REFRESHING

It is so nice to see a young person, who knows what is involved in holding a job. They know how to dress appropriately. They realise they are to work and NOT talk on the phone to friends and family, or surf the Internet on job time. The arrive promptly and are ready to work at the time work is to begin and they don't slip out early. Sadly, they are in the minority. It is amazing the number of college graduates, who don't have a work ethic. And once adults decide to add children to their family, hopefully they are mature enough to know they should arrange child care. The refrain is "But you just don't understand!' That is certainly correct, I don't. Immature slackers would be quick tell one and all to mind their own business if any suggestions were made, but the rest of the work force is expected to put up with their poor work habits and poor child care decisions, and not say a word.

HISTORY

It is often said that "History repeats itself". But no one seems to pay attention, and we continue to make the same poor choices, over and over again.

Everyone has a favorite era. For some it is the WILD WEST, for others, the Civil War, or perhaps the gold rush to Californai or the Yukon. For those of us interested in family history, it is which ever time period our ancestor lived in-the ancestor we are currently researching.

My family are participants in cowboy action shooting, so their main interest is in the attire, firearms, and activities of the early American West. Cowboy hats and boots are required costume for all events.

We also enjoy living history presentations. Our local museum hosts a 2 day event each summer, as does a near by histori site, Fort Phil Kearny. We have toured Colonial Williamsburg, Va several times, as well as Mystic Seaport, Sturbridge Village,

FRIENDSHIP

What a precious part of our life: our friends! My friend is slipping away with Alzheimer's. For nearly 40 years, we have shared good times and bad. She was a loving spouse, a caring Mother, a good cook, and an excellent seamstress. She was competent at whatever task was at hand.

She no longer drives, nor cooks. Her dear huband cares for her and their home. Her memories of childhood are cystal clear, but yesterday and last year have disappeared. She no longer writes me letters, so I call her several times each month.

FRIENDSHIP

Such a special bond, between people, friendship is like a plant in our garden. It needs the sunny rays of a bright and sincere smile. It is there to be watered by shared tears, when life becomes painful and heartbreaking. And like the old lilac bushes, it becomes stout and strong after years of enjoyment. Time does not necessarily determine the strength of these unions. New friends and old friends share our lives, each to their own involvement. Like a garden, these relationships need to be tended. Letters, phone calls, emails, visits, thoughts, and prayers, all are part and parcel of the nuturing needed. To have a friend, it is said you need to be a friend. And this cannot be planned or expected, most just happen.