Now I will have my say

I try very hard to stay away from controversial issues, but sometimes....well sometimes I just have to say something. This is about stricter gun control laws.

Now before the NRA starts having fits, let me have my say. Honestly, NRA members act like hysterical old biddies every time someone says those words. Okay, SO....NRA MEMBERS...absolutely nobody--NOBODY--wants to take your guns away from you. Not in any way, shape or form. You can keep them, take them hunting, cuddle with them at night, or whatever it is you do with them.

Now....there just has to be some sort of law or regulation to keep crazies from arming themselves. Police forces and the military do background checks and administer psychological tests so that they can weed out those who are not fit or psychologically sound enough to carry a weapon. So why shouldn't that apply to civilians?

Let's make it personal, shall we? Suppose you decide you're going hunting with your new rifle, and the man three doors down, who also has a new rifle, wants to go with you. You know him pretty well, and he's a regular guy , and heck, he has a gun, too. So away you go. There you are out in the woods when suddenly, your neighbor starts hearing voices. They say, "Don't shoot Bambi, shoot the man with the gun." And there you are, staring down the long barrel of this man's rifle.  After they bury you, your wife is informed that the neighbor three doors down had been in therapy once for mental problems. He quit therapy because he didn't hear the voices anymore--so he said.

Well, that doesn't matter now to you, or your wife, who is now a widow raising your children alone. She also learns that the man who killed you bought his gun with no background check or psychological testing. That matters. Your death could have been prevented.

On the lighter side, I notice that my crazy idiot neighbor has a NRA sticker on his truck. Oh boy! I'm getting myself a Kevlar.

Hello Again

Once again, I want to thank all of those who offered their condolences and kind words concerning my mother's passing. I traveled to Pittsburgh for the funeral. As far as funerals go, it was lovely. To me it was a way to celebrate her life and to send her into an afterlife where she was once again united with my father. Not to mention she is with my son as well.

Meanwhile, life goes on. Both of my parents can rest in peace knowing that they raised strong people who have high ethical standards and a sense of good values.

Rest in peace Mom and Dad. You did your job well.

After the 4th

I hope everybody had a fun-filled safe 4th of July celebration. I believe it was John Adams who said that the day should be filled with fun and fireworks every year. I spent the day at our Homeowner's Association cookout at our clubhouse and had a very nice time. Good, fun people and great food! My day started out with a very trying phone conversation. Have you ever met someone who is always right but yet so wrong? Here is the conversation I had with my neighbor:

Neighbor: "Is there a mail delivery today?"
Me:  "No."
Neighbor: "Why not? Is this one of those 17 plus paid days off the post office gets?"
Me: "It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "Since when?"
Me:  "Since 1776."
Neighbor: "What makes it a holiday?"
Me: "It's Independence Day, Jack. It's been a holiday since 1776."
Neighbor (Getting frustrated with my stupidity): Carole, it's only a holiday if someone says it is."
Me:  "Well, I believe George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Q. Adams, Ben Franklin and   many more declared it a holiday back in 1776."
Neighbor:  "Well, I have had 53 jobs and I never got the day off, so it's not a big holiday."
Me: "Some industries can't shut down for the day but almost all will compensate a worker by paying holiday pay."
Neighbor: "I never got holiday pay. What kind of holiday pay are you talking about?"
Me: "Most companies pay their workers double-time for working that day."
Neighbor: "Well, I never got it, so how can it be a big holiday?"
Me: "It's a national holiday."
Neighbor: "There is no such thing. It's not like Christmas or Thanksgiving."
Me: "It's a government holiday."
Neighbor: "Who said?"
Me: "Our forefathers. Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson....those guys."
Neighbor: "You don't know what you're talking about. I gotta go put my trash out."
Me: "There's no trash pick-up today."
Neighbor: "Why not?"
Me: "Same reason. It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "You're going to start this again?"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!!

Interview with Winsome

Today I am interviewed by the lovely and charming Winsome Campbell-Green. it certainly was an enjoyable question-answer interview.  Please visit and enjoy!!

http://womenbeautypurposeandempowerment.blogspot.com/2013/06/women-of-purpose-spotlight-sucessful.html

The curious question mark.

By now, everyone is aware that I read many books. I choose books written by Indie Authors and always do a review when I'm finished with the book.

Something has been bothering me lately..................
                                                                        ? ? ?

So many authors are using many, many question marks a the end of their dialogue sentences, and I'm not understanding why. There are times when the writer wants a declarative sentence to sound like a question; and I get that. But try as I might, I can't see the question in many of the sentences with question marks.

Can anyone come up with an explanation for me?

Memorial Day

Although Memorial Day is traditionally a day of remembrance of our deceased loved ones, lost to us while serving in the military, we also remember those civilians who passed away. Memorial Day  is a day of remembering, reflecting, and reminiscing as we honor those who served our country and those we loved. 

I remember and honor my father, a WWII Veteran. He served in Europe and came home with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, leaving the military as a decorated Master Sergeant. He came home alive, and married my mom. They had me first, and then they were blessed with four sons. 

Eddie Mack deserves to be honored on this day. 

My son, while never serving in he military, was destined for great things before losing his life to that terrible illness. 

Eric McKee deserves to be remembered on this day.

But, Folks, just take a moment and remember those who are still living. Say "hello" and "How are ya doing?" while you still can.  Don't wait until it's too late. Visit the grave sites of those who are gone, and then pick up the phone or get into your car and connect with those you love while you still can. 

Life is precious.

Terra's Turn

A very happy birthday to my daughter, Terra. She is 43 today. I hope the day is beautiful for her. 

I love you, Terra.