Giddy-up

Who could resist? This is one of the coolest horse swings I have seen!

"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." 
~ Winston Churchill

Horsin' around

During the last few years, I've seen many variations on the traditional homemade tree swing (for example, Swingin' or Chair swing). I think this one is the cutest by far.

Someone used to play here...

On 3rd Street as you leave the downtown Downey area, there is this vacant lot. It has been vacant for as long as I can remember, but recently I noticed this tire swing hanging from a tree in the lot. Who used to play there and when? It just kinda makes you wonder.

"Even as I travel the cities, I'm more at home in the vacant lots." 
~ Bob Dylan

Swingin'

I always think of small-town America when I see tree swings. However, these swings bring a new twist to the homemade swing. It's hard to say which one looks like more fun.

"No matter how old you are, swings are cool."
~ Anonymous

Tree stories

Here's another yard with a story I found. This neighborhood used to be a lemon grove before it was subdivided into single-family homes over 60 years ago. So this tree has seen over 60 years of kids playing football and baseball in the street, maybe a swing or two on that horizontal branch. And how many birds have rested here for awhile?

And just down the street is this old tree that still has its swings.

Chair swing

I am someone who is always looking for new ways to use old items and I love to see how other people find ways to do the same. I have to admit, I laughed when I first saw this, but I was also impressed. Someone at this house wanted a chair swing, so they made one quick and easy!

Ready for play...

Downey residents go to Apollo Park for various reasons. It could be a family picnic, a day on the swings, or a pick-up basketball game.

I always think of Apollo Park with my association with D.J.A.A. (Downey Junior Athletic Association). As a kid the summers seemed to last forever playing baseball (sometimes just excited for the snacks afterward).