WINTER
SCHOOL
Winters were colder in my childhood. Even in England snowdrifts were deep
enough to dig a cave, snowmen were huge, and it was worth making a sled.
The walk to school was hazardous, the pain as chilblains
thawed out was horrendous, but the best part was playtime.
The top end of the playground became a skating rink, where
the most adventurous created slides. A run to pick up speed before you entered twenty
yards of ice, your feet and body poised to reach the end without falling.
I remember the thrill to this day – the bruises are long
forgotten!
................................................................................................
See that shining line in the snow? It's probably thawed, but it could be one of those ice slides of my distant youth. Did they cause broken bones? Probably, but all I remember is the fun. Children shouldn't be too molly-coddled anyway, though no doubt these days such sport would be banned by a health and safety inspector.
Thanks to Dale for the photo and, as always, to Rochelle for hosting FF.
It was sheer ice except, as you noted, where it melted. Definitely would have been a bumpy ride!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, kids are way too coddled now!
I imagine you wouldn't be too pleased to encounter one of those slides on your runs - in my day they'd have been everywhere!
DeleteThe past is another country
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed.
DeleteThe things we dared to do as kids. I haven't ever experienced such cold conditions, but I did have a freer and more adventurous childhood than is common today. However, I do recall not being as relaxed about my own kids when they were growing up. You've sent me back with this. Great finish - we do forget the 'bruises', thankfully.
ReplyDeleteI think our brains are programmed to forget pain, or at least how bad it was. Otherwise there would be a lot more only children!
DeleteWe do look back with nostalgia and forget how cold and frozen we were! Lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteOh, I remember the cold! Dressing under the covers, finding ice on the inside of the windows, the pain of chilblains...
DeleteMy immediate thought having read this was - today's kids don't know what they're missing!
ReplyDeleteThey don't - even the danger added to the fun!
DeleteChild play was so much different then than it is nowadays. Despite the bruises and scrapes, we had fun. Notes to Women
ReplyDeleteI know every generation has selective memories, but there is FAR too much Health and Safety interference in children's enjoyment now. Pah!
DeleteDear Lizy,
ReplyDeleteI remember how much fun it was to build snowmen or make snow houses. Growing up really messes things up. ;) Good piece of nostalgia.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Two of my grandchildren live in Canada and are doing that even now!
DeleteBeen there, done that. Lying on the sleigh, taking a deep breath and whee. I'd still try to slide on these patches if we still had ice like that...
ReplyDeleteYou're braver than me - at my age I'm afraid of falling!
DeleteA joyful, thrilling adventure which I lived vicariously through your story. Thanks for the ride!
ReplyDeleteThank you, TSS!
DeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful memories! People were tougher back then... -Angela
ReplyDeleteSounds like such fun! I remember those days and being cold and constantly running back in the house to change my wet gloves with a pair warming on the radiator. I never could stand the cold.
ReplyDeleteI recall creating a slide right outside the classroom exit. Ouch
ReplyDelete