Next!

OK, celebrations at the recovery of my sweatshirt continue, of course, but they are dampened upon learning two mementos -- one quite precious to both Mom and me -- have been misplaced or Heaven forbid "cleaned up" by an overzealous would-be helper. Somewhat less precious to me but perhaps intrinsically with value is the Arlen Specter yard sign I asked the senator to autograph during a 1998 campaign event at Cedar Crest College during the cycle that saw Pat Toomey first elected to the U.S. House and saw Charlie Dent become a state senator. It holds fond memories, and I hope it's just tucked behind furniture. Of more importance is the fact that Mom can't lay her hand on the last recording we had of Dad's voice, in this case as he was offered the mic at a Gene Belletiere concert and said on cue in a deep croony voice: "Why's everybody always pickin' on me?" Charlie Brown indeed!! Mom would like to hear the tape again, and I sure would, too. This Fall marks 17 years since my family lost its patriarch. Fingers crossed the tape can somehow be recovered, especially since Mom recently pulled out of her ear a little boom box that could play it. Have a great one, everyone: excavations on the second floor of our residence continue. All kinds of things may be unearthed. Who ever knows?