Tuesday This and That

Mother Nature doesn't pick sides, nor does she offer choices.  

She just dishes out whatever's on her menu for the day.  

And, nobody gets to substitute. 

By golly, she gave us a spectacular visual treat with last night's  which probably had the same awestruck impact on an audience of humans, representing every ilk of life. 

That conclusions was evident from all the amazing photos posted on Facebook.  I snapped my four after opening the curtains to the sliding glass door.  

On these hot days, those curtains go shut around 2 each afternoon, as do the blinds on the kitchen garden window. 

So, of course, when I pulled them open around 8 p.m., my eyes opened wide and jaw dropped in amazement at the spectacular scene in the western sky.

Thanks, Mother Nature.  

We don't always like what you dish out, but last night's sunset show was awesome.

Tonight we're hosting a late, mini graduation party for the triplets plus one who are named in the photo above, which was taken last September. 

They graduated from Coeur d'Alene Charter School a while back, and we tried to have this party around that time. 

Since it had to be outside and follow social distancing guidelines, we had to cancel a couple of times because of cold, wet weather. 

Tonight it will be warm, but it's also the last option since tomorrow they'll begin their college years at the University of Idaho. 

The years have passed by quickly, it seems. 

Poof, and those adorable little darlings are all grown up. 

We love them all and wish them the best as they start this new adventure in their lives. 

Should be a fun time celebrating them tonight. 

~~~~~

from my older brother . . . .

Mike Brown

6h ·

I listened to John Kasich and Michelle Obama's speeches tonight. I was struck by the observation that, while this is the Democratic National Convention, their talks were devoid of partisanship. 

They talked about America and what's going on in America. They weren't hammering on ideology or philosophy. They were talking about things like human decency and respect. Those aren't partisan topics.

Yes, they draw a clear distinction between those who value such things as decency and respect and Donald Trump. I've been saying for months that this election needs to be about decency. 

Both speakers emphasized that word in their speeches. We have a contest between respect for decency and contempt for decency. We need to rid ourselves of the contempt.

I second my brother's words.  The other day I posted a comment on Facebook, noting that I'd voted about half and half for the two political parties in Presidential elections over my lifetime.

Unlike many diehard party liners, political affiliation of a Presidential candidates has meant little to me in comparison to how each person functions as a leader and as an inspiration for future generations. 

Call me old fashioned, but decency, integrity, maturity, consistency and serving as the best positive role model possible supersede all other qualifications that I seek when voting for a President.   

As a forever educator, I often think first of young people when making my choices.  After all, these leaders' examples set the tone for are everyone's future. 

Political trends and all their sometimes bizarre accessories come and go, but, in my mind, a few constants and long-treasured principles should guide our final decisions on who will lead us forward. 

So, thanks, Mike, for once more eloquently expressing what's in so many American hearts as we wade through the "noise" and look toward making wise choices in the 2020 Presidential election.

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Another hot day ahead.  Stay cool.

Happy Tuesday.