In long ago days of childhood, I remember the time when my Grandparents didn't have an indoor bathroom. When we would visit them, "potty breaks" were taken at the outhouse. I had only two problems with this: 1.In the winter, it was freezing cold out there, and I was afraid I would never thaw out when I got back inside, and 2. In the summer, I was always afraid a snake would crawl up under the johnny house and bite me on my posterior. At night, (if nature called) we had access to a "johnny pot", complete with a lid. Early next morning, we would take it out and empty it.

There was a washstand just outside the kitchen, where you could wash up before a meal, or clean the "catch of the day" (if you had been down to the creek with your fishing pole). Of course, there was running water in the kitchen and at the washstand, but what impressed my mind the most was the shower stall which was located on the back porch. It was rusty red in color with a simple white curtain across the front. Granny's washing machine sat across from the shower. I remember the sound of the water drumming on the metal walls of the shower when I would get cleaned up out there in the evening. I can almost smell the "Sweetheart" soap Granny always had on hand for us.

After a shower on the back porch, I felt squeaky clean. Drying off and dressing quickly, I breathed the clean country air. It made me feel brand new. I daresay no spa in business today could do for me what the back porch "spa" did. I only wish I had taken time to relish the moment more.

Thank goodness, I can still go there in my memory.