[rivermom]

This was so interesting to read. Reading slowly the sentences bringing memories alive being a kid. A smile formed remembering those nights out w/ the neighborhood kids playing "Kick The Can". Living in Southern California I had to be in the house by the time the fire works went off each night at Disneyland.

Not heading in through that door however before drinking out of the garden hose and ringing a few other neighbors doors for "Ding Door Ditch".

Being even younger heading out hiking with my Brother just a year older. We were gone all day. We walked - there was more to be seen by those dusty shoes then peddling some bike that day. Only harm done that day was having a cut on my leg which soon scared. That scar today brings fond memories when i look at it.

My Brother had a Daisy Bee-Bee gun. I know this for sure because he shot me in the back one day. He asked me to move and I told hin I didn't want to. Guess he thought it was not the correct answer and he shot me. Oh it didn't break the skin, but it sure stung pretty good. Oh gosh, it's funny looking back on the past!


I skated in skates w/ metal wheels and thought I was a star when the wheels created sparks sliding against the paved street.

Dark at night being a teen id sneak out to meet a friend. We'd rush along carrying bags of toilet paper ready to paper the house of those we knew celebrating a birthday, a special day, or sometimes needing no reason at all.

We created forts - and were strict on havig those who enter give the correct password. We made lemonaide stands in hopes to make enough change to run to the nearest T G & Y Drug Store for a scoop of ice cream.

We played school at home on weekends and actually had fun learning. Going back to school on Monday never caused a worry of getting shot. The worst at school was finding out the guy you liked didn't care at all about you. Or you had an argument with your best friend and you didn't talk for a week. Those weeks were the longest of my life back then. To me this was "trauma in school"

Riding horses on acres and acres of your own land - none of which was trespassing...Or if you needed more speed you'd jump on the minibike.

putting a card in the spoke of your wheel attached with a close pin just to make power sounds as you rode your bike.

I walked down sidewalks twirling the hoola-hoop around my waist for blocks and blocks. Or ran across a few neighbors yards to gain some speed for countless cart wheels or back flips.

Really wasn't indoors too much. But when I was I played with my turntable and records. Had not a clue about the meaning of "video game" or a tv with more than 8 channels on it LOL

There were some horrible times too - but i guess when you become an adult you try to focus on the good stuff and not dwell on what couldn't have been changed.