TAG.....YOU'RE IT!!!

There is a big push now days for children to get outside and play or join some form of physical activity to prevent childhood obesity. As kids, our parents never had to worry about that with our generation, but now the whole concept is being pushed on TV.

We generally hit the door running after we got home from school to get outside and play our favorite games. We didn't have all the electronic toys that keep us anchored to a seat. We had TV, but playing outside was generally more fun. There were only 2 TV shows that kept me from wanting to be outside and they were "The Mickey Mouse Club" and later "American Bandstand".

Who can forget such games as Tag, Kick the Can, What Time is it Mr. Fox, Freeze Tag, Dodge Ball, Hide and Seek, Red Light/Green Light, Jumping Rope, Hop Scotch, Giant Steps, Mr. Pie Man, or roller skating or riding your bike or scooter,etc? I know I can't. Kids were always on the move and generally had to be called in for supper time and then went back outside until the street lights came on (on non-school nights).

Since I had a heart murmur, I wasn't allowed to play the real strenous games, but did join in on several of the "tamer" games. Also being outside playing meant some special treats.............the ice cream man, the pop corn man, the little merry-go-round ride, and the take-your-picture on a pony treat....all of which came to your block periodically if not daily.

The best part of all this is that we never considered any of our activities as being something physical that we had to do. It was fun, it was our time, and it was a chance to just be a kid. We used our imaginations as well as our bodies to keep us in shape. There are so many things a child is offered today...sophisticated toys and activites. I am glad that all we needed to play and be happy was a can, a ball, a jump rope, a bike or scooter, a piece of chalk, or just imagination. Tag, you're it!!!!


ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: In the Everly Brothers song, "Wake up Little Suzie", what time was it when they realized they were in trouble? 4:00
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: If you ordered a "cluck and grunt" what would you have ordered?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.