Time

In a cement cave under the stairs in our Boise House, we had stored the girls doll collections and lots of other memorabilia. They were well protected and after 25 years a discussion about them brought Karen to pull out the stash for the grand girls. The space is an oddity created by the confluence of several concrete pours around  a central stair case, The previous owners son had installed a grow light in this very secluded space and we believe he was practicing horticultural skills on marijuana plants. We filled the unused space with our wine collection, it is cool and dark in that basement.  The grand girls and their mothers had a great time sorting through giant Tupperware boxes. Cinderella, Princess Di, Cabbage patch kids, very old Barbies…what a treasure trove. My mother, Laura, had 5 boys, and our daughters were the first girls in several generations. Needless to say she may have spoiled especially Megan. She left a lasting legacy in the life she lived and the never ending doll gifts.

I received a portable record player from my oldest daughter for Christmas. It took us until this week to get it properly set up in McCall and dig out all of my/our old albums. Remember Honky Chateau, Spooky Tooth, The Beatles, Rolling Stones,  The Eagles, The Doobie’s, The Beach Boys, Carol King… the list goes on and includes the original Blues Brother’s album, Janice Joplin and even a few Willie Nelson albums. I was looking for my copies of Jim Croce which unfortunately are gone with the time.  Going back in time a bit is entertaining and brings back mostly great memories.

Karen and I were watching American Band Stand in l972 when we heard Jim Croce. It was not necessarily the music we listened to but he was a great guitarist and we enjoyed his lyrics. I think of Croce when I consider Time. Only a year later he died in a plane crash while on tour. He wrote one of the great songs of my generation. The Lyrics to  Time in a Bottle tell a story he wrote for his wife. “ If I could save time in a bottle—the first thing that I’d like to do—-is to save every day til eternity passes away—just to spend them with you” followed by a simple thought “but there never seems to be enough time—to do the things you want to do once you find them”. The music fits the song, I suggest you take a minute to listen on your favorite app.

As I am now attending celebrations or reading about many of friends, peers, and acquaintances whose time has come to a close, it does give one pause. You can only hope you will be integral to the memories of those people who are most important to you.  Use your time wisely.

The picture is Jack, Katie, Jeff, Trish, Karen and Mike, three of the five Mooney boys and their wives. Bob and Dick have moved to the great behind. We still remember them. 

Happy Independence Day.  Please take a minute to consider the importance of the great experiment we call the United States of America and have no patience for those who threaten it .   Mike