Capers, shenanigans, and maybe a Ford 8N
It started in September a few decades ago. I was born, and a
week later one of a few partners in crime, capers, and shenanigans was born
too. He was my cousin of sorts. First cousin once removed. Being that close in
age ya can maybe imagine the things boys might find fun to do. You could say
there were a few grown-ups we drove crazy at times. Even an older couple of
girl cousins were known to get after us at times.
Hiding from my auntie was a big starter. Various places that
were always great were the grape vines, the roof of the house, and the food
storage room. She didn’t beat some butt’s but she scolded like crazy. Later on,
we disappeared to the back Hollar a lot. Always some cool places to hide and
hang out.
I remember a summer full of adventure. Some people ask ya
how ya learned to drive on a road with a mess that you had to make evasive maneuvers.
Well, kind of did a bit of cow chasin’ with an older Ford 8N tractor. Anyone
out there that has ever been on one knows the joy. Ya get two or so young’uns
on a tractor and you’re holding tight to that metal seat hoping to stay on.
Mind ya back in that day, back roads were backroads and stop lights were a
rarity. Ya know boys get hungry for fries, onion rings, burgers, and the likes
of it. That Purple Turtle has some good eats and well there could have been an
undocumented visit with said young’uns there. Mind you walking there didn’t
happen if you catch the idea. Considering it to be before the internet and
traffic cams could have been good for saving a few back sides getting lit up.
Now some may well have not known about said capers but you know there may be
few if any photos and video of back then, so you will have to make your best
guess if there be any truth or embellishments out there. Country boys and
girls, tractors, trucks, and fun times.
Ropes, webbing, and carabiners have always been a kid’s best
toy. When ya have rope and stuff you look for a place to hang off a rock and
the bigger the better. Rappelling is an adventure that puts one in places of
rounded large stones. Some rocks are a bit farther up a hill that others. Some
have a lot of thick bushes between them and the road. After climbing up the
hill it seemed logical for a path down to be cleared a bit. So, think as we
did, rocks, hill, gravity, bushes, and trail. You see the walk down was a bit
less difficult. The road had a few slaloms markers left as some didn’t roll a
crossed the road as planned. No blood, no foul, and no one died.
That hallor was a fun spot as well. Tons of trees and bushes
with a stream. Made a great place for a swing and swimming hole. Can’t say we
always remembered a pair of trunks but well it was hot and the water was
fantastic so ya do what ya do. Many a hot dog and marshmallow roasted in the
fire pit there. Slept out there many a night visiting my cousin. Hide and seek,
steal the flag, and kick the can too.
Many more capers came along over the years. May you find
some more capers, shenanigans, and adventures in the next life before I get
there Randy so we can worry a few people there also. Heaven can’t be fun
without a few capers and shenanigans to spice things up.
