For 10 years the kids on the block of Knoxville played together, competed with each other, challenged themselves and their friends to use their imaginations, and achieved what some said were impossible dreams. It was a great 10 years. These are the stories from my youth. These events and activities helped shape and change my life in many positive ways. The kids in my neighborhood became a very important part of my life, filling those years from preteen through our young adult years. These kids - and I - came from families with average incomes. My hope is that as you read this book you will remember that period of your life, activities which molded your future, friends who made life-long impressions, and dreams that led you and brought you to where you are today. For most of my life I have kept a journal. Even though I have a journal from these days of my youth, the events are just as vivid as if they had happened yesterday.