Dear Friends of the Good Old Days,

Don't you just love when certain smells bring the past back to you? For me, it never fails that every time I go by freshly mowed grass the fragrance takes me back to memories of my childhood neighborhood and of my dad mowing the lawn.

I always thought that mowing grass was “Dad's time.” It was when he thought about … well, whatever it is that dads think about. One interesting thing my dad did, which I didn't understand until I was older, was that if the yard was mowed in one direction one time, he mowed in the opposite direction the next time, and that would make the grass stand straight up. The things we learn from our dads!

Mom taught us special things as well. My mom taught us to ride our horses and motorcycles, and how to handle a stick shift—all that and much more! These special moments with my parents are some of the things that made me who I am. I've enjoyed reading many stories about your parents, and I thank you for sharing those memories of the folks who helped make you who you are as well.

As you know, we are celebrating 60 years with your support. We are grateful for it and hope you enjoy another blast from the past with the selection we chose from our archives just for you in this issue.

We are so happy to receive your submissions, and we look forward to reading every one.