Fathers Day

It is Fathers Day and I missing my Dad. Merle Best was a gentleman, funny, smart and one of the most caring people I've ever known.

He taught us kids to be as kind as possible to those less fortunate. I always admired his ability to judge people by their character and not by their status, economic standing, or power. He saw people for who they were, not by who they thought they were.

Dad worked very hard all his life. No, 9 to 5 job, but as a trucker a 24/7 job. He started trucking in the late 1930's and continued that job until the 1980's. Fifty plus years, he drove the highways of America. I do believe that he knew more about what this country was really made of , than any person I know. Dad had a sense of what was true and right with America and what was wrong with America.

Dad was always my hero. Never bragged, never boasted, never pretended to be more than who he was. A true sense of self.

Dad's humor was very dry and you had to pay close attention when he was talking to catch his humor. He was always quick with a smile and laugh. When you did catch his humor it was superb. Knock down, rolling on the floor humor. It often took me a few minutes to figure it out, and then I would be near death from laughter.

Dad was not quick to anger. Oh, I did get a spanking and slap once. I deserved it, but the punishment was more from disappointing him. He never expected his kids to be angels, but he did expect us to do the right thing, even if it was hard.

When I was about 9, I had been in the hospital for a couple of weeks and was feeling very lonely and homesick. One evening, I was feeling very alone, when the elevator doors across from my room opened, and there was my Daddy. I thought the world had saved me when I saw his smile.

Dad was a parent that could hug you and tell you "I love You" and you knew that it was most truthful thing ever said. I knew that when all else was falling apart in my world, my Daddy loved me. I guess that is all most of us ever need to know.

My sons are both Dads. I see so much of my Dad in them. Both are quick with the hugs, smiles, and I love you to their own children. Ian and Timothy are amazing fathers. They take such pride and joy in their kids. I am so proud of them.

So if you had an amazing Father be joyful.

May 2011

May has come to us warm and wonderful here in North Florida. Personally, it has been a the beginning of some amazing events in my life.

I won't go into detail, but a love that I thought was lost has been returned. It is wonderful to know that when you think all is lost, something happens and joy once again fills your soul.

I awoke this morning feeling scattered, nervous, and at odds with myself. I have been reading a book that my dear sister sent over a year ago about Zen Miracles. So, this morning, with this feeling of unrest, I decided to try "sitting". I managed maybe 10 minutes of really concentrating on just the breath moving in and out of my body. Much to my amazement, it worked. There is a serene calmness in my being now that was NOT there before.

Now on the the more mundane news. In 1951 on May 1st, 600,00 marched for peace and freedom in Germany. Wonderful to know that marches for peace have been going on for ages. I think the US citizens should now march for Peace. Supposedly, our arch enemy, Osama Bin Laden, was killed last night. I would like to see Peace in our lifetime. However, what would the military industrial complex due without someone to wage war against. Oh, right there is always the Libyan clown and just in time to take Bin Laden's place. How very clever of the powers that be to have a new (well, renewed bogey man) to take the place left behind by Bin Laden.

Also, we saw a Prince marry his Princess last weekend. Yes, I know all the arguments about the cost and the attention paid to this event. Well, all, I can say, is so what? We needed a bit of a fairy tale to take away all the sadness and ugliness in the world for a day. Is it so much to want one day of story book goodness? No, I don't think so. So I watched and was enchanted for a few hours. I hope that the Prince and Princess live happily ever after.

Well, on to true Spring. What will the awakening of the earth bring? It will be a wonder to behold I am sure.

March something

Life continues here in North Florida. The spring days of 80 degree temps and sun shining has been really lovely.

I am loving the screen porch and find myself just watching the birds and squirrels. It is truly a wonderful time of the year.

There are a few flowers coming up in the garden and I planted some bamboo in the front to screen the porch from the road. I do hope it grows. One thing I do miss in the spring from Illinois are the wild violets. My sister sent me a picture, but there is nothing like seeing those wonderful little gems in your yard.

The dogs are enjoying being outside and sleeping in the sun. It is fun to watch Lyle as he looks at a squirrel and wonders what it is. He's not the brightest dog but he is so funny.

I have painted another Mandala Circle on the porch. This one is of moon, sun, and stars. The stars are the colors of the birthstones of kids and grandkids. I must say that I did a fine job on it. Don thinks I should fill the porch with them. Ha, I might just do it.

I do hope that this spring and summer brings some peace and some good times. It has been a rough winter and I would like to see some smiles this summer.

To all that read this post, have a wonderful day.

January 31, 2011

Monday and the last day of January is gloomy but warmer. We are thankful for that, when most of the mid-west is going to get yet another storm of snow and ice.

I've been looking at things that have been around since the 50's and thought you might find some them interesting

Burger King (1954) opened and from the taste of the food there today, some of it tastes as though it might have been in the restaurant since then. McDonald's opened in 1955 and while I still enjoy a McD's burger once in awhile, it seems to reinforce my reason that I don't eat there often. Pizza Hut opened in Wichita, Ks in 1958. Now as far as Pizza is concerned this is my downfall. I love Pizza Hut. I know it's bad, so don't write and tell me. But I still love it and was thrilled when there was opened in our small town here in Florida this past winter.

I was also looking at 50's furniture. Good grief, it was ugly then and the ugly hasn't changed since it is now considered Retro. I know my Mother could pick out the worlds ugliest lamp all her life. She had wonderful taste otherwise (OK, there was the ugly leather like couch). I just can't see why anyone would like the 50's look in furniture and home accessories.

I have an eclectic furniture style. Just kind of what ever captures my attention, I go with. I am partial to Mission style furniture. But then there is the quirky side. I have glass faces in my windows for a local Florida artist. I love them. I just made cabinet handles out of river rock and am making a entry screen from grapevine. So my style runs the crazy style.

Well, I have to get a move on. We are having house guests for the weekend and I've got to clean. Oh crap, I hate cleaning.