‘It is July 31st and our Pounds Hollow days are dwindling,’ Jane said. ‘School begins in two weeks we have neglected our swimming time,’ she continued. ‘It is hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk because I fried a couple sunny side up this morning,’ Jane laughed.

‘Perhaps we have slept through the summer like Rip Van Winkle,’ Chet said. ‘I have been waking to a breakfast of Oscar Mayer Wieners beans blood sausage and eggs each morning,’ Chet mentioned. ‘After breakfast, I watch the Olympics in Paris and I want to swim in the Seine, he said with aplomb.

‘Let us take the Chunnel to Paris and leave our English Holiday until the Olympics is over,’ Neva J suggested. ‘I have always wanted to drink French wine and see the Mona Lisa at the Louve,’ she said. ‘The opening ceremonies were inspiring with the athletes boating on the Seine,’ she added.

‘The Olympic triathletes swam in the Seine this morning,’ Billy B observed. ‘The Notre Dame Cathedral is on its bank,’ he said. ‘What a story we will tell,’ Billy B excitedly said.

‘I know how to speak French,’ Daryl informed. ‘We will be mistaken for Olympians and land on television,’ he said. ‘If we obtain some Olympic uniforms our feat will be extraordinary,’ he smiled. ‘Who else from Eldorado will have such accolades,’ Daryl asked?

‘The water is inviting,’ Jane said with love. ‘It is warm and the crowd watching are cheering us on,’ she noted. ‘Newscasters are scrambling to find us on the schedule of swimmers,’ Jane winked.

Jane, you swim like a French fish,’ Chet observed. ‘With my best effort I cannot keep up with you,’ Chet said with exhaustion. ‘I hope our ruse is not discovered,’ Chet said.

‘Over here…I have the French wine and some fresh baguettes,’ Neva J called out. ‘I also have Pain au Chocolat,’ Neva J said with gusto. ‘A French guard laughed when he checked my backpack and found toilet paper in it,’ she laughed.

‘We are scheduled for an interview with NBC this evening as the American Kids with toilet paper and courage,’ Billy B told the group of Southern Illinois Swimmers. ‘Apparently, we are the talk of the Olympics for our rare and successful stunt,’ Billy B continued.

‘Well we were on the way to Pounds Hollow when we found ourselves in England and decided to take a memorable Splash in the Seine on the last day of July,’ Chet said. ‘The Seine was warm and inviting Neva J wanted to taste French wine and we love Pain au Chocolat,’ Chet continued. Our philosophy is Believe,’ Chet proclaimed!

Mona Lisa…smiled…

Today has air for clothing. Air you can wear. It is either getting hotter or I am getting older. I think both are true. I see we are in danger of storms this afternoon. Such is life. In the peace of surroundings and the placid sense of place, storms intrude with a clap of thunder and lightning bolts. Sudden change shakes us. Forboding engulfs us.

Hot words beget storms. We love peace and carry a sword unsheathed. Unhappy with our lives we search for someone to blame for our predicament. It could not be our fault. We are God’s chosen.

We are feeding too many hungry kids we proclaim. Their moms and dads need to get off their asses and go to work we note with righteous indignation. Is the hunger the kids’ fault?

Is it all right that King David of the Bible lusted after another man’s wife and subsequently had the man killed…because he was God’s favorite? Circular thinking causes storms.

Are some humans God’s Buddy and the rest of us are in the second tier? So do we in tier 2 or even tier 3 have to try harder? A lesson for today. We have the real Americans and the great unwashed. The chosen have great wealth and privilege while the rest are relegated to the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. At times there are not many crumbs.

Neva J did not see a line of demarcation in her society. Everyone she knew was poor. They wore hand-me-down clothes and darned socks. Dinner consisted of whatever was available to fill your empty stomach. Being upwardly mobile meant surviving. To be Christian was to love your neighbor. ‘Jesus loved the little children all the children of the world red yellow

black and white all are precious in his sight.’

Now we have our front lines amassed on the border. Borders exist in every town and hamlet. We fight the good fight for the right. The Crusaders did the same. Millions were slaughtered.

Storm clouds are gathering. As a popular actor’s character warned, ‘There’s a storm coming!’ It has been too hot. Nerves are on edge. Sweat is not conducive to critical thinking. Someone must right the wrongs that we have engaged in. As we became insular afraid and rejected those different than us we chose the path of Christ…right?

Storms can be comforting and calming. Those that simply make a big noise and end with a soothing rain are welcome…

July is waving goodbye. She already has one foot out the door. She came in with a bang and left with a knowing grin. Our summer dreams are turning into memories. The Labor Day Train is chugging around the bend and life will change again.

We heard about King David yesterday. A bit of a Fox. A human and leader full of failings and yet God loved him. A lesson for our time.

Happy talk helps. ‘As a man thinketh so is he.’ Happy words with purpose bring light in the shadows. Reminding ourselves of the miracle of life is words with benefits. Words have a mysterious way of becoming reality. The Bible tells us that God spoke the earth into existence.

Understanding grows from words. The more we speak to each other in kindness and love we peel away the veneer of armor that comprises our outward clothing. Happiness is first a condition of the mind. When we call ourselves losers we probably will lose. Proclaiming trust and joy in the journey is the key to success.

Success is incremental. It begins with attitude. Some enjoy the garment of Woe Is Me. When knocked down they stay on the mat. As time passes the KO’d person assumes that they have lost the battle of life. Some are winners others lose they now realize their place in the puzzle.

As a lad, I had a punching bag for kids that fell over when hit, but due to the sand in the bottom, it came back up again with a broad goofy smile. It was oblivious to being hit and was dedicated to returning to standing and fighting position. Its happy face was inspiring.

People of peace create peace. Happiness is compelling to the downtrodden. As we join hands on the path to Jerusalem help all those who have fallen. Our journey is not over we are on it at this writing…

One of my favorite television programs was Candid Camera. The show creator and producer Allen Funt would capture people who did not know they were being filmed in unusual or practical jokes. In the 60s it became popular to tell people to smile when they were on candid camera when bizarre or strange circumstances occurred.

Have you ever felt that you were in a contrived constructed situation? Suddenly life has become a mirror reflection of reality. What you always understood to be true has become false. Up is down and black is white. You discover that you are ill-equipped for the new norm. You went to put on your Big-Boy Pants and found out they were at the cleaners.

‘Come in and rest for a while coffee brewing cookies are in the jar,’ CC said with a wide and toothy grin. ‘The Boss will soon be back he is at the Stylist,’ CC demured. ‘He does not like to have a hair out of place,’ CC laughed as his eyes widened.

‘Hurry quick take your places around the throne…it is praise time,’ Alice cried out! ‘Remember to not look the King in the eye lest you turn to stone,’ Alice continued. ‘He is wearing the royal robe do not forget to praise his royal robe and his hair…especially his hair,’ Alice said as she prostrated herself before the King.

‘Just lay my ministers on the castle’s steps and spread them out so their gashed necks are fully displayed…Bums All,’ the King said with disgust. ‘Garbage In…Garbage Out I say,’ TK said. ‘Where is the Peasants Lawyer bring him in,’ TK commanded.

‘I am right here TK next to you,’ CC smiled with only his grinning teeth and wide eyes showing. ‘The first petitioner is your son, Little John,’ said CC. ‘He desires a position at Court,’ CC noted.

‘You are my dad and I love you and have served faithfully for many years and now I would like a place of honor at your side,’ Little John said. ‘Many laugh in the gates and streets when I pass they point the finger and say, ‘Whose Your Daddy.’

‘Well you may be my Body Man,’ TK said with a flourish. ‘Now you know that requires bathing me and caring for my toilet needs,’ TK asked with a slight smile. ‘You will be the closest to me,’ TK winked.

‘What a lovely royal robe luxurious and resplendent,’ Son Number Two said passionately. ‘Never have you looked more Kingly,’ SOT continued. ‘If I could just touch the hem of your robe I will be made whole,’ SOT said.

‘You do realize I am naked,’ TK asked? ‘With hair like mine I need no other accouterments,’ TK continued. ‘Smile you are on Candid Camera…,’ TK said with a wide grin like the Cheshire Cat.

‘Another day at the salt mines,’ He said. ‘The more I do the more I have to do,’ He continued. ‘I am never enough, He opined.

‘I heard bells today,’ She said. ‘I could not find their source,’ She added. ‘When. heard them I felt better,’ She said.

‘Many are seeing the same Unidentified Objects in the sky,’ Newsman said. ‘They are reported in every city town and village,’ Newsman said. ‘Often they are accompanied by bells,’ Newsman continued.

‘Have you noticed there has been no talk of war lately,’ Child asked? ‘Even the politicians are nice to each other,’ Child continued. ‘An argument almost broke out this morning in class until the disagreeable combatants heard bells then stopped and hugged each other,’ Child noted.

‘I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

‘And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

‘Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Summer is coming back in my neck of the woods. Summer is a meteorological summer to me. June July and August comprise the season. When I think of summer ending I mean it is two-thirds over. The kids see it the same way.

‘We have to set our caps to making summer go out with a bang,’ Jane said. ‘Yesterday we began our summer vacation and tomorrow is school. ‘Let us camp at Giant City and stay out all night with our sleeping bags and tents,’ Jane said happily.

‘I saw a tent erected at the Visitors Center,’ Chet advised. ‘The Woods were alive with activity something special is happening,’ he noted. ‘Could it be that Daniel Boone is leading a hike,’ he laughed.

‘Daniel Boone fascinates me since I have the Daniel Boone Action Figure,’ Billy B enthused. ‘Watching Fess Parker portray him on TV is inspiring,’ Billy B continued.

‘I wonder if Daniel likes Merlot,’ Neva J asked? ‘I will make grits gravy and cornpone for our dinner,’ Neva J continued. ‘Do you think he will have extra coonskin caps,’ she asked?

‘Greetings hikers it is a lovely summer day for our adventure,’ Davy Crockett said. ‘We will hike along the creek and make our own campfire tonight,’ DC added. ‘I have my flintlock rifle perhaps we will see some wild game,’ DC said.

‘Why do you and Daniel Boone look so similar,’ Daryl asked? I find it difficult to tell you apart,’ Daryl continued. ‘Are you brothers,’ he asked DC?

‘No we are both played on television by Fess Parker which has confused more than one viewer,’ DC advised. ‘Fess was so popular in the role that he went on to also have a show about Daniel Boone,’ DC noted.

‘I have my bear with me he is friendly and hungry,’ Daniel said. ‘Brother Fester I did not know you would be joining us on the campout and hike,’ Daniel said. ‘I thought you were in Hollywood making a movie,’ DB said.

‘So you are twin brothers,’ Billy B said. ‘Fess and Fester I presume,’ Billy B said as the light went off in his brain. ‘What is your bear’s name,’ Billy B asked?

‘I call him Ben…Gentle Ben,’ DB answered. ‘Could he have some of your Oscar Mayer Weiners,’ DB asked? ‘Gentle Ben has not eaten since breakfast and is powerful hungry,’ he added.

‘Dad where have you been, Cub Bear asked? ‘Bennie has been asking me about you all morning,’ Cub Bear said. ‘Bennie has a thorn in his foot and is limping behind me,’ CB said.

‘Come here Bennie and I will remove the thorn and then pour some Merlot on it,’ Neva J said as she retrieved her First Aid Kit. ‘This is not my first thorn,’ Neva J smiled. ‘There is no need to hunt wild game as I have a cooler full of hamburger steaks for your enjoyment,’ she laughed heartily!

‘May Lassie and I join the picnic,’ Timmy asked? ‘Lassie loves company and she is a good dog,’ he smiled as he petted Lassie’s head and stroked her ears. ‘We have ventured far from home and I fear we will not be home for dinner and Mom will be worried,’ Timmy said.

‘What is that flying sprite,’ Jane asked? ‘It looks like a petite girl with wings,’ she added. ‘She landed on my shoulder and said she was a representative of the Wonderful World of Disney,’ Jane chortled.

‘There are many animals in the forest,’ Marlin Perkins advised. ‘Be careful that a squirrel does not join you in your sleeping bag,’ Marlin P winked and grinned. ‘Mutual Of Omaha sent me to tell you of the animals in the forest,’ Marlin P said with a chuckle.

‘Wake up Billy B it is time for the first day of school you went to sleep in front of the TV again,’ Neva J said with her typical wake-up clarion call…’ Hit the deck you rubberneck…’

While many build walls others install doors. Some say fences make good neighbors. Perhaps this is why so many are looking in from outside.

When I began my career at Southern Illinois University I experienced an open door. I was amazed at how I was accepted. Soon people complimented my work. I felt I was part of a family and not a friend almost like family.

‘I sit here from morning till night seeking someone to give me enough money to eat some baloney and bread,’ the Disabled Man said. ‘Happy people go in and out of the restaurant seeming not to see me,’ he continued. ‘Once I made a sign that said,’ Curse me for a dollar’ Some stopped to read the sign while others ignored it or cursed me proceeding inside for dinner,’ Disabled Man recounted.

‘Where do you sleep,’ Chet asked? ‘Are there no shelters for your safe rest,’ Chet continued? ‘The shelters serve food,’ Chet added.

‘I stammer and stutter folks get tired of how long it takes me to express myself verbally,’ Disabled Man answered. ‘My twin sister was sleeping in a bus terminal she is autistic she was beaten to death by drunken boys who thought it was a good joke to kick a nonverbal handicapped woman to death,’ he continued. ‘Many of the Hispanic waiters and waitresses bring me a little food left on the patrons’ plates,’ DM said.

‘Come home with us we have a bed for you food and shelter,’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes. ‘We will help you find work you can do and hope for the future,’ Neva J continued. ‘Our door is open to you and you are welcome in our home,’ she said with love.

‘Join us today Mr. Candidate and we will pick fruit together,’ Julio said with a smile. ‘We start at daylight and we pick until dark,’ Julio continued. ‘Last year the Boss did not hire immigrants and his fruit rotted due to no one wanting such low and hard work we know nothing but hard work,’ Julio continued. ‘Some men joined us for half a day recently they were born in the town where the orchard is but they became ill or felt misused by the sun and sweat equity of the labor,’ Julio mentioned. ‘But for you Mr. Candidate we have reserved the best seat in the truck bed with a lovely view of the dirt road,’ Julio continued.

The sky is full of blue and white fluffy clouds. Energy is high as the summer progresses to its autumn conclusion. The old man appreciates life more each day. MJ and I were with Ron and Ira Kaye on Friday and had a lovely visit. I reflected on how much I have liked Ron since I met him at MJ and my wedding in 1978. He is a person who loves life. I do not think he has an idle bone in his body Ron has accumulated a vast travel book.

The years went by like a weaver’s shuttle. Good memories stand out. Such is our existence. We are here for a season then we are gone. It is up to us what we make of our time. None of us are perfect. We all fall short of our goal. We stumble we fall. We must get back up and continue the race.

Life is a Jenga Tower of blocks. We build our tower high then it crumbles, and we build again. Rebuilding is the answer. Ira Kaye said she liked my hair. How kind for an old man who has a massive bald spot. I have not resorted to a comb over my bald spot is not visible to those who are shorter than me. Change is inherent in the journey.

Empathy we need. Forgiveness we require. Growth comes from brokness. We are souls in a clay shell. Mylo is of better humor in the mornings. As the day progresses he is more irritable. He stares at me in the early morning saying, ‘Enjoy me now before the angry dog takes over.’

Addictions we battle. Assumptions rule our thoughts. Conspiracy theories circle the walls of our psyche. We walk through the swirling clouds of discontent. Life is purpose. Love is life.

Hurt we do. The pain we suffer. Understanding we seek. Time heals wounds. The milk of human kindness washes us.

Everything is not black and white. There is a lot of gray. Not only in my beard but in life. We must see our neighbors through the prism of compassion. We hope that others will judge us mercifully. Walking in another’s shoes is difficult. Shoes yield understanding.

Many African Americans have been my best friends. They were friends who did not forsake me. They cared little if I was on top of the mountain or underneath it. I was their brother. The richness of diversity in friendship is compelling.

Feeling good comes from the kindness of the eyes of those we meet. The help of another is a rich gift. Care from someone who gains nothing by the act is overwhelming.

We look through a glass darkly. The images are blurred. Is it Christ we see loving the woman accused of adultery? Hurried we are until we stop suddenly from a roadblock. Must we go around or climb over the obstacle? A friend at the top of the roadblock, with a ladder for our aid.

We seek it here we seek it there…heaven. We must cease fighting heaven on earth…

The days have been cooler. Everyone that is anyone is out. Laughter is in the air. ‘The living is easy and the cotton is fine.’ The path to the creek is well-trod. A cane fishing pole is stuck into the ground with a line attached and a bobber in the water. Ebullient kids are taking turns diving into the water from the big rocks. The sound of a lone violinist is in the distance.

Worry has blown away on the soft breezes. Something needs attention but can not be remembered while floating on the cool waters. The grandkids play around grandpas’ feet. Their giggles are like gossamer. Time for a campfire there is a feeling of fall in the air. Hot chocolate tastes good. The fire crackles and sings. There are dancing clowns and minstrels piping songs on their flutes. Dreams of future things and loves won and lost.

The children say not yet but we are ready. School will begin soon. It will be time to bob for apples and drink cider. Ghosts and goblins will be their companions. Tales of Ichabod Crane the headless horseman. Frankenstein and Dracula will walk hand in hand as they enter the Funhouse. The days will be shorter and the darkness long.

Grandpa misses his grandchildren. They are back in school. It is time for a final glass of the Summer Wine…

We say we want Democracy. Democracy is what our country is based on. Ask anyone you meet if they value their freedom they will answer with a resounding yes.

We are a melting pot. If you are not Native American you are an immigrant. When many proclaim that they want to return America to its glory days and that they want America for Americans I wonder where you apply for membership.

In our battles for Democracy, people who began in nations across the globe fought and died. There is a reason that throngs from all over the world want to become Americans.

There are 330 million Americans in our borders. Our American Experiment is the envy of the world. If some have their way we will have a lot of arable land as our population will be reduced dramatically. Our reality must extend beyond our backyard.

Many of our families are diverse. White people love their African American grandchildren. African American women love their caucasian husbands. Amer-Asian Americans add a rich experience to our nation.

What are we seeing when we look at our reflection in our mirror? When we sat this morning at our place of worship rejoice in reverent prayer and observe that everyone looks like our mirror reflection?

Should we seek a marginalization of most of our people. Once they are gone will the ‘True Americans’ cannibalize each other?