I have always loved hanging out with my children and we have had some fun trips. I enjoyed going to Indian Springs, and there was no parking fee back then. I would take along bologna sandwiches and a jug of tea for lunch after we walked the trails and swung on the swings. We filled an empty jug with some of the odd smelling water that was free to take. I loved driving my 65 Chevelle and since it had no AC we would ride with the windows down and the vents pulled out under the dashboard. We did take a few trips to Florida and Tybee Island, and we enjoyed spending one night in a cabin at Hard Labor Creek.

And then along came the next generation of fun; my grandkids! I have pictures of them touring Dauset Trails, Noah’s Ark, and Indian Springs. We discovered the mini golf course, but the swings were all gone by then. We still hiked across the big playground area but didn’t get in the pond as that was no longer an option. I also have pictures of them swimming at the KOA off Jodeco Road, now Atlanta South Resorts. I took my older grandkids to ride ponies at Peachtree Peddlers, and to stroll their interesting shops inside. We always found something fun to do there too! I have a few photos of more joy at the Atlanta Zoo, and then at Southlake Mall. We were SO excited when that wonderful mecca opened, and my teen sons helped me find my way there via I-75. It was a great place to shop and it had a lot of the fast food my dears loved. Of course I had already taken them up Moreland Avenue for their annual Easter clothes and for the next year of school with shoes, jeans, and more.

I’ve made a few runs below Jackson, Ga. so we could dine on Fresh Air BBQ or pick some up for a delicious Indian Springs picnic. I found it interesting that when a family reunion was planned, my parents and their siblings all wanted to have our gathering in their comfortable dining room. I still make a run down Highway 42/23 and love the amazing aroma as we enter that 1929 building I’ve been visiting all my life. My parents would NEVER pay to dine out, so my first trip there was when our driver’s education teacher treated us students to a free sandwich as a surprise during one of our classes.

I loved to watch a race at the Hampton Speedway, with my teen sons. It took us forever to leave, but we did enjoy seeing all the neat cars and watching them tear around the racetrack. We would do a little tail-gating there with food I’d stuffed in the trunk. I also enjoyed a day trip to Warm Springs with my tween grands reading the paper map for me. I didn’t take any pictures back then and was SO happy when drugstores started selling those pre-loaded cameras I could return to them once I’d used all the film. I still have lots of sweet memories of day trips, and family gatherings too, via Kodak and CVS, and later Walgreens. So, when I am a little bored, or just thinking about my dears, I get out some of those packets, flip through them, and smile. I always find a surprise I’d forgotten about; such as pictures of the annual Christmas parade, and the time the Olympic torch passed through McDonough. I look back at the annual Halloween Trunk or Treats we had at Mt. Bethel too.

I also love those pictures in the Times every week and sometimes I recognize the people and where they are, but not always. I enjoy finding the answer next week. I am still learning, and enjoying!

Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough.