Wave the American flag!

It's Hodgepodge time and this week we take this space to think about celebrating our great country. With the 4th of July coming up, it's a good time to be patriotic, and to temporarily put away the things that separate us and together honor the wonderful diversity we all share!   In other words, remember we are a country founded on many different backgrounds. Our ancestors came here to find a new land, and to live peacefully.  We are still working on it!

1.  On Saturday, July 4th America celebrates her independence. What is your favorite thing about the day?  Your favorite food on the 4th?  Do you fly a flag at your house?   Fireworks - yay or nay?  Any special plans this year?  

The 4th of July has become a traditional time to get family & friends together here!  I look forward to it each year, because we invite a mix of those around us....and it turns into an all day (sometime all weekend) time to enjoy food, drink, games, boating - all things summertime! 

In the past we have started the day by going to our town's parade.  It's got a very local feel - and is lots of fun to see how people decorate their cars, their boats on trailers, golf carts, etc.    Yes, I think we will head there again this year. 

Then we spend the rest of the day at our "riva cabin"  (that's how you say river in the south) and we cook out and play games.  Some go boating, others play volleyball, ping pong, etc.  My hubby is in charge of games and activities!

Favorite food?   Not one particular food.  We have a nice mix of American and southern picnic cuisine!

YES we fly several flags!  We keep two American flags flying at the riva all year long - one by the cabin, and one on the dock.

I also have bunting for our porch railings.

Fireworks?   I love to see them.  We used to go to the beach and watch but the rules have changed in recent years and locals can't shoot them off freely anymore.  (Something about fear of burning down oceanside homes!  ha!)   Now, if I go somewhere to see them then that's great.  Often I'm just happy to chill at the riva by that point and enjoy the evening with friends.

2.  What's something you recently got for free? 

I can thing of lots of answers like love, grace, doggie licks - but a "thing"....      hmmmm.   Well, I won two tickets to a Tim McGraw concert that is coming up on Saturday, July 11th.  Most of you  know I'm a huge fan...and actually, I already have two tickets that I purchased, BUT I entered a contest and have won 2 tickets... and I think I have also won the opportunity to stand on the side of the stage for 2 or 3 of his songs.   I'm pretty sure I won because I already had to send a copy of my ID and fill out release forms.  I'm just a bit apprehensive, and I am thinking it's "too good to be true."   I will let you know AFTER the 11th.  If you read in the paper about a crazy woman at the concert, then, yep, I won!   lol

3.  The Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, the Washington Monument,  or Mount Rushmore... how many on the list have you seen?   What is your favorite historical monument, and why? 

I have seen all but Mount Rushmore.  It's a bit "out of the way."    My favorite monument?  I think The Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC.  It's "overlooked" when it comes to DC sights to see.  But it sits in a beautiful place... especially when the cherry blossoms are blooming.

4.  When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick your head in the sand)  or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)?  How much attention have you given the recent news regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpertrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause? 

I  try my best to stay on top of what is happening locally, nationally and internationally.  Really, it's a small world - we need to be aware of what is going on.  I do not want to be glued to the TV and get depressed, which is easy to do.  But, I also want to know enough to be educated on the events in the world - and to PRAY for specific needs.

The local news & national news have been intense lately - with the Charleston shootings, and the confederate flag issue here in my state.  Also, the escaped killers in NY has been one of the top events in the media.   But, the recent alerts by our country to be vigilant about terrorism happening in the US as we get close to our 4th of July holiday is alarming.   ISIS continues to work on recruiting here, and in causing terror around the world.  Pray, pray, pray.

5.  We're talking plain ice cream...   vanilla, chocolate, strawberry?   Choose one.

Chocolate !

6.  Share a song you love containing the word "stars" in the lyrics or title?  

You know I have to mention a Tim McGraw song:  "When the Stars Go Blue"

I also love Keith Urban's "Even the Stars Fall 4 U"

But for patriotism, it's got to be Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever"  !!

7.  Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic. 

Good start
On to
Other
Days
By the water
Yearning
Ever stay.

8.  My random thought. 

I can't believe we are almost to July!  I always feel that summer flies by... do you?   As a kid summer vacation seemed to go quickly and we didn't start back until after Labor Day.  And now many schools start back in August when it's still very hot.  As an adult AND a summer-lover, I still think we need to slow down the summer... make it last!     Got any good ideas HOW????   

Be safe and enjoy your National Holiday celebrations this weekend!   



 

Things I have learned...

Things I have learned - in no particular order.


* I live best with "everything in moderation."  It doesn't work for everyone, but it does for me.

* Positive thinking makes positive living.  It turns into positive action.

* Love is free, but sometimes not easy to give out.

* Everyone has a unique body clock.

* I do not handle confrontation well.  I prefer to avoid it.  I prefer to agree to dis-agree.

* I have learned that you can NOT change people's core beliefs.  Ever.

* I will never understand how violence makes something better.

* I can fill my hours and be happy.  Alone is fine.  Being with people is great too.  But, sometimes I need a break from people.

* I have traveled enough to know how alike we are, but how different we see things.

* I prefer hot climates over cold ones.

* I also prefer pets to people at times.

* I have learned to "let go, let God" and it is a wonderful thing!

* I wish I was born with more athletic and artistic ability.  I have never wished for my mathmatical ability.

* I have days where my brain thinks faster than other days.  I get scared thinking about Alzheimers - and cancer.

* Sometimes I can be witty but sometimes I can never think of the right thing to say.

* I have a strong love of music.  It gets me deep inside.

* I also have a strong love of nature.   I could not be happy in an urban environment.  I need to sit outdoors and listen to birds sing.  I love to see a plant grow.

*  I shut off after 5pm.  I do my best work early and veg in the evening.  That's why I can't get into serial TV at night.

*  I hope I can keep learning.  I hope I can keep a positive outlook as I move forward.

* I am a blessed person.

* I think lists like this are good to make!

*  Starting each day with a list gives purpose for the day.   I have been a list-maker since I was in school.   Small things & large things go on my lists.  It's a great feeling to accomplish something and mark it off on a list!

* I think when I write something down it's permanent and personal.

* I wish I was a better writer.

*  I love children.  There is nothing better in this world then their innocence and sweetness.   I wish adults would not lose either of those things.

*  I wish adults would set rules for children.  Teach love, respect, and caring for others.   Think how peaceful the world would be!

*  I believe it's possible.  I do not ever want to give up on hope.

To be continued...

Stop & smell the roses. It's summertime!

Sum - sum - summertime!!   It's here! And, it's hot!  So, Joyce has some questions about the lazy days of summer in this week's Hodgepodge.  Read on.

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day.  What's your favorite something pink?

Daughter #2 got me a pink ball cap last year when she went to the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament in Charlotte.  I wear it just about every time I am boating, or somewhere and time I need to hold down my hair. I pull my hair back into a ponytail, pop on the cap, and I'm ready to go. 

2.  What did you enjoy most about gym classes when you were in school?  How about the least? 

The best part about gym class was the break it provided in the school day.  It was a chance to "chill with friends" and not THINK! lol    If you are asking which activity I liked the most, then I'd say it was volleyball.  A fun team sport. 

The least favorite part?  I think I am with most girls saying that it was changing in the locker room!  Especially during the awkward middle school and early high school years.   Also, changing BACK in to regular clothes after sweating.  We only had 7 or 8 minutes to change, and get on to the next class.  No time to cool down or shower.....AND I was too modest back then to get naked around the other girls.  (I'm still modest!) 

3.  What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses? 

When I was in college I worked at a florist part-time.  It was a wonderful job to have - the people were very nice, and the hours were good (except occasionally before the holidays - but that was to be expected).  Plus, I worked with flowers - so how awesome is that!   When I specifically think about roses I recall boxing many, many dozens of roses in preparation for Valentine's Day! I was not an arrangement designer.  I worked the front desk - and did other prep work for them.  I worked the evening before Valentine's Day... folding the boxes, trimming the roses (of extra leaves), and cutting the bottoms of the stems so they would fit into the boxes.  Each stem went into a water tube.  Boxes were piled high in the cooler - some were orders placed ahead of time, and some were for those last minute guys running in to get their sweethearts some roses!   It was a fascinating job!

4.  Do you prefer to read or write? 

Well, I'm BETTER at reading!  I love to read and I am happy that I belong to a Book Club.  But, at times I like to write - and that's why I blog.  I am not very good at writing but I like that I can put down my thoughts. It's then up to others to decide whether I'm worth reading! 

5.  Sam Keen is quoted as saying 'deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.' Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer? 

I think there are two thoughts about laziness.  There is the laziness that comes from having a "do nothing" attitude and society frowns on people who do not have a drive - for financial success and betterment.  Society stereotypes people who live off the system as being lazy.    But, there is another definition - and I think it is taking a break from the business of a normal life, and choosing to be lazy.  This kind of laziness is good for the soul - and physically gives our bodies needed breaks from stress.   So, yes, laziness can be respectable.  

I have a less crowded calendar in summer.  Some of my activities do not meet over June, July and August.  So, yes, I have more free time...to "vacation" or chill out.  I don't like to be 'lazy' for long.  But I also don't like to be a crazed woman with too much to do!  

6.  The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort along the Gulf Coast... which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?  

I would choose a spot along the gulf coast.  I have been to Disney World, and I have been to the Florida Keys.  I have not spent much time on Florida's west coast so I think I would like a "lazy" getaway there for a few days.  To tell you the truth I would prefer it mid-winter...not now.  Florida is better in the winter months.

7.   What question do you hate to answer? 

My husband calls on the phone and asks "what are you doing?"   It's usually just a conversation starter - but sometimes I think he's checking up on me.  If I say "reading a book" or "on the computer" I feel like I'm not WORKING on something like I should be.  In reality I know he is not checking on me, or judging me, but still I feel like I have to have a good answer!     Next time I should say "solving the world's problems!! "     ha

8.  My random thought. 

Oh what a week it has been for living here in South Carolina!  I don't need to recap it all... I am sure you know.   Of the 50 states I feel like MY state has been in the news too much lately!  I pray that nothing more happens here.   Take down the flag already!   Get over it.   Pray for peace.   Live IN peace!  

See you next time...

 

Father's Day

We all have a father.  Biologically we do.  There's just no getting around it.  Some have been lucky enough to know who he is, but not everyone does. 

Therefore...

I have always felt very lucky to have my father.   When I was a kid, I came from a family unit of mother, father, and three kids.  Very all-American.    At the time I felt that I grew up in the normal family experience.   In fact, it wasn't til I went off to college, and later in life, that I came to realize I was VERY fortunate to be raised in a family unit that stayed together the whole time.   My hubby didn't have it.  Some of my friends didn't either.   They had much more dysfunction and changes as kids.  There was divorce, remarrying, step-parents,  step-siblings, etc.   I know I'm very blessed to have been raised the way I was. 

For that I thank my father.  He was a man dedicated to his wife, and to his children.  And as far I know he never thought of leaving us.   I know life is complicated and tough, but he had God on his side, and commitment.  Love.  I know it was there.

I didn't hear it.  But, I felt it as a kid.

So, I thank my father for all those years.  I know I wouldn't be who I am today without feeling safe in my home as a kid. See -  I never had to worry about our family unit.  I felt like I belonged.

A lot of kids don't have that.  I think about children and young people today who struggle, and I immediately wonder about their home life.  Who was there for them?  Was the door always open and a warm bed waiting for them? Food on the table?  Was there security?

When you come from an all-American family unit it's easy to overlook the basics.   It's easy to think everyone has it the same.   But, as an adult now, all grown and having raised my own children, I realize that it was a blessing to grow up in a family with mom and dad, and siblings (even if they annoyed the heck out of me sometimes. I annoyed them too.)  This world has changed, and there are all kinds of families...    and that's fine.   I am open-minded enough to know that not everyone is the same.  But, everyone needs a place to go - to be themselves, to feel safe, to be taught right from wrong.  Family.

I had a good childhood. I had a wonderful foundation.  I owe that to my mother and my father. 

Tomorrow is the day to single out dads, and so I write this post to thank my dad for giving me a home, and a childhood that many would love to have.  Thank you Paul Milheim!

And it happens again...

I am using my blog today to post about another tragedy involving a gun.  Last night a young man went into a church in Charleston and shot dead 9 people.  It is still an ongoing case so we don't know why, or if he even knew the people he shot.  We don't know if the shooter had a mental illiness or past problems, or if he had plotted his actions out ahead of time.

But, once again, a person used a gun to kill many innocent people.

It happens every day.

This one was especially horrible because the young man went into a church, a place of sanctuary...a house of God.  And it happened in Charleston, known as the Holy City.   It's a city "just down the road" from me.  I have a personal connection to it. 

As I type this thankfully the shooter has been identified and apprehended.  The fear of more shootings from this individual is over.   Life and work in Charleston can begin again.   But, it is forever changed.  Individuals who mattered on earth are gone. Families will forever grieve.

Today, in the United States, we live with the fear of someone using a gun like he did.  Guns are everywhere.  They are easy to get, and it seems "everyone carries."   Many people own more than one gun - and leave them loaded in various spots in their house, or in their car - or even on themselves or in purses.    If I stop and think about it, everytime I go out to a restaurant, or go to a movie, somebody there is carrying a gun.   Even bars allow guns.   Alcohol + guns = disaster.

Last year, I heard that someone who attends my church was carrying - in the church, which also has a preschool.  I was very upset.  (I took it to the council and as far as I know nothing has been done. It was discussed - and dropped.)

I despise the NRA.  They have pocketed our lawmakers with money for so long.  They have promised votes for lesser gun laws.   Background checks are a joke.  Pentalties are not stiff enough, time put away not long enough to scare people.  

I have heard "guns don't kill people - people kill people."   I can't tell you how many times I have heard this!   Well, people are irrational at times, people "blow up" and reach for tools to prove themselves.  People do dumb things without thinking sometimes.  They get mad.  A gun is too readily available to reach for... and it's too deadly.  

The American public gun numbers are bigger than the police force numbers.  The bad guys have more than the good guys.   And, the mentality of "protecting my family" is just wrong!   What?  Shoot other human lives to save some?  An eye for and eye?   Are we back to that?

America is reversing back to the ole "wild West" and it worries me.  

I really don't get the love of guns in America.  They scare me to death (and I suppose that could be taken literally.) And NO I do not want to learn how to use one!  (That's another thing people say...if you took training, you'd feel comfortable.)  I do NOT want to be "handy" with a gun.

So...  we will learn in the coming days how this young man (only 21. An adult by law standards, but possibly a very troubled kid too) got a gun.  Did he purchase it?  Take it from a family member?   Whatever...  I can assure you it was easy for him to get it.

I pray for peace everyday. I pray for our children every day.  Brought up in an environment where a gun could be used and they be "accidently" killed.  Accidently??   No.  It's not an accident.

We need to change the thinking of America.  We need to look at other countries that have tougher laws, and less availability to guns.  We need to toughen up!   Don't just shake your head...and say "it's sad."  We have to DO SOMETHING!

Because tomorrow there is going to be another shooting.   Perhaps it will a child hit, or perhaps happen at a school...or theatre... or at church.     It will happen.

The hodgepodge is HOT this week!

After a week off while our leader Joyce moved,  and with me just returning from my CMA Fest trip, it's now time to get "back to business" and tackle another list of Hodgepodge questions.  The temperatures are hot right now - and so is the Hodgepodge!

1.  June is National Great Outdoors month.  Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month?  If so, where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns? 

First, let me say that I love the great outdoors so I try to get out and get fresh air ALL the time...  not just in June!  But, as I mentioned above, I did just return from the CMA Festival in Nashville and many of the events (the stages, the booths, etc.) are outdoors.  During the day, all day, there are 4 or 5 stages with live music happening all at one time... so I brought along my blanket and we laid it out, and listened to great LIVE country music.  It was awesome!   It got pretty hot by afternoon.  So, we  took some breaks and went indoors into the honky tonks and we went on a Grand Old Opry backstage tour.  At night, the big names played at LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, so we were outdoors again.  It was hot but nothing got rained out! 

In general, I enjoy being home, sitting on my front porch or back deck.  I also love to do yard work - when it's not quite THIS hot!   I play some golf.  I walk the dogs.  I love being outside.

Yesterday as I drove home I went through Charlotte and my car's outside temp reading said 102 degrees!  Back here along the coast it was well into the 90s and that's not accounting for the humidity and the "feels like" temperature.    It was steamy!!! 

But...still, I prefer HOT over cold anytime. 

2.  What's a current hot button issue for you? 

It's current, but it's not new for me:  it's the mentality of Americans and their guns.  No other people of other countries on this planet have such a love for them, and feel the need to own one (or more).  I deplore the NRA's power over Congress.  I have joined a grassroots organization called "Moms Demand Gun Sense in America."  Every day guns in America are killing innocent people, and often it is children.  It's lunacy.  We should all feel responsible for not having tougher gun laws - and tougher penalties for unlawful use of them.  

I could go on and on...   yes, it's a HOT button for me!!

3.  What's a food or treat that 'disappears like hotcakes' in your house? 

I'm having trouble coming up with an answer.  It's just hubby and me at home now and we try to be careful about what we eat - and how much of it at one time.

Thinking back to when our daughters were home if I made cinnamon buns for breakfast they certainly were a treat!  Hubby used to sell Edy's Ice Cream and the cartons of Double Fudge Brownie always went pretty quickly in our house! 

4.  How hot is too hot? 

For me, It has to be so hot that it doesn't cool down much at night. I don't mind hot days if the evening is not so hot, and at least there's a nice warm breeze and I can get outdoors then.  For me, I prefer heat over cold temps so it takes a lot to make me too hot!  (lol).   

5.  Do you have an artistic outlook on life?  What does that mean to you? 

I try and have an artistic outlook - because I think it's what makes life beautiful, and it helps me keep a positive attitude.   What does it mean to me?  An artistic outlook is seeing the beauty in everything! It's music, and it's the flowers, and the scapes of the beach and the marshes here.  God created an amazing world - and it has beauty everywhere - if you look for it!  "Stop and smell the roses" is a great expression.  Don't let it go by too fast, or go through life with blinders on.  Take time, listen, see...  it's there. It's wonderful!

6.  What's one question you'd like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father? 

I know this question comes from Joyce because this coming Sunday is Father's Day.  For many, it's probably a simple question... for me, it's a bit challenging.  I don't know if this is the proper place to bring it up.  So, I will leave it at....  "Dad, why can't you be more positive?"

7.  Something you have learned from your father? 

I have learned many things from my dad.  He was a man of faith - a man of the church, so he gave me religion too.  He was the head of our family... and growing up I felt like we were a "typical family" unit - and these days they are so different, or "varying".  (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)   Dad used to have a sense of humor that I admired.  And, he was a game player.   We played ping-pong together.  Our family played cards on vacations.   He was frugal but never to the point where I felt we missed out on getting things.  Life was more simple growing up - in a nice way.  I owe that to him.  

8.  My random thought for the week. 

We have reached the "lazy days of summer" and it's such a nice time.  Not as many expectations, or deadlines, or things to get done.  It's a nice break. I think that's one reason I love summer so much.  It's a calm time.  It's about being outdoors - and having fun.      Do you agree??

Have a wonderful HOT week ahead!  Get outdoors, enjoy the nature, breathe in the air!  See you next time.



 

Hello June! Birthdays, music, strawberries, good living!

As usual, Joyce has come up with some interesting questions for this week's Hodgepodge.  Next week she is moving, so we will take a little vacation from the weekly challenge.   Joyce:  good luck with your move!  I hope it goes smoothly.  We are so alike in many ways, and now we can add to the list that both of us have left New Jersey and headed to the Carolinas.   Welcome to the south!!

1.   What's something you're looking forward to in the month of June?  

I have several things I am looking forward to this month.  First, June is the birthdates of both of my daughters, so I enjoy celebrating who they are....and remembering back to their baby days.  I am biased but both girls were SO adorable and I love watching old videos of them!!  That time goes by so quickly.  Both have turned into beautiful you ladies - smart, caring, and fun to be around. 

I am also looking forward to my annual pilgrimage to Nashville for the CMA Festival. This is my 5th year in a row, and I continue to love the time spent there with other country music lovers (it's like a huge happy family!!), and I love the opportunity to see so many, many artists in one spot - over the 4 days of the festival.   This year both of my daughters, along with one of their girlfriends, are attending with me... so it's "girl time" together too! 

2.  In what way have you come full circle? 

Interesting question.  I started out working in the music business - while still in college.  I worked for radio stations...and loved being a part of that world.  For awhile I was Promotions Manager and I attended many, many concerts in the area (at the time it was mostly rock music because I worked for 98 ROCK.)   Once I got married and babies came, I took a break from attending concerts and going to live events.  Who had time?!?!    Now, I'm back at it... see question 1.    I get extreme joy in the "live" experience, and sharing it with those around me.  I also love the connection with the artist and musicians on stage.   Each time is a special moment in time.  

3.  Lonely Planet lists ten spots in America you should see in 2015 and the reasons why.  How many on the list have you seen?  Which one on the list would you most like to see? 

Queens NY,  Weastern South Dakota, New Orleans, the Colorado River region, North Conway NH, Indianapolis IN, Greenville SC, Oakland CA, Duluth MN, and the Mt. Shasta region CA.  

What an unusual list!  I think I need to go read the article to find out why these locations were picked.  I have not been to many, especially to "sightsee."   I have been in Queens, and I have been to Indianapolis (years ago), and Oakland CA.  I lived in Redding CA for two years and it is on the edge of the Mt. Shasta region.  It is a beautiful natural landscape, and Shasta Lake is a big attraction for boating. 

It's funny because I have recently mentioned in conversation with some of my friends that even though I live in SC I have never been on the western part of the state for sightseeing.  I just had a girlfriend come back from a weekend in Greenville and she told me how really beautiful it is with the river and falls going through town.  Nice restaurants, shops, etc.   I need to get up there and see it!!

I have always wanted to go to New Orleans but NOT during Mardi Gras.  I would prefer to go at another time when it's not as crowded and I can get into some of the wonderful jazz and blues clubs, so I can experience the music there. 

4.  A song that describes your mood right now? 

It's morning as I type this...so how about "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens?

I've got to include a Tim McGraw song:  "Live Like You were Dying."

5.  Strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcake, straawberry pie, or strawberry right off the wine... your favorite? 

I love off the vine (perhaps dipped in chocolate!!) and I also love fresh strawberry shortcake too. My mom used to make a "dinette cake" and we'd cut up lots of off-the-vine strawberries for on top and then pour some cold milk on it.  Yum!!

6.  Aesop's birthday is celebrated on June 4th - although thre is some disagreement to whether or not that's accurate, or if he was a real person.   Regardless, the name Aesop is associated to this day with many well known fables.  Which of the following best applies to something in your life right now?   The Tortoise & the Hare (slow and steady wins the race),  The Ant & the Grasshopper (be prepared), The Fox & the Goat (look before you leap), or The Crow & the Pitcher (necessity is the mother of invention)?  

For the way my life is right now I will go with The Tortoise & the Hare - slow and steady wins the race.  I find I am not in a big rush to get through anything right now.  I prefer to "chug along" and enjoy the view along the way.  I really don't care about "winning" anyway.

7.  The answer is yes...   what's the question?  

Do you enjoy the Hodgepodge?  Do you like to blog?  Do you read others' responses?  

Do you love summertime?  Do you love the outdoors?    Do you garden?  Do you get poison ivy every year?  lol

Do you wonder who has read down this far?   Do you hope the readers get a kick out of my answers? 

8.  My random thought.  

I try to come up with a variety of random thoughts as I blog...    isn't that what makes them random?   So, here's one perhaps I have not mentioned before.   I wonder why some people are not born with "common sense" or at least don't learn it as a child.   Why do some of us see things as simple or basic and others don't?  There's got to be a "something" inside us all that strives for love and peace... and yet, some people seem to be missing it.  They love to create disruptions, or drama, or war.   Is it selfishness?  Power perhaps? 

The news certainly draws attention to those without common sense who don't live within normal boundaries.  

So, for my personal happiness I have stopped watching most news programs.   It just is TOO MUCH!   How much news do you watch each day?  Do you feel like you know what's going on in the world?  (Do you care?)

Sometimes it seems the bad outweighs the good.  But, in reality it doesn't.   We have to remember that!  

Heavy random-ness this morning!!!   ha!!    Enjoy this beautiful day today!!!