The Grass Is Always Greener In Someone Else's Life

I grew up in the country. By country I mean a half mile gravel road to the house. A front yard, back yard, garden area and pasture with barn. We had horses, a dog, cats, snakes, squirrels , deer and all the other creatures that thrive where tree's and grass are plentiful. We walked to the bus stop to go to school. We rode bikes and horses. We swam in the river at the end of our road. As I grew into my teen years I became envious of friends who lived in the city. I thought I would want to live in a city when I was old enough to make a choice. When I think back to those days I realize that everyday was like a vacation. I can only dream of living in that kind of environment again.
Today I live alone in an apartment. Well, not completely alone. I have a bird. Over the last ten years I have lived on the edge of a city and in the midst of a city. I have lived in apartments, a duplex and a small house in the city. It is not suiting this country girl after all. I do have tendencies toward claustrophobia so apartment living seems extremely confining. It also doesn't seem healthy. I often wonder how families can thrive living in an apartment. For a family living in an apartment to experience an outdoor activity or exercise routine, they have to go somewhere. Often the activities and exercise get put on the back burner when they have to plan a time when everyone can load into the car to go do something. With the economy being based on two people working and the rising costs of essentials, very few families can afford to rent or buy a home with a yard. It seems more and more families are being forced into living in small quarters. I see this as a cause for the rise in poor health. This is just my opinion.
I am no longer envious of my friends who grew up in the city.

To be continued.