I have recollections of being a child, but I really don't recall much of being a kid. I think I had my first paying job around 12 years old and began paying taxes at 16.
Before 12, I was a self guided lawn mower for Dad, and we lived on an estate-farm. It's not a stretch to say there was ALWAYS grass to mow, weeds to destroy, machinery to service and repair, hay to move, and work to be done.
I don't recall ever... EVER... wearing shorts. Working men wore jeans and boots. Rich layabouts wore shorts. Period.
When I got older, the concept of 'Vacation' became part of my life. Maybe... Maybe... shorts would happen on vacation. But still boots. Always boots. Men wore boots.
Now I'm retired because it was that or else. Now I wear shorts as long as they are near the top of the laundry basket which is most days. Shoes, let alone boots, are optional.
I am in my 61st year, and this is the first time in my life my legs have had a tan of any kind.
I'm not sure how I feel about that.
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