I Actually Remember!

As I approach a BIG birthday this week – I not only started reminiscing over the past in general – but how much growing up as a child has changed – really changed since I was a young girl. 

You may have heard the saying ‘The Good Ol’ Days.’  I don’t really know if they were good as much as they were days which gave us much to hold on to for the future.  Life seemed much simpler.


Simpler, yet at the same time they were days when hard work was something to be proud of, and success was something you strived to accomplish for yourself.  When you succeeded, you knew you did so because of how much you put into it, and you didn’t expect handouts.  Most Dads worked hard, long hours, making sure their family’s needs were met.  Kids grew up knowing that when they became adults, they too were expected to work hard.  Most families I knew had very little, yet what they did have was truly appreciated and cherished.

I remember kids playing outdoors as many hours as possible.  We didn’t have much structured play, like being on ball teams or taking classes outside of school.  Besides doing our chores and our homework, most had a carefree childhood.  We pretty much were out from early morning – maybe popped back for lunch and dinner - and were told to make sure you are home before it got dark.  You ran, you raced, you won, you cheered, and sometimes even lost.  Yes lost!  It was ok for kids to know they could lose, again and again.  We just tried harder and harder each time, hoping one day, we would be one of the winners.

My family moved a lot – which gave me the opportunity to grow up both in urban communities as well as the suburbs.  Some of the games children played varied because of the neighborhood – but most were pretty similar – and in both, kids were usually found outdoors most of the time.  We pretty much played either in each other’s yards or in the street.  When in the street, if one of us saw a car coming, we yelled “CAR” and everyone scattered to the side of the street.  Drivers also knew there would be kids playing, and therefore drove slowly, expecting the warning, “CAR” to be yelled.

I remember when getting into trouble was “cutting yards” – where a group of us split up into teams, and literally ran through backyards throughout our neighborhood.  I remember being asked by Greg, the cool kid, if I wanted to learn how to flip a fence.  Of course I said yes, he was the cool kid!  So he had me practice in his backyard; jump up with my waist on the top of the fence, and flip over – landing on the other side of the fence.  And you couldn’t just land on the other side, you needed to land on your feet, ready to run.  As short as I was, I mastered this.  And soon, it was known that I was on Greg's team.

We would dash through yard after yard – the challenge: don’t get bit by the dogs chasing after you, don’t get caught by the “old folks” yelling at you as you ran through their yards, don’t get hit by broom handles - or whatever other ‘weapon’ was being used to threaten you as you flipped fence after fence, and be the first team back.  Most people screamed at us, yet almost smiled as you chose their yard to cut through – as long as you didn’t trample their gardens.  Maybe this was because kids were raised to always be polite and greet adults – therefore they all knew us, and knew which were trouble makers and which were just being kids having a good time.

I remember spending hours skating with large groups of kids.  Skating outdoors was always done with metal skates that fit over your shoes or sneakers, and needed a key to adjust the fit (which was always worn on a shoelace around your neck).  The sound of skaters coming down the street in droves let parents know where the group of kids were around the neighborhood.

When we outgrew our skates, we’d use them on our Scooters, using wooden crates and old pieces of wood that we’d find in someone’s garage, garbage pile, anywhere.  Some scooters would be made to stand on, others were meant to sit in the crate and had steering capability, using old baby carriage wheels – but all were used to race the other kids – many times downhill, resulting in busted scooters, and black & blues.  As long as you made it all the way down the hill you were thrilled, and if you won – everyone cheered; the bumps and bruises were well worth it.

Kids also played stickball or kickball – with bases either drawn in chalk in the street – or specific items, such as a fire hydrant, stop sign, gutter, etc. were designated as bases.  Jump rope was a great pastime – usually using old clotheslines.  And if you could jump Double Dutch – you were “in.”  This took skill to both learn how to jump in and out as well as learn how to turn the two ropes in opposite directions.  You would always find a group of Double Dutch kids in the schoolyard.

Once in awhile, on a rainy day, we were treated to an afternoon at the Roller Rink, where you rented shoe skates, with wooden wheels, to be used in the wooden rink.  An organist was always present – to us, he looked to be at least 100 years old – playing live music to skate by!

Going to the movies was another real treat.  That took up and entire Saturday afternoon.  Admission was about 75 cents.  Theaters were immense, with ornate decorating inside, giant velvet drapes hung in front of the one super large screen on the stage.  You were greeted by a host – who welcomed all the kids to the movies and you were treated to a juggler, magician, or acrobats performing.  Afterwards the lights would dim and the ‘Newsreel’ would run – giving us the latest news from around the world.  We then saw two cartoons and finally the main feature.  An entire afternoon of entertainment that sometimes also ended with a chance to win a prize in a raffle – a big prize!  I still remember the shock when my friend Janie won a Schwinn bicycle.  I also once won – but was not so thrilled – since I won a Singer Sewing Machine.  Mom was excited – but I always remembered the time Janie won a bike!

One of the best treats ever was going to the Drive-In Movie with the entire family.  Mom would have us all put on our pajamas – bring pillows & blankets, and we’d head out to the Drive-In.  I can still remember the sound of the gravel crunching under the car wheels as we drove to our spot.  That meant the fun was about to begin. 

First we’d go to the playground with all the other kids; most were also dressed in their pjs.

As it started to get dark, we’d get popcorn, soda and ice cream – come back to the car, where a speaker would be attached on the inside of the driver’s side window – which by the way, also worked as a heater – since many nights would get a bit chilly in the car.  I’m not sure whether we stayed awake for the entire movie – but I knew every time the night got darker, the giant screen seemed brighter; I always thought of how much I loved going to the Drive-In.

A favorite treat was ice cream from the Good Humor Ice Cream man – who actually came around the neighborhood pushing his ice cream cart.  The Good Humor man was required to tip his hat to the ladies and salute gentlemen.  He made change from the coin changer attached to his belt.  And there was Bungalow Bar – the cool ice cream truck that actually looked like a bungalow on wheels.

Of course the real ice cream treat was when you were a bit older and were able to go to Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor with your friends and order the Kitchen Sink that you would all share!

 

I remember some special times spent with my Mom.  Some were treats and some were actually going on errands with her.  Whenever she would purchase groceries, she would receive S&H Green Stamps – which were placed into her Green Stamp Books – a job given to me and proudly done well.  After collecting enough books to trade in – we would make the trip to the S&H Green Stamp Redemption Center and choose a special gift, or a small kitchen appliance.  I can remember the excitement of handing in the books and coming home with something new; even if it was an appliance it was exciting!

Sometimes we were treated to a trip into “the city” – which of course everyone knew meant Manhattan.  What I most remember is standing on line at Radio City Music Hall to see a show.  While in the city, we would stop at Horn and Hardart’s Automat for lunch.  The Automat served freshly made food for a few nickels, and Mom insisted that no one made a better cup of coffee.  The food was actually freshly made, by culinary chefs, known to be extremely good quality and taste, and was enjoyed by everyone.

I was given a handful of nickels and by dropping the nickels at the wall of small glass doors, I could pull out a sandwich, hot food (such as meatloaf & mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, etc.), and even a warm piece of pie or pudding for dessert.  It was more than an inexpensive place to have a good meal; it was a treasure, and for its time, an ingenious technical dining experience.

I remember there being many services that benefitted families in our neighborhood.  Our milk was delivered to our door before sunrise, left in a metal milk box outside our door.  I would hear the clang, clang, of the milk bottles – which were glass – hitting each other in the wire basket the milkman used to carry the bottles to our door.  Empty bottles would be left for the milkman to pick up when making the next delivery.  He also drove his refrigerated truck standing up.

The Dugan Man drove through our neighborhood.  The truck had bread and cake, and was found driving up and down our neighborhood streets; and it was the best bread & cake too!  The General Grinding truck also came by regularly, offering to sharpen knives, scissors, mower blades, etc., right in front of your doorstep. 

Looking back, I see how important it was to serve the people, make life a bit easier, while many were also able to make a living offering these services.

When we lived in a house on Long Island, being invited over at a spur of the moment to a neighbor’s BBQ was common.  While in the city, seeing parents sitting on stoops, chatting, arguing, laughing and getting to know more about each other, was a common scene in each neighborhood, while kids played endlessly all day.

What I remember most about growing up both in an urban community or suburbia, was that families all knew each other, knew each other's children, and looked out for one another.  Perhaps that was because we were not horded up in our homes all the time in front of televisions or computers.  Also, it was a time when most Moms were at home – therefore making it easier for everyone on your block, if not in your neighborhood, to get to know all the kids - Moms were usually the backbone of the neighborhood.  I remember neighbors were always helping each other out in regard to each other's children - a time when the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," was actually lived. 

As I write this, boy do I feel old . . . very old!  I realize so much has changed in just 60 years.  Many changes may have been for the better, inventions, technology, etc.  But some have been at the expense of basic relationships.  How much do we know each other, our neighbors, and what’s going on in our community?  Have we become so content in our technical world that we’ve become insensitive to what’s most important – people around us every day?  And how does this impact our personal relationships within our immediate families?  How will this impact tomorrow’s generations?

Ah – 60 years of memories, many blessings, good times, and definitely many struggles.  I hope I will never let go of what is most important – and will hold on to the many memories of all those I have crossed paths with during this portion of my journey.

The Good Ol’ Days . . . fond memories and lessons learned to hold on to.

Nonna Determination

An update on my attempt to see the grandkids.

After airports closing last week – on the night I was planning to fly to Cincinnati – I planned to head out to LaGuardia early Thursday morning and begin my journey to visit my son and his family.

Car service was scheduled for 4:15 am – yes that says “am”.  Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that is quite an accomplishment, being I am definitely not a morning person.  But I was up, ready, and on time.  As I approached the security area at LaGuardia – I could see there was already chaos with the mass of people who couldn’t fly the night before.  But I went through without any difficulty and decided to make the best of whatever was in store for me.  My flight was scheduled for 6:05 am.

I found a good cup of coffee – a cranberry scone – and a comfy seat at the gate and relaxed.  As the time drew near – I noticed all flights were overbooked – and announcements asking people to give up their seats were constantly being heard.  This didn’t look good.

I didn’t get on my 6:05 am flight – and was rolled over to the next flight – which was approximately 11:40 am.  But I soon found out that too was overbooked.  This continued throughout the day.  I traveled from gate to gate – terminal to terminal – grabbing snacks and coffee along the way – and making new friends that were in the same situation as I was – all trying to get into Cincinnati!  I had my nook – did tons of reading – took a snooze or two – and became very familiar with LaGuardia Airport!  I felt like a character in Terminal and was sure I saw Viktor Navorski scurrying around the airport as well.  I remembered the tag line for that movie was, Life is Waiting – how appropriate!

I relaxed and realized me stressing out or carrying on at each gate will not change the situation – and will only make me miserable.  So I smiled, kept an eye on the departure schedule and continued through my day.

LaGuardia has recently revamped their terminals – with massive seating areas with iPads available to use at no cost.  Not only can you search the web, play games, and whatever else iPads are good for, you could also search restaurants in the airport, order food and have it delivered to the seat you are at.

I had amazing conversations with the many others I continued to run into at each gate, who were also desperately trying to get out of NYC!  There was a group that was stressed out and miserable and then my gang who just laughed and enjoyed another coffee & snack.

As the afternoon was drawing to an end – and I saw the next flight was overbooked by 14 people – I decided to call it a day – head on home and try, once more, on Friday morning.

I called a friend to see if he was available to pick me up at the airport – trying to save a few dollars on cab fare – and he was available.  I headed home – had a nice dinner – chatted with my son about my next attempt early Friday morning and went to bed. 

My son & I had been texting back and forth all day.  At one point, he sent me a text that said we had sent over 71 text messages on that one day!  I stayed calm – actually had an enjoyable day – and when I returned home, found an email message from my son:  You're a great example of patience, hope, and a positive attitude during a very trying and disappointing situation. If I'm half as pleasant as you in a similar situation, I'll be happy.  :)

This definitely warmed my heart and I realized that I was only able to be this example by a changed heart due to my relationship with the Lord.

Friday 4:15 am came & once again – car arrived and took this determined Nonna to the airport one more time.  Flights were still overbooked – I’m still trying to understand why they do this – but miraculously I did get on the overbooked 6:05 am flight – arrived at the Cincinnati airport at 8:15 am – and was greeted by two smiling, running, amazing boys – ready with super hugs for Nonna! 

All I went through disappeared immediately!

Anticipation

Anticipation:  the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen.

I had plans to visit my grandchildren in Kentucky.  I was scheduled for a flight out of LaGuardia Airport at 7:40 pm tonight - Wednesday night – I would arrive at 9:55 pm and stay through Sunday.  A short visit – but staying with them, waking each morning and spending entire days together, usually makes up for living far away and not having the opportunity for spur of the moment visits or outings.

Heavy storms were predicted for the New York City/Long Island area – with warnings of flash flooding, heavy thunder & lightening.  The day was overcast – sun would sneak a peek ever-so-often and then a burst of thunder and rain.  But once again I was teased by that sun shining down through massive clouds.

Maybe, just maybe, it will calm down just enough for me to make my flight – and once I was up above the clouds – let all hell break loose. 

I had scheduled to leave work early to go home, get my dog settled, and get a few last minute things packed.  Car service was to arrive around 5:15.  On my way home, while listening to the radio in the car, I heard that annoying alarm sounding from the radio – the one that usually beings with, “This is a test” and ends with, “if this was an actual emergency, you would be directed what to do next.”  But it wasn’t a test – it was actually warning about the intense storms – heavy winds – flood warnings – and now massive hail storms happening in New York City and some areas of Queens. Three inch hail was found in Greenwich Village.  Serious lightening storms – 14 lightening strikes in 10 minutes in one area of NYC.

Am I stupid to still think maybe all will just come pouring down for a couple of hours and then I can still catch my flight?  Am I an idiot to think – so, we’ll be delayed and it’ll be the saga to tell all – but I’ll arrive in my son’s home, late at night, to sleeping grandchildren that will greet me in the morning?  Ummm – yes, I am! 

My car service even called and asked was I absolutely certain my flight was still scheduled, since they were getting cancellations for all reservations for any car going to an airport.  Well, eventually – all flights – every single flight – going out of Kennedy & LaGuardia airports were cancelled.  OK – I guess I’m not going!  I got it.

My feeling of disappointment was intense.  I haven’t been with my grandchildren since Christmas and missed them terribly.  I can only imagine how disappointed they were as well.  Nonna was not coming tonight!

Tomorrow is another day!  Due to all flights being cancelled tonight, I’m sure the airports are going to be crazy with rescheduling and possibly more cancellations, since predictions of scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow as well.

You never know – I may be lucky and find some flight – even if later in the day.  And although I will have lost tons of time with everyone, I will still have some precious moments with my grandkids.

So I’ll wait – once again – with anticipation!  Maybe, just maybe, we’ll be having dinner together.

Until then – thankfully – there’s Skype!