These places are staples in my childhood. I never want to forget them

• The lake house at Masten Lake. The smell of the flowers in the yard. The pinwheels in the garden. The wind chimes the porch. The outdoor shower. The dresser with the things inside (like the plastic finger puppet). Cathy's house. The sound of the frogs. Old Camp Lakota. Walking with uncle Barry past the abandoned bungalows.
• Chincoteague. The Sea Shell, Precious Refuge, Mullers, the Kite Coop, the old visitors center, the wildlife loop...
• The old house in Jersey City with the orange place mats and the lion statues

I remember the neighbors at the lake house - those two boys. Did I ever play with them, or did I just borrow their old tire to play with? And their big black inner tube and the fishing rods. I also remember the day the tiny frogs were jumping everywhere all over their yard. Drawing fairies with Cathy's daughter. Her belly button piercing was purple and infected.

Just googled Masten Lake and something came up about Helen Morell! God I used to walk in there and feel like they didn't want my grubby little hands anywhere near their fancy dresses. I didn't even know I remembered that place. I think I might cry.