Cumulative miles: 893
Number of speeding tickets: 0
Some of you know that I was born in Columbus, Ohio. My mom was working at a nursery school on the campus of Ohio State and my dad was finishing an undergraduate degree. They met on a blind date and are now married 67 years.
We lived in a quiet, middleclass neighborhood of small houses on small lots, a half a block from the railroad tracks. Most of the homes were built in the 40's and 50's, I'd guess. We left in 1969 to move to North Carolina. I had just turned four years old.
I know it varies when people start laying down permanent memories. Some can recall things from ages 2 or 3. Others not until much later. I have a fair amount of memories of our Ohio home and life, but the details are fuzzy. For instance, I remember one time a train derailed and we went to see the wreck. Oddly, I have no memories of hearing the trains rumble by, which today, when I visited our old neighborhood, were quite loud. I remember the sandbox I played in, the fleur-de-lis wallpaper in our dining room, and the fact that the bed my brother and I shared had an orange coverlet. I remember a lot more than that, but mostly snippets.
So when going back today, it was with a strange sense of recalling things I had forgotten and not thought about for 55 years --The tall pine tree that stood between our neighbor's house and our own, the chain link fence, and the little bump out on the back of the house. Plus, I remember everything as being enormous, but today seemed tiny. I hear that last part is common. Below is a pic of our house.
From Columbus I pushed on to Detroit to visit the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation. I'd highly recommend it. They had JFK's limousine, the bus Rosa Parks famously sat on, and of course, an Edsel. But they had a LOT more too. Many, many more cars, trains, planes, engines, furniture - all of which they demonstrated were changed through innovation. Very enjoyable.
I made it to my campground destination and was more adept at getting things set up than last night, thank Goodness! Even had time for a quick nap.
Tomorrow....on to Chicago!
So much fun, enjoy your trip.
I have a pic of your nephew in front of that house when we were in the area in 2018 visiting colleges!
Tim,
Your writing style is very captivating! I feel like I’m right there with you “seeing” the sites, and even almost recalling the memories! I’m excited for adventures ahead and hope the ticket counter remains at 0 ;-)
Love,
A, C, and L
It sounds like you’ve already uncovered several memories. I love the visual of the flour de lid wallpaper and the orange coverlet on the bed you shared with your brother. I’ve been to that Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and it’s amazing! Glad you were able to have a more comfy 2nd night. Did you ever find the lighter?
Looks like an interesting day. I’m sure your parents will enjoy seeing the old place again. . I’m so happy you are following your dream and finding adventures on the road. And enjoy night 2 in a quiet spot by the lake with a working stove.