When we have typical early spring weather — bright, beautiful sunshine with a sharp, clear breeze — it makes me think of the games we used to play at school when the snow was finally gone and the weather started to warm up. One sure sign of spring in our schoolyard was skipping ropes.
The school provided long, heavy, woven cotton ropes that were just right for skipping as a group. The rope would start turning and we’d begin chanting, “All .. all .. all ..” continuing until everyone except the two turners had “jumped in”, and then we began the rhyme.
All in together, girls, such fine weather, girls;
When we call your birthday, please run out!
January, February, March …
and each person would exit on their birthday. The game lasted until December — or until someone’s foot caught on the rope. Continue reading “All in together, girls; such fine weather girls …”