Sunday, September 9, 2007

WHAT'S A FAVORITE TOY OF MINE?

One of my favorite sites is http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/ David often asks those reading his site a question that can be answered by a posting on one's own blog. This weekend his question is: Which toy was your childhood favourite?
I can think of several. One of them might have the Chinese grinning in satisfaction. Smug satisfaction. Oh, well.
For whatever youthful birthday I was given two sets of lead soldiers in opposing uniforms North and South, I think. I learned to play with them from John Wayne and Bill Bendix movies. (It didn't matter if the North or South won, either.) I also remember being told (many more times than a mere once or twice, not to put them in mouth). Finally, a statement from an uncle to the effect that "Putting them in your mouth will take all the paint off", worked.
Another toy that finally drove my parents into hiding it from me on a top shelf was THE Chemistry set. I particularly enjoyed the phial of mercury, 'cause it could do almost anything. I liked trying to make concoctions that could stink up at least my room, if not the entire house. I often wondered where the kit had gone. I found it years later, but I had passed high school chemistry by then and what was left of the chemicals had hardened in their containers.
But another toy that became an obsession was my shortstop fielder's glove. The hours I spent working neat's foot oil into that (honestly) cheap leather glove could have served to complete my elementary education. BUT, I became our pick up team's shortstop. Was pretty good at it too.
You can visit David's site at the link above. He's a worthwhile read and very nice guy.
Clicking the banner will show you someone else's efforts in time spent doing "important" things.

20 comments:

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

I had a chemisry set!! I loved growing blue crystals - they were my Atlantis. Loved your recollections, brought back a few of my own. And yes, David is a great inspiration to a great many of us, isn't he?

(ps. I'm fine, just left the blog for a bit, wrestling with my "not-a-book". It's taken a dark path, and is sapping my energy some. Thanks for asking, it feels good to know I've been missed. Can't get rid of me entirely, my friend, I'll still be dipping in on you!)

alphonsedamoose said...

That is one heck of a lot of pencils.
My favorite toy growing up was my Lionel Electric train set. My older brother has them all now.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cat, I checked with Hope and her blog is public. Try it again.

ticblog

david mcmahon said...

Wow, thanks for the kind praise there. I'll just wipe the silly grin off my face!

I used to play with toy soldiers too - very interesting that we were both told not to chew 'em because the paint would come off. VERY good advice, it seems.

And chemistry sets - ah, nothing was better than mucking about with a chemistry set.

Thanks so much for taking part.

Keep smiling

David

Catmoves said...

Carol, I remember some of the colors we sometimes came up with. I don't think there are names for them yet! Move over, Van Gogh.
Glad you're ok. I know of no one who wouldn't miss your blogs.

Catmoves said...

I wonder how long it took to make all those things with pencils?
Darn, I forgot all about my Lionel. Solid, heavy steel and you could afford to buy a couple of new track pieces every month or so.

Catmoves said...

It was actually my pleasure David. Thank you for asking.
And TAKE that THING OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!

Catmoves said...

Hi Babzy. OK. Going to try again. Now. BRB.

Anonymous said...

My favourite toys were sea monkeys.

Cat I did the tag.

Were you able to access Tic's blog?

david mcmahon said...

I got years of fun out of my toy soldiers.

And chemistry lab in Year 9 to Year 11 was great fun too!

Thanks so much for taking part - and the kind words about me!

Catmoves said...

Babzy glasses. Yep got to her site. Liked it, too.
Sea monkeys? You mean live brine shrimp? I used to raise them for my tropical and salt water aquariums.
I'll be seeing how you exposed yourself tomorrow. Hehehe.

Catmoves said...

David, I think you missed my comment. Have a look.

Unknown said...

I am inspired to write about this too.

Thanks for your comments over at my place. Hope to see you around a lot.

Anonymous said...

Okay, so you sucked the paint (and the lead) off of the lead soldiers, you played with mercury, but you loved your baseball glove even though it had no hazardous materials in it? I don't think Neatsfoot oil will hurt you, but given your record, maybe I should look into it.

Glad you made it through childhood!

Anne (lifepundit and smellshorsey)

Catmoves said...

Anne, I think Neatsfoot helped me keep a clean colon. And I don't even allow my proctologist to look there. Thanks for the good wishes. Good luck on your coming novel.

Grizzly Mama said...

Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment, catmoves! Like your blog.

Unknown said...

Dear Querkey urkey:
Thanks for stopping by my blog and posting a comment.
As to the comment about "making love" in respect to "old age", I posted a remark you may want to check out.
later...
Julian
www.ijulian.blogspot.com

Catmoves said...

monicar, thank you for the visit. I enjoyed your blog too, and will be back.

Catmoves said...

Julian thanks for dropping in. I'll check your new posting soon as I get mine finished.

TLP said...

I was raised in true poverty. Grinding poverty. We seldom received toys and I can't remember ever having one that was special. But it's interesting to me to hear others stories about such things.