Ida’s
Notebook
Ida Risser
As we start a new year it seems
that we must think “global.”
What happens on the other side
of the world affects us.
Whether it is a war or simply
everyday business dealings. My
children think nothing of driving
to Chicago or flying to Europe or
even Brazil where their compa
nies have connections.
Several years ago our son-in
law went to India to help to su
pervise the building of a new
plant for his company. Condi
tions were primitive in the area
where they worked.
Language can be a stumbling
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, January 5, 2002-811
block as Portuguese is spoken in
Brazil and so a translator is
needed when our daughter goes
there.
One family member often goes
to London for his company.
Those left at home must then
take on more responsibilities.
Children need supervision and
transportation.
When I was a youth, it was a
big deal to go to Philadelphia to
the Desqui-Centennial in 1926. It
was also a big deal to attend the
World’s Fair in 1939. Roaming
around the fairgrounds for a day
without parents is something to
remember.
My parents told me of a hap
pening one day in 1923. They
drove a horse and buggy to
church every Sunday. One day
they were late and decided to
take a shortcut. So, they drove
through the Conestoga River at a
seldom used crossing. The water
was higher than usual and so the
buggy floated and the horse had
to swim. They made it across.
So even if we didn’t get very
far from home, we had little ad
ventures too. Nowadays there are
dangers in traveling whether it be
close to home or far away.