The conveniences and safety factors in today’s cars were not in effect when I was growing up back in the 1950s. A friend and I were reminiscing about car trips when we were kids. There were no seat belts and the cars I rode in did not have air conditioning. When you wanted air flow…

Flowering trees are beginning to bud and perennial flowers are starting to poke their heads through the dirt. These brave souls endured a really frigid winter and will soon wow us with their tenacity. Many of the annual blossoms in our yard have a meaningful connection to people in my life. I welcome the memories…

Are you thinking that the ski season is ending and you don’t want to leave Vermont? Then don’t, if there is a way around it! For some people life in Vermont compared to a big city just can’t be overlooked. Since my husband, Peter Shaw, was recently reflecting on the path his life took when…

It’s hard to imagine the days when a TV was not part of a home. But that was the case on our street until the early 50s, when gradually families started to acquire one. Being told by your parents that they had bought a TV was the greatest news a child could hear. For me…

With Easter upon us I can’t help but reminisce about how the occasion was celebrated back in my day. The Easter Bunny certainly had his role just like today but because I grew up in a Catholic family the religious significance of this special day was stressed. Our first “challenge” of the season began on…

Back in the '50s it was easy to tell when it was Sunday. I’m not sure it’s so simple any more! Shopping was not an option, as downtown stores were closed except for small food stores, pharmacies and places that sold newspapers and sundry items. There was no mall or shopping center. Life pretty much…

Anyone growing up in today’s world would be pretty amazed to learn what a person went through to talk on the telephone back in my youth. I am pretty sure they would not want to take a step back in time for that experience. As fond as I am of the “good ol’ days” I…