Anne here, bringing you a very short post. I'm away from home at the moment and sitting in a hotel room, having eaten take-away Thai food while watching old reruns of Friends and Seinfeld. I drove up today to Wodonga, a town on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, about four hours drive north-east from Melbourne. 
I'm here to conduct a one-day writing workshop called Write That Novel, and I'm looking forward to it. I always find these things both a challenge and also inspirational: a challenge because I have no idea who will be in the class, but going on previous experience I expect there will be some people who are complete beginners, and others who've written several complete novels. And I won't know who I've got until the class has started and they've introduced themselves.
The challenge then is to provide information and activities that will help the beginners get started—and not intimidate them or overwhelm them with too much instruction— but that will also interest and hopefully stimulate those with more writing experience.
The unknown aspect of the class is also a source of inspiration. You never know what's going to happen — there can be wonderful chemistry in a class, as people brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other. And sometimes the writing pieces people produce in the class can blow me away. So I'm looking forward to it.
I spent my earliest years in and around Wodonga. We left to go to Scotland when I was eight. You know you're in the country when you get adverts for agricultural machinery on the TV, but in fact the town has grown so much it's unrecognizable to me. It's now part of a "twin town" with Albury, the city on the other side of the Murray River, which is the border between the states.
Driving north from Melbourne, you pass over the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, and once you do, you're in a different geographical region. The weather changes almost instantly — I left home in gloomy damp drizzle, and over the hills hit brilliant sunshine and hot, dry land. Around Melbourne, where it was been wet for weeks, the country is lush and green. Here it is bone dry.
The colors of the land at this time of year are beige and brown and grey and olive. To me it's beautiful, as this is the country that I imprinted on as a child — the photo on the left is how it used to be —but now the bones of the land are showing stark and grim. You can't help but be aware of drought and the ever-present threat of fire.
You drive through a forest and the trees all have black trunks, masses of new green leaves, and the undergrowth is sparse — a reminder that a bushfire passed through there last season, or possibly two summers ago. I wish now I'd stopped to take some photos to show you, but I didn't because I was in a hurry to get here. Isn't that always the way?
It was a feature of my childhood — so often Mum would lament that we had passed some lovely spot that she would have loved to stop and look at or explore, "but DWS" — Dad Wouldn't Stop. Seems I've inherited his foot on the accelerator. Still, tomorrow after the class, I plan to revisit some old haunts. Even though I was quite young when we left here, I have so many vivid memories.
What about you? Do you have strong memories of the place you spent your earliest years in? I'd love to hear about your own special place in the world.
Mine was a farm that had been in my fathers family for many years. But when I was a child it was just my my great aunt and two great uncles (siblings) who were still there. My great aunt had raised my father so they were close. I spent many weekends and summers there. It wasn’t much of a real farm because they were getting on in years. They had a huge vegetable garden and an orchard that still produced peaches and pears. They had several back fields where they still planted corn, wheat or soy beans. Lots of chickens, a few cows and several pigs.
It is sad when I go out there now because there is no farm any longer. It is all suburbs.
But I go there in my dreams. And it is always to the old farm house; not the new modern house that they built after they had sold some of the land. The fields, barnyard and woods are still there (in my dreams).
Mine was a farm that had been in my fathers family for many years. But when I was a child it was just my my great aunt and two great uncles (siblings) who were still there. My great aunt had raised my father so they were close. I spent many weekends and summers there. It wasn’t much of a real farm because they were getting on in years. They had a huge vegetable garden and an orchard that still produced peaches and pears. They had several back fields where they still planted corn, wheat or soy beans. Lots of chickens, a few cows and several pigs.
It is sad when I go out there now because there is no farm any longer. It is all suburbs.
But I go there in my dreams. And it is always to the old farm house; not the new modern house that they built after they had sold some of the land. The fields, barnyard and woods are still there (in my dreams).
Mine was a farm that had been in my fathers family for many years. But when I was a child it was just my my great aunt and two great uncles (siblings) who were still there. My great aunt had raised my father so they were close. I spent many weekends and summers there. It wasn’t much of a real farm because they were getting on in years. They had a huge vegetable garden and an orchard that still produced peaches and pears. They had several back fields where they still planted corn, wheat or soy beans. Lots of chickens, a few cows and several pigs.
It is sad when I go out there now because there is no farm any longer. It is all suburbs.
But I go there in my dreams. And it is always to the old farm house; not the new modern house that they built after they had sold some of the land. The fields, barnyard and woods are still there (in my dreams).
Mine was a farm that had been in my fathers family for many years. But when I was a child it was just my my great aunt and two great uncles (siblings) who were still there. My great aunt had raised my father so they were close. I spent many weekends and summers there. It wasn’t much of a real farm because they were getting on in years. They had a huge vegetable garden and an orchard that still produced peaches and pears. They had several back fields where they still planted corn, wheat or soy beans. Lots of chickens, a few cows and several pigs.
It is sad when I go out there now because there is no farm any longer. It is all suburbs.
But I go there in my dreams. And it is always to the old farm house; not the new modern house that they built after they had sold some of the land. The fields, barnyard and woods are still there (in my dreams).
Mine was a farm that had been in my fathers family for many years. But when I was a child it was just my my great aunt and two great uncles (siblings) who were still there. My great aunt had raised my father so they were close. I spent many weekends and summers there. It wasn’t much of a real farm because they were getting on in years. They had a huge vegetable garden and an orchard that still produced peaches and pears. They had several back fields where they still planted corn, wheat or soy beans. Lots of chickens, a few cows and several pigs.
It is sad when I go out there now because there is no farm any longer. It is all suburbs.
But I go there in my dreams. And it is always to the old farm house; not the new modern house that they built after they had sold some of the land. The fields, barnyard and woods are still there (in my dreams).
I know exactly what you mean Mary T. I can dream or even just sit quietly and close my eyes and transport myself back to our house where we lived when I was 4 or 5 and I can see who the neighbors were and where I played. I can also walk the two or three blocks to school when I went to kindergarten – yes, i walked all by myself – would not be allowed nowadays. I passed a cemetary and I was not scared at all. Used to go in and sit on a headstone beside a lifesize angel and talk to it! It was so peaceful there and always sunny in my dreams. A happy time if you can believe it.
I know exactly what you mean Mary T. I can dream or even just sit quietly and close my eyes and transport myself back to our house where we lived when I was 4 or 5 and I can see who the neighbors were and where I played. I can also walk the two or three blocks to school when I went to kindergarten – yes, i walked all by myself – would not be allowed nowadays. I passed a cemetary and I was not scared at all. Used to go in and sit on a headstone beside a lifesize angel and talk to it! It was so peaceful there and always sunny in my dreams. A happy time if you can believe it.
I know exactly what you mean Mary T. I can dream or even just sit quietly and close my eyes and transport myself back to our house where we lived when I was 4 or 5 and I can see who the neighbors were and where I played. I can also walk the two or three blocks to school when I went to kindergarten – yes, i walked all by myself – would not be allowed nowadays. I passed a cemetary and I was not scared at all. Used to go in and sit on a headstone beside a lifesize angel and talk to it! It was so peaceful there and always sunny in my dreams. A happy time if you can believe it.
I know exactly what you mean Mary T. I can dream or even just sit quietly and close my eyes and transport myself back to our house where we lived when I was 4 or 5 and I can see who the neighbors were and where I played. I can also walk the two or three blocks to school when I went to kindergarten – yes, i walked all by myself – would not be allowed nowadays. I passed a cemetary and I was not scared at all. Used to go in and sit on a headstone beside a lifesize angel and talk to it! It was so peaceful there and always sunny in my dreams. A happy time if you can believe it.
I know exactly what you mean Mary T. I can dream or even just sit quietly and close my eyes and transport myself back to our house where we lived when I was 4 or 5 and I can see who the neighbors were and where I played. I can also walk the two or three blocks to school when I went to kindergarten – yes, i walked all by myself – would not be allowed nowadays. I passed a cemetary and I was not scared at all. Used to go in and sit on a headstone beside a lifesize angel and talk to it! It was so peaceful there and always sunny in my dreams. A happy time if you can believe it.
Most of my life I have lived in Central Ohio, USA. But when I was very young we lived in North Dakota. A few memories are imprinted from that time and the yearly pilgrimages we took to visit Mom’s family. We would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Forks, while Mom and Dad went to Langdon, Osnabrock, and other small towns to visit her relatives. As we got older, we would be packed into the car to visit the relatives. The last visit was in 1981 as the following summer I was getting ready for college. We visited Langdon over the fourth of July. We had celebrated July 1 in Canada, and then 3 days later in the US. It felt like a three day party to this teenager. I’ve been there twice as an adult, for my Grandma’s funeral and last year for a family reunion and a genealogy expedition. When I stepped into the constant breeze, I felt alive for the first time in years since I had heart surgery, I had come home.
Most of my life I have lived in Central Ohio, USA. But when I was very young we lived in North Dakota. A few memories are imprinted from that time and the yearly pilgrimages we took to visit Mom’s family. We would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Forks, while Mom and Dad went to Langdon, Osnabrock, and other small towns to visit her relatives. As we got older, we would be packed into the car to visit the relatives. The last visit was in 1981 as the following summer I was getting ready for college. We visited Langdon over the fourth of July. We had celebrated July 1 in Canada, and then 3 days later in the US. It felt like a three day party to this teenager. I’ve been there twice as an adult, for my Grandma’s funeral and last year for a family reunion and a genealogy expedition. When I stepped into the constant breeze, I felt alive for the first time in years since I had heart surgery, I had come home.
Most of my life I have lived in Central Ohio, USA. But when I was very young we lived in North Dakota. A few memories are imprinted from that time and the yearly pilgrimages we took to visit Mom’s family. We would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Forks, while Mom and Dad went to Langdon, Osnabrock, and other small towns to visit her relatives. As we got older, we would be packed into the car to visit the relatives. The last visit was in 1981 as the following summer I was getting ready for college. We visited Langdon over the fourth of July. We had celebrated July 1 in Canada, and then 3 days later in the US. It felt like a three day party to this teenager. I’ve been there twice as an adult, for my Grandma’s funeral and last year for a family reunion and a genealogy expedition. When I stepped into the constant breeze, I felt alive for the first time in years since I had heart surgery, I had come home.
Most of my life I have lived in Central Ohio, USA. But when I was very young we lived in North Dakota. A few memories are imprinted from that time and the yearly pilgrimages we took to visit Mom’s family. We would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Forks, while Mom and Dad went to Langdon, Osnabrock, and other small towns to visit her relatives. As we got older, we would be packed into the car to visit the relatives. The last visit was in 1981 as the following summer I was getting ready for college. We visited Langdon over the fourth of July. We had celebrated July 1 in Canada, and then 3 days later in the US. It felt like a three day party to this teenager. I’ve been there twice as an adult, for my Grandma’s funeral and last year for a family reunion and a genealogy expedition. When I stepped into the constant breeze, I felt alive for the first time in years since I had heart surgery, I had come home.
Most of my life I have lived in Central Ohio, USA. But when I was very young we lived in North Dakota. A few memories are imprinted from that time and the yearly pilgrimages we took to visit Mom’s family. We would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Forks, while Mom and Dad went to Langdon, Osnabrock, and other small towns to visit her relatives. As we got older, we would be packed into the car to visit the relatives. The last visit was in 1981 as the following summer I was getting ready for college. We visited Langdon over the fourth of July. We had celebrated July 1 in Canada, and then 3 days later in the US. It felt like a three day party to this teenager. I’ve been there twice as an adult, for my Grandma’s funeral and last year for a family reunion and a genealogy expedition. When I stepped into the constant breeze, I felt alive for the first time in years since I had heart surgery, I had come home.
I don’t have a strong memory of such a place — one, we moved a lot throughout my childhood and two, I have a poor memory overall. I am enjoying hearing all of your stories though. Thanks for your post, Anne; I hope that your workshop is invigorating.
I don’t have a strong memory of such a place — one, we moved a lot throughout my childhood and two, I have a poor memory overall. I am enjoying hearing all of your stories though. Thanks for your post, Anne; I hope that your workshop is invigorating.
I don’t have a strong memory of such a place — one, we moved a lot throughout my childhood and two, I have a poor memory overall. I am enjoying hearing all of your stories though. Thanks for your post, Anne; I hope that your workshop is invigorating.
I don’t have a strong memory of such a place — one, we moved a lot throughout my childhood and two, I have a poor memory overall. I am enjoying hearing all of your stories though. Thanks for your post, Anne; I hope that your workshop is invigorating.
I don’t have a strong memory of such a place — one, we moved a lot throughout my childhood and two, I have a poor memory overall. I am enjoying hearing all of your stories though. Thanks for your post, Anne; I hope that your workshop is invigorating.
I spent my first 9 years living in the countryside of Paraguay. This is a very poor land-locked country and my parents were part of a religious group that had to flee Germany and England at the start of WWll. We were poor, but not as poor as our native neighbors. The countryside was beautiful with scattered patches of jungle and grassy camp land. The wildlife and nature all around us was wonderful. I do not know how the adults managed the adjustment from life in Europe, but for us kids we knew nothing more that what was around us.
Sadly now all the jungle is gone and there are no remnants of our old home. Some have returned to visit but I will keep my memories intact of my tropical home.
I spent my first 9 years living in the countryside of Paraguay. This is a very poor land-locked country and my parents were part of a religious group that had to flee Germany and England at the start of WWll. We were poor, but not as poor as our native neighbors. The countryside was beautiful with scattered patches of jungle and grassy camp land. The wildlife and nature all around us was wonderful. I do not know how the adults managed the adjustment from life in Europe, but for us kids we knew nothing more that what was around us.
Sadly now all the jungle is gone and there are no remnants of our old home. Some have returned to visit but I will keep my memories intact of my tropical home.
I spent my first 9 years living in the countryside of Paraguay. This is a very poor land-locked country and my parents were part of a religious group that had to flee Germany and England at the start of WWll. We were poor, but not as poor as our native neighbors. The countryside was beautiful with scattered patches of jungle and grassy camp land. The wildlife and nature all around us was wonderful. I do not know how the adults managed the adjustment from life in Europe, but for us kids we knew nothing more that what was around us.
Sadly now all the jungle is gone and there are no remnants of our old home. Some have returned to visit but I will keep my memories intact of my tropical home.
I spent my first 9 years living in the countryside of Paraguay. This is a very poor land-locked country and my parents were part of a religious group that had to flee Germany and England at the start of WWll. We were poor, but not as poor as our native neighbors. The countryside was beautiful with scattered patches of jungle and grassy camp land. The wildlife and nature all around us was wonderful. I do not know how the adults managed the adjustment from life in Europe, but for us kids we knew nothing more that what was around us.
Sadly now all the jungle is gone and there are no remnants of our old home. Some have returned to visit but I will keep my memories intact of my tropical home.
I spent my first 9 years living in the countryside of Paraguay. This is a very poor land-locked country and my parents were part of a religious group that had to flee Germany and England at the start of WWll. We were poor, but not as poor as our native neighbors. The countryside was beautiful with scattered patches of jungle and grassy camp land. The wildlife and nature all around us was wonderful. I do not know how the adults managed the adjustment from life in Europe, but for us kids we knew nothing more that what was around us.
Sadly now all the jungle is gone and there are no remnants of our old home. Some have returned to visit but I will keep my memories intact of my tropical home.
Mine is the property I grew up on. I had a nature preserve right behind that had encroached about 150 feet onto our property. It was quiet, peaceful and tranquil and I loved it. Alas, we’ve sold it and had to move on, but it will always be my favorite place.
Mine is the property I grew up on. I had a nature preserve right behind that had encroached about 150 feet onto our property. It was quiet, peaceful and tranquil and I loved it. Alas, we’ve sold it and had to move on, but it will always be my favorite place.
Mine is the property I grew up on. I had a nature preserve right behind that had encroached about 150 feet onto our property. It was quiet, peaceful and tranquil and I loved it. Alas, we’ve sold it and had to move on, but it will always be my favorite place.
Mine is the property I grew up on. I had a nature preserve right behind that had encroached about 150 feet onto our property. It was quiet, peaceful and tranquil and I loved it. Alas, we’ve sold it and had to move on, but it will always be my favorite place.
Mine is the property I grew up on. I had a nature preserve right behind that had encroached about 150 feet onto our property. It was quiet, peaceful and tranquil and I loved it. Alas, we’ve sold it and had to move on, but it will always be my favorite place.
I mention my home town frequently. I spent the first 55 years of my life in the greater St. Louis area. And most of those years were in the city proper. Until we moved to Columbia, Missouri almost 31 years ago, the longest time spent in any one building was the 18 years I lived in the house I started to kindergarten in. The house is still there, and I believe only two more families have lived in it since my mother sold it.
Other family homes are still standing, both in St. Louis and in North Manchester, Indiana where my father grew up. i remember all of them fondly, but the house I went to school from (kindergarten through college) is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.
I mention my home town frequently. I spent the first 55 years of my life in the greater St. Louis area. And most of those years were in the city proper. Until we moved to Columbia, Missouri almost 31 years ago, the longest time spent in any one building was the 18 years I lived in the house I started to kindergarten in. The house is still there, and I believe only two more families have lived in it since my mother sold it.
Other family homes are still standing, both in St. Louis and in North Manchester, Indiana where my father grew up. i remember all of them fondly, but the house I went to school from (kindergarten through college) is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.
I mention my home town frequently. I spent the first 55 years of my life in the greater St. Louis area. And most of those years were in the city proper. Until we moved to Columbia, Missouri almost 31 years ago, the longest time spent in any one building was the 18 years I lived in the house I started to kindergarten in. The house is still there, and I believe only two more families have lived in it since my mother sold it.
Other family homes are still standing, both in St. Louis and in North Manchester, Indiana where my father grew up. i remember all of them fondly, but the house I went to school from (kindergarten through college) is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.
I mention my home town frequently. I spent the first 55 years of my life in the greater St. Louis area. And most of those years were in the city proper. Until we moved to Columbia, Missouri almost 31 years ago, the longest time spent in any one building was the 18 years I lived in the house I started to kindergarten in. The house is still there, and I believe only two more families have lived in it since my mother sold it.
Other family homes are still standing, both in St. Louis and in North Manchester, Indiana where my father grew up. i remember all of them fondly, but the house I went to school from (kindergarten through college) is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.
I mention my home town frequently. I spent the first 55 years of my life in the greater St. Louis area. And most of those years were in the city proper. Until we moved to Columbia, Missouri almost 31 years ago, the longest time spent in any one building was the 18 years I lived in the house I started to kindergarten in. The house is still there, and I believe only two more families have lived in it since my mother sold it.
Other family homes are still standing, both in St. Louis and in North Manchester, Indiana where my father grew up. i remember all of them fondly, but the house I went to school from (kindergarten through college) is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.
Anne, you’re very right that the area where we lived is children imprints on us. I grew up in a farming area of Western New York–rolling hills, snow, well tended farms, small towns with classical names in Greek and Latin. My father’s family have lived in that area for generations; some still do.
I went off to college at 17 and never lived there again, but there is still an Upstate New York look and feels that says “home.” It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it hasn’t changed much, largely because it’s a rather poor area. No development has wiped out the family farm, though I doubt it’s still being farmed. The look and feel will still be there.
Anne, you’re very right that the area where we lived is children imprints on us. I grew up in a farming area of Western New York–rolling hills, snow, well tended farms, small towns with classical names in Greek and Latin. My father’s family have lived in that area for generations; some still do.
I went off to college at 17 and never lived there again, but there is still an Upstate New York look and feels that says “home.” It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it hasn’t changed much, largely because it’s a rather poor area. No development has wiped out the family farm, though I doubt it’s still being farmed. The look and feel will still be there.
Anne, you’re very right that the area where we lived is children imprints on us. I grew up in a farming area of Western New York–rolling hills, snow, well tended farms, small towns with classical names in Greek and Latin. My father’s family have lived in that area for generations; some still do.
I went off to college at 17 and never lived there again, but there is still an Upstate New York look and feels that says “home.” It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it hasn’t changed much, largely because it’s a rather poor area. No development has wiped out the family farm, though I doubt it’s still being farmed. The look and feel will still be there.
Anne, you’re very right that the area where we lived is children imprints on us. I grew up in a farming area of Western New York–rolling hills, snow, well tended farms, small towns with classical names in Greek and Latin. My father’s family have lived in that area for generations; some still do.
I went off to college at 17 and never lived there again, but there is still an Upstate New York look and feels that says “home.” It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it hasn’t changed much, largely because it’s a rather poor area. No development has wiped out the family farm, though I doubt it’s still being farmed. The look and feel will still be there.
Anne, you’re very right that the area where we lived is children imprints on us. I grew up in a farming area of Western New York–rolling hills, snow, well tended farms, small towns with classical names in Greek and Latin. My father’s family have lived in that area for generations; some still do.
I went off to college at 17 and never lived there again, but there is still an Upstate New York look and feels that says “home.” It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it hasn’t changed much, largely because it’s a rather poor area. No development has wiped out the family farm, though I doubt it’s still being farmed. The look and feel will still be there.
How lovely to still be able to revisit in your dreams, Mary. I think suburban sprawl is so sad. After I dropped my dog at the kennels I drove out the “back” way to join up with the freeway, through outer suburbs that not so long ago was farmland — and still is in patches. I found it quite disturbing to see on one side of the narrow country road, a recently bulldozed “hosing development with all the roads, gutters and driveways made, waiting for the houses to be built, and a bit further along there was wall to wall houses and roofs with barely a glimpse of space in between, while over the road there is a farm with some horses grazing, or a herd of cows — being built out . . .
How lovely to still be able to revisit in your dreams, Mary. I think suburban sprawl is so sad. After I dropped my dog at the kennels I drove out the “back” way to join up with the freeway, through outer suburbs that not so long ago was farmland — and still is in patches. I found it quite disturbing to see on one side of the narrow country road, a recently bulldozed “hosing development with all the roads, gutters and driveways made, waiting for the houses to be built, and a bit further along there was wall to wall houses and roofs with barely a glimpse of space in between, while over the road there is a farm with some horses grazing, or a herd of cows — being built out . . .
How lovely to still be able to revisit in your dreams, Mary. I think suburban sprawl is so sad. After I dropped my dog at the kennels I drove out the “back” way to join up with the freeway, through outer suburbs that not so long ago was farmland — and still is in patches. I found it quite disturbing to see on one side of the narrow country road, a recently bulldozed “hosing development with all the roads, gutters and driveways made, waiting for the houses to be built, and a bit further along there was wall to wall houses and roofs with barely a glimpse of space in between, while over the road there is a farm with some horses grazing, or a herd of cows — being built out . . .
How lovely to still be able to revisit in your dreams, Mary. I think suburban sprawl is so sad. After I dropped my dog at the kennels I drove out the “back” way to join up with the freeway, through outer suburbs that not so long ago was farmland — and still is in patches. I found it quite disturbing to see on one side of the narrow country road, a recently bulldozed “hosing development with all the roads, gutters and driveways made, waiting for the houses to be built, and a bit further along there was wall to wall houses and roofs with barely a glimpse of space in between, while over the road there is a farm with some horses grazing, or a herd of cows — being built out . . .
How lovely to still be able to revisit in your dreams, Mary. I think suburban sprawl is so sad. After I dropped my dog at the kennels I drove out the “back” way to join up with the freeway, through outer suburbs that not so long ago was farmland — and still is in patches. I found it quite disturbing to see on one side of the narrow country road, a recently bulldozed “hosing development with all the roads, gutters and driveways made, waiting for the houses to be built, and a bit further along there was wall to wall houses and roofs with barely a glimpse of space in between, while over the road there is a farm with some horses grazing, or a herd of cows — being built out . . .
Donna, I did exactly that here — I drove the route from my old house to my school — just to see if I remembered it — and remember, we left here just before I turned 8. And I was shocked at how far it was, and how it was still pretty isolated, and how I was walking to school my myself at the age of 5 onwards. You’re right — it would never happen today.
But I sometimes wonder whether it was any more dangerous for kids today, or whether we think it is because the media is so efficient that every single bad thing that happens is instantly known by everyone. Or whether society has broken down in part because people move so often that those basic community connections are broken. Interesting to ponder.
Donna, I did exactly that here — I drove the route from my old house to my school — just to see if I remembered it — and remember, we left here just before I turned 8. And I was shocked at how far it was, and how it was still pretty isolated, and how I was walking to school my myself at the age of 5 onwards. You’re right — it would never happen today.
But I sometimes wonder whether it was any more dangerous for kids today, or whether we think it is because the media is so efficient that every single bad thing that happens is instantly known by everyone. Or whether society has broken down in part because people move so often that those basic community connections are broken. Interesting to ponder.
Donna, I did exactly that here — I drove the route from my old house to my school — just to see if I remembered it — and remember, we left here just before I turned 8. And I was shocked at how far it was, and how it was still pretty isolated, and how I was walking to school my myself at the age of 5 onwards. You’re right — it would never happen today.
But I sometimes wonder whether it was any more dangerous for kids today, or whether we think it is because the media is so efficient that every single bad thing that happens is instantly known by everyone. Or whether society has broken down in part because people move so often that those basic community connections are broken. Interesting to ponder.
Donna, I did exactly that here — I drove the route from my old house to my school — just to see if I remembered it — and remember, we left here just before I turned 8. And I was shocked at how far it was, and how it was still pretty isolated, and how I was walking to school my myself at the age of 5 onwards. You’re right — it would never happen today.
But I sometimes wonder whether it was any more dangerous for kids today, or whether we think it is because the media is so efficient that every single bad thing that happens is instantly known by everyone. Or whether society has broken down in part because people move so often that those basic community connections are broken. Interesting to ponder.
Donna, I did exactly that here — I drove the route from my old house to my school — just to see if I remembered it — and remember, we left here just before I turned 8. And I was shocked at how far it was, and how it was still pretty isolated, and how I was walking to school my myself at the age of 5 onwards. You’re right — it would never happen today.
But I sometimes wonder whether it was any more dangerous for kids today, or whether we think it is because the media is so efficient that every single bad thing that happens is instantly known by everyone. Or whether society has broken down in part because people move so often that those basic community connections are broken. Interesting to ponder.
A lovely story, Pamela — thanks for sharing. Isn’t it fascinating how strongly some of those earlier memories, and the imprint of “place” can happen when we’re young. And how years later we can be transported back there.
A lovely story, Pamela — thanks for sharing. Isn’t it fascinating how strongly some of those earlier memories, and the imprint of “place” can happen when we’re young. And how years later we can be transported back there.
A lovely story, Pamela — thanks for sharing. Isn’t it fascinating how strongly some of those earlier memories, and the imprint of “place” can happen when we’re young. And how years later we can be transported back there.
A lovely story, Pamela — thanks for sharing. Isn’t it fascinating how strongly some of those earlier memories, and the imprint of “place” can happen when we’re young. And how years later we can be transported back there.
A lovely story, Pamela — thanks for sharing. Isn’t it fascinating how strongly some of those earlier memories, and the imprint of “place” can happen when we’re young. And how years later we can be transported back there.
Kareni, some people recall different things. My middle sister doesn’t remember half the stuff I do, even though she’s a lot older. My oldest sister however remembers more, but it’s different stuff again.
Kareni, some people recall different things. My middle sister doesn’t remember half the stuff I do, even though she’s a lot older. My oldest sister however remembers more, but it’s different stuff again.
Kareni, some people recall different things. My middle sister doesn’t remember half the stuff I do, even though she’s a lot older. My oldest sister however remembers more, but it’s different stuff again.
Kareni, some people recall different things. My middle sister doesn’t remember half the stuff I do, even though she’s a lot older. My oldest sister however remembers more, but it’s different stuff again.
Kareni, some people recall different things. My middle sister doesn’t remember half the stuff I do, even though she’s a lot older. My oldest sister however remembers more, but it’s different stuff again.
Wow, Margot, what a fascinating story. The number of people and groups who left their country in search of religious freedom is amazing — from the pilgrims going to the US, and people to Paraguy and I recall some group of Welsh people who went to Patagonia (I think) and there is still a Welsh community there. In Australia, the colony of South Australia (now a state) was settled also by people searching for religious freedom. And as a result South Australia has always been more liberal than most places — they were the first place in the world to give women the vote, for instance. And there are many more examples. But I digress. What an amazing and exciting place Paraguay must have been for you kids — and how difficult it probably was for your parents. And how brave they were. I hope you write about your memories — that’s a very special time in the history of your family.
Wow, Margot, what a fascinating story. The number of people and groups who left their country in search of religious freedom is amazing — from the pilgrims going to the US, and people to Paraguy and I recall some group of Welsh people who went to Patagonia (I think) and there is still a Welsh community there. In Australia, the colony of South Australia (now a state) was settled also by people searching for religious freedom. And as a result South Australia has always been more liberal than most places — they were the first place in the world to give women the vote, for instance. And there are many more examples. But I digress. What an amazing and exciting place Paraguay must have been for you kids — and how difficult it probably was for your parents. And how brave they were. I hope you write about your memories — that’s a very special time in the history of your family.
Wow, Margot, what a fascinating story. The number of people and groups who left their country in search of religious freedom is amazing — from the pilgrims going to the US, and people to Paraguy and I recall some group of Welsh people who went to Patagonia (I think) and there is still a Welsh community there. In Australia, the colony of South Australia (now a state) was settled also by people searching for religious freedom. And as a result South Australia has always been more liberal than most places — they were the first place in the world to give women the vote, for instance. And there are many more examples. But I digress. What an amazing and exciting place Paraguay must have been for you kids — and how difficult it probably was for your parents. And how brave they were. I hope you write about your memories — that’s a very special time in the history of your family.
Wow, Margot, what a fascinating story. The number of people and groups who left their country in search of religious freedom is amazing — from the pilgrims going to the US, and people to Paraguy and I recall some group of Welsh people who went to Patagonia (I think) and there is still a Welsh community there. In Australia, the colony of South Australia (now a state) was settled also by people searching for religious freedom. And as a result South Australia has always been more liberal than most places — they were the first place in the world to give women the vote, for instance. And there are many more examples. But I digress. What an amazing and exciting place Paraguay must have been for you kids — and how difficult it probably was for your parents. And how brave they were. I hope you write about your memories — that’s a very special time in the history of your family.
Wow, Margot, what a fascinating story. The number of people and groups who left their country in search of religious freedom is amazing — from the pilgrims going to the US, and people to Paraguy and I recall some group of Welsh people who went to Patagonia (I think) and there is still a Welsh community there. In Australia, the colony of South Australia (now a state) was settled also by people searching for religious freedom. And as a result South Australia has always been more liberal than most places — they were the first place in the world to give women the vote, for instance. And there are many more examples. But I digress. What an amazing and exciting place Paraguay must have been for you kids — and how difficult it probably was for your parents. And how brave they were. I hope you write about your memories — that’s a very special time in the history of your family.
Lovely that you have it in your memory still, Theo. And it will have imprinted on you deeply, I’m sure.
Lovely that you have it in your memory still, Theo. And it will have imprinted on you deeply, I’m sure.
Lovely that you have it in your memory still, Theo. And it will have imprinted on you deeply, I’m sure.
Lovely that you have it in your memory still, Theo. And it will have imprinted on you deeply, I’m sure.
Lovely that you have it in your memory still, Theo. And it will have imprinted on you deeply, I’m sure.
What a lovely way to describe it, Sue. “the house I went to school from is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.” Gorgeous!
What a lovely way to describe it, Sue. “the house I went to school from is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.” Gorgeous!
What a lovely way to describe it, Sue. “the house I went to school from is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.” Gorgeous!
What a lovely way to describe it, Sue. “the house I went to school from is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.” Gorgeous!
What a lovely way to describe it, Sue. “the house I went to school from is the center of my memories, and the public places of St. Louis are where my sleeping dreams place events.” Gorgeous!
Mary Jo — yes it’s extraordinary how we get imprinted. I was almost 8 when we left this town and I only ever drove through it after that, driving on my way to Sydney, rarely stopping and then only for petrol and maybe a hamburger. And yes, for all that, the feeling of “home” to be is so strong.
I’m so glad development hasn’t yet swamped your little piece of “home.”
Mary Jo — yes it’s extraordinary how we get imprinted. I was almost 8 when we left this town and I only ever drove through it after that, driving on my way to Sydney, rarely stopping and then only for petrol and maybe a hamburger. And yes, for all that, the feeling of “home” to be is so strong.
I’m so glad development hasn’t yet swamped your little piece of “home.”
Mary Jo — yes it’s extraordinary how we get imprinted. I was almost 8 when we left this town and I only ever drove through it after that, driving on my way to Sydney, rarely stopping and then only for petrol and maybe a hamburger. And yes, for all that, the feeling of “home” to be is so strong.
I’m so glad development hasn’t yet swamped your little piece of “home.”
Mary Jo — yes it’s extraordinary how we get imprinted. I was almost 8 when we left this town and I only ever drove through it after that, driving on my way to Sydney, rarely stopping and then only for petrol and maybe a hamburger. And yes, for all that, the feeling of “home” to be is so strong.
I’m so glad development hasn’t yet swamped your little piece of “home.”
Mary Jo — yes it’s extraordinary how we get imprinted. I was almost 8 when we left this town and I only ever drove through it after that, driving on my way to Sydney, rarely stopping and then only for petrol and maybe a hamburger. And yes, for all that, the feeling of “home” to be is so strong.
I’m so glad development hasn’t yet swamped your little piece of “home.”
Donna your story made me think of my own first day of school. My mother took me to school but I was supposed to get a ride home on the back of my older brothers’ bicycle. But he wanted to hang out with his friends, while I just wanted to go home. So I hit the road by myself. It was a mile and a half, but it was a pretty straight shot down the road. I don’t remember if we got into trouble for that or not. If we did, the memory isn’t as strong as the pride I felt at finding my way home by myself. You are right – it would never happen today.
Donna your story made me think of my own first day of school. My mother took me to school but I was supposed to get a ride home on the back of my older brothers’ bicycle. But he wanted to hang out with his friends, while I just wanted to go home. So I hit the road by myself. It was a mile and a half, but it was a pretty straight shot down the road. I don’t remember if we got into trouble for that or not. If we did, the memory isn’t as strong as the pride I felt at finding my way home by myself. You are right – it would never happen today.
Donna your story made me think of my own first day of school. My mother took me to school but I was supposed to get a ride home on the back of my older brothers’ bicycle. But he wanted to hang out with his friends, while I just wanted to go home. So I hit the road by myself. It was a mile and a half, but it was a pretty straight shot down the road. I don’t remember if we got into trouble for that or not. If we did, the memory isn’t as strong as the pride I felt at finding my way home by myself. You are right – it would never happen today.
Donna your story made me think of my own first day of school. My mother took me to school but I was supposed to get a ride home on the back of my older brothers’ bicycle. But he wanted to hang out with his friends, while I just wanted to go home. So I hit the road by myself. It was a mile and a half, but it was a pretty straight shot down the road. I don’t remember if we got into trouble for that or not. If we did, the memory isn’t as strong as the pride I felt at finding my way home by myself. You are right – it would never happen today.
Donna your story made me think of my own first day of school. My mother took me to school but I was supposed to get a ride home on the back of my older brothers’ bicycle. But he wanted to hang out with his friends, while I just wanted to go home. So I hit the road by myself. It was a mile and a half, but it was a pretty straight shot down the road. I don’t remember if we got into trouble for that or not. If we did, the memory isn’t as strong as the pride I felt at finding my way home by myself. You are right – it would never happen today.
Three places. One was a large area of old oak trees across from our house. Their leaves had fallen and become a sandy and loamy soil which had a certain smell. It was wonderful. And if you stopped walking there were squirrels and birds everywhere. Going barefoot meant you felt the soil and it was so soft.
The other was a cemetery. Some friends and I would ride our bikes there for picnics. Our parents had no clue where we were going. It was green, there was a small lake with swans and it was very quiet. The residents never intruded on our picnics. There were willow trees and a sense of serenity. Even as children we knew it was a restful place.
Finally, we lived near Lake Michigan. Walking on the beach in the summer was like walking on burning coals. Then you got to the water and it was cold. And it was all wonderful. When you looked at the lake it was new and exciting each time.
Three places. One was a large area of old oak trees across from our house. Their leaves had fallen and become a sandy and loamy soil which had a certain smell. It was wonderful. And if you stopped walking there were squirrels and birds everywhere. Going barefoot meant you felt the soil and it was so soft.
The other was a cemetery. Some friends and I would ride our bikes there for picnics. Our parents had no clue where we were going. It was green, there was a small lake with swans and it was very quiet. The residents never intruded on our picnics. There were willow trees and a sense of serenity. Even as children we knew it was a restful place.
Finally, we lived near Lake Michigan. Walking on the beach in the summer was like walking on burning coals. Then you got to the water and it was cold. And it was all wonderful. When you looked at the lake it was new and exciting each time.
Three places. One was a large area of old oak trees across from our house. Their leaves had fallen and become a sandy and loamy soil which had a certain smell. It was wonderful. And if you stopped walking there were squirrels and birds everywhere. Going barefoot meant you felt the soil and it was so soft.
The other was a cemetery. Some friends and I would ride our bikes there for picnics. Our parents had no clue where we were going. It was green, there was a small lake with swans and it was very quiet. The residents never intruded on our picnics. There were willow trees and a sense of serenity. Even as children we knew it was a restful place.
Finally, we lived near Lake Michigan. Walking on the beach in the summer was like walking on burning coals. Then you got to the water and it was cold. And it was all wonderful. When you looked at the lake it was new and exciting each time.
Three places. One was a large area of old oak trees across from our house. Their leaves had fallen and become a sandy and loamy soil which had a certain smell. It was wonderful. And if you stopped walking there were squirrels and birds everywhere. Going barefoot meant you felt the soil and it was so soft.
The other was a cemetery. Some friends and I would ride our bikes there for picnics. Our parents had no clue where we were going. It was green, there was a small lake with swans and it was very quiet. The residents never intruded on our picnics. There were willow trees and a sense of serenity. Even as children we knew it was a restful place.
Finally, we lived near Lake Michigan. Walking on the beach in the summer was like walking on burning coals. Then you got to the water and it was cold. And it was all wonderful. When you looked at the lake it was new and exciting each time.
Three places. One was a large area of old oak trees across from our house. Their leaves had fallen and become a sandy and loamy soil which had a certain smell. It was wonderful. And if you stopped walking there were squirrels and birds everywhere. Going barefoot meant you felt the soil and it was so soft.
The other was a cemetery. Some friends and I would ride our bikes there for picnics. Our parents had no clue where we were going. It was green, there was a small lake with swans and it was very quiet. The residents never intruded on our picnics. There were willow trees and a sense of serenity. Even as children we knew it was a restful place.
Finally, we lived near Lake Michigan. Walking on the beach in the summer was like walking on burning coals. Then you got to the water and it was cold. And it was all wonderful. When you looked at the lake it was new and exciting each time.
What gorgeous word-pictures, Annette. I want to peel off my shoes and socks and walk barefoot in that sandy soft oak-leafy soil. And smell it. In one of the places I lived there was a stand of pine trees with pine-needles underneath a foot deep. We used to make forts out of those pine needles, and sometimes I’d just take a book down there and read, lying on a bed of pine needles. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell.
What gorgeous word-pictures, Annette. I want to peel off my shoes and socks and walk barefoot in that sandy soft oak-leafy soil. And smell it. In one of the places I lived there was a stand of pine trees with pine-needles underneath a foot deep. We used to make forts out of those pine needles, and sometimes I’d just take a book down there and read, lying on a bed of pine needles. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell.
What gorgeous word-pictures, Annette. I want to peel off my shoes and socks and walk barefoot in that sandy soft oak-leafy soil. And smell it. In one of the places I lived there was a stand of pine trees with pine-needles underneath a foot deep. We used to make forts out of those pine needles, and sometimes I’d just take a book down there and read, lying on a bed of pine needles. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell.
What gorgeous word-pictures, Annette. I want to peel off my shoes and socks and walk barefoot in that sandy soft oak-leafy soil. And smell it. In one of the places I lived there was a stand of pine trees with pine-needles underneath a foot deep. We used to make forts out of those pine needles, and sometimes I’d just take a book down there and read, lying on a bed of pine needles. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell.
What gorgeous word-pictures, Annette. I want to peel off my shoes and socks and walk barefoot in that sandy soft oak-leafy soil. And smell it. In one of the places I lived there was a stand of pine trees with pine-needles underneath a foot deep. We used to make forts out of those pine needles, and sometimes I’d just take a book down there and read, lying on a bed of pine needles. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell.
I was born and lived in a town in England for the first five and a half years of my life before we left and came to live in Ireland. I’m not one for travel so have never been back but I still remember it all like it was yesterday. This was back in the 60’s so of course it’s all very different there today. Lately my son looked it up on google maps and even though there’s a huge tower block there, our house is still there! It was wonderful to see it. I was able to direct him around the map and I hadn’t forgotten any of it. Was able to show him where we played and did the shopping. Even where we caught the bus to go visit relatives.
Memory!! It’s a wonderful thing.
Really enjoyed this post and the comments.
I was born and lived in a town in England for the first five and a half years of my life before we left and came to live in Ireland. I’m not one for travel so have never been back but I still remember it all like it was yesterday. This was back in the 60’s so of course it’s all very different there today. Lately my son looked it up on google maps and even though there’s a huge tower block there, our house is still there! It was wonderful to see it. I was able to direct him around the map and I hadn’t forgotten any of it. Was able to show him where we played and did the shopping. Even where we caught the bus to go visit relatives.
Memory!! It’s a wonderful thing.
Really enjoyed this post and the comments.
I was born and lived in a town in England for the first five and a half years of my life before we left and came to live in Ireland. I’m not one for travel so have never been back but I still remember it all like it was yesterday. This was back in the 60’s so of course it’s all very different there today. Lately my son looked it up on google maps and even though there’s a huge tower block there, our house is still there! It was wonderful to see it. I was able to direct him around the map and I hadn’t forgotten any of it. Was able to show him where we played and did the shopping. Even where we caught the bus to go visit relatives.
Memory!! It’s a wonderful thing.
Really enjoyed this post and the comments.
I was born and lived in a town in England for the first five and a half years of my life before we left and came to live in Ireland. I’m not one for travel so have never been back but I still remember it all like it was yesterday. This was back in the 60’s so of course it’s all very different there today. Lately my son looked it up on google maps and even though there’s a huge tower block there, our house is still there! It was wonderful to see it. I was able to direct him around the map and I hadn’t forgotten any of it. Was able to show him where we played and did the shopping. Even where we caught the bus to go visit relatives.
Memory!! It’s a wonderful thing.
Really enjoyed this post and the comments.
I was born and lived in a town in England for the first five and a half years of my life before we left and came to live in Ireland. I’m not one for travel so have never been back but I still remember it all like it was yesterday. This was back in the 60’s so of course it’s all very different there today. Lately my son looked it up on google maps and even though there’s a huge tower block there, our house is still there! It was wonderful to see it. I was able to direct him around the map and I hadn’t forgotten any of it. Was able to show him where we played and did the shopping. Even where we caught the bus to go visit relatives.
Memory!! It’s a wonderful thing.
Really enjoyed this post and the comments.
Teresa, how fabulous that it was all still there. I think a five-year-old can remember a lot more than most adults would expect. I was surprised when I recognized my old house straight away — and it really wasn’t all that distinctive. Last time I visited the town, more than 10-15 years ago, it was all a lot more familiar — now the old church has been bulldozed and a lot of the quiet areas are now shopping centres and highways. But I suppose it’s better for the locals to have a vibrant growing city than a quietly fading town.
Teresa, how fabulous that it was all still there. I think a five-year-old can remember a lot more than most adults would expect. I was surprised when I recognized my old house straight away — and it really wasn’t all that distinctive. Last time I visited the town, more than 10-15 years ago, it was all a lot more familiar — now the old church has been bulldozed and a lot of the quiet areas are now shopping centres and highways. But I suppose it’s better for the locals to have a vibrant growing city than a quietly fading town.
Teresa, how fabulous that it was all still there. I think a five-year-old can remember a lot more than most adults would expect. I was surprised when I recognized my old house straight away — and it really wasn’t all that distinctive. Last time I visited the town, more than 10-15 years ago, it was all a lot more familiar — now the old church has been bulldozed and a lot of the quiet areas are now shopping centres and highways. But I suppose it’s better for the locals to have a vibrant growing city than a quietly fading town.
Teresa, how fabulous that it was all still there. I think a five-year-old can remember a lot more than most adults would expect. I was surprised when I recognized my old house straight away — and it really wasn’t all that distinctive. Last time I visited the town, more than 10-15 years ago, it was all a lot more familiar — now the old church has been bulldozed and a lot of the quiet areas are now shopping centres and highways. But I suppose it’s better for the locals to have a vibrant growing city than a quietly fading town.
Teresa, how fabulous that it was all still there. I think a five-year-old can remember a lot more than most adults would expect. I was surprised when I recognized my old house straight away — and it really wasn’t all that distinctive. Last time I visited the town, more than 10-15 years ago, it was all a lot more familiar — now the old church has been bulldozed and a lot of the quiet areas are now shopping centres and highways. But I suppose it’s better for the locals to have a vibrant growing city than a quietly fading town.
Wilsons Promontory holds some of my earliest memories and years later we’re still holidaying in that beautiful spot. We take my mum there each year for a week’s holiday and this year our children, who have been ‘Prommies’ since birth joined us for three magical days. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of velvety sand and crystal clear water and the mountains with their feet in the sea make it the perfect place for walks and swimming and just kicking back with a good book (like Married in Scarlet!). At night the wombats come out to play and in the early morning you might be lucky to have a visit from a wallaby or a kangaroo as we did this year.
Wilsons Promontory holds some of my earliest memories and years later we’re still holidaying in that beautiful spot. We take my mum there each year for a week’s holiday and this year our children, who have been ‘Prommies’ since birth joined us for three magical days. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of velvety sand and crystal clear water and the mountains with their feet in the sea make it the perfect place for walks and swimming and just kicking back with a good book (like Married in Scarlet!). At night the wombats come out to play and in the early morning you might be lucky to have a visit from a wallaby or a kangaroo as we did this year.
Wilsons Promontory holds some of my earliest memories and years later we’re still holidaying in that beautiful spot. We take my mum there each year for a week’s holiday and this year our children, who have been ‘Prommies’ since birth joined us for three magical days. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of velvety sand and crystal clear water and the mountains with their feet in the sea make it the perfect place for walks and swimming and just kicking back with a good book (like Married in Scarlet!). At night the wombats come out to play and in the early morning you might be lucky to have a visit from a wallaby or a kangaroo as we did this year.
Wilsons Promontory holds some of my earliest memories and years later we’re still holidaying in that beautiful spot. We take my mum there each year for a week’s holiday and this year our children, who have been ‘Prommies’ since birth joined us for three magical days. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of velvety sand and crystal clear water and the mountains with their feet in the sea make it the perfect place for walks and swimming and just kicking back with a good book (like Married in Scarlet!). At night the wombats come out to play and in the early morning you might be lucky to have a visit from a wallaby or a kangaroo as we did this year.
Wilsons Promontory holds some of my earliest memories and years later we’re still holidaying in that beautiful spot. We take my mum there each year for a week’s holiday and this year our children, who have been ‘Prommies’ since birth joined us for three magical days. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of velvety sand and crystal clear water and the mountains with their feet in the sea make it the perfect place for walks and swimming and just kicking back with a good book (like Married in Scarlet!). At night the wombats come out to play and in the early morning you might be lucky to have a visit from a wallaby or a kangaroo as we did this year.
Jen, thanks for that. I love the Prom. I first went there as a 15 year old schoolgirl on a one week school camping trip with my form, a trip we’d organized ourselves and invited 2 amenable teachers. So much went wrong — we camped in tents and were washed out, got almost no sleep, lived on sausages the entire time, came home filthy, with blisters and covered in insect bites, exhausted but blissful. We all fell in love with the prom and plotted almost instantly to go back the next year. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed there. It’s a magical place.
Jen, thanks for that. I love the Prom. I first went there as a 15 year old schoolgirl on a one week school camping trip with my form, a trip we’d organized ourselves and invited 2 amenable teachers. So much went wrong — we camped in tents and were washed out, got almost no sleep, lived on sausages the entire time, came home filthy, with blisters and covered in insect bites, exhausted but blissful. We all fell in love with the prom and plotted almost instantly to go back the next year. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed there. It’s a magical place.
Jen, thanks for that. I love the Prom. I first went there as a 15 year old schoolgirl on a one week school camping trip with my form, a trip we’d organized ourselves and invited 2 amenable teachers. So much went wrong — we camped in tents and were washed out, got almost no sleep, lived on sausages the entire time, came home filthy, with blisters and covered in insect bites, exhausted but blissful. We all fell in love with the prom and plotted almost instantly to go back the next year. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed there. It’s a magical place.
Jen, thanks for that. I love the Prom. I first went there as a 15 year old schoolgirl on a one week school camping trip with my form, a trip we’d organized ourselves and invited 2 amenable teachers. So much went wrong — we camped in tents and were washed out, got almost no sleep, lived on sausages the entire time, came home filthy, with blisters and covered in insect bites, exhausted but blissful. We all fell in love with the prom and plotted almost instantly to go back the next year. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed there. It’s a magical place.
Jen, thanks for that. I love the Prom. I first went there as a 15 year old schoolgirl on a one week school camping trip with my form, a trip we’d organized ourselves and invited 2 amenable teachers. So much went wrong — we camped in tents and were washed out, got almost no sleep, lived on sausages the entire time, came home filthy, with blisters and covered in insect bites, exhausted but blissful. We all fell in love with the prom and plotted almost instantly to go back the next year. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed there. It’s a magical place.
Mine is the several years we spent in Framingham MA we spent most weekends on the cape exploring museum and spending time on the beaches even when in snowed. Dad fished and mom too us to all the sites. I have been back to Boston several time but have never had time to visit the cape. One day I will make it back I often go there in my dreams and am always looking for feel good stories featuring that area
Mine is the several years we spent in Framingham MA we spent most weekends on the cape exploring museum and spending time on the beaches even when in snowed. Dad fished and mom too us to all the sites. I have been back to Boston several time but have never had time to visit the cape. One day I will make it back I often go there in my dreams and am always looking for feel good stories featuring that area
Mine is the several years we spent in Framingham MA we spent most weekends on the cape exploring museum and spending time on the beaches even when in snowed. Dad fished and mom too us to all the sites. I have been back to Boston several time but have never had time to visit the cape. One day I will make it back I often go there in my dreams and am always looking for feel good stories featuring that area
Mine is the several years we spent in Framingham MA we spent most weekends on the cape exploring museum and spending time on the beaches even when in snowed. Dad fished and mom too us to all the sites. I have been back to Boston several time but have never had time to visit the cape. One day I will make it back I often go there in my dreams and am always looking for feel good stories featuring that area
Mine is the several years we spent in Framingham MA we spent most weekends on the cape exploring museum and spending time on the beaches even when in snowed. Dad fished and mom too us to all the sites. I have been back to Boston several time but have never had time to visit the cape. One day I will make it back I often go there in my dreams and am always looking for feel good stories featuring that area