My how things have changed!  Though I only have a little over 3 decades worth of life experience, I do have fond memories of childhood strolls in the mountains behind our house and long afternoons exploring the creeks and their splendor.  I truly don’t ever remember spending long periods of time in front of the television or being concerned about the passing of time.  I certainly don’t remember being the slightest bit concerned about a possible predator (of the animal or human nature), lurking around.  And now here we are in the 21st century and I can say again, my how things have changed!

Aside from the sheer safety concerns of the times, I also notice that our culture has become far too technical when it comes to entertainment and exploration.  For example, I’ve wanted to erect a playground for some time in our backyard with slides, swings and a treehouse.  In the meantime my children taken their imagination and transformed themselves as the “boxcar children” or a group nature people that climb the trees and live off the land.  Yes, they make mud pies with marigold frosting and pretend to hunt some wild game (which is really our family chickens).  I’ve seen them devise some nifty transport vehicles and pulley systems.  They’ve also planted little pretend gardens and set up homemade tents.  Though it will be nice to having a backyard playground, nothing beats the combination of nature and imagination!