One of the best things about summer is time to explore. When we were kids, that meant lots of outside play time, inventing new games and playing old favorites. It meant time for reading the books we loved and there were plenty of series then. We grew up with Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and Trixie Belden. (Does anyone remember that?). We stayed up a little later, as late as our parents allowed. We caught lightning bugs and put them in jars where the lids had had air holes punched out.

Some of us were able to talk to our friends from across a driveway or alley. We thought our parents didn't know, but they did; they just didn't mind. It was all so innocent.

Time for bike riding, maybe traveling a little farther than we were allowed. Such daring!

Exploring means different things now. New games to find online. New websites to explore. New ways to communicate with friends.

Better than the old days? Well, before too long these days will be the old days. Makes me smile.

I would write more but I have to go play Solitaire Blitz; catch up on Facebook; try a new game to see if I really want it; and check out the latest Tweets.

Happy summertime, no matter what you're doing with your time!