Everyone pays for vandalism
How can one properly say "thank you" for all the kind thoughts, telephone calls, and beautiful cards? Cards from relatives, friends, and even some from strangers! I'm overwhelmed! I feel like I'm swimming in an ocean of love and attention. Thank you, thank you, one and all. Being 99 isn't so bad after all!
I'm trying to think back to my first memories. My mother told me that when I was a tiny baby lightning struck our house and the electricity stripped everything made of metal, an umbrella, for one thing, and my father's big shotgun. So I had quite an exciting start.
Later, we were moving from Leon to a ranch near El Dorado. There had been heavy rains and flooding. To avoid the deep flooded roads we cut through woods and pastures.
Dad rode horseback and guided Mother who was driving a horse and buggy. I was bundled up in the seat beside her. No seat belts then! How did I hang on?
Sometimes Dad had to cut barbed wire fence so we could get through. It seems that I can remember flooding water lapping almost to the bottom of the buggy. Do you suppose I remember that or do I remember my parents telling me the story?
I remember my big baby doll whose head got broken in the move. So sad!
After our move, we adjusted to the large, three story stone house and my sisters Faith and Dorothy joined the group. Later there came Gib, Margie, and Betty. Before the arrival of Margie and Betty, my dad said he had three queens and a jack.
Thank you again for all the birthday wishes! Ninety-nine isn't bad at all!!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
