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One more day of almost (not quite) freezing weather here.  I don’t know about you, but 42 degrees is a bit chilly for the middle of May.    Of course, I will probably think about that come July and August when the thermometer heads toward 100.

Honestly, don’t most of us complain about the weather no matter what it is?  I think I do.  It’s too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet.  I guess I’d complain if they hung me with a new rope, so how’s the weather any different.  But when you don’t have anything else to talk about (or gripe about), out comes the weather card.

With hearts going out to those affected by so many tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods, I feel pretty small complaining about having to wear a sweater.  People all over the world don’t have shelter, or food, or water.  Mother nature has dealt them a cruel hand. Lives have been lost and homes destroyed.

I’ll promise to never complain about cold or heat again.  I’ll do what I can to help and will pray for those in dire straights.  And I’ll remind you to do the same if you whine.

God loves us all, but it’s up to us to appreciate it.

Bonnie Pickartz

I lost Mom several years ago.  But the days, even the minutes I spent with her will live forever in my heart, I know that I’ll see her again one day soon.

Looking back on old photos I understand that she was once young, once vital and full of dreams.  I look at photos and wonder who saved that intimate moment of mother and daughter so very many years ago.  If only I could ask her.  If I could ask her whether her life was all she’d hoped it would be.

Billie Bryant and daughter Bonnie Pickartz

Mom and Me

Mom suffered losses, a child at birth, a husband she adored, parents, a sister, and sons.  Yet she always bounced back and always had kind words and good works for all.  Her heart was the largest thing about her.  Even in her last, frail days, her kindness showed in her e

yes.

I can’t say enough words.  My heart is too full of love for Mom and I’m so aware of the hole left in my heart as we go into this Mother’s Day

weekend.

Mom, I love you.

Your daughter, Bonnie Pickartz

There is a reason that the “terrible twos” are aptly named.  Most of it has to do with the child’s empowerment by the word “no”.  They have learned that they have a voice (if not always a choice) and the “no” will sometimes get them what they want…or maybe keep them from getting what they don’t want.  They don’t absorb the information and make a decision based on the facts…they just arbitrarily say “no”.  It’s very much two year old behavior.

Today many of our congressmen and senators are acting like two year olds…much to the detriment of our society.  They aren’t looking at facts and weighing the options and outcome.  They aren’t discussing anything.  They are just saying “no” or maybe “I want this”.

Let’s encourage “grown up” dialogue.  Let’s tell these folks that they need to listen…to the facts…to the people.  They need to poll their entire constituency, not just the vocal minority.

This goes for everyone…not just the Grand Old Party, but Democrats who aren’t listening, also.  Let’s step up and salvage our country.  It can be done, but not until there is discussion and compromise.

Twitter Authority?

Okay, I tweet. I also FB and LinkedIn, and I suppose there is a twelve step program for all of this craziness.

However, I’m not sure that RT’ing everything that interests me, however pertinent or shocking, is in my best interest to RT.  I’d rather send out something pertinent to my industry, in hopes that people will recognize my commitment to timber framing (and design and construction).

This may seem sort of self-serving (isn’t it all?) and a little naive, but I’m not sure that I want to share my politics, religion, etc with all the other tweeters (or is it twitterer’s?).

An authority, maybe, but on what?

Easy Steps to Help

1) Buy One Get One Specials – Donate the extra one to the local food bank or to someone you know who could use it.

2) All that left over ham or turkey? Make sandwiches and take to the local street folk…we’ve done this for years and we are the ones receiving the blessing. We cook extra to make sure we can do this and spend Christmas Day giving…isn’t that what it’s all about?

3) Look in your closet. How many coats and sweaters can you really use? How many have you not worn in a year or two? Donate the spares.

4) Smile…at everyone. Even if they don’t smile back, they’ll be touched by that gesture.

5) Cook extra, freeze it, and take to a church or group to share with those who need a little help, whether it’s because someone is sick or down or can’t afford food.

TweetPhoto

What is happening when we read about billions of dollars and don’t blink an eye?  When the head of an auto manufacturer says they spend FIVE BILLION DOLLARS a month and we are considering giving three companies a total of twenty five billion dollars, what are we thinking?  How long will that last?  The bloated, overstaffed, overpaid companies need to learn to be lean…like the rest of us.

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