My first library was in a storeroom! written 5 years ago

Monday, May 19, 2014

Thursday, May 28, 2009

My first library was in a storeroom! written 5 years ago

We had to be very quiet...not speak a single word...or we would have been kicked out!

There were no paperbacks back then...only bound books and they were very precious.

My first document that I personally owned and was responsible for, was my library card. It was sacred. Nothing should happen to it! And if a book was overdue, I felt mortified...like I'd created a crime...all for 2 cents. The librarian took her job very seriously and, if asked, would refer you to a special section.

Besides getting a book for myself, my Mother wanted me to bring her back a novel. I recall asking for Edna Ferber....she's the lady who wrote the book that the musical Showboat was all about.

My Mother was an avid reader and during dinner she would present a book review to us letting us know what it was all about. How interested our little family of 4 was in her presentation. So, not only did we digest the best cooking in the world...and we had entertainment with it.

That was my Mother....and I adored her so much!

Now I go to a big library on Hagen Ranch Road...and what a myriad of books from which to choose....more authors than ever before in history. And most of them are very good...but we can't read everything so we must be select.

Ruth, my friend and next door neighbor, usually brings me back something that is just to my liking...no violence....no C.I.A. stuff...just lots of emotions.

Having a good book to read is such a great feeling.

Feeling God's Presence

Feeling God's Presence

Friday, August 2, 2013

Feeling the Presence of God

I'm inspired...just looking out my window!   There's choreography going on with all the leaves in my sight.   I have some mighty trees and they all have healthy, sturdy branches and boughs, festive  with the greenest leaves...and when the wind blows, it's a sight to behold...they're all doing a dance...graceful as can be...and I never get tired just watching.

It makes me know that God is in charge and the performance outside my window proves it.

It's spring and even the newest green leaves have joined in, firmly attached, and it's like a big chorus where they all move.   No wall flowers on my tree!    They move in unison!  And when the sun shines between the branches, that's an added bonus...it's in 'living color

They dance and if a bug is on a leaf, they get a real ride...just like going to Disney.   There are thousands of leaves just moving around right in front of my vision and I'm delighting in every one.

  If I desire to open my window, I get sound!   The melody of the rustling of the leaves...so tranquil and sweet.     It makes me feel happy from within.

And when fall comes...we have mulch.

Shredded Leaves are natures favorite mulch. Shredded leaves can be used as mulch anywhere and have the added bonus of being free

Much better than dancing with the stars!   This is no competition...more like dancing with the sky!  

These are living things and I treasure each leaf for the happiness and the natural air conditioning it brings.  The birds also take pleasure in my tree...a resting place from their flight.   Even the squirrels scamper up and down the trunk....so much fun!

In Genesis in the Bible, the tree is one of the very first things that God created..and all through the ages our ancestors have seen what I'm writing about.

Dear Reader, you, too, can have a thrilling day...just look out your window!
 
So much excitement...and all for free!  Take it all in!

We're not in control

means within 10/15 years after Ismail's birth God forgot, what he said earlier ?


WHO IS RIGHT??????

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Thoughts from Hilda

hildag3@gmail.com... I like your visits...come again soon!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

We're not in control

The growth of our hair reveals no sensation to our bodies.  either negative or positive.


The growth of our finger and toe nails are also devoid of any feeling as they grow.



That's how I feel about time.


   It just keeps moving forward and we know it, but can't do anything about  it.   I guess that's what memories are for.  I think I've lived my same life over twice remembering all the major happenings in my life.   Pledging the Girl Scout oath...or singing and learning all the lyrics to songs from cheap songsheets bought in the 5 and 10.   Remembering in detail how I felt when my family told me that my sweet Mother at 41 had died.    Or when I heard that my sister at 36 had died.   

 

Or when Allen and I heard that our daughter wasn't going to live.   These stand out in my mind and I re-live them again and again.

 

When I received a phone call from Allen's doctor letting me know that he had good news...that my darling had expired.   To the doctor, it meant that his comatose patient was no longer in agony.




 Many times I would like to put a moment on 'hold' because it's too wonderful to let go....but that's not the way the world is created.   When Jeff first said daddy and mama...music to our ears.

 

When Jeff rode his bicycle on his own....no training wheels.

 

When Paul's science project was placed in Pittsburgh's planetariam...how thrilled we all were.




 As I grow older every day I try to remember many decades of my life and the people who occupied this planet the same time I do.   When I light a 'remembrance candle' it bothers me that I might leave some name out.




I stand in my kitchen and rehearse in my mind all the souls that have enriched my life, and there are many...members of my family and dear friends.




I cherish all these memories because that is what my life is all about.    Even my dogs live on in my passwords and they were just precious mutts that I loved dearly.




I'm so very grateful for the time that is allotted to me.

It's a living breathing thing!

👵

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Thursday, May 1, 2008

It's a living breathing thing!

A salamander was running alongside the top of my fence on my patio. I believe I sat about half an hour watching this tiny specimen creature, one of God's creations.

A little red thing would energize every couple of seconds from his throat area and I didn't know if it was his breathing, catching bugs, or a sexual thing.

One thing I do know! It reminded me of how a dynasaur must have looked a billion years ago except a lot diminished in size.

Is this part of the reptile family? Is it a bug? Whatever, he was so cute that I would never dare deliberately take him out of this world. Some people refer to them as geicos...others as lizards.

Little children when they visit from the north want to take them home with them...but I explain that it's a tropical creature.

Some people meditate...others do yoga. Me...I watch salamanders.

How things are wrapped!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

How things are wrapped!

Including packaging have sure changed. When we had our toy store, a blister package was a thin sheet of plastic over the item, and you would pull it apart as easily as peeling a banana.

Today, not so. It's just about the hardest chore on my schedule these days. However, I have a wonderful friend...Virginia, who lives right next door to me. One day she walked over with a present for me....a good pair of scissors made for slicing into todays's blister pack.

When she brought it over, I thought I would never have occasion to use it.

Well...this gift returned me from insanity to being very functional.

My old cell phone wouldn't hold a charge....so I made a new purchase of an upgraded one. Not only was the phone in rigid heavy-duty plastic....but the battery also came locked in a blister of it's own.

I wonder if the manufactures over in China giggled as they constructed these...............saying those stupid Americans will be cursing over this.

Anyway, back to Virginia and her magic shears.....cut right through all those heavy layers...and finally after cutting this way and that way.....hooray, I was able to retrieve my purchase.

Now....all I have to do is study the instructions. Help Virginia!!!!!!! And while I was struggling to open this...Jeff and Donna were on Skype with me...watching...and I don't want them to know how weak I am.

They were exchanging the $300. that they had entered into my old phone and putting that amount into my new cell.

Now I have to wait for someone to call me! I gotta use up some of that money!

Chicken Little

Links to this post

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Chicken Little

How many hundreds of thousands of chickens have we tried to be creative with? I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition...but now I must concentrate on this chicken thing.

Each country has different cooking styles for this unlucky bird whose main reason for living is to give us eggs and then let us feed on him.

I'll tell you what really disturbs me. When I go to the supermarket and I see their rotisserie with all the chicken, side by side, with their wings at their side, roasting and rotating while their juices flow.

Perhaps I should become a vegetarian!

Dog eat dog world!

Anyhow today I'm in the process of doing something with breasts...not mine...a chicken whose fate is to be not long-lived.

Did he enjoy his little bit of time on earth? Does he have a brain.

I know he has a heart and a liver...but I've never heard of chicken brains. I've heard of cow brains...but what about this unfortunate creature.

Am I spoiling my appetite for what I am about to cook!!!! MAYBE.

Chicken Little

Links to this post

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Chicken Little

How many hundreds of thousands of chickens have we tried to be creative with? I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition...but now I must concentrate on this chicken thing.

Each country has different cooking styles for this unlucky bird whose main reason for living is to give us eggs and then let us feed on him.

I'll tell you what really disturbs me. When I go to the supermarket and I see their rotisserie with all the chicken, side by side, with their wings at their side, roasting and rotating while their juices flow.

Perhaps I should become a vegetarian!

Dog eat dog world!

Anyhow today I'm in the process of doing something with breasts...not mine...a chicken whose fate is to be not long-lived.

Did he enjoy his little bit of time on earth? Does he have a brain.

I know he has a heart and a liver...but I've never heard of chicken brains. I've heard of cow brains...but what about this unfortunate creature.

Am I spoiling my appetite for what I am about to cook!!!! MAYBE.

This is my Virginia

This gal seems to know about everything.  Anytime I ask a question, she has the answer.

I will miss her visit over to my house where we discuss the world and all the living creatures that our God created.

She's such a good, dear soul and I will remember her every day of my life.

Thanks, V, for being you.

Eric and Ryan (both married men)-- Love Makes the World Go Round!

hildag3@gmail.com... I like your visits...come again soon!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Eric and Ryan (both married men)-- Love Makes the World Go Round!

I watched them grow from a distance.   Geography always alluded my direct presence in their lives, but vicariously I watched both boys grow up.   We had a toy store and I do believe they had one of everything that we stocked!

In the last two months, I have attended two sensational, spectacular weddings...one in Chicago and the other in Long Island.   Everyone so dressed up...and yes, a place to go....weddings!  Some people cry at weddings...not me..I was thrilled and I smiled during the entire ceremony!

At Eric's wedding, I walked down the aisle on Ryan's arm....and at Ryan's ...I walked down the aisle with  Eric....I was so honored and thrilled...that I could participate in this most important event in both their lives. 

They both fell in love with lovely brides, thanks to J Date.   My heart is so full of love and caring and

wanting them to have enriched lives with their brides.

My only regret was that my sister and brother-in-law weren't here to see these joyous events...how proud and happy this would have made them.

Eric and Becky...Ryan and Daniela...two very newly-married couples setting out in this very complicated world of shoes off at airports, terrorists, and recession economy.   My generation has a lot of explaining to do to pass this bad stuff on to you.   

Becky is a doctor and Daniela is a doctor-to-be....so I know both boys will be in good hands....and so will their patients.  When I met both girls, I was so impressed with how smart and beautiful they both are.

I so enjoyed your weddings and watching you exchange rings and vows.

My family has now expanded....I have great nieces...and what a great feeling that is.

I just hope I can live up to being a great aunt to these two special women.   I adore them!

And it's a new day!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

And it's a new day!

I rarely get to watch the miraculous wee hours of the night unfold into daylight, when the sun comes  peeking through, very softly, and it's the  beginning of another day that our Creator has granted us.

I know this is a poor analogy, but this is how I feel when I first start my computer....very very gradually it lights up. ...into spectacularness!

First I see all the special icons like stars in the sky that my kids have picked for me.. and as I eye each one, it seems to say....pick me, pick me.   I'm here to serve you...whatever you desire!

Then I tap Email......and the top of the complete page forms all the information that has been stored there by the magical computer wizard.
With complete wonderment, I watch all this unfold...and oh yes,  I mustn't forget, it gives a complete yawn when it's ready...or maybe when it's bored with my choices.

Now it's my turn to see all that has transpired.      I'm ready to face a new day.    I have my morning cup of java (not the script)...and I'm ready to read my Washington Post......everything that occurred while I was sleeping.

Although in the wee hours of the morning I somtimes hear Jeff take over my puter......checking everything out......and I look at the clock and my heart breaks because I know he's having another sleepless night.

With my computer, I feel connected to the whole world....and that' why it's called www.

Im so grateful  that I'm living in this time slot......because I'm never lonely.  I recall being so thrilled to go to Office Depot to buy a small wooden desk with a slideout shelf for the keyboard....and then I pounced upon a chair that was adjustable...which is just what I need.   Next a mouse pad....and I was in business.

  Now it was up to Jeff and Donna to give me 300% patience on how to use the mouse..and the keyboard and the icons....never thought I'd get the hang of it.  They explained everything to me...even took it apart so I could see its workings.   A really outstanding service is Skype.   Bought a little camera and every single week I get to visit with my kids for about 2 hours...they sit in two chairs and we see each other and we talk.  Sometimes Bandit, one of their dogs, sits on their laps...and this is a treat too.

You Tube also plays a very important role in my everyday life.   Any song that I desire to hear...it's here.  I feel so lucky!

Everything they showed me was important...but what stands out most is my blog that they set up for me..and that's been such an outlet of my rememberings...kind of makes my life come together.

 And my Hallmark cards that they taught me to make..and I've never bought any since... the receivers of my cards all compliment me.

I musn't forget my little digital camera that I can plug into Picassa photo gallery  and store all the pictures of the people I love and the events like weddings...permanent records of their lives.

Didn't realize that   I would be this enthusiastic about an inanimate object. 

I often wonder if it wasn't for Jeff and Donna...would I still be so interested....and that's a big question....and I don't know the answer.

Can't use that excuse...I"M TOO BUSY !!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Can't use that excuse...I"M TOO BUSY !!

Now that I have a GPS...I don't have to drive to the library any longer.   I have my digital Reader.

Now that I have tons of note papr (gifts from friends) I don't need to write...I just send e mails.

Now that I can drive to the movies...I have a DVD.

Now that I have some money in the bank...I just use my charge card.    And I don't even need to balance my checkbook.   Everyday my bank sends me (free of charge) my balance and how much deposited and how much spent.   I don't even have to write checks for my telephone, chargecard or electric..it's automatically deducted from my checking account.

Now that I have a juicer...you can buy it just as fresh in the supermarket.  

I haven't had to shake my dust mop out for many years...I have a SWIFTER...and you just discard the soiled sheets....and  you have instant dustfree floors.

My biggest chore it seems to to load and unload my dishwasher.  I don't have to wash them any longer..and they come cleaner. 

I don't need to look any information up any longer...in two seconds I enter it into my search engine...and I have all the facts...(oh I'm so smart)..

Now that I have time to watch my favorite television shows...I have TIVO!

 I haven't had to wind a watch for many years...it's all digital.  And when did it become fashionable when I ask someone what time it is...they'll answer 12:43.    Whatever happened to quarter to 1 ?

  If I can't fall asleep...Paul and Barbara gave me a sound machine to simulate sounds of water to make me drowsy and put me in a state

Now that.....THAT'S THE BIG QUESTION!     The answer is....I need a DOG and a pooper scooper.

That will give me plenty of work...but alas...we're not permitted to own one here.

But maybe...just maybe..........

I peed in the Ritz Carlton!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

I peed in the Ritz Carlton!

I've never had high tea there or anything else for that matter.  But my friends wanted me to take a peak at the grand lobby and I didn't know that was one of our destinations, so I really wasn't dressed appropriately.   If one could feel like a pauper, it was me.

I would have dressed for the occasion!  Then the good friends of mine insisted I should examine the 'ladies room'.    It was beautiful.   No paper towels there...beautiful washclothes so that friends helped themselves to.

I didn't and I didn't partake of the mints they had in a beautiful container.

However, I entered their stall..and I was really impressed....it was just lovely.   Made me feel that this natural function of all living things, was a special 'happening'.   I think that was the first toilet that flushed itself and scared the heck out of me.

Then I went to rinse off my hands....and I never turned on the faucets...the water splashed on to my hands.   Then the lotion...don't know what it was but it smelled delicious.

There was a woman sitting on a stool watching everything and I dropped a dollar into her container.

It sure was worth it.   It was an experience...an adventure.

Now I can actually say...I've been to the Ritz and the service was great.    I was explaining this to my friend Virginia...and she insisted I write this blog...so if it doesn't meet with your propriety...you must blame her!

The Event!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Event!

Everytime I think I'm running out of material for my blog I just have to look around me and think!     I'm so fortunate in having so many things to talk about.

A few weeks ago, or I should go back about a month ago, I received a precious bejeweled invitation to Ruth Fagan's 85 birthday party.  Now to look at my friend, you'd never believe that this was this special birthday.   In fact, Ruth didn't think so either...because written on her birthday (loaded with calories) cake was written....Happy 75th!   And she's absolutely right..today's 85th is ten years going back counter clockwise.     Actually, truth be told, Ruth looks much younger than that and her wardrobe attests to this.

I was really looking forward to this.....event of the season.      

To find Ruth's house, her friend Faye went to the dollar store and bought 2 beautiful helium  balloons which she hung on Ruth's outdoor post...announcing  to her  guests...you're here...you've arrived!

Ruth hired Cornelius, our High Point employee,  to help serve and clean up...along with entertaining because he has a beautiful voice.....and he sang a touching gospel number that he has recorded.

This wasn't the only entertainment of the evening....two members of Temple Beth El entertained us with music and a darling skit.

Ruth had filled up her whole house with friends and relatives.......and we all really pigged out on all the food catered by 3 G's restaurant.

Ruth had  ordered so much that I was invited back the next day to eat leftovers much to my delight.

We  all had such a good time that we stayed about 4 hours which is a long time when your hostess is exhausted.

The guests left with a large 'goodie  bag'  filled with all kinds of delightful presents.

My greatest present is the lasting delicious memory  of this special party...wih this special friend...and the enthusiasm and joy she put into this party.

Just thinking...and it makes me happy.

Every morning I think of my darling babies.   I think about Davis with his blond curls and his ineresting face absorbing everything that is said to him.   And he listens if  you call him he comes over to you.  I've seen other children ignore they're so focused.

When I watch the big smile that comes on Davis' face when he dances and he does have a natural sense of rhythm....my heart just turns over.   I'm so in love.  His entire little body moves and it's so touching to watch this little human being.

I can't seem to realize how lucky I am to have him in my life....my later years I get to enjoy my little folks and watch their expressions.

Now to Shane and Hallie........I see the love between those two.  I see no jealousy....just pure unadulrated love.

I watched the other day when Shane got into his little car...closed the door and Hallie got behind and she was pushing him.   I'm sure he was helping her along but it was such a tender moment that I will  

in my memory.

I love these children so much I explode with joy.   I love their parents too.  What more can a woman in her 90's want except to think of her little ones

I do believe that they'll grow into great people.

We need te immigrants!! And they need us

Wednesday,Jul y 28, 2010

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

We need te immigrants!! And they need us

I wondering what America thinks of the really hard workers who do very manual labor....

For those of us living in villas and condominiums, the immigrant men keep our lawns well manicured.

I was watching from out my back window...backbreaking work....never stopping for a second even though they're not being watched.

Raking..raking...making a pile then putting all the debris into a large cylinder container...to be emptied into their trucks.

I'm sure they don't make much money...not even sure if they have hospitalization or social security.

They are willing to live in incredibly substandard housing — witness all the garage renovations found in foreclosure housing. They are willing to live with others in a room in houses full of strangers. For these reasons, for many employers, they are more desirable as employees

They're very poor people....but very hard working.   Wonder if they find contentment when they fill up the big dump truck....to be moved on to the next location.

Are they thinking about their families back in Mexico, Guatamala or Colombia...or wherever...and of the money that they'll be sending home.

Rice and beans...one's a starch and the other a legume.   Is their enough nourishment so that they can labor another day.

I wonder what all the fuss is about ... immigration!   They're doing us a favor!    Donald Trump, I wonder if you have any kind of a conscience.


What goes around ... comes around

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

We need the immigrants!! And they need us  all the debris into a large cylinder container...to be emptied into their trucks

Smiling Through the Years was played by a harpist at Allen and Hilda's wedding

This was written awhile ago....but it's the anniversary!!

Another year has passed!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2008

This was written awhile ago....but it's the anniversary!!

And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again dear Allen!
In Loving Memory!
Allen dear, I recall with the tenderest of thoughts our good life together....and the way it was!


As the Yartseit Candle burns down,,, The flame triggers millions of loving memories!




The candle in the kitchen flickers and dims!
Yes, I lost my partner...my mate....my best friend.
Feb. 28, l990.

I wish he could come back back for just a little while so we could tell him how much we miss him....and love him...but maybe he knows that.

For ten years , a decade, I have lived alone........but my husband is never far from my memories and thoughts....because we shared a life together...children together....although we lost our baby girl to Tay -Sachs disease.

We had 4l years together...most of them happy....some sadness....but that's what living is all about. He was a good kind person who cherished his family..

I look at his picture...and he's smiling at me.
I have the advantage of choosing any image.... making him any age on my dresser....so he's always smiling at me ... 29 years old....and we were newly married.....and our married life was just beginning.

This generation may look at him as controlling. Not me....he just cared so very much about everything I did and thought....and he took such a big interest in my life....and this I adored.....
He even liked to go food and clothes shopping with me....helping me 'pick out'.....and it was fun!
He helped me make decisions!

George Gershwin wrote a song about this..."Someone to Watch Over Me".....and how fortunate I was to find someone to do just that....to make me feel so special..

The Jewish religion has us remember our loved ones on the anniversary of their passing....so I follow tradition...because it's ritual........but I really believe in my heart that it should be lit on our loved ones 'birth date'....to life!.

So....on this solemn occasion.....Jeff and I recall with loving memories this very important person in our lives....who lived according to the Rules.

May Your Soul Rest In Peace Dear Allen....Amen!



And these touching words came from Jeff.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mom

I REALLY liked your last webpage. I can't speak very eloquently about it, but it moved me deeply. Was it a "cathartic" experience for you at all?



And these wonderful words from Paul and Barbara,
Hi Aunt Hilda,

Its so hard to believe its been 10 years but when someone is always in your heart you don't think about time.You wrote a beautiful tribute to Uncle Allen and the life you shared together. He played such an important role in your life and Jeff's as well as ours. I wish Donna could have gotten to know him. It would have been so special. I loved how he took an interest in you and everyone and how he loved to make sure everyone was happy (like you). I still hear him each evening saying. H can I get you something? Waiting on you or anyone gave him such pleasure.....how happy he was to be in Florida....he was so kind.....thats why you stayed together....your kindness...your gentle way....how you loved children.....and all your love just lives on in Jeff and whether its a Yartseit candle we light once a year...its the fact that its not just once a year we think of him, but always...he is always in our heart.

Thank you for sharing your tribute.


love
bb and bo bo


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And this from my sweet friend Elaine who very recently lost her beloeved hsband.

Dear Hilda, Thank you, thank you for sharing the most beautiful letters I have ever read. You certainly write with so much feeling, I felt as if I could have written your letter to my beloved Bill. I know you are truly a sentimental & compassionate person, and I admire you for being the "lady" you are. I feel fortunate to have met your wonderful Alan, & I know how much he must have loved & admired you too. Hilda dear, may you always remember the good times, good memories and happiness that you & Alan shared. I'm sure he was a Prince among men. Much love, Elaine



Thank you again for another wonderful piece of prose. What lovely beautiful memories you were left with to sustain you.
I hope you have not denied yourself the pleasures that you should enjoy, because your Allan would not approve of that. If you really thought about that, put him in
your place and would you want him to miss out on what is there for him to enjoy.


You have a lot of years ahead of you. Make a few adjustments and try to bring a new beginning into your life as a continuation of the good and happy life you had before.

Thank you for my new lesson. We are leaving right now to go the Morse Geriatric Home as a Volenteers. Will work on it later.
Dear Hilda, I want you to know that I expressed myself the way I did because I consider myself a good friend of yours.


nd from my dear friend Ethel....

That is just beautiful!!!
I'm sorry that Mert and Alan didn't know each other --- I think they
would have liked each other very much ---
I don't get lumps in my throat very often - but you did it, m'dear.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad to know ya... Love you...
ethel





And from my wonderful friends Ruth and Sy..who mean so very much to me!
rfs913@webtv.net (RuthandSyFagan) Date: Sun, Feb 20, 2000, 11:06pm To: hildag1@webtv.net (Hilda Gordon) Subject: Re: And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again!
I'm overwhelmed. What a beautiful tribute. No wonder the comediens didn't make you laugh.

April 19--another beautiful Thursday

April 19--another beautiful Thursday

I sit here at the computer my kids got me and I have lots to say but I'm extremely heartsick about what happened at Va. Tech...the college that Jeff attended...then Eric and then Ryan...the Hokeys.

There's soo much blame to go around...so many signs were missed or sluffed off...and it could have been avoided but no one really wants to interfere or listen.

Before this, nobody even heard of a little town called Blacksburg, Va. Now the entire world is aware of it. Will we be more aware of troubled souls who can do such evil.

I remember when we all made this trip with a 'dolly' to carry in Jeff's things...a little refrigerator...black and white tv....no computer since there weren't any. Jeff was taking computer science...a new subject..and he had a new Texas Instrument Calculator to replace his sliderule. Should we have kept them...would that be a 'collectible today!!!! We also schlepped lots of towels, blankets and sheets.

We weren't alone...every other parent was doing the same thing.

I remember on the return trip home, I knew that our lives would never be quite the same again.

And that's when Jeff took his first airplane trip home. We couldn't wait!!!