The idea for FOUR SEASONS . . . FIVE SENSES was born at a church "camp-out." After a midday meeting, the church members wandered from the majestic lodge to "get a breath" in the yard outside. There in the fragrant air of a lovely pine forest they looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "Isn't it marvelous to be out in nature " One by one they strolled back to their motor homes and travel trailers and weren't seen again for the remainder of the day. I was perched on a nearby picnic table as I heard these exclamations of joy. Above the conversation, I was enjoying the "yank, yank" call of a nuthatch, the distant guttural croaks of a gliding raven, saw that high cirrus clouds signaled a weather change within 24 hours and followed the progress of two Douglas squirrels playing tag. What a pity that the others were not enjoying these things too The collective education of the congregation that day was well above average: medical personnel, ministers, lawyers, educators, business leaders. So why did they obviously feel so helpless, yet curious, "out in nature"? A key thought popped to mind: Their five senses had gone into retirement They had forgotten how to see and smell, taste, touch and feel the beautiful world around them. That's tragic, I thought. How much life these people are missing . . . and I decided to do something about it. With some facts to start them out, but remembering that time is precious, I determined to share some of my enthusiasm for nature lore with busy, yet curious, people. The discovery of God's much-neglected second book can be one of life's most delightful pleasures. I recommend it for everyone. - Thais K. Baer