If I were a child in today’s world of television, computers, movies and video games, would the things that thrilled and delighted me in the thirties and forties make any kind of impression on me now? Could I sit for hours in the shadows and listen to tales and anecdotes recited by the grown-ups? Or would I opt for the more exciting, the more stimulating climate of today’s boundless television shows aimed at children? I can truthfully say that I regularly breathe a prayer of thanks that I grew up when I didA[a–A]that I experienced the things that I did and that I can feel real joy in little things. Someone said, Joy is not having things but being able to appreciate the things you do have. Writing this book has greatly heightened my appreciation for all those things, and now it gives me great joy to share them with you.