Such a long time ago, but the warm memories linger still. Sounds of trains, smells of tobacco and fresh cinnamon yeast buns bring it all back so vividly.

Growing up in a rural and religiously restricted environment it was the highlight of a mundane life to know it is time to spend a glorious week in the summer at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

The house in which they lived seemed so large from a young child's eyes at the age of 9 and yet it was small and compact. The smell of tobacco from Grandpa's twist. Fresh bachelor buttons and lilacs in a vase on the table and filled the house with their scent. It was a magical place, serene, where Grandma and Grandpa, who were adults, had actual conversations with a child and were sincerely interested in what you had to say or thought!

In the morning you wake to sounds and smells of coffee perking, bacon and eggs frying in the kitchen with Grandma humming a song, and tinkle of china being set on the table. Wash your face and hands in the kitchen sink, drying on a towel filled with the smell of sunshine. Breakfast each day was something different, prepared just for you as if you were a queen. No matter what Grandma fixed it tasted wonderful. Everyone sat down together and of course there was always a prayer to bless the food.

Cleaning dishes was so much fun. Boiled water poured into a pan in the sink with a bit of soap flakes added, then a bit of cold water stir, than wash the dishes. Next was a special job of turning the handle on ringer as Grandma pushed the wet clothes through dropping into basket and then carry it out back to hang on the clothesline. Grandma would compliment you on a good job. How wonderful to be praised.

Now the Grandpa would be ready for a long walk. Put on my shoes and a nice clean dress, Grandma brushes my hair and ready to go with Grandpa. We head to the park where everything is clean and bright. There is the a pond with gold fish swimming and waiting anxiously for us to throw in the bread crumbs that Grandma put in our brown paper sack. As the fish eat our tokens it was time for lunch and we anxiously searchthe brown paper sack where we found glorious peanut and grape jelly sandwiches wrapped perfectly in wax paper. We munched away and discussed which fish is fastest swimmer in the gold fish pond.

Swings were nearby and of course Grandpa would push you so high that your feet almost touched the clouds. The park even had a place to get big ice cream cones of rich vanilla. Soon it is time to head back to the house and walking is fun and knowing we were approaching the house because the sidewalk is all made of bricks.

Grandma greeted me with a smile and I handed her the beautiful yellow dandelions that I picked for her in the park. She was so delighted and told me she had a surprise. I was so amazed at how she had made me a beautiful dress from the soft flower printed flour sacks. It was beautiful and fit me perfectly.

Supper of fresh bread, Just after supper and the dishes were done it was time to finish reading the story from a book of Charles Dickens. One could smell the streets of London and hear the sounds of ringing bells. It was so exciting.

Soon it was time to head for bed, my goodness it was already 8:00 PM the day went by so fast! Soon the sound of trains passing on tracks in front of the house was like a song lulling telling you it is time to sleep.

My goodness - just imagine no TV, video games, fast food, just simple things and work that was fun, so much happiness, peace and love.

Learn more about this author, Olivia Issacs.
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