Ready for a Root Beer Float

It was National Root Beer Float Day a few weeks ago. It called my attention to buying a gallon of vanilla ice cream (which was all out so cookies and cream had to do, a two liter bottle of Root Beer, big insulated cups and some happy grandkids. We got to work making our very own bubbly concoctions. Who doesn't love nor can resist a float? Thanks to whoever thinks up all these National such and such days, so we have an excuse to celebrate and enjoy being a kid again.

Say Thank You

Oh, what a glorious gift of life we have. Thank you, Mom and Dad for allowing me to come to your home. Thank you America for providing a great country. Thank you, state of Utah for the safe haven. Thank you, Salt Lake Valley for the wonderful environment. Thank you friends, schools, employers, neighborhood and associates for all the things you helped me learn. Thank you, Lord for this beautiful earth that sustains all life.

Goodby to Maya

The first I heard of Maya Angelou was when I ran across her poem 'Phenomenal Woman'. I have loved it and Maya ever since. Reading her bio this week, I realized this gal was a very busy, phenomenal person. Not only a poet and writer, but also a lecturer, friend and amazing person. Here's to you Maya and all the great things you did for the American people and your people.

Great minds wish they had been brilliant enough to think or create as you did.

Fought for Freedom

I love this quote which says it all. Even though God gave us liberty, we had to fight for it. My dad, uncles and many others fought long and hard to keep us free. We are privileged to celebrate their sacrifice and gift to us on Memorial Day and every other day, too. Thank you to our servicemen and women.

Wood Carver's Weekend

Here are a few of my favorite choices from the Salt Lake Woodcarver's Show at the Barn of Wheeler Farm Don't you just love attending some show that represents the talents of a group of people. All year long this wood carving group works at selecting, creating, perfecting and preparing to display their skills. To earn money for the next year of programs, weekly carving locations, friendship making. Studying each masterpiece the hours and love of the hobby really shine through. Whether it is quilting, crocheting, gardening, painting, carving or whatever talent, it becomes an extention of the person themself.

Nattering Nitpicker, Who Me?

Jay Evensen has writen for the opinion page of the Deseret News for years. As I get older, I love to read his and other articles as well as what the readers have to say in the Readers' Forum. His recent article, Political Sport Keeps us From Real Solutions, talks about the consequences of 'being crass, personal and insulting'. Instead of resolving problems it generates negative remarks. Jay quoted Niccolo Machiavelli as saying, "Politics have no relation to morals." So that is why people dont seem to care what they say, as long as it makes a stir with those that listen. Someone ends up the being the target. All too soon the other party is hurling mean remarks back. In the end, Jay says, "We are becoming a nation of nattering nitpickers." Someone is bound to agree about his comment. I do.

Always Keep the Door Open

I had to laugh at our QA manager's door sign say, 'Don't close door!' Then he closed it. Also written in Spanish for our cleaning crew. This reminded me to always leave my door open, for comments and discussion. It is so easy to shut our loved ones out. I have to admit, it has happened more times than I care to admit. Harsh words spoken, unintended results, stressed out mood and tired or frustrating day are perfect ingredients for a blow-up. Remember 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.' Now to practise, practise and practise even more. May patience be with you today, this Christmas season and always.