The View

Some people see the rose, other's only see the thorns, but if you are careful, you can hold a thing of beauty in your hands and be OK.



A person gets up in the morning and sees the sun come up.  He smiles and says, "What a wonderful day this can be!"

Another looks out, sees the sun, the blue sky and in the far distance, a small white cloud.  He examines the cloud for awhile and says that there is a little grey mixed in the vapors and it could mean that we may have rain. After giving it a little thought, he is sure it will be a big downpour with possible flooding and destructive winds.  This could wipe out all the summer crops and the price of food will skyrocket.  People will die from starvation and those that are left will go to war over the scarce resources.  Humanity, as we know it, will end.  Only rats, roaches, a few hedge fund dealers and pessimists will survive.  Good news for him.

Tic, Tic, Tic

Loving all the seasons of life, and doing OK.

 

This year my birthday was one of those that was divisible by 10.  I am not going to say,  "Where did the time go", because in contemplation,  I know where it went.

 I didn't notice it going by so fast when I was raising four loving children, nor did I notice it as I accumulated lifelong friends.  I didn't notice it when working in my gardens because every summer I would plan what to do the next year.  I didn't see it when my children reached all the milestones in their lives because I was always so proud.  I didn't notice it when I went on vacations and had wonderful adventures and made memories.  I didn't notice many things, because I was living life.

However, I did notice it when I held my first grandchild in my arms and knew that part of me will continue on for generations.  Time tapped on my shoulder again when I retired and I missed people who I had come to see everyday and loved being part of their lives.  I also missed purpose, but then I reinvented myself and found joy. 

I am more mellow now, life is not as busy, but still interesting.  I can walk six miles without breaking a sweat (on cool days), put in large gardens that fill my soul, and hold my grandchildren close. I always look forward and attempt to ignore the negativity that surrounds me.  I try never to say no, although fear now creeps in.

I embrace my age as I have lived longer than many, but gosh darn it, I wasn't done being young.

How You Doin'

After a month off, I have returned to Blogland and I am doing OK.

Between working on my gardens, taking care of grandchildren, going on a vacation, and solving the great problems of the world, I come back to Blogger feeling refreshed and renewed. Well, maybe that might be exaggerating things a little, but I am going with that positive thought. 

Speaking of refreshed and renewed, and because tomorrow is The Fourth of July, our Independence Day, (and that I am having quite a few people over for a party that I have to work on today), I am going to reboot a post that I wrote two years ago for this holiday. 


Of Thee I Sing

I am fortunate to live in a historical area of the US. Brave soldiers fought and died on this land to bring about this great experiment known as America. I am surrounded by the ghosts of the past wherever I go and swell with pride at the sacrifices that they made for all of us who reside in this land of freedom.

My county, 'tis of thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing.

Cemetery near Valley Forge, PA

About a mile from my home there is a cemetery where twenty-two Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. I drive by this site many times a week and only stopped by a few times to reflect.  There are no names written on their graves, they are unknown, but not forgotten. On Thursday, there will be a ceremony at the site which will be attended by local dignitaries and a core group of citizens that gather every year to remember.

Land where my father died,
Land of the Pilgrims' Pride,

Soldier's huts at Valley Forge

Not too far down the road is Valley Forge Park. This was where Washington and his troops of about 11,000 men encamped during the winter of 1777-1778. Many died because they were ill equipped with supplies of clothing and food. In June they left to pursue the British who were heading toward New York.







This is Washington's headquarters where he stayed along with his aids. His wife Martha also joined him for a few months that winter. The building is 80% original.





The park is a beautiful place to go to reflect and be thankful for the country that we love.


From ev'ry mountainside

Let Freedom Ring!

Now, let's barbecue.  Who wants a burger and who wants a dog?

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