Flashback

Speaking of 1979, took a little drive up the country this afternoon. Right by the infamous Three Mile Island at Middletown. I used to see it across the panoramic view of the river valley as I drove to work every morning, waaaay off in the distance. But we were right alongside it today, up close those huge towers are big, baby, with steaming rolling out over the top. Makes you expect a meltdown any minute. Or a third eye to start growing from your forehead as you drive by. Okay, it's not that bad. But we did see several glowing, multi-limbed fish walking along the riverbank.

No, not really, I made that up.

But it was a flashback because I remember being sent home from school when it was ready to meltdown or explode or whatever it is out-of-control nuclear reactors do. More than a few of my schoolmates were properly frightened but most were just glad for an excuse to leave school early. I'm sure I was too- just glad to get out of school -because I'd never heard of TMI up to that point, being a country-fied rube I supposed our electricity was supplied by mules turning a water wheel somewhere further up the Pequea Creek. What did I know about reedio-activity or nuke-yeller power? Even now most of what I know about nuclear power comes from watching The Simpsons. And handling those hot glowing rods obviously hasn't hurt Homer none. Doh!

Nowadays TMI has become our family acronym for 'Too Much Information'. Somebody spills the beans or offers a too-revealing personal glimpse in mixed company, it's "Hey!!! TMI, thank you very much!" Like tonight while visiting friends, our hostess proclaims their giant cushy reclining sofa could turn anyone into a couch potato. And my daughter offers, 'Daddy has a pair of red underwear that says 'couch potato' on it." Hmmm, really? Ah, did anybody need to know that?!? Hoo boy!