We moved to a somewhat isolated location after living in walking distance from the mall. Our preteens were furious. They had to ask for a ride anytime they wanted to go somewhere, and where's the fun of having your parents know where you are and who you may be with? *G*

It took awhile but soon they were making potato launchers, shooting arrows, and tossing a ball in the summer dusk out back by the pond. Oh yes I almost forgot the falling-into-the-pond ritual known as "canoeing." And the wading ritual known as "fishing."

Two have left now for the Navy, still angry about what awful parents we had been. But within a few weeks of starting basic training they assured us their awful memories of home had been transformed into a longing for the green hills and the hillside spring where we fetched water every few weeks.

~Susan