These childhood memories are among the least serious of my youth. They are purely my personal favorites, unlike the ones I share with other family members or friends.

For example, my brother, sister and I (5,4 and 6) argued about the origin of the horses and stage coach which populated the Saturday afternoon 'oater' showings at a local theater, the State. We understood rocks and saloons, even people strolling in from either wing of the stage.  But horses, wagons and trains were a mystery. So we climbed up on the stage and were promptly blocked by the hugh silver screen. Feeling our way along brought a chorus of boos and 'outatheways' until the manager dragged us off and banned us all for 2 weeks.  A cruel punishment.

No,  the things I remember are more my own; silly, odd, even as mysterious as film.

This was my favorite riddle - "What is the difference between a duck?" - No amount of cajoling, arguing, demanding would produce any more information and the answer was just as frustrating. "One of his legs is both different."

Memorable doggerel includes - (I didn't know what a beard was during the  war, so it was intriguing. Perhaps that is why I have had one these many years)

There once was a man somewhat weird,

have all built their nests in my beard". 

And this one -

"I eat my peas with honey,

but it keeps them on my knife."

As I grow older onto ancient, my memory is  clear and sharp. So sad, too bad ... I had such a silly start.

 06August2013