Mary

I like the language tip concerning, "weird".   I have heard students use this to describe oudoor experiences. I am going to be more cognizant  of the words I use to describe these experiences.

I am the oldest girl and second oldest of eight children, six brothers one sister. It  seems like most of my childhood was taking care of my youngest brother. He was born in the fall and I spent hours pushing his carriage around the maple lined streets. I think I had the largest fall leaf collection in town. For years my parents would find colorful leaves pressed in big books. I never hesitated to take him on a walk. It was my break from all the other responsibilities I had. Every summer we would travel to see relatives on the east coast and go to the b each. Again for me it was a break from all my responsibilities. Playing with my cousins,  being repelled by the sea weed, cutting my feet on the barnacles, catching horseshoe  crabs  was  heaven to me.