The point of this description is that we ate a peck of dirt a day, we babysat each other and on occasion a younger brother or sister, our mothers coped with grass stains and balancing a career with being a wife and mother, our fathers cheered us on in our games, and there were no strangers in our little hamlet. We would think nothing of sharing our food with someone down on their luck. My father treated all the children in the neighborhood like his own. Of course he was the principle and grade eight teacher at our school.
When I think of wanting to go home, it isn't just to our family's redbrick house with the pillared veranda, but to the time before 1961 when figure skating, horseback riding, and dreams of competition were my main concern.
The summer I was eight we were all innocents. By the time the summer of 196o came we knew far more than our parents about the 'world out there'. I was 13, going to rock concerts, working at the Jazz Cellar, and living it up in the Yorkville area of Toronto. I adapted the hippie way of life; at least after work and on the weekends, complete with Batik clothing and bare feet. Most of the kids from my town remained naive, if not innocent until they were well into their 20's. A peace and love lifestyle often left one's naiveness intact but innocence was left behind for the most part.
When I think of home, I remember with warmth our black and white set entertaining us with Ed Sullivan the first time the Beatles were on television in North America. I see scenes of going to the first Dairy Queen in the area and being in my too pink bedroom with my china horses prancing on the shelf. But most of all I remember my Mom and Dad, supper around the dining table, and the feeling of safety it all gave me.
Wee Few Words of Dylan the Dog
First dear friends I have to make a couple of statements. I believe that it is important for all you fellow canines to get your humans out walking before November brings the snow. Don't let your human forget your waste bags. The other thing is if you are getting groomed in the winter, please wear a warm doggie jacket out there; if your human still wishes to be walked in the snow.
I hope that I shall be getting clipped before Christmas. I am really lucky to have a human that loves me. Ruth makes sure I do not walk into things outside. I am pretty familiar with our home inside so I don't need her assistance. I am getting short of eyesight and so my Mom has to make sure I stay safe.
Well that is all for now. Stay safe out there my friends!