Sunday Stealing

When I Was Young

1. Tell us about a time when your family got a newfangled invention (your first air conditioner, color TV, VCR, microwave, computer, etc.). We were first on our block to have a color TV. My dad was sooooo proud of this, and became a tyrant about what we watched. There weren't many color shows yet, but if it was in color we watched it, no matter what it was about. (After all, he paid for the color so he wanted the color!) Bonanza became a sticking point between my parents. My mom felt it was too intense for me – I responded strongly to the action sequences – and then figured out I really only got upset when it was Little Joe or his pinto horse who were hurt. Though I don't remember this, she maintained he was my first real crush, even before Sir Paul.

2. Is there a particular song that sparks a childhood memory? I was obsessed with this song when I was 9. "I loved the flower girl ..." It seemed so romantic! (Hey, I was 9.)

3. What is something an older family member taught you to do? It was just after Easter at my Nice Grandparents' house. We were doing the dishes in the kitchen while the menfolk were watching TV in the living room. The sink was stopped up. I started to go get my Grandpa, but Grandma shook her head. She'd handle it. She was tiny and so ladylike, yet even in her Sunday best she could handle a plunger like a pro. I watched in amazement and think of her whenever I use a plunger or snake a drain.

4. Back in the day, what name brands would we have found in your family's kitchen? My mom was very loyal to Comet cleanser. I have a can in my bathroom now. I only use it occasionally, but it works well on calcium stains in the toilet.

5. As a child, did you collect anything (rocks, shells, stickers, etc.)? Somewhere around here I still have a box of Beatle trading cards.