This manuscript deals with that period in my life I commonly refer to as my prepubescent period. If it were not for my cousin, Orson, this period in my life would have been next to impossible. Maybe not so harsh, let's say more trips to the fishpond, and most definitely an increase in the number of appearances before the inquisitions. Orson and I were most fortunate to experience this milestone in life before man landed on the moon, before cellphones, and most of all a time when mother said go play outside, which translated to "It's 8 a.m. Don't come back till noon." Your assumption is correct. This left two gentlemen a lot of time and space.
Here is what greeted us each morning. From our front yards, we could see the snow-capped sierras. Following your line of sight was a fully functioning log mill with a large pond feed by a flume. From this point on was a mixture of pastureland and open agricultural land. Oh, yes, a canal full of water year-round. To find some activity to fill the day only required the willingness to bask in the glory of the right choice or the willingness to accept the full fury of a displeased mother.