I was ten when my family took an eight-week summer vacation driving across the country. We car-camped most of the way, belongings efficiently packed in the family station wagon. We were a well-organized team and could set up or strike camp in record time. We staked the two sleeping tents, stretched the dining tent cords to create a screened outdoor room, and unpacked the kitchen gear unit carefully designed by my mother with pipe legs that screwed in and out of a plywood box that was both food pantry and utilities cupboard.
Thanks for this. We stayed close friends, in my recollection, until the summer of 1964 when a new girl moved into my street. I am so glad you are able to remember these things. I have a photo somewhere of us after my return in summer 1962. I will have to look for it!
Oh yes, I do remember that summer of your absence. I recall, friendless save for my somewhat older next door neighbor Merry, how many times I walked the city streets and past your front door. As one who always got car sick easily, I was not envious of your summer of cars and camping but was so bored with the swim club and time spent with my mother, her friends, and my three younger brothers. Did that long summer away and your broader experience of the world, not to speak of your treasure box, mark the beginning of a change between us, or was that change more deeply embedded among your second and third grade boyfriends?
Steph,
Thanks for this. We stayed close friends, in my recollection, until the summer of 1964 when a new girl moved into my street. I am so glad you are able to remember these things. I have a photo somewhere of us after my return in summer 1962. I will have to look for it!
Wonderful, sad story. Love the admonition "Do not expect perfection. ... Thank you for having me on your mailing list.
Oh yes, I do remember that summer of your absence. I recall, friendless save for my somewhat older next door neighbor Merry, how many times I walked the city streets and past your front door. As one who always got car sick easily, I was not envious of your summer of cars and camping but was so bored with the swim club and time spent with my mother, her friends, and my three younger brothers. Did that long summer away and your broader experience of the world, not to speak of your treasure box, mark the beginning of a change between us, or was that change more deeply embedded among your second and third grade boyfriends?