuff". It just wasn't her, and that's okay. It's how the world stays in balance.
When the idea of a blog/store (eventually) formed in my head, I knew I would need to come up with a name. I thought of what I was hoping to accomplish and immediately my grandparents came to mind. Gus and Jean's was born. I hope they are looking down from heaven and are proud and pleased.
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