But I am home now and have had a few days to rest and relax. This morning I was up at the crack of dawn and went for my morning walk while it was still cool.
The yard has exploded with flowers. Tiger lilies, hosta's and some very weird plants like this picture. They are over six feet tall and have white 'blooms'...
So, a day early but I have a new word for the month of July...Freedom. The Fourth of July is a celebration of our nation and right now freedom and democracy are watchwords that we need to take care to not lose.
Last night we have folks from the neighborhood over for an evening meal of barbecue and salads. It was a nice informal meal outside around our big patio table. I think this will be the first of many get togethers. Next is either an ice cream social or a seafood boil and broil meal.
The sad thing in our country right now is that we seem to be at odds with anyone who has different opinions from ours. I think this is by design because a nation of people who are in a constant state of anger and fear is a nation that can be easily manipulated and changed.
What we need to do is find ways to create communities on a small basis like our dinner with folks from the neighborhood. When folks find out that they really are more alike than different and that having different opinions and ideas is not the end of relationships, then anger and fear can gradually fade.
And to go along with these thoughts, the challenge for this month is to get to know some of your neighbors in a relaxed setting. Have a pot luck or an ice cream social. Talk about the weather, or your children or whatever. Just enjoy your time together. And who knows where it goes. The possibilities are endless.
Have an amazing day and enjoy the weather of summer (Just remember winter when you dreamed of those crazy, lazy days of summer!)
Talk with you tomorrow...