49 Years and Counting.....

A lot was different in 1966.  Gas was 32 cents per gallon.  A new house could be bought for $14,200. (But who had that kind of money?)  First class stamps sold for 5 cents.  Lyndon Johnson was president and Ronald Reagan was elected governor in California.  Cigarettes were determined to be hazardous to your health.  The first Star Trek aired on television.  Pampers began marketing the first disposable diaper.  Troop strength in Viet Nam was increased to 389,000.  Mini skirts were in style for the first time.  Walt Disney died.   “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, “Wild Thing”, “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “The Sound of Silence” were all number one on the charts. 

Something else happened on August 4, 1966.  A 17 year old girl fresh out of high school married a very handsome young man who wore blue mohair sweaters, smelled really good, and treated her like a princess.  He had a good job and drove a 1965 Blue Corvette Sting Ray Convertible which didn’t hurt. (We soon found out we couldn’t afford the $95.00 per month payment.) 

Weddings were different back then.  There was a wedding cake, punch, nuts and mints.  That was it, at least around this area.  My dress was made by an oriental lady at the bridal shop from a picture I saw in a magazine.  It cost $100.  That was a lot of money back then.

We bought a small, two bedroom block house that cost us $45 per month.  Every year we paid the interest in a lump sum and it would be $300 - $400.  We had to really save to get that much money together.  One time we bought a small gas heater that cost $12 and paid on it weekly because we didn't have $12 to spare.  The house had no air conditioning.  We used a box fan that we moved from room to room with us.  The kitchen was so tiny.  I told Bubba one time that if I could just get a small metal cabinet for it that I would never ask for anything again.  I can't tell you how many times I've been reminded of that statement.

We were very happy even though we didn't have much materially.  We enjoyed fishing, riding around, visiting with family and friends....... I was a housewife which is what I always wanted to be.  

I know that I didn’t seek God’s guidance in a husband, but He was looking out for me anyway.  I thank Him every day for my wonderful husband and for the time we’ve had together.  Happy Anniversary, Bubba!  We’re at 49 years and counting……