Memorable Toys, Hobbies and Other Life Experiences………

“Our whole life is but a greater and longer childhood” - Benjamin Franklin

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A couple Sunday’s ago my interest in astronomy got rekindled when I was over at a friend’s house and he setup his two telescopes in his backyard. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at Jupiter and several of its moons along with a nebula or two. Flashback to the late 60's and 70’s….I started thinking about toys, hobbies and experiences that I had growing up and started jotting down a few of my favorites and about when I first recall experiencing them.

Library Card (1967/68) - Yes, I loved books from a very young age.

Tinkertoys (1968/69) - Fun to build with.

Lincoln Logs (1968/69) - Fun, but limited to log cabins and forts.

Lego’s (1968/69) - My all time favorite building toy.

Plastic models (1968/69) - Fun to build, fun to blow up!

Chess (1968/69) - Started a life long enjoyment of the game.

My dog “Boomerang” (1968/69) – nuf said.

Erector Set (early 70’s) - Lots, of fun, lots of sharp edges.

Bicycle (early 70’s) – Freedom or at least the illusion of freedom.

5in Newtonian Telescope (early 70’s) – Hours staring into space!

Little League Baseball (early 70’s) – Loved playing second base!

Basketball (early 70’s) – Loved playing point guard.

Balsawood models (early-mid 70’s) – Fun to build, fun to burn up!

Kennedy Space Center (early-mid 70’s) – nuf said!

Blue Angles (early-mid 70’s) – F-4 Phantoms...awesome.

Estes Model Rockets (early-mid 70’s) – Build, launch and recover.......

Radio Shack 100-1 Electronics Kit (early-mid 70’s) - Basic electronics!

Microscope (early-mid 70's) - Insects are cool up close.

Trumpet (1973/74) – First concert band experience.

Board war games/simulations (early-mid 70’s) – Thinking strategically!

Chemistry Set (1975/76) - Fun, never blew up anything. :-(

YMCA Swimming Instructor/Assistant (1975/76) - Loved swimming and helping teach!

Walt Disney World (1975/76) – E-Ticket rides!

Baritone (1975/76) – Switched because I got braces.

10-Speed Bicycle (1975/76) – More freedom!

Personal Computers (1979) – Ohio Scientific Instruments & TRS-80's.

Bass Trombone (1979/80) – My favorite musical instrument to play.

Marching Band (1979/81) – Band geek.

Jazz Band (1979/80) - Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione, The Crusaders......

YMCA Swimming Instructor/Lifeguard (1978-81) – First job and first job at supervising!

Soccer (1980/81) – Slide tackles in the rain & mud.

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Grace & Peace