Archive for October 31, 2018

ANOTHER Darned Election???!!!

October 31, 2018 Comments Off on ANOTHER Darned Election???!!!

ANOTHER DARN ELECTION!  It never comes out the way I’d vote.  It’s just a waste of time and money.

Actually, it will be a waste if you don’t vote.  Even if there’s only one issue or candidate you really care about, make your voice heard.  Better still, take some time to get acquainted with more of the propositions and candidates.  They will determine how we treat our fellow human beings—family, workers, the poor, even us voters.  Find out about them from impartial sources who have thoroughly researched them, like the  League of Women Voters (www.smartvoter.org), and carefully read through the official Voter’s Guide from the Registrar of Voters. Think carefully, not emotionally or following what any other person or biased group says. Make up your own mind, then vote.

Why bother?  Because not voting would let a small handful of people (those who DO vote) make decisions you’re forced to live with.

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Pizza: An International Effort

October 30, 2018 Comments Off on Pizza: An International Effort

 

Here’s proof that there CAN be international cooperation.

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An Important “Stop” Sign

October 29, 2018 Comments Off on An Important “Stop” Sign

This national illness MUST be cured.

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Grab Those Drugs

October 26, 2018 Comments Off on Grab Those Drugs

[I’m posting my “Sensible Saturday” on Friday to give you a heads-up.  Tomorrow is an important day, but you have only  a few hours to participate.  It’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, when you can get rid of your unused prescription drugs in a safe, healthy way.  Here’s the DRA’s blurb:]

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be October 27, 2018 [tomorrow] from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

The Drug Enforcement Administration first launched its “Take-Back” day more than six years ago and since then has collected more than 8.1 million pounds of prescription drugs from the public.

Check out DEA’s Take Back Day website for information and to find collection sites near you.

[Read about it, then just say YES and DO IT!!!!!]

 

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Our Changed Nation

October 25, 2018 Comments Off on Our Changed Nation

Today’s Thursday Thought is something that has been bothering me greatly.

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I Get the Caravan

October 23, 2018 Comments Off on I Get the Caravan

I’ve been watching those 3000, then 5000, then 7000 migrants in the caravan from Honduras through Mexico toward the U.S. I’ve heard the statements–none of which have been observed or proven–about the group containing criminals, gang-members, and mid-Eastern terrorists. As I look into their faces on the news I put myself in their midst.

Since I’ve been widowed I’ve been urged to move into a smaller home or apartment in a more affordable area. I think about it and realize I would be giving up all that I’m familiar and  comfortable with, like my friends, local family, my church, the city I grew up in, and neighbors who support me. I’d move to an area where I’d have to learn to navigate new roads and find the best shopping. I’d face  people with different attitudes towards us senior citizens and/or disabled. My new location would require new ways of doing things, new challenges for me to adapt to. In short, it would likely take a long, uncomfortable while to become “home.”

I believe that these souls who are walking thousands of miles carrying a few meager belongings and their children are just what they say they are. I believe they are giving up their homes and all they held dear to escape violence, danger, death, and poverty that never ended despite their hard work. I believe they’re looking for a better life where fear and uncertainty is not a daily occurrence. I believe they are willing to work hard to give their children a chance to survive and grow into productive adults.

I’d be leaving behind so much less than they are, taking a far less of a chance than they are, working a lot less hard than they will have to work to achieve their new life.

And I have a real choice, while they do not. I get it.

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Halloween Costume-Buying Guide

October 22, 2018 Comments Off on Halloween Costume-Buying Guide

You may be planning to choose a last-minute Halloween costume this weekend for your kids or for an adult party.  Some people may say, “Wear what you want and to H-E-Double-Toothpick with what people think.”  Fact is, though, that you or your kids will be around a cross-section of America.  You know, the country that calls itself the “melting pot”?  And a population of people who have had some pretty bad personal experiences.

Keep that in mind.  If you have what you think is funny or perfect to wear, check out Don’t Even Think of Wearing These 14 Costumes for Halloween.  It explains why certain costumes should not even be considered.

Have fun on Halloween.  And let others happily enjoy themselves, as well.

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Growing with the Irish

October 18, 2018 Comments Off on Growing with the Irish

Today’s Thursday Thought quote comes from a nation of people who have learned the hard way how to grow.  

“You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.”  – Irish proverb

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Be a Team Player

October 17, 2018 Comments Off on Be a Team Player

One of the least-loving places we visit is where our child’s team competes.  Be it soccer or softball, you’ve sat in the stands, cringing when a parent cusses at the referee or some adult encourages fighting or intentional injury, either directly or indirectly by non-verbal approval when it happens.  This can be an opportunity for you to be a good example to your child, the teams, and the adults who aren’t acting like good role models.

There are many things you can do.  Ask that man not to use ethnic slurs around your kids.  Find something during the game to compliment the small, awkward child on the team.

If your child acts with violence, make sure your language (body and verbal) clearly indicates your disapproval.  In front of other adults and the team, express your appreciation to the referee for his time and fairness.  When you leave, have your child help you dispose of your family’s trash, plus what was left by people around you.  Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open; you’ll find ways to be an example that your kids can look up to.

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Get the Kids Out of the House

October 16, 2018 Comments Off on Get the Kids Out of the House

Remember playing out in the yard just about every day when you were a kid? Sixty percent of parents answering a survey said they did. Yet, today, only 30% of kids aged 3 – 12 have daily playtime outside. And they have five structured, mostly indoor activities per week rather than free play.

Experts say that the fresh air, opportunities to experience nature, and unconfined freedom of being outdoors is healthy for kids. Other experts say that unstructured play stimulates the imagination while helping kids learn to make and keep friends, keeping kids healthy, and fighting obesity.  As a 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics article said, such activity offers kids “cognitive, social, emotional and physical benefits.”

So let’s take our kids back to our own childhoods, to the park, the playground, or the trike or sandbox in the back yard. Or just into the yard and let their imaginations come up with a game, because they will.

 

 

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