It is another summer day in the neighborhood. The grass mowers and weed eaters are out. We have gone from very wet to extremely dry in a few weeks. Such is life in our neck of the woods. Time is not standing still. It is racing forward. School has begun, and University will start next week. People are living their regular lives despite their political leaders.

It seems that our elected representatives believe us a bit slow. They tell us what they want us to believe and expect us to eat it with a spoon and ask for seconds. Usually, political rhetoric that does not mesh with on-the-ground reality is a bit strange. This is the recipe for Town Hall Meetings where the Politician seems to be in a different world than their constituents.

We do not live in a bubble. Stale air. We live and work in a diverse community. There are no easy answers to complex questions. The President said he wants the homeless in Washington, D.C., removed from the streets. In other words, hide our country’s shame.

Barbecue time is still here. Grilling steaks, chops, and sausages is fun and delicious. Pounds Hollow is still open for swimming. The Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs are in the cooler along with some Merlot. Neva J insisted. Many of the first days of school are morning sessions, leaving the afternoon open for the Hollow. Chet is going to wear his Lost In Space Robot Costume as a tool of adventure for the August beachcombers. Chet is certain it will be good for a laugh. The Civil Rights Movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, is going to march on Washington, D.C. ‘Segregation is wrong,’ Chet said as he pulled on his Lost In Space Robot Suit. ‘All men are created equal is the standard we must live by,’ Chet intoned.

‘Look at the teachers swimming in the lake,’ Jane said. ‘I thought this afternoon was Teacher’s Workshop,’ Jane continued. ‘They seem to be having a wonderful time,’ Jane observed. ‘Maybe the Workshop concluded early or was cancelled…or is this swim afternoon the Workshop?’ Jane ruminated. ‘Perhaps they are studying human interaction in bathing suits,’ Jane laughed. ‘Principal S’s face is very red and he is sipping something out of a brown paper bag,’ Jane observed. ‘Each time he takes a sip, he grins from ear to ear,’ Jane chuckled. ‘He looks to have the Christmas Spirit in August,’ Jane pointed out.

‘There is Buddy’s mom with Mr. U lying on a beach blanket,’ Billy B observed. ‘They appear to know each other well,’ Billy B winked. ‘Buddy’s mom is whispering something in Mr. U’s ear, and he is looking alarmed,’ Billy B continued. ‘Buddy’s mom is quickly gathering her stuff and putting it into a beach bag, and is leaving while Mr. U watches her,’ Billy B grinned.

‘That does not compute,’ Chet said from inside his Lost In Space Robot Costume.