Tom is the editor of the Norton Telegram. Tom writes, "I always drive by -- and even stop for a moment or two -- at 308 E. 18th St. In that big two-story home is where I grew up. The outside is still much as it was in my day.

"From there, I would drive a block south and get out of my vehicle and walk around what used to be called Massey Park (the north playground). What memories those frequent walks conjured up. Neighborhood buddies also growing up on 18th and 17th streets in those days were the Bolligs, Staabs, Creightons, Weigels and the Haases -- to name a few. It's hard to describe the emotions involved."

His story was special, because my first babysitter lived directly north of the Massey playground, which housed the pool or "Massey's mudhole" -- so named after the caretaker who watched over the pool for years whose last name was Massey; I don't remember his first name.

I was one of the older kids, so the babysitter allowed me to cross the street and swim and once a week help clean the pool. Keep in mind, I was probably 4 or 5 years old. My babysitter would now be arrested and thrown in jail for giving me those freedoms.

Mr. Massey always had plenty of free help, because as he cleaned the pool, he would always "find" a dime or a nickel, which made us clean faster as we looked for money. I think I was about 30 when I figured out that the nickels and dimes were coming from his own pocket; I or none of my other volunteers ever found any coins.

Craig Leiker was my neighbor as I was growing up, and I ended up hiring him to work at Hays City Lumber when he was a junior at TMP. He remains a great friend. He is one of the top dogs for a cigarette company and lives in North Carolina. It was no surprise to me he wrote about visiting Vernie's Hamburger House when he returns to Hays. I remember seeing "Welcome Home, Craig Leiker" on the Vernie's marquee on one of his visits.

Craig writes, "Beside family and friends, Vernie's is the highlight of my trip. I try to eat there every chance I get. If I'm home a week, it's usually two or three times." He goes on to explain it would be more, but his mom and mother-in-law also like to cook.

"When I was in college, Russ Ruder and I would eat there at least three times a week. We would go right when they opened up (10:30 a.m., if I remember right, because I still like to eat around that time).

"When I was in college, always the same thing. Double cheeseburger, extra pickles, fries and Pepsi or coffee (depending on the time of year). Now I get the same thing except double chili cheese and Diet Pepsi.

"Vernie's was a very special place. Vernie was a great person and always treated me like a friend even when I was young. He would always come talk to you. Also, Vernie's food was one of those that hours later you still had that great after taste. I must still be sentimental because I'm really missing home right now writing this to you."

Someone wrote she loves to join her mom and dad for their Saturday "date" at Schilleci's. She wrote, "Dad loves the chicken fried rice, and Mom loves the hot and sour soup, and i love the spring rolls."

More than a few folks can't wait to get to Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant for the chips and dip. As I said in the last column, Hays natives love their Taco Shop, Al's Chickenette and Cerv's snoballs. My HHS classmate Becky May wrote, "We always have to do Taco Shop for our daughter, Dani, and the Golden Q for the entire family. Goooood stuff! And, of course, Cerv's as we head out of town -- gas and a Diet Cherry Coke!" Husband Tony May, also a classmate, added he was a fan of the chicken fried steak at Gutch's.

Our son Kevin worked at JD's Chicken for years and always stops in to say "Hi" to his former bosses, Doug and Dawn. And then sits down for a chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy over everything.

My brother Mark wrote about his wife's love for Taco Shop (she's from Dallas), "Missie talks about Taco Shop weeks before we come home and can't wait until we hit town. She always asks the same thing, too: 'I get the Sancho Supreme and you always get that ... what do they call it?' And I say. Sanchez, Honey. It's so funny because I wait for it every time!"

Thanks to those of you that took the time to send a note.

And to all of you, a Happy New Year.