Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Monday, 18 June 2018

A Glimmer of Hope

This cartoon got  Rob Rogers fired from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

I know all of us have been distressed by the separation of families at the border. It is truly evil. For weeks, there has only been sporadic media coverage. But finally, people are waking up and speaking out. 

Here are some glimmers of hope. 

  • Slate has an article informing people about how they can help
  • The ACLU is litigating the policy in California. 
  • The Florence Project  is an Arizona project offering free legal services to men, women, and children in immigration custody. 
  • People living close to these detention camps are beginning to protest... "incredulous after seeing what is happening so close to their homes on the news. "
  • There are more and more articles and tweets about the situation so people are becoming aware of this inhumane practice. 
  • The New York Daily News has a stark cover highlighting what has been happening over the last six weeks. 
  • Sen Dianne Feinstein: "...40 senators now support the bill to bar children from being taken from their parents at the border. We're continuing to ask Republican senators to join our bill. If you're represented by a Republican senator, please ask them to cosponsor S. 3036."  (This number has risen to almost 50.) 
The Slate article ends with the following:

... please call your elected officials, stay tuned for demonstrations, hug your children, and be grateful if you are not currently dependent on the basic humanity of U.S. policy. 


The situation is still horrendous and I fear for these children. However, it is some relief to discover that there are people and groups that I can support in some way. I want my voice heard.

Sunday, 17 June 2018

Happy Father's Day!!

Another Father's day is upon us. A few of us still have our Dads to celebrate, many of us do not have that pleasure anymore. Some fall in both categories, ( wait, that's probably just me ). I think the focus today should be on the person we all rely on on WTIOC- the one and only P! Our friend for at least ten years, he has managed to deal with our daily goofiness, no matter what we throw at him. He has laughed with us, debated us, rolled his eyes at us, ( I am sure!) and supported us wholeheartedly. We love you P! 
                                                                     GO BLUE!!!!!













                    HAPPY FATHERS DAY P !!!

Saturday, 16 June 2018

It's a Party to Celebrate Friendship


This has been a long, difficult week for some of us.  Personally, these last 3 weeks have been among the most stressful of my life.  Having friends like you who are so quick to support, love, empathize, and offer a kind word means so much to me.  Sooooooo.....

We're getting out the party decorations, delicious food and drink, and having a party to celebrate FRIENDSHIP!!











If there are any lurkers reading, please join us!  It's a great time to introduce yourself.

Friday, 15 June 2018

Friday fun

It's friday. I admit I am phoning it in. Have a great start to the weekend! Oh, and make sure to check in tomorrow..








Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Friends

Happy Wednesday! It has been an emotional week for the What time is o'clock folks. Here's hoping the upcoming days continue to be positive. I think we need a few more late night parties! It is always fun sharing time with you. Thank you all for your friendship, let the laughs continue! 😍










Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Exciting plans!

I couldn't stay in the States, can't face living in France without Peter, what to do?

Luckily, I have a large family in Spain, where I'll be able to enjoy better weather than here, and excellent free healthcare! I'm going to live in Granada.

I have already arranged the trip, booked my flight, and will be in Spain by the end of the month.

Jan, the friend who welcomed me to her home in France, left on vacation last Friday, to visit friends and family in England and Wales, then going for a week in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. I'm looking after her two adorable dogs and her home until she gets back.

Then it will be au revoir France, hola España! Olé!



The white dog is Scruff, the black one is Réglisse (licorice in French), both very appropriate names...

Here are some pictures of Granada:







Not bad, eh? I still plan to spend time in Miami, in the winter! I'm very excited about the move.

Monday, 11 June 2018

To Everything, There Is A Season...


Early Sunday morning, my dear father passed away.  I am trying my best to be thankful that we had him for so long.  After my mom's death, I always considered the time he remained with us to be a gift.  But to be truthful, this ain't easy.

My parents were the most generous people I have ever known-- always offering a funny comment, genuine empathy, or just a listening ear.  As New England Protestants, they were never big on physical displays of affection after us kids became adults, but we understood how much they loved and supported us.  The first time I brought DH home to meet my folks, he shoveled their entire driveway from the overnight blizzard.  After, DH went inside and had a long conversation with my dad in the living room.  As we were leaving, my mom whispered to me "Dad just said 'Finally, she brought someone home who I can talk to!' "  Yes, I married someone just like my dad, an MIT nerd with a big heart.  I last saw my father about 12 hours before he passed.  I told him that he was the best dad I could ever have asked for, and that's why I chose someone just like him.

I wanted to add some photos of my garden to this post.  My parents were so proud of how we transformed our drab, suburban house and gardens into something more modern and appropriate for a couple of architects and their boys.

Turn! Turn! Turn! The Byrds
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late








Sunday, 10 June 2018

Summer is coming!!

Summer begins officially in a couple of weeks. It is my favorite time of year, with fall running a close second. My yard is beginning to wake up, the grass is green, trees are full, and the garden is planted. The patio becomes my favorite room in the house, from early morning coffee time, to the dinner bbq, followed by the evening twilight, which is my absolute favorite time of day.

















       Just for fun, here is Duncan waiting patiently for me to share some popcorn with him. 😄




Saturday, 9 June 2018

Searching for Tranquility

I have always enjoyed the painter Bob Ross. His show was so calming and peaceful as he spoke while creating one of his paintings. It was mesmerizing to me to see the images begin to take shape as the show went on. Here are a few that caught my eye.















I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend.