We are all serious. The Bible tells us to put away childish things. We took that admonishment to heart. The Good Book also tells us that laughter doeth good like a medicine. We need some medicine.

The news gets us down. The stock market is soaring or in the tank. There are bills to pay and repairs to be made. School begins too early for the kids, just right for the parents. Deadlines to meet with no time to dawdle. Summer vacation slipped by again. Taxes will soon be due.

Humor carries me through. The song says Look On The Bright Side Of Life. ‘It is not doing the things you like to do but liking the things you have to do that makes life blessed.’

Being old is fun when you consider the alternative. Each day is magical with focus. What a rollercoaster ride taking our breath at every turn. Holding our arms in the air we giggle and scream with delight at every sharp turn.

I say silly or humorous stuff throughout the day such is my way. I enjoy Pastor Kerry due to his profound sense of humor. Humor pierces the darkness. Humor lets the light in. Humor is a balm of Gilead.

Some say they do not like the presumed Presidential candidate Kamala Harris due to her laugh and sense of humor. Her real sense of humor is endearing and illustrates her genuineness.

America has much to smile about. The Olympians from the United States are happy warriors. A smile turns away wrath. Peace begins with our inner self. As a man thinketh so is he…

I have said in August you can feel a hint of fall in the air. Today is such a day. It is a welcome respite to not have air you can wear. Autumn is my favorite season. The hope of falling leaves hot chocolate holidays and more is inspiring.

Maine is just around the corner. I love Maine. This will be our seventh Maine Holiday. Our dear friends Margo and Jeff will be joining us. It will be fun. When I am in Maine I am at home. Maine inspires me to write. Brock and I are working on a story about our Maine Adventure last year.

I purchased a pair of Skecher’s Slip-In Shoes for the airports and my Maine stay. Amazon had my size. I told MJ that I might get lobster next Tuesday in St. Louis until she reminded me that soon we would be in Maine where I would eat lobster daily. Lobster brings a smile to my face.

When I see folks who have never liked my Facebook photos before showing their approval…again a smile. Voracious describes my daily photo shoot. It affords me great pleasure. Shari has become my Facebook friend. I see her at Giant City occasionally. She is a lovely person with some wonderful friends accompanying her…Molly and Jade. They dutifully accompany her and they are good dogs.

I love the Olympics! The Olympics makes me feel the community of humankind. The participants zeal their dedication to their fellow athletes and the concept of fraternity is inspiring.

Aaron’s birthday is November 16th and mine is October 24th. We are Autumn People. I enjoy Halloween and my memories of Frankenstein Dracula The Mummy The Creature From The Black Lagoon and The Wolfman. As a youngster, I constructed several models painted them, and had them on display of the Universal Studios Monsters.

Christmas is the Holiday Of The Year for me. It has been since the days of Laughing Santa. I received Laughing Santa at 3 years old he was captivating. I turned the crank on his back and he cackled a most unusual expression of pleasure. Neva J Dad and I had our photo taken under our massive Christmas Tree and I was addicted to Christmas!

September began for me with the Jerry Lewis Telethon. This was a right of passage for me each year. Jerry’s demonstrated dedication to helping kids inspired me. My most vivid memory of MJ and my visit to El Paso, Texas was that there was a branch of the Lewis Telethon televised from the hotel we were at.

Each morning I awake searching for a surprise. Daily I find one…

It is another hot day in the neighborhood. The ‘Ber’ months are just around the corner. My favorite time of the year. MJ and I have been discussing what we will eat at a Seafood restaurant next Tuesday when we go to St. Louis for a doctor’s appointment. Yes, when you get our age you create fun around doctors. We talked with our good friend Jill on Saturday and agreed that we love St. Louis. It has been our city for 50 years, from the days of taking Aaron and Jonathon to see the animatronic Christmas Bears at the headquarters of Famous Barr and even before that. St. Louis is an accessible city that feels like home.

Fight we do the ravages of age. We refuse to go quietly into the night. Sundown may be coming but we want to be there to see it.

Shrewd are some of our leaders. They are adept at ascertaining what is politically expedient for their best interest. Who is looking out for our best interest?

Democracy is ruled by the people. The United States is the envy of the world. The American Experiment is unparalleled. The people choose their leader. Our hope for the future is a beautiful concept…an idea, not a race or creed.

We are in the fight. We tap dance our way toward heaven taking photos along the way. We laugh often and love the smallest things. Happiness is not an illusion it is reality captured on an eyelash or smile of another.

Sit down on the sandy beach of life and watch the magic of Sundown over the Ocean…

‘It is time for the family reunion at Karel Park,’ Neva J said with a wide smile. Everyone will be there with potato salad baked beans pumpkin pie and whipped cream,’ she continued. ‘Grandpa A is coming with his Conservator,’ Neva J said mysteriously.

‘What is a Conservator,’ Billy B asked? ‘Is he Grandpa A’s guard,’ he asked? ‘Why don’t we often see Grandpa A. Billy B mused.

‘Well he takes care of Granpa A’s finances and pays his bills for him,’ Neva J answered. ‘Your Grandpa has led a rouge life colorful with whiskey high travels and women,’ Neva J said with a smirk.

‘Do you mean that wherever he laid his hat was his home,’ Chet postulated. ‘What did he do for a living,’ he asked? ‘I read his name in a circus advertisement once,’ Chet said.

‘Grandpa A managed a traveling circus he was gone from home most of the time until he and Grandma A ceased to live together,’ Neva J answered. ‘At times he came home with a suitcase full of money while at other times he returned from his travels with nothing but tall tales and hungry,’ she continued. ‘To hear him talk is a life lesson,’ she laughed.

‘Come sit by your old Grandpa,’ said Granpa A to Billy B. ‘I have recently returned from China learning of Chinese ballons Dragons and lights,’ Grandpa A said with charm. ‘I talked with the Emporer and have brought you a coin that he gave me,’ Grandpa A said with a wink and a nod. ‘His Excellency told me that the coin bestows on its owner eternal life,’ Grandpa A noted. ‘For instance, I am 300 years old and Grandma A does not know of my longevity,’ he cackled. ‘I was a stage actor in Wild Bill Hickocks Wild West show he valued my advice,’ Grandpa A continued.

‘How long have you carried the magical coin,’ Chet asked? It looks old and appears made of gold,’ Chet observed.

‘Well I have carried it since I first met the Emporer 270 years ago when I sailed on a tramp steamer to China from that day until this I have not aged a day,’ Grandpa A proclaimed! ‘I met the love of my life in Mt. Vernon shortly after that I was a bit rambunctious for her religious taste,’ Grandpa A laughed until his round belly shook like a bowl full of jelly. ‘Grandma A did not like my fondness for whiskey or travel and wanted to attend church several times per week,’ he said.

‘Why have you given your coin of eternal life away,’ Jane asked? There is more life to see experiences to be had whiskey to drink,’ Jane asked Grandpa A?

‘I pawned the magical Chinese coin for whiskey and began to age now I have become older and wiser,’ Grandpa A said. ‘I redeemed it from the Pawn Shop on the way to the picnic to give to my grandson Billy B,’ he said. ‘I do not enjoy being old and needing assistance with my finances I yearn for what is just around the corner,’ Grandpa winked. ‘Billy B will learn the secret he will live to see where our journey is heading,’ he said.

So Billy B how long have you been here,’ Chet asked? When I see you I see two people one who is old and the other who has the blush of youth,’ Chet continued. ‘Has Granpa A’s coin worked,’ Chet asked?

‘Eye hath not seen nor ear heard the things that God hath prepared for them who love him, Billy B said somberly…

I heard a great sermon from Pastor Kerry this morning regarding David and Bathsheba. I am not equipped to characterize Kerry’s message due to my lack of theological training but it was inspiring. There is more to understanding the Bible than reading the plain text. The story recounts King David observing Uriah the Hittite’s wife bathing and David observing her. Subsequently David orders that she be brought to the palace. He then had sex with her and she became pregnant. Seeing the mess he had created, he tells Uriah, a warrior in the heat of battle, to go home and enjoy the comfort of his home. David was endeavoring a cover-up of his sin. When Uriah refused to leave his fellow fighters and instead slept at the gate of the palace David’s scheme was thwarted. So, he orders that Uriah be placed at the front of the battle and his fellows to withdraw from him which results in his death. The first child of David and Bathsheba’s illicit union dies. The second child was Solomon.

For 50 years I have heard ministers expound on God’s love for David. He killed Goliath. The idea that David or any Biblical figure had certain ‘Passes’ from God due to their favor is wrong. Indeed David’s life was full of reversals from his lust for Bathsheba until his death. The idea that it takes two to tango in this event or that Bathsheba lured the good king into sin forgets the fact that there is a tremendous power differential in their relationship. Who was the King of Israel and who was the wife of an army man with no power? Could it be that Jesus loves all the little children of the world…and some of them he loves more than others…

Today we see the powerful doctrine that God loves some people and others are throw-aways. That is comforting to the ‘Chosen’ and a real bummer for the rest of us. Does God think like us and have his ‘Buddies’ and all others need not apply? It is no mystery to me why religion has created such a division of care.

Christ taught us that he loves everyone irrespective of color gender or life’s walk. He taught us to laud the poor destitute and forgotten. When violence occurs in the name of faith it is an abomination.

Do the rich and powerful have an inside straight with God? Is it alright when the children the poor and hungry are getting their just recompense from a God that sees ethnic groups and economically disadvantaged through different prisms?

God uses broken vessels. We are all broken. He is not a respecter of persons unless he is like us…

Scripture is the story of imperfect women and men interacting with a perfect Creator. Scripture is inspired by God and written by men.

Does God wink at the foibles of his ‘Club’ and hold accountable those outside the confines? Is misogyny alright if directed at the right people? Does a powerful leader have the right to force himself sexually on the vassals of his kingdom?

I watched a documentary on Jeffrey Epstein the other night. It is agreed that he was a serial pedophile. Among his friends and supporters were the elite and powerful of our nation. Girls many years below the age of consent were used for sexual pleasure by this criminal and others. Most turned a blind eye. This included our justice system until the crimes saw the light of day and became patently obvious.

Jesus came upon a group of men preparing to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery. He began to write in the sand and the crowd dispersed. I wonder what he wrote. He then asked, ‘Woman where are thine accusers.’ She answered, ‘ I have none. ‘He then said, ‘Neither do I accuse you go and sin no more…’

The Sun is setting earlier each evening. The birds are singing. Mr. Grasshopper is playing his fiddle while Mr. Ant is working for winter. Summer is wearing the raiment of continuous enjoyment and carefree living. Change is in the air.

The Cubs and Cardinals played ball. There was talk of haunted houses and trips abroad. Excitement ensued in memories. Can a little church survive? Even churches do not live on love alone…

Moscow was dutifully represented by its Mules. Candied Pecans are addictive. Sensational Simone won another Gold Medal. Judo is not what I thought it was.

New doors make me happy. Good friends make me smile. Good conversation is enlightening.

The enemy is at the gate. We must not let him in. He is calling from inside the house…

I have loved the Olympics since I was a kid. The vision of people from across our planet competing with all their strength while being at peace with each other is inspiring. The sight of swimmers paddling for all they are worth then hugging each other at the conclusion is awsome! Simone Biles is a magnificent example of someone who did not let a setback stop her quest for excellence! Having been on the banks of the Seine and watching the athletes compete in the triathlon is exemplary. Paris is a magical place. We visited in 2012 and I hope to return.

I have not heard a mean word spoken by the Olympians. There is no name-calling or ridicule. No body shaming or misogyny. No bastardization of the fellowship of man. Instead, I see a community enthralled with the magic of living on Earth. There is joy in the journey. There is hope for the future. A recognition of humanity!

The Olympics gives me hope. Hope for the future of our species. Hate is holding us back from realizing our full potential. Recrimination and retribution are not seen in this blessed event. Art is lauded. Peace is proclaimed. Politics doctrine dogma takes a vacation for the two weeks of young inspiring people demonstrating their craft.

We are all on the same stage of life. ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.’ William Shakespeare

Listen we do to vile and evil rhetoric. We are left disheartened and depressed. Public discourse has become coarse and defeating. The person with the outrageous verbal attack is lauded as a fighter. Perhaps those who admire mean speech and hate speech have been among the potsherds. We pine for the uplifting speech of leaders.

We long for the sextant compass to give us our latitude and longitude. We are in troubled seas. We need a Captain with her/his eye on the horizon. The sextant compass does not need electricity to work. We need to relearn the Celestial Tables.

‘Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life.’

Today a crew of three installed two new doors on the Writing Porch. They were from Texas. The drove from Texas to do several jobs for Lowes due to their being backed up. Texas is a long way to drive to hang some doors. Nice people and professional but I wondered where the door hangers in Southern Illinois were hid out. Why would you have to go to Texas to find Handymen. In truth the labor market is changing before our eyes. Not long ago there would have been many craftsmen with their hand up for a job hanging doors.

The Crew Leader marvelled at how hot Little Egypt is. He was having difficulty getting used to the humidity. Air you can wear. I worked near crafts most of my career. Carpenters electricians plumbers painters were good jobs in our area. Is there indeed so much work in the building trades that no one is ingterested in the little jobs?

I marvel when watching a skilled craftsperson. They are not only in to what they are doing but focused on an excellent end product. A dedication to doing it right rather than doing it fast is exemplary. During my career in Building Services, I decided early on that if I was going to be a janitor I would be a professional janitor. No slip shod or half measures. We all admire excellent work!

You can have an excellent doctor or you can have a doctor who can not wait for quitting time to entertain his vices. You could be represented in court by a great legal scholar or a lawyer who looks the law up on Wikipedia.

Neva J used to say that anything worth doing was worth doing well. Or if you do not have the time to do good work how will you have the time to return to correct your poor work?

‘And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’

‘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…