Day 250

1/20/23

What is it about forts? Asher and I have had so much fun creating a fort in Sam's kennel! Not only do we fit in the space (and extended area), but one or two Goldens are also welcome. After all, it is a dog kennel!

When we were children, our creative neighborhood gang made more than a few forts. This group of about ten kids, with an age range of four to five years, was beyond imaginative. We pushed each other to the limit and that's when the fun would begin!

Circle Pines was every child's dream! In my grandma's back yard (She lived next door!), there was a grouping of three huge evergreens. Between two of them, there was an opening allowing us to enter the large, cavernous space within. It didn't take us long to hang window frames, pull in furniture and stock it with food!

We soon discovered that someone, not from our crew, would sneak in and eat all of our Oreos stashed in a cupboard. We decided to surprise them with some cayenne pepper placed ever-so-carefully within the cookie! It only took a day or so for the pilfering to stop!

Another fort was in Babcock's garden. Digging a hole at least 4 to 5 feet deep and big enough for the entire group, we then placed boards over the top. Of course, we didn't stop there, but added a chimney built out of coffee cans so we could have a fire. The neighborhood parents were invited to see our amazing establishment and, after praising us for our ingenuity, promptly made us fill it in. We never thought about consequences of smoke or cave-ins, only fun.

So Asher, the pups and I enjoy various forts around the house for now. In the summer, the new crew of neighborhood kids (mostly boys) will head towards the forts built in backyards for their enjoyment. Perhaps they will try a hand at building one of their own. I would kind of like to see that!