The Life and Times of Heather Jones 1970

By Judy Michon and Ken Mace

Heather Jones, an unassuming and typical young woman, lived through a remarkable year that coincided with the dawn of a new decade. The year 1970 was rife with significant events that would shape the course of history. Among these noteworthy occurrences, President R

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judy Mace
• Release date: Jul 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088201879

Judy Michon

Judy was born in Oswego, KS. She has always been a small-town girl until recently when she made a move to Oklahoma City that she felt was a great adventure. She spent most of her childhood moving from house to house and town to town. After living in Springfield, Missouri, during a recession period, her parents and four siblings moved to Hugoton KS. In 1969, as a newlywed and soon-to-be mommy, she moved across the country with her husband to the small Michigan destination town of Marshall. After suffering the unimaginable loss of her son, her only child and later her husband to ALS, she settled in. She was open to the adventure of living in Oklahoma City (Tornado Alley) . After 50+ years she was finally living close to her brothers and sisters.Judy always loved writing and as a young child, made up stories in her head to make her life exciting. In grammar school, she was constantly disciplined for daydreaming, though she always tried (unsuccessfully) to explain to the teacher that instead of daydreaming, she was writing a book...in her head. She further explained to teachers throughout her schoolgirl years that she imagined short stories that she could include in an entire book. After all, she reasoned, "Isn't a book just a lot of short stories?"Unfortunately, her explanation was always met with a stern, "Just start paying attention." Judy hopes you enjoy the adventures of Heather as much as she does.

Book preview

Prelude

Heather Jones, an unassuming and typical young woman, lived through a remarkable year that coincided with the dawn of a new decade. The year 1970 was rife with significant events that would shape the course of history. Among these noteworthy occurrences, President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act on January 1, while the Boeing 747, also known as the jumbo jet, made its inaugural commercial flight from New York to London on January 21. NASA's Apollo 13 Moon Mission also captivated the world's attention after the crew's safe return to Earth on April 13, following a harrowing oxygen tank explosion that necessitated the mission's abandonment. Moreover, Americans commemorated the first-ever Earth Day on April 22, while the United States undertook the controversial invasion of Cambodia on April 29. Despite the momentous events that unfolded throughout the year, Heather Jones remained an ordinary, yet fortunate young lady.

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Chapter 1

Heather And The House

I, Heather Jones, finally moved into my new home. I had always wanted this big beautiful historic home sitting on a hill. But my Mom and Dad thought I was too young to take on such a big responsibility. I was trying to make them face that at 21 years old, I wasn't a baby anymore, it was next to impossible, and it was 1970, not the dark ages.

When my Grandpa died, he left her a large sum of money; I was the only grandchild. I wanted to put some of the money into something permanent, a place to live and call a home of my own; that's why I bought this beautiful old history-filled home across the road from Grandpa's estate, where Mom and Dad lived. I have always loved this old house; it is full of character and charm. My parents still have thoughts of using the money for more education for me. Still, four years of college, majoring in creative writing, was enough. I need to dedicate my focus and time writing my first novel. Thinking of Mom and Dad reminds me that they'll be here in less than an hour. I'd better put the boys in one of the spare bedrooms. 

The boys are my two Dobermans, Napoleon, and Bonapart, Grandpa's gift to me. I love them more than Grandpa did, if that's possible. Mom is scared of them, but they are well-trained to guard and protect me. Mom has never been a dog lover; she tolerates Josephine. Josephine is an Afghan Hound, my sixteenth birthday present from Grandpa. She was the most beautiful pup I'd ever seen. She isn't a perfect watchdog; she's even scared of thunder, but Josephine is a loving companion who loves to cuddle.

Last but not least are Munchkin and Toto Too. Munchkin is a tan red color Yorkie terrier mixed with another small breed, and she is the cutest three-year-old pup and most brilliant. Toto is a beautiful cuddly cat called a Ragdoll, the sweetest cat in the world. 

I have been getting settled in, but many boxes to unpack and lots of organizing.

Heather, we're here, Mom yelled as she walked in. Do you have those dogs locked ....what the!! Josephine jumped up and licked Mom; she loved Mom even if the feeling wasn't mutual. Down, girl, down, I said, taking hold of her pink rhinestone collar. Oh, Mom, she is just happy to see you.

Here, Daddy, I said, leading her to him, you take her to the library while Mom and I get ice tea and a snack. 

Oh, don't bother, honey, Daddy answered while trying to get 'Josie' under control, We can't stay long. Where's Napoleon and Bonaparte? In their bedroom watching TV, I think. Mom disapproved, Honestly, Heather, you treat them like humans; they're only dogs. Why did you name them Napoleon and Bonaparte? I replied, Only because that was their name when Grandpa brought them, so they know their names. Mom continued as if she didn't hear my answer, When will you meet a nice boy and get married? If you'd taken the money, your Grandfather left you. He finished college, as I said, you would have found a smart young man, and you'd be married by now and probably expecting my first grandchild. 

Oh, Mom, please, don't get started. I want to live my own life for a while. I want to try a career before I ever think about marriage. I like my life the way it is. I told her. 

But, darling, Mom still wouldn't let it drop, What career? Besides, you'll get lonely in this big old house. It's probably full of ghosts anyway. Mom, I am not alone; Rosie Q., my cook, housekeeper, and best friend, is here to take good care of things and me. I have told you a hundred times I want to write, and Grandpa thought I had talent. So I won't get lonely; my pet kids will care for me too, and ghosts don't scare me. Now really, I don't want to talk about it anymore. I heard; Dad calling us from the library. Okay, you two, that's enough. Martha, leave the poor girl alone and come in here. We went to see Dad, and I changed the subject.

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Chapter 2

Church Ladies And Sales

Mom, ladies from several local churches came to see me. They had an excellent idea. They want to start an annual event, with neighborhoods having a weekend of the annual yard and garage sales, with all proceeds going to the town's free medical, dental, eyeglasses, and wellness fund for the needy. I have many things to donate, and Grandpa bought out several Going-out-of-business dime stores. So home school teachers are beginning to buy supplies for the upcoming school year. We can sell lots of paper tablets, pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, paper, and so many household items, and this will help us downsize Grandpa's things and help people and schools. They have been going door to door, getting most of the town on board. This whole neighbor has signed up. They wanted to know if you would join in.

It sounds wonderful, Heather; yes, I will, but I don't think we have much to sell. So I think I should be over here helping you.

I would love that, Mom. Dad, you can find a couple of your buddies. You could be our relief every 3-4 hours.

Rosie Q. said her five sons will go over and get all the 'going-of-business' stores Grandpa bought all organized in the big barn. The barn is where he stored all that stuff. Have you ever been in that barn? I asked

Gosh, no. Have you, Harold? Mom answered.

Dad said, I poked my head in the barn once; it was full. That would be wonderful if Rosie's son could do all that. It sounds great, honey; when is this planned?

July 4th weekend. Friday and Saturday. Nine to six. Mom and I will dip and relax in the pool when you guys relieve us. We had a lounging saltwater pool. I didn't want a diving pool, so I had a lovely long narrow pool with built-in lounge chairs to relax, but half was also 4 feet deep and filled with salt water to float, thanks to Grandpa's inheritance. 

Mom said, Harold, you could put your old golf cart in the sale since you bought the new one. I bet you could get at least a few hundred. 

Great idea, I will do that.

This is going to be great. Time for a clean-out. People love these sales, and with all proceeds going to the medical fund for the needy, it is perfect. I said excitedly. I would love to see things out at your house, Mom, so all houses are participating, but I would love to have you here.

My housekeeper and friend, Rose Q., came in with tea and cookies, "Missy Heather, I heard you say you would like your Mom's house to be a part of this too, so I want to ask each of you, could my daughters bring the children's toys, books, the clothing they have all outgrown and have the daughters over across the street selling? They can sell your Granppa's things too. We all want to help. The medical fund is a blessing. We want to repay the fund as best we can.

We all laughed simultaneously and said, That would be wonderful, yes, yes, and yes! I added, "this will be a great way to sell all the extra things Grandpa was buying and accumulating over the years with his habit of purchasing going-out-of-business sales. 

But, I said, Please, not the books. Let's put all the books in all the Little Free Book Boxes placed in neighborhoods and schools.

Rosie Q. said smilingly, "Oh yes, wonderful. My sisters will take shifts at the house on