I remember a truly wonderful and happy childhood, playing outdoors ALL day, even in the winter, because we had a house with a full length enclosed alley way, and our house was gated in top to bottom. So no matter what the weather was, we could go outside to play, even when there was a snowstorm.
I played “off the wall” (Some say I AM off the wall), you know the game where you threw a spaulding at the wall, then clapped your hands once (onesies) and caught it, then twice, caught it, three times, ditto, and then the throwing and catching maneauvers got increasingly more difficult until you were up to ten. Then all catching was one handed. Then you had to reverse the process. if you dropped the ball (especially in a one hand catch), you had to lose your turn and wait for the next guys to get out, really frustrating if you got really far in the game.
Oh my goodness, this brings back some happy memories for me. Thanks for bringing it up.