SteveA - I grew up in Saugus as well (although I was a few years behind you in graduating!) Most of my neighbors here are from the North Shore as well - it's a small world (and becoming smaller with everyone moving north!)
I had a well-rounded childhood living in the suburbs during the winter and visiting my mother's parents and family every weekend in Boston; then spending the summers on Lake Waukewan with my father's parents and extended family.
Living on the lake truly becomes a part of who you are. Our summer camp (and it is still a camp - which my mother reminds us often when we might gripe about something old - that's "it's CAMP") was and still is a great way to spend time with our family. When we were young, camp was a place to get away. There was no TV, so we played a lot of games and cards and I distinctly remember playing Pokeno with my grandmother for pennies. Since we didn't have TV, video games, cell phones, etc., we (my sisters, neighbors and I) used our imaginations to entertain ourselves. This sometimes led to being chased all the way back to our cottage by the local sherriff (at night) because we were laughing too loud at a nearby campground. Those were the days...............
It's great living here year-round although at times, I do miss the city. The nice thing is that I can go to Boston for a day or two for my fix and then return to Paradise.
As I read all of your stories and experiences, I realize how similar they are in sentiment and experience. It's a pleasure getting to know you all..............keep the stories coming.
Have a great day!
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IrishEyes 
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