Images from an Arizona childhood

I was born in Phoenix, Arizona eight months before Buddy Holly died. My parents were originally from very small coal mining towns in Pennsylvania, but moved out west after the war. Shortly before my birth they bought the house in Scottsdale where I lived until I took my first apartment. My parents still live in that house on Avalon Drive.

I loved growing up in Arizona. The Sonoran desert is an incredible place of harsh beauty. Many only see the dry, imposing landscape. I see it as a place of life, mystery and spirit.

A few years ago my mother presented me with an album containing many of my childhood photographs. This page shows the best of the bunch. I plan to burn the most embarrassing ones. Trust me, the teenage years are a fright!

A photograph of my sister Karen and me dressed in our Easter Sunday best. Taken in the backyard of my childhood home. Dig that crazy bowtie!

I love this photograph -- Christmas 1959.

Me in the buff. That's my older brother, Richard, looking on.

This is another of my favorites. That's Richard and Bob on their trusty mounts.

Have you ever seen such a cutie?

With my godparents Lenny and Betty. This photograph was taken in our front yard. I love those cars!

No comment.

Proof that I have an education. Wearing the "cap and gown" from my kindergarten graduation.

Power to the people!

The original beach boy. This was taken in either Los Angeles or San Diego.

One of my very favorite Christmas presents.

Easter 1964. The dorky looking guy wearing the high-waters is my brother, Bob (or Robert Steven Jeffery, if you prefer).

My first trip to the Grand Canyon. This is either 1965 or 1966. Do I look like a little Bob or what?

The Parada Del Sol 1965. That's me in the very front. Check out the hair on that woman with the cow!

Wearing my jammies in the living room. I look to be about three years old in this photograph. That table was in the house for many years. I remember the lamp, but it must have broken years ago.

My dad gets creative with the Kodak.

Easter 1965. Notice the addition of my youngest sister, Janet, and my younger brother, Kenny. I see that I still had a thing for bow ties.

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