Hiking out to my Uncle Hank's farm was a way for my mom to get a day off. For my sisters, Cathy and Patrica, and brother Francis, it was an adventure out into the country. Mom packed us a lunch and we got to drink from a canteen. Didn't really like the taste of the water from the canteen, but still it was just part of the adventure and that I liked. Seeing the different farms and different animals each had was exciting. Mrs O'Malley's goats and geese were always fun to tease - and they gave us a good chase along the way. My parents were friends with all the famers along the way. I think they were keeping their eyes on us as we passed each place.
Bird spotting was a challenge. Who could spot different birds first was the game. Catching the biggest grasshopper was another game. Getting bit by the Burger's horses and facing down their dog was all part of the adventure. Drinking cool pump water in the Burger's kitchen while eating slices of Mrs. Burger's sweet raisin bread... Sweet green apples and sour thorn apples, wild grapes and purple plums contributed to the belly aches ending in a visit to Uncle Hank's outhouse. New born calfs and stray cats were all part of visiting the farm. Little screech owls, wild turkeys and the Model T Ford in the pond, were all there, sparking our imaginations. I was fascinated by the Model T Ford in the pond.
The day ended with sleeping on Aunt Marie’s couch. Then, next morning after breakfast, the hike home. Didn't need video games in those days or even a TV.
