It's surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.

Advertisement

-- Barbara Kingsolver

There was a story in the Atlanta newspapers last week that they planned to close the elementary school I attended almost half a century ago.

I tried to feel a bit sad about it, but honestly, I have become used to all the landmark structures of my past being gradually erased.

The list gets longer every year.

The hospital where I was born was torn down decades ago. Two other grade schools I attended have become storage facilities.

My old high school changed its name in the 1980s. I don't go back for reunions.

My college fraternity house was purchased by the university and turned into campus office space.

Then there are the houses where I lived growing up.

Someday, when I get the time, I plan to use one of those Internet computer programs where you can look up addresses just to see if they're still there.

I don't remember the addresses, but I will probably get them off the old envelopes of the birthday cards my grandmothers once sent me. (I'd get a dime for each year, big money in those days.)

I know some of those places still stand because I've taken my son to visit them over the years. They seem so small now.

"Dad, did all of you live in that?" he will ask, mentally counting my parents and siblings.

"Yep," I'll tell him. "I guess we did."

Memories often play tricks on you, but they're usually nice tricks. One day, that will be all that's left.

SQUIRREL SHORTAGE: I am still asked about my problematic backyard squirrels and whether I've experienced any recent bouts of rodent rage.

Well, no.

For some reason this winter, the squirrels that made such a mess of the bird feeder have been strangely absent.

I would like to think it was the constant threat of my slingshot security system, but I know that's not it.

I hope they haven't moved over to your house.

Any thoughts? It's a puzzle.

SUNDAY QUESTION: Here's a riddle. What nine-letter word in the English language is still a word when eight letters are removed one by one? (Answer Tuesday)

TODAY'S JOKE: Here's one to tell today.

The minister announced that admission to a church social event would be $6 per person.

"However, if you're over 65," he said, "the price will be only $5.50."

From the back of the congregation, a voice rang out, "Do you really think I'd give you that information for only 50 cents?"