Many fond memories surfaced as I thought back a decade ago. 
     My daughters were maturing into young ladies. Jill, Evette and Juliann all had graduated from Valley Forge High School. All three daughters continued their education. Jill attended Kent State University and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in education. Evette attended Ohio University and graduated with a degree in physical training. Juliann began attending Slippery Rock University. Mom and I are very proud of your accomplishments. 
     During the 90’s the Major’s became very mobile. Jill started the activity by deciding to move from Ohio to Phoenix in 1995. It was “Az or Bust”. That initial was quite an experience wasn’t it Jill. Subsequent trips to Phoenix bring fond memories, i.e., Cactus decorated at Christmas, hikes in the surrounding hills, and sitting in your classroom watching you do your “teacher” thing. Your trips home were a blast - going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and attending baseball games. Do you remember having your picture taken next to the psychedelic bus when the exhibit featured Janis Joplin? Evette decided to relocate to in 1997 Pennsylvania. She had developed an interest in outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting etc. Even though Juliann was still in her teens, she was already on the move. She was able to participate at the 1993 World Youth Day activities in Denver, Colorado. The family taped the event coverage shown on TV. I still have the tapes.  
     As result of early retirement option, I began a life of fun and adventure. Having assembled a list of all the things that I have never done, activities included the following:

  1. Experiencing a hot air balloon ride with Mom and Juliann.
  2. Taking a glider flight with Juliann.
  3. Taking a motorcycle riding course, purchasing a motorcycle and subsequently experiencing rides from Cleveland to Milford, CT across US Route 6; Jacksonville-St. Petersburg, FL to Cleveland up I-75; and evening rides along country roads throughout Cuyahoga and Medina Counties.
  4. Overcoming my fear of water by obtaining my Naui and Padi Scuba certification and experiencing the underwater beauty in the vicinity of Nassau.
  5. Experiencing the atmosphere surrounding the Indianapolis Raceway and associated Museum.
  6. Attending a conference at Notre Dame University and walking the hallowed campus grounds.
  7. Taking a trip to Canada with son-in-law Adam and fishing for Northern Pike. We caught ninety-seven Pike in a week. The sizes varied 15inches. to 40inches in length. Adam caught a 40inch Northern on the last day. It was large enough for me to put my fist in the jaw.
  8. Visiting Washington DC, viewing the various memorials (Iwo Jima, Korean and Vietnam Wall) and reflecting on the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives in each of those conflicts. It was also a moving experience seeing motorcyclist’s riding toward Washington DC as part of “Rolling Thunder” to commemorate fallen comrades on Memorial Day.
 

     The Major’s had reason to celebrate during the 90’s. The family increased in size with the addition of the grandchild, Austin. Austin not only made Mom and I grandparents but you and your sister’s became Aunt’s. We all spoil Austin, don’t we. 
      Nineteen (19) members of the Major clan gathered in St. Petersburg, FL to celebrate your Grandmother Major’s 80th birthday. 
     The sports fans in the Major family had occasion to cheer. The Cleveland Indians provided much excitement in the mid-nineties by winning American League Championships and playing the Atlanta Braves in the World Series. Public rallies on Cleveland’s Public Square brought out posters indicating October is “Indian” Summer.
      “Go Tribe”. A new Cleveland Browns franchise was established in Cleveland subsequent to Art Modell moving the original franchise to Baltimore. There is “No Town Like Browns Town”.
-- Mr. Major, Miss Major's dad