•5:10 PM
Over time your memory fades. Its inevitable. This blog is my attempt to capture my memories of growing up in Ottawa, Ontario - Canada. Many of my memories are probably not unique, especially if you grew up in the 70’s and 80’s.
For instance, did you have a Saturday morning routine? I did. And it involved joining my Dad in the living room to watch cartoons. He was a huge Bugs Bunny fan, and so we always watched CBS and their 2 hour (and for a few years 3 hours) worth of cartoons. He was usually sipping on some coffee - flipping through the Saturday paper. In Canada, the Saturday paper is the equivalent to the US Sunday paper - comics, lots of flyers and a multitude of sections. It was a stack - especially the Ottawa Citizen.
For me there was really only 3 parts that I was interested in: The TV Times (what was on this week?) the Saturday Comics (so that I could try and redraw them) and the Entertainment section. Funny the Sports section was as big of a draw - unless it was a big story about the Rough Riders
Over the years - the Saturday morning cartoons were a staple. Although I will admit that some were more enjoyable than others. I do recall the years of “Rocket Robin Hood” and “Max the 2,000 year old mouse” and “Shazam!”. Most of the shows from the mid-70’s had much to be desired. But there was always Bugs Bunny.
When living on Weston Road (779 Weston Road, Ottawa, ON: 1981-1983) I would sometimes would head over to Craig Becker’s house - four houses up and join him in his Saturday routine. This may include playing his Atari 2600; or playing on his Texas Instrument or Commodore 64; or riding our bikes around the neighborhood.
In looking back on those days with these eyes, they do seem so care-free. I do recall that they were not necessarily so. But gone is that routine. Gone are those Saturday mornings where there wasn’t anything more important to do other than sit with my Dad and laugh at animated drawings on the TV.
I may just want to bring that back.
For instance, did you have a Saturday morning routine? I did. And it involved joining my Dad in the living room to watch cartoons. He was a huge Bugs Bunny fan, and so we always watched CBS and their 2 hour (and for a few years 3 hours) worth of cartoons. He was usually sipping on some coffee - flipping through the Saturday paper. In Canada, the Saturday paper is the equivalent to the US Sunday paper - comics, lots of flyers and a multitude of sections. It was a stack - especially the Ottawa Citizen. For me there was really only 3 parts that I was interested in: The TV Times (what was on this week?) the Saturday Comics (so that I could try and redraw them) and the Entertainment section. Funny the Sports section was as big of a draw - unless it was a big story about the Rough Riders
Over the years - the Saturday morning cartoons were a staple. Although I will admit that some were more enjoyable than others. I do recall the years of “Rocket Robin Hood” and “Max the 2,000 year old mouse” and “Shazam!”. Most of the shows from the mid-70’s had much to be desired. But there was always Bugs Bunny.My top 5 all time would have to be:
Depending on the Saturday, after breakfast and a wash - I might jump on the 5-speed bike and tour the neighborhood for garage sales, or putter around the house and watch International Wrestling at 12 noon on CFCF 12 (Montreal).
- Bugs Bunny, Road Runner Hour
- The Smurfs
- The Gummy Bears
- Pandemonium
- Speed Buggy / Josie and the PussyCats
Depending on the Saturday, after breakfast and a wash - I might jump on the 5-speed bike and tour the neighborhood for garage sales, or putter around the house and watch International Wrestling at 12 noon on CFCF 12 (Montreal).When living on Weston Road (779 Weston Road, Ottawa, ON: 1981-1983) I would sometimes would head over to Craig Becker’s house - four houses up and join him in his Saturday routine. This may include playing his Atari 2600; or playing on his Texas Instrument or Commodore 64; or riding our bikes around the neighborhood.
In looking back on those days with these eyes, they do seem so care-free. I do recall that they were not necessarily so. But gone is that routine. Gone are those Saturday mornings where there wasn’t anything more important to do other than sit with my Dad and laugh at animated drawings on the TV.I may just want to bring that back.
