2012 Election

My oldest grandson votes this year and I know he will.   I sent him a message about the election. . .half of the U.S.  will be disappointed in the results tomorrow no matter who wins.   But our country has been at this business for over 225 years and it is not the first time we have had a bitter campaign.   Yes, government will probably veer in one direction or another, but we will persevere.   Drama has seemed to indicate a thousand years of darkness with either a Democrat or a Republican president.   We will endure to face another round in four years.    America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

Family Crisis

The past two weeks have been tedious and worrisome as we learned that our son-in-law, Robert, was
diagnosed with colon cancer.   Fortunately, surgery was successful and his condition is curable.   Once again we have been carried through this anxious time by God's grace in the form of excellent medical care, prayers and support of family, friends, and our church communities.       With humility, I rejoice and pray for continuing strength and comfort to the Trussells in El Paso.

Our River

There is only one river that goes traveling sidewise,

  that interferes in politics,

   rearranges geography 

  and dabbles in real estate;

A river that plays hide and seek with you today

   and tomorrow follows you around 

   like a pet dog with a dynamite cracker

    tied to his tail.

That river is the Missouri.

                                          George Fitch

                                           Rivers of America 1945

A little humor. . .

"Powerpoint was released by Microsoft in 1990 as a way to euthanize cattle using a method less cruel than hitting them on the head with iron mallets."
                                         John Simon    Politico   9/25/12

The Internet

The internet:  a magnificent new technology combining the credibility of anonymous hearsay with the excitement of typing.
                                        Jon Stewart  The Daily Show

Clothing made in the USA

A number of people have suggested that we need to buy USA brands only.     I feel rather ignorant about what is available, so I turned to an internet search.   Most purchases would probably have to be made over the internet; clothingmadeinusablog.wordpress.com  lists hundreds of brands available.   I learned that Spanx shapewear and some New Balance tennis shoes are made in the states.   Lane Bryant, plus size clothing, carries a number of domestic brands.    Apparently there are 846 brands made in New York City.
Nanette Lepore, NYC designer, says they price in China and find that shipping and importing make the costs comparable.   Unfortunately, in 1960 95% of our clothes were made in our country, today - 5%.   I plan to become more aware when I shop.

Cheap clothes

Talking with my grand-daughters about shopping, I understand they can buy stylish dresses for $20.00.
Always cause to rejoice.    But I keep thinking about the factory in China that makes Apple products with people who live in dormitories and work long hours and have no lives at all.   Suicide rates are high because of complete despair.   Our passion for cheap clothes makes me somewhat uncomfortable; however, I wear apparel made in third world countries every day.    The least we can do is to say a prayer for the hands that made the garments we are wearing.