Are You Sure You Can Get There From Here?
Since leaving Old Lyme, I've been processing old memories from 72+ years ago. Here is an unusual one that I have never been able to explain. When I was about five or six, I was playing out on the side lawn. I had a toy telephone and was pretending to talk to someone.
Then a strange thing happened. I picked up the receiver of that phone and said, "Hello?" An adult male voice answered me, and said, "Hello -- hello!"
For a few seconds I was speechless. How could someone talk to me through a toy phone? Then I got a bit scared, and slammed down the receiver.
I tell you true, I heard that voice! It is still a vivid memory. Ever since, I have wished that I'd have answered the "hello" and tried to have a conversation. I wonder what that voice would have told me?
I've realized something on this trip, which is obvious, yet is brought home to us when we try to go back in time. The truth is, you can never go back. It isn't allowed. You can only go forward.
I believe that's why we have memory -- it is the most vivid way to revisit the past. Some things are in a constant state of change, and some things stay the same. Some things exist only in our memories.
On to Camden, Maine. It wasn't easy getting here. When we left Old Lyme we didn't want to travel freeways the whole way. So we got on Highway 1, which was supposed to be a more scenic route.
It was scenic, all right -- one little town after another, all the way to Providence, Rhode Island. There, we went right through the middle of downtown. After that, we decided the freeway was a better way, since we have no atlas and Tom's GPS decided to go on vacation too.
We were very lucky. Since leaving for Camden, Tom stopped three different times to ask a person for directions. Instead of just explaining, the person said, "Follow me" and led us to where we needed to go. These Eastern folks are sure friendly.
Actually, I think it's Tom's personality and special talent that has brought us such great assistance. When he meets a stranger, he has a way of putting them at ease immediately. They respond to his friendliness and openness and seem to have a desire to help. It's a great quality to have, and Tom uses it well.
Anyway, we are here. We had lobster the first day in Camden, of course. Yesterday we drove to Bar Harbor and looked around; had some more lobster there. Today, Tom and Chris are out checking out the locale, and I stayed here to get some work done.
I'll update you again in a couple of days. For now, it's back to working on website posts. It's been a great trip thus far.
Recent Comments
27
Oh Fran, I was getting withdrawals without your posts! Yes, memories are what we have. So, let's move on. Enjoy the lobster!
Joe
Believe me, I am enjoying it! Another week, and I will be home. I am fighting with this laptop, so will be glad to get back to my better one at home. Thanks for reading...
Ah, the power of imagination! Working on my memoirs, I've been reading about how people's memories often get gussied up.
Memory is so interesting. I liked the test when I visited my old home, because things were quite different in many ways. Too bad I can't show a movie of what it was like years ago.
That is what it is, for sure. If the computer would just cooperate, I would be happier. However, it's a good trip.
So, you'll remember during our last reply/response, I might have mentioned an affinity with Maine because of the books I've read. Scarborough and Portland are 'home to' the main character of the one series. Anyway, one of the more recent offerings, has the following lines inside the cover to give you a taste of the book.
"And in a house by the woods, a toy telephone begins to ring.
For a young boy is about to receive a call from....."
It must be something in the water.
That is too weird. What book was that, Twack?
If I'd said something to that voice, do you think it would have answered me?
Oh Fran... I loved your phone story! I have similar memories from childhood, like dreaming of a view from a window, which became the view from my bedroom window in the house we moved into several years later!
Enjoy your wonderful trip, my mouth waters at the mention of lobster. 🦞
KyleAnn
Memory is such a remarkable thing...and, yes, we are really enjoying the lobster. Just came back from more for lunch.
Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for sharing it with us. The lobster sounds wonderful!
Enjoy,
Virginia
Life is filled with mystery that voice you heard on the phone should be better left in the past and just enjoy your break and the lobster in Maine.
I am indeed enjoying the break and the lobster. However, I see no reason to leave an interesting memory in the past. It was a unique experience that has puzzled me for years.
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The telephone, sounds like you connected with a spirit Fran. Children do that easily until scared adults tell them not to lie/fib/make things up etc.
It's strange to go back, things are often the same but different.
All sounds wonderful though, glad you are enjoying your trip.
Yes, I am. Did you read my last post, in which I described my old home. Interesting, to return. I don't suppose I'll ever come back here again. Enjoying the trip.
I did Fran. Glad you are having fun.