311 South Fairview

When we were young (i.e. before becoming teenagers), we spent some time each summer with Grandma & Granddad Hammond in Lansing. The neighborhood was older but very well kept-up. There was an empty lot to the south (right) of the house and Morphy's lived to the north. Ray Chase and his family lived behind on Magnolia. Granddad was very particular about his yard, his flowers and the general condition of the house. I drove by yesterday and was very sad to see this very shabby house in a now very shabby neighborhood. We used to sleep out on the front porch and listen for the sounds of trains, ambulances and police cars--all very foreign from our little farm community. One year when we were visiting, we wanted to see the capital. Grandma had Granddad drop us off and told us if we could make the walk back to Fairview, to tell the police we were lost and they would drive us back. We were about 12, 10 and 9 years old. It would be considered derelict in duty for grandparents to do this today. But we toured and were excited about our ride home in the police car! Ivanhoe 4-7038---wow, how did I remember a phone number from eons ago!

Note to Dorrie & Rich: The heart remembers most what it has loved the best. I love you both and send you love and hugs.