I well remember being 8-12 years old and living next to large a large forest in upstate NY. My parents were fine with me making up a bunch of PB&J sandwiches, filling a bag with dog kibble, grabbing a small tarp and a book of matches, and heading off into the woods for several days at a time. The only requirement was that I had to take the family dog with me since they were sure she would come get one of them if needed.
Every summer, my older brother and sister and I were dropped off at our grandmother's small farm for a few weeks as soon as school let out in May, so we could help with planting and repairs. We went there again as well for harvest later on. One thing we really looked forward to while there was being allowed to go swimming in the farm pond after a hot, sweaty day in the fields. The thing we did not look forward to, was Saturday night baths when we all sat around in the coal stove warmed kitchen waiting for our turn in the large galvanized wash tub. As each of us bathed, the next in line would lug and pour the rinse water that was heating on the stove. Grandma, as the oldest, went first, then my brother and sister, leaving me as the youngest for last. Since there was no one following me, grandma brought my rinse water and then the two of us cleaned up the kitchen and hung out the two towels we had all used. Yep, those were the "good ole days"!
