I think I had a great childhood but a bit different from typical. I think living on an island 29 miles out to sea instilled a strong sense of independence and the ability to entertain myself wirhout a lot of "things" to help. I was a dock rat. I knew many of the fishermen and would spend time just being on their boats. I knew the crews of the ships of the steamship line and would spend time just walking around the ships when they were tied up at the island turning over for the trip back to the mainland. And when the family was making a trip across I'd be roaming the ship, sitting in the wheel house, got to steer a few times, was down in the engine room, and occasionally checked in at the purser's office where dad would spend the crossing talking with his friends. Mom would spend the trip doing... I have no idea what she did but when the crossing was finished we did all ended up in the same car. And as much as I loved going to visit grand parents and family, I was always happy when we got on the boat and went back to our island.
My dad, an electrical engineer, worked at the airport. I had my share of time up in the tower. So there you go. My love of ships, the ocean, and airplanes. Life was simple back then. My mom says I romanticize those times. Maybe I do but the memories live on and they are good.
Now, my brother on the other hand......
I think I had a great childhood but a bit different from typical. I think living on an island 29 miles out to sea instilled a strong sense of independence and the ability to entertain myself wirhout a lot of "things" to help. I was a dock rat. I knew many of the fishermen and would spend time just being on their boats. I knew the crews of the ships of the steamship line and would spend time just walking around the ships when they were tied up at the island turning over for the trip back to the mainland. And when the family was making a trip across I'd be roaming the ship, sitting in the wheel house, got to steer a few times, was down in the engine room, and occasionally checked in at the purser's office where dad would spend the crossing talking with his friends. Mom would spend the trip doing... I have no idea what she did but when the crossing was finished we did all ended up in the same car. And as much as I loved going to visit grand parents and family, I was always happy when we got on the boat and went back to our island. My dad, an electrical engineer, worked at the airport. I had my share of time up in the tower. So there you go. My love of ships, the ocean, and airplanes. Life was simple back then. My mom says I romanticize those times. Maybe I do but the memories live on and they are good. Now, my brother on the other hand......
