On this Throwback Thursday, I remember my most memorable Xmas. My parents were middle class in background and occupation: my mom a Registered Nurse, and my step-dad, a Navy Chief. Between them they had six kids, and we had a strict upbringing. Their money was spent on food, clothing, and Parochial school tuition, which, you can imagine, was a struggle with six kids. But, we were safe and happy, and, although Xmas was never extravagant, I remember the one when I was 11, in 1958, like it was yesterday. They really splurged, and each of the six kids received an AM crystal radio, with an earphone. I listened to baseball on that thing every night. It sparked my interest in technology; although I never was into building and making stuff, I was very interested in how it worked, and what could be done with it. Great memories. What was your most memorable gift?

Crystal radio