DanielJones
I'll Lock Up
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- On the move again...
LizzieMaine said:How many kids today walk to school? Or even live within walking distance of their school? I grew up living about a mile from my various schools, and there was never any question that I'd walk -- same as all the other neighborhood kids. We walked in groups, so there was never any risk of a lone child being picked off by an abductor -- my mother used to warn me "don't go off away from the rest of the kids or Gus Heald (the notorious local thug of the moment) will get ya!" -- but at the same time, it was expected and *required* that kids who lived within a mile of school would walk. The buses only ran to the outlying towns in our district -- if you lived in town, you walked, period.
Reminds me of something my Mother used to tell my sister. "Keep your legs crossed, don't chew gum and always walk home in a crowd."
Nowadays you might add, "and carry a can of pepper spray while you're at it."
In our neck of the woods you might not need to worry so much about abduction but you better keep an eye peeled and an ear open for the crazy drivers zipping around. Heck, I live about two miles from work, and have to drive past three schools. The speed limit is 25 mph. If it weren't for the regular patrols of Police, that would go right out the door in that area. I'm too afraid to ride a bike near there in the morning.
Folks are in way too much of a hurry. I just don't get it. I mean, i enjoy a little speed now and again going down the highway, but through residential & school areas. Some folks aren't going to be happy until they plow someone.
Also in our neck of the woods, it is wine country. Plenty of drunk drivers are around.
So, with all of that, I understand why my wife worries when our son even goes down the street to play with the neighbor kids.
I remember as a kid riding my bike about 30 miles round trip to one of our favorite fishing lakes. That was about three of us at the age of 11 & 12. We had the run of the town all day, as long as we were home for supper & before it got dark. carried change for the pay phone just in case the bike broke down and it couldn't be pushed home.
I think what we need is that slower pace of life. Instead of instant gratification like we are so used to, we should appreciate having something to look forward to. I ordered a Penman hat back in March. John told me a five month lead time. Fine by me. It gives me something to look forward to. A little anticipation. Some folks would have a kanipshen fit if they couldn't get it overnight. They have no idea of how long things took, and that it was acceptable to wait & be patient at one point in time. Everyone wants everything yesterday. Sad indeed.
Cheers!
Dan