I grew up in the great depression and WW2 era. We didn’t have running water or commercially provided electricity. (a 6 volt wind-charger and a little car battery provided 2/25 watt light bulbs and a radio (when the wind was blowing) — coal oil lamps and lanterns shattered the darkness — kindling and coal pierced the cold) We had economic and health issues, typical of isolated rural areas. But, we had family and extended community family that shared the same hardships and issues. We knew our neighbors and they knew us. Adults knew what, where, and when their kids were involved in something. Kids could trust the adults they came in contact with.

We live in a vastly different world today. Transportation and communication advances have erased community boundaries. The conflicts and hardships of remote areas on the other side of the globe have immediate effect on our lives. We can have face to face relationships, via the net, with anyone anywhere. National politics is unavoidable. Scam artists and snake oil salesman are an ever present threat. Temptations of every flavor are available at our fingertips.

Bygone days and memories are wonderful, but I have no desire to return to those days. We have exciting responsibilities and opportunities ahead of us. I’m no longer burdened by immediate responsibility for the welfare of my kids or my parents. I can enjoy the kids, g’kids and g’g’kids and send them home when I’m tired. I have loving family that I can trust to come to my rescue if I’m not able to meet my daily demands for my own care. I can enjoy my lifetime love of farming, join in commiserating on blogs, and sleep when I want to. What more could a crusty, grumpy, opinionated old man want?

And my faith in God, tells me the best is yet to come. That old song: Ain’t a‘gonna need this house no more is a’gonna come to reality. You all have a good day and enjoy life.