Time Flies — When You’re Having Fun!
This column is being written just a couple of weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday, which, for many of us, conjures up childhood memories and thoughts of simpler times.
My earliest memories of this holiday include family, friends, food, and fun. Annual traditions included road trips to rural destinations in the heartland of America (typically, somewhere in South Dakota, Iowa, or Minnesota). Or in alternate years, an invasion of visitors to our small hometown on the shores of the Oahe reservoir in north central South Dakota.
I have memories of traditional holiday meals of lutefisk, mashed potatoes, lefsa, breads, and green vegetables (all swimming in a sea of butter). And to top it all off, there were always four or five types of pies — the traditional pumpkin, apple, pecan, chocolate-peanut, and each year some experimental option. All with the most amazing homemade crust and topped off with whipped creme of course. After the feast (and often before) there were whist games (a Norwegian card game based on a simplified no trump version of bridge) played with numerous folding card tables spread throughout the home surrounded by spirited aunts, uncles, cousins — family.
Some of the traditions have changed over the years. We skip the lutefisk (rehydrated white fish soaked in lye and water — lute (lye), fisk (fish) or lyefish. But the joy of coming together remains.
This has been a particularily good year. Our family is healthy and getting together for the holidays. I’m hoping for the same good fortunes for all of you.
I was reminded of just how quickly time passes while at the recent SCTE•ISBE Cable-Tec Expo in Atlanta. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones, while sharing a cocktail (or two) and discussing how the industry has changed over the years brought memories of the good fortune we all share to be part of this dynamic business.
The cable/broadband industry shares so much comradery and friendship among vendors, operators, networks, and organizations. We’re fortunate. Blessed. People in other industries are not so lucky.
Coming together at Expo is a great reminder of the commonalities and history we share. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a powerful industry.
This issue marks the fourth magazine, my first full year, of publishing Broadband Library, since my dear friend, Cathy Wilson, entrusted me to take the reins of her “baby.”
In addition to the support of my family, I have so many people to be thankful for this year. Our terrific writers and editorial contributors bring a range of relevant subjects to each issue. “The” Ron Hranac, our resident technical expert, ensures the accuracy of each formula, acronym, or initialism. And the corporate team at SCTE•ISBE, including Mark Dzuban, Zenita Henderson, Paul Schneider, and the many others who commit so much time and energy to our success. And of course, many thanks are due to our loyal readers, dedicated advertisers and generous sponsors who make our little venture possible.
I wish you all good health and much happiness as we fly through this holiday season, together.
Jerry R. Lundwall Publisher,
Broadband Library President,
Lundwall Communications, Inc.
Email Me!
Publisher and entrepreneur, Jerry led the art departments at three major-market daily newspapers; founded and built a 30-person integrated communications creative agency — leading all creative, marketing, sales and business operations; spearheaded major marketing initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies within the cable, broadband, technology, and entertainment sectors; and co-published several books and magazines during his career.
Credit: Shutterstock.com
