Pastimes Without Power

We are a people dependent on power, electricity. Where I live, in Georgia, we are also  a people plagued by thunder storms and when they hit, no power Now, as adults, we can converse. That is problematic with little ones. But, there are alternatives.

Tint tots will find it a treat if you read their favorite stories or even if you just make up stories. Just be age appropriate. Three year olds may not like The Brothers Grimm, while 10 year olds may love stories with some substance, such as simple science fiction or even some of the Tales of King Arthur.

Another option is games. Many card games are entertaining and simple. Also, you can still find the old fashion board games. Again, just keep them age appropriate.

The real purpose here is to engage children, keep their attention focused on the facr that you are interacting with them in a fun way. Who jnows? They may discover that they like hanging out with you.

The Animal Olympics

I have been enjoying this years Olympic Games. The athletes are truly amazing but, this morning, I saw great displays of athleticism in the back yard.

I stood in awe, watching the squirrels chasing each other, leaping from branch to branch, scaling tall trees and darting across the grass and over the rocks. I saw birds flitting through the air, at full speed, twisting and darting between branches not 6 inches apart.

I watched closer and began to appreciate the flight of bees and butterflies, hovering, suspended over blossoms, of ants carrying many time their own weight over mounds of sand that must seem to them like the Rocky Mountains, and watched a grasshopper making astounding leaps.

We humans are great athletes, in our own ways, but our efforts are dwarfed by those of the animal world. All we have to do is stand quietly and they put on a fine show.