The thoughtful husband...

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are over-sensitive and there's nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.

My name is Jim. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Peggy. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Peggy to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work and although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out twice is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door. She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. Now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. Boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two, or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean).

I like to think tact is one of my strong points. When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the lawn. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while and as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Peggy. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will even find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other. Signed, Jim

EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim died suddenly on May 27 of a perforated rectum. The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip showing and a sledge hammer laying nearby. His wife Peggy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Jim somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

Today is a special day...

Today is our 40th wedding anniversary! My, oh, my...how young we were. We've covered a lot of miles, literally and figuratively since that day...have been blessed with two daughters, one son, four g/children, and two sons-in-law. We are blessed beyond measure.

Honey, I'd pick you all over again. I love you, and look forward to our next adventure...
Then..........and now......

A good looking bunch of kids....

Annual July 4th boat parade...

Super Hero boat...according to Brian, this is Scott, Andy, Crystal, Katie and Matthew...who knew???

Shake, shake, shake...shake your bootie.........and they did!
I heard this one was the overall winner...Danny driving.........

The Nottely Crew...Bob 'n gang...the young lady entertained us with her flute...

Very patriotic..........
Hula anyone???
Bud and Amelia in the 'cute' category...
Check out the legs in the shark's mouth! At least the guy was still alive...
New friends Larry and Michelle joined us on the boat to watch the parade. Their friends in the "Nottely Crew" won an award of some sort. We cheered them on for sure, and they rewarded our cheering by inviting us for the cookout lunch! Yummmm. Dinner and fireworks across the cove ended our evening. It was a fun day, and a terrific occasion to celebrate!

Salute to our country and our veterans!!!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
TO THE FLAG,

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

AND TO THE REPUBLIC,

FOR WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE NATION
UNDER GOD,

INDIVISIBLE,

WITH LIBERTYAND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

This came from my friend Alice, who stated so well what I wanted to say for today:

"As the Fourth of July approaches, now is not too early to begin to reflect on the MULTITUDE of freedoms we enjoy and, yes, even take for granted. We don't have these freedoms at no price. These freedoms have been bought through the blood, sweat, and tears of millions of fighters in every military service and all of their families and friends across the centuries. The debt we owe them can never be repaid.

All we can do is to honor them by respecting our country, our freedoms paid at a great price, and our flag. When was the last time you saw everyone stand at attention with hand over heart for the presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem? Is a few moments of silence and attention too much to ask to say "Thank you" to those who died and whose families and friends have suffered terribly.

Please join me every time you see the Colors and hear the National Anthem by standing in respectful silent attention with hand over heart as we thank those who have given us so much at so high a price. I'll also have tears running down my face, and you can join me there too."

Thanks, Alice. I so totally agree with you. I can't say the pledge of allegiance, sing our anthem, or see a military cemetery without getting tears in my eyes. Thank you to every VETERAN still living, and for those no longer with us. You each are the GREATEST!!!

Special heart...

My HEART goes out to all our military who are keeping us safe, and especially to those who are away from their loved ones during this time of year when we celebrate our freedom. Please, never take this freedom for granted. God bless America, and God bless her people!!! Thank a vet, because freedom is never FREE.

Where's mama bear???

Last night we were driving home from Jim and Janet's house around 10p. We rounded a curve and saw what we thought was a black shaggy dog running in the left lane, going in our direction. I told Dick to be careful about the.......about to say DOG, when I noticed this critter had no tail! It was a bear cub!!! Obviously not this one, but try googling for a bear-in-the-road, night-time picture! I certainly couldn't get out my camera fast enough, plus he darted under the barbed wire fence along the road and disappeared. Dick stopped and shined the headlights into the cow pasture, but of course we couldn't spot the cute critter anywhere out in all that darkness. I knew mama had to be around, so we just left them in peace...but it sure was a fun sight......
And today this mama is off shopping with her girls. Of course Will has to go with us, cuz he is a 'nature baby' and can't be away from his mama for too long. He's the only boy allowed today though:-) I'll catch up later...hope y'all have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Eurodam day!

Today is the official christening ceremony for the Eurodam, the newest addition to Holland America Lines. This is special to us, because on August 4, Dick and I will board this very ship in Copenhagen for a very exciting cruise adventure. You'll be hearing more about this trip very soon:-) Jeff & Bjarne...heads up, the Griswolds are coming to see y'all!!!