There are many cool things for kids of all ages to enjoy, now, but there are several things I’ve come across in recent days that reminded me of my childhood with fond memories.

When I was in kindergarten, I got my first lunchbox and thermos. I loved my Peter Pan lunchbox and used it all through elementary school.

Going to the A&W root beer stand was always a fantastic tree. There were the frosty mugs for adults and even for a small children. I still love a good frosty mug and root beer.

These were the pop machines when I was a kid. There were the ones that were like a refrigerator, and then there were the chest soda containers. I can remember my great grandfather, Virgil “Red” Barmes, being upset when Coca-Cola went from $.05 a bottle to $.10 a bottle. I recall how the bottle caps would jab into my fingers when I would try to pull the bottle out of the machine.

This was, by far, one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me. The set of World Book Encyclopedias arrived between my birthday and September and Christmas. I am confident that my parents’ money was well spent as I spent countless hours reading through the encyclopedias. I still have, and use, the wooden bookcase, that came with the set.