A Game of Cat and ........Squirrel?

The neighbor's cat, Binx, decided to try some squirrel hunting this afternoon. He used a natural tree stand in the crotch of some branches, and waited for an unsuspecting squirrel to run up the tree.

It was really a pretty good idea, but this squirrel saw him up there and waited him out. When Binx got tired of waiting and headed back down, they met halfway. I can only imagine what the squirrel was saying as they passed. Binx got a good scolding, I assure you!

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Traditional Values are Gone?

Chuck Schumer has declared that traditional values and a strong foreign policy are over. See for yourself.




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Renaissance Festivals

Anybody go to 'em? Shelley and I will be going to one near Dallas this year - Scarborough Faire. We went once before and had a blast! This year, two things will be different. We both have digital SLR cameras now. And we both have the beginnings of period clothing. Shelley has a peasant blouse and I have a peasant shirt and vest. I'll be adding a wooden stein to my belt. We will look a little more like we're part of it, I think.



(Oh, BTW.....Hi, Kathy!)

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Poetry

My best friend and soul mate presented me with a book that she ordered for me - without my knowledge. My wifey's such a sweet angel. The book is titled "Poems of Patriotism" by Edgar A. Guest - almost 100 years old. After reading over a couple of them, I see that it's a very fitting collection for today. It portrays an attitude that seems to be long gone Here is one that really jumped out at me.

The Time for Deeds
We have boasted our courage in moments of ease,
Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze;
We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth,
And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth
Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test.
Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best!

We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right
We have challenged oppression to show us its might;
We have strutted for years through the world as a race
That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face;
Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world.
Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled?

We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth,
We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth;
We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe,
As though we believed we could laugh them all low.
Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight!
Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right!

If in honor and glory our flag is to wave,
If we are to keep this—the land of the brave;
If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds,
Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds.
We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal!
Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!

-Edgar A. Guest

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