It was a Step Back in Time...
Day one of 2011 had me stepping back to the year 1965. While visiting the Mr. in Pittsburgh, it was agreed that we would embark on an adventure to find the home I lived in as a young girl living in Monroeville, PA (a suburb just outside of Pittsburgh).
The 30 minute drive had me recalling all the things about that neighborhood; the friends I had while living there, my first piano teacher, the bookmobile, the shopping center at the bottom of the hill, the bus rides to CCD every Sat. morning, the hikes through the woods, our backyard ice rink and more. But with the excitement also came a little apprehension about going back. I wondered if I would be disappointed about how things looked now, many years later, and actually thought it might be better not to go, but rather remember things just as they were. But as we got closer to the area, I began to recognize buildings along the way and started to get a little giddy with excitement! Much of the neighborhood looked as I remembered but as we got closer to my old house things began to change. Our home bordered a lush wooded area that we used to explore on many occasions. Unfortunately, that wooded area is now home to another neighborhood of houses. It looked so different! And as expected, the house looked smaller than I had remembered it being. Nevertheless, it was so much fun to go back and relive those years in PA. We also visited the YMCA complex where we used to go swimming every summer. My parents were instrumental in the development of the swim complex as were other neighbors and I am thrilled to report that it still looks like a great place to spend your summer days.
After reminiscing about bus stops and who lived where, taking pictures, etc. we decided it was time to head back. As we drove along the Wm. Penn Hwy. I suddenly remembered that we used to live in a small rental home while waiting for our new home to be built. At about that time, I asked the Mr. to hang a right and drive up a road that I thought might lead to that neighborhood. I mentioned that it was too bad I could not remember the name of the road our home was on, which would have made it easier to locate. About a mile up the road we came upon a sign that said Illini and I said, "that's it"! We turned right and before I knew it, we were parked in front of the house we called home back in the year 1963. That house bordered a wooded area as well and to my surprise found that the woods were still there! Too bad I could not go back through the woods to find that cabin we used to use as a play house!
The Mr. will be working in the Pittsburgh area for several months so another trip is definetly in order! Next up will be a tour of the elementary school, our church and a visit with old friends of the family that still reside across the street.
Special thanks to the Mr. who joined me on this adventure, who was genuinely excited to be there with me and for taking all the photos!
P.S. Pics coming soon!
The 30 minute drive had me recalling all the things about that neighborhood; the friends I had while living there, my first piano teacher, the bookmobile, the shopping center at the bottom of the hill, the bus rides to CCD every Sat. morning, the hikes through the woods, our backyard ice rink and more. But with the excitement also came a little apprehension about going back. I wondered if I would be disappointed about how things looked now, many years later, and actually thought it might be better not to go, but rather remember things just as they were. But as we got closer to the area, I began to recognize buildings along the way and started to get a little giddy with excitement! Much of the neighborhood looked as I remembered but as we got closer to my old house things began to change. Our home bordered a lush wooded area that we used to explore on many occasions. Unfortunately, that wooded area is now home to another neighborhood of houses. It looked so different! And as expected, the house looked smaller than I had remembered it being. Nevertheless, it was so much fun to go back and relive those years in PA. We also visited the YMCA complex where we used to go swimming every summer. My parents were instrumental in the development of the swim complex as were other neighbors and I am thrilled to report that it still looks like a great place to spend your summer days.
After reminiscing about bus stops and who lived where, taking pictures, etc. we decided it was time to head back. As we drove along the Wm. Penn Hwy. I suddenly remembered that we used to live in a small rental home while waiting for our new home to be built. At about that time, I asked the Mr. to hang a right and drive up a road that I thought might lead to that neighborhood. I mentioned that it was too bad I could not remember the name of the road our home was on, which would have made it easier to locate. About a mile up the road we came upon a sign that said Illini and I said, "that's it"! We turned right and before I knew it, we were parked in front of the house we called home back in the year 1963. That house bordered a wooded area as well and to my surprise found that the woods were still there! Too bad I could not go back through the woods to find that cabin we used to use as a play house!
The Mr. will be working in the Pittsburgh area for several months so another trip is definetly in order! Next up will be a tour of the elementary school, our church and a visit with old friends of the family that still reside across the street.
Special thanks to the Mr. who joined me on this adventure, who was genuinely excited to be there with me and for taking all the photos!
P.S. Pics coming soon!
can't wait to see the photos!
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