Good Morning All & Happy Tuesday!
A great big Happy Birthday to our friend Radar in Lewiston, good friend of Judy’s dad, rodeo bronc rider and master carpenter/builder extraordinaire, among many other talents! Here’s to you, Radar! Happy Birthday wishes also go to master trumpeter Doc Severinsen, the pride of Arlington, Oregon (along the Columbia River) and of “The Tonight Show” T.V. fame, who is 93 today; to superb historian and author David McCollough of “1776” and “The Pioneers” book fame, who turns 87 today; to drummer Ringo Starr of “The Beatles” fame, who is 80 today; to actress Shelley Duvall, who turns 70 today; and Olympic ice skater Michelle Kwan, who is 40 today. Here’s to all of you, too!
We’re sure getting a lot of different varieties of birds frequenting our bird feeders and bird bath this year! I attribute it to different kinds of seed mixes that I purchased at the local Birds Unlimited store. For instance, we’ve never had as many nuthatches come by for a meal like we have had this summer. It’s terrific to see so many different kinds of birds…Speaking of birds, I’d have to say that my favorites are the American Goldfinch and the Western Tanager…they both have brilliant colors…they are hard to spot, I think because they are rather shy. I admit it…I’m a bird nut…life is good for bird’s at Mark’s Bird Buffet and Spa (the bird bath)!
My childhood friend Tim continues to make progress in his comeback from a traumatic brain injury. Each day seems to bring a little bit more improvement. Prayers continue to be lifted up from him and his family on his journey back to good health. Press on, Tim! The world needs you back!
Here’s an inspiring story for the day:
In the most recent edition of “Rural Montana,” a great magazine published by the Electric Cooperatives of Montana, an article appeared entitled “Long Awaited Return”:
“Glacier Electric Cooperative lineman Les Costel, who had to go on disability in February, 2019 and has been out of work since due to reduced kidney function, returned to work June 1. Costel was able to return because “Rural Montana” reader Janet Reindl read about Costel’s situation and donated a kidney. That story appeared in the February, 2020 issue of “Rural Montana.”” How about that! There are so many inspiring stories like this one out there! Here’s to Les and Janet!
Don’t you find it curious that during the challenging times our country is in that the best we can come up for Presidential candidates are Joe Biden and Donald Trump. One has to be concerned about Biden’s noticeable & profound cognitive difficulties. A reasonable worry for us is who will exert influence in his administration if he is elected. I just don’t think he’s up to the job. One also has to be deeply concerned about the behavior of our current President (Trump). Everything seems to be all about him and his demeanor and behavior are an embarrassment to the country. Why can’t we find more able and inspiring leaders to take charge in these trying times? As I mentioned before, perhaps it has to get worse before it gets better until an inspiring and able leader will emerge, as was the case in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln took the stage. In the meantime, lots of prayers are lifted up for our country…for wisdom and discernment for all of our leaders at the federal, state & local levels.
Here’s the word definition for the day:
Exhortation: (Eks-or-tay-shun): A 15th century Latin word meaning “An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.” It’s hoped that all of us, for the sake of the rest of us, will heed the exhortations to wear masks in public and when in close quarters with others in order to help stop the spread of the virus.
Here’s the thought for the day:
You’re just a country boy…money have you none
But you’ve got silver in the stars
Gold in the morning sun…Gold in the morning sun…
…Never could afford a store bought ring with a sparklin’ diamond stone
All you could afford, is a loving heart
The only one you own
You’re just a country boy…money have you none
But you’ve got silver in the stars
Gold in the morning sun…Gold in the morning sun.”
—Alison Krauss & Union Station, “You’re Just A Country Boy”
Here’s to a great Tuesday and lots of love and good wishes always!
Press on,
Papa ‘a (Dad, Uncle Mark, Mark, etc.)