Summertime, Garage Sales and Flea Markets

 

Summer 1969

Chapter One

The Plane

 

              Although she had lived in five states throughout her life, with the first three by the time, she was eight years old, Laura Ann had never traveled by airplane until she was ten. She had no idea that she would be flying with her sister Susie, until a couple weeks prior to packing for a summer trip in Ohio. She turned ten in March, school ended for the summer in June, and just like that she was in the air flying over the Grand Canyon and eating a tray of airline food.

Susie was thirteen at the time, in fact she just turned thirteen a week and a half after school dismissed for summer. She was very mature for her age; however, Laura Ann did not see this as mature, but rather saw it as being bossy. “Of course, since I am the oldest,” Susie stated, “I get to sit by the window.” Laura Ann started to pout, which she usually does, but then the friendly Airline Stewardess smiled at her and gave her coloring book and silver wings lapel pin.

              Remembering her manners Laura Ann thanked the stewardess and then gave her sister a little “it pays to be young” look. They fastened their seatbelts, listened to the emergency instructions given by the stewardess, and the plane started to back up getting ready to taxi down the runway and take off. So many emotions went through Laura Ann’s head, anxiety, excitement, delight and ready for the next adventure.

              Along with history being her favorite subject, Laura Ann enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and the U.S. She always wanted to travel, even at the age of ten she wanted to see the world, or at least other parts of the U.S. By the time she was thirteen she had over twelve pen pals for other countries. It wasn’t until she remarried in her early fifties that she would start travel the world.

              Laura Ann and Susie had only met their aunt, uncle and cousin on two occasions, when they visited while they were living in Las Vegas. Her aunt and uncle were friendly and fun. Their cousin was a cute and cuddly baby so they enjoyed playing with her.