Celebrating Shirt Sleeve Weather

I finally came out of hybernation.  What a miracle because it was so warm, one could call it a "no jacket day".  The closest digital time and temperature sign I read, said it was over 70'.  That hasn't happened for eighteen weeks.  Last I noticed was November 7th when a Noreaster blew in.  The ground is no longer pollution white with mostly gritty snow. 

Everyone I encountered got the, "You've got to go outside and enjoy the shirt sleeve day," from this appreciative gal.  Thank the Lord, we made it through one more winter.  Six days to go until we can call it a serious spring day. 

October is National Bullying Awareness Month

This is National Bullying Awareness month founded in 2005.  Go to Pacer.org/bullying to read all about it.  This weekend many rallies will be held throughout the nation to help prevent and dispell the ignorance of it. Disney will hold an event at the Mall of America on 10/28.  Be a part of the solution not the cause.

Most of us have been victims to bullying.  My sister got more than her share of it as a teen.  With unruly black hair and bold front teeth.  Dozens of times mean guys and even gals called her witch or worse.  With a deeply deflated heart she struggled to believe in herself.  I, the younger sister, hated them for it. 

Millions carry deep scars of hurt and humiliation.  Most abusers have nothing more to gain than to make themselves look and feel better.  Rise above what the others are doing and be a force for not only good, but great. 

Use positive words such as, friend, first-rate, 'I like how you', 'How do you do that?' and so forth.  Smile, wink, wave, pat, nod or high-five to show you care.  How hard is it to be kind?  Courage, my friend courage.

Just like the news woman in Wisconsin who received an email from a bully saying, "...what kind of an example are you being overweight and such?"  She responded with, '...you don't know me or what I am like.  Don't set your standard on me in that manner...'  She stood up and said, let's be a little more kind and take note of what we are saying. 

Some of the most beautiful women and men in the world are not even close, to the role model I want my children and grand children to look to.  Instead a friendly, kind person will make a better impact.  Try it and see how much better you feel.  Be braver than a bully.

Football Fans, Fun and Fights

Football season is in full swing. TV is full of the NFL's pre-game, post-game and problem games. Wewill never hear the end of some games.

  The Sports section of the newspaper is getting plumper than a players helmut with comments.  Teams, training for months are strutting their stuff.  Schools have set aside parking spots for tailgate parties.   We don't even want to mention fantasy football. 

Are we ready for this?   Years ago we had our college kids buy student season passes and slipped in under the radar to their sections.  It worked for awhile until we got tired of standing during the entire game, because that is what students do.  Stand, cheer, talk to friends etc. etc. 

Being there is so much more fun that watching it on TV, although you do get to see the replays and close-ups.  Best of luck to all the teams and players.

Here's to London and Our Lad's & Lasses

The lumber store down the street is celebrating.  Their digital marque sign with our red, white and blue waving in the background is cheering for our Olympian's all day and night.   Many althetes are mentioned encouraging passer's-by to show their support.   I had to take a picture. 

Thanks to the many sponsors, parents, trainers, coaches, fans and more who make it possible for these great people to want to achieve their best. Each entrant and countryman from around the world is part of this great event. From the South African with prosthetic limbs, to the injured German weight lifter, to the first Pakistani woman ever, to the runner with no country; we are all brothers and sisters.  Not only celebrate our successed but other countries of the world, too.   They do not have the privileges we do, but want it just as badly and try even harder. 

Thank you for doing you very best.  Thank you.  We love you!

Relay for Life - SuperStars

I attended Othello, Washington's (population 5k) Relay for Life last week.  My daughter was heading up the year of events and push to exceed last year's total of $75k.  What a great honor for a tiny community to beat and better that goal.

This bright yellow plaid clown, inflated thousands of amazing swords, hats, animal and laser balloons for the hundreds of children attending.  They were all Free.  Yearly he shares his talents for the Relay for Life.

The Bosom Buddies Team had the most amusing and entertaining food booth of all. 

Who will be crowned the kingly queen with the most money earned?  This fella from the Lep Re Con team is getting a donation from our lovely, but shy Emma.

A crowd of believers and supporting the festivities all night.  Thanks to all those who help the American Cancer Society to further the work every day. 

Fire Frenzy

The Western part of the United States is a tinder box, and I am in the middle of it.  Our state alone, has had over 400 fires this season.  The adjacent states are also burning up.  What would we do without the fire fighters from around the nation that have come to our rescue.  Homes, land, animals, forests and more have been destroyed.  It is heartbreaking to see the damage.  Some say the burned area looks like another planet.

My son-in-law is a volunteer fire fighter in his town, attending training monthly and answering the call whenever it comes to help his community.  What a great honor we send to you all who put your own lives on the line for others.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to all those involved in fighting the fires.  Your skill, man power and endurance has made a big difference.  It's a major miracle many homes, land and forests still stand. 

WE are grateful for your service and training to help keep us safe. 

Flags Flying Days

What a joy it was to see neighborhoods, with house after house flying the flag on Flag Day.  Now with less than one week to Independence Day, we will enjoy our beloved icon at every parade, event and be proud to say, "We Are Americans". 

Yes, there is alot of belly-aching about how bad the roads are, corrupt the politicians are, unfair the laws are and so on.  There is no other country in the world, with as much freedom and blessings as we have today. 

This will all change as we allow ourselves to stop believing in God.  When we quit defending His great gifts as the footings of this nation, he will withdraw His support.  Don't kid yourself, it isn't the powerful military, great cities, wealth and intelligence that put us where we are today.  It is God. 

We are one nation under God.  Once we stop acknowledging His power he will not continue to bless us then, we will no longer exist or have the strength to do succeed.