It was the best of times,

This very possibly was the most blissful, most happy time of my life. 

Eight years old and Crystal Blue Persuasion was my favorite song

ever.  I can't say it's changed, although several great songs have

come down the pike since then. It reminds me of summer, arguably

my favorite season, and that summer was no different than the

others.  My mom, my brother and I spent every summer

"down the shore",  at my Grandmothers' houses, both

 fortunately located on the water at

different ends of the Metedeconk River, in Bricktown,

N.J.  Dad would come down Friday night, race Saturday

and Sunday, and go back to Jenkintown on Sunday night,

back to the bank every Monday morning.

Days were spent at sailing class at the modest Metedeconk River

Yacht Club, swimming at the Cedarcroft Club Beach, or at the

end of the dock at 829 South Drive.  We messed about in

boats for sure, and there was never nothing to do.  Neither

of those houses are in the family any more,

and I never appreciated them as much as I do now,

when there's not a trace of either.  Don't ever, ever take
anything in life for granted.