So simple, yet at times, so hard

Found this little clip and really like the message as it closely mirrors the way I was taught. At times I slip into being thoughtless and inconsiderate, at times it seems all in vain, at times it seems like the problems of myself or others are just too huge to tackle, but somehow we always seem to plod along and try to stay positive until either success is achieved or failure is thrust upon us. The key is to learn from your failures, look for a way to overcome obstacles, and just keep trying until you succeed. Failure isn't final in most cases, it's merely an indication that a different approach to the problem is needed. The following quote was drilled into me daily by my Uncle 'R' who always seemed to me to be a 'tractor driving philosopher'. Plenty of time to think, unless he was listening to a Red Sox game on the car radio he mounted on the old Farmall. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr Autumn in Maine Until next time, be well, stay safe, and share your smile with others, smiles are VERY contagious.

Reflecting on the Year Gone By

Well, its time once again to look back over the past twelve months and take stock of life. As always, some people are sharing the earth with us that weren't here last fall; some who were here are no longer with us; and all in all, the year has been full of the usual ups and downs. We've had good health, some health scares, some things are a bit worse for wear, and some things have even been repaired by the great folks in the medical professions. Still some to be repaired, but gradually gaining some ground back that we lost along the way. We've one less kitty with us than last fall, Bandit, one of our two oldest, weakened and failed last spring. She was going on seventeen, fairly blind, lame, and just plain tired. She'd rallied twice before, but each time left her weaker until she didn't do much except lay quietly until one morning she was gone. She's joined the other kitties and one dog in the little pet cemetery by the woods in the back yard. The spring also saw Shirley's sister take a turn for the worse and she got too unpredictable and violent for our safety and was moved to a secure location by the state. In her present mental state she has removed herself from family ties completely So, all in all, I've reached the same conclusion I reach most every year: Life is good, the world is full of beauty and peace if we seek it out, and many things are still possible for us to do. There'll be folks needing help, some to comfort, some to mourn for, some to welcome, and through it all runs the common thread that joins all beings and nature. We'll look forward to the challenges and joys as we always do, and revel in the joy of a young life discovering this magical planet that will be theirs to care for and pass on in their time. Once more, the Old Indian's scoring system indicates that once again, more good than bad has befallen the earth and its inhabitants. So, as I try to do each day I've been allowed to enjoy, I'll look forward to the coming months with bated breath. The following photos were sent to me by my good friends the Allens who got them from a web cam. To me, they perfectly express the way I feel each dawn: it's a beautiful gift, this earth, and even though each day dawns a bit cloaked in mystery, the trend is generally in the direction of clearing skies and bright vistas upon which to gaze.

Until next time, take care, stay safe, and be well