Kids' tales keep coming back

It has been said that once a kid, always a kid.

I believe that, in a way. I remember growing up and some of the things I did way back then.

I used to follow the railroad tracks. I always took a salt shaker because I often came across apple trees. I liked to salt up an apple; seems they taste better that way. I followed the rails in both directions. The W I and M went toward Potlatch. The Idaho line was but two miles away. The W I and M line was largely used in the early days as a logging operation. Going the other direction, I would go either toward Pullman or Garfield on the Northern Pacific. I had no idea at the time that one day I would work for a time on the Northern Pacific.

I also followed paths along the Palouse River. There, I would see birds, beaver and occasionally a deer.

I fished the river for trout, suckers, and literally anything that would bite my wormed hook.

Later, I got my first .22 rifle. My oldest brother, Richard, made sure I learned how to handle my rifle. I still remember how careful I had to be before I could go out alone.

In town, there were a couple of abandoned buildings. We could pry some boards loose so we could get inside and it was a blast hiding out.

It was true we made our own fun. Once in a while, the local cop would catch us and chase us out of the buildings. His name was Simon. I think all of us kids liked him. He wasn’t always after us. He was daytime cop and partially a night cop.

I have always wondered if others have flashbacks.

J think I do because I had such a coming of age. I think it was because my parents had a gentle hand and let me be a kid, no pressure. I tell you, it was a good time.

If you have had similar experiences as a youth, you know what I mean.

I guess, with me, once a kid always a kid.