I read a quote once that said every time an old person dies, we lose a library. The older I get I’m beginning to feel like I could be a wealth of information, kind of like a set of encyclopedias, going right through each stage of life from A-Z. To commemorate my sixty fifth birthday, I looked back and reminisced on my childhood. It’s a wonder that baby boomers are still alive, because while in our youth we were unaware that we were living so recklessly. When I was a young girl, my only concern was hanging out with my friends and being home by dusk.
And although I shake my head in disbelief, we all rode our bikes without helmets. We skinned our knees and eagerly reached for the mercurochrome and drew pictures with it all over our legs. But, not wearing a seatbelt, that was frightening! Each summer we would take a road trip to visit my grandmother. Four children and a dog traveling a hundred miles in an un-airconditioned car.
Occasionally I would climb up in the back window and lay down, mostly because I was bored. If my dad stopped suddenly, I would roll off, but my sister would just push me back up there like it was no big deal. Oh, the days of car windows rolled down all the way and shouting to the top of our lungs to be heard.
As carefree kids, we played on noisy rusty swing sets and slid down metal slides that were hotter than H. E. double L. We skated with metal roller skates that clamped to the soles of our shoes and sang the Oscar Mayer and Jell-o commercial jingles. We watched our favorite TV shows on televisions that only had five stations.
Occasionally my mother would allow us to have a frozen TV dinner, sodium & MSG were not a concern. In fact, I liked the taste of Accent so much I used to put it on my hand and lick it.
And speaking of licking, to earn a quarter my sister and I would lick S&H green stamps and fill books for my mother and grandmother. If a thermometer broke in the house, we would roll around and play with the mercury on the floor. Meanwhile, my brother, the only boy in our family, sat around with his chemistry set making all kinds of concoctions that smelled like rotten eggs. In his defense, he pursued a career in medicine.
Thankfully, they no longer make metal play equipment, most people have stopped smoking, wear sunblock and seatbelts, we eat healthier and stamps do not have to be licked.
There was a time, long ago, when I thought 65 was old. And despite all of the above, I have managed to live to the day where I can file for social security before it runs out. I now think that sixty-five isn’t old, it’s an honor, a privilege, and a milestone! My focus going forward is on aging positively. Bring on the birthdays. I want to celebrate with my friends who still want to hang out with me and have fun until dusk, ok, that has not changed.
This Blog is dedicated to my twin boys Brad & Brett who once asked me if cars were invented when I was young.
Fabulous post, Nancy. Beautifully written. At 61, I am grateful for every single day. We are so blessed to be here. Enjoy celebrating YOU and your milestone. Wishing you the happiest and healthiest of birthdays.
Xoxo
This is sweet Gwen, thank you very much. I’m very happy that we have become connected through our blogging. Cheers to midlife!
I am 66 and my childhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, with two older sisters and two younger brothers, sounds just like yours. I am heading to Little Rock in June for a week with my siblings and can’t wait to be with them. Debbi Boye
Our childhood memories are similar as you are a middle child just like me. Those were crazy days back then, but we are blessed to fondly look back. Enjoy your visit back to see your family.
Happy Birthday, Nancy!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories with us. We were blessed to grow up in wonderful times!
And the best is yet to come!
Rosemary
Yes, the best is yet to come. I wake up to everyday as a gift that I’m thankful for. Each and every day is welcomed!
This is beautiful Nancy. I will be 70 in August. I like your attitude.
Happy 65th Birthday.
I would not have guessed this. You must be doing something right 🙂 Your skin looks beautiful!
Happy Birthday Nancy! I loved and related to every word of your post. Although not quite 65, I’m close enough to get it! Have a great day!
Thank you very much Liz, we certainly have all come all long way. Just some more than others.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the read 🙂 thank you for letting me know.
Very nice a happy childhood means so much to become the adult person who is caring thoughtful and loving to your future family best wishes for many more happy healthy years sincerely fred t
It’s hard to believe we survived our teens, Fred! Highschool was fun but we believed at the time we knew it all. I’m happy we have stayed connected through Facebook and enjoy seeing yours and Kathy’s beautiful family grow. Congratulations on your newest grandchild.
Thank you for bringing back some sweet memories of childhood. I had a pair of metal roller skates too and a banana seat bike. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and many many more years of happiness and good health. Cheers!🎉🍾🥂
These really are fond memories of a simple uncomplicated childhood. I’m very glad you enjoyed the read.
I love this post! It was fun to read and though I’m in my late 40s it brought back lots of childhood memories for me.
I’m so glad that you found it amusing. Thank you for reading Tonya.
If you think 65 is monumental, wait til you turn 70. I don’t know about you, but I feel about 45. Well, maybe 48!!!! Loved reading your memories.
It is so nice to hear from you Bev, I hope that all is going well in St. Charles and with your family. I’m all about aging the more years we get to tack on the better right 🙂
Hi Nancy!
I loved reading about your childhood! Oh yes, the metal slides! We had one. So much to reminisce about.. i laughed at the 5 Chanels on TV, so true! Hope you had a wonderful 65th birthday!!
Jess xx
Hello Jess,
It was very nice, and so true about television. Who ever thought we needed more stations? Sometimes when I click on the guide there are just too many to look through.
Ah the joys we experienced back in the day! Such innocence and such fun. How fortunate we are to be able to remember these times and enjoy our days ahead!
Each and every day is a gift that I cherish and hope to look back on with pleasure. Have a wonderful week Michele!
I like your post a lot!! makes me feel not so old either…(65 in June) all good, life is good if we look for the joys and blessings and truly have surrounded us….thanks for sharing…it reminded me of the good ole days!!
I also remember when times were much easier than they are now as well as only a few channels… Loved the blog:)
It was a wonderful and very innocent time of our lives wasn’t it. Thank you for reading Sherri.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy, Thank you for sharing all your childhood memories that were so much like mine. I cherish my childhood and wouldn’t change a thing! I wish you a splendid year ahead and the best always.
Wasn’t it a wonderful era to be a child? Things have certainly changed a lot since then and I cherish all the memories from my childhood.
Wasn’t it a wonderful era to be a child? Things have certainly changed a lot since then and I cherish all the memories from my childhood.
This was great Nancy! I remember everything you said and probably did some of that too. I turned 66 on May 14 and I agree that aging is a privilege that I thank God I can experience! Enjoy Naples! I love it here! We go back and forth from New York some years more often than others. But with two grandsons under the age of threeit’s a little difficult. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hello Grace,
I’m happy we have become acquainted on Instagram. It’s fun to put a face with a name. You look fabulous for 65! I think the key to a happy healthy lifestyle is gratitude and that is how I start each day. Of course, grandchildren fill your life up with happiness and joy too 🙂
All the Best,
Nancy