Before AC [bef. air conditioners], I remember hot summer nights with the smells and sounds of the night filtering into the bedroom. At times those sounds would get loud, then somewhere a dog would bark, and it would be quiet again for a little while. Does anyone else remember the rattle of the venetian blind if a breeze was blowing? When it got really hot at night we would take a blanket or sheet to the backyard, spread it on the ground and spend the night right there. Some neighbors would already be there, so would come later - all sleeping under the stars on a hot summer night. Funny thing is, I don't seem to remember all the flies, insects, mosquitoes, etc. that must have been there. Anita mentioned pecans from Georgia and eating corn from the stalk. I have fond memories of those too, but I have to put peaches and figs right from the tree as being my favorite. Peach juice dripping off my elbows and me not caring because they were so darn good. I wonder if many kids get to experience any of these things now-a-days. WAIT… I forgot about my grandmothers cherry trees! She lived in Victoria, Virginia and had cherry trees in her side yard. Straight from the tree or ground, or in a pie or cobbler, it just didn't get any better. Many of the things being mentioned are still out there… sometimes we just have to look a lot harder to find them. I've got to get off of this subject or I'll be here all morning taking trips down memory lane. <smile> Time to take meds anyway, Tom Eastern Shore & More Forum http://www.easternshoremore.com/forum/ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html