While the author, Dr. Richard Torricelli, left the state of Illinois for Florida many years ago, he left with a heavy heart and with memories of a lifetime encapsulated in only 31 years. These short stories are intertwined with vestiges of Americana long passed. Sadly many have also left Illinois as it ranks #9 in people leaving for other states and #1 in states to avoid retiring to. It's not too late to save this great state, if we can return to principles from the past, before socialists seize control of Springfield and Chicago. - May God Bless Illinois