Yes, times were certainly different then. Children could just be kids and do the things that bring joy to childhood & leave happy memories. Of course we were taught values, manners and what close family relationships & respect for our elders meant. Learning responsibility started very early. And for that I am truly thankful.

Our playground was meadows, streams and the mountain. I remember playing with my brother and cousins like it was yesterday. We would all get us a stick to carry and up the side of a mountain we would go. We would walk along poking & prodding at every rock; sometimes flipping one over. Why? I don’t know, but we had fun doing it. And we were so preoccupied with our surroundings; that it never occurred to us to get into trouble.

We must have looked like the first people on earth scouting around with our sticks, and our looks of amazement as we encountered each new tid bit; which we missed, probably-- just the day before. Lucky for us, nature always has something new that tweaks the imagination, and stirs our curiosity.

How I wish children growing up now could experience some of the simple joys we knew then. I will always remember the first time I saw the tiny three-side Beechnut and the Acorn. I was amazed that they came from such a huge tree. It intrigued me then and still does. Nature inspires young and old to think about this world we so comfortably call our own.

One of my fondest memories would have to be the times I sat on the bank of a small stream and dipped my feet into the water. The gentle flowing water trickled over and around small rocks winding on down stream with the most tranquil sound…. It was so peaceful you could hear God whisper.

I would swish my feet back & forth in that cool water while I watched the birds play in the thicket near by – listening to their many different “tweets”. Sometimes I would sit there…. For what seemed like hours…. Enjoying the colors & fragrance of Nature. The dark green Holly with its bright red berries remains just as vivid as it was then. I can still smell the Lilacs and Honeysuckle.

If I have helped others relive happy moments like mine, then I know we are of kindred souls. Bless you. I will always cherish these memories. Next to God -- Family and precious memories are most sacred.