Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Goodbye Swingset - The End of an Era


My kids were so excited about getting a swingset, and it was well-used.  For many years it was a place to hang upside down, dig and hide, plan battles and rocket launches, and host tea parties and club meetings.  It was transformed into pirate ships, buses, planes and palaces.

I posted it on freecycle and a young family came and took it apart and away this past weekend.


The swingset had been abandoned in favor of scooters, skateboards, water guns, basketball hoops, pogo sticks and trampolines. Just different and scarier ways of hurtling themselves through space.

So what would you do with a nice, new, level empty spot in the yard?   Naturally, I’m eyeing it for a chicken coop and/or maybe some additional vegetable beds. I’m afraid my family has other ideas. 

19 comments:

sam said...

I think we'll be doing the same with ours this summer. Right now there are bird feeders hanging from it - that's the only use it's had in months!

Ronda Laveen said...

How nice it found a loving home. Yep, those kids just move on to bigger and badder ways of flying as the age.

Tell Betsy that, really, I've had many dogs and Miss BB Lala is the only one who's ever done the Butt Scratch and Sniff. OMG, you should see it!

Ronda Laveen said...

How nice it found a loving home. Yep, those kids just move on to bigger and badder ways of flying as the age.

Tell Betsy that, really, I've had many dogs and Miss BB Lala is the only one who's ever done the Butt Scratch and Sniff. OMG, you should see it!

Ash said...

Ha! Ha ha!!!! I can imagine...all that u have been picturing in your imaginations..... I know many a times I have gone through this too... Little I get & I plan Plan & Plan, not worrying anything else.... I know when u have kids..... they would also wanna try out something out of it..... WISHING U ALL THE LUCK..... & I pray no one gets disappointed..... Hugs))))

Ash....
(http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)

Lzyjo said...

Awww, they're growing up! I think you should do a chicken coop. :) AND a few additional beds. WOW, so many possibilities for the new area. I'm really excited for you and I can't wait to see what pops up.

Joanne said...

It's sweet, but kind of sad, too, bidding farewell to childhood eras ...

tina said...

Awww, such a sad time I think. That family was MOST lucky you gave such a nice set away. I have one here that I am thinking of installing for my grandchildren. How silly is that? I sure don't need it. I might give it to my daughter for her future children. Better idea huh?

patti said...

I like your idea, but I am sniffling thinking of Swingsets Past and how that era is gone for me...unless my two have grandkids.

Sniff.
Patti

Even though you made me cry, I love this blog and I think they should give you your way.

k said...

I remember when my dad took down our old swingset.Hm. I guess it made sense, so it didn't bother me.
However, when I win the lottery I will get one of those public playground swingsets with the long, long chains.

Carol said...

I love the chicken coop idea! My how time flies! Look forward to seeing what you do with your new space. ;>) Happy Spring!

dennis said...

Dennis loves the orange and pink combination in fashion. Very pretty and cheerful

dennis said...

Dennis says Chickens are tasty.

Skeeter said...

I know you must have had mixed emotions that day. On one hand the cherished memories made by your children and a bit sad to see it go. On the other hand, a happy day knowing it would be making new memories for another family...

A chicken coop is a wonderful way to teach children about life. They could learn a lot with having chickens around. Responsibility, where eggs comes from, the joy of animals, etc. But a garden would be my first choice as animals bare a big responsibility and we travel too often for that right now. Cant wait to see what you do with the spot. So many decisions….

Kelly said...

so are you happy to see it go and have more garden, or sad that your babies are too big for it? I usually err on the happy side when my guys grow out of something. On to the next adventure. How about bees? I hear we could use some more honey bees in all our gardens.

FYI - the "after" shots of the arbor are up - thanks for watching my project unfurl! Kelly

http://lifeoutofdoors.com/2010/03/25/after-the-arbor-as-a-blank-canvas/

JGH said...

Sam, I like your bird feeder post idea - innovative. At least it's functioning as something.

Ronda, I'm still laughing over that post.

Ash, yes, we sometimes have different plans from the kids. They want a trampoline. Husband says "no way"... I think I've talked him in to chickens, tho.

Liz, a friend of mine turned her old above ground pool space into a small corn field!

Joanne, yes, it is a little sad - a new shed or chicken coop would soften the blow.

Tina, I think it depends on how often your grandchildren are at your house. Also it could be a "lure" to get them to visit-- if that's what you want ;-)

Thank you Patti. I'll tell them you said so. It could work.

K, our playground in the village has -- or used to have -- a huge tire mounted on long chains. So fun to spin on!

Carol, I can't believe how short the swingset era was. I hope the basketball hoop lasts longer.

Dennis, how about a chicken in a pink and orange dress?

Skeeter, I have a coop, but it's not set up yet. I want to make sure I put it in the right place, but it's a "tractor" coop that I can move around so maybe I shouldn't be agonizing so much over it.

Kelly, I'm thinking about bees. I may do that next year. Can always use more pollenating! Looking forward to seeing the finished arbor.

ARUNA said...

Those r lovely pics!!

LazyMom said...

Not the swing set! I hate that they grow-up so fast.

nesting melly said...

oh, this post pulled on my heart strings! how fast it all goes. i'm not sure how i will feel when that time comes to get rid of the swings... just another reminder to savor these crazy days of toddler and school age.

lauren said...

I'm all for the chicken coop!