Honoring Our Troops, Our Heritage, Our Loved Ones and the Beauty That Surrounds Us

[Photo Passed On By My Mother...; Beautiful, Isn't It?]

I had the privilege of spending more time with my mother this past few months - and I have remembered a bunch of "cool" things...

With one result of these contacts being a renewed appreciation of the country --- and the natural beauty (sometimes one has to seek it out) that surrounds us...

I only "just" learned that one of Mom's favorite singers is John Denver - so as we celebrate our troops (both of my brothers served in the U.S. Military) --- let us not forget to honor the parents of our troops (I remember how tough it was on my brothers and my mom...) - as well.

For you Mom [In Memory of Bob (West Point / Germany) and In Honor of (Yo Bro!) Richard (1960s Korea)]

["John Denver - Annie´s Song"; as submitted to You Tube by Isauria on September 14, 2006; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkGS263lGsQ]

Love,

N.S.

New Media Access To Government with Link Info You Tube... NY Senate Passes New Sex Offender Registration You Tube

[Photo by NS]

["New Media Across Government"; as submitted to You Tube by USGovernment on May 20, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPBqEdjYw-E]

"NYS Senator Jeff Kein Proposses Legislation that would allow state residents to receive free e-mail alerts of status changes for level 2 and level 3 sex offenders in their communities..."

"NYSSen.JeffKleinSexOffenderE-mailUpdateBill"; as submitted to You Tube by nysenateuncut on May 19, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NETTnN71IkI]

Respectfully submitted by,

NS

Just Thoughts...

[Beautiful Photo Passed On By A Family Member (Thank You!)]

I can't help but look around the city that I live in and note the signs of hope and the signs of despair - so sometimes a photograph of something innocent and beautiful can offer a moment of peace amidst the chaos of my "tending towards worry" brain...

Like many others, I am planting flowers and vines and... (I'm not there "yet") vegetables - many of these from seeds - some of which one can purchase at the dollar store in a deal of "buy one pack and get three or four (memory dip) packs (a pretty nifty deal!) free."

Why am I planting all of this when I am someone that has only ventured into the realm of a few daffodils and tulips in the past?

To stay sane in a world that seems (at least some of the time) to be spinning out of control... To deal with the stress that is keeping pace with this boat (The waters are a bit choppy!) of hope and despair... To get in touch with the earth... get grounded... and honestly, at some level, because I NEED the beauty of flowers around me this year... and some part of me is afraid that these vegetables [If I can even "birth" (lol) a vegetable...] might be (one of these days) all that we have available to eat...

Which does not mean this is a self-pity post, because certainly there are many folks in tougher positions that I am / we are...

What it is, I hope, is a reality-based post... as I talk to my neighbors and we share our concerns... as I take a look around and wonder "what comes next?" "Are things going to get better?" Or... "worse?"

I'm glad to report that some form of Credit Card reform has been passed by the Senate, and sad to report that I don't think it was nearly (by far) enough... [My opinion, yours may differ...]

I'm glad to report that the Obama Administration is taking Health Care Reform seriously, but afraid that they intend to use Medicare as their "script" for all (Am I wrong? I hope I'm wrong) - and I personally think (sorry folks) that Medicare is a messed up system that will NOT meet Obama's stated goals (as I understand them) or the American people's medical [for example, dental should be in there too!] needs...

I'm glad to report that corruption seems to be tackled more frequently... and alarmed (still) by the types of reports (child abuse, violence, etc.) that are coming out in the news...

Ah well, just thoughts...

Any comments?

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS