The Fourth of July

What is it about the fouth of July that just brings out the kid in us? I love it; it is by far my favorite holiday aside from Christmas. As a child it meant we were out of school, usually camping or visiting my Grandma in Texas. It meant cookouts and watermelon. Picnics with family and friends, games of volleyball, or horseshoes. Swimming at the beach, or pool, or lake or even just a run through the sprinkler. The festivities come in all shapes and sizes, but provides fun for all.

I love the fireworks. The excitement as you jump from the boom as it resounds off the tall downtown buildings. The colors that light the night sky. I love to hear the oooohs and aaaaaaahs of the crowd as each new pyrotechnic display explodes overhead.
This may sound crazy but even the smell of sulfur is ok on the fourth; it seems to hang in the night air long after the display ends. I am sure that some find it silly for a grown woman to find the fourth a favorite holiday, but I don't intend to let that dampen my enthusiasm. God Bless America! and Happy Fourth!

Immigration in terms even I can understand....

A lady wrote the best letter I have seen in the Editorials in ages!! It explains things better than all the stuff you hear on TV.

"Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the U.S might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country, and once here to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house)."

According to the protesters not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family's insurance plan and provide other benefits to me and to my family. My husband will do your yard work because he too is hard-working and honest, (except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm hard-working and honest .. Um, except for ... Well, you know.

And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being anti-housebreaker.

Did I miss anything? Does this sound reasonable to you? If it does, grab a sign and go picket something. If this sounds insane to you, call your senators and enlighten them, because they are stumbling in the darkness right now and really need your help.

Then and Now

This picture was taken in my Grandmother's house in 1960 of my Mom, Dad and older brother. Mom was expecting my sister...but I was not even a thought. I am amazed at how young they look, and happy too. My dad spent five years in the Air Force and when my sister was born he was in Korea.


This Picture was taken in April in the same spot, 46 years later. They still look happy don't they?

Happy Birthday to a dear friend. My friend Anne is a rare lady. She is truly happy and genuine. She drove from Atlanta to Jacksonville not too long ago, just because I needed a friend. I don't know of too many who would have done that; do you? She is a kind and giving person. She knows how to have fun and always makes sure all those around her are taken care of.

Life has not always been easy for Anne, she lost her Mom to breast cancer at age twelve and her father not all that long ago. But she makes the world a brighter place for those who know and love her. Thanks Anne and Happy Birthday.

The Great Smokey Mountains

This spectacular view is from the Highlands Condominiums above Gatlingburg Tennessee. I have just returned from a wonderful and relaxing vacation. I love the mountains, they bring back wonderful childhood memories and all the fun we had camping there. This was far from a camping trip with all the conviences of a full kitchen, cable TV and a jacuzzi, but all the same I took that trip down memory lane.

Our vacation began with a meandering trip through south and central Georgia up into Alabama and then into the Tennessee Mountains. I enjoyed meeting some of Philip's family and seeing the little town where Philip spent a great deal of his childhood. We had a nice visit with Patrick and saw the falls in Gadsden. I had a wonderful time at Biltmore House in Ashville as well. I think by far it was the quiet views from the balcony I enjoyed most and the beauty of God's creation.