My fondest memories of childhood were when our family lived on a large dairy farm (we rented a house there). I was surrounded by tons of open space, and animals. We had dogs and cats and even a couple of goats. And I was lucky to have a horse. I spent my summer days caring for the animals, but also riding out to parts unknown. There were only back country roads, and it was safe to ride alone. I feel bad for the kids of today who are stuck to their screens and now, with COVID, aren’t able to spend a lot of time with their friends. I’m a true believer that being outdoors in the fresh and and being around animals are a great way for kids to grow up. Even the hard work is beneficial! And getting dirty is a good thing!
ElderChicks 
The role of friendly animals in our lives can’t be overstated. You started a flood of memories for me, Meg. Including childhood fantasies of living like Heidi in the Alps or children like you when I was on city streets.
Meg, you lived my dream!!! I dream of a distant unknown relative leaving me, the last known relative, bundles of cash. I would buy a ranch and rescue horses, my favorite animal, with goats and sheep. It has been a wonderful dream through this pandemic.
Thank you for sharing.
Donna🌿🌺🌿
Meg, your childhood sounds idyllic! I grew up in the Bronx, in NYC, quite a far cry from the dairy farm and wide open spaces of your youth. However, across the street from our apartment building was a huge park, it must have run one or two city blocks. it was bookended with playgrounds. One we referred to as the “big playground” because that is where the big kids hung out. There was a woman who actually worked there 12 months a year and organized games, contests and monitored our behavior…..too high on the swings and she blew her whistle. Although our surroundings were very different the common thread is that we were outdoors. We played in the park, sledded down the grassy hills and rollerskated on the paths. Our days were spent playing, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, but we lived a carefree life without the constraints or fears of today. Technology is great, but like anything, it needs to be monitored. Just like flying high on the swings can be dangerous so can too much time on devices- we all need to blow a whistle so that we, young and old, can take the time and smell the flowers. Thank you for you beautiful memory!