The Joy of Childhood in the Woods

[cbk]

I've been asked why, in my old age, I'd want to own three acres of wooded mountainside. Why not a nice townhouse or condo? Well I guess it is because first and foremost, I love the country. I've never wanted to live anywhere else; although circumstances have made me do so. But another reason occurred to me as I watched my four year old Granddaughter explore her world.
Rocks are a big thing with her right now. She collects them, washes them in the dog's water tub, and arranges them in her "tea" house. And don't think you can just throw them away when she isn't looking. She knows every one personally.
Then there are flowers. As Spring moves along she is fascinated by the various blooms. Yesterday it was wild mustard flowers. These tiny "weeds" that we adults walk on without another thought became a study in yellow for her.
Or hills. That which we struggle to walk up (as we get older) is pure joy to run down....even if she did do a face plant in the horse barn.
There are critters of all sorts to study and be amazed by. The cleaning out of a horse's hooves becomes an opportunity for a thousand questions and comments. Why the donkeys have such long ears is another question and answer period. "Her" dogs are playmates, and it doesn't matter that they don't speak English. Their communication is instant and complete.
Marie Sophia loves the wind in her face and the water in the creek. It doesn't matter to her if the weather is cold or warm. She can find joy and education in nature....and that alone is reason enough for her grandmother to struggle with land and critters in her old age. ;D

[jerrycsmith]

You've captured the real essence of life, Chris. Concrete and sidewalks suck.

[cbk]

That they do Jerry. Besides if we lived in a "nice" townhouse area you couldn't build yourself a tornado shelter.....with a door that opens in, of course. Nor a bird fountain fed by the run off water from the A/C. And heaven forbid if we used a shotgun to "trim" the branches of the trees. ;D

[jerrycsmith]

To be truthful, Chris, I used a military assault rifle to top those trees.

[cbk]

Gee, I should tell Dianne on you. Hey, as I was coming home I saw a for sale sign. Is that yours or for the property next door?

[jerrycsmith]

It's for the house at the end of Gilbert Drive. Several folks have asked about this.

[Tommy Thompson]

I get such a kick out of Marie Sophia. She's one fascinating little girl.

[cbk]

I just hope I live long enough to see who she picks out for a husband. He will have to be strong, patient, loving, and most of all, have a terrific sense of humor. Even at four, Marie Sophia does NOT suffer fools gladly. ;D

[jerrycsmith]

Mar 31, 2013 12:48:49 GMT -5 cbk said:

Even at four, Marie Sophia does NOT suffer fools gladly. ;D

Can't imagine where she picked up that gene.

[cbk]

Goodness, neither can I.

[H Abiff]

When my sister and I were growing up in upstate NY we would go for miles up some creek through the woods. No one worried about us, just irritated if we missed supper. We got cuts, stepped on nails, all part of a 7 year old in bare feet. Its a shame that the world has changed so much. That gave us a strength that is missing today. Nothing like growing up in the country.

[cbk]

I doubt if many children are even allowed to go barefoot these days. Too much danger, you know. Even though her Mom probably wouldn't like it I never tell my granddaughter to put her shoes back on when she throws them off. She's absorbing a lot thru those little toes scrunching in the dirt. She already knows about sticker briers, how mud feels, how sometimes the earth is cold and sometimes warm. The creek bottom is cold and little feet sink in to the sandy/muddy bottom.
The cutest mind picture I have of her is when she has just removed a sticker from the bottom of her foot. Our huge Bernie was chewing on his paw trying to get out a sticker too. Marie Sophia sat down in front of him, grabbed his paw and told him she knew it hurt. She carefully pulled out the sticker where upon Bernie rewarded her with a slobbery kiss right across her mouth and nose. I had to laugh as I pictured Peanut's Lucy crying; Arrrgh, dog germs!