Reminiscences

In the cool evenings of summer and fall, wispy tendrils of fog would drift lazily over the trails and hills in the field.  It would drift just high enough overhead that it would be about the same height as the Scotch Broom which made for great bike riding underneath this ethereal ceiling.  Since the field had small hills and valleys throughout, riding bikes up and over them was fantastic.  Plus, the Scotch Broom plants that lined the edges of the trails made for a maze-like atmosphere in which to ride.  Playing hide-and-go-seek or follow the leader was a challenge and exciting as you never knew where the other player might pop out. 

The field once existed where the Valley Medical building across from Jack-in-the-Box and Fred Meyer now sits.  It was between 168th and 169th streets.  For an evening of fun or just plain fun any time of day or night, all the neighborhood kids loved playing in the field.  During those years, we would run down the street and spend hours in the field without fear of crime or kidnappers.  When we heard the distant call of our mothers, we knew it was time to run home.  They didn’t worry and we didn’t fear.  Those days are gone.  But the memories of the field and the days filled with fun outside in the sunshine will never set.  Whenever I drive by that medical building and the surrounding parking lot, I reminisce about the field that once was.  Those were the days!