Stories my father told me

Absolutely none. Is it a "guy" thing that they don't remember their childhoods, or any past about them? But I don't recall ever hearing any stories that my father told about his growing up years. None whatsoever. I don't know what kind of teen ager he was. If he was the light of his mother's eye or a pain in her neck. I regret not really knowing my father. Perhaps I just didn't listen, and my brothers or sister heard the stories that i missed. But here's what I do know:

He missed his high school graduation because he entered the navy at the end of WW2

He had a gang of highschool friends that were lifelong . This group had class reunions every single year! Even I knew his H.S. buddies.

He loved practical jokes, bowling, fishing, dancing, cards, his wife and his kids. (not necessarily in that order.)

He would have been 80 this past summer. He was gone too soon. We missed a lot.

Stories my mother told me

My mother was working with the men long before it was fashionable. Driving the tractors, working in the fields (even I had to do that. I had to scramble for excuses. There were a few. ) Every hand was important! So she worked at a part time job in town AND some of the farming back in those 50's and 60's when most women were worrying about teas, and fashion and chatting across the back fence. But women's lib hadn't happened and I think she got taken advantage of more than once! Like the time she was hauling the grain into town and had to wait in a long line to get her truck unloaded. By the time she got back to the place she'd been hauling from all the guys were gone!! (read everyone but her) They'd left for lunch. Without her. Seems no one thought a mere grain hauling, truck driving woman might need to eat to. Well, she could probably fix it herself.... Still, I would have thought chivalry wouldn't have been quite dead yet.

Life without coffee????

I've given up foods for lent in the past (even stuff I really like, i.e. chocolate, pop, french fries) I've dieted and been on a I-will-not-eat-that because I'm trying to lose weight sort of thing, but I've never had to give up something for my health. UGH. Worse. It's caffeine. Someone told me there was still decaffinated coffee out there, not to worry. I really think i could go without caffinated pop, but I really really think I'm going to have trouble giving up that pick me upper that I have first thing in the morning. I decided not to tell Ron because I would probably hear no end of it from him, just in case I decide to ignore the suggestion. For now, of course, I have to finish the caffinated coffee I have in my cupboard (only 1 more day left) and then I have to decide. It's supposed to help eliminate the problem I'm having with cysts in my breasts (and these pesky ultra sounds, doctor visits I keep having. They're expensive, insurance or not!) But I have to tell you, there's more reasons to drink coffee than just the flavor! I love the energy it gives me. I really love the energy it gives me. So, I have to make up my mind. I'm thinking I could switch over gradually and maybe I won't notice. What do you think?