It was 40 years ago today

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On this date in 1978 I did something I'd never done before. My first solo road trip. I got on my bicycle and rode to an upscale shopping center 25 miles away across town. Why did I do this? Why Not! Arriving at the center (Its "Anchor" stores were Saks Fifth Ave and Neiman Marcus) I "relieved" Saks of a diamond stickpin (Which I gave to my mother on Mother's Day) Ate Coqulle St. Jackues Crepes at a restaurant and "Relieved" FAO Schwarz of a "Red Baron" Kite before returning home (Beating a Thunderstorm by seconds).

This trip started a tradition that I carry out to this day. I now purchase gifts whenever I'm out of town (I look for locally made handicrafts and jewelry) and have a "splurge meal" at a fancy restaurant before returning home).

If I could only travel back in time to meet my former self in 1978. I'd tell him in the next 40 years he would:

Travel to Europe on a six-week "mega" vacation.

Travel to South America five times.

Travel to the centerline of five solar eclipses.

Visit all 48 "continental" states.

and lots and lots of other adventures.

It's been a wonderful life for me, and I'm not yet finished(I've got two more states and four more continents to visit on my "Bucket List", among other things!).

PS. I still have the kite, and the stickpin now sits in a showcase, keeping my father's hole-in-one trophy "company" (I bought the ball he used for his ace while I was on a trip to Illinois in 1994).