Every childhood has a special place that holds countless memories. For me, it was the yards of my home – lush, full of life, and filled with unique experiences that shaped my early years. Let's explore the unforgettable moments that defined these yards, from the avocados that ripened under newspapers to the faithful chicken and pollywogs that taught me valuable lessons.

Avocado Unripe Initiation

One of my fondest memories from my childhood homes was the alley where an avocado tree thrived. The avocados were a favorite, and we enjoyed them frequently. Unripe avocados were a peculiar task for me; my responsibility was to gather and wrap them in newspapers. These newspapers helped promote the avocado's ripening process, thus creating a delightful ritual for us. The neighbors were always welcoming, offering a sense of maturity and appreciation that only a child could appreciate.

Tame Chickens and Sweet Deceptions

Another memorable yard had a tame chicken belonging to a neighbor. She would lay eggs, and, being just a chicken, she didn't understand the necessity of a rooster. Her owner would exchange fake eggs for real ones, a delightful deception that kept her preoccupied. I found it heartwarming to pet this chicken and give her seeds from a box with a canary on it. This experience taught me the joy of gardening and animal care.

Delightful Yards and Decadent Fruit

Speaking of fruit, the yards around our home were bountiful. We had apricots, plums, kiwis, and gooseberries dangling into our yard. But the best was a unique tree that was half orange and half lime. This diversity in flavors was a treat for my taste buds. However, among the fruit, there were also a couple of pollywogs in our yard that led to an unforgettable lesson.

Pollywogs and Unfortunate Involvement

The pollywogs, immature frogs or toads, filled our yard with mystery and intrigue. One day, after my bath, I felt the need to bathe these pollywogs to help them thrive. Despite measuring one capful of bubble bath, the result was the pollywogs' demise. My innocent care led to their death, which brought me immense grief. To cope with this tragedy, our family held a funeral, and we even sang "Amazing Grace." Later, we got more pollywogs and witnessed their entire metamorphosis, which taught us a valuable lesson about responsibility. After their transformation into toads, we released them back into our yard, creating a joyous ending to this experience.

Diamonds in the Yard: A Playhouse

Lastly, the yard was home to a toolshed that was painted pink and white by my dad. We used it as a playhouse, complete with curtains and a table and chairs. Inside, we stored our puppets, and regular visits from our friends and family made it a cherished gathering place. Our dog, Bootsie, a cross between an Aussie cattle dog and a black Labrador, was an integral part of our playtime adventures. These interactions and playtime provided us with endless laughter and cherished memories.