This message relates to a specific year in time, can you decode Roman numerals?
I have to admit that I did not know the CM is 900, it makes sense when you know M is 1000 and C is one hundred putting the C first subtracts from the other numeral. L is 50, X is 10 and one is the loneliest number. The correct year is 1971 and LIV years ago on 9-18, Karen and I got married. A lot has happened in our lives and in the world since that fortuitous event. People ask what is the secret—a clever card I found at a local card shop says it perfectly -Marriage means commitment. Of course, so does insanity.” Open the card and it reveals the secret to longevity-“still crazy about you.” Indeed, there are lots of trade off’s in any relationship but at the heart of it has to be love, respect, patience and a sense of humor.
Looking back, l971 was a meaningful year. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 was ratified. Greenpeace was founded by a group of Canadian and American protestors and transitioned to a group of environmentalist with a focus on nuclear testing. The Supreme Court ruled that school busing for desegregation was legal. Our last President to leave office in disgrace, Nixon initiated the end of the Bretton Woods system-you could no longer convert your U. S dollars to gold. The United States saw its largest protests against the Vietnam War. Seems like the 1st Amendment still allowed us say whatever we wanted-up to us to take a side or ignore the mayhem.
All in the Family took center stage with its culturally impactful household that tackled topics like race and gender. I still recall Archie, Edith, Gloria and Meathead (Mike) as they endured the loud mouthed, uneducated bigot who believed every stereotype in his closed world. This seems very reminiscent of the current 2025 group now threatening our democracy. Archie did reach a new level of enlightenment by the series end, there is hope for our country.
1971 gave us Columbo, Karen and I watch re runs today. Monday night football was introduced with Howard Costello and Dandy Don Meredith doing color. Dirty Harry hit the big screen and “go ahead, make my day” is still quoted today. Willy Wonka tried to teach us about honest and loyalty. The @ is first used as e mail is invented by Ray Tomlinson. We saw the first microprocessor, laser printer, and the waffle treaded running shoe hit the market. Ali lost to Frazier in the “Fight of the Century”. Finally, Walt Disney opened Disney World which apparently “woke” up that industry.
A very meaningful album, Led Zeppelin IV, was released with the forever classic song, “Stairway to Heaven”. There are many interpretations of the song lyrics. I chose to focus on the one that most likely alludes to the change in seasons. “If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now—it’s just a spring clean for the May queen—yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run-There’s still time to change the road you’re on…….if you listen very hard—the tune will come at last—when all are one and one is all….” . Our assignment has to be to get us on the correct harmony; overcoming hate, bigotry, anti free speech, tariff idiocy and the Orange wanna be Dictator.
Edward’s designs the very best perennial baskets. Enjoy our anniversary floral arrangement.
Mike
MCMLXXI
