Recent photos

I thought it was about time I put some pictures on the blogspot. This was at a bride's brunch in Washington, DC. I was with my sisters and my daughter-in-law. The bride isn't in the picture. She is a totally sweet young woman who just married my brother's son.

While in Washington, I got to see some people I haven't seen in quite awhile. Next to my son James (on the left) with his wife Susanne are Rebecca and Mike Zimmer. Mike was James's best friend through high school, as well as being one of my seminary students. Even though their lives have taken them in different directions, I am glad they have stayed in contact. Mike's mother, Eileene is a good friend of mine with whom I have stayed in contact. I was delighted to spend a few hours visiting with her (as well as Barb Kone) but, unfortunately, didn't get any pictures.

Happy time!

Pictures from my nephews wedding in Washington, DC. At top is my sister-in-law dancing with her son after the ceremony. Next is a picture of me with my son's family during the appetizers and cocktails. The bottom photo is waiting for the ceremony to begin. I wish I had some pictures of my sisters and me (and James and Susanne) dancing during the reception but I was too busy having fun dancing to stop and get my camera!

George Washington

Did you know that George Washington has no descendants? He married a widow with 2 kids but never had any children of his own. He was a humble man who always identified himself as a "farmer". I recently visited Mount Vernon and was quite surprised at the things I did NOT know about the first president of the United States. He was supportive of educating Negroes and often purchased things from his own slaves that they were able to hunt or produce themselves. He wanted to free all of his slaves and, as a provision of his will, he did so. I already knew that there were some people, having come from Europe where royalty were the rulers of nations, who wanted him to be a "king" but he declined. At one time he went 6 years without being able to go home to Mount Vernon. He was a successful military leader but not bloodthirsty or vengeful. There have been some truly admirable men who have served as President of the United States. I think a man's character is a part of how effective he is as a leader. I have heard people comment (specifically about Clinton) that what is done in one's personal life is a separate issue from how good a leader they are. I totally disagree. I have a very hard time respecting anyone, even if I respect the position or title, who is not worthy of my respect as an individual. You can't compartmentalize aspects of a person. I think each human is the sum of all his/her parts, good and bad. It is preferable that the good outweighs the bad but sometimes it doesn't. We all have faults but I respect those who are humble enough to admit their faults, sincere enough to work at overcoming them rather than rationalizing them, and courageous enough to continue working past mistakes including making a greater effort. I am more inclined to choose a political leader on the basis of character than on their promises, rhetoric, or views on issues. I fervently pray that in this years elections the citizens of the United States will look beyond their greed or self-interest and vote for candidates who will be exemplary and desire what is best for our nation.

What I like about Sun City

     The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It's not just an old saying. It's a truism. Somehow we more easily see the advantages of places we are not currently in, whether a place we have never been or a place we used to be. On arrival at a new place, I notice things that are unfamiliar- different from what I am used to. In an effort to seek comfort, I make an effort to find things I like, things pleasant to me. After the novelty of the "fun" features here in Sun City has worn off (nearly 2 years later), I find myself weighed down by missing things: family members (Mom doesn't really count because she's not herself), green plants and trees and grass (they only exist here through great effort), cooler temperatures (I don't want to live where it is below zero on a regular basis but temperatures ranging over 100 Farenheit in the shade is just not livable for me), and youth (school kids and activities and babies). So, in an effort to pull the pedulum back toward center, I want to focus on things I appreciate about Sun City.
     *Lack of outlandish styles: immodest clothing, wild hairstyles, stupid shoes, multiple piercings in strange places, tattoos- I can't believe how many people have gone to the trouble to graffiti their bodies thinking it somehow improves their appearance. To me, they look like they need a bath. Any time I travel, I am startled by so many strange looking people. Here in Sun City, they are rare.
     *Financial conservatism: The citizens of Sun City have lived through several wars and the Great Depression. They understand real work ethics- you get a dollar for a dollar's labor not just because you think someone else has more than you do so they should be willing to share. They understand that you can't spend money on a house(or car or wardrobe) bigger/fancier than you need or more gadgets than you have time to play with, then turn around and cry for sympathy when you can't pay your mortgage/credit card balance/ car payment. They understand that you don't order food at a restaurant then throw lots of it away because you decide you don't like it or don't want to eat so much. Doggy bags are okay. In fact, due to generally smaller appetites, many senior citizens plan on taking home leftovers. They understand that real food, natural food, is rarely perfect. You can cut bruises out of apples and eat the rest. You can actually buy a carrot the way it comes out of the ground, peel it, and cut it up to eat. (That's not to say there is anything wrong with the convenience of mini-carrots. They have certainly improved the diets of many children who would otherwise live on french fries and chicken nuggets.)
     *Modest cost of living: I know the property taxes here in Sun City are low because there are no schools due to the requirement to be over 55 to live here. Other than that, the gas, food, and general utility costs are really reasonable. There are lots of activities available for free or low cost. It's just not an expensive place to live. I like that.
     *Patriotism: This could also be a result of having lived through wars and seeing too many potential opportunities for the loss of freedom or seeing the results of bad governments and corrupt financial structures in other countries. Most senior citizens are proud of what is symbolized by "Old Glory" and don't hesitate to stand and salute the flag or recite the pledge of allegiance or sing the National Anthem. The Statue of Liberty still brings a tear to their eyes. This is a big country and an amazing conglomeration of all kinds of different people. Each citizen could come up with a list to gripe about things they would like to see changed. But we are free to do that. Most people would probably be able to tell what things they wish they could have or do or places they would like to go. First of all, there are thousands, if not millions, of people in the world who don't even know of the possibilities we see or hear about much less ever have a hope of experiencing any of it. If they are aware, few could entertain the dream of having or going or doing any of them in their lifetime. I appreciate the freedom and prosperity of this country, despite its "imperfections" and I really appreciate anyone else who can recognize and appreciate it, too.
     *Wisdom: If you look past the frail, aged bodies or even the dementia and Alzheimers, and make the effort to get to know these older folks, their experiences can be amazing. They may look a little confused when you talk about "googling" for information but they might already know what it is you are researching. If they lack the techno-savvy or up-to-date factoids, they excel in how to live, relate to others, courage, and knowing how to deal with pain and sorrow. I can't mention a grief here without a sympathetic response from at least one person who has "been there, done that."
     Russ and I keep talking about looking forward to leaving here, but, truth be told, we can't be too anxious because we don't know exactly where we would be in a hurry to go. "We'll go where you want us to go, dear Lord, and do what you want us to do"..... wherever and whatever that might be.