When I was about the age I am in the picture above I spent a lot of time with my mom! She worked weekends at a little grocery store in Deerwood where she grew up.

During the week though she was home every day with me! Dad worked in the mines and had our only car, so we spent a lot of time at home.

On one summer day she was going to do some baking but was out of eggs and butter so jokingly she said, “Mike why don’t you ride your tricycle up to Crooks store and get me some?”

Crooks store was a small gas station/convenience store with a few groceries that was about ¾ mile from where we lived. 

Well, I went outside and got on my tricycle with a piece of chain tied on the back and took off for the store! I rode on the shoulder of the highway next to our house for about a quarter of a mile then I crossed the highway with my dog and was just about halfway to the store when Mister Johnson, who knew who I was, stopped and asked me where I was going?

I told him I was going to the store for my mom to get her some eggs and butter! Well, this neighbor kept talking to me and asked me if my mom knew where I was and I said, “Yes! She asked me to go.”

About this time my mom came speeding up to us with another neighbor who had given her a ride! She was mad as all get out!!! I started tearing up and got scared that I was in trouble as she loaded my tricycle into the car with me and the dog!

She then thanked the first neighbor for calling her when he saw me riding my tricycle past his place and holding on to me till she got there!!!

We were riding back home after going to Crooks store, and she asked me how I was going to pay for the eggs and butter? I guess I hadn’t figured that part out yet. Maybe I figured that they would just give it to me when I asked!!   

Me on the back of the car and my mom’s youngest brother in it~