My memory is awakened to the season of the year that brings anticipation of what is yet to come, at the same time-regrets….that summer is over for another year!

The gardens glow of brittle bronze ..
While purple leaves bog shores of ponds….
The holly hocks bend sadly down, neath swaying trees vermillion crowned …
The grassy field once waved in jade,
Now dances golden sun arrayed.
The watching forest standing by, reflect great rainbows to the sky.
Enjoy your September!
copyright @ 1980 Margaret Marie

I did not write in August which was a first- since I began this blog usually I write each month. So sorry to anyone out there who may actually read my blog. I traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, then to Myrtle Beach, SC then to Rochester. A lot of travel -all ended with vacation -Yeah!!!! I am back to the hustle and here to wish you well. Remember, each day is a chance to start over again!

Though we all may have one area or more where we may feel that our freedom has been taken from us, we need to stop a moment and thank God for our freedom here in the USA. There are so many countries around the globe that have so many restrictions and limitations placed on them that they are not able to rightfully say , “I am free!!!” This July 4th holiday, reach out to embrace the freedom given to us here and be thankful for all those in our heritage and even our current troops who courageously gave their hard sacrifices for this nation’s freedom. I fully respect the rights that our forefathers established in the constitution and do have a problem when I see people defile what our forefathers had fought to uphold. While we celebrate July 4-please pray for those who have not yet returned home from Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea.

Pulling out of my drive today I glanced at my roses that are overwhelming the white lattice…I became surprised. I had never noticed that my roses were red!! For some reason I remember that they were pink. I believe that so many of us are so consumed with all that our lives takes us to daily that we do not stop to look around at what we have. As a child we use to say “roses are red …violets are blue” when placing a bet on who we may love….but just what if you never knew that your roses were red? It seems it would make our guessing game quite meaningless..We need to be aware of who we are and what really is around us. Then we may make a better guess!

It certainly took great courage to run in front of my car which was going 60 miles an hour. A woodchuck may have been sporting some extra pounds, but that did not stop his feet from scrambling wildly as he crossed in front of me. He seemed to anxiously glance at me as if to make sure he cleared the finish line-or my car bumper! This woodchuck’s fate was altered by two quail who had caught my eye. It appeared they were snacking in the bushes. It seemed that spotting these lovely birds caused me to become more cautious of that country-rendezvous . When the chubby Olympian made his way crossed the road, I was able to stop before his fate met with my gray Toyota. I can see where cartoon expressions are developed- when the look on this poor critter’s face would have been a priceless picture. How terrifying that walk became for him at that moment! Saved he was!
I spent Memorial Day afternoon in the country visiting my daughter in Cooperstown. It was a very beautiful afternoon. I want to thank all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our nation. I am sure that you all had near misses and in some cases this thanks is extended to those families who have lost a loved one-no greater love that a man should lay down his life for a brother…my dad earned a purple heart he was wounded in the Korean war. My son served time in Afghanistan and Iraq-I am also very proud of him, he was not wounded physically-thank God he made it home safely! I am very proud of all of those who served and who still are serving this nation bravely- no greater courage!! Thank you to you and your beloved families!!