What are we talking about?

At my age I have pretty strong belief systems.  On one subject that I have never wavered on is pro life.  I have just never understood the whole abortion thing.  How you can charge a driver accused of vehicular homicide for two deaths when a pregnant woman has been killed in another car but then turn around and allow a woman to kill another human being growing inside her.  I just don't get it. 

This week there was an article in our local paper about our large animal shelter here.  There are a LOT of animal lovers where I live, including me.  Last year the voters approved a bill to fund a $22 million new shelter.  This is due to the transition of the current shelter to a "no kill" shelter.  The original shelter began in 1968 as a "dog pound" where typically strays were picked up and held for a few days and then put down if no one claimed them.  Gradually, times have changed, according to the article, and now "the public no longer wants nor will it tolerate a facility like that."  The article goes on to say, "It's neither humane nor ethical to destroy animals simply because it's inconvenient and expensive to house them until they can be adopted."  Huh?  I could not agree more, but if the sentiment is that strong for our four legged friends who are defenseless, shouldn't it be even truer for the unborn?  I just don't get it. 

Black Fish or Black Spot?

We are big on documentaries at our house.  Last night we watched Black Fish, a documentary on Tilikum, the bull Orca whale kept at Sea World in Orlando.  To say we were disgusted after watching this film is an understatement.  After living in the Pacific NW and seeing Orca whales swim alongside our own boat, watching the account of a whale in captivity filled us both with great sadness.  I am revolted that I, yes I, many years ago went to Sea World and was "entertained" by all that the trainers got the whales to do.  Today, older and wiser, I would gladly stand outside this facility and hold a placard denouncing the treatment of these amazing creatures and encouraging others to boycott this spectacle.  The film is well done with testimonials of former trainers and a horrific look of how whales were harvested for this entertainment industry.   After a number of trainer deaths, training practices no longer allow the in water antics with the whales.  I, today, did some on line research to see what the status is today for Tilikum.  Nothing has changed and he leads a cramped, lethargic life that breaks my heart.   Hopefully the film will continue to educate the masses.  Everyone, from teenagers on up should see this film.  There are a lot of evils in this world but this blight on the preservation of one of our most magnificent earthly creatures is quite simply a big black spot on our civilized society. 

Summer of reading

One of the perks of retirement is the luxury of reading.  I call it a luxury since during years of raising children and working, there just was not much time.  So now I am making up for lost time, especially this summer as we are living in limbo waiting for our new house to be done.   Also, summer in Arizona encourages more time inside.  I'm trying to catch up on some of the old classics.  I recently finished Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice and enjoyed it so much.  Such an insight into women's roles of the day and so glad I live now!  The author, W. Somerset Maugham said, "Nothing very much happens in her books, and yet, when you come to the bottom of the page, you eagerly turn it to learn what will happen next.  Nothing very much does and again you eagerly turn the page.  The novelist who has the power to achieve this has the most precious gift a novelist can possess."  It was also refreshing to read a book with such rich literary phrasing and no profanity!  Here are two of my favorite quotes from the book:

"The wisest and best of men, - nay, the wisest and best of their actions, - may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."

"....resignation (as in being resigned to something happening) is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value..."

Another favorite read was A Wolf Called Romeo.  I just was mesmerized by this true story set in Juneau, Alaska.  I will never think of a wolf again without thinking of Romeo. 

Now I'm into Edith Wharton's A House of Mirth.  Additional insights into high society during the early 1900's and the limited opportunities for women. 

A while back I finished Pat Nixon, written in the 80's by her daughter, Julie.  Extremely well written and a testimony to an amazing woman.  Few know what she had to put up with.   Also wonderful was The Princesse Of Versailles, the story of Marie Adelaide of Savoy.  She married Louis the IV's grandson.  A fascinating woman.  A side note: books from this era give one a much greater appreciation for modern dentistry. 

Ok, that's all for now..let me know if you have any good recommendations.  

Queen for a day

When I was little there was a TV program called, "Queen For A Day".  I think a woman was chosen from the audience and for the next hour was treated to all kinds of gifts.  She sat on a throne, wore a crown, held a scepter and then was inundated with surprises.  It was a very happy show.  Well, on my 67th birthday, my grandchildren created for me a similar honor with my own crown and wand, with instructions that Grandpa had to do everything I asked him that day.   After receiving his beautiful flowers I could hardly ask him to be a door mat but we had a good laugh over it anyway.   Grandchildren's creativity - priceless.