I remember growing up in Echo was like living in a third world country; no malls, no movie theater, only the cool grass under our feet, and the sweet smell of lilacs in the summertime.  We had a river to skip rocks on and sidewalks to ride bikes or skate.  There was no internet, computers, microwaves, or video players.  We had to create our own fun which was simple as sliding down the old fire escape at the high school.  . 

The high point of grade school was third grade when we got a new slide on the playground.  It seemed higher than Mt. Gilbraltar.  All the kids lined up for their first run down the monster, myself included.  It seemed like I climbed up the steps for hours before I reached the top.  When my turn came, I sat down on the slide preparing for the fastest ride of my life.  I fanned out the full skirt on my dress, gripped the sides, pushed off and down I went.  As soon as I left the launching pad, I heard a ferocious ripping sound.  When I landed on my feet, I almost had no skirt left on my dress.  It had literally been peeled away and was one of life's most embarrassing moments.  Today it would be one of America's funniest videos.

Junior High was the beginning of a new era.  A time when we would be learning Spanish and venturing off campus on field trips.  While other schools went to the Portland zoo, we got to go to the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant.  I have vivid memories of guys in white coats sticking there arms through glass windows and playing with atoms.   I definitely remember seeing Homer Simpson there.  To this day, I think I glow in the dark. 

High school was filled with Friday night football and basketball.  This was the only time in Echo history you would see more than 3 cars on the street at once.  And there was of course the infamous ghost chase by my sister and her friend. They were coming home from a football game when they saw it, a white ghostly apparition moving above them.  They chased it from the football field to the school cafeteria, following it's every move.
Sometimes they would lose sight of  the ghost.  But they were persistent and my sister would spot it, yelling "There it is!".  Off they would go again in pursuit.
Before they knew it they were on Main street, still chasing the poltergeist.  Finally the apparition took a left turn by Echo Park and floated to the ground.  They approached  cautiously.  It moved ever so slightly.  At last they were upon it!  They looked down where it hovered near the grass and were completely overwhelmed with surprise.  They had chased a Kleenex for eight city blocks.
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