Stories from the Shiny, Gnarly branch of the family tree

I am the eldest child of Jessie and Ted Bernados and in the end, became not just daughter, but confidant to my mother. She wanted to be remembered and in our family, it's all about the stories. I know the stories and feel the need to get them down somewhere, so I will write them here. They will not be chronological, but they will at least ... be remembered. She told these stories, she lived these stories and her family shares in the desire to preserve them for years to come. Now, you, great-great-grandchild in this glorious branch of the tree shined once a bright and funny star.
These are her stories.