From Harold's Journal

 It was written in March of 1983. It is my Dad's journal and I am trying to type it into the computer, and although I am slow, I am enjoying "hearing" my Dad's voice again. 

On this particular day he got kind of...Well, you read it for yourself...

All the photos were added by me, his journal was written in cursive, and just words.

Harold while he was writing his journal outside the trailer

And it's a time for reminiscing – over six years since we moved to Florida and have lived in Parkway for Mobile Homes. And have worked for SuperX and South Atlantic Dist. almost 2 ½ years. Dad Shackett died in Jan '81. Dad Provoncha in Apr '82, and Mom Shackett in Mar '83. But we have had three grandchildren in almost that time with Joshua being born in Aug '78, Israel in Aug '81, and Jared in Dec '82. The waves roll in and recede.

We have been lucky with BJ living and working close by; with Tom making 5 visits over the past 2 ½ years. And finally John and family coming down in Jan '83.  Plus visits from Ronnie and Mary, a long stay by Lori in 1979. Visits by Peg and Bill, Jim and Holly, Pam and Akers. Also many friends who have stopped by for a day or two – can't forget Len + Dolly.

Harold with BJ in the Keys

Also good neighbors – some like Dode who works on our cars; and although we pay him, we can never give what he's worth. No job seems too big or too difficult for him to tackle.

Also plenty of Florida sunshine, with cookouts, picnics, surf fishing, horseshoes, gardening, ball games, and all. It's been a great life. Can't forget the clamming, or just walking on the beach. And our visits down to “the bar” - Johnny's Bar – with Lil as our friendly bartender, and people like Blackie, Papa Bear, Buddy, Richard, Chester, and many others – quite a few have passed on. But this is the one place we seem to gravitate to over the past six years – many friendly people – many who are lost, and lonesome, and alcoholic – but always friendly.

And the high school football, and baseball, the Stan Musial League games, the eating out – at Shakey's, at Chinese restaurant, the Alamo, Kismet, and it seems like hundred of others, including Pierre's.

Harold & Stella in front of Shakey's Pizza on Apollo Avenue

Harold & Stella surf fishing

And maybe just the nights sitting home – reading, watching TV, playing Scrabble, or a game of cribbage or two.

Can't forget Tenneco with Vernie, Kay, and Jim – my first job down here, and working at US 1, Sarno, Satellite Beach, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island – with people like Bill and little Jim.

Harold at work for Tenneco

And who can forget all the Space shots – both day and night viewed from the beach or the back yard. And the Shuttle – blasting off – and sometimes returning piggyback on a 747 flying up the beaches. History in the making.

And Hurricane David – walking out in the eye – lack of rain and fires one year, and too much rain the next. Lovebugs, May and September – sometimes so thick that the windshield wipers won't take care of them.

All in all, it's been a good 6 ½ years. No driveways to shovel, no ice and snow, and the cold we get although it seems unbearable at times is usually of short duration.

Harold decorating the trailer

Also vacationing in Vermont from Florida seems almost as good as vacationing in Florida when we lived in Vermont. We are fortunate that we were able to spend over two months in Vermont when John and Pepe got married – and spent a lot of time with Dad + Mom Provoncha.

And we are fortunate that we could go fishing and clamming with Dad Shackett, plus take him to ballgames, shopping, and open houses at Patrick Air Force Base. And we are fortunate that we were able to visit Mom Shackett at Carnegie Nursing Home many times – even on Christmas day with BJ, and also with John, Pepe, Israel, and Jared. And we got Mom Provoncha out of the trailer in Bristol, and down here – we wish we could have gotten both to move down earlier.

Harold & Grandpa Shackett surf fishing

But they have been good times –

Harold reminiscing