This work includes my recollections about people with whom I’ve been
associated, places I’ve been, and events I’ve observed. While I believe my presentation to be
accurate, I admit my memory is fallible, therefore I apologize in advance if
I’ve erred in any particulars; there are no intentional misstatements.
The account is generally chronological through the segments on
retirement; the materials presented within each segment are grouped topically,
then chronologically when possible. I
couldn’t always recall the timing of events, even within topics, so their
contents are, at times, simply a mélange of memories.
The succeeding segments, from SCATTERSHOTS
onward, are entirely topical, covering a wide range of subjects and events
whose discussion didn’t fit well into the semi-chronological narrative of the
earlier segments.
I never kept diaries or journals, so have had few documentary records
to consult regarding either timing of events or details thereabout. When possible, I’ve used the Internet to
check my memory or obtain facts about items of public record.
My mother, who died while I was writing these recollections, helped me with some details, as has my sister, Twila Smith. Twila, always far more observant than I, has recalled numerous items from our childhood that I had forgotten or never knew.