We Remember

It doesn't seem like it could have been seven years. Those images and memories are still vivid.

We salute those firefighters, police and rescue workers who gave their lives on 9 - 11. We grieve for all those lost and their families.

This is a day to put aside our political differences and come together as one nation. No political campaign ads will air today.

We are thankful to God and President Bush and all who serve their country for keeping us free from another attack these past seven yers.

Sign Spotting

We are experiencing cool, sunny days this past week. The first hints of fall color are appearing. We love this not-hot weather but I hope we will have a few warmer days before the "Big Chill" arrives.
Jon's knees are still a bit stiff and sore since the accident which limits his mobility. We decided to "take a drive" into the Wisconsin countryside yesterday afternoon and find a nice place for lunch.
Along a country highway I spotted this on a billboard advertising a metro hospital. "Get the Care You Expect". That would not be a hospital pessimists should patronize. Get the care you expect would work better for optimistic patients. Expect the best. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Expect the worst? Poor outcome I would think.

A positive outlook on life serves one well. Keep your chin up. Look at the sunny side of life. Cheerio. We don't always feel happy or optimistic, but I am a believer that speaking optimistic words brings you up. We probably have to go through the hard times, the trials anyway but it will be easier if we remain hopeful.

The Bible is filled with exhortations to speak words of life into our lives. Our hope is in the name of the lord. We don't have to live without help and hope. We don't have to do it all ourselves. We have a choice. Our strength alone or His strength.

Words to a song from "South Pacific" called "Cockeyed Optimistic" written when the world was suffering the turmoil of WW II and it may have been hard to see a more peaceful future.
http://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/southpacific/acockeyedoptimist.htm

Change Anyone?

One thing for sure, the results of the upcoming election will yield change. Everyone is offering change. We will see either a female VP or an African American president in the White House in January.

While the Republican Convention was going on in our fair city, a third party was meeting in Minneapolis. A gathering of Ron Paul supporters, Libertarians, gathered with fragments of a splintered Independence party. Remember Ross Perot's Independents party? Remember our feisty ex-governor? I don't know what Ross Perot is doing these days, but ex-governor Jesse the Body ventured north for the convention. He has a dog in the fight but is not a candidate himself. Guess what the headline today said about their candidates? All are for change. Seven are vying for the senate seat from Minnesota.

This isn't the first time "change" has been in a campaign slogan. Remember these?

1984 had Walter Mondale's "America Needs a Change".

1976 with Jimmy Carter's "A Leader, For a Change".

1992 and Bill Clinton's "It's Time to Change America"?

2008 Barack Obama has "Change We Can Believe In".

John McCain's slogan is "Country First", but convention speakers also talked about change.

It seems all are offering change.

No one has reached back to 1952 using Dwight Eisenhower's slogan, "I Like Ike". It looks like politics and the weather will be at odds again. Hurricane Ike is coming causing those in the possible path to consider higher ground. The are probably hoping for the hurricane to change course. I hope and pray it doesn't take too high a toll.

Sing of the Times

Have you ever noticed---
If the sign on the corner says “HUGE SALE”, it probably isn’t.
If the sign on the road says “BUMP”, there is usually nothing to slow down for.
I have yet to see a deer crossing by the DEER CROSSING signs.
SLOW CHILDREN signs seem demeaning to the neighborhood kids.
I never know what to think or do when I see a sign that reads LOW FLYING AIRCRAFT.
We decided to not give permission for political signs a couple years ago when my husband and I, unknown to each other, allowed signs for local school board candidates who opposed each other to be posted in our yard. We knew both people. Both were good candidates, but that sent a mixed message.
The only political sign I want to see now would read, “IT IS ALMOST OVER.”

Flat Daddy

The kids are in the spotlight too. The country has now seen presidential candidates families and it is hard not to embrace the kids. I loved the way the Palins took care of the baby. As a country we can learn from this family that embraced a child with Downs Syndrome.
Last week Michelle Obama spoke and at the end of her speech brought out her two little girls. The older has been well coached on public appearances. The little one was more talkative when she saw her daddy on the video screen. Michelle Obama said all did not go as planned. Right before bringing the kids out she told them there would be a big surprise for them. They hadn’t seen their dad lately as he has been busy on the campaign trail. Reaction of one of the girls? She excitedly asked if the Jonas Brothers were coming. I guess she was expecting a rock star. It was only daddy, although he has had rock star reactions from some swooning fans. It is a strange world isn’t it.
It occurred to me he has been absent a lot lately to campaign. He also lives alone in Washington when a working senator and commutes home on weekends. Maybe these kids need a “Flat Daddy”. Not a flat video daddy, a Flat Daddy is a life-sized cardboard cutout of a parent made famous by their use with military families separated for long periods from a parent. Flat Daddy or Flat Mommy go to soccer games, birthday parties and are there for holidays when their real life parents are deployed. It is good for children to keep their dad or mom visible in their lives. The Red Cross has a program using designated donations to supply these to families of deployed troops. Seems like a small thing but it is a small sacrifice for us and might help those who give so much.

I think if they start selling Flat Mommy cutouts of Sarah Palin they better gear up to sell quite a few. This strikingly beautiful VP candidate would probably grace a lot of guys' garages, however those stars and stripes bikini shots are photoshopped. Not the real Sarah.

http://flatdaddies.com/give

Stealing the Show at the Republican Convention

She stole hearts. We didn't know her before this past week. Attractive and caring. Watch for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GliQjmuf8_s

Not a Mars Bar

This isn't Roswell or Area 51. It is on Hwy 61 south of Hastings, MN.

Aliens? In southeastern Minnesota? Should we be concerned? Do they want to rule us?