We Played Outside
Around this time of the year, I become nostalgic….
I really do…with the summer months approaching fast, the longer day brings me back to my childhood.
I grew up in an area called Queens an urban area; the block I lived on had rows of 6 family apartment buildings, Five room railroad apartments.
http://forgotten-ny.com/
In the summer, we played from morning until nighttime, outside no less.
We sat on stoops, played hopscotch, jumped rope, and rode our bicycles around the block.
http://queens.about.com/
The boys would always play punch ball or stickball in the street.
We always cooled off with this:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fire_hydrant_with_water_in_brooklyn_new_york.jpg
My husband grew up in Brooklyn and often jokes that when he tried to learn how to swim he kept hitting his head on the Johnnie pump (Fire Hydrant).
At night after dinner, all the parents would come out and sit on their lawn chairs in front of their houses, and they would chat with one another.
While we played tag, or manhunt, we always anticipated one of these coming down the street:
http://mrsofteeofhamptonroads.com/
http://www.messynessychic.com/
http://www.foodspotting.com/places/9900-mr-softee-truck
My favorite to this day
http://www.aardvarkamusements.com/rides/
This ride above seemed scarier back then
http://memorysmoothie.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/special-deliveries/
The whip would actually come in the afternoon; 25 cents and well worth the two dimes and a nickel.
This time of the year brings me back to those summer days, filled with fun, Kool Aid, sleeping late…going to the beach with all the moms on the block. Coming home taking a shower and napping until dinner, and feeling our skin warm from the sun.
We played outside; it was safe and expected.
So far this week when I got home from work, the kids were outside either shooting hoops with the neighbor across the street or trying out our (mine & Nicks) bicycles that hubby finally fixed – I cannot believe they are tall enough to ride ten speeds (how did that happen?)
Dinner was off schedule – because I joined the basketball game too–I might be short but I can shoot some hoops Ya’ know. Tonight James and I rode the bikes around our area for a bit before dinner. No rush just enjoying the evening.
There’s so much to talk about on this subject; like a sidewalk game that both Nick and myself played in our own neighborhoods; it was called Scullzies – we also both swear that each of our neighborhoods was champions in the game.
In addition, the music, the music was everywhere and I need to talk about that too.
More to come; stay tuned. – Part two on its way.
A sneak preview of the Scullzies game…
Mangia, Mangia…No talk!
cannot wait for part two!
this was totally wonderful.
xo
Hi.
I've come here through BlogHer, and I enjoyed reading about your childhood.
The icecream looks great!
I'm coming back to read part 2.
Romi @ Letters from the Land of Cherry Blossoms
What a wonderful story of life! So glad I found your blog by way of NaBloPoMo!
I am so jealous of you…. that ride truck! All we had was the library bookmobile!
Laurie