While one of the major claims that we make regarding the privileges that they died to preserve for us was/is the capability to live with freedom and democracy, many are deeply concerned that both are at risk in what we call the "free world" these days. One of your great leaders, was it Nathan Hale, said something like "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" We would do well to take it to heart, in our days. Part of the poem, "In Flander's Fields", written in World War I, says, " ... if ye break faith with us who die ..." needs still to guide our ways, I think, and recommit. Many in other parts of the world yearn to live enjoying those privileges. ole joyful

These Dollar store "Slingshot Chickens" have been on my ceiling for 87, 80, and 77 weeks! Courtesy of Grandson, Granddaughter, and Son, each from different families. I think they are probably permanent installations now. :-)

Merry Christmas to all! I’m just sitting here waiting for my daughter, son-in-law and grand dog Milla to show up. I just took a quick picture of one of my tree ornaments. Oh, and there’s hardly any snow and it’s warm. I’ll take a shot of my front porch while I’m out here.

Baby squirrel so focused on a cookie that it ignored me and a bunch of noisy kids completely 😀 We named it Chipper