My childhood was more than memorable. If I ever had any inclination of jeopardizing the blessed freedom I had been afforded due to my trustworthy nature, it was quickly banished from my thoughts.  I loved being able to run the neighborhood in the summertime, and I knew how to ensure that it stayed that way; pay attention to simple instructions and watch for the porch light in the evening. Nothing else was quite so important in my young life. I already had it down about strangers and looking both ways before crossing the street.

Of course, these were days long before the introduction of cell phones, so it was imperative to know what you were supposed to do before you left the house. It really wasn’t that difficult. Primarily, it was to be home in time for dinner. That left the entire day for a myriad of fun activities.

Most of my summer escapades involved a friend or two that lived nearby, and our adventures were endless. We especially loved riding our bikes and screaming to the top of our lungs as the neighborhood dogs chased us down the street. Everyone had a dog, but none of them were even remotely purebred. In fact, most of the dogs in the neighborhood were related to each other. When we got tired and hot, we’d stop for a drink of water from someone’s water hose and a quick run through their sprinklers.  Of course, we’d always make our way to the little neighborhood market for a Popsicle and some penny candy before riding to the pool – we had our swimsuits and plastic swim caps in our bicycle baskets. After several hours of swimming and jumping from the high dive, we’d ride to the school playground for awhile before heading home. The watch I had received for Christmas was my best friend when it came to keeping me on track, and home in time for dinner. I wasn’t about to be late.

Once dinner was over and dishes were done, there was always more playing outside – usually until it was dark. Fireflies, hide n’ seek, and sips of water from the spicket.  Finally, I’d see it. The porch light flipped on, and I knew exactly what it meant. Good friends exchanged goodbyes and promised more adventures the next day. Ah, memories of summers gone by.