and we're so very glad you do.

fiwit said:and we're so very glad you do.

Yes indeed!

and I'll add an I definitely agree to that too

Sharon said: Thanks Ladies, so much. Where I grew up, there were no children who lived anywhere near me, so I had no playmates of my age until I started school, and then only during school days. The houses weren't close together so there weren't many neighbors either. So my early memories are of my grandmother and my great aunt, because that's who I spent all my time with. Whatever they did, I did, with either one or the other and sometimes both.

What they did was work the land, plant for food, gather plants for medicine and for healthy living, and climb that mountain. It happened every spring, through the summer, and again in the fall. Everything in my life revolved around plants and nature and the mountain.

So that seems to be mostly what I write about.

Those are great memories that you have. Plus you have such a gift for writing about it. You make those times come alive for us in your stories. I always really enjoy them.

Thank you, Rita! These days I can remember the events and mostly what I learned from them, but now their voices seem to blend and I can't always remember which of the two old women said what to me. I just remember what one of them said. I guess it really doesn't matter much, as long as I remember the plant that goes with it.

Sharon, I think we can all hear their voices, when reading your stories. It is like we are standing there next to you, and I'm so happy that you have allowed us all to share in your childhood. Makes me wish for simpler times.

Sweet, Natalie, thank you so much. Makes me smile.

Sharon, I've missed your stories so it was a pleasure to open up ATP today and see this. What a summer that must have been for you to see those mammoth sunflowers towering above you! It took me a couple of times to read "banded" to know what you meant

I tried to grow sunflowers for the first time ever this past summer. They did not fare well, but the bees loved them! I thought I was going to harvest sunflower seeds to roast and eat, but after so many died and several of them fell over... even after putting a fence around them, I gave up.

The whole fence row had sunflowers along it. Only a few made it. I don't remember what kind I planted.

Oh Vickie!!! I love that fence row. They are beautiful to me!!

Thanks about the article and sorry about banded. I guess it was one of those 'mountain' words. And thanks so much for the pictures, I love them!

No need to be sorry Sharon. Once I got it, I could totally see a 7 year old saying it that way

Glad you like the pictures.

Gosh, I almost missed this Sharon. I love reading your stories too. And I always learn something.

We always plant sunflowers along the fence row. Sometimes Matt saves some seeds for roasting, but mostly we grow them for fun. (and the deer)

And for the birds, Arlene, for the birds too.

Thank you!

Oh yes, for the birds too! We have LOTS of birds around because we leave lots of seedheads for them, not just sunflowers either.

Vickie, those photo's are just beautiful. Makes me smile

Sharon - Always interesting to read your articles full of memories and botanical information and history. Even though you lived a childhood growing up with adults, it sounds magical to me. A simple yet hardworking life. I wished more children were introduced to nature in this day and age. Most sit in front of the TV or play video games or are on their cell phones constantly when they are not in school. They miss so much of the nature around them. Growing up, I remember going with my friends to catch frogs, snakes, and lizards in the woods. We were always outside exploring nature. I would have loved to have had a great-aunt or grandmother like you had to teach me about plants! I do believe their spirits are still watching over you! They must have loved you so much being the only child in the household. What a joy you must have brought them! Thank you for sharing another endearing memory of your childhood.

Becky, you made me smile! Thank you.

When I started school and realized that not all children had lived like I did, not many of them could talk about making dye from flowers nor did they know how to churn butter or make sauerkraut or plant and tend a row of white half runners, I felt so out of place. I think I was afraid to open my mouth in the classroom until I was well into the third or fourth grade. So there's good and bad in that kind of childhood. It wasn't until later that I became comfortable with the things I'd been taught. Of course now I'm just so thankful for the things they did teach me and more thankful that when I look at certain plants I'm reminded of them.

I agree about today's children, and I hope more parents and teachers are aware and will try to do something about it. Thanks again.

Thanks, Vic!

What a wonderful article Sharon Thank you for sharing your memories, it makes me feel that maybe my grandchildren will get something out of my love for gardening and nature

More than you think, Ronnie, they will remember!