I still hold fond memories of buggy rides in the snow.Our family raised horses and one of the clearest memories growing up was taking the buggy down a one lane gravel road in the winter time. We had a buggy very similar to this one and it was always such a treat as a kid to step up onto the floorboard and sit in the leather tufted seat. The ride was surprisingly soft with the big spring on the front and back of the buggy giving way to each bump or rut in the road.
With the warm coat, sock hat and gloves secure...I was on my way. The horse I usually used for the buggy was BlackJack...a beautiful shiny black stallion with the pride of a an aristocrat. He loved to pull the buggy and with the slightest snap on the reins he would bolt to a trot down the snow covered road. Eyes watering from the brisk air, I would ride for hours. I was too young to drive and this was my ticket to independence...miles away from home. As I look back, I feel so blessed to have an "ideal" childhood...a time of innocence before the tragedies soon to come my way...1963 and the assassination of Kennedy...1968 and the loss of Martin Luther King and
Bobby Kennedy. Things changed from that point forward and my childhood was gone.
That short span of time between the mid-fifties and early sixties was a magical time like no other.
Dan
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10 comments:
I expect that a lot of people can still remember where they were when they heard the news about JFK. I was on a school bus going home from high school. The 60's certainly were a tumultuous time.
The old buggy is wonderful, a lovely reminder of days gone by.
Sunny :)
Oh that photo is wonderful. It captures so much...memories, emotions...you've got it all. I love the composition too, the angle of the wagon to the rest of the shot. It really is wonderful.
Sunny...we sure can...I was in afternoon French class...I think I was a sophmore. I will never forget the feeling of insecurity that I had.
Dan
Thank you Rebecca, I appreciate your kind words. I guess that goes to show that a photo doesn't always have to be perfectly lined up.
Dan
Horses and wagons not part of my experience, but this is a great photo!
Thanks Dawn Treader...horse interest or not...I appreciate your comment!
Dan
With those wheel I bet it can. Excellent imagery again Dan. Anna :)
Anna....it rode surprisingly smooth. I visited your blog and you have a beautiful picture of your son in the leaves!
Dan
I wish that I had horses around growing up. It must be such a wonderful experience.
Septembermom...I was blessed as a child having had that chance. For a young kid and young teen...it is a great pastime. Actually as an old fart...it is still fun to ride!
Dan
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