Traditional Speaking by Pat Larsen - Sweet Notes of Summer

Summer 2024 is now upon us. Depending on what age you choose to “ identify as” this author says “ tongue in cheek…The bearing down of this season will conjure up an immediate response.

Let’s explore the possibilities that this time of year can bring up, as we drift from now to then in our memories.

Baby Boomers from” back in the day”  found themselves delighted to be free of school books and classes at the end of June. Old frayed converse sneakers dotted  the telephone wires overhead from the school yard to the streets we lived on.

We were the generation that spent our summers chalking up the sidewalks playing hopscotch or shooting marbles on makeshift frame works made of sticks.

Sometimes a  kind and loving neighbor would freeze up some Cool Aide in a jar that then became some shaved ice as a refreshment for a hot summer's day. No one would remain indoors and  always had to be coaxed to come home as the sun set. There was just so much fun to be had with friends, not a moment was wasted. Softball was the team sport that interrupted many a street’s egress for those trying to navigate getting to work in cars.

Once in a great while, if we had saved up enough loose change, we’d anticipate flagging  down the ice cream  truck when we heard the familiar sound of the bells from a few blocks away. 

Getting in line early was part of the game we would play with each other hoping to be able to buy our favorite treat before the supply ran out.

Slurping and dripping ice cream down our arms was part of the fun right until our parents demanded that we get hosed off  before entering the house.

Books were not a staple in my home. Not until much later in my life.

But Brenda Starr comics were!!! I bought everyone at the candy shop.

I lovingly layered each comic book on my desk feathered out awaiting my selection for the day.

I’d get lost in the fictitious story lines and stare in wonder at the possibilities of becoming just like Brenda someday.

On very special occasions, I’d spend a weekend away with the family. We went to the Poconos to vacation. It was magical there. There was a pool. As well as a shuffleboard court that the adults played all day long.

Once my cousin took all the kids out in a row boat only to be scolded for not bringing along life jackets especially for my 3 yr old sister.  It’s a wonder we survived those days.

I remembered being allowed to stay up late and we sat outside of our cabin at night to watch the stars.

That part was the stuff dreams were made of.

Funny thing is, by comparison to the ongoing flurry of satellites and space stations passing overhead these days, there was a peaceful quiet that would seep into the bones back then.

That relaxed atmosphere would envelope us right up until someone decided to retell the story of 

MARY’S GRAVE that would elicit  screams as the sound of scraping was reproduced when the horror story came to life. Some things are never forgotten. This was one of those times.

That was then. This is …well, a time to reflect on days gone by.

It wasn’t better. Just different.

I think I like the old days a little more though If anyone is asking.

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays all year long with her husband and puppy in Greene County, NY

She brings fitness classes with music to enhance the lifestyles of Seniors and Baby Boomers weekly at The Shamrock House in East Durham. Ladies and Gents are welcome.

Reflections..Anything but an Ordinary Life is Pat’s first book that is due to roll out in Sept 2024.

Pat can be reached at 518-275-8686 to chat.