Block
'Home' was a spot on the corner of our garage which was also the corner of the street. One person guarded home while everyone else hid. The aim was to get 'home' without being tagged. The guard had to try to tag people before they got home. The most successful guards just stayed put but kids have a lot of time on their hands so the hiders would stay put until the guard got bored and tried to find them, thus leaving his post. This was the time to strike. Running for 'home' with the guard in hot pursuit was such a thrill.

Barrels
We moved to a new housing estate when I was about twelve and though our section had been completed a few years before, a new tranche of building started on the green behind our house. We spent a happy summer playing the trenches (the dug out foundations of houses) and the barrels (huge wooden empty bobbins which used to carry wire). These bobbins had a square hole which gave access to the hollow centre and the space inside was a perfect fit for a kid. We used to climb in with just a jumper for protection and then get pushed along teh ground spnning upside down (not nearly fast enough to schieve any kind of g-force). Such (dangerous!) fun.

If I had to wear one color for the entire next year, which would I pick? Easy.

safety outfit 2

Black, black and more black. I know it's not revolutionary or trend-setting but black is kind. Black is exciting. Black is dangerous. Black makes it easy to hide dirt.

I cannot believe this is true but the last sporting event I attended in person was a baseball game in 2007. In the US. We must get to see some football matches this year. And I mean real football. Not rugby with shoulder pads. BAM!

LA Angels vs LA Dodgers. We had a great time - it was baking hot and there were some real characters in the spectators. Angels won which I suppose I was pleased about since we were at their home stadium although we were not particularly rooting for either side seeing as we were mere tourists! NY Mets are my team, such as I have one.