Do you remember these? We called them helicopters. The dried fallen seeds from the Maple tree. As children we would pick them up by the handful, throw them into the air and watch as they slowly sailed to the ground.I have two maple trees in my yard, planted 10 years ago. As I have walked in the yard through the seasons doing yard work, playing with the kids, taking the dog out, I have watched the progress of these seeds. They start as tiny clusters of flowers, barely noticeable among the budding leaves, grow to the green double headed seed, then change to brown and finally drop to the ground, trying to find purchase in the dirt.
It has been many years since I have thrown these helicopters into the air, until this week. I bent down and picked up a few. Then one at a time, laughing and reliving moments from my childhood, tossed them into the air and watched them twirl to the ground.
I don't know why it has taken me so long to do this again, but since that day, every time I go out by my trees and see the seeds among the blades of grass, I pick up one or two and relive all over again.
We used to crack these, and take the seeds from within and collect handfuls. I don't remember why now, lol . . .
ReplyDeleteOh yes it brought back memories. I grew up in Pa. where maple trees were plentiful.
ReplyDeleteWe use to tear the seed off the end and then stick the rest on our tongue to make a whistle. Hadn't thought about that in years thanks.
I remember one time taking my wagon down around the corner where there was one of those trees next to the sidewalk. I loaded it up with helicopters and had a ball.
ReplyDeleteI totally remember those. My grandparents had a large tree with them in their front yard. I always loved standing under that tree in the fall, when all of them started falling off.
ReplyDeleteYes I remember those! But we don't have maples up here (well, a few, but they're not native and only a few of them are around). Gotta love the small stuff.
ReplyDeleteI remember those too! I should try and find some again and relive the memory too.
ReplyDeleteWe had a maple tree in my yard when my kids were little and they would simply DELIGHT if a breeze came up and the helicopters would be blown down around them! Thanks for reminding me =)
ReplyDeleteBeing a Florida gal I don't think we have these, but they sure look like a lot of fun =) Loved reading about them.
ReplyDeleteOur neigbors 3 huge maple trees are at least 100 years old. We love the trees - they spread precariously over ou back yard. The "helicopters" fall A L L summer long, which fall into our manicured flower beds and proceed to grow. We could start our own nursery!!!
ReplyDelete(:
they are very fun.
ReplyDeleteI think reliving childhood every other once in awhile is a good thing;)
Oh WOW - what a wonderful childhood memory you just brought me back to.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 Maple Trees in my backyard. I will have to show my children this trick.
Yes! I loved doing this and not too long ago showed the grandkids this little treat. They loved it as much as I did when I was their age. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Fall! Here via the carnival!!
We have those but we call the tree a sycamore...is it the same thing?
ReplyDeleteAnyway we played helicopters too. The children in the playground still do. Also my children would split the seed in two and then place the whoe helicopter onto thier nose and call themselves Rhinos.
Have a wonderful great Autumn
(I added you to my blog roll I hope you don't mind. If you do let me know and I will remove you )
I don't believe I've ever done this. But my grandmother used to have what we called a Chainy Ball Tree and we would pull off the little balls and throw them at each other. Not the same though is it? I'll have to find some maple trees and experiment myself. Great childhood memory.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations you are this months casting call,apologies for not posting sooner but I was a sick girl :(
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
YEA! WOO HOO! WEHAWWWW!
ReplyDeleteNot too bad... takes the cake with her first outing!
I've never won. :E
What a great moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my 100th entry.
Congratualtions on winning the casting call
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning the casting call at Wendy's! It looks like it was well-deserved!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my fond childhood memories, too! Thanks for sharing it with us. :O) Here from the CBC.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks, that brought back such good memories!
ReplyDeleteI sure do! And before they dried out -- while they were still green, we used to open the seed pod part (split it) and stick them on our nose! Don't ask me why ... it was just a fun kid thing to do! LOL!
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