WHAT'S YOUR KRYPTONITE?

A long time ago before any of us had to grow up, wiffle ball games in anybody's back yard ruled. Every yard had its own nuances, and therefore separate rules. Playing board games whenever we felt like it, but mostly on rainy days occupied our time and built character or patience or camaraderie.

At night the game of hide and go seek. I still love it when I hear kids also use the superfluous go. Flashlight tag disturbed the people on our block, too, but not kids who never wanted to stop and go to bed right now!

Another day commenced of climbing trees--cherry, mulberry, the huge elm in our yard, or plum trees. We might get on our bikes later and ride all day. A picnic sounds good. With baloney sandwiches and pickles, cold to the touch and leaving a green stain on smashed fresh bread.

But our folks said, "Wait a minute! You've got to grow up. And stop. So get your head in the window and quit letting the bugs smack you in the face!"