Nov. 8

The old gas stove was in such bad shape that, daring as we felt in those days, we deemed it dangerous to be in the room while lighting the oven. This, besides “Spy” was the main game we played at the time. We’d turn on the gas, leave the oven door open, then stand at the threshold of the kitchen and toss lit matches at the appliance. The oven would light with a frantic, fiery “Fooooom!”