For us kids, not just any old step would do. We tried others, but caddy-corner, across the street from my parent's place was the best front step in the neighborhood at which to hang out and talk. On the corner, under the street light was OK, but Larry and Ginny's step seemed most natural.
I'm not sure what made those steps best. There wasn't anything unusual about them. They probably had the same dimensions as all the others. They were close enough to the street light for visibility, but far enough for us not to be bombarded by junebugs. Larry and Ginny had two daughters who were a couple years younger than me and my friends. That could have been part of our motivation toward those steps. (You're probably thinking, "Hmm, you really think so?") We could, however, hang out with Larry and Ginny just as easily.
Larry was cool with his joking around, making us feel older, like we then wanted to do. Ginny, however, listened more, and she happened to be the one hanging out on the step a bit more often. She sat and listened while we talked and discussed stuff. She didn't give us advice, nor did she condemn our ideas. Ginny was just there, and friendly. For all I know, when we left, she went in and breathed a sigh of relief thinking, "Why do those kids have to come over every time I sit out on the step for a cup of coffee?"
The usual weather for step-nights was warm, but not so hot as to warrant air conditioner use. The invitation seemed to be either when we'd all happen to gravitate there, or if the front door was open and Ginny was sitting out on the step. That golden light coming through the screen door seemed to call us. We'd stay, talking about anything that came to mind, until the mosquitos chased us inside, or our parents called. Those were fun times.
The year was about 1972. It's one of very few discussions I can remember, and I don't remember lots about it. American Top 40 was playing on KDWB (63 on your AM dial), and The Beatles' "All You Need is Love" was still high in the rankings. I may be off on the year, or be combining elements of several memories, anyway, that doesn't affect the point.
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