cleanin' out the in box

I got home unusually early from my daily rounds and I've been doing things like planning bills and emptying emails one page at a time.  631 of them at last count.  I used to be really good about staying on top of that life happens and you get a bit behind.  My girls and I spent a few hours together on Saturday and I treasure that time.  Reaves is wild and sassy, inquisitive and smart.  We have real conversations now between the two of us when she settles down enough to discuss life.  It dawned on me during yesterday's eclipse that the last one I saw was when Lauren was pregnant and Lorna and I went to Grubb's Grocery for free glasses and a peek at the solar madness.  We didn't last long in that crowd!

My paternal grandmother Lottie always had a coleus bed at her home on Pate Street.  I have never planted them but my friend Carol tempted me so I went to Stanfields and for four plus basil.  It is rainy today so I'll hold off on the planting until the front passes which will probably be Friday.  Strong storms ahead.  April showers bring May flowers and all that.  

Politically speaking, I keep hearing the same question over and over again.  "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"  IMHO the price of fuel has nothing to do with who is POTUS.  It is all controlled by oil producing companies and distributors who play with prices because they can.  Financially?  Yes I am better off because of COLA raises for SS.  Which many people call entitlements.  That is a total lie because I worked my ass off for 50 years to pay for that benefit plus Medicare.  I do not begrudge those who are using programs that are a safety net for the poor and underinsured.  There were the same such dilemmas back in Jesus' day but He did urge us to take care of the least of these.  Are there people who take advantage of that?  Of course.  Compare and contrast that to the tax cuts for the absurdly wealthy.  

One of the most rewarding things that I help with is packing bags of non-perishable food at our church that are distributed weekly.  I think about the fast food that I eat and imagine living on spam and saltines and beanie weenies.  Kind of makes you humble.  

Y'all be careful and humble and grateful.  It makes life so much more joyful ^j^