We.All.Make.Up.America.

Happy Independence Day week!   With the holiday falling mid-week it seems that it has turned in to a week long celebration.  Some people, like my own family, got together this past weekend.  Some will gather on Wednesday (the 4th of July), and some will celebrate next weekend.  

This time of year makes me think about our country a lot...  I mean, shouldn't we all?   It's the time of year when we remember how the United States of America became a free country, no longer ruled by the Brits from across the ocean.  Back then, it was a wild land. I can't even imagine the toughness it took to survive the terrain, the weather, the sickness, and then the brand new laws of the land. 

Those who wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence were so smart in their vision.  They set up a democracy, and they knew freedoms were important.   They also knew laws had to be created to keep everyone safe and civil.   Starting a new country!!  How huge a task!! 

Of course, they never could have totally foreseen how our country would grow.  They could never imagine the advances in transportation and technology.  The advances in medicine - and in weaponry.  Therefore in my mind, although the Declaration and the Constitution are both amazing documents, they were written with the minds of that time (great that they were) and unable to fully answer the needs that would come along as time went by.   So, ta-da... amendments were added!    Now, I'm no American history scholar, and in fact, when I think back to my school education about the US, I think it was rather lacking (maybe it was just me)...  it was not taught with excitement, and certainly not made personal.  As an adult looking back now I know it was one-sided. I think I have learned more over the years by reading books on my own.  

This year, as we celebrate our independence from England, we also need to think of our DEPENDENCE of each other in this country.  We couldn't live as we do in America without each other!  Our country is founded on welcoming those hungry and in need, those wanting a better life.   That's how it started and it is how it is today (even though some want to change it.)   Democracy needs to have many people working together, using their particular talents, sharing in a love of the land...  wanting ways to make it consistent, and equally wonderful.     The founding fathers did not say "you are on your own"... "good luck, and do what ever you want to do". 

So, we don't celebrate Independence Day alone.  That just wouldn't be fun.  We don't decorate just for ourselves.    We don't like to watch fireworks all by ourselves.     The love of country is for us ALL, to celebrate together.  It's the time to think back on how we got to where we are now.  It's time to think of the GOOD we all feel about America.    It's important we do that....because it's easy to only think of the problems.  It's easy to get upset about all the politics.   That is for sure!!

But this week, all this week, let's focus ourselves on the DEPENDENCE we ENJOY with each other!   We all make up America.      We.All.Make.Up.America.  

Taking a minute for QBing.

Monday morning quarterbacking...

Hot hot hot!   Here in the lowcountry we are having a 'hot spell' and I think it's time for a temperature break!  Don't get me wrong, I like heat.  I will take a hot summer day over a cold winter day anytime.  But each day for a couple of weeks now we have had 'accessive heat' and warnings to stay indoors during the afternoon hours.   Just being outside for 15 minutes is challenging with these temps and the humidity,  and therefore it makes it impossible to do yard work or gardening without getting drenched.   I'm not happy when I can't get out and piddle around in my yard.

But...
Last week I spent each morning indoors, helping with my church's Vacation Bible School.   It was a joy!  There is something wonderful about seeing the world through little ones' eyes...and hearing the Bible stories as told to them.   I was a 'crew leader' and had five  4 and 5 year olds in my crew.   I led them station to station each day:  opening, craft time, Bible story telling, games, snacks, music, and closing.   Those little ones made my heart sing!  They reminded me that we all start out with such enthusiasm,  are little sponges learning so much,  singing and dancing each day, and giving hugs.   

Being with children helps balance out life. 

Because as we know, the adult issues of the day, and in our country right now, are so disheartening. 

I'm watching the morning news right now.  A grandmother is trying to find her toddler granddaughter who was taken at the border and put into a detention center.   HOW can anyone think this is okay?? 

Tomorrow here in SC we have run-off elections.   I pray people take the time and vote their conscience.   Human rights over self.  I know a couple of people who seem to vote only if it will help themselves.  They don't see the big picture.  They don't realize that lifting others up, improving everyone's lives, will make it a better place. 

Can I also say, that some of the voters do not have a faith centered life?   I feel without knowing God's love and His teachings, then living takes on a different path.  Ego-driven.   Dog eat dog.   It makes me very sad.  

But, what makes me happy?   My daughter & her hubby took the twins to church yesterday!   The boys are 7 1/2 months old, and I know it wasn't easy for them all to get out of the house and to a worship service.   And, they didn't make it through the whole time (one of the boys got a little fussy)...   BUT I am proud that they tried, and I hope they keep at it.   I am sure the others in that congregation were happy to see them, and to even hear a little noise.    Jesus said to bring the little children!  

Do you have Independence Day plans?   This year the 4th of July hits right in the middle of the week.  So, we plan to have a family get-together on the weekend before.  I guess the holiday will be stretched out this year...some celebrating before, some on the day, and some the weekend after it.    Whenever you celebrate, take a small part of the day to talk about what it means to live in the land of the free! 

Good summer reads?   I just finished a book and am ready for another one.   I guess I should go pop on "Goodreads.com" and see what is suggested there.

Daughter #2 wedding plans are set.  We are in the months before it that we wait....   some things just can't be done until we get closer to the date.    The soon to be newlyweds are watching their house be built right now.  Framing is done and the roof is on.  I think it's on schedule.   Lots of inside work is next - which is good since the summer heat is on!!

Time to run...     I have a busy day ahead.  Lots of errands.   Doing some prep work for the little grandsons coming this weekend.   Excited!!   I miss them each week when I don't seem them.  They change so quickly right now.  This Mimi sure loves those boys!!  

Stay cool everyone...  stay safe.   Vote tomorrow if you live in South Carolina!    

 

My two cents...

My two cents...

Fact:  People from Central America are leaving their very poor and dangerous countries because they fear they can no longer live there in safety and with a chance for a better tomorrow.   They search... and they think where can they go?   They hear that the United States has been a land of opportunity, of freedoms, of hope, and that the U.S. has accepted those looking for a better life in the past.   In fact, some already have family members there, working, and sending money back when it's possible.  The U.S. is glimmering to them!  It offers hope. A chance.   So, they take the trip to the U.S. border which can take months. It is dangerous. It is rough.  But, they do it. 

They are people willing to work.  They are escaping a land where there is little chance to work and earn a living.  They want a better life for their children.   So, they make the tiring trek.

Now, with the change of 'policy' of this current administration ALL of those who are arriving are looked at as criminals, and those who arrive as families are being separated.  Parents are locked up.  Children are too, and then sent off.    Our country, a land made up of mostly European immigrants a few generations ago (who came for the same reasons as the first paragraph), grew and grew and grew...  people came and settled. Families spread out all across the country.   Land was purchased.  Businesses opened.   And, we are huge now!!  It's really quite unbelievable how the United States of America has gotten SO BIG - and yet we are really still quite young.  Our forefathers set up this country to offer opportunity for all - and it did.   They set up a system to offer so much to people coming here from other places.

Forward to today.   Now....  We have come to worry that we can't handle any more people in this land of millions.  We fear that they are all 'bad' people.     So, here are some questions I have...

Why did we get to this place where some feel we need to close our southern boundary?  Why could our great grandparents come for the same wonderful chances here but now others are limited and looked down on?  Is it because they come from poor countries?   Is it because they don't speak English?   Is it because we stereotype them as ALL bad people trying to take our jobs?  Sell us drugs?  Beat our system? 

Why can't we reach out to the leaders of those Central American countries to help them become more viable as a country, and to offer livable places and better lives for their citizens?    Why can't we realize it's a 'world issue'?  When will we see that what effects someone in another land will also effect us?

Why can we not see that separating children from parents is creating children who are insecure, who  lose values, who grow up without family life?    The whole next generation will suffer because of this. 

The small picture is an individual family torn apart.  A child crying because he or she misses their parents and are alone and scared. Parents broken apart inside because they can not hug and love their child.  The big picture is a society that loses heart, that becomes a selfish country.  We isolate ourselves from the beauty of ALL of the people of the world.  We become cold.  Closed minded. 
Robotic.

This may remind you of another time, another country, another leader who tried to do this.  Another egotistical, narcissist...

Think about it.

One more thing.  Every American who had ancestors who came here for religious freedom, and who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ, should welcome those arriving here.  Jesus reached out to people who were hurting, who were poor, who were lost.   He taught over and over again that we are on earth to love each other and to take care of our neighbor.   It is our mission.  

My two cents.

CMA Fest and more...

Catch up time!

*  First, my CMA Festival thoughts...

My seventh year in Nashville for the 4 day festival is over.  It just gets bigger and bigger every year.  More stages and more events.  More people!   So, here's the thing: you can't get close to doing everything that is offered - and you have to pick and choose, and you have to allow plenty of time to get to where you are going.  

 The biggest daytime stage is the riverfront stage... along the Cumberland River.  It's a beautiful spot and it gets the biggest names (except for the superstar names that perform at night).   Due to increased security everywhere it takes longer to enter the area.  Everyone had to carry clear bags this year, and go through an x-ray machine.  I found that carrying my red blanket to sit on, which I have used for 6 straight years, slowed us down. It had to be unzipped so it didn't look like a bag.   It's the way of the world now - or at least in America.  Security tightened going into all the venues.   Sad, but I felt safer for it.

After the first long day I felt like I'd never make it through all four days! ha   It was hot, humid, crowded... and we walked everywhere.  That was good and bad.  I love walking... and I love that all the activities are close enough to walk. 

Some of my highlights:     The Brothers Osborne fan party!  It included a close up acoustic set from the brothers, and a meet & greet.  And,  I won a meet & greet with Thomas Rhett!   That was very cool!   And... I did a hand grip/high five with Keith Urban as he went down the aisle during his concert time at the stadium.  I love the guy - what an amazing talent!!   I felt like a teeny-bopper - star struck fan - but I don't care.  It WAS exciting!!

My list of artists I saw perform is long,  but, so is the list of who I wish I could have seen. As I said earlier,  with seven stages and other events going on all at the same time it is impossible to see it all.   New artists, the older ones, classic country, new country, etc.  It's all there!   

The honky tonks on lower Broadway rocked the whole time too!  Most of them had stages on each floor... with different bands on each one all the time.   Morning to night.    The caliber of talent in them was amazing too.   SO MUCH TALENT IN NASHVILLE!  

Nighttime at the Nissan Stadium each night is a lineup of the top names.  Again the list was long!   Each night finished up around midnight, although Luke played til 1:00am on the final night. Yes, I headed back to the hotel before he came on because it was already 11:45pm and I was tired, and I knew I had a long day of driving the next day.   You just can't do everything! 

Quick thoughts:    swollen feet.   sweaty.   fewer cowboy hats seen.  More baseball caps.    Friendly people everywhere.   Fans from around the world!     Amazing logistical event.     I saw NO crazy, out of hand people.      Temporary tattoo.      Award show red carpet.      comfy bed - thank god.    Free stuff.   Drink water constantly.    Live music, music, music!!

Will I go for number 8??    Probably.   It has gotten more expensive each year.  And I admit each year I pay for  seats at Nissan Stadium that are up close, in the Gold Circle area.  Row 9 !!   But it's amazing experience... and there is a great feeling of unity and love of country music by everyone there.

*  Back to reality - gotta get back to see my grandsons soon.   I miss them!!    Maybe this weekend...

*   Father's Day weekend on tap!   My dad is back to his apartment at Brookdale.  I'm glad because he feels comfortable there and is reunited with his dog.  He needs more assistance and pain meds for now. 

* Also coming up:   I'm helping at VBS at church next week.    My bestie and some of her family are coming to the beach soon!   4th of July celebration the weekend before the actually day.    Then on to Lakeside.   I see this every year: summer is busy and it goes by too quickly!!

* I voted in yesterday's SC primary.   It amazes me how SO many people talk and complain, and are discouraged by today's politics but don't vote.  The numbers were low again yesterday.   You gotta vote people!!!  

*  Funny story...   when I checked in to vote yesterday I realized I had not updated my driver's license and still had my old address on it.  So, I told the lady working at the check-in table that it was an old local address but I was probably still in the system at "49 Red Squirrel".   And I was.   Then a few seconds later a man next to me came up to check in also and gave his address as "49 Red Squirrel"!!!!    What???   I turned - and said "hello!  I am the person who used to own your house!"   Crazy!  Small town life. ha   See, when we sold the house, my grandboys had just been born in Raleigh, so I was not able to meet the couple buying our 49 Red Squirrel home.  In fact, hubby had cleaned out the house - and had only met the wife of the couple.  Yesterday, she was sitting in the car - so I went outside after voting,  and met her, chatted awhile... and found out they both love the house.  It really made me feel good to know!  I loved that home. 

* Speaking of politics... I watched the David Letterman "No Introduction Needed" cable show yesterday... it was the one where David had President Obama on as his guest.   I had watched the episode with Tina Fey a few weeks ago and enjoyed the show very much.  Anyway, the Obama episode just once again made me miss that man in the top office so much!   What a difference from what we have now.   Part of yesterday's show was also about Rep. John Lewis and the civil rights movement.   I recommend everyone pull up that show and watch.  We need to be reminded sometimes.   We need to keep our troubles in perspective and see what we as a nation have gone through.   We need to see what African Americans have gone through.   We need to be more compassionate to people.

*  I have an eye appointment with a specialist today.  Why?  I have one eye extremely near sighted, and one eye extremely far sighted.  My regular eye doctor did not want to prescribe new glasses without first sending me to see if a specialist might be able to correct the difference better... I guess through surgery.  Hmmmm.    That's what got me in this condition.   Years ago I had lasik surgery done - one eye for up close, and one for distance.  Both eyes have changed...   going in opposite directions.  Crazy, right? 

I better get myself showered and ready to go to it.   It's about an hour or so away.

I hope you are enjoying your summertime...

til next time.
 

Monday morning QBing on Tuesday

Good morning all.   I hope you had a very nice Memorial Day weekend.   I hope you took a little time to think about the Americans who gave their lives in war for our country.   Too many young men and women.   God bless their families for the sacrifice.


*  I'll start today's post with a request for prayer.   My 91 year old dad fell the week before last.  At the time when he fell he was checked out but nothing serious was found.   He continued to feel pain after the fall, so he went to the hospital for x-rays and tests, and it was found that one of his lower vertabrae was cracked and a few pieces broke off.  Of course he went in the hospital over the holiday weekend so he has been given medicine for pain and a back belt to give him support.   He is still there and is able to sit up in the recliner in his room.   Today the doctors who have seen him should decide on a course of action.   Surgery has been ruled out.   My dad lives in an assisted living facility, in his own apartment.  He has a dog.  He wants to get back there soon.  So, I'm hoping and praying that once swelling is reduced, and pain is managed, he can get back there.

A prayer for healing would be appreciated.    Thanks.

*  Often when I sit down with my computer to post here I have the morning news on.  I do now.   I try to limit my news intake because it can be such a downer.   But I like the CBS News This Morning because I think they are more about the news and less about the opinions.  Not as much fluff.    Still, every news source has producers and news directors who decide what event leads each day - and what is important to talk about - and for how long.

What is important to you?  

For me:  the immigration issue because parents and their children are being torn apart, and separated.    We need to take care of the children better.

The Uber emergency number button on the app!   Yes!  I have worried about my daughters and family members who use Uber often.  Especially when they are alone.  This is a great improvement.

*  June 1  - 3 is "Moms Demand Action" for gun safety "Wear Orange" days.    Did you know?  Google it and you can find out  info about it, along with locations of rallies near you.   Wear orange AND tell people why you are.   Be an activist.   The time has come for the silent majority to wake up.   Speak up - and vote.

*  Guilty pleasure:  The Bachelorette!  I admit it - I watched the first night last night.   It was the introduction of all the men hoping to get to know Becca and perhaps become her mate.  I know... I know.  It's so outrageous, and wrong on many levels.   But, these people voluntarily go on the show, and put themselves out there.    The group of men who stepped out of the limo (well, one rode in on a bull; one came in driving a mini-van)  were a bit creepy.   It's an odd group.   I think I liked the very first one out of the limo the best.... I can't remember his name.  He is an ex-football player, who now runs a charitable organization.  He seemed the most 'normal' but time will tell!   ha!!!

* Another guilty pleasure:  reading.   I picked up a book I normally would not consider just seeing the title.  But, it has a sticker on it that says "One of President Obama's favorite reads of 2017." That caught my eye.   The book is called "The Power" by Naomi Alderman.   It is about an electrical power discovered within women that when used right turns the world upside down and puts females in control of the world - for good and bad.    I'm halfway through and I am anxious now to see how it ends...  will women misuse their special power, and will this power take away their compassion??     This book could be a very good Book Club read because I think it can bring a really interesting discussion.

*   Starbucks vs.  Dunkin Donuts?     Which is your favorite?    Hot coffee vs. iced?    

*  This weekend there were American flags everywhere!  We hung one up on our house.  Our neighborhood displayed lots of them at the entrance.  Our community even put flags up in the mediums of the main road through town.  Flags everywhere!   Memorial Day is a BIG day for displaying flags!   A very patriotic day and weekend!!    I have to admit that this weekend I thought about the flags more than I normally have in the past...    because, as you know,  some pro football players have felt the need to kneel during the national anthem while facing the flag, and because lately it seems our flag is at half-mast most of the time due to mass gun violence.     I think the flag represents our origin and what we have gone through, and it represents UNITY.   50 stars of equal size representing 50 states in neat order together - on one patch of blue.   One star is not bigger or brighter than the others.  One stripe on the flag is not bigger or more special than the others. Red and white - together. 

I think it's a symbol of what we strive to be.   The flag has flown through the tough times and the good.   It also represents our hopes for the future.  Unity.   One and many.   Flying the flag shows we love this land, even when those who live in it don't always agree with each other. 

*  Curious:   How many of you own Alexa??  Do you use Alexa daily??   If so, how?

*   I'm counting down....        to my next trip to see the grandboys        to the CMA Festival...
... to helping with VBS            ... to my bestie coming to visit at the end of June       ...  to the annual trip to see family at Lakeside     ....  to my daughter's bachelorette party weekend.

Those are some of my summer plans.   How about you?

Whatever you do, stay safe - and HAVE FUN!     



  




  



    

Monday morning quarterbacking

Good morning blog friends!

It's Monday morning so I guess it is appropriate for me to do a little Monday morning quarterbacking.   Consider this post a look back on a few things and events and my thoughts about them....for what it's worth.   

*  I have to start with the shooting at the Santa Fe, Texas high school.    Is it just me or does it seem that this latest school shooting, which took 10 lives, did not get the news coverage as the ones before it?   I know the Parkland high school students were outstanding in speaking out and in raising awareness, and in creating a national march day.  But, where are they now?  We need those young voices to keep speaking out!  

I also think that so much is happening in the news right now that networks can only devote a small amount of time to the Santa Fe shooting.  Of course there is still all the Trump craziness and the daily new info about the campaign season, a Russian connection, etc.  But, also now the volcano eruption in Hawaii continues to get worse and is covered by the news as it should be.   The day after the school shooting was the royal wedding.  I'll have more on that in a minute.   Most of the networks had already sent crews over to Windsor for it, and had allocated lots of airtime to it. 

Another school shooting.   That's how it is viewed now.  Nothing new - unfortunately.  

I have written posts before about my hopes for changes in the gun laws and availability of weapons here in the US.  So, I won't use this space for it again.   But, I will say that I read a comment from a friend about our need to make gun owners (often the parents of the shooters) more responsible, and to be liable...and to be severely punished when their guns are taken and used in crimes.    It sure makes sense to me.

I continue to vow to you that I will not tire of this important problem in America.   Children are dying.    What can you do?  Here is an easy one: wear orange on June 1st - and let people know you are in orange because you want change, and you want better laws when it comes to gun ownership.

*  The royal wedding!  I was not counting the days down til the wedding.  But, I did wake up Saturday morning in time to turn the TV on and watch it live.  I'm glad I did.   It was a beautiful ceremony.  The liturgy was very similar to what I know, and the music was exceptional!   The sermon message was right on - all about love!   I felt  the wedding was a beautiful mix of heritages...  and an example that love brings us all together.

*  Trump.   I purposely have not written much lately.   I feel like I would just be a broken record... because it's the same thing every day.    BUT...     that being said, because it is the same thing with him day in and day out, for the life of me I can NOT figure out how anyone can still like him as our president.   We can disagree on policy and we can disagree on America's place in the world, but truly...Trump the man??   A liar.  A narcissist.  A womanizer.   An embarrassment.    How is that acceptable?    

I admit that I prefer not to be around people who still support him.   It has put a strain on some family and friend relationships.

*  My statement above leads me to the next topic.  Christianity.   Living life as a Christian, a followerer of Jesus.   I know I fall short on it, when I have trouble being around those who see politics so differently from me.   Jesus did not separate himself from those in need, or from those who were different from him.  In fact, he did the opposite. He spoke to them, and taught all of us about forgiveness and His grace.  

I sit in the pew each Sunday and hear the Word, and I know those around me are each unique... but we are all God's children.   But, even within our church walls we have had many disagreements and separations.   A few years ago we had a group leave due to an issue with the preschool administration.   And then we had a huge fallout due to individual beliefs about same sex marriage.    There was major hurt all around.  So many members left and found new places to worship.  It surprised me that people on all sides of the issue left!  Those who didn't believe in gay marriage left.  Those who do accept gay marriage left thinking we were not progressive enough.    It was devastating.  My friends and fellow church members left.   I felt they 'gave up' and I still struggle with what happened.     Our church now, those who stayed,  is still struggling over it today.   

I'm hurt. I'm bitter.  I'm disappointed.   I'm watching the struggles of other members who stayed too.  BUT....   BUT  it is my home.  It is where I have experienced Christian joys.  I put my faith where it should be...  in the fact that God is there. "Where two or three are gathered..."  He is there.  

I do NOT believe that God causes these things to happen.  I do not believe that God wants us to hurt.   But, He never leaves us and wants us to never give up.  I sit in my pew and look up at the cross and put my hope there.  

*  Lighter note!   I just received an email that I got a spot to attend the Brothers Osborne Fan Club Party while at the CMA Fest!  I love them and am excited!!   They have gotten so 'hot' that a lottery was needed to pick attendees - and it was for single tickets.  I can't even bring a guest.  But, that is okay!  I will go by myself - and enjoy it!!! 

The CMA Fest is getting close!  I also bought into another fan party for an up and comer named William Michael Montgomery.   (I can bring a guest to it!)   I will certainly get my country music fill there...   I love it, morning to late night.  Amazing music everywhere - from the honky tonks, to the fan parties, the daytime outdoor stages, and the big headliners at night.   

*  Family updates:  The twins are 6 months now and are more and more adorable each day!!!   I head back tomorrow to spend a couple of days with them.     Daughter #2 is traveling parts of Europe right now with her fiance.   She had business in Prague and then took some extra time to vacation and sight-see.  I hope they continue to have fun - and stay safe!

*  The daughter #2 wedding is going to be a bit smaller than the royal wedding!  ha   We continue to make decisions and make plans.  We tasted cake samples last Saturday and we walked the venue grounds.  It is slowly but surely coming together!

As the Mamas and Papas sang:   Monday, Monday - can't stop that day!   I must end this now and get on with my Monday. I'm looking forward to seeing my church quilting friends this afternoon - and then this evening I am celebrating with my fellow handbell ringers at dinner out.

Enjoy your Monday!!





 

Monday morning in May

Good morning world! 

Happy Monday - in May!  It's a lovely time of year, isn't it?  I love this month with the weather so nice and with lots of exciting activities going on for many.   People are celebrating graduations and weddings.   People are getting outdoors and enjoying nature and getting some exercise.   Birds sing.  The breeze is sweet.  Flowers bloom.  

* I love doing yard work and gardening!  I love pulling weeds.  I love spending time outside planting and watching things grow.    So, of course, I did ALL of that and I overdid it this past Wednesday. I was 'in the groove' and going full speed pulling out weeds, and trimming bushes, filling bags full of yard debris.   But my 61 year old body didn't much appreciate all the work.    Wednesday evening I felt the ache, and the past couple of days since, I have heard my screaming back.  Slow down!!   You did too much!   Unfortunately, I know all too well that a back out of alignment, zapping my leg,  and swollen from hard work and mistreatment needs time and rest to heal.   Grrrrr       That is where I am now.

* How was your weekend?   I played with the flute choir at a beautiful BIG Southern wedding on Saturday.   How big you ask?   10 bridesmaids, 15 groomsmen, a flower girl, and a ring bearer!   How southern was it?   I saw many, many gentlemen in their seer sucker suits and bow ties!  Women were beautifully dressed in springy dresses, with hair and makeup done perfectly.   Southerners know how to do it up!

* Speaking of weddings... daughter 2 is coming here this coming weekend.  We have cake tasting scheduled and will make decisions on what she and her fiance want on their dessert table.  We also hope to meet with the wedding planner and walk around the new venue, Brookgreen Gardens.   Brookgreen is absolutely beautiful - but it is spread out. We have different spots to choose from for the ceremony and the reception.   I have lots of questions. 

* Update on the twins:  they are 6 months old now and are starting in on some food.   Daughter 1 has introduced pears with success.  Today she will try prunes.  Hmmm.    I told her to have her camera ready because the prunes may create some funny faces!!

*. The political TV ads have started here for the midterm elections.  I have seen several different Republican candidates' commercials.   Our current governor (McMaster) took over when Gov. Haley went to represent the US in the United Nations.   He has ads running that show Trump endorsing him, which just really throws me!  Seriously?  He thinks that is a positive thing?      As in the past I will vote mostly Democrat and my vote will never leave the area due to the way our Electoral College works.  It saddens me.  I'm all for having getting rid of the Electoral College so that I can actually have my vote count.   But, I vow anyway to vote for all newbies.  

* Hey you!   Please vote this time, okay??     We need you.

* I love my church.  Yesterday our handbell choir, which I am a member of, finished off our season with a wonderful piece, composed shortly after the Columbine High School tragedy, to honor those killed -  and to stir us up.  Violence in America.  Columbine was the first major school shooting, but we have had TOO many since.       Our music yesterday started with the the St. Francis prayer for peace.  It was impactful and moving.  Oh music!  It can be so beautiful!!

* I'm watching a segment on "CBS This Morning" right now about smart people dressing the same way every day.  Wow.  Interesting!   Too many clothes options can include some bad decisions, confusion, and people focus on what you are wearing and not what you say.   So, I think my clothes 'uniform' will be plain colored shorts, a solid shirt...and flip flops!  ha   

* Here's something interesting.   I went to the eye doctor's this past week because I hadn't been for five years and I knew my prescription for my glasses needed to be updated.   I have always had severe nearsightedness.  But twice over the years I had one of my eyes lasiked for better distance vision.   Guess what?  Now I have one eye still very nearsighted - and the other one has changed and is too farsighted.  The eyes are so far apart that I have been referred to an eye specialist.    Oh joy.    But, hey - at least I can see!!

*  Aging is not easy.    I've always heard that.  I know it now.     But, you gotta keep on keeping on... live each day!   Find the joy!

*   Are you watching "American Idol?"   I have been watching, but I have had a tough time stomaching Katie Perry (sorry Katie lovers).   Some times I feel Luke's pain as he sits there and tries to think of something 'different' and country-sounding to say.   Last night was elimination night.   I finally decided to go online and vote.  My two survived the night.   I guess my vote does count somewhere! 

Gotta run.  Happy Monday! Happy May!