Dear Friends of the Good Old Days,

Music has always had the magical ability to transport us to another time or place. Pop songs playing on a jukebox might bring you back to your teenage years. A sweet, slow melody may remind you of your wedding. A bouncy Christmas carol might call up memories of fun family holidays. In this issue we bring music to you in another way -- through heartwarming stories about being in a band, whether it was a high school band or a family get-together on the porch.

Music also often conjures up stories of love and romance. What would February be without those sweet, wonderful memories of Valentine’s Day? Remember the paper valentines you handed out at school? Or how nervous you were when you asked that special girl out on a first date? And although most of us are looking forward to spring, winter is still upon us. Luckily, though, many of today’s winters are not the snow apocalypses they were in the past. But oh, those crazy winter memories! Read on to find several of them.

Whether you are snuggling up against the cold winter or listening to your favorite music, we hope you enjoy this issue of Good Old Days. Not only do we love reading all your memories, but we know every one of these stories will take you back to another time in your life. Welcome to a new year from the Good Old Days staff!