Sunday, May 26, 2013

Celebrating Memorial Day

Roses Are Red
Violets Are Blue
I'm enjoying a three day weekend
I hope all of you are too !!!

   I just wanted to send a shout out to all the military who have served to make us safe.  A special thank you to all who are on active duty this weekend.  Because of your dedicated service, the rest of us get to enjoy ourselves this Memorial Day.  
   As we head to our backyard bar-b-ques, or the beach,  a ballgame, or a movie, let's take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to live in America.  The Anthem that we sing includes the phrase " the land of the free and the home of the brave".  Freedom isn't free, and I want to acknowledge the price that our relatives and friends in the armed forces have paid to keep our country free.  
    Many patriotic Americans will take the time this weekend to watch their town's parade,  and enjoy the band's that are marching.  Many will  keep the tradition of placing flowers and plants near the cemetery headstones of relatives.  If you do not live close enough to do that, perhaps lighting a candle wherever you are, will serve as a proper gesture.
   I have lost several relatives and friends since last Memorial Day, and it still saddens me to think about how much I miss them.  The grieving process can be long, and different situations can remind us of our loss.  My suggestion is to get up in the morning, and try and enjoy every day.  I do my best to find simple solutions to my problems whether big or small.  I find someone who I can confide in, because I believe that a problem shared,  is a problem cut in half.  My advice is to stay in the present, and not obsess about the busy work week ahead, or what the future might hold.  Take one day at a time.  If we take care of everything that we can today, then tomorrow will take care of itself....and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on......
    


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Power-Ball Excitement

   My folks live near Tampa,  Florida, which is very close to where this week's power ball ticket was purchased.  I guess everyone who has a relative in the state is checking to find out if they know the person who won the jackpot.  My Dad said everyone he spoke with has asked if he knows the winner.  Turns out, he doesn't, so I won't be able to call in 'rich' to work Monday.
    We all had a lot of fun last week daydreaming about what we would do if we won the lottery.  I bought a couple of quick pick tickets, and did not even have one of the numbers drawn.  Oh well, better luck next time.  You cannot win if you do not play, and it only costs a couple of dollars for the chance to make our dreams come true.
    My plan has always been the same, and I'm sure I will follow it when we win.  I am going to split my winnings into three equal parts.
   First we will take a vacation and celebrate with family and friends.
   Next there will be a new home, and a couple of new cars.
   Finally, we will put the rest away for retirement, which will begin immediately.
   Through it all, we hope to be able to share with our parents, as well as our siblings and their children.  We will be generous to our church, and a few special charities.  I would love to be a philanthropist, and it would definitely be fun to make a few dreams come true.  I think it is important to be a good steward of the money, and put it to good use.  Every time I buy a ticket, I ask the lottery angels to smile on us, and help make all our dreams come true....and the beat goes on....the beat goes on.....

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Happy Mother's Day

Roses Are Red
Violets Are Blue
Sending Special Mother's Day Wishes 
To Every One of YOU!


Just a quick post to wish all the moms a very Happy Mother's Day!
Hope the year ahead brings you all a lot of joy!

Many of us have one child, and plenty of us have two or more.  I'd like you all to take a few moments to put your feet up and enjoy some of your best memories with your children.  Today let's decide to focus on the positive things in our lives, and leave our troubles behind for a few hours.

Some of us have pets who we consider to be our four legged kids, because they give us unconditional love.  Enjoy them today and everyday!   Be grateful to always have good company!

If you are alone today, please call someone and plan to go for a walk, or out to meet for lunch, or just talk for awhile.  Please try and make the most of your situation today, and not be sad or angry.

It's important to accept all that we cannot change, and summon the courage to change what we can.  These words are part of the Serenity Prayer which ends with the words "and the wisdom to know the difference"  ......and the beat goes on...the beat goes on........have a good week everyone......



Sunday, May 5, 2013

Happy Cinco-de-Mayo

    Cinco-de-Mayo translates to 5th of May , and commemorates a battle between the Mexican Army and the French Army on May 5th 1862.  I'll give you the Reader's Digest condensed version of the events.
   The battle occurred in the midst of the Civil War, and prevented Napoleon from supplying aid to the Confederate troops.  History tells us that after the Civil War had ended, the United States returned the favor and helped Mexico defeat Napoleon.  May 5th is not celebrated in Mexico, but began in cities with large Mexican-American communities like Los Angeles and Houston.
   In 2005, Congress issued a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Cinco-de-Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  Today, many celebrate with nachos, guacamole,  and beverages like Margaritas.  It's a wonderful  way to spend a day!
    This year,  the battle will happen around Immigration Reform.  I believe that the path to citizenship  is long overdue.  All of my grandparents emigrated to America, and became citizens.  It was not easy, but it was possible, even though many feared that my Irish and Italian ancestors would be a burden to the country.  History has shown that it never happened!  My relatives love this country, and are hard working productive members of society.  Thank goodness that the voice of reason prevailed in the early 1900's and I pray that the same will happen again....and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on.......