The first thing I remember when I entered the house, thrilled beyond belief to be in our FIRST HOME, was this: a wall of wood. The end of the living room was covered entirely in this stuff.

The clock-and-candle set was made of a lightweight plastic. I think it goes without saying that hthe candles were never, ever lit.

I have no idea where Dad got that Santa, but it was a joyous addition, and I wonder what happened to it.

We weren't the first owners of the house; someone lived there for a while, and apparently had trouble with the pole that closed the chimney.