So Saturday during our "girls' day out", Rachel and I talked about Michele. The two of them weren't what you would call best friends, but Rachel spent some time at Michele's house at least once; I think she spent a night there. Rachel doesn't remember this at all.
There's a reason I recall it so well: Rachel came home telling me about a wonderful new toy Michele had called "Merlin". I believe she had received it for Christmas, or maybe for her birthday.
When the next Christmas rolled around, we bought a Merlin for Rachel. I suppose she was nine years old. The thing made beeping noises, and when she would try sneaking it to bed with her at night, the noises always gave her away.
I could hardly wait until the kids went to school each morning so I could have Merlin to myself.
It must have been a well-made toy, because a few years ago I checked on Ebay and found there were lots of them for sale, still working. Because they were reasonably priced, I bought one, just for the memories.
Now I see that Merlin has been re-introduced; you can buy him on Amazon for $69.
I wonder if the new model will still be working thirty years from now?
I asked Michele if she remembered her Merlin; she does indeed.
I remember her well, but not from that far back. I remember Merlin well, too. I LOVED that toy. It's how I learned to do Tic Tac Toe over and over and never lose. It would be a tie, or I'd win. Every.Time.
ReplyDeleteAhh, Merlin. How I miss you. Sorry Mom kept interrupting us every time I took you to bed. :)
Never heard of Merlin. My daughters had to have a Simon. Toys bring back memories don't they?
ReplyDeleteAww. :-)
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