Play Time

Late afternoon is play time to ride the horses, play games and work on puzzles, or frolic with the girls atop the hey stack in the barn (the boys love this), then a light evening meal and desert.. John wants to ride the horse so the older boys put the harnesses on “Lady”, who is seldom out of the barn.  They walk her out near the house and boost John into the saddle.  John yells "giddy up" but she doesn't move. 

Having seen several western movies, he gives her a whack with the reigns and away she goes.  The saddle is a little loose and starts slipping so John is leaning way over as he disappears behind the house.  But everyone cheers as horse and rider reappear with John riding tall in the saddle. As they ride across the pasture Lady suddenly turns and runs at top speed toward the barn door, passing through just seconds after John ducks down to avoid being swept from the saddle.

At dusk they watch the beavers building a dam and then to bed where sleep comes easy after a long day's work and play.  It's a long walk down to the outhouse in the cold night air, especially when there is no moon to light the way.  There is a yellow stain running from the bedroom window to the ground below.  

Western NY has a reputation for severe weather with heavy rain and wind storms. One of these was under way while John and Kiki (Francis) Gustina are in the living room playing cards on the floor. All of a sudden there is flash of lightning and a blue ball of fire enters the room knocking the boys over, breaking the window, knocking the telephone off the wall and then burning a large hole in the ceiling before leaving the house. With ears ringing the boys run out to the safety of the car where others are already sitting.

The summer "vacation" comes to an end and Dad arrives to pick up the family.  Its really hard to leave and the two families part with promises to write letters and the anticipation of returning next year.  Dad's summer vacation plan is a huge success in every regard!