300,000,000 American Citizens verses 545 elected officials

I love my country beyond measure!!!!  That flag will always fly in my front yard!!!  I get a lump in my throat when I hear or sing "God Bless America"!! I support our troops.

But I am so angry with the elected officials in Washington D.C.  They are the reason we are in this mess.  They have run our country into a debt that will never be repaid.  We are on the brink of national disaster and still they play games.  

Do they really think the American people are so stupid that we won't remember this the next time we go to the polls?

The men and women in Congress need to vote what is right for America---but they have lost all perspective of what is right. They vote party lines!! 

The people have not forgotten what is right for America.  These foolish acting men and women will be voted out---unfortunately not in time to stop their ignorance from causing our country great harm.  Also there is no guarantee any more,that the next bunch voted in will be any better.

Aug. 2, 2011 is approaching fast. What will happen then if they still can't agree?  I personally think they will have an 11th hour epiphany and agree on some plan that has been proposed 10 times before.  If they do----I still don't care!!!  I am through with that bunch now and forever.

I know in my gut, for the rest of my life, these people or the people who take their places, will hold Social Security,and Medicare over our heads until we die.  It is scare tactics and that pisses me off!!!



Somewhere along the way these programs became "entitlement programs".  If you worked, you paid for these "entitlements" out of your check.  With the agreement that when you retired, you would receive a monthly check---from your own money paid into the program. That was fine. Just another way to save for the future.

However, the government decided to "borrow" money from the Social Security with the promise to repay the loans.  We all know how that went!!

And now they want to "cut" what was never theirs in the first place.  When Social Security was enacted, Congress opted out of it---for their own better plan. And I guarantee no one has "borrowed" money from their plan.

There is no country that can attack or ruin us from the outside. None!!!  But if we fall it will be because of greed and treachery of our leaders.

There are 545 men and women in power, including the Supreme Court.  There are 300,000,000 American citizens.  The odds should be in our favor, but in reality they are not.

I had a relative Thomas Stone, of Maryland, to sign the Declaration of Independence.  I do believe he would turn over in his grave, if he could see what is happening to his country. 

I want my country back on solid ground, run by men and women I respect and believe in.  I want a future that is blessed and still respected for my descendants. I want a government "for the people and by the people". I desperately want Washington to listen to the 300,000,000 voices that are as angry as I am.

But just in case Washington doesn't listen, I may go check out a language teaching tape on "How to Speak Chinese"---It may come in handy someday...and that is a sad statement to make....and one that may be all too true.

Watching My Grandchildren Sleep

Sleeping, but not soundly--the day hasn't left yet.

A few sighs and a yawn or two and soon they are lost  in a land of make believe dreams.
Forever moving, first a hand then an arm
kick a leg, grab the pillow and the sheet.
Throw them off and sigh.

Finally laying on their backs
Arms thrown across the bed.
Breathing steadily and slowly.
No tension left in their little bodies.

All the running, playing, laughing and computer games have called it a night.
A deep sleep finally finds them.
As I watch them sleep, I am almost jealous.
This kind of sleep eludes me,
I am grateful they have it----but envious that I don't.

I finally drift off into a sleep--not a perfect sleep
But one that will have to do for tonight.
I wake up early and get some coffee...
I slip back in the room and watch them sleep.

I imagine them a teenagers, young adults and as parents. 
Glimpses of the future, memories of the past.
Jacy starts to stir and I slip back in bed with her.
Before Jacy's eyes open she reaches to see if I am still there.
I whisper "Good morning,angel" 
She smiles without ever opening her eyes and says,
"I love you Nonnie",  then she drifts back to sleep.


Logan is a cuddle bumpkin but will kick the snot out of me if he isn't ready to wake up.
He likes to have his back rubbed and will fake sleep for only a few minutes
Before I hear, "Nonnie, can I play the Wii ?"
He wakes up with a mission in mind.
I smile to myself---wonder where he gets that?
I slip out of bed, to get my coffee and reflect on the first hour of the day.....
Satisfied that my little corner of the world is safe---at least for the morning.

                                     

Why Men Do Not Have Babies

My husband had to have a colonoscopy today.  We have known this day was coming for a month.  He had his instructions, medication, more instructions and was ready to go...a month ago.  However, we had read the instructions then, and it was fresh in our mind. We knew what to do.   A lot had happened in a month and truthfully, we forgot exactly what the directions said.  Hence, the need to reread them.

Wednesday morning I asked Tommy to reread the directions and to let me reread them.  He hummed and hawed around and finally said, "I will look at them later---I know exactly what to do, so don't you get all worried about it. I have it under control."  In other words leave me alone and let me do it...so I did.  Or I did as long as I could stand it!!

About 7 p.m. that night, I asked again about us rereading the instructions.  He said he had already read them and knew exactly what to do.

Music to my ears.  As long as one of us knew for sure what to do---every thing should be fine.

Thursday morning we have toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast.  At noon a delicious fried bologna sandwich with fresh garden tomatoes and basil. Delicious.  Then about 6 p.m. we have grilled pork steak and tomatoes with Ritz crackers.  Dessert was a sugar free chocolate pie.  

I kept mentioning to Tommy that if memory served me right, he was supposed to be on a clear liquid diet the day before the test.  He said and I quote " I am doing fine---I ate some crackers at supper!!" I wanted to know when he was going to start drinking the "go lightly" we had chilling in the refrigerator.  He thought for a minute and said "4 a.m."

I also wondered where 4 a.m.originated.He informed me that the test was at 11a.m. and that would give him plenty of time to get his business done and still get some sleep.

I finally found the letter and he didn't do one thing like he was supposed to do.  Not One!!! He was supposed to be on a clear liquid diet Thursday. He didn't drink the medicine like he was supposed to either. The only thing he had right was the appointment time.

We are finally on the road and get to the V.A.  As he is checking in, the nurse asks him all sorts of questions and for a minute I thought he was going to lie.  He told her the truth, but in segments, putting a lot of emphasis on the fact that he" ate crackers."  The nurse wasn't happy with him at all. But I have to admit that Tommy can be one of the most charming men I have ever met when he needs to be.  And looking at that ticked off military nurse, he really needed to be charming and it worked. 

He talked in circles, told her about the last time he went fishing, talked about going on vacation---any and everything except what he had eaten.  I left and went to find me a seat.  He came out and said, "See that wasn't so bad"  I started laughing and said "I hope she isn't the one who does the procedure or you are in for BIG trouble." That remark made him a little nervous. 

I read a book, Kathy Lee Gifford was talking about sex on t.v. and the old gentleman who sat down beside me was trying really hard not to throw up....so was I.

Tommy was finally called back and I am told I have an hour or hour and a half to ramble around or go eat.  I decided to stay and" people watch".  A little boy about 8 throws a fit because he can't paint his race car.  The old man, who had been sitting beside me, finally threw up.  He was taken care of and I went to get a breath of fresh air.


When I returned there was a very rude young man at the desk giving the receptionists an extremely hard time. He kept getting louder and more obnoxious.  I remember thinking --- I wouldn't want to share a foxhole with him.


Another man and his wife got into a small skirmish over the economy and the fate of social security.  He was on oxygen and still drowned his wife out.

As I sat there thinking about the ordeal with Tommy and his misadventures, as well as the young hostile man at the desk who had evidently gotten his dates mixed up, plus the man on oxygen, who just liked to argue.  I got this "mini movie" of why men are not the ones God decided should have babies.

I don't know where these things come from, but the idea would not let me alone, until I wrote a spoof about men having babies. Here is the gist of my mini movie.....It all came from watching these 4 men in the waiting room.


First, most men do not ask for directions nor do they follow directions once they receive them.  These are important qualities to have if you are pregnant.


Second, a good majority of men loose track of time.  It would not be a good idea to be in a deer stand when your water breaks.


Third, there is no one who could ever make a man believe he was pregnant, even if it were possible.  He would argue the whole nine months---swearing it is gas.



Seriously, men and women are just wired differently... and that is a good thing.  We usually compliment each other in our short comings.  What is often missing in one partner will balance out in the other mate.  I think that may be one reason we are attracted to each other. We need what is missing in us--- plus the fact that the sex part is wonderful!!. Good job God!!
 

I mused over this little impossibility for about 30 minutes.  Soon the doors opened and Tommy and Nurse Ratchet walked out.  She looked at me and smiled saying,"He's fine---the pork steak didn't cause me any trouble at all"  I said a silent thank you and grabbed Tommy's hand.  I reminded him that I was supposed to drive.  As we were leaving the V.A. he said, "We'll see---"

Rule number 4----Men have NO common sense in a lot of situations, I don't think childbirth, a colonoscopy or a severe dog bite could make some men give up their car keys. Not my man anyway!!!!  If it can be arranged he will drive to his own funeral!!


I have to admit, my hat is off to the Good Lord, He sure called that one right...and am I ever glad. I also imagine every man would agree with me on this issue.  Although the "agreeing" part might hurt them just a little bit-----but not as much as childbirth!! 

I have had fun writing this bit of leakage from my mind's eye.  I am very thankful that Tommy is well and the tests turned out in his favor. I also encourage every man over 50 to get this test done. It could save your life.

The last words Tommy said to me before he went to sleep were, "I don't care what anyone says, I did that test right"  


I rest my case:)














 

The One That Got Away

Once a year, Tommy and I go to Fulton for the sole purpose of buying two---one hundred pound bottles of propane gas.  That is the amount we use for cooking in a year. The huge silver bottles are placed in the back of our truck, with several big chunks of wood to keep them from rolling around and bumping into each other. 

We always buy the gas from the same store, the same man. We like him.  If we are lucky we get there early before the other customers are awake and this gives us a chance to talk to him.  His store is a mixture of equipment to rent, propane for sale, and bicycles of every size, color and design for sale also. 

My eyes immediately went to an old bike that was set off by itself.  It was a woman's trike. The color was a harvest burnt orange.  It had rusty handle bars, that told it's age.  It has been around the block a time or two, so have I.  It was almost a classic, even though it came with hand brakes---which I hate, it also had the old pedal brakes.  There was a silver basket attached to the front of the bike and behind the seat was another  basket, twice as large as the one in front.  It was just begging to be filled with all my "necessities" 

For me it was desire at first sight. I sat on it and thought of all the reasons I needed this bike.  It was perfect for my gravel road, the chances of wrecking on the rocks were almost nill.  It would hold all my art supplies, notebooks, camera, water, and towels and anything else that I might need for a short trip.  The price was right---the only thing wrong---someone else had bought it the day before. The man who bought it was a photographer and wanted it as badly as I did.

Even though it was a woman's bike, he knew a good deal when he saw it.  It will be perfect for him as well.  

I asked the young man who waited on us to keep a look out for another one for me---and that I wanted it--rust and all.  He will find me one, I'm sure.

In the mean time, I will have some wonderful imaginary trips on my trike.  I intend to get up early and take a thermos of coffee and hit the road, camera in tow.  5:30 in the morning is the perfect time to be outside.  The world is just waking up.  The baby rabbits are feeling brave and race around in the middle of the road and back into the high grass.

The birds are coming out of their nests and are ready to eat and sing.  First one bird starts singing, then a second and soon there is a complete orchestra of natures best tunes.
 

Deer venture out of the woods, with their fawns in tow.  What I wouldn't give to have pictures of that!!! I see it all the time, but so far have never been able to get a photo.

The turkeys and their young venture to the middle of the road to dust themselves in the rocks and to eat a few rocks to aid in digestion of food eaten later that day.

The road is a vivid umbrella of over grown trees.  The farther down I go  the thicker it becomes..  There is one stretch of our road that makes me think of driveways or long lanes from a  100 years ago. Trees on each side, reaching out and touching each other in the middle, making a canopy of dozens of shades of green leaves.  Something right out of "Gone With the Wind".

The world even smells better this time of day.  The dew is still covering everything, like a baby's sponge bath. Just enough water to clean up the mess, but no more than is necessary.

It's a beautiful time of day.  I will continue my walks and my imaginary rides but it would be so much easier if I had my old rusty orange trike.  The adventures we could have!!!!  The adventures I am already having in my minds eye.

I think I will call my friend this morning, just in case the photographer changed his mind.  I know for a fact, I will not be changing my mind....it was love at first sight....and there are many adventures waiting for the two of us.  Maybe it will work out, maybe it won't.  I may have to wait for another trike to come along.  If so that's ok. I am a big girl, I can wait. I just hope it has as much personality as the one I saw yesterday....because that one has my name written all over it.

What If???...Another Reason to Remember Memorial Day...Could Something Like This Happen??...

The year was 2044. Change had come to America, most of it was not for the better. The only constant in the country was its majestic landscape.   The mountains stood regal and tall , the deserts were  hot containing their own kind of beauty,  the streams, lakes and rivers were filled with blue green water, fish and secrets. There was no United States of America,  instead Mexico, the U.S.A. and Canada had eventually joined together to make one huge country, with room for everyone to live. Boundary lines were non existent. In an effort to save the land, the government lost our country.

 The difference was found in the people and the government. By the time the election of 2016 occurred it was too late to reestablish the foundation of America. It had been destroyed by the two terms of the 'young Messiah' and all of his cohorts who thought America had become too big and needed the be reduced in every way possible. People needed to depend on the government for everything. That was the only way the plan of leaders from all around the world could make this situation work. The people had to slowly give up personal freedoms for the greater good of the new world order.  It was a high price to pay.

 The President  narrowed the playing field. We were no longer a Super Power. Instead we were members of the Tri Lateral Country of the Western Hemisphere.  The Constitution had been declared 'narrow minded and antiquated.' It was placed in a museum, enclosed in glass and held behind locked doors; never again to be seen by the public.  All personal copies of the Constitution had been burned in the town square of each city, town or parish on August 9, 2020,  when the United States gave her power, her freedom and her dignity to the United Nations. A small group of people hid their copies of the constitution. It was risky to do this. If they were found to possess a copy of the Constitution, they disappeared and were never heard from again. More than half of older Americans had a hidden copy of the constitution. It was the other 50% they had to worry about.  All other nations had joined together for the good of the world. The United States followed suit. They were members of the TLC-WH.

The English language was becoming a third world language. Spanish and various Arabic tongues were the major languages spoken. Government elections were non existent. Instead there were appointments by the U.N. The military of America had been declared a danger to mankind. Soldiers and military men and women could either join the United Nations Forces for Protection of the World or be placed in a detention center until they were declared 'safe' for society. There was no set date when these people would be considered 'safe'. Most never came home. They quietly disappeared much the same way freedom had done.

Josiah Young  was a tall man whose shoulders had rounded because of the years he had spent working at a computer, ten hours a day--six days a week .When he was young he  had black hair and hazel eyes. His smile was charming  but it never reached his eyes.

 Josiah considered himself lucky. His chosen occupation was tedious but not back breaking. Every day he wore a suit to work.   He could have been a laborer or a farmer, or a factory worker and   had to work those hours regardless of how hard it was on his body, since retirement age was 70. Robots ran assembly lines.  If health problems kept you from working, you died. The government could no longer be responsible to a citizen with nothing to contribute.  Every year the 'retirement age' and extinction date were lowered  to save money

  For youngsters entering the work force, the government "picked" your profession, there was no choice.  Since the three countries had joined boundaries, there was more work spread out across the vast amount of land. You worked, you produced something of value for the United Nations or you died. Everyone had an 'extinction  date of 75.  It was possible, with fate in play , to die sooner but no one lived beyond 75.

  The government had administrated a test when Josiah  was 10 years old. It showed he could easily be trained in the computer field. His I.Q. saved his life from menial work.  His parents thought that would make his life easier and had immediately enrolled him in the government program, in which he would learn his life's profession.

When Josiah was 11 years old, it was discovered that he had poor eyesight. After talking with the parents the government decided that it was "cost effective" to have his eyes permanently repaired. Therefore he would never have to wear glasses and that fact alone, would save the government $5,000 during his lifetime.  Since people no longer lived past 75, the government could get 64  years out of his eyesight,  most of that would be spent working, it was a good deal for everyone.

Josiah married 3 days before the cutoff date of 30 years old.  If he had not married before he turned 30 he would no longer be allowed to marry.  He loved his  future wife, Leena and hoped that they would be happy and compatible.  Divorce was no longer an option, it was not cost effective.  They had met at the Laboratory of Science and Evolution.  The couple dated for 5 years before marrying. Both of them were 29.  It was a big step for them to take.  One they had to be sure of taking, because there was no going back. Their union was compatible.

The government had made a law that all couples were allowed to have 2 children, a boy and a girl.  If the fetus was not of the right sex it was aborted and the couple could try again.  If there still seemed to be a problem with the sex of the child, the couple would be sterilized.  This was done, so that the population could be controlled and that there would be a mate for everyone, if they chose to marry. A lot of young people opted out of marriage and children.  This pleased the government as long as there were enough to carry on the human race.

Leena did not want to have children.  That fact pleased everyone.  They could work more productively and need less time off because of obligations to the family.  Josiah and Leena would be given an two extra weeks off each year, with pay, to relax.  That was their "down time".  Their bonus for not having children.

The years rolled by all too quickly.  Leena and Josiah bought a comfortable home from a government agency.  They were as happy as they could be, considering there always seemed to be a void in their life.  There was no pressure from anyone, but there were no great thrills, no dreams to reach for, no imagination to stretch their minds, no wishing on stars. It was illegal to dance in the rain. This might lead to a riot of discontent.  They knew from the beginning how their lives would be lived and how they would end.  After all, the government knew how to take care of it's people better than the people knew how to take care of themselves...or so they thought.

As the years went by, it was time for Josiah and Leena to retire.  The government had that taken care of too.  Their home was paid for and they would be given a pension to live on.  Actually, it was money they had paid into the government plan to be distributed after age 70. The allotment provided for a comfortable life unless one of them became ill.   In that case the couple had to decide whether or not they could afford to live. They government refused to intervene in this matter.  An unproductive life was no longer considered necessary.

About a 100 years ago, the government had tried to reinvent the medical industry.  It failed miserably.  No one could afford the insurance.  Doctors refused to work for a flat salary and most health care went down the toilet.  The government still had health insurance on the working class people.  However, once a person retired, they no longer had health care.  They were considered expendable and no extra means would be applied to save their lives unless the sick person could pay cash for their medical treatment.

This was a policy that was embraced by the government and continued to be considered the normal way to operate.  The people had no voice in the matter.  In fact, the people had no voice in anything political anymore. There were no longer "free elections".  The Constitution was considered null and void.  Just a written memory of the past.  In it's place was a new "law of the land."  If you were old, sick, handicapped or mentally ill, there was no place for you.

The years between  70 and 75 flew by fast. Josiah and Leena were fairly healthy and enjoyed the last 5 years of their lives.  As Josiah approached his 75th birthday, he looked back on his life with so many unasked questions.  He knew it was too late to voice those questions, but the "what ifs" always seemed to find him in his sleep.  Leena seldom slept anymore. She just dozed and listen to Josiah breathe. It was reassuring to her to hear his light snore. She too was filled with the "what if"s.

On the day of  Josiah's 75th birthday, they arose early and had their usual coffee.  No point in listening to the news, after today, what did it matter?  They got dressed in their best clothes and made their way to the hospital. Making sure they had all their documents with them and in order.

Josiah parked the car but left it running, his one little  act of rebellion.  Gas was more valuable than gold and each family was allotted only so much each month. They walked in hand in hand and told the receptionists the reason they came to the  hospital..  Forms were filled out and after about an hour the doctor called them both back to an examining room.

The doctor read all the paperwork and explained the procedure to them.  He asked them if they had any questions.  Silently, they both shook their heads "no".  Leena began to cry softly and Josiah took her hand. His hand was sweaty and shook slightly---Leena did not care.  She needed his touch then more than ever.  The doctor asked them again if they were "ready".  Both said yes and were given hospital gowns to slip on while the doctor got the I V"s ready.

As they lay on the beds waiting for the doctor to come back with their fate. Leena asked Josiah if he had any regrets.  He told her "yes, plenty of regrets for being so obliging to a government that could kill us so easily" but he had "no regrets about his life with her."  She cried a little harder and said "she loved him but she too had regrets, why didn't they try to do something about the government when they were younger?"  Josiah shook his head and said "I don't really know.  The young think they will be young forever.  Then one day they wake up and they are not young anymore and they find out it is too late."

The doctor came in and injected the medication to each of them.  They died holding hands, tears in their eyes and a smile on Josiah's lips.  His last thought was "I am glad I wasted that last full tank of gas.  I'm glad the car is running--I hope it blows up! ". It was an overt act against the government, unfortunately it was too little and too late.

Within the hour Josiah and Leena were cremated. There were few people to really missed them. All over the world, daily people died and other people took their places, There was less war, however with the strange peace came a lack of poets, artists, authors, and sculptures and dreamers. The New World Order had no place for the arts or for artists. The colors of the rainbow did not matter anymore.

Life is Not Fair......

 

We all know that life is not fair. However, there are some people who have it so much harder than other people do.  It makes me question "why".

Why in a world as technologically savvy as our planet, is there so much disparity in and contrast among our peoples?  Why do so many have so little?

 It all boils down to the same idea...life is not fair.  We are different cultures, countries, different religions.  However, we are all sharing a spot in this world at this particular time.  We are connected by invisible ties. We may never understand each other, but it does not mean we shouldn't try.


That is the" old hippie and the unsuccessful social worker "in me, who always had the desire to make the world a better place, doing the talking. These feelings, from time to time, raise up a nasty head and spew venom for it's own purpose, to rattle my cage and to make me think outside my own comfort zone. 

It is when I least expect it, that the truth slaps me in the face.  It could be a picture I see, a song I hear, the news or maybe an old friend that I have run into and all hell has gone wrong in their lives. They have aged 10 years, in 6 months.  Life isn't fair.  Bad things happen to good people all the time.

This time, what brought me back to a different reality,  was a postcard from a good friend in the Orient, that depicted an old man trying to farm with a water buffalo.  I looked at the picture off and on for two days.  It is a wonderful shot of a life I know nothing about.The old man is blessed to have the water buffalo.  Imagine trying to do his farming without one.

I have placed the postcard beside my computer, to remind me of this fact, that is so easily forgotten, in this rapidly moving world. It is not just about me, nor the man in the picture, but all of us.

Looking at the picture, I see a man of an indefinite age, plagued by heat, land that seems less than cooperative and to me, it looks like he has the worries of world on his back.


The land may not even be his.  Probably isn't. He may work for a small percentage of money on land he will never call his own.

Much like share croppers do here in America.   I married a share cropper's son.  I know how hard he and his family had it at times.  They made it. Tommy and his family have good lives....some horrible, sad
memories, but good lives.  I love them and for all they have accomplished.  They beat the odds.  I hope the man in this picture does the same.


I hope he goes home to a loving family, who have plenty of clean water to drink and food to eat. I hope he looks back on his day with pride instead of hate and regret.  I hope he is a happy man, living a simple life and proud of it. I hope his home is clean and filled with laughter, after all the work is done.


Life isn't fair.  Never has been --- never will be.  With all my heart, I hope the odds even out sooner rather than later. 

I also know that this will never happen.   That is the bottom line and a fundamental fact for all mankind to come to terms with. Do the best we can with what we have. Help our fellow man and make the most of the life we have been given. And never forget that life is not fair. We all  carry our own baggage and burdens.  Collectively or individually we are in this together.

Then there is another question that can never be answered to please everyone-----What is fair?? Many a war has been fought over these three words, and we still have no answer.

Sometimes A Person Just Can't Go Back In Time

I feel a little sad today.  Part of it is because I am so tired and part of it is because I wanted to recreate a day from the past and relive it again with new people.  Sadly, I found out it could not be done.

My country was 235 years old yesterday, on July the 4th. 2011!!  Independence Day is always a day of great celebration  and pride for Americans.  Most Americans spend it with family and friends. We have cook outs and picnics, go to the lake, the river or the ocean depending on where we are located in our massive country.  Usually at dark there will be firework displays ranging form people's back yards to whatever body of water is near.  Almost invariably, each town will have a fireworks show. People come from all over the country to celebrate, to eat together, drink together, laugh, listen to music and generally have a huge carnival of parties everywhere.  It is a day of enjoyment and patriotism.

Yesterday was no exception for us.  We had made plans to go to our state capitol at Jefferson City, for the festivities and fireworks.  As a family, we have been there several times.  If we have company, that is where we take them for the 4th.  To me it is something special about being at your state capitol on that day. 

I am very patriotic, there will always be a flag flying in my front yard.  I believe in our country, our military, and the Constitution.  I am seldom in accord with our leaders anymore. I feel that somewhere along the way, our leaders became lost and sold us out for money and for their own profits.

  The American people remain for the most part patriots.  If our country falls it will be because the leaders of our nation quit listening to the people.  In the past few years, when we--the people--vote on an issue and it goes against what the government intended to do---it is repealed.  Since when do Americans not mean what they say when they vote?  For all these reasons and a thousand more, I celebrate the birth of our Nation with pride---while I still can.

I remember the first time we went to the Capitol to celebrate the 4th.  I felt almost like I was  walking on holy ground.  The massive building is beautiful, beyond description.  I was in awe of the gardens, the fountains, the bronze statues, the marble stones.  Everything meant something special and was bigger than life.

There was a stage set up for bands to play, close to where the fireworks would eventually be set off.  Music filled the air.  Some people danced, most set in lawn chairs or on quilts and listened, applauding and singing along.

Happiness and Pride filled the air.  Our family wanted to be on the balcony of the Capitol.  We had, unknowingly, picked the perfect place to be.  As it grew dark, the music changed to prerecorded songs of patriotism that were perfectly meshed with the fire works display.

  I have never seen such huge burst of stars and colors, when they fell to the ground, it was like we were encased in them.  Magic isn't even a strong enough word to describe the feeling.  When Lee Greenwood's version of "God Bless the USA" played the crowd of tens of thousands were quiet, reflecting, caught up in their own thoughts at that moment. The only sounds I remember hearing were the boom of the fireworks and low hush of awe.

Melodi was on one side of me and Tommy on the other. We were all caught up in the spell.  It was like for 30 or 40 minutes the world stopped and put on a show, encased us in that show....we revelled in it.  We soaked it up like a sponge and carry it with us until this very day.  That was the feeling I wanted to share with my grandchildren and children again this year.  I wanted everyone to feel what we had felt years ago.  But it did not happen.  It couldn't happen again.

This year everything was in a different place.  The "Little River Band" was playing in the front of the Capitol.  We enjoyed the show and still smelled pot, just like we had years ago, but they were out of place.  A carnival had been added up on High Street.  The vendors where everywhere, like they should have been. We walked all over our hilly city and tried our best to beat the heat. There was no way to escape it though.

 When we went to "our place" on the Capitol balcony we found that the bushes that had been there years ago where now trees, blocking our view.

  We moved down closer to the river and fountain. There were trees all around but we figured the fireworks would go over the trees like they had before.  If we found we were in the wrong place--we'd move.

There was a bandstand set up behind us.  Everyone was ready. Jacy was sitting by Tommy and me and everyone else rounded out our semi circle. The crowd began to close in fast. Suddenly there were thousands of people everywhere.

The music started. Instead of playing whole songs they played a medley of many songs, some patriotic but nothing long enough to suck you in to spell that could not be broken.  The fireworks started and although they were beautiful they were on the river and never quite enveloped us in their splendor. People closed in to get a better view.  We all got separated.  It was kind of scary because one minute we were all together and then we were split up. We didn't reconnect until the show was half over. 

This will be the last 4th we spend at the Capitol.  That wonderful moment could not be recaptured.  I was so disappointed.  I wanted everyone to feel, what we had felt and seen years ago.  But it was not to be.

  That time is over and gone.  I am glad I got to be apart of that one wonderfully perfect celebration.  And I know in the future my grandchildren will have their own magic moments that they won't forget.  I hope we will be able to be there and share with them when it happens.

I wish for them a deep love and respect for the privilege of living in America.  I wish them many moments that take their breath and leave them in awe of our country.  I also wish for them a country that deserves these feelings and words.

May God Bless America and preserve and protect her from her enemies at home and abroad.

I Thought I Had Seen Everything Until-----

I HATE MICE!!!!  I can not find anything cute or endearing about the nasty rodents.  We live within the 10 mile perimeter of a nuclear plant and I honestly think the mice in our area have profited from that. I personally think they have gone bionic!! It is next to impossible to kill the little monsters!!!  I have fought with them all winter and evidently I did not win, because they are still here. Well so am I, and I am declaring WAR on the mangy varmints!!!

Earlier in the winter, I heard a noise in the kitchen and a mouse had an empty D-CON box, dragging it all over the kitchen.  It actually looked like it was fighting with the box.

Then a few weeks ago, I was sitting up late reading, when two mice came running through the living room, playing "tag" or mating....not sure which. We set traps and got two the next night.  Well, evidently after I went to bed the party continued and more mice must have joined because I saw a baby mouse today!!!

This was not any chance meeting either.  It was down right freaky!!!!  To set the stage for this unbelievable but true story, it is July and almost 100 degrees outside with the humidity not far behind.

It was a normal Saturday for us. A trip to town, company off and on through out the day and just basically trying to stay out of the heat as much as possible.

Tonight after I had fed the hummingbirds and watered the flowers and garden, I came back in the house and sat down in my chair.  I was getting ready to feed my Beta fish, Mad Max, when I looked at the fish bowl and saw a big brown rock.  I knew I hadn't put the rock in there, but we had  some children over and I thought one of them might have placed a rock in there.

I was in the process of feeding Max, when I noticed the rock  had eyes!!!!  I looked closer and realized that there was a dead MOUSE in Max's bowl.  I was shocked a little stunned ---not to mention appalled!!

How does a mouse get in a fish bowl?  Better yet, why does a mouse get in a fish bowl?

I didn't even know mice could swim---apparently they can't, or at least they can't tread water long.  This one was flat out dead.

 I yelled for Tommy and he came running in to see what all the commotion was about.  When I told him, he started laughing and said, "No Way".

 I was in a "state" to put it mildly. I think I said something to the affect of "Why would I make up a story about a dead mouse in my fish bowl???  Who thinks of that crap?  Just get him out of there before Max dies!!"

I ran and got him a paper towel and a fish net catcher.  He was still laughing when he flushed the mouse down the toilet!!!!  Good send off as far as I am concerned!

Max seems fine.  I don't know how long the little mouse was in there, but it couldn't have been long.

Then I started trying to figure how the mouse got in the bowl in the first place.  My CSI skills kicked in...(I knew that show would come in handy one day.) The crime scene had already been cleaned---no evidence of foul play, leaving us with suicide or accidental drowning.

No blood splatter (Dexter would be so proud of me)  As best as I can figure, the mouse climbed up on my stash of books I have on the arm of the couch, and mistook the fish bowl for something solid and fell in.

I wonder what Max thought when the mouse landed in his bowl?  Wonder even more what the mouse thought when he hit the water?  I bet he was wishing he had ate the D-CON!!!  I know I was.

I just checked on Max and he looks like he is still in a state of shock.  Moving slow, a little on the jumpy side.  I pecked on the side of the bowl and he looked at me like he was on the verge of fainting.  I don't think I will peck on his bowl anymore tonight.  A fish can only have so much excitement in one day.  He needs to rest. 

I put my books away, except for the one I am reading. Moved the fish bowl a little farther away form the couch arm.  If there is a dead mouse in there in the morning, ....it will be ruled "suicide", because he would have to climb a glass bowl to get in it.

Traps are set, D-CON has been replaced with something a little stronger.  It is almost midnight and I am wide awake-----bring it on you little nasty bastards----I am ready to PLAY!!!

Happy Birthday Lois!!!!

          I love collecting stories of strangers lives. This is something  that can happen anywhere, at the airport, at the ocean, in line at WalMart, just any and every place.  People tell me their life stories.

         We have an "inside joke" in our family that in another life, I was a "priest."  Strangers tell me secrets, ask advice or just share their lives with me, some even confess.   I seldom ask their names, because we are so busy talking. We share great moments, sometimes hours and then we go our separate ways.  I leave feeling like I have been given a rare gift.

However, there have been a few times when the conversation became so sad and wretched that I felt like I had been thrown under a bus.  It is an odd feeling to cry with a stranger.  My reasoning on this is, if they have to live that life, the least I can do is listen and maybe encourage them in some way.

        Most of the time, I think all they really want is for someone to listen to their story.  Someone to care, even if it is a stranger, and just for a little while.  Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than family or friends.  Just ask any therapist and they will agree.

         However, Wednesday night I met a family from Higgby, who are so charming I would not mind having them for neighbors---as a rule, the last thing I want is neighbors.

        We met at Jacy's swim meet. Their daughter Sarah, is 11, and was also competing in the class above Jacy.  We actually made introductions and told a little about ourselves.  Donna is Sarah's mother.  I needed a place to put  my chair and I asked  them if I could sit by them.  They were more than agreeable.  We chatted for awhile and then the meet began.

        Donna watched my purse, while I left them to take pictures of Jacy swimming.  I knew I had nothing to worry about.  We shared stories and cheered for each other's kids.  About half way through the meet Donna's mother Lois, arrived. When she got there, she literally had no place to sit, so I gave her my chair and went to the car and got me another one.

         She is quite the lady and I was so intrigued by her.  She told me they were originally from Ottawa,Canada. She was born and raised there. She told stories of her childhood. She talked about having to walk to school in the snow. She reminisced about Canada and her love for sports, especially swimming.  Evidently, they have lived in the states for a long time, because I didn't hear one "eh?" during the whole conversation.  She is such a lovely lady.

       Lois liked the chair she was sitting in. She couldn't decide if she wanted to buy one or not.  She kept debating the pros and cons of a $10.00 chair.

       Eventually, Lois told me that the next day was her birthday and that she was going to be 72 years old.  I patted her hand and wished her Happy Birthday and gave her the blue chair she was sitting in as a present.  At first she couldn't believe it and then she was so happy that a stranger gave her a birthday present.  She started telling me about how she celebrates her birthday each year.

        Donna's birthday is two days before Lois' birthday.  Swimming has always been a big part of  their family life. The love of the sport has been handed down from generation to generation. Competition and form rule.

        It is a tradition that Donna and Lois meet and swim a lap for each year they have lived.  They have never missed a year doing this.  It started when Donna was about 9 and Lois was 29.

         She said since then, they have flown from Ohio to Missouri and from Ohio to Texas to celebrate their birthday laps together.  Lois was laughing so hard because this time she has to swim 72 laps.  I think it is wonderful.  She is in good shape and I don't think she will have a problem at all.

         It was a good story, about a good family.  The only friction that I noticed was when Lois was mentioning her last years birthday present.  Evidently, she wanted her piano tuned and so far it hasn't been done.  She pointedly looked at Donna when she said that. Donna got up and walked to the fence and watched the swimmers.  I smiled to myself, yes indeed that is a family.  Laughter, traditions, barbs and all.

        I wished them both many more birthday laps and asked them if I could tell  part of their story in this blog. Lois wanted to know what a blog was and Donna just laughed and said "Of  course" .

       I have a feeling that one day this week, Miss Lois will be getting her piano tuned, compliments of her daughter. Better late than never, because Miss Lois is not going to forget.