When I was a young teenager, I looked forward to being middle aged. Part of the story there is that my fictional heroes were all middle aged, most of them played by Humphrey Bogart. So when I have these boy-do-I-feel-like-an-old-codger moments, I know I can’t take them too seriously, since I’ve probably been having them since statute law decreed me too young to drink, vote, sign contracts, etc.

Here’s my latest old-codger moment: on LRC this morning, Lew links to “Are We There Yet? The ten best travel games aren’t just for kids.” I quickly clicked the link, expecting Botticelli (my favorite) plus 9 more ways for parents and children to pass the travel miles. My reaction to this list of gadgets and gizmos was (I kid you not), Why, in my day, we had to entertain ourselves with knowledge, with words, with imagination!

My father and I played many rounds of Botticelli during my childhood. I’ve since played with almost anyone I’ve shared a long drive with. It’s not “just a game.” I have fond and detailed memories of long Botticelli sessions with old friends and former loves.