The very word outdoors inspires thoughts of fresh air and freedom. It's certainly a good place for children as the summer recess unfolds. Outdoors is where children get a chance to let off the excess steam and most have an endless supply. What is that phrase most parents or grandparents find themselves thinking? Probably, "They'll sleep well tonight".

The energy factor is why many parents keep their children in so many sports until the whole family's schedule is up to the ears. If your young ones are active or my, my, oh my, my, overactive, summer's coming - do read on. It's going to be eternity until school fall school sessions. Gas is so high that day camp may be out of the question for many families. Knock, Knock Grandma - guess who's at your door. Your three words spoken most this summer may well be, "SETTLE DOWN NOW".

One way to handle high energy children is to send them out in the back yard to play. I know all about this. I raised two sons less than a year apart. "Superman" could rip holes in his pants within a flat half hour. His brother "Mr. Mechanic" had to play outside because he out and out dismantled everything he could find. My car stayedlocked in the garage. I'm a Grandmother myself raising a Grandson, so by the time he closes in on 18 years of age I'll have 50 years of raising children. I'm experience talking and walking.

Today's parents seldom see the flaws in the conduct of their offspring. Grandparents are a realistic lot. So let's think ahead. Let's eliminate the places you can take the really active children who want to scream and run around. Let's make a basic list of places you might wish to take them but don't dare.

Do NOT plan on taking overactive children to: Places of Worship, libraries, movies, the Senior Citizen Center, Banks, the Post Office, Supermarkets, Department Stores (stores have big isles), any inside exhibit (expensive displays), your friend's houses (if it's a lasting friendship), luncheons, card parties, garden club, golf, museum, laundromats, cemeteries, amusement parks(do not attempt as the only adult), zoos (crowds and the bears), any formal events, your Doctor's office, buses, hairdresser, classes (of any sort), and restaurants (for any duration). The problem you might encounter with children's craft classes is that it does not suit all the ages. If you think I'm wrong, have at it.

I guess that leaves the public parks, jogging, bike riding and the Therapist on the must do list. Two of these require a bit of physical activity on your part. Don't toss good money to have the Therapist tell you they need to play outside and that children with a little space around them tend to get along better.

From one Grandma to another, have I got a deal for you. I had to leave my boys AND an Irish Setter at Grandma's for two weeks while I set up housekeeping down south. I didn't know what I'd hear when I came to pick up the three of them. They all had a great time simply playing outside. My parents had a lot of acres they explored. I admit the Setter took the laundry off the line, but that was the worst of it. What did their Grandma do? She took them fishing out back. Dad had built a little lake and the boys treasure it to this day. Not everyone has this and I'm willing to share. Even ADHD children are known to hold still for fishing.

So what is the deal? Grandma's (Grandpa's too) are FREE of CHARGE. (if they mention to me they read this story). The place is near Walden and Genesee in the Town of Alden. I came back from the south to carry on Dad's wishes to share the lake with children. Call me for directions and reservations. No fishing license required. It's a fishing preserve now. Bonus - I'll do the bait worms.

What to Pack

PB&J sandwiches, or any box lunch and snax, a folding chair for you, what ever you all like to drink, a good book if you are so inclined, sunglasses and a sweatshirt for each. Baste the children with sun block and a tweak of repellant (we don't have a mosquito problem). Brind a soccer ball or such. If you have a pooch bring a water dish and leash and dogs are welcome. Don't forget yourcamera. Wear old clothes and old sneakers are a must. Unlike a public park they can dig in the dirt so excavator toys are fun too.

I'll have the bait and poles. We have picnic tables. We don't have swimming but we do have a canoe and rowboat. What's the catch? Children pay $6 each which their parents can likely afford since you are helping them out all summer! But rememberGrandma or Grandpa or both are only free providing you have children tagging along. If you come back as a Senior (over 62) you need to bring along 7 bucks.

You must call ahead because I'll open the place just for you. It's not open every day just when important guests such as yourself or volunteers are coming. Call me on my cell 716 984 8900 or email me at littlelakegeorge@att.net. I look forward to YOUR relaxing time at the lake. See you there.