I have a 96 year old friend I kind of look after from time to time because her boys live elsewhere. Sometimes we will talk about her growing up and how things used to be. I think anyone in her age group has seen so very much in the way of change and inventions.

From getting a party line to cell phones, from harnessing the team of horses to a car to walking on the moon, from having your own garden and livestock (being basically self sufficient) to buying everything. I could go on and on.

Additionally, getting new things wasn't so automatic that when something new came out you just got it like people do now. Money was tighter and people were more cautious. She said they didn't get a tv until they knew the sets were reliable. Also, people didn't get "just to get".

It is always a nice trip down memory lane when I talk to her and I learn a lot. I've also learned a lot from my grandparents, aunts, and uncles. There are so many things we take for granted and yet a generation or two back, they sacrificed just to get a Frigidaire or an indoor flusher.

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