I placed five bird feeders on the front porch and three more in the front yard - all of them close to the front bay windows of our house. I also placed branches that have fallen off our trees among the evergreen bushes close to our front windows. It sure looks a bit odd, but the finches love to rest here. Sometimes, I have over 20 birds at the feeders and on the branches. Sandy, the name I give to every squirrel in the neighborhood, also comes to feeders. I used to chase them away, but then I realized that these little critters get hungry too and they are really quite adorable to watch.
I feed the birds quite alot in winter when they need it the most. During the rest of the year, I limit the amount of bird feed so that birds do not become solely dependent on the feeders. There's just enough so they get a treat during the day, but then, I let them go empty - especially during the Summer.

"Humanitarian agencies reckon that there are 750,000 Iraqis in Jordan and 1.5 million in Syria. Fewer than 30,000 have returned, and many of them will simply join the ranks of the 2.4 million who are classified as "internally displaced persons." - Bobby Ghosh, Time, Dec. 24, 2007 issue

This humanitarian crisis began when Bush invaded Iraq - supposedly because of Saddam Hussein's non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Now there is mass misery. America should not be making war. We should be making peace and rendering aid.

What God wants...

It's much harder than you'd think...

I am so very thankful...

I have had one of the toughest years of my life. After 25 years, I decided to close down my business because of a severe decline in sales. I spent months (and over $4,000) preparing for a new career which didn't work out. Finances have gone from bad to worse. Job-hunting has been fruitless. Out of desperation, I reopened my business since a little income is better than no income at all.

As bad as my finances are right now, I am very thankful for a loving, supportive wife and a comfortable home filled with love and laughter. I fill my day with music and, thanks to Howie and Lynn, I now have an iPod so I can take my music wherever I go. In August, I got a kayak and have spent countless hours paddling on the Kankakee River, taking photos and enjoying the beauty and wonder of Nature. It's been good exercise as well. I've trimmed about 12 pounds. It's also been good for my spirits. Regular kayaking trips have worked wonders for my depression.

Yes, life is very difficult, yet life is good. I am very grateful that at age 56, I am still active, still healthy, still learning, and still enjoying life.

It all begins with love...

Everyday, we have opportunities for kindness. Chances are, most opportunities slip right by without even a thought. While we are driving, do we cut people off, honk our horns or give the finger? Are we so big on justice that we forget about mercy for the offender(s)? Do we only care about our own? You know, charity begins at home, but it isn't suppose to end there. Do we ever worry about the Iraqis who are living under hellish conditions? Do we care about the Palestinians? Can we, will we increase our capacity to love the unlovable or the unlikeable?