Do good times with friends require eating at high priced restaurants, taking in a movie, or athletic events? When getting together in homes must we provide big meals or barbecues? Do we need a pantry stocked with snacks and beverages? Should it be costly to meet with friends?
Growing up in the 1950's- 1960's we rarely went to restaurants, movies, bowling or skating. Family outings were generally visits with relatives or friends, who also dropped by to see us. There were very little preparations. Group events for swimming, picnics, birthday parties or holiday meals were the only big projects. Adults and children just simply enjoyed being together!
Mom and Dad's best friends lived right across the street. Their six children and the five of us were often playing in our yards till dark and fireflies were caught with our hands, and put in jars. The parents, Laura and Clint were like family. What did the adults do? Mostly, they just talked while sitting at the kitchen table, enjoying cups of hot coffee or glasses of iced tea. The men sometimes watched “Gillette boxing,” or on warm summer afternoons played a few games of horseshoes.
Times were simpler then. Our Mom's did not work outside of the home. Raising their large families was a full time job. Children were not all wrapped up in after school activities keeping them away from home and neighborhood friends.
Take time to enjoy your friends. We need each other, not what money can buy while we are together...
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