Category: A Day to Remember

A Day to Remember

State Fair, Anywhere

deborahanndykeman

I would imagine that the state fair was once an anticipated event for many. If you were a farmer, the culmination of your summer’s work would be celebrated and displayed for the state to see.

As a child, living in a home with a father that had grown up on a farm in his early years, fairs were something that we always did. Looking at the animals was a prerequisite for the day…and something I didn’t find too interesting. I mean, you’ve seen one cow…how many more do you want to see? The horse barn was a favorite for my father, and it seemed like we spent hours staring at horse behinds. Remember, I was a child, so that was about eye-level for me. In later years, when my family had several horses, and showed them at all the local fairs, I understood why the horses stood with their backs to everyone. They were just plain sick and tired of people, no pasture and having to look nice every day. When they arrived home, backed off the trailer and were led to their pasture…the first thing they did was roll. Kicking up their feet, and covering themselves with dirt was the highlight of their week! I’ve included these pictures before, but they seemed appropriate here. This one below is my brother showing for halter class with my parent’s Percheron, Bonnie.

Kreston August 1986 with Bonnie
Kreston showing horses.

Larry Johnson August 1987 driving BonnieThis one is of my father, also with Bonnie. She was a beautiful horse! I’ve posted before that my brother restored that market wagon, taking everything apart, sanding and painting to match the colors my family used while showing. He did a great job.

Yesterday, my husband and our youngest attended the Kansas State Fair. Here is a link if you would like to read up on it yourself.  http://www.kansasstatefair.com/ Every year the fair has ‘dollar days’ so you can pay just a dollar to get in. If you have a Dillon’s card, you get in for free! I think that’s a great deal! We usually walk around, look at all the animals, the displays, and a quick trip through the midway. Normally we don’t do rides. Long lines, hot sun, and chaos usually bloom here…not something us older folks find enjoyable. Since our daughter was the only younger one, and she didn’t want to ride alone, she didn’t go on any rides. She and my husband did ride the little train together while I had a blessed sit-down in a pretty gazebo. The breeze and the shade were the favorite part of my day!

At the end of the day, when we were eating someplace other than the fair…my husband said he had tracked how far we had walked. Almost four miles! I was happy to hear that…and believe me, my body was feeling it. My sunburned neck showed it last night. I did have a good time. It was lovely to spend the day with my husband and daughter, and I’m actually looking forward to next year…on dollar days, of course! There was another great find yesterday. Brewed, iced-tea, one dollar for 32 ounces! That’s a great fair deal! Thank you Kansas State Fair for a great day! Thank you to all the exhibitors that are willing to put up with less-than-wonderful accommodations for the week. Animals of all shapes, sizes and ages…I pray a quick return to your pastures where you can roll to your heart’s content.

I love this movie about a state fair. It gives you classic memories. Enjoy this little clip!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsqyCVBog8c

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

Be Thou My Vision

deborahanndykeman

I am missing our children this morning. Missing the days when we all attended church together on a Sunday morning. Missing the days when we sung together, lifting our voices…usually in song! 😉

This song was one our children sung the day my husband was ordained at our church. They did a beautiful job, our son on the guitar, daughters harmonizing with him. The words were fitting for that service.

I made a copy of the song from the hymnal, and used a setting to make the paper look ‘old’. I then enlarged the words,

Be Thou My Wisdom and Thou My True Word.

Still Be My Vision, O Ruler of All. 

They are printed over the top of the music. This was hung in my husband’s office at the church, and now is where I can see it everyday, in my office at home. Seasons of our lives. I pray He is still my wisdom, my true word, my vision and Ruler of all.

This particular arrangement is also special because the woman in it is playing a Chickering piano. You don’t see very many of those. My upright is a Chickering and around 100 years old. My mother learned to play the piano on it, and she became an excellent pianist.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJAJA4ibEs

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A Day to Remember

Let the Classes Begin

deborahanndykeman

Many places have started school again. When I was growing up in Colorado, our first day wasn’t until after Labor Day. I liked it that way. Labor Day always seemed like an end-of-the-summer kind of holiday. Once you had the prerequisite hot dogs and hamburgers with potato salad, the summer was officially over. Back in the olden days, wearing white was considered very bad and socially unacceptable after Labor Day. I don’t know what happened if you wore it…I just obeyed the rules and never tried. Thongs, or flip-flops as they are called now were also not allowed after this day.

I don’t recall when our last day of school was. It seems as though it must have been around Memorial Day, again, the official beginning of summer. Then, you could wear white, and thongs, and eat hot dogs and hamburgers to your heart’s content. They had no calories if consumed during the long, hot summer months, along with snow cones and ice cream. Oh! Those were the days!

When we moved to Vermont the winter I turned thirteen, I was appalled to find out that school went until June something! It was usually around the third week, give or take snow days, etc. But the sheer fact that it was June was very depressing to me. I would miss almost a month of what I deemed summer-time fun. As a side note, Burlington, Vermont still has huge piles of snow in their parking lots until mid-June. That alone rather ruined the concept of the summer I knew and loved! It’s difficult to dress in shorts, white shorts and thongs as you navigate your way around the Matterhorn!

Here in Kansas, school has begun for the year. Children make their way to school wearing shorts and sneakers, and even flip-flops. Tiny children waddled through the crosswalk, looking like so many turtles escaping to the sea. Their backpacks filled with supplies for the year ahead. I have pictures of our children looking like these baby turtles. And it makes me sad. I never liked the beginning of the school year, and the separation from our children.

My favorite memories of walking to school are from my years of living in Crown Point, New York. We lived only a few blocks from the beautiful school on Main Street. When autumn comes to the Adirondacks, it’s something to behold. Here is just a hint of the beginning of the spectacular color to come.lake-2294485_1920I’m very happy that our two oldest children had the privilege to attend The Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, New York. They were able to see the amazing colors of autumn, and all the seasons so pronounced in this region.

For me, living in that area of the United States had a Norman Rockwell ambiance. Around every turn, there were beautiful vistas to behold. Tiny villages nestled in the green valleys, with emerald mountains flowing to the blue skies. Even winter didn’t seem quite so desolate with the blanketing of snow. Christmas was just that more festive with the centuries-old buildings, winding roads and tall trees canopying the road. It was as if everyone snuggled down for their long winter’s nap, just as the story says.

Autumn for me will always be in the northeast. That is what I think of, those are the colors I dream of when the days grow shorter and cool. Memories of walking down sidewalks strewn with colorful leaves, more drifting through the damp fog on an early morning walk to school. There is a certain smell of decaying things, that is strangely homey, bringing to mind crisp air and snapping fires. early-morning-299735_1920

Another school year is upon us. Autumn has begun it’s delicate flow into the countryside of almost any place in the United States. Even here in Kansas. The days are growing shorter, the nights more cool, and some evenings smell of decaying things. And not in an unpleasant way. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

A Day to Remember

Before the Glitter

deborahanndykeman

I never had the privilege to see Branson, Missouri before. Before all the traffic, before the chain restaurants, and the Hollywood attractions. I wasn’t born yet when the book The Shepherd of the Hills was first published back in 1907. You may purchase your own copy right here: https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Hills-Wordsworth-Classics/dp/1840225815

It is a book I’m adding to my reading list, and hope to get to very soon. Because I think it will speak of a Branson, Missouri I somehow long for, although I’ve never seen. I have that feeling a lot in my life!

As you may have guessed by now, my husband and I just returned from Branson. I do love going there. At one time, we always went to Silver Dollar City, but we haven’t purchased season passes for a few years now. I think for our entire family, the memories we have, are about that magical place. I say magical, because the entire park seems to take me back to a more simple time. Those years when you were thankful for a roof over your head, food to eat, and clothing to do what needed to be done. Usually a pair of work clothes, and a set of going out clothes for the store, meetings, neighbor visits, and maybe even church. I’m sure some folks even had another set of clothing just for church, weddings and funerals. Those folks had even more than most.

I love the setting of Silver Dollar City. The rambling hills, cabins dotting the pathway, trees offering shade, and the smokey smell of the food vendors. If I close my eyes, I can picture the little stream, and hear the music as you enter Silver Dollar City…and that’s the way I picture the old Branson.

Progress…something we always strive for in our personal lives, what we as a society want to have. But what are we losing along the way? I’m just as bad. I not only want a roof over my head, but I want it to be free from leaks, well-insulated, heated and air-conditioned with running hot and cold water. I want easy-to-clean floors, and electricity so I may use my computer at two in the morning if I wish. That electricity sure comes in handy when I want ice cream from the freezer! I want several pairs of shoes to go with different outfits, and I most assuredly don’t want to go to the river to wash my clothes! Yes, I am spoiled by this life. And because of that, I don’t see the shaded woods, and the trickling brooks as much as I should. As much as I would like.

I love going to Branson. I would like to live in Missouri someday. But I don’t enjoy the traffic, the neon signs, the high prices, and the tired employees at the end of the summer. I don’t blame them…working with people, serving people is a thankless job. For some reason, even people on vacation can be rude and demanding. I have never understood that. A vacation should be a happy event.

Each time we visit Branson, there is another Hollywood attraction. I say that because I think of bright lights, expensive museums, and so much stuff to give entertainment. Ten years ago when we first started visiting Branson on a regular basis, there were still the old restaurants. The ones that made you feel like you were going back in time and experiencing the real Ozarks, the authentic cooking. Some of the older souvenir shops were still around. When I thought of Branson, I thought of talent. Talent in music, crafts, arts, and cooking. Now all I see is one more chain restaurant that I can visit in Topeka, Kansas, and way too much glitter.

Don’t get me wrong…there is still incredible talent there. It just seems harder to find, and when you do, it’s expensive, and it shouldn’t be that way. What is wrong with having places to go that are special just because they are what they are? No frills, no glitter, no competition to stay in business by having bigger and better. Maybe that’s just the way it goes in life, and we can’t get back what we once had. Not once we travel the path of being spoiled and catered to.

I’m going to read The Shepherd of the Hills…and dream of a more simple time. A time when the sun rose with a golden glow over the mountains, and set to the hum of cicadas flitting through the trees and meadows. The orange, pink and purple hues the only glitter to be seen. Cold mornings when you woke to the smokey aroma of the cook stove, and bacon sizzling beside eggs. Hot days when you could dip your toes in the cool brook, shaded with tall trees.

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Maybe even a quick swim between chores, the rocky bottom massaging your feet.

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I want to top a long hill, and look out over the deep valleys and the bushy peaks, water shimmering in the distance. Sitting on the long front porch of my cabin, my rocking chair creaking beneath me would be an excellent way to finish a day. Maybe a friend or two playing guitars, and singing gospel and bluegrass. That’s the Branson I want to see…the one I wasn’t privileged to view. Enjoy a bit of Bluegrass music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah8JBK5hFgs

 

 

 

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

When Morning Gilds the Skies

deborahanndykeman

Where ever you may be in this big, beautiful world, Good Sunday Morning to you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT7Kh88CrL4

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Have a wonderful Sunday!

 

A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!

Salad Ingredients…

deborahanndykeman

When I was much, much younger, before I attended Kindergarten, I watched Sesame Street. At that time, it was a new show. It was pretty unique in the way the ‘puppet’ people interacted with the real people. I loved all the little scenes, the singing and getting to know Maria. I found it fascinating to watch her get married, and have a little girl of her own. All the while, the Muppets a part of that world.

So, when my husband and I went out to eat this past Saturday night, this scene from Sesame Street kept running through my head:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C8nl8eBoq0

To watch more classic Sesame Street, please go to this link: http://www.sesamestreet.org

I had ordered a salad. At one time, I always ordered salads when we ate out. Not just because they are healthy, but because I really do love them, and I do not like to make them at home. On Saturday night, I even ordered blue cheese dressing, which I also love, but generally I try to stick with oil and vinegar. So, with great anticipation, I took that first bite of romaine lettuce and a chunk of steak, blue cheese crumbles and dressing mingled enticingly.

And there was a hair in it!

This was not a tiny hair, but a long hair. I had to deposit the entire bite in a napkin. Needless to say, I lost my appetite. The once delicious-looking salad wasn’t so beckoning any longer.

Yes, I did eat the salad. Very cautiously, examining each bite. But the enjoyment was gone.

No, I did not complain to the waitress. I probably should have. But we were the only patrons, and our waitress was very nice, checking on us regularly and giving us big smiles. One of the times she asked how everything was tasting, was right after I had emptied my mouthful into my napkin. I could not think of a way to smile back and graciously say, “There was a long hair in my salad, I almost gagged, and now I want to leave.” After all, it wasn’t her hair. (I know this because she had beautiful blonde hair in a ponytail, almost to the middle of her back. The hair was shorter, and brown. Rather like the hair on the cook we saw behind the counter.)

And while this was going on, I thought of the Sesame Street skit about the fly in the soup. I do not know why this came to mind from under the pile of other memories, many years of memories, but it did.

I still love salads, and I will order them again. But I probably won’t go to that particular restaurant for some time. It has always been clean, the staff very friendly, so I will just chalk it up to a bad experience and go on. I don’t think you always have to set a situation right. Sometimes you just walk away.

Maybe I will be making my own salads again for awhile. Or just have a large plate of something like this. All the right, delicious ingredients for a salad. Doesn’t it look yummy, summery, and fresh?

vegetables-2203300_1920

 

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

Patriotism in America, Part Two

deborahanndykeman

Happy 4th of July! I’m happy to see you back.

I don’t normally write a two-part post. I don’t usually post about anything too controversial. Discussing politics and getting fired up is not the purpose of this site. I want all to feel welcome here. But I also have a belief system, and at certain times, it is appropriate for me to state that.

Yes, I do believe you can have patriotism for your country and disagree with the principles it was founded on. But why would you want to? Personally, if I’m going to fight for something and be willing to die for it, I want to believe in it and support it. It’s very difficult to give your life for something you hate.

And here is where we come to the fork in the road. Those that believe that this country was founded on Biblical principles, and those that do not.

I have just finished reading the Declaration of Independence, and it would be a great activity for any American to do, especially on the 4th of July. The people that do not believe in the Biblical principles this country was built on, will of course try to change the history. And because we have freedom in American, those people can put up a fuss.

WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World. (I have copied this from the link below, so I did not edit or correct.)

Here is a link if you would like to read the entire Declaration of Independence: https://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-declaration-of-independence/read-the-declaration/

I believe that our founding fathers, for the most part wanted the best for our new nation. They wanted to be free, they wanted to be happy and they wanted the same for their family and friends. I believe they understood that they were created by God, and that they followed the Bible. Yes, there were some different views taken on it, just as there is today. Just as there always will be until we are face-to-face with our Creator and we understand. We are human, and we fail. But I believe the founding fathers set this country up under God’s direction and guidance. I think that for many, many years, this was a priority in most people’s lives. And even if they didn’t accept Christ as their Savior, they knew He was there and they had respect for Him.

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case in America today. People do what is right in their own eyes, and don’t care too much about what the Bible says about anything. And if they believe God is there, and the Bible is true, they certainly don’t use it as a guidebook for their lives. They would rather float along doing what they think is best. And that is why America is in trouble. Again, we are human, many times lacking wisdom, and to just float along with no guidance causes lots of trouble. Observe any child that is allowed to do whatever they think is best for them. It is not a good situation. God knew that, and gave children parents to instruct them, and guide them, to give them principles to live on for the rest of their lives.

If you have ever read the Bible, and the Old Testament in particular, you know what has happened to nations that turned their backs on God, and decided to do what was right in their own eyes. There are cycles repeated over and over of a king coming in that applied God’s principles, and that nation being blessed. Then a corrupt king would come in, bringing idols and doing what he thought was best rather than following God. That nation fell. Historically, much of this can be documented in areas other than the Bible. In the New Testament, Paul warned the people over and over through his letters to keep seeking God and His guidance.

Is America seeking God and His guidance? Are you pursuing that in your own life? I admit, I get caught up in my own life, and start doing things my own way. And then the trouble begins.

Patriotism in The United States of America should be vigorously supported by Americans because we believe in our Nation, and what we were founded on. We should be willing to give our lives for that. And if you don’t believe that, at the very least, you should have respect for those that do.

Patriotism is at an all-time low. And that is not from statistics that I’ve looked up. That is my personal observance. From children that do not know how to recite The Pledge of Allegiance, to people that do not know what to do when the flag of our country is before them. Americans that think Memorial Day and Independence Day are just great summer holidays. I’m not saying you can’t celebrate, and I wholeheartedly think you should. Go to a parade, have a picnic, take your boat out, and then watch the fireworks.

But always remember, and teach your children why those days are set aside. Hang your flag proudly, thank those that are serving or have served in our armed forces. Respect your leaders. You don’t have to like them, you don’t have to agree, but you should respect them and their position.

And remember those that have died for us, so we can celebrate today. And always remember Who started it all! Have a fantastic 4th of July, in whatever way you decide to celebrate it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfSOAnjQzgs

A Day to Remember

Patriotism in America, Part One

deborahanndykeman

Pledge of Allegiance

Many of us grew up in the era when The Pledge of Allegiance was still recited in school. By the time our children were in school, it was not a daily occurrence.

I just did a really quick research on the The Pledge of Allegiance, when it was written and who wrote it, and the additions over the years. This post isn’t about that, so I won’t go into details. You may do the same research if you are interested.

This post is about patriotism:

The quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one’s country.

History changes over the years. It is rather like the old telephone game that we all played. Whisper in the first person’s ear. By the time the message has traveled around the room, it has changed. Sometimes so much that it is unrecognizable to the person that first spoke the words. None of us were alive, 200, 500, 1,000 years ago. We rely on events passed down through the generations, ancient recordings and more recently, pictures. If someone relates something inaccurately, or puts their own spin and emotions into it, the facts are no longer there. And over time, the facts get buried.

In America, we are a young country compared to many. But even so, most people from the WWI, (Jul 28, 1914 – Nov 11, 1918) era are no longer with us, much less the Civil War, ( Apr 12, 1861 – May 9, 1865), or the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), also known as the American War of Independence. We rely on records and writings from these events to form our opinions about what occurred.

I think it is pretty safe to say, that most of the men that fought in these wars were patriotic. They had and showed, vigorous support for their country, The United States of America. It saddens me greatly, to see the people of this nation, not all, but some, forgetting their patriotism. The wonderful thing about America is that you don’t have to be here.  But if you are, you should support your country.

It’s not about the president, or your rights. All of us have disagreed with our leaders, all of us have been less than pleased with decisions made for our country at some point. Your actions are what matter, and when our actions trod on our patriotism, they are wrong. And that is what will divide us as a nation.

Men have fought long, gruesome years for our freedoms that we have today. Families have been destroyed. Because of their honor and integrity, their patriotism, we still have The United States of America. Independence Day in America, the 4th of July, is the day set aside to remember and celebrate our independence. And it should be a day of patriotism for those living in this country.

Tomorrow, I will conclude this post. So be sure to check back.

 

A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!, social media, Writing

The Newest Release!

deborahanndykeman

This book has been a long time in the making compared to my Rubyville series. I had it written in three months, but the editing, cover, etc. took much longer. But today, when I arrived home from my walk, there was the box on my porch! I was so excited to open this shipment of books, and I had to share it with all of you! The book has been available on Amazon for about a week now, but these are actual, real, books I can now hold and take to events. And that’s really exciting for an author. I don’t think that will ever become common-place for me.

This past Saturday, my editor and I attended the Author Fair at the Emporia Public Library. It is always a privilege to be a part of these events, and get to meet other authors. The library staff was wonderful, and whenever water and chocolate is handed out, it’s a great day!

After the library event, we checked out Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore at the recommendation of a couple authors. I’m so happy I did! This adorable bookstore now has all my titles available for purchase. Well, I do need to get this newest release to them! Supporting local authors is huge, and this store is doing a great job of it! Please check out their Facebook page right here: https://www.facebook.com/EllenPlumbs/  and be sure to like their page. Look for me to be announcing more events with this bookstore!

I’m doing a little happy dance, and it’s tingling right through to my fingers, so I need to get to writing on the book that follows When Hope Blooms. Have a great day!

A Day to Remember, Parenting 101

Shopping Is…

deborahanndykeman

For many, many years, Walmart was my place to shop. I was thrilled that I could go to one place and find everything that I needed for the week. And yes, I went every week. I would generally start in the garden section in the warmer months, browsing the plants and looking for deals. Then would come the shampoo and toothpaste aisles. Of course I would swing through the clothes section, always shopping the clearance racks. Then the last, and most expensive part of the trip would be the groceries. This was my routine and I thoroughly enjoyed it, sometimes dragging several children along with me.

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Last night, my husband and our youngest went to Walmart. Long gone are the days I mentioned above! That store is now my least favorite, and I don’t even know all the reasons why. But of course I’m going to list a few here for your enjoyment! And remember, for the past several years, even getting me into a Walmart is a chore.

  • The prices are not what they once were. Yes, there are some deals still. I usually get my Tide and Downey there. Some things like mini-blinds and curtain rods are still reasonable.
  • Gone are the racks of children’s clothing on clearance with prices marked down to $.50 for a shirt or shorts. I once shopped a full season ahead, praying the clothes would still fit by the time our children could wear them without freezing or roasting. To be fair, prices are higher for everything everywhere. But last night, the clearance rack was not a deal. I know because I had just spent the better part of my day shopping online for children’s clothing. I found better deals there.
  • The atmosphere is not the same as it once was. Maybe I’m coming at it with a different perspective now. My days are fairly quite with a twelve-year old at home. Going shopping isn’t a calming experience. I think that all those hours spent in Walmart were my salvation, my opportunity to connect with the rest of the world and know there was one out there! It was my little treat, and all it cost me was the price of my groceries.
  • People everywhere are over-worked, over-stressed, over-stimulated and just plain depressed about their lives in general. That just kind of oozes out when you are in places like Walmart in my opinion. The clerks usually growl at you, the customers don’t make eye-contact, even if their phone isn’t in front of their face. It just isn’t a fun place to be. And if you are there late as we were last night, the truck is being unloaded…and don’t try to shop then! You have to be one fantastic cart-driver to get around that obstacle course! And don’t even think of browsing a shelf. If you can move the pallet of boxes in front of what you need, you’d better be quick. That Walmart associate has a job to do, and you’re not part of it.

Farmer’s Markets seem to be calling me. When I had several children trailing behind, they didn’t feel like a responsible way to spend my money or time. I wanted to leisurely choose my goods in that environment, maybe sip on a coffee and have a bagel as I chatted with other friendly people and vendors. Plus, to purchase in bulk and get all my shopping done in one place probably wasn’t going to happen at a farmer’s market when all five children were at home.

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This photograph reminds me of a place called the Carrot Barn. It was located in Schoharie County, upstate New York in the Catskills region. The place smelled earthy and fresh. There was local produce, some clothing, some antiques and always a friendly person. They even had delicious baked goods. And there was always music playing. Calming, soothe-your-soul music. Even to this day, our children will hear a song and comment that it sounds like Carrot Barn music.

Those are the memories I want to make now!

This last picture is included because I just think that’s neat! What a way to store shopping carts! Try getting one of those unlocked!

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Shopping should be as it once was. Picture the Waltons, barefoot children trailing into the store greeting Mr. Godsey. They always had something to talk about, he gave them candy. Sometimes he would make a special purchase possible, even when the money wasn’t there right then. Going to the store was a time to visit, to catch up on the town’s happenings. I can even smell the atmosphere…the earthy, fresh aroma of ground coffee beans, leather, spices and the oiled wood floor. And now…

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