Against this ridge of snow, these apple trees wait in the wind. On Stevens, we lived on quite a rise that led to a neighborhood below. There was a trail that curved its way to Leo's backyard. In summer, even in the darkness, it was a 'trip' (when running fast) that might take all of about 20 seconds. However, winter nights held the most fun. After snowfalls like we've experienced the past few weeks, we'd drag a pathway, twisting and turning through the apple trees with many a dip and turn. Next, we'd smooth it out by flipping Grampa's snow scoop upside down, put a light-weight kid (Marty) on top and pull it all the way to the bottom, making it packed and very fast. And if it rained and froze... oh my! It was so much more exciting and hazardous then the toboggan runs we saw on TV during the Olympics. After all, it started out with a fast downhill swoop, past the huge elm on the left, up and down along the bushes ( with branches often slapping us in the face), around an almost hairpin turn (your sled needed to maneuver well, or you'd be thrown off course), along side our tree house, across the hidden cesspool, and down the Poisson's driveway. If we were lucky, it ended on Mayfield in the middle of the street. Run after run we traveled, screaming all the way. Only the full moon, lighting the way, could add to a night like that!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Winter Trees
Against this ridge of snow, these apple trees wait in the wind. On Stevens, we lived on quite a rise that led to a neighborhood below. There was a trail that curved its way to Leo's backyard. In summer, even in the darkness, it was a 'trip' (when running fast) that might take all of about 20 seconds. However, winter nights held the most fun. After snowfalls like we've experienced the past few weeks, we'd drag a pathway, twisting and turning through the apple trees with many a dip and turn. Next, we'd smooth it out by flipping Grampa's snow scoop upside down, put a light-weight kid (Marty) on top and pull it all the way to the bottom, making it packed and very fast. And if it rained and froze... oh my! It was so much more exciting and hazardous then the toboggan runs we saw on TV during the Olympics. After all, it started out with a fast downhill swoop, past the huge elm on the left, up and down along the bushes ( with branches often slapping us in the face), around an almost hairpin turn (your sled needed to maneuver well, or you'd be thrown off course), along side our tree house, across the hidden cesspool, and down the Poisson's driveway. If we were lucky, it ended on Mayfield in the middle of the street. Run after run we traveled, screaming all the way. Only the full moon, lighting the way, could add to a night like that!
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I just don't understand how you got along without video games and iPods!
ReplyDeleteLovely shot - very well composed!
It's a miracle you all survived, but ah, the memory of such an adventurous childhood.
ReplyDeleteAnd you all lived to tell the tale?
ReplyDeleteHonestly: kids!
We did similar reckless things . . .
I like the contrast of the dark trees with the snow. You have some great childhood tales!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo!
Thank You very much for Your visit!
Memories this Southern girl has never had! :)
ReplyDeleteV
Oh that sounds like so much fun! I'll bet the whole process of making the tracks was just as fun as taking a ride down :-D
ReplyDeleteBM, Ah, I just love your childhood memories! Keep them coming!!!
ReplyDeleteChildren can figure out ways to have loads of fun no matter what the weather. I wonder if today's kids turn off the electronics long enough to figure out things like you describe.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of snow!
ReplyDeleteYour story generates warmth while looking at such a cold looking picture.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful memory and this photo is wonderful. I can only imagine what it would look like under a fool moon.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Such a tale of childhood wizardry of snow runs. Children are so ingenious if we just let them have a go at it. And go you and your friends did -- whizzing the difficult snow runs that prepared you for life. Beautiful bank of apple trees. -- barbata
ReplyDeleteGreat shot and wonderful memories! I always have loved snow at night! Thanks for the wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThat was an amazing ride, bro. I totally agree. It was a whole different ballgame in the winter. But the cesspool, what the hell was that?
ReplyDeleteFlorida Checks In!
On Mayfield Street, all of the houses had cesspools, which predates the septic system. The areas in question were behind the Poisson's and McDonald's house's and if one of us veered off the path of ice and snow, would end up near or in this "warm" area. You may sink down to your ankles which could get a little messy. I remember this area.
ReplyDelete