The hardest thing I do is wake up in the morning. I figure I know how Lazarus felt when he was raised from the dead!
As I struggle to become conscious, I pass through a field of dreams inhabited by shadowy figures. One morning as I woke I heard a jingle of female voices singing a happy little song. (Did I mention I watch too much television?) It seems even my dreams are accompanied by commercials!
Once my feet make it to the floor I get serious about getting dressed and making the bed. Then I head for the kitchen where I drop a couple of pieces of cinnamon raisin bread into the toaster and fill my cup with coffee. Glenn, my husband, who is an early riser has a pot of hot coffee waiting.
With coffee and toast in hand I head for my armchair in the living room by the north window and reach for the remote. With the press of a button the outside world is invited into my living room. I’m brought up to date with the earthquake in Mexico, forest fires in California and the hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin islands. The devastation faced by the citizens of these areas is beyond comprehension.
Also in the news is concern about the nuclear threat imposed by North Korea. Kim Jong Un is unlikely to modify his agenda. He represents a serious threat to our country and the world.
Cultural issues continue to hover on the horizon. Team members of the AFL are being chastised by the President for demonstrating for civil rights at their games.
“What do I do all day?” It seems we have a bumper crop of apples this fall. My husband keeps piling up bags of apples in the kitchen. He has dedicated himself to picking up the windfall in our neighbors’ yards. I have two frozen apple pies in the freezer, bags of sliced apples frozen, apple sauce and apple juice, not to mention spice cake embellished with chunks of apples.
I write letters. One friend mentioned to me in a letter that she was afraid she is “losing it!” I was able to assure her she is okay. I told her, “If you find yourself packing the remote for your television set in your suitcase when going on a trip, you’re in trouble! Otherwise you don’t have to worry!”
On a routine visit to the doctor I asked him if he had a pill to “cure” old age? (Big Pharma has a pill for everything else — pain, anxiety, depression, constipation. Why not produce a pill to reverse the process of aging?) As it is, I see old age as a pre-existing condition.
I read. On weekends I watch authors being interviewed about books they wrote. Eric Metaxas discussed his book If You Can Keep It. He reminds us that we have been given a Republic. That the President and all the members of government work for us and are paid by us. With this unique privilege comes responsibility. If we wish to remain a free society we need to be informed and engaged in the process of governing.
Recently I enjoyed an interview with Hillary Clinton where she talked about her book What Happened? She expresses her feelings and thoughts with a candidness that is refreshing. She has spent her adult life in service to our country. Her understanding of issues, her knowledge of affairs at home and abroad is unrivaled in our political history.
I play Scrabble with my neighbor who routinely beats me. I do however play well enough “to keep her on her toes!”
I look forward each month to writing a commentary for the Journal. I believe the Opinion page offers an opportunity for conversation. I appreciate hearing from readers whether they agree with me or not. We all are unique and enrich each others lives by sharing our thoughts and feelings.