Down Memory Lane....otherwise known as Main Street

Main Street Johnson City NY. On the right hand corner is my first home. We lived on the 3rd floor.

As most of you know, my mom had surgery last week to remove a lymph node out of her neck. She is recovering well and we haven't heard any news from the pathologist. That's a good sign.

Before the surgery, I took the time to walk around a bit around the village where I was born and raised for the first 2 years of my life. A lot of things have changed. Next to my favorite park of all times, there's a Newspaper printing building and a huge brand new Walmart, replacing the Endicott Johnson shoe factory my dear Grandma used to work in. The park itself has changed a bit. Much of its old playground equipment has been replaced with new stuff. I was disappointed the tiny elephant slide didn't survive the cut. However, the carousel just was refurbished and will be a part of my kids' lives for years to come when I go home to see my parents.

I drove by some of the "EJ" buildings across town. It was heartbreaking to see boarded up and shattered windows.

There is some new life in the village. A Family Dollar was built next to where I used to live. A Dollar General was put in an old furniture store. The Health Food store is still going strong. I bought a small bag of sesame seeds. I attempted to make some rolls with them. I baked them too long.

I edited this post to focus on my childhood. Some other time, I'll expand into my teenage and college years. I could probably write a book about that era on my life!

The walk down Main Street was so refreshing for me. It was the place of beginnings for me. I can't wait until the carousel opens again so I can take some more rides with my kids and relay the stories how I used to ride it with my brothers. I am determined to make some memories with my kids this year. I want them to come back to Elmira someday and have fond memories to share.