Final Blog Post

 

Over Christmas 2022, I made the decision to stop posting new content on my blog.

218 posts were written over a ten-year period.  I started in May 2012 anticipating the publication of my memoir, Born Three Times. Everybody said I needed a platform to promote my book.

My goal was two posts each month and I succeeded for the first six years.  Then I dropped down to one each month. When the Covid Pandemic hit, my readership began to fall off.  Not sure why.

It’s been a roller coaster ride trying to generate new ideas each month. The best ideas came while I showered. Then I did some research and formulated a blog post.

Several other projects that I have put off way too long are calling for attention in 2023.

·                 Organize a massive mess of unruly pictures—phone and printed photos.

·                 Downsize contents of closets and house.

·                Shred paperwork and organize important papers.

·                Support Charles in promoting his book.

·                Cook better to control my carb and sugar content.

·               Devote more time preparing good Bible lessons for our Life Group

Thank you for reading my posts all these years, commenting, and sharing.  You have been so encouraging and I am thankful for every one of you. God Bless!

Almost Christmas

 

2022 will soon be in our rear-view mirror.  What a busy, chaotic year it has been. And now two weeks until Christmas.

We’ve been saddened by numerous funerals of people close to us and excited by engagements and weddings of grandchildren. Every time the phone rings, we wonder what new thing has happened.

The first Christmas was filled with good and bad news too. Jesus and Mary heard “no room at the inn” more than once. Exhausted from the long trip to Bethlehem, they settled in an animal stall where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Who brought the fried chicken and casseroles? Where was the decorated nursery and crib for the baby boy? Nobody took pictures and posted them on Facebook. Joseph’s family just did their best to stay warm and comfortable.

God was full of surprises on that first Christmas. He showed out in a big way—the heavenly host of angels illuminated the sky where shepherds tended their flock of sheep. Their mission—go find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. What joy they felt upon seeing and worshipping the newborn king.

When Jesus was around two, God showed up again by sending three Magi from Eastern countries to deliver gifts. After worshipping Jesus, they returned home a different way to escape the hand of King Herod. The gifts provided the means for Jesus’ family to flee to Egypt to escape the murderous rage of King Herod against all toddler boys.

With many obstacles to overcome, Jesus arrived in human form to experience all the joys and sadness that we experience in this life. How very thankful I am that He was born filled with grace and truth.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his gory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Merry Christmas

                                        

Slow Like a Sloth

 

October is the month where pumpkins reign as king. Everything from coffee to cereal is flavored with pumpkin spice. Colorful leaves on trees and crisp evenings and mornings are a welcome relief after a hot summer.  Fall festivals and trick or treating are other fun events for October.

October is also the month when we gear up for Christmas. Hallmark Christmas movies start this coming week. The stores are already filled with Holiday décor, and families begin to plan their celebrations. Other festivals celebrated during the month of October suit me better.

International Sloth Day is celebrated on October 20, 2022.  Sloths mostly inhabit Central and South America, but they are being celebrated worldwide during October. Their appearance and characteristics make them very loveable. People enjoy seeing them in zoos in their natural habitat.

The Bible talks about the sin of slothfulness.  It’s easy to fall into slothfulness after retirement and when you’re closing in on 80 years old. The temptation to stay in bed longer in the mornings and stay up later at night is real. Those comfy pajamas are harder to shed. The lure of interesting posts on Facebook and on my computer grab my attention and before I know it, an hour has sprinted by. I should’ve spent that hour in prayer or getting some exercise.

Procrastination is a first cousin of slothfulness. Putting things off until tomorrow is a deadly habit that I need to avoid. “Hanging around” like a sloth doesn’t get much done. There are some days when tackling the to do list is not an option. Aches and pains and brain fog puts me in my chair where I stay except to get something to eat. Thankfully, those slothful days are followed by several days of productive activity.

The sloth is very slow moving and it takes a month to digest a meal. God made that creature to remind us that He loves us on our slothful days as well as our productive days. 

  

 

Long Lived the Queen

 

From her marriage to Prince Philip to her coronation as Queen in 1953, I watched the first woman since Queen Victoria ascend the royal throne in Britain.  Paper dolls were popular when I was eight years old, and with a set of her bridal party and coronation service paper dolls, I was a witness to history. It’s a shame they didn’t survive my childhood.

The grainy television and movie photos of both ceremonies were state of the art at the time and quite exciting to watch. I observed the colorful and beautiful live production of the whole funeral service—what a difference 70 years makes in the world of technology.

With King Charles III, Price William, and Prince George in line for the throne, Elizabeth II will be the last female monarch for years to come. Her incredible lifetime of service to God and her country was celebrated on Monday.

Yes, there have been scandals and troubles for the royal family along the way, but the Queen somehow seemed to rise above it all and restored dignity to the throne. Her Christian example will be a challenge to replicate by future monarchs.

Yesterday’s funeral was filled with pomp and circumstance, carried out with precision. The numbers of military officers who marched long distances and hoisted the very heavy coffin up the stairs to Westminster Abbey were amazing.

The poignant lowering of the casket after the graveside service at Windsor Castle chapel signaled the end of a life well lived. What a special moment indeed. It was a funeral for the ages planned many years in advance. Goodbye Queen Elizabeth—you were one special lady.

 

Goodbye Summer

 

Stuart & Ruth's House

Summer is on its way out. Cooler nights and mornings are in. Our recent trip to Western New York State to visit my son Stuart and his family was a reminder that Fall is on its way. My daughter-in-law’s beautiful summer garden will only last another month. Ruth has worked to create a masterpiece in the front and back yard of their house in Lewiston. Her showpiece will be a part of the Garden Tour next spring.

Our granddaughter, Belle, starts Grade 11 in Toronto after Labor Day. She is now learning to drive and is quite the young lady.  The climate is about to change to the beautiful Fall days of colorful trees and leaves.

The remaining 15 days until Labor Day will fly by and fall will soon begin. Soon, I will drag out my fall wreath and table decorations to welcome the harvest season.  Soups and casseroles are right around the corner. YUM!

In the next few weeks, I will be preparing a presentation for the Christian Author’s Guild Coffee & Quill Conference.  My talk will be about how to write two memoirs and not get a divorce.  Although challenging at times, writing our two life stories was a pleasant experience, and we are still together.

Enjoy the last fleeting days of summer and prepare for real climate change.

 

                                

                            AUGUST IS THE SUNDAY OF SUMMER (Unknown)

93 Days of Summer

 

Summer is my favorite time of year—usually.  The sunny summer days, warm nights, and the sound of tree frogs and crickets in the back yard.  Several days away from home for a vacation to the beach or a favorite mountain retreat. Well, maybe next year!!!

During the first few weeks of summer, we dealt with the death of Charles’ sister, Marion, traveling to Louisiana for her funeral. We spent a few days in Florida on the way visiting with my sister, Audrey, in hospice care.

After coming home, we rested for a few days and decided to head to the north Georgia mountains to celebrate our anniversary.  We didn’t make it far before we both got sick and had to head home. Our Covid diagnosis left us coughing and sneezing and isolated for a week. When our 16-year-old air conditioner quit, we suffered with the heat and humidity for ten days until a new HVAC system was installed.

Trying to conserve our funds, we stayed home, and I cooked until our oven and stove decided to take a vacation. Now we are in the process of looking for a new gas range.

It hasn’t been a relaxing or inexpensive summer so far, and we don’t know what the next few weeks will bring. We’re very thankful we had the funds to cover our major expenses.

Last Sunday in our Life Group we taught about the prophet Elijah on Mt. Carmel and how he experienced tremendous victory against the prophets of the false god Baal. On hearing of threats on his life from Jezebel, he ran away and hid from his pursuers, and from God. But God found him and ministered to his depression and gave him a new purpose in life.

I can relate to the story because I’ve had times I wanted to run away and hide. You probably have too. As we hear of the craziness in our world and in our streets, we shake our heads and fear for our future and our succeeding generations. God wants to give us a new purpose in life to be a willing witness for him and to do our part to spread his Word.  When we press through our trials, we set an example for others to follow.

So, here’s to summer—warts and all.

 

“Summertime is the best of what might be.” Charles Bowden

A Messy May

 

May is usually my favorite month of the year. A coating of yellow pollen is no longer on the deck or my car. My eyes itch and burn less as spring gives way to summer. Mother’s Day can be a day of relaxation and reflection.  I remember May 12 as the anniversary of my liver transplant and am so grateful to be in good health most of the time. This year we were looking forward to a tour to Kentucky to see the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.

In early May, five days before our tour, we received word that Charles’ sister had died.  Expecting a quick funeral, we cancelled our trip. Then we learned that my sister, Audrey, had been placed on Hospice and Palliative Care. We needed to make plans to go see her.  Since the burial of Charles’ sister involved the national military cemetery, the funeral was postponed to the end of May. 

We will drive to Pensacola, stay at the Beach, and go to visit with Audrey. It will be hard to see how much she has declined in the past year.  Then we will head for Louisiana for Marion’s funeral and burial before we head home.

All the computer time involved in cancelling and changing reservations was quite involved. Somehow, we got it all done. This has turned out to be a messy May, but I am trying not to dwell on the negative. My daily prayer has one of gratitude for Audrey’s strong Christian faith. I know that she will be in the presence of Jesus for all eternity.

May that be true of each of us as our time on earth eventually comes to an end.

^“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Representation of Audrey and me growing up in Northern New York

Seasons of Life

 

Everyone talks about the weather. It’s spring and we are all ready for warmer temperatures. Somehow nature hasn’t gotten the message. During the past week, we enjoyed all four seasons in metro Atlanta—Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

We turned on the gas logs for several nights last week to chase away winter’s chill and almost freezing temperatures. By mid-week, we experienced the 80’s with more good days on the way.  Then it’s back to early fall and a late spring chill during the next weekend. Four seasons in one week gave me whiplash.

My spring-cleaning chore for the week was to clean out my closet. Darker winter clothes needed to be sorted, packed up, and moved to a different location. Brighter, cheerful colors needed to make an entrance. Then the dreaded task of trying on things to see if they still fit. It was a lesson in humility to put the ill-fitting stuff in the donation box to make room in the closet for a couple of new items in a larger size.

I finally settled on what to wear for a speaking engagement, my granddaughter’s graduation, and my grandson’s wedding. My plan was to be several pounds smaller by now, but my daily exercise has been put aside for more pressing activities. So tomorrow it’s back to lifts and crunches to whip myself back into shape.

 During my morning trip to the grocery store, I saw flowering trees and bushes that tell me that spring has arrived. All the goodies I bought for Easter will be eaten and enjoyed by others. I will stick to my low carb, low sugar diet.

That will not take away the promise of new life Jesus gives to those who put their faith and trust in Him. The promise of Easter is “WE WIN.” Jesus was resurrected and defeated death and the devil.

As much as I enjoy looking into my clean closet and choosing an outfit for the day, I need to investigate my heart and mind and determine to live for Jesus and put on the Christian virtues that I need to wear. Joy, peace, patience, and love are necessary to really embrace the spring.

 

The Heartbreak of Ukraine

 

Spring arrives this week with the promise of new life as the world awakes from its winter slumber. Tulips are popping up in my flower boxes on the deck.  Blooming trees, daylight savings time, and warmer days tells me that my favorite time of year is here. I agree that Christians can feel joy and sadness at the same time.

It’s hard to enjoy the beauty all around when the news is filled with death and destruction. Once again, an evil dictator has decided to go to war to seize land that doesn’t belong to him.  It’s heartbreaking to watch millions of refugees leaving everything behind to escape to another country.  

As the rockets and missiles destroy high rise residences, hospitals, and government buildings, the civilian fatalities rise. The good news is that the Russian military forces are floundering with tanks stuck in disrepair, and the Ukrainian soldiers are putting up a good fight. Ukrainian President Zelensky is setting an example of strength and courage in the midst of all the destruction.

Christians in Ukraine gather for prayer meetings, find food and supplies for their brothers and sisters, and show all of us how to serve under persecution. Under former Soviet rule, the church met underground and will do so again until they are free.

It is so frustrating to watch the United States play catch up in aiding Ukraine. Climate change is still the most important item on the President Biden’s agenda. Fixing our energy resources is not under consideration. In the meantime, we all pay higher prices for groceries, gas, and everything else. The people who can least afford it are bearing the burden as they live paycheck to paycheck.

Watching too much TV news is depressing. I try to remember that God is at work in the world and in governments. His will and way will overcome darkness and bring about his kingdom at the right time in human history. We all need to pray that He will come quickly to set everything right.

Love That's Lost

 

When someone you love predeceases you in death Valentine’s Day is tough to get through.  Love that’s lost whether it’s a spouse, special friend, or a grandson leaves a big hole in your heart.

Our grandson, Jesse Williams, died on February 5 at age 38. He is survived by his wife, Lacy, and four children. A very strong, healthy, military man, Covid claimed him in a matter of weeks. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone.

Valentine’s is the day to celebrate couples and others that we love.  Flowers, balloons, chocolates, and cards abound.  If you don’t have a sweetheart, you can feel alone. 

When I was single for ten years after my first husband died, I looked for ways to do something for someone else as Valentine Day approached. Sending cards or taking someone to lunch helped both of us.  Anticipating and planning ahead were an important part of my life. I didn’t want to feel miserable all day on the 14^th.

Lost love is not something we want to experience, but it is a part of our life, and it will happen at some point. With Jesse’s death, a part of our heart has been taken away.  He was a Christian with a faith in Jesus Christ that guarantees that we will see him again. Thank you, God, for providing that for us.

 “Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”

 Alfred Lord Tennyson

 

 

January Gems

 

 

In ancient Roman culture, Jānus was a god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting of the sun. His name comes from the Latin jānus, meaning “doorway, archway, arcade.” (Wikipedia)

January, the first month of the year, is a doorway—the beginning of a new year. I actually like the month even though it can be very cold and blustery. The holidays are over and once I get the house pulled back together and the Christmas decorations packed away, I’m ready for a fresh start.

With the year stretching before me, what will it bring?

Longer Days—The shortest day of the year is behind us, and daylight lengthens every day. Soon spring will arrive, and regeneration will begin.

Birthday—Another one is coming up in February. They come so much faster than they used to.

Taxes—We always start working on our taxes in January. We look forward to getting a refund this year.

New book—Charles and I co-authored his book, Chasing a Whirlwind.  It’s a good looking and good reading book. We are pleased with the response so far. You can find it on Amazon.com and AuthorHouse.com.

Vacation—We signed up for a bus trip through Kentucky in May to see the ARK and the creation museum among other sites.

Graduation—Our local granddaughter gets her diploma at the end of May. A good reason to celebrate.

Election Year—It can’t come soon enough. It’s time to bring back some sanity to national and local elections.  Find good candidates to support and work for their election.

Eating Right—I’m still struggling to eat a low-carb and low-calorie diet and find time to exercise. It has to become a priority.

Refining my to do list is a necessity in order to appreciate 2022. It’s easy to become bogged down in daily tasks. I pray for appreciation of each day and the time to do what is important. 

 “Faith is Taking the First Step Even When You Don't See the Whole Staircase”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Have a Merry Christmas

 

                                                                             

 

Christmas 2021

To all our family and friends scattered everywhere.  Here is my Christmas card to you and yours. 

It’s hard to believe this year is almost over and 2022 is right around the corner.  Our first year of official retirement sped by with more to do than we ever imagined. 

We spent late April visiting our sisters in Louisiana and Florida. On the way we picked up a stomach bug and had to lay low for a few days in a motel until we were no longer contagious.  That was fun!!!  Both Marion in Louisiana and Audrey in Florida are doing as well as they can with their advancing age and health issues.

In June we celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary in Branson, Missouri.  We enjoyed the shows and performances but were glad to get back home and off the interstates.

We devoted the remainder of the summer and fall to completing Charles’ book.  Chasing a Whirlwind is now available on AuthorHouse.com and Amazon.com in a hardback and softback version. We are impatiently waiting for our copies to arrive. A book launch is planned for early next year.

Covid found me in August, but I recovered quickly after receiving an infusion of Regeneron antibodies. Except for my sense of taste and smell, all is back to normal—with the exception of Diabetes Type 2. Since my diagnosis early in the year, I’ve followed a Keto low carb diet. Thanksgiving triggered a return to my old eating habits.  It’s time to get serious again to keep my blood sugar levels under control.

We pray this Christmas season finds you well and enjoying time with your family. Let’s remember the family of the first Christmas and the great gift God gave to all of us with the birth of Jesus.  Take time to celebrate his birthday by sharing his coming with those around you.

 Love from the Dixons

aka Two Late Bloomers

 

 

Chasing a Whirlwind

 

We are very thankful. The first mockup for Charles book has arrived. Yippee! Working with him on this book has been a five-year labor of love. A love that has been tested, but we have prevailed and are about to reap the reward. His phenomenal memory has recreated seventy-year-old stories of adventures and challenges that shaped his life.  I promise you will be blessed by his story.

Charles (Chuck) Dixon wrote “Chasing a Whirlwind” to share his adventures during his life and career in aviation. His life is a story of ambition and determination to reach goals that were often challenging and adventurous. God, family, country, and aviation were the driving factors in his life.

Charles, an aerodynamicist, almost lost his life due to rogue whirlwinds or vortices created by powerful military aircraft early in his career. Vortices are necessary for an airplane to fly, and as an aerodynamicist, he was determined to learn how to maximize their effectiveness.

During his years working at two major aircraft companies Charles’ revolutionary thinking created patents that enhanced his work for the rest of his career.  His sense of adventure gave him many opportunities to explore the great outdoors and kept him fit during his long life.

After an early retirement, and the death of his wife Mary, Charles won two proposals. First to the Air Force to pursue the creation of a specialty software that could predict stability and control effects of most types of aircraft. The second proposal was marriage to Frieda who would be his lifelong partner in his new business and the editor of his life story.

Sharing his faith in God with co-workers and others became a cornerstone of Charles’ life. His belief in the power of God to bring abundant life to everyone he met, inspired him to invite others to find God’s peace in this world.

Much help for this book was provided by his second wife, Frieda, and by the members of the Christian Authors Guild and Word Weavers International.

We hope you will plan to purchase the book when it is released.

“I believe that the memoir is the novel of the 21st century; it’s an amazing form that we haven’t even begun to tap…we’re just getting started figuring out what the rules are.” ~Susan Cheever

 

 

 

October Has It All

 

The tenth month of 2021 is packed with festivals, football, and food.  Take your pick along with tons of other things to do.

The cooler temperatures and shorter days of October provide many opportunities for fun. A big football weekend was celebrated in the Southeast with a surprising victory of Texas A&M over Alabama.  University of Georgia took first place in the conference.  Baseball is not about to be sidelined with the National League East playoffs in Atlanta.  Braves beat those Dodgers for your chance to win the World Series!

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map shows minimal leaf color in Georgia.  More colorful leaves will show up before Halloween.  We will enjoy leaf peeping and blowing them off our deck for the next two months. Drives through the North Georgia Mountains are a delight when we travel during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.

Apple and Pumpkin festivals abound in those mountain communities. The Georgia Apple Festival held in Ellijay, GA provides access to homemade crafts, great music, and delicious apples made into fritters, breads, and fried pies. The event can be a bit crowded, so plan for plenty of time to enjoy it all.

Acres of orange cover the ground at Burt’s Farm in Dawsonville, Ga. There is a pumpkin of every size to be picked and taken home to carve or prepare for a pie.  Hayrides are another popular activity at the farm. The smell of baked goods —pumpkin pie, bread, and rolls— draws you to their store where you can stock up on your favorites.

Many festivals were canceled last year due to Covid-19.  There is a pent-up enthusiasm by the planners and attendees for life to be more normal after a tough eighteen months.

The changing seasons makes me stop and reflect about the uncertainty of life and the certainty of God’s promises. As summer fades to fall and then into winter, we are reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Betwixt and Between

 

          

September is betwixt and between the hot days of summer and the cooler days of fall.  Change is definitely a hallmark of the month.  It’s been painful to recover from the botched Afghanistan exit and then remember the almost 3,000 people who died twenty years ago on September 11. We wished for the times when as Americans we were more united in purpose and politics wasn’t as poisonous as it is today.

The weather changed after Labor Day just like it did when I was a girl.  In upstate New York, going back to school the day after Labor Day meant fall and winter clothes.  It would always warm up for another week or so, but you knew that the short summer was over. Here is Georgia, the 90s of August are history and the much cooler nights and mid-80 days call for a lightweight sweater. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer as we head toward the first day of fall on September 22.

Charles and I are heading to the North Georgia mountains.  Both of us need to recover from sickness as well as the aches and pains of growing old.  Relaxation beside a lake will do both of us good and prepare us to come home to a busy fall.  It’s also time to stock up on the blueberry jam, apple pies, and breads at Panorama Apple Barn. We are headed back into birthday season for several family members, and the holidays will soon be here.

On Thursday, we returned from Hiawassee, GA where we enjoyed the 80-degree weather on beautiful Lake Chatuge.  We reserved a boat at the Ridges marina on Tuesday and were surprised to receive a major upgrade.  The crew gave us a beautiful twelve-person luxury boat to take out on the lake. Since it was past the busy season, there were few other renters. We floated and relaxed for two hours surrounded by mountain vistas and water as smooth as glass. A tinge of orange and red was visible in the trees and we could only anticipate the lake surrounded by color in another six weeks. 

Fall used to make me sad with remembrances of losses and difficult challenges. Instead, I have decided to embrace joy this year and be thankful for whatever comes my way.  I will do my best to place every day in God’s hands knowing that He is in charge and control of my life.

 

 

 

Covid/Chaos

 

Chaos is defined in the online dictionary as “complete disorder and confusion.”

That’s what it felt like when I was diagnosed with Covid.  I was a walking target. Since I couldn’t take the vaccine, I knew at some point I would get sick. My prayer was that I would not get so sick I had to be hospitalized.

On my fourth day of symptoms, I went to Acworth Health Park Urgent Care.  The wait time was listed at three hours since the waiting room was packed. After 3.5 hours, I was called back.

The nurses were very efficient, and the doctor immediately ordered a rapid response Covid test, a chest Xray, and an EKG.  With a positive Covid result, the doctor ordered fluids and talked to me about antibodies.  Regeneron Monoclonal antibodies were given via infusion. My fever spiked to 102 degrees, and then started to decline.  By mid-afternoon, I was able to be wheeled out to my car.  The hospital was avoided, and I was on my way to improvement. Thank God for therapeutics.

Charles and I were both placed under quarantine for the next two weeks. Charles took over cooking and dishwashing duty.  Not his area of expertise, but he has handled it without complaint. Friends and family have delivered food, and even though I can’t taste anything, it has been much appreciated.

Since I was stuck in my recliner, I turned on the TV.  My chaotic diagnosis paled in comparison to what I saw on the news. 

The turmoil in Afghanistan was hard to watch as thousands of people surged into the Kabul Airport trying to get on a flight out of the country.  The situation erupted overnight as the U.S. abandoned its promise to the Afghani people and the Taliban took control of the country.

All I could do was pray for the people caught up in the mess.  The President was AWOL and when he finally did speak, he made little sense. What had happened to the most powerful country in the world in just eight months of the Biden administration?

With a broken heart, I watched the tragedy unfold. America has never left its citizens behind and takes care of those who stand with us. The military will do its job of rescuing our people, but the Taliban won’t make it easy. What will be the reputation of the United States at the conclusion of this exit debacle?

?

I am healing and getting my strength back, but I don’t have that same confidence in the United States of America.

Freedom is not Free

 

The recent celebration of Independence Day on July 4^th in the US was protested and fraught with emotion.  Members of the far-left Socialist caucus let their feelings be known about how America isn’t free for the underprivileged minority. The term racist was hurled too often at our history and white citizens.
How fitting that a socialist country 90 miles to our south is fighting for its freedom.  Protestors have taken to the streets in numerous cities in Cuba to march against food shortages, inflation, and the failing medical system.  Many are pictured carrying the American stars and stripes.

The government forces are cracking down on the protestors, beating them, and arresting many. Cuban Communist President Miguel Diaz-Canel hosted an address on television to request government-supporting revolutionaries to counter the anti-government protestors. Social media and news websites have been shut down to quell the flow of information

Residents of South Florida are demonstrating in support of their Cuban brothers and sisters. The older Cuban generation who lived under the Castro regime are leading the way. Many are donating food and weapons and urging people to take boats to Cuba to show their support.  The US State Department and other government officials have taken a passive approach to the uprising in Cuba after the Cuban government accused the US of funding the demonstrations.

Second generation Cubans have adapted to the more liberal culture of America and are less inclined to want to interfere. Older Floridians want the US government to intervene in Cuba to stop the bloodshed and to restore freedom of assembly.

 I remember well the 1959 uprising in Cuba that swept aside the dictatorial Batista regime and put Fidel Castro into power. The failed Bay of Pigs invasion followed by the Cuban Missile Crisis dominated the news headlines of the early 1960s.

The Cuban people deserve their freedom from the Communist regime. I pray that before many more years go by, that will be a reality.  I also pray that the citizens of the US will not allow our freedoms to be taken over by socialism, critical race theory, an out-of-control border, massive debt, and inflation. 

Our founding ancestors had to fight long and hard to win the right to independence from Great Britain. Freedom is not free or cheap. May we as Americans continue to symbolize freedom for the rest of the world, to our children, and grandchildren.

A Silver Lining

 

“Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.”

Maurice Setter

 

We knew better than to look for gold when it came to our wedding anniversary.  That would be 50 years of marriage in 2046. By then we will be walking on heavenly streets of gold.  Instead, we decided to celebrate our silver 25^th in a big way. 

Before Covid 19 hit, we put a deposit down on a river cruise with American Cruise Lines. We would follow the steps of the Louis & Clark expedition. The closer it got to paying for the remainder of the trip, the more we hesitated. Ships were requiring masks and vaccines for passengers and heading to the Northwest with all the rioting in Portland, Oregon did not sound appealing. 

 A week in Branson, Missouri sounded like a good alternative. Lots of shows and other activities awaited our arrival. One had to be determined to drive over 800 miles to Branson. We thought Atlanta traffic was bad until we encountered Chattanooga and Nashville, TN. Road work, closed bridges, and backed up traffic tested our patience. 

We finally made it to Paducah, KY to spend the night. We stayed at a Holiday Inn on the bank of the Ohio River—an important stop for Louis & Clark, too. We were surprised to touch a bit of their famous expedition in Kentucky. Reaching the last interstate, we drove through beautiful rural countryside until we got to Branson the next evening. I am incredibly grateful for a good car navigation system and for a man who knows how to use it. 

Our quaint Branson hotel—built in 1903— provided us with a small room and bath. The hotel’s big stone front porch was delightful and a good place to escape. Ordering show tickets ahead of time cost us more than buying them there, but we had tickets to some sold-out events. 

We enjoyed Dolly Parton’s Stampede with dinner and the performance on the Branson Showboat during a cruise on the lake.  I absolutely had to see “Back to the Bee Gees” that featured three 2021 performers singing all their famous songs. It was a great show all around. The highlight of the week was the multi-faceted presentation of the life of Jesus at the Sight & Sound Theater. The Gospels came to life on the 300’ stage and screen. What a beautiful and soul stirring production to finish out our week. 

After a delicious farewell breakfast at Steamy Joe’s Cafe, we drove round and round through the Ozark Mountains heading for Memphis, TN. We passed through Hardy, AK where Charles had spent time as a teenager.  According to him, the town had not aged well, but our visit brought back many nostalgic memories. 

We spent one more night on the road in Memphis, before hitting Interstate 22 into Alabama and I-20 home to Georgia.  Our Silver Anniversary trip left us with lots of memories. We visited pieces of eight states, but sure were glad to get back home to our piece of heaven. Even though our trip to the Northwest was put on hold for another year, we found our silver lining in Branson.