the Great Depression, and the nation unaware of the crisis developing in Europe, when author James Lahiff was born. The death of his mother, when he was five years old, changed his life forever, however, guidance from his sister and brother (Some might call it browbeating.) aided him as he bounced from one crisis to another. Although he might not have excelled in the grade school band nor as a junior air raid warden, he persisted and went on to fail in an impressive variety of pursuits. Living near the center of town provided him with an ideal vantage point to observe and interact with its many characters, especially while doing his chores. His father's blacksmith shop was a popular gathering spot (during mild weather) to learn what was happening around town, and the author spent much time there.