Are we REALLY United? I don't think so.

 This has been a horrible couple of years for the United States. A president who will not admit he was beaten, and so people went to the Nation's Capital to hurt lawmakers for an election they believe was 'stolen'. Innocent people killed because of the faith, or sexual preferences, and children shot in schools or on playgrounds. This is NOT a country united. It is a country in turmoil with themselves. The believe that, 'Everyone is wrong, I am right. And if you don't agree, I'll just kill you'. That is insane. It is a given, NOT EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAY. We are different and we need to just deal with it. Don't get mad, or want revenge just because you lose an argument or election, or don't like a certain religion, or the color of someone's skin, or like someone's politics, or their lifestyle. 

When a situation is in front of you, and there are clearly two ways to go, and the TRUE facts are there too, as a sane individual, you should be able to see the right avenue to go or say. Yes, you may not agree, but admitting that you MAYBE wrong in your decision making is your fault, not the fault of everyone else.

Emotion is one of the human flaws. Whether it is in love, hate, sympathy, anger or any other facet of emotion. When allow that to take over and rule our actions without thinking it thoroughly, people will get hurt, either physically or mentally. And that action is like a snowball. As long as it continues to roll, it will get larger and larger and larger, and it keep picking up more debris or trouble. 

I am as bad as anyone, I hate to lose. But I have learned (the hard way), anger is not the way to deal with lose. Because the more it boils inside, the worse it becomes.

Our country was born out of turmoil because we hated to be second class citizens to England. And now, some of us think our own citizens are second class just because they don't think the way you do? This is NOT the country I once knew. No we are not perfect, but we ARE better than that.

We are coming up to a very holy and cherished group of religious holidays. They all celebrate a similar event and worship time in the world. In my home, it is Christmas. A time when my family and friends come together over food and joy of the season. We understand the reason of Christmas and rejoice in it. Some have stronger feeling than others but we rejoice in it together. We have discussion and not everyone agrees, but no fights break out over it. I don't expect every house to be the same. Discussion is health, even in disagreement, but anger should NEVER be part of the debate. Agree to disagree if you wish, then shake hands, hug and just say, OK.

From my family to yours, we wish you a joyous, happy and peaceful holiday season, no matter what your beliefs are. 

I am going to gone for few weeks, so not blog for a while. Take care and stay safe.

The joy of Pets

How many of you have a, or more than one pet? Whether it is a cat, dog, snake, goat, pig, bird, or any other creature, it's your pet. We buy them, inherit them, you find them, or are given them, it is still your pet. Why do you have the pet? To be a companion, just because you like the animals. or whatever the reason you put up with the antics and sometimes cost to keep them and healthy. 

Sure I have had pets. I am a dog guy. Actually, I love all animals, but not crazy about snakes as a pet. I have always loved dogs the most.  Nancy and I have had many, and lost them which was always very hard. It started back in 1977 with a boy puppy we named Toby. A really cute Dalmatian. And then we got Tasha, a female. Both were fixed and got along great. They were great with kids and were very protective of our whole family from anyone we did not know. Both loved human babies and would be a nanny to them if needed. We adopted another Dalmatian called Vicky, but her and Tasha did not get along, so we re-homed her to a nice fellow who had a large farm.  

All was good for many years and then they passed and we all were heartbroken. So we got another Dalmatian boy puppy named Dreyfus, and then later another female we adopted called Cali. Again, they loved and enjoyed them, and their crazy stunts, but mostly their unconditional love for us as a family.

Dreyfus loved to play in the mud and Cali loved to run and chase jack rabbits.

But again, pets like humans die. And more heartbreak.

It was several years later, as we began to travel internationally and nationally, we decided to go small and got a Miniature Schnauzer as a puppy and she was named Scooter. Scooter bonded with me really fast and she became my girl with all my heart and soul. We took rides in my hot rods, we watched football together and she traveled with us all over the country.

But at last, after 11 years, she went blind and never recovered. She could not cope with her final time and just died. 

It's been more than 7 years since then, and we pretty much decided, NO MORE HEARTBREAKS. I wanted another dog, but did not want to go through that again. But one day Nancy said "We NEED another dog." I was stunned, but happy.

We both through it should not be a small dog and one smart enough to accompany Nancy while she hiked. We both still basically work at our hobbies (quilts for her and cars for me), so we did not want a dog that shed and one that is friendly and loving. We weren't crazy about getting a puppy again either. But we did.

Presenting our new puppy Cooper, a standard size Goldendoodle. 14 weeks old, smart, not going to be small, and energetic and sometimes gets in trouble. Some call them designer dogs, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. He plays hard for hours and then drops for a well deserved puppy nap. Gobbles his food in seconds and dribbles water all over the tile floors. Not yet been groomed (coming soon) but has two layers of hair. Tight curly hair on bottom, and a fuzzball of top. Good for dusting the floors he messes up. Kidding!

Pet bring us joy, laughs craziness and heartbreaks. I would not have it any other way.

Inspiration

 In my life, there have been people and events that have really inspired me to never give up, or try harder to achieve my goal. I have known people (friends) who have experienced the worst in life, but never give up going on with their lives as if it never happened. They could have easily lay in a bed of remorse and slowly circle the drain until death took them. But NO, they did not. They are not willing to let their bad event take them and the ones around them down to a dark place. These stories inspire me tremendously. But it isn't just humans. How about the three legged dog who had a leg amputated and still runs and play just like a four legged dog. And there are other stories just as amazing.

On July 7, 2003, two Mars Exploration Rovers (robots) were launched by N.A.S.A. to explore Mars for life and mostly water. These VERY expensive robots were suspected to last, maybe 90 days. The scientists who built and helped operate the rovers soon found the rovers were learning and taking on a consciousness of their own. They could do things without being instructed to. Sure, NASA gave them certain commands and they performed them as instructed, but did other tasks on their own.

At the end of the 90 days, NASA thought the rovers would just run out of power from their solar powered batteries and become dormant. But they didn't. They kept on running, performing their assigned tasks as usual. Everyday the rovers continued operating, the scientists were elated. Never did they ever think these rovers would last one, two or three years. Well, they did ... and even longer. 

Eventually, after mechanical problems appeared that could be fixed by the rovers themselves, "Spirit" finally stopped running. But "Opportunity" continued running and performing its tasks. That was in 2011, eight years after the 90 day supposed schedule. Spirit and Opportunity were identical twin robots with the same capabilities and programming. But Opportunity never stopped tracking around, taking photos, getting samples and analyzing the Martian surface for the scientists back on earth. Who were still amazed at its longevity. 

It wasn't until one of Opportunity's six wheels was now being dragged due to a mechanical malfunction, did Opportunity final come to a stop and quit running and shutdown. That was in June of 2018. Nearly 15 years, to the day, of when they were launched to Mars. For a 90 day expected life, the rovers stretched it out to 15 years.

Whether it is a robot, an animal, or a human, courage to go on in life and put the horrible event behind them is amazing. I admire and praise the spirit of people, and animals, that go on with the attitude of a bad event is not stopping me. As one friend told me years ago when he was put permanently in a wheelchair, "My crying time is over. I did that, but now it's time to go on with my life as long as I can get this chair going down the road."

So where do these people get the courage, spunk, or hotspur? Some from a deep religious belief, fear of being a burden on loved ones, or being pitted by others. Who knows. All I know is that I admire them for being that way. They are truly an inspiration to me and others that have experienced that horrible event in their life, and just need to know they are not the only one who has been there, and there is HOPE.

Thanks for reading my bubbling. And please take care, stay safe and leave comments if you wish.

Remember when and ... be thankful.

I think we all reminisce about times in our past. I know I do. I also think about how good those days were way back then. Happy moments of our childhood and as we grew up into adulthood.

I wonder how many of you remember the 11" round black and white TVs, or staying up so late the only thing you saw on TV was a test pattern, or listening to radio shows and visualizing the story in your head. And then there was the time you are laying on the living room rug and your mother wants to try out her brand new Electrolux or Hoover electric sweeper. Or the day your mother ordered stuff from the Fuller Brush man or the Tupperware party held at your house. Sometimes I hear a song and my mind starts to wander back to the first time I heard it, or a moment it reminds me of.  

Because we did not live in  great neighborhood, my parents would take me to a nice neighborhood to go Trick 'n Treating on Halloween. I, and the rest of the kids, would run as fast as we could from one house to another to get more of the cavity creating goodies in a pillow case. My costume was usually homemade and cheap. A Hobo or a Ghost.

As we got older, other things mattered more than candy. We wanted to be popular and sit next to the cutest girl or boy in class. Maybe be lucky enough to someday go on a date with your first love. Maybe to the friday night high school football game or the saturday dance? And then sneak a quick kiss.

After high school, things changed. It was either get a job, go into the military, or if you were lucky enough, go to college. I did the first two. But it was all good. I got the opportunity to travel and see the world. It inspired me to go to more countries and learn about different cultures, religions, foods and lifestyles. I believe it was better than college. I did the college thing later in life.

 As a kid, I was always under my parents restrictions ... ok, their rules. As an adult I thought I could do whatever I wanted. WRONG! Somethings maybe, but not all. Being an adult meant you had to grow up. Take on responsibilities and blend into the daily society, not be the carefree kid you were before. That really became a reality when we had our first child. Fun time was not over, but, focused on the future of our child and us as a responsible couple and parents. The fact of us becoming our parents was scary. We saw the problems they had. When you set rules for your children and suddenly you realize it sounds like Dad or Mom? OMG!

As the kids grow up and they become parents too, you look at them and say to yourself,"I guess we did OK as parents." And then the grandkids start coming. How do you handle being elderly and have grandchildren. Do I correct the things I did wrong while raising our kids? Sure you do. And maybe, just maybe treat the grandkids a little easier than you did your kids. That's what grandparents do, right?

In a few days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day with friends and family. A day to give thanks for ALL we have and have done over the past year. The tradition is a spread of too much food that we all share. In our house, we have a tradition too. I ask everyone at the table (and it is a long table) to tell everyone what they are the most thankful for. There is no judgement made to what they say, I just want them to appreciate what they have in life.

I believe everyone should be thankful for their family and friends, home, food and our free country. We are all fortune to be Americans and have all the wealth this country has. 

I also reflect back to a passage from a book I read many years ago. A young lieutenant in the Civil War wrote to his fiance,"I lay here sad and depressed that I have only one leg, when I looked to my side and saw a man with no legs at all." You may have a lot or not much, but be thankful for what you have and maybe share what you have with others who have nothing.

Take care, stay safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"Thank you for your service"

 First, I have to say, I am glad the midterm election is over. Each party ripping the other with cruel words and different lies. So there I said it. Onward.

Friday was Veterans day. A day of to honor and respect for ALL of our veterans, no matter which branch, or time they served. They are the ones who joined to protect our nation and democracy. Thank you to all of you for serving. 

Yes, I am also a veteran. I don't brag about it, or wear t-shirt, caps or jackets stating the fact. It's on my driver's license and I have a section of my office wall dedicated to my time, and that's all.  "Aren't you proud to be a vet?" You ask, hell yes I am. I am not the person who wears his history on his sleeve. I am VERY proud that I served in a very bad time during Viet Nam. A VERY unpopular war, even tho it was not a war. I am also proud that for many generations the males in the Shell family who served. The first was my 5 times grandfather, Arnold, served in the Revolutionary War when the Colonials were fighting to free from King George of England.  His sons fought in the War of 1812, and several of the following Shells fought in the Civil War, WWI, Korea, WWII and Vietnam. So yes, I am proud to have joined my ancestors as vets.

But as much as I truly appreciate people telling me, "Thank you for your service", I also see this nation finally realizing how much vets put on the line for this country. Maybe because they personally saw the devastation and injuries soldiers came home with. Post Traumatic Stress, crippling disabilities both mental and physical. Or maybe it was because the after affects of 9-11 and the anger we all had for the attack and sending our young men and women into harm's way.The nation's appreciation for vets is SO MUCH more now than during Viet Nam.

Being spat on or called a 'Baby Killer' was the normal for my generation during that time, the 60s. That is why I very seldom wore my uniform coming home on leave. I was not ashamed, but I don't want to start trouble. Other times, we all rallied around the soldiers during all of the other conflicts. Over the past few years has that attitude has changed about the Viet Nam conflict. And Korea, the forgotten war? Maybe the TV series 'MASH' changed that unknowing attitude, in a comedic way.

I also believe the organizations advertising on TV, radio, and social media have helped vets to get the attention they deserve, such as Wounded Warriors, VFW, American Legion etc. The Veterans Administration is finally getting their act together to help needy vets with problems were in the past overlooked. So many homeless vets maybe will get help too. We can only hope so.

And then there are the immigrants who are appreciative enough to be admitted into our country, they also want to serve. Japanese, Chinese, Hispanic, and our own African-American and Native Americans. Sometimes they go unnoticed or forgotten.

Whenever some thanks me for my service, I get a lump in my throat from the honor being bestowed on me. I tell them it was my honor and my duty to serve this great country, like so many of my family members for so many decades. I am proud to be a part of that tradition of Shell men.

Take care, stay safe and stay USA strong. Our vets fought for that.

Welcome to November

Yep, it is November. The month of special days like Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and the middle term election. A VERY important election. 

Now, let's be clear, I DO NOT advocate any party. Not democrat, not republican, or independent ... which is not a party but should be. What I DO advocate is DEMOCRACY for all, not lies and twisted truths. And that is what has this election has become, along with political campaigns and advertisements have become nothing but taking things and statements out of context and made it sound offensive. BOTH sides have done this and no one is policing it. But even if they were, some people would not listen to the true facts.  People only believe what they already believe. They have preconceived beliefs and don't check the facts before they vote. Half truths are NOT the whole truth.

That is why I am taking this opportunity to pled to you to CHECK THE FACTS before you vote. There are also people who believe, "I am only one vote, mine does not matter." WRONG! If one thousand people thought that way, a good candidate could win or lose. Your vote DOES COUNT.

The big issues all around the USA is the economy and gas prices. Here in Arizona it is that multitudes of immigrants are flowing across the border along with drug dealers and completing a border wall and abortions. Agreed, all of that is important. Electing your candidate like senator or even governor will not solve that. If you think a senator will build a wall between Arizona and Mexico, you need to look at their job description. Senators are limited by what the rest of the house and the other senators vote. The governor can not wave a wane and build a container wall without the same in the state congress.

Lies and twisted statements are coming from both sides. It is up to YOU to check the facts and vote for the truth, not something taken out of context to further the opposing party's battle.

Yeah, I know you all want to just see all of those commercials go away after November 8th, and get rid of the junk mail about candidates. I do too. But this is YOUR future and your children's future, and more so, the future of this country and it's democracy. And the whole world is watching. When you see the world leader bite the dust, others will follow. But when a world leader pulls themselves up and stands up for freedom and democracy, other will also follow. It's up to you. The one vote that matters. That voter that researches the facts and does not listen to lies or twisted statements. You are the one that can make a difference against the liars and twisted commentators and bias publishings. Only you can make this a people's election, a clean election for the people of the UNITED STATES. 

Oh yeah, one more thing ... on November 11th, do not forget the thanks the veterans who fought and died to get us the democracy we have now. And on 25th, be thankful and thank God for what you have as a citizen of this great country. Democracy and Freedom DOES NOT COME WITHOUT SACRIFICE.

Take care, stay safe and God bless our country.

An overdue visit with relatives

 I recently returned from my birth town in Alabama. I had not been back to Alabama since my late mother passed in 2007, so after I received an email from her last living sibling, I thought it would be a good time to fly back to see some of the people that helped mold me as a child.

I don't really mine flying, but normally I fly with Nancy. Without her to talk to, I noticed some things Nancy tells me I do all the time. I notice weird stuff or stuff most people don't think twice about.

I always try to get some sleep while flying and that is not always easy. Besides the fly attendant and pilots announcements, there is always the crinkling of paper, the crying baby, talk between the guy behind you or his kicking of your seat, the whooshing of air outside, the inaudible sound of someone watching a movie or playing a video game. And then the passengers rushing to get on the plane and their inpatient rush to get off. The hussle bussle in the terminals, people strolling through, and others running to catch the next flight. The single person sitting in the bar talking on his/her phone, or doing nothing at all, but drinking. I told you before, I am a people watcher. 

But getting back to my visit. I was born, and partly raised on a very rural farm in Northern Alabama. It was not a big fancy farm, maybe 10 -15 acres. Yes, I picked cotton like nearly everyone then. Some of my meals consisted of cornbread and milk, and I helped with many of the chores as I could handle as a 7 or 8 year formally city kid. To go back and visit with my childhood cousins and playmates was great. We shared funny and sad stories from years ago as we enjoyed the famous southern cooked meals. Some not too healthy, but GOOD!

Now that we are all older, some have some serious health problems that hurts me deeply. I wonder if their lifestyle which brought that on, or if it was just in the genes of our family.  Some seem to be doing very well, both healthwise and financially, while other are struggling with both. We chatted about that and so much more for hours, which I loved and cherish that time. All of them are respectful, honest religious, and down to earth people that came from meager means. Definitely blue collar family members. As much as I love them and greatly enjoyed seeing them again, I don't know if I go back to Alabama again. Alabama has a long history of prejudice against any race except white. I noticed that as a child and in this recent visit from the talk of others and some in my family. That disturbs me to the bone. Don't get me wrong, Alabama is a beautiful state and the cost of living is cheaper than Arizona. It is just not where I'd want to live. And not that Arizona is always great either or perfect. Just saying.

So after 4 days, I flew home. Short but good. The final evening there we all (most of us) gathered for a meal at a local restaurant and continued swapping stories. As my son said to me many years ago, "You can pick your friends, but you can not pick your family."  I think I hit the jackpot with my family. They are a great bunch of people. I love them and I will miss them. Take care and stay safe.

The now runned-down house I was partly lived and was raised in.

I see trouble coming

 I try to stay away from topics about religion and politics, but there are some things that need to be said. I consider myself and Nancy as Independents, straddling the party lines, and playing the best of both sides. As we believe everyone should do, just act in the best interest of the majority, not for self-interest. 

As you know, I live in Arizona. A state I love, but is also a very conservative state. A state that is known for a few failed governors, senators and other statesmen. And a lot of that old west attitude. I knew this when we moved here in 1976. But now I see a bit of the ugly side with the upcoming midterm election.

I drive down some of our rural roads and I see banners saying, "F+++ Biden, Trump won" or American flags hung upside down, signifying distress and help needed. I understand people being passionate about the country's affairs and not believing in the present cabinet, but I think there are better ways to do that.

In 2020, (after the election) renowned author Bob Woodward had over 18 hours of telephone conversations with the the past president Donald Trump. Mr. Trump initiated the calls and called Mr. Woodward and would call arbitrarily day and night through ALL of those conversations. Woodward recorded all of the conversations with Mr. Trump's knowledge and permission. In the last phone calls, Mr. Trump stated, " I bring out rage in people and I will continue doing that. I don't know why, I just do." After that conversation, within a few days, the Capitol was stormed by rioters, some with guns, saying the election was stolen. They injured and killed Capitol Police officers and threatened the lives of elected officials. That made me sick. Mr. Woodward categorized Mr. Trump as, "A man drowning in his own self-immersion."

I that final phone call, Mr. Woodward asked Mr. Trump, "Some people say you will never leave the White House, will you?" Trump replied, "I don't know, maybe not." The election was over, Trump had lost cleary after MANY recounts and audits, he lost. His denial fueled his supporters to the point they felt they could force an overturn of the election with violence. 

Many people blame the President and several other office holders for the inflation, the present economy and shortages. Maybe they should be held accountable for some of that, but not with violence and rebelling. Now we have that rage, that I blame Trump for starting, coming out in candidates run for office and making ridiculous and false statements. One senator, governor or President can NOT solve the economic problems we have. The border problems have been going on for decades and maybe centuries. People immigrate for good farming, escape oppression, food, work for money. That will never end. Building a wall will NEVER stop them. They will always find a way around it.

We need candidates who are not out for themselves but who stand up for the people they represent, no matter the color of their skin, women's rights, the ones with mental and physical problems, the LGBT community, and fight against all types of racism. We need to get more truck drivers to work. We need to crackdown of big corporations who increase fertilizer prices on farmers, which causes farmer to rise their prices and cost us more at the checkouts. We need to help Ukraine fight against Russian so our gas prices can come back down. The economy is like standing dominos in a line, you push the first one and rest with fall one after another.

Okay, I have stated the problems and some solutions, but what can you do? First do your homework on the candidates on the ballot. Research them good, and then VOTE! That is your voice. Not with a pack of rebels who storm the capitol, or fly flags upside down or put up banner with profanity. Make your voice heard the right way on November 8th or before with your mail-in ballot. Take care and stay safe.

I know a little about TRAVELING

Fall is definitely upon us. The temperatures are getting cooler, the trees are changing colors and there is not as much sunlight. But we all know that.  "Tell us something interesting Harrold."  

Travel to me is not just going to see your grandparents, or friends, it's going to a special place, maybe some place you have never been, or a place that makes you happy. Whether it is a beach or to the mountains away from people, or to a big city. I like to go  see and experience different ... 'experiences'. Some of you know, Nancy and I have travel all over the world and been to all but one state in the USA. I am not bragging, just lucky to have done that. To me travel and immersing into the local culture. That way I try to understand how and what they think and live. That is exactly what we and another couple did over a period of 2 1/2 weeks.

We did a road trip all through New England in a mini-van, due to all the luggage we took. We started by flying to Boston from Phoenix and began walking the 'Freedom Trail'. If you have never been to Boston and walked the Freedom Trail, you should go. Take comfortable shoes. You walk in many of the steps of our founding fathers. Eventho Boston does not look like the town when the saying "Give us Freedom"  was common. Huge skyscrapers next to historic meeting houses. But that feeling and desire was still there.

I won't bore you with every place we stopped or ate, just some highlights and particular place of interest. Yes, the east coast has MANY lighthouses, and we saw a few. They interest me because of my curiosity about the people who lived in them, living in solitude. The one place I still think about was the Hancock Shaker Village and the basis of the religion. A religion where men and women are equal, but never mix or marry. Everyone works for the good of the community, including ALL farm work. Meals were served separate. Sleeping quarters were separate. Any children were housed and raised separately. Sex was forbidden. They craftsmanship was excellent from handmade brooms, wooden round and oval boxes, to cabinetry. 

The Vanderbilt family was big on building mansions in several places in the USA. One renown was the 'Breakers'. A place with unbelievable technology in the 1840s and opulent ornaments from gold leaf trimmings, to crystal  chandeliers, to marble and granite carving everywhere, to telephones to call for servant service and unbelievable frisco paintings. And they only used it 4 times. The modern day descendent today would be Gloria Vanderbilt, the clothing mogul. Most of these mansions are not lived in, they are museums.

But the real reason we wanted to go to England was to see fall in it glory with brilliant colors and covered bridges over slow moving small rivers and streams. To eat fresh seafood in quaint little fishing villages, to see first light rising on top of Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor Maine, to look East over the cold northern Atlantic Ocean and not see any land. And to head the different accents of Boston, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. To drink their beers, see their houses, to see the traffic ... not that was not it. Don't like traffic. But the rest was great. Nancy and I have been to these states, but didn't really slow down to totally see them like this trip. 

I now call myself an Arizonian, due to the fact I have lived here for more than 45 years and will always say this is home. But it is good to get away to see how other people live and think. Try it, it'll open a whole new part of your life. Take care and stay safe.

It has been a long year ... so far.

 I say it has been long, well I guess 8 1/2 months does not constitute a full year. But when you don't take time for yourself, it seems longer. So after a brief camping trip (over a weekend) with a special couple, Nancy and I discussed going back to some states we visited before, but not REALLY visited. We sort of just drove through, the New England states. And with our friends will will stop and see the leaves changing as we go through the small towns and villages from Massachusetts to Maine, From Boston to Bar Harbor and staying in only small towns and sea ports villages. Other than the couple nights in Boston to re-walk the freedom trail. A well deserved get-away from buying and selling cars, working on cars and going to meetings. picking up and dropping off grandkids is NOT a chore, but a pleasure. It is just the other stuff that gets old day in and day out. This sounds like I hate my retirement life, well, I don't, but sometimes you just need a LONG break from the norm. A 16 day trip will be welcomed. Two weeks after we get home in mid-October, I will fly to Alabama (my birth state) to visit my late mother's family and visit my mother's grave. It will be a mixed feeling trip.

It has also been a long year of seeing negative campaign commercials full of lies, blame and things taken out of context. And then the non-ending stories about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was great lady, and I know people loved her but, the media takes things too far sometime.

This last week and weekend, our Phoenix firefighters, along with hundreds from all over the United States, gathered in Colorado Springs at the National Firefighters Memorial to pay tribute the ones who lost their lives this last years. It is a sad time, but yet a time for firefighters to reunite and revisit with friends and comrades to bond in the brotherhood.

As the temperatures start to go down (somewhat), I am hoping to see and enjoy some pretty autumn colors in New England, apple cider, good seafood like hearty regional clam chowder, along with the iconic seaport villages and pubs. Our leisurely driving trip through New England has been on our bucket list for years and I am sure it will not disappoint. MAYBE, by the time we get back, the new VW ID4 EV (electric car) we ordered last January will finally arrive at the dealer so we can pick it up. Apparently it just left the factory in Germany. 

One last thing. I will be absent until late October, but I am hoping you will enjoin me here then. I will post photos of our trip on 'FaceBook' as we go. Until then, take care and stay safe.

Remembering two historical events

 This week marks two events that affected many countries with great sadness and loss. Today is the 21st anniversary of the attack on the United States on September 11th 2001, and the passing of the Queen of England. Both were devastating the our two countries and many more.

9-11, as it is commonly called, was an attack on our country that we had not experienced since the Brits attacked us in the 1812. In 1812 there were no deaths officially recorded, but on 9-11 there were 2,977 lives lost. And 343 of those lives were the firefighters and law enforcement officers who loss their lives trying to save others. It was a dark day for the United States that is remembered by our nation each year to make sure, 'WE WILL NEVER FORGET'.

For England, and so many other countries, the passing of Queen Elizabeth was also devastating. A Queen like no other before her. One who served her people for 7 decades, and through many, many rough times. A Queen from the age of 25 until she was 96,  one who was admired and loved in so many ways. To the British, losing her was similar to us losing President Kennedy in 1963. Queen Elizabeth II reigned through 15 Prime Ministers starting from Winston Churchill, and 13 presidents starting from Dwight D. Eisenhower. Unlike Elizabeth's passing, Kennedy's death was unexpected and surprising.

Like everything in life, it must go on and move forward, but still remembering the past. In the 9-11 attack, which destroyed the Towers and several building around them, we built the 'Freedom Tower' and a monument in the same spot the twin towers stood. The two fire stations which housed the crews that lost their lives in the crashing towers were re-dedicated in the crew's name and remembrance. In England, Prince Charles became the new king as the monarchy torch was passed on. England will heal, just as we have healed over the years since 9-11. Healing means going on with life, but the scars and memories stay inside forever.

I don't fly the stars and stripes just during holidays, but 24/7/365 in the memory of those who are serving, who have served, died, for our country and democracy. Just as Queen Elizabeth dedicated her life to serve her people, we should keep the memory of those who died, not only the people who perished in the towers and afterwards, but the ones we sometimes take for granted like law enforcement officers and firefighters. They always come when needed and go where no one else will.

The Brits will never forget their beloved Queen. And we will never forget the attack and deaths of all the innocent souls lost on 9-11. Take care and stay safe.

Houston... no... United States, we have a problem.

I believe the worst of Covid is past, I hope. But now, instead of a Pandemic we have an  Epidemic. Yes, teen suicides is rising rapidly, and as parents we can slow if not stop it. 

Children struggle with SO MANY things that I did not have growing up. Many kids deal with depression I had not realized until a family close to me announced their child had taken their life. The parents saw the signs but thought it was just that adolescent stage. They did not comprehend those signs and could not or would deal with it.  Not eating, staying in the room, on their phone all the time, not talking, not sharing in family activities and just being unsociable. Some is peer pressure, demanding parents to be like them, demands to do things better in school or sports.

Nearly 1 in 5 people born after 1997 identify as LGBTQ and refer to themselves as 'She, he or him'. Sexual identity, loneliness, climate change, being bullied, deep political and cultural discord is an awful lot for a 14 year old the deal with. Then you throw in being told the stay home for school for two years during Covid, and feeling they can not talk to their parents about their feelings. That is a lot.

Teens and pre-teens want to be involved, loved and be able the talk about their feeling openly without pressure and told the 'pick yourself up and be strong'. It would probably be a rude awakening to be that fly on the wall in their bedroom as they lay on their bed talking to a friend on their cell phone about how they can't talk to their parents about things. "They would tell me, just be a man/woman and deal with it". I know, I have been there with my kids and the angry discussions that never got anything settled except more angry. But then I realized what it was like in their shoes when I was a kid. No comparison. Our kids ARE NOT US! It is a whole different world today and all we can do is support the kids, not be judgemental, give advice and suggestions not alway demands, educate them with facts and not bearishing them over the head with, "When I was your age, we did it this way." And video games don't really help with shooting games and crashing cars. 

Your childhood can not be re-lived through you children. They must find their own way throughout each step and turn of life. Growing up is not easy with trap doors hidden everywhere. Your job is the guide, support, encourage, teach them about good and bad, and ALWAYS have an open mind and ear to listen when they need someone, other that that so-called friend of theirs who thinks they know all the answers, when sometimes we don't either.

Children are precious and vulnerable. I wish sometimes there was a book on how to be the perfect parent/grandparent. Many have tired, but fell short. I still learn from our grandkids. I have always told them, "You can call or come over ANYTIME to talk. What you tell me, will never go any farther ... unless there is a lawsuit coming." They always laugh about that. I was never the perfect parent, if fact, I may have gotten a 'D' if I was graded. An open ear, support and trying to understand their point of view was hard sometimes, but I tried and they knew that. 

The multiple mass shooting we have seen and witnessed by teens and pre-teens is evidence of a serious mental problem this country needs to address NOW! PLEASE, as mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, reach out to your kids and let them know you are there for them and just listen to what they say. It will be appreciated and hopefully ease some of their anxiety and hopelessness they may have. We all need to be there for them. Related or not. They are our future. Take care and stay safe.

It's good to get back to Nature

 As you probably read, last week, Nancy and I packed up the camper and headed northeast to Arizona's White Mountains. If you're not from Arizona, we have a range of plateaus from the northeastern corner to the mid eastern border of Arizona and New Mexico. Also known as the Mogollon Rim. 

Our daughter and son in law own a nice piece of heavily forested land in a village called Nutrioso, between Springerville/Eagar and Alpine. They are planning on building a cabin there in the near future. We're going to go into partnership with them. 

Anyway, Nancy and I met up with two of our dear friends we have known for ... decades. They both love to hike, nature, and camp as much as us. So we decided to meet at the property and camp together for about five days. BUT, it began to rain the first day. And the next day, and the next day, and most of the next day. So, not being quitters, we went out and started to explore on the muddy forest service roads most of the days. One day we drove to Big Lake and just across New Mexico border into the village of Luna and to see Luna Lake. Not much there.

One of the guys struggled starting a campfire with the damp wood we each bought every evening. Needless to say, it was not easy. We'd no sooner get it going, and it would start raining again, so we all ran either under an awning or into the only camper big enough to house us all, ours. It was cozy but fun. We ended up eat most of the meals in there too. Each night someone else would make a meal for all of us.

The rain did not deter us from joking and having fun. I always said I'd never complain about getting rain while I lived in Arizona, this really got me close. 

Whether it is watching a herd of Elk migrating into the meadow we overlooked, or the bagging squirrels wanting something to eat, or the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, Nature never gets old. And meeting up with dear friends made the rain thing just go away. Just a couple more shots of the squirrel, elk, and a beautiful sunrise. Take care, stay safe.

Do you want to live to 100?

I spoke to a gentleman the other day who said he just flew in from seeing his mother who was 100 years old. I thought, "Wow! That's great." Then I considered what it would be like to be 100. Would my family and close friends still be around? How would my health be? Would I need constant health care to make it to 101? What would my quality of life feel like? Sure, I'd probably see so many amazing changes in the world and world events, but would it be worth it?

'Centenarians' (100+) are less the 1% of the world's population today. Of the babies born today, 1 in 3 will make it to 100. That was not the case when I was born during the Baby Boom after WWII. Modern medicine has made that possible through the miracle of advanced drug therapies and testing. The acclaimed St. Jude's Research Center and Hospital says they are just around the corner from finding the cure for childhood cancer. If you are a 'Sexagenarian' (60-69 y.o.) or a 'Septuagenarian' (70-79 y.o.) your life expectancy is about 75 according to the C.D.C.. Which in the USA, we are 46th in the world for longevity. Hong Kong is number 1. Their average death age is 85. Why?

With between 82,000 and 95,000 Centenarians alive today, in the year 2060 they are projecting the USA will have nearly 590, 000 people 100+. Old population is getting older than babies than are being born.

At 75 now, for a couple more months, I believe I am in pretty shape and health. Still flexible, no medical problems and stay busy with car building, socializing and travel. Occasionally I forget where I put my coffee cup, or have to look up spelling of words, but for the most part fairly sharp. I believe that is natural for 75 year old males. I still really suck at remembering names. Sorry guys!

On the horizon, medicine is developing something a little spooky, 'Nanobots' which could be injected into a person to literally kill bad cells like cancer and other diseases. These BOTS could even change a developing baby's DNA so they would not have crippling conditions or diseases in the future. They could be capable of changing the DNA so they would become concert pianist, teachers, presidents or anything the parents would like. They may even slow or stop the aging process. That might be going too far in my mind. Sounds a little like Hitler's time.

From Einstein to Freud, all humans know they're going to die, and that dictates how they live their life. My wish is that scientists use their talents to cure diseases and just give us a better quality of life in our so-called 'Golden Years'. I think that changing the DNA for anything other than preventing sickness and diseases is NOT what the world wants or needs. I personally do not want to live to 100, unless, I can still walk around without assistance, and have a good quality of life. What do you think? How long do you want to live?  Leave me your comments.

What is in our future?

 I admit, these are some concerning times. Watching the news can be quite depressing sometimes. And so can going to the gas station or supermarket. Experts say things that make people panic and withdraw. Between rising gas prices, cost of groceries and lack of food on the shelves, it may seem pretty grim. But after talking to people who lived through the GREAT depression, we're doing well.

People don't like change and when it comes to paying a buck or more for a gallon of gas, that sucks. Just things like trying to find baby formula can be daunting. And all of this can make you depressed, especially if you throw into it the election commercials that bad mouth this candidate and that candidate... it is confusing to the voters. What does our future hold? Who knows. But what I do know is America always finds a way to pull out of times like this. It is not easy, and there will be some who have it rougher than others, but we ALWAYS come out of it.

Economists tell us to spend wisely, but don't stop spending because that causes other problems in the financial chain of events. It's a great time to sell your home, but a bad time to buy another because they cost more. It's great you want to save the earth by driving a green car, but the production of electric cars and hybrids is slow because of the shortage of parts caused by the Pandemic shutdown and the war in Ukraine. The world economy is like a tank rolling along at 100 MPH and then suddenly coming to a stoplight at the base of a mountain. It is going to take a lot to get that tank up the steep mountain, and it's not going to be fast for a while. That may not be the best example but it's true. Getting back to our old-self is not going to be easy.

So again, what is in our future? Nobody really knows for sure. Some think they know, but actually they don't. Even the expert economists don't know.They are as confused as we all are. The only good advice I have heard from them is: spend conservatively, but don't stop going out to dinner. Shop, but be frugal. Drive, but plan your trips. Eliminate anything in your spending that is not really necessary. Never spend more than you can afford. Cut down on credit cards purchases, and save as much as you can for the really hard times.

Any candidate who listens to the voters and has half a brain will be working for us. It's our job and duty to research each one to see if they want to do a good job, or just feed their ego and follow the lies. We have the power of vote to make that happen. Do the research, trust the facts, don't follow the lies, and use your vote wisely. We are strong and we WILL get through this together as Americans always do. Take care and stay safe.

Are you a winner, or a loser?

 In baseball, if you're the worst team, you'll probably lose 1/3 of the time. If you're a best team, you'll probably win about 1/3 of the time. So, the final factor is who wins the remaining 1/3.  You don't always win, and you don't always lose. It's kind of like that in life too. Democracy is like that also. 

In some countries, people think democracy is overrated. They may advocate Socialism or Marxism. I am not fond of either, and know what it's like to live in the United States today, you would not either. Think about this. If you were buy your daughter a dress, in some countries you would have to get the same color as everyone else. Bread would only be available on one day a week. You would be told where to live and where to work. If you were overheard speaking out against the government, you may never be seen again. Our freedom is golden.

Here in the USA, we can travel when and where we please. If we work hard, we can make lots of money. We can live and work where we please. We can speak our minds without being punished. We can send our children to mostly any school, and, they can be taught subjects that are forbidden in some countries. The United States in about as free as free can be. Yes, we have laws and restrictions on certain things. But without those laws and restrictions, it would be total chaos and more crime than you can imagine.

You have to admit, when our founding fathers wrote the Constitution and Bill of Rights, they knew what people needed and wanted. At least most people. And when they wrote those famous documents, we were just a colony of England, and under their rule, and forced to do what the King wanted to aid and support England, but not necessarily benefit us.

The democracy process is not easy to keep. And then you throw in Capitalism into the make and you get the United States of America. A country where so many thousands want to come because of our strength and wealth as a country. Where you can come from nothing and grow into much more than they had in their country.

Now, let's get this straight. I DON'T advocate rebellions. I DO NOT advocate assault rifles. I do advocate gun rights with restrictions. And I DO advocate a woman's rights to her own affairs in respect to HER body. That should be NO ONE'S business except hers. I advocate more research for diseases like cancer, cardiac, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health.

Democracy is NOT perfect by a long shot, but it's the best we have, and I don't want to lose it. many countries are trying to move that way. It makes me angry to heard someone say, "The election was stolen." When it was proven over and over and over again that it was not. They are nothing but sore losers. And then they try to undercut the election process by pressuring officials to overturn the election, or raising a riot on the Capital, while the leader DID NOTHING to stop it when he knew what was happening.

I have voted ever since I was 18, and in my 75 years, I admit I have voted for the wrong person a couple of times. But when I realized my mistake, I started doing more research and trusted the facts for my decisions. Not hear-say. We don't always have the greatest candidate, and candidates can not always give you all the things they promise, but candidate is always better than the other for the country, state, city or town. Think about that. Think hard!

I am asking you to be that winner, do your research, check the facts, vote in your primary (in Arizona it is August 2nd), and on November 8th vote in the midterm election for your choices, no matter what party. But do your part in one of the greatest gifts you have as a citizen. Take care and stay safe.

The age of LIES

I believe being honest is in the Ten Commandments somewhere, if you believe in that. I do.  but it seems that lying is  the most common action in our world, except the sun coming up everyday. Lying is seen in all types of things from political commercials, to friendships, and marriages. the problem with lying is (besides being wrong) is you have to tell another to cover for the first one. I have watched people standing on stages, in front of hundreds, thousands, and out 'n' out spin a lie. To win approval? maybe. Or to make their ego bigger? And when they get caught in that lie, they deny it. Lying doesn't hurt you but others too. I guess some people just can not tell the truth because the outcome is not what they want to achieve. A step in office, admiration, the special person they want to be with, or something. Sooner or later, the truth will show.

Lying takes the form in many different ways. Lie to your spouse, lie to friends, lie to the multitudes, or lying to yourself. the last one is a way to blanket over your inability to do or achieve something. Admit it and try to be better it the truthful thing to do.

And then there is blame when someone did nothing wrong. People love the point fingers and blame the other guy for his or her own mistake. Like when you are driving the posted speed limit and someone passes you and then flips you off. You're doing nothing wrong, obeying the law, but the other guy is lying about what is right and wrong.

Some people lie about the facts and say the facts are wrong, and unfortunately the convince other their lie is right. Facts DON'T LIE! That misinformation we hear a lot about these days is really discouraging to me. And for people to believe it is scary. "This COVID thing will pass and it won't affect you." So, was that true? No, it affected us all.

I actually think sometimes I am the only one who can see through these lies and agrue to other, 'check the facts for the truth'.

Sometimes it's hard to tell the truth from the lie. But you are smarter than that. We all know right from wrong, truth from a lie, but sometime we don't want to believe the truth. 

It almost seems like yesterday

 First, I want to thank you, the reader, for reading to my 'babbles' about everything up the sun. I may not be a great writer, just one that writes from the heart. Thanks.

Have you ever been somewhere as a couple and someone asks, "How did you two meet?" Well, Nancy and I get that too. I guess it is a natural curiosity thing. So here is the story. 

We both worked in the grocery business, she was the lead cashier at night, and I was the Assistant Manager.  We had both gone through a divorce and felt we needed a change. I said, "I am going to go west (from Cincinnati) and I could use a friend to be my co-pilot." Nancy said, "OK". To make the story short, we eventually landed in Phoenix Arizona in 1976. Phoenix was booming (and still is) with a lot of job opportunities. In a few months of staying here, I interviewed for the Phoenix Fire Department and got a position as a recruit firefighter at 30 years old. Oldest guy in the class. Money was tight so I filed for On The Job Training (OJT pay) through the VA. Since I was still unmarried and single pay was less than married status, I asked Nancy if she wanted to get married and she said "Sure." Things had evolved since we left Cincy. We tell people she married me for money. So in the middle of the fire training academy, over a weekend, we drove to Las Vegas and got married. Within 24 hours we tied that proverbial knot. That Monday morning, getting ready for our 2 1/2 mile run and hot drills, someone asked, "What did you do over the weekend?" I replied , "Got married " His jaw dropped. "What the hell for?" "Because I enjoy being with her and I think she feels the same."  Yes, we've had our ups and downs over the years because one of us is stubborn (or both of us) and don't want to give in, but I believe that is a marriage thing. I know she has my back and for sure have hers.

And now we have 7 grandkids total. All GREAT kids. Smart, healthy, charming and a 'hoot' to be around. Neither of us have living parents, so we became the grandparents for both sides of the family. We have self-adopted friends of our kids as ours, because they hung around our house a lot, and they call us MOM and DAD now. Some did not have a great home environment  so they came to a more inviting home. Of course our grocery bill went up, but that was OK. Sometimes I'd come home from the fire station and there would kids sleeping on our living room floor.  Those were such great times. Most of those kids still call or visit us. Their all grown and have kids of their own now.

This may sound a little weird but, I relate my life as roll of toilet paper. It always starts slow unrolling, but as I age, it goes faster and faster, until it runs out. Thankfully, my roll is still unrolling, faster and faster.

I leave you this Sunday morning with our one and only wedding picture taken at 5 AM Sunday morning outside the chapel in Las Vegas on April 24th, 1977. And at 45 years and counting that bond is still there. I believe we were blessed and hopefully you are too. Take care and stay safe.

 

Independence Day

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, as the day we celebrate the release or at least the resistance from British rule any longer. 246 years ago, a group of men came together to write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. (yes there was more than one. Thomas Jefferson composed most of it. John Hancock was the first to sign it, and signed it BIG, so King George the III would know he was part of this giant movement. 

The D of I was actually started to be signed on July 2nd, not the 4th, and all of the delegates did not finish signing it until August 2, 1776.

John Adams wrote to his wife, "This day should be celebrated with parades, fireworks and bonfires." Sound familiar? And we still do it today.

At the time in 1776, there were about 2.5 million people living in the USA, compare to today with nearly 332,916, 000 people. But even then, the word about independence spread like wildfire through all the backwoods settlements, towns and big cities. "We are tired of being taxed without representation." They were fed-up with being under King George III's thumb. But the battle was just about to begin. The colonists had to fight for that freedom they wished for. And at the time, the British was one of the strongest armies in the world. Many would die on both sides. A couple of my ancestors fought in those battles, and fortunately survived.

Sadly enough, the composers and signers of the D of I only saw a  short history of how their actions created one of the most powerful and influential countries. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4th 1826, and John Adams  both passed away on July 4th 1826. Oddly, James Monroe also passed away on July 4th, 1831. It's like the sculptors died on the day we now celebrate. Independence Day did not become a federal holiday until 1870.

Independence is not an easy thing to obtain in many parts of the world. Eventho we have independence, some believe some of our rights have been depressed or taken away. Governments are NOT perfect, nor are the leaders in government. A government is a necessary evil to maintain order and peace. But unlike 1776, we have a say to how and what our government does for us the citizens. They're called a vote, city/town meetings, and supporting your picks for office, bill or referendum. Don't waste yours.

Mark Twain once stated, "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." I think those words ring true today too. Our country is split and we have a lot of bad candidates and a few good ones. They may not be perfect, but they are better than the alternative. 

Tomorrow I and my family will be celebrating our youngest grandson on his 4th of July 11th birthday.  Have a great day to ponder your freedom and all the people who sacrificed their lives to give us that wonderful gift. God bless you all, take care and stay safe.

A week I wish I could forget

 This week was very expensive week. We had planned to get the house painted, and then the A/C system died. We knew the price of the painting, but did not expect the A/C expense. But in our retirement, we saved for days like that. But the next thing was not so planned.

But it wasn't just my week that hurt. It was what happened in Washington DC on Friday. The Supreme Court reversed a nearly 50 year old law about abortions. Roe vs. Wade/Casey was overturned because four justices who were put there by former president Trump, made their decision out of their own believes, and NOT by interrupting the law. And I don't think it will stop there.

After so many decades of women's rights being crushed, from voting rights, to workplace harassments, to  equal pay, to sports, and now the government saying what women can do with their bodies, is unbelievable. They have the right to say who they have sex with, the right to say if they want a child or not, they have the right to say I don't want anymore children. This is a private matter, like where to spend your money and where to work, or where to go out for dinner, or where to go on vacation, or when to sleep in. It's NOT the government's business. It is something that is decided between your mate, the family or yourself alone. NOT WASHINGTON!

Don't get me wrong, I would never want to kill another human being, but if a woman is raped and becomes pregnant, does she want that child?

I spent 26 years helping people, trying to save lives from themselves or others from heart attacks, to car wrecks, to gun shots, to house fires, to strokes. Dying so not pretty, but a undeveloped being in the earliest stage is not a human person yet. And if it not wanted, then it should be aborted. The point is where do you draw the line on the stage of pregnancy.

The five justices that swung the vote to overturn Roe vs. Wade/Casey stated during their house interviews/hearings, they were strictly Pro-life and they showed how they placed their personal feelings before the interruption of the Constitution and the Bill Of Rights, which was written for every US citizen.  No matter male, female, black, white, brown, yellow, red, straight, gay or lesbian, EVERYONE! You may disagree, and that is your believe, but personal beliefs SHOULD NOT be involved in the interpretation of a law.

What may happen next? A couple of the justices have already said (in writing) they do not think gay rights should be observed, that same sex marriages should not be approved and contraceptives should be regulated and/or restricted. WHAT!!!

The Supreme Court set the stage for other things, I believe, you will see in the headlines soon.

I am not a Democrat, nor am I a Republican. I call myself a fence rider, middle of the road guy. I have voted for both parties but I am sorry to say the Republican party is broken and the Democrats don't have a J.F.K., so I must support our president and NONE of the republicans I have seen running for the Presidency. But you are the only one who can tell your representatives what you want them to do. And only you can vote your heart. Believe me, your vote will be counted and is safe.

When I began my firefighting career, an old seasoned Captain told me, "The only thing in life that is permanent is change." And I believe the change swings from one side to the other according to the season.  Let me know your feelings. Take care and stay safe.

Things will never be the same

 Today is Father's day, and also Juneteenth. The Independence Day for not only former slaves, but for all Americans to be free and have rights to what all Americans should have. Which sometimes does not always work out that way. But as we all get older, we reflect back to the "Good old days" which we believe were the best years of our lives. But if you are old enough to remember some things from your youth, that may not be so good.

If you're about my age (75), you'll remember Air Raid warnings and the Civil Defense and the threat of Russia invading us. Kids would duck under the school desks or being briskly herded into a Fallout shelter. Or maybe you'll remember the assassinations of our president, his brother and a civil rights leader, or the spitting on Vietnam vets coming home and being called 'baby killers'.  Those were only SOME of the dark days in our history.

As children growing up, we probably did not recognize those events at the time. The 'good times' were playing outside until the sun sat behind the homes or trees on your street . Drink water out of your or neighbors garden hose, or going to the convenience store (like a Circle K or a Pony Keg in the midwest) and buying penny candy with your rowdy friends laughing and joking as you stuff as many pieces of bubble gum in your mouth and blowing the biggest bubble in the world. Maybe you'll remember swimming with your pals in a pond or a canal, or catching frogs, or sleeping under the stars under one of you mother's old quilts in someone's backyard and roaming the neighborhood way up into the night. Or maybe even playing stick ball or football in the street around parked cars until a car wanted to drive through. Riding your bike and delivering the morning newspaper to your neighbors. Going to a school dance to seek out that special girl or boy you have a crush on.

All memories (and times) that were good and bad. I like you reminisce through all I have seen, heard and done. But I realized that I can never relive those times ever again. Some people live in the past and try to relive those 'good old days' through their children. I believe that is wrong. Those children will have their own good times, along with some bad times, whether it is the loss of a mother or father, a good friend or someone they love dearly.

Time is always moving forward. It does not go into reverse. It does repeat itself. maybe sometimes it seems to repeat itself, but actually it is only similar. From the past we learn what NOT to do in the future. Historians write the history and will interpret it as they see it. We are our own historians of our past.

This may sound really philosophical and it probably is but I believe God and myself work on what happens to me in the future, and the past is already written somewhere, if not in our heads.

As the late Jim Croce sang, "IF I COULD ONLY PUT TIME IN A BOTTLE ...". Save those memories and let them be a lesson for the future. Take care.