Don't Fence Me In

Give me land, lots of land and the starry skies above
Don't fence me in...

It goes on for ever....

Thanks, Bing Crosby.  I couldn't have said it better.  I find myself singing this in my head every time I drive down a busy street or step out in the back yard of my current abode in suburbia and see the rows of fences stretching as far as my eye can see and fading into the horizon.  I sing this a lot.  Ask my kids.  Poor kids.






Let me ride through the wide open country that I love
Don't fence me in...

Ironically, it's even hard to take a photo out in the middle of nowhere without capturing the fence row.

Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees
Send me off forever but I ask you please
Don't fence me in

Have you ever tried this?  Man, you are missing out.  Sitting outside alone (or with a friend) and listening the the wind and the crickets humming together in unison, creating the perfect lullaby... you should try it.  It's good in the winter, too, because you can catch a whiff of wood burning fireplaces in the distance, tainted slightly by the sharp smell of cold air.  

Just turn me loose, let me straddle my old saddle
Underneath the western skies
On my Cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains rise


As children, we used to sleep outside under the stars on a large trampoline on the farm.  When was the last time you just sat outside and stared at the stars?  If you can't remember, it's been too long.  There is nothing like it.  They don't have to be western skies - or even night skies... just check it out.  You won't be sorry.

I want to ride to the ridge where the west commences
And gaze at the moon till I lose my senses
And I can't look at hobbles and I can't stand fences
Don't fence me in
No
Poppa, don't you fence me in

Can you tell that I'm homesick?  I need some wide open spaces - and no I will not be quoting the Dixie Chicks next.  Take some time to appreciate the great outdoors!  And for goodness sake, don't fence yourself in!