Not the song but the memories… In late March 2022, I had a chance to visit Pennsylvania. My trip was on America Airlines sitting in the back of the plane, packed in like sardines and masked up. Landing in Philly, my goal was to visit Allentown. The city is about 1 hour drive north of the airport and easy to get to.
I grew up in Allentown attending grade middle and part of High school. This was an influential part of my life growing up playing sports, girls, social engagement, skiing and golf. Many good friends over the years for sure.
Upon arrival Saturday night, I stopped by Yacco’s to have a traditional cheese steak sandwich and a hot dog. It tasted like I remember however the Hamilton Street neighborhood was much less desired.Sunday’s goal was to see my old stomping grounds, play golf and have dinner with a friend. After a standard McDee BEC and coffee, I headed to the golf course to see if the weather was warm enough to play 18 holes. I met the pro, Jeff Wambold and talked about older members and people I might know, buying a golf towel to remember the good times. I was enjoyable to hear about Arnold Palmer playing when the course opened, I remember looking at the golf bulletin board and seeing his history of breaking the record back in the 60s. The course has framed the details of the day and it is hung on a wall in the pro shop. After a good chat. I determined it was too cold to play golf so move on to see the area.
I drove around the area, looked at the old friend houses, schools and where I lived. Much of the area had changed and looked good. Many long walks, bike and car miles were driven on the weekends seeing my circle of friends.
Since I was unable to play golf, I attended the Asbury UMC church service where I attended at early age and received my confirmation. At the 11 AM service, I did not see any familiar faces but enjoyed the friendly folks and message. Before we left to move to Dallas, the church was in the downtown area and experienced a fire and was unable to build back in the same area. Good to see they had recovered and near our old neighborhood.
Sunday night I had dinner with one of my few lifelong friends – Rick Silberg. The meal and memories were great. Great hearing about his family. We shared some Texas Toffee and a few pictures from the many ski trips we did back in the day. He shared some candy made locally to bring back to Denise to enjoy. It was good giving/getting a hung and shaking hands after 40 plus years.

Left Allentown the next morning for Philly business meetings and left on Wednesday back to Big D.