Diane Harris (Moore)

 Yes, Connie! I have had my ears "candled"! When we went to Japan. One of the weird things we did over there, but it was a fun experience. I still couldn't understand Japanese though.

Gary, after emailing you back and forth about not being able to access this website for a few days, I finally figured it out. I still can't just click on my old link like I used to, but I'm up and running again.

Dick's mama came Tues. and will be with us for 2 weeks. She is a pleasure to have, and I am trying to have an outing with her every day, even if it's just to the grocery store. Yesterday I took her to the library--Whoop, whoop!! 

Don't have time to write much, and didn't get to read the last few entries, 'cause I have to run. However, I will leave you with a guessing game. One of our members of the class of '68 just returned from 10 days in France, touring Paris and the southern part of that country. Won't say who, that's her business, but she is a cutie pie (well, that could be soooo many of us). She acted as a chaperone for a granddaughter's school trip, but I'm thinking she could have gotten a little crazy over there in wine country. Hmmm, who could it be? 

Jimmy Willis

I guess your ears have been burning!!! right?! Or maybe your using your

ears to see?

Oh! This heat is getting to me!

Later

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all!  Diane, so happy you were able to resolve your access issue.  With the site being down for a day and then me having some issues with access, I was afraid they had some real software problems.  Looks like things are back to normal. HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY to Dennis.  Hope you had a good and blessed day of celebration.  Connie, I know what you are talking about with the doctor appointments.  I had my THIRD dentist appointment yesterday clearing up an abcessed tooth that started in February.  Today I finish up my THIRD round of antibiotics for a sinus infection that just won't go away.  Probably connected to the tooth issue.  Also today I make my periodic treck to Gainesville for infusion and rheumatology appointment. Maybe I'll try that candle thing.  Never tried sticking a burning candle in my ear - while I was sober.  Do you put the candle in your ear before or after the lamp shade gones on your head?  How do people come up with this stuff?!?  But hey, if it works - give it a go!  Many moons ago it was "fun" to take turns bliindfolding one another and then dripping hot wax on the unsuspecting torturee.  Kids today don't know what they are missing.  You'll never get that thrill out of a video game!!!  Diane, I know what you mean about having company.  You love to have them but you feel like you have to keep them occupied.  We had our oldest grandson from Sunday to yesterday and will have our oldest granddaughter from yesterday to Sunday.  At least with an older guest you get to move a little slower.  Have you tried to keep up with a hyperactive 8 year old!!  Sherron gets a SPA day next week - or maybe I'll just buy her a couple of candles to match her pretty red dress.  Hope everyone is having a very BLESSED week.  Later.

Donald Chandler

DON'S CELEBRITY BARBER ADVENTURES             Episode 2 in a Continuing Saga

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and Happy Monday.  Well, short workday for me today.  My trip to Gainesville for an infusion on Thursday proved to be unfruitful.  The doctor was afraid the medicine I was to be administered would set me back, just getting over a sinus infection and a abcessed tooth.  So back to Gainesville I go today - hopefully for a more successful outcome.  Don, you should write a book, "Close Encounters of a Celebrity Kind".  Not only do you tend to run into a lot of them but you have a knack for spinning a yarn.  I'll buy a copy!  My encounters have been much fewer and not having the ability to remember names, I wouldn't know if I did.  Let me give you and example that would be far more interesting if I could remember the guys name or if he had gone on to greater fame.  We were operating out of Newport, RI supporting the Department Head Training School.  Which means we took students out to sea for the day so they could observe our operations.  I had been assigned the collateral duty of Public Information Officer so I seemed to be the logical choice for this young sailor to approach with his secret.  He was know as Pee Wee (I told you I wasn't good with names) because he was much smaller in stature than all of his peers.  Pee Wee stood out not only because of his size but because he would frequently turn hand springs down the pier.  He informed me that prior to joining the Navy he had been a child actor and a movie he had played a key role in was to be televised that evening.  He said if the local press was interesed in interviewing him, he would be receptive.  I contacted the local newspaper but couldn't create any interest.  That evening we watched, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" staring Alan Arkin and "Pee Wee".  He was selected for the part of a little boy in the home where Alan Arkin was staying because of his small stature.  He played a child much younger than his years.  I often wonder what happened to Pee Wee and so many of the other interesting personalities I crossed paths with while in the Navy.  Well, before a serious case of melancholy sets in I'll segway into todays funny.  Thinking of days gone by, we are probably the last generation that has any idea what an outhouse was or had the pleasure of utilizing such a facility.  Unless you have done so, today's funny will be meaningless.  So if you remember the little brown shack out back ....... enjoy.  Hope everyone will have a VERY BLESSED week.  Later.

Ma came in the house and yelled, "Pa! You need to go out and fix the outhouse."

He says, "There ain't nothin' wrong with the outhouse."

Ma yells back, "Yes there is! Now get out there and fix it!"

So Pa moseys out to the outhouse, looks around, and yells back, "Ma! There ain't nothin' wrong with the outhouse!"

She replied, "Stick yer head in the hole."

To which Pa responded, "I ain't stickin' my head in the hole."

But she insists: "You gotta stick yer head in the hole to see what's wrong."

So now, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around, and yells to Ma, "There ain't nothin' wrong with this outhouse, I tell ya."

"Now," she yells back, "take yer head outta the hole!"

Pat proceeds to back out of the hole, but then starts yellin', "Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!"

To which Ma replies, "Hurts, don't it?"    

Donald Chandler

Gary… was Pee Wee’s last name “Herman”?  :-)    Seriously, I hope you have that sinus infection behind you and have a successful fusion treatment today.  I was in to see my Dermatologist last week for a regular checkup and she "zapped" three tiny spots on my right hand to prevent them from developing into something worse down the road.  I guess we aren't getting any younger.

And Connie… I tried one of those “ear candling” things once (I tend to have a lot of wax in my ears) and it just didn’t do very much for me.  But I sure could use a MASSAGE today… I worked in the yard all day Saturday, mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, cleaning out my gutters, cleaning off the roof and the driveway, etc.  I was a bit sore Sunday morning going to church.

Say Diane… I’ll bite… who was the class “cutie pie” who went to France?  BTW, Diane, I know that you and Dick are enjoying the visit from his Mom.  So, how did she get the name “Tweet”?

Hey Jim... what's happening down there in the Briar Patch?  Are you watching any Braves Baseball?

Gary… it’s interesting you should come up with an “outhouse” joke today.  Just yesterday I talked on the phone with my Aunt Ruth, my lone surviving aunt, my Dad’s youngest sister… and what follows is a true story.   First let me say that I was asking her about my first cousin, her oldest son, age 54, a smoker who has just undergone surgery for mouth and throat cancer and had part of his tongue removed (your prayers would be appreciated).  Anyway, my aunt and I began reminiscing about my Granddaddy and Grandma (Aunt Ruth’s parents)… Granddaddy smoked cigars and Grandma dipped snuff (nasty!)…. and Aunt Ruth started smoking when she was a very young girl, keeping it secret.   My grandparents had a small farm in Oglethorpe County and I remember it well.  We visited them every year back in the 50’s when we were growing up in South Georgia.  And my grandparents had an OUTHOUSE on their farm… down the path behind the farmhouse, and I remember it too.  My Aunt was telling me that she would sneak out of the house once and in while to smoke, and one day she went to the outhouse to hide and light one up.  In a few minutes she could see through a crack in the outhouse door that Grandma was coming down the path.  My Aunt hurriedly put out the cigarette (she thought) and stuck the butt (pun intended) in a bag of paper trash (no corncobs).  You guessed it… the cigarette was NOT completely out and, yes... the outhouse caught on fire!!!  ROFL!  Can you say, “SH-- FIRE!”  Anyway, my Aunt did quit smoking as a result of this incident, and all things work together for good.  And Aunt Ruth and I had a good laugh about it all.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Liz’s birthday, and we plan to go to Downtown Atlanta to the Georgia Aquarium for the day and then go out to dinner tomorrow night here in Marietta. Most of you have probably been to the Georgia Aquarium, but we have not.  And it’s interesting… we’ve visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, the Dallas Aquarium in Texas, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, the Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, and Sea World in Florida…. but NOT the Georgia Aquarium here in our own backyard.  Should be fun!

By the way... HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JANIE tomorrow too.  I don't see her name on the forum birthday calendar but I seem to remember that she and Liz had the same birthday, the 28th.  Hope you are doing well, Janie.  Let us hear from you sometimes.

Have a great week mates…   GO BRAVES!     

Diane Harris (Moore)

 Hey! Got a couple of minutes before Tweet comes down for breakfast, so I'll stop by for a sec. 

Sure hope all of you are OK, and any ailments, treatments, etc. are over and you're feeling fine as frog's hair. (Something my daddy always said when asked "how you doing, Charles?")

All's well here. I almost hate to tell you this, knowing how hot it is there, but it's beautiful here! A high of about 80 today, and it's been that way for a while now. S'pose to get hot for the 4th, but we sure are enjoying it for now. Had rain also, so things are green. I'll brag now, because there's nothing to brag on in Feb. when y'all have daffodils starting to bloom in sweet Georgia.

Dick's away for a couple of nights, so Tweet and I are on our own, and having our senior citizen version of "girls gone wild". We're off today to Springfield to tour a Frank Lloyd Wright home. This will be one of our "cultural events". After watching "The King's Speech" last night, and after we take this tour, we should feel very snooty. Until, that is, we get back home and I bring out the chitlin's for supper. Yum! 

Don, FYI, she got dubbed "Tweet" as a baby, when a little cousin tried to call her "sweet", but it kept coming out "tweet". Why some things stick like that, I don't know, but somehow it has suited her all these years, and hardly anyone even knows her real name of Sarah Elizabeth. Fortunately the names my older siblings probably called me didn't stick. I am glad I am not known as "Stinky" or "Brat".

Better go. Happy Birthday, Janie!! We love you!

If I don't get back here before the 4th, y'all have a wonderful, safe, blessed, and very independent holiday!

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all and a cheerful good Thursday!  Its a beautiful day here in the classic city.  Got the temporary crown on my stupid tooth this morning and feel like I gave birth - through my mouth!  It's the one that would be next to a wisdom tooth, if I still had it, so it must be the stupid tooth.  I have a great (and attractive) dentist so I don't mind going, but Lord, how many "instruments" does she need to do a little drilling!  Felt like the entilre Atlanta Symphony in there!  And then the check-out - "Your portion of the $1000+ bill today will be $537."  SAY WHAT!!!!!  Should have had the thing pulled.  Anywho, feelin' good now.  Had a successful infusion on Monday, get to start a new drug - as soon as I can find a supplier, had x-rays of my back and neck and now get to have an MRI.  Okay Grice, shut up!  Remember when you used to complain about all of the old folks talking about their ailments?!?!  Well now you are one!!!  Don, I hope you and Liz had a great day celebrating her birthday.  I haven't been to the Georgia Aquarium yet either but I have it on my bucket list as soon as I retire.  Good story about buring down the out house.  From some of the yarns from my family, that must have been a fairly common occurance.  I guess they did contain a bit of "kindlin'" and a conducive smoking environment.  Diane, I am envious of your good weather.  How about sending some of it our way - like you did the SNOW a few months back!  Glad you are having a good time with your Mother-in-law.  I hope everyone is having a VERY BLESSED week.  Later. 

Gary Grice

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & GOD BLESS THE USA!

Gary Grice

Written By Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. “To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. 

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone…
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about..
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion, today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift."

Later.

Connie Morgan (White)

Happy Friday!!!        How was everyone's 4th.?   

Diane, it sounds like y'all and Ms. Tweet had a fun visit.  From her picture, she sure looks much the same as I remember her from years ago.

I sure hope everyone is doing well!   Have a good w/e.

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations for any and all that may drop by.  I  trust all is going well for everyone.  I had a WONDERFUL weekend!  Made a sojurn to Tazwell, TN where I purchase my niece's Mini Cooper Convertible.  Took the long way home yesterday - yes, with the top down all the way.  Traffic was slow and heavy through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg but thoroughly delightful otherwise.  A trip through the mountains is a great way to recharge the spirit.  Well, its Monday so I guess I should look like I'm doing some work.  Hope everyone will have a very blessed week.  On a personal note -

Later.

Diane Harris (Moore)

 I am once more behind the curve on knowing what's going on with everybody.

Hope the jury duty is over, Don. I know you will report to us with any late breaking news.

Gary, I think Mini-Coopers are so cute! Lucky you! And I also love those drives over the mountains. Who doesn't? When we go home to Georgia, and if time and weather allow, we go over the Parkway between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. If not, we take the faster way. One time I left my brother's house in Dillard about 6 AM to drive back to OH, and had the parkway practically to myself. I saw a flock of wild turkeys strolling along the side of the road, and thought how lucky they were to live amid such beauty. Of course I was still glad I wasn't one of them.

Must run, and get a million things done today. OK, they may be an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

Pant, pant. It's hot.

Diane Harris (Moore)

 My facebook page had a reminder that today is Inez's birthday, so I couldn't help but stop to think of her. We have all fallen back into our routines, and I know that I have started complaining again about the heat, my wrinkles, other people, and all kinds of things that don't really matter too much when you put them into perspective. Thinking of Inez not only helps me remember what a sweet, good person she was, but it also helps me think twice before I take my daily routine for granted.

Pee Wee, we know where your heart will be today also. Here's to living our best life, whether it includes exciting adventures or just the simple joy of being with those we love. 

Hope everyone has a real good day that is filled with gratitude.

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all!  Diane you have a way with refreshing a memory.  I didn't realize it was Inez's birthday but was scrolling through our In Memory page yesterday and thinking about each of our class mates.  So many that are only with us in memory.  The classes of 1969 and 1970 also have web sites through this provider and I did the same with their entries.  The memory of each makes me cherish every day, every moment even more.  I guess that's why my commute this morning was even more pleasurable.  I took the long way to work and just enjoyed the cool, overcast morning.  I truly am blessed beyond measure.  Things are slow around here - summer duldrums I guess.  Maybe the following quote will speak to someone who passes this way.  May you each have a very blessed week!  Later.

Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age.

–Booth Tarkington

Donald Chandler

My laptop died last week (motherboard) :-(   May it rest in peace.  Can you say, "new laptop"!

Liz and I had a great time at the Georgia Aquarium for her birthday.  I pushed her around in a wheelchair the entire day to keep her from having to stand/walk for hours on her new knee.

4th of July... we went to an antique mall and bought stuff we don't need, then splurged for dinner at the Dairy Queen, then went to the "Picture Show" to see a good movie... "Water for Elephants".

My Braves are off this week for the All-Star Break.  I don't think any of you are really interested anyway.  GO BRAVES.

Our government is so bad that we can't even find a competent Federal Prosecutor to make the case for perjury against an arrogant, dishonest baseball player (Roger Clemens) for lying to CONGRESS no less. I wonder how many millions we taxpayers had to fork over for this joke of a "Mistrial."  First, a Barry Bonds Perjury Mistrial and now this.  I think "the fix was in".  These government "attorneys" must have graduated from the Dewey Cheatam & Howe School of Law.

And speaking of spending money we don't have, Comrade Obama says this National Debt Crisis could be the "end of his Presidency".  And that would be a BAD thing?

Do any of you believe that Casey Anthony will have even one day of real PEACE the rest of her natural life?

Inez... I know you're having the best birthday ever... in Paradise.  You made me smile, and I do miss you.  And, Pee Wee... I'm thinking of you today as well.

Gary... I can just see you in that Mini-Cooper with the top down and your hair blowing in the wind.  On second thought... scratch the "hair blowing in the wind" part.  :-)

Enjoy the rest of your week mates.  I've thrown enough stuff against the wall for now. 

Reporting live from Marietta (with no late breaking news, Diane)... this is Don.

Gary Grice

I was just reviewing the local obits and see that Pam's nephew passed away.  My condolences to you and your family. 

Gary Grice

So the Braves take a break and Don changes professions - comedian!  My hair (singular) does blow in the wind!  Except when I wear a hat to keep my ample forehead from getting burned.  Don't want to be mistaken for an emergency response vehicle!  You know God only made so many perfect heads.  He covered his mistakes with HAIR!  Later.

Connie Morgan (White)

Hello to all:

I so enjoyed hearing from Gary, Don and Diane this morning ---  and I echo so many of the sentiments voiced.

Everyone have a good week-end.   You are thought of often and fondly.

Diane Harris (Moore)

 Well, I regret to report that our neck of Ohio is included in the massive heatwave that has settled over a big part of the nation. It's steamy and hot, and if I close my eyes I can almost believe I'm down in Enterprise, wishing Daddy could close the store and take me and my cousin Wayne down to Stratton's Bridge for a swim in the creek. I am sure we must have shared that swimming hole with water moccasins and no telling what other creatures, but it sure felt good at the time.

I shall report this next news in the manner that my mama (ace community reporter from Enterprise) would have done so in the Oglethorpe Echo's dots.

"Nancy Griffiths, the former Nancy Tucker, of Winterville, was a houseguest of Dick and Diane Moore from last Wed. until Sunday morning. While visiting, Diane and Nancy enjoyed a trip to Amish country while Dick remained home. A good time was had by all."

Seriously, I loved having my old friend visit. She is as kind and sweet as we all recall, and my only regret is that she could not have crammed a bunch of you in the car so you could have joined us. Maybe next time! It was a somewhat spontaneous adventure. Can you believe how wonderfully trusting I am to have one of Dick's old girl friend's come visit? I am sooooo nice. However, Nancy was locked in her room each night just in case, and a bell was tied to our bedroom doorknob.

If ANY OF YOU are in our area, look us up. Nancy will tell you how casual we are. She even caught us having the house worked on with piles of debris and painters here. Some of those painters even wore their pants like plumbers, if you know what I mean. I could hardly drag her away from here to go to Amish country!

Take care one and all. Remain calm, collected, and as cool as possible.

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations one and all who may pass this way.  Pretty quiet here in the Classic City.  I'm sure you have all seen the news story of the mother of three found dead in Gwinnett County.  We are friends with her mother and she is having a very hard time accepting this loss.  The circumstances and an evasive spouse only serve to compound the pain.  If you felt lead to, I'm sure Harriett and JR (mom and dad) would appreciate your prayers.  Diane, great reporting.  Sounds like you and Nancy had a wonderful time.  Not that her perspectice would not be the same, but I wish you could get her to drop by the forum and share with us her side of the story - and how she's liking retirement.  Dick, sounds like a bunch of us guys need to come and take you to a ballgame or something - AND LEAVE DIANE AT HOME!  Poor (not per gov. definition) guy never gets to go anywhere.  Well since its quiet around here, I guess I can go on a political rant.  I'm sure many of you have already heard of this study - Poverty in the USA -  and this is why we need to redistribute the wealth.  I think what is most revealing in this study is that poverty is a state of mind, not possessions.  Another revelation is that Democrats and Republicans agree (about 80% each) that the government's definition of poor is deceiving.  Duh!  That further confirms that the remaining 20% of the population is moronic .... and they are allowed to vote!  And there is a plan to manipulate that 20% to win elections.  Well, enough good cheer shared for today.  I'll climb back in my hole and while away the remaining hours of the day.  I hope you each are having a very blessed week.  Later.

Donald Chandler

Well, mates...

I'm in mourning today.  Borders Book Stores are closing.  Wherever I have lived in Metro Atlanta, I've always had a good bookstore closeby.  Here in East Cobb it is the Borders Books just down the street from us at the Avenue East Cobb.  I would always find myself there two or three times a week.  But it will be gone in a few weeks and I will be VERY SAD.  Years ago there were lots of good independent  "Mom & Pop" bookstores and newstands around (is Barnett's Newstand still there in Athens?)  Then the national chains ran them out of business, And now the national chains are going out of business.  I believe I heard them say that Barnes and Noble will be the only national chain surviving, and I will have to drive a few miles to find one.  I guess Amazon and other online sites have helped to bring this on, along with our government's anti-business policies and regulations (thank you Komrade Obama).  Anyway, I'm not a big online shopper and I still like to go to the stores and see the books and magazines on the shelves and feel them in my hand.  I guess I'm just too old fashioned.  RIP Borders. 

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations to all.  May I offer my condolences to you Don.  I have never been a big buyer of books except when I joined one of those book clubs to impress a young lady.  I did get hooked on Mafia/mob books out of that experience and became a walking Mafia-opedia for a while.  Alas, all of that useful knowledge has long since been erased from my memory banks.  Looks like another hot one in the Classic City with a fair chance of a thunderstorm.  I was going to cut grass last evening but decided not the best idea when it was raining cats and dogs.  Maybe this evening.  Well today I will share a little wisdom and a thoughtful story which will require you to provide the punchline.  I hope everyone is having a VERY BLESSED week.  Later.

I went to the Patent Office trying to register some of my inventions. I went to the main desk to sign in and the lady at the desk had a form that had to be filled out. She wrote down my personal info and then asked me what I had invented.

I said, "A folding bottle."

She said, "Okay. What do you call it?"

"A Fottle."

"What else do you have?"

"A folding carton."

"What do you call it?"

"A Farton."

She sniggered and said, "Those are silly names for products and one of them sounds kind of crude."

I was so upset by her comment that I grabbed the form and left the office without even telling her about my folding bucket.

Gary Grice

Greetings and salutations to all you terrorists.  I trust you have had a great week plotting the overthrow of our government.  I can hear you all paraphrasing Gary Coleman - "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"  Well it seems the Department of Homeland Security has determined the REAL terrorist threat to the United States to be White Middle-Class Americans.   Here's the story - DHS Video Characterizes White Americans as Most Likely Terrorists.  Another idiot in charge!  Looks like another HOT one today!  Diane, how about sending some of that cool northern weather our way?  Oops, I see you don't have any either!  Maybe good ol' Al Gore is right.  Well on a happier note, the government is bankrupt - no SS, no military retirement, no federal salaries - WAIT I haven't heard that one!  Have you noticed that NO politician is worried about getting paid!!!!  Why is that?  Just another day in the Classic City!  I hope you ALL have a most BLESSED weekend.  Later.

Diane Harris (Moore)

 A hot hello to everybody!

Yes, Gary, we have not escaped the heat this time. Heat index is between 105 and 110, and having just come in from outside, I believe it. I don't know what it is, but the heat seems to be making me sleepy. I just keep wishing I could take a 15 minute nap, but I can't. Maybe this will wake me up.

Wednesday night our neighbors, who live directly across the street from us, lost their home in a fire. The cause is not yet certain, but it seems to be related to the lawnmower that he had just finished using. The fire investigator is over there now, and has been for hours, doing the routine detective work. It was sad, and very alarming for all the neighborhood. Seven departments responded, and our front yard became Action Central, as people came pouring over to observe, and see how they could help. We were fetching ice, water, lawn chairs, and whatever we could think of to help our friends and the firemen, who were under much stress due to the heat. We went to bed that night at almost 3 AM. I have a renewed appreciation for firefighters after seeing all they did. Our friends will eventually be fine, but these first few days are just killers. Everyone has offered all kinds of support, and I expect them over here again soon to pick up some clothing someone brought over for them. Besides their house and all in it, they lost 3 cars and a Harley. But, even at the zombie-like stage they are still in, they know it's all just "stuff". They got out alive.

Hope y'all are OK. The heat seems to be all there is to talk about up here, as well as down there. God was especially generous the day He created the man who invented air conditioning. Honestly, how in the world did I live with out it???? I remember seeing candles that Mama had in holders on the piano droop over from the heat. Makes me sweat just to think about it. 

Love to all. Have a good, safe weekend.