can remember running barefoot through the grass, stumping my toes....getting stung by bull nettles...having fish bones--or nails--stuck in my foot.

Sometimes I think back.
And I remember.

I can recall when all houses didn't have flush toilets! There was usually a one-room, one-seater out by some garden, on the other side of the chicken coop.

I remember the ice man's truck rolling by every morning--except Sunday--and it depended on what size(d) ice box was in the kitchen whether or not you bought a 25 cent block or a 50 cent block, each chopped to order at your front door.

Yes, sometimes I remember.

I can remember, too--before 'permanent processes'--getting my ears burned or a lock of hair falling from my scalp...all due to a big black straightening comb or Marcel iron (hot curlers).

Oh, yes, I can remember that very well.
I, too, can remember when food didn't all come from a grocer's shelf or freezer. Flour, sugar, spices, salt and pepper, yes.
But not the vegetables.
They came from that trusty garden. And meat walked around in the pasture.
Or in the pig pen.
Or in the yard.

And fish was caught in the neighboring stream.

What a tough time that was. But a simpler time!

I can remember when the Church house was never locked. And the door to your own house didn't have to be.

It might have to be latched.
But not locked.

I can also remember when it was safe for children to play anywhere in the neighborhood. If your parents weren't around, Uncle or Auntie somebody was there.

Or Mr. or Miss Whoever was there.

Nothing would happen to you.
Unless you did something wrong!

Then Uncle or Auntie or Mr. or Miss Nosybody whould whup you good!
And then tell your parents, who would whup you some mo'!

Ah, yes! I remember it well.