Too Early!

Yes, it's 2:53 a.m. No, there will not be a picture of me to prove it is this time in the morning. No one needs to see that, no matter what time it is. I think I was asleep by 8:30 last night. Promptly at 1:29 a.m. my eyes  popped open, and I have not been able to get back to sleep.

Why does sleep elude us when we want it, and overtake us when we wish to remain alert? 

I will go back to bed, and hopefully while pondering that question, will fall asleep. After all, I need to be up in a couple of hours. 

And so it goes.

Quantum of Solace

Sean Connery. George Lazenby. Roger Moore. Timothy Dalton. Pierce Brosnan. And now Daniel Craig. James Bonds, one and all. Fast cars. Hold on to your seat car chases. Cover your eyes except you might miss something fight scenes.  Plots that are just complicated enough to keep your interest, but not so complicated as to be confusing. Bad guys who are truly bad. Beautiful women.  I love James Bond movies, and this one was great. Go see it!

They're home!

Mom and Dad are home! We went to the airport this morning to pick them up - it was so fun. In fact, better than Christmas.  They've been serving in Sao Paulo Brazil. Dad's been the doctor at the CTM.  After 20 months, we are certainly happy to have them home.

Mom and Dad coming past security.

Mom and Dad with David and his children. 

The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride

I just finished reading this book for the second time. I read it several years ago for a book group, and just re-read it for my current book group. I liked it a lot the first time, and it held up well to a second reading.

The book is autobiographical - James McBride was one of 12 children from a black father and white mother. His mother grew up in an orthodox Jewish home - she had a tough life as a young girl. The book is a tribute to her, and how she managed to bring up a family and have the color of their skin not be a factor in the family, and for much of their lives.

New Haircut

I was brave and changed my hairstyle. I try to do that once every five or ten years, just to keep myself on my toes. Madeleine was kind enough to keep me company during the picture taking.

Snow!

Our first snow of the season. Here's a quick shot of my backyard pond. Note the yellow leaves on the trees in the background. It's that tricky transition time between Fall and Winter.

Madeleine loves her Uncle Ray

It's always fun to see Ray and Madeleine together. He holds her and plays with her all the time. Usually when they're together she's riding on his shoulders. 

They sure have a good time together.

I voted!

I am proud to be an American citizen, and feel blessed to be able to use my voice in the election of our leaders - local as well as general. The age to vote changed from 21 to 18 just in time for me to vote in 1976.  Jimmy Carter won that year. I don't remember much else, except that it was exciting to be able to vote.  It's still an exciting process for me,  and I'm thankful to be able to vote.