Participating in the Random Dozen by Mocha with Linda

What toys do you remember from your childhood?

          One of the earliest toys that I remember was my red fire engine pedal powered car complete with a real dinging bell…….ahhh the envy of the neighborhood for sure.  Thinking back, I must have been a little spoiled because I also had the blue sports car version ……to ride home in after the fire.  Another one of my favorite toys, from when I was a child, was my beloved Cindy doll.  She was a soft body doll with real hair and closing eye lids.  She was so special that I didn’t want to take her on the plane with me because I was afraid something would happen to her. See!!!  The insanity began at an early age………J.  I still have her in my hope chest by the way.

What did you like to do to entertain yourself?

     Ummmmm……put out fires and play with Cindy.

 Did you mostly play inside or outside?

     Most of the memories that I recall as I got older are of me playing outside…….football, baseball, basketball, skating, bicycle and horseback riding.  Oh, and don’t forget the skateboard……….EVERYTHING!

Did you ride a bike all over the neighborhood?

     Absolutely…….…….I had the coolest neon green bike with gears and gnarly banana seat.  Good Times!

Play baseball in the backyard?

     I loved to play baseball however it only seemed to be during baseball season. I was the only girl in the neighborhood that could actually play as good as the boys.   

Basketball in the driveway?

     All the time….

Did you have to "get permission" to play at a friend's house, or were you and your friends back and forth between houses all the time?

     I was never allowed to go in someone’s house without my parent’s permission. Playing in someone’s yard was no big deal though.

If you had siblings, was there a distinction between your toys and theirs?

     No siblings at home………..I guess you might say I was a “change of life” baby. 

 Did you "inherit" any toys from older siblings?

     No inheritance here……..<sniff>….

 What were the "fad" or "must-have" toys of your generation?

     The dating game and a weenie whistle……..naaaa, that was from the Santa Clause.  I absolutely needed EVERYTHING that came out on the market.  I do remember Baby Chrissy dolls with the growing hair, clackers, paper dolls, Water Babies (you filled them with water), Trouble, Rubik’s Cube, skates, skateboard and Barbie.

 Did your parents buy them?

     Yes, I was the last child and the only girl.  I was blessed……

 Was there a toy you always wanted and never got to have?

     Not really………….

      I have many fond memories of running and playing without a care in the world.  I didn’t care what the politicians were doing or not doing.  I only wanted to finish up my piano lesson so I could get outside and play.  My mother would often walk in the living room to find me with my feet propped up on the piano instead of practicing…..I’ll never forget the “you aren’t going outside until you practice for 30 minutes” speech.  I am so thankful, now that she made me learn to play.