The Soviet Union exploded its own atomic bomb in 1949 and this shocked the U.S. because now both nations could destroy each other. The expectation that this weapon technology would remain our exclusive property was inconceivable. It was also the modern beginnings of a rivalry between the two world superpowers that would escalate into the Cuban Missile Crisis a dozen years later. The race to the moon would come next, as the early years of my life made me both hate and fear the Russians. 

I’m glad the number of these posts are moving towards the years I can begin to remember. As I look back upon the events that began to have an immediate impact on my life, it’s certainly more impactful than those that occurred prior to my birth in 1951. And now, seventy years later, I begin to reflect back on my childhood, education, career, and retirement. 

Today, I’m appreciating the “Me Time” that I’ve grown accustomed to enjoying. We’ve had house guests these past few days and while I enjoy the company, it’s been a distraction from the daily routine. We’ve had to find things to keep them busy while also entertaining their friends. In the process, they’ve had to live in unfamiliar surroundings and work around our existing appointments. Bottom line is it can be stressful and I miss my time alone. This morning on my run, I felt the exhilarating freedom of just me and the road, with no outside interference. Pure Me Time!