I was at the parade in '67!

As an "oldie" in the literal sense, but a "newbie" for posting, I thought I would share with those (most of you?) who weren't around back in the "good ole days".....When the Leafs celebrated on Bay St. back in '67, who would have thought that a drought (Stanley wise) would descend upon us? What a time to be a Leaf's fan and even the coming prospect of expansion did not damper our enthusiasm for what we believed would be a dynasty. What a time! (I was 21 then)  Also, it was our Centennial...even though Montreal had Expo, we had the Stanley Cup CHAMPS! and that's what really mattered.

Oh, how time has taken it's toll....now, 43 years (and counting)   I am  feeling  like an endangered species. In the early 60's there was always  newspaper reports about the remaining few survivors of the US Civil War as their numbers dwindled and then, one day,  the last one died.. Why is it that I am starting to feel like one of those vets? 

So, as the years march by (too quickly now it seems) I would like to think that maybe, just maybe we on the right road for returning to glory...oh yes, the road is still long ahead of us but permit me an analogy:  a few years ago, my wife and I renovated our kitchen and we went through a lot of grief as the renovation dragged on and on. During that time I had bloodlust against my contractor. Six months went by and I was arguing with the plumber. Eight months went by and there were still wires hanging down everywhere and then we had trouble with the building inspector. But enventually, the job got done and now we love the kitchen. I bake bread in the kitchen. My wife cooks great meals  in that kitchen. The contractor's now a buddy of mine and I've had beers with him in that kitchen. 

Right now the Leafs are beginning the renovation process:  there's loose wires all over the place but Burkie and the crew have to finish that kitchen otherwise we won't experience any of the joy that will come from having it completed. I would like to think that he has the right blueprint in hand (we've had too many before him who for one reason or another) who were unable to complete the project.   So, "FINISH THE KITCHEN" and GO LEAFS GO!