Sunday Morning Coming Down

As everyone knows I've been rather pre-occupied these past few weeks. First and formost there's been Big Brother. Much of last week I spent glued to the live feed updates. Hoping and praying Eric was going home. Alas my prayers were answered, but my joy was to be short lived. Maggie, Eric's partner won HOH and in one fell swoop, broke the new alliance of 6 . James, being the lying, backstabbing, two-faced, ass he is, didn't let the key to HOH hit her shoulders before he was '6' inches up her butt. He's her new best friend. If Maggie is hornswoggled by this guy she deserves to loose. And she will. If she succombs to pressure from Ivette and April (his new-next-best-friends) and doesn't get rid of him this week she's a fool. As are they all, including the now defunct alliance of 6. This guy has no qualms about stabbing even his own partner and real life girlfriend (Sarah) in the back. He's in it to win at all cost.
Needless to say, seeing my man Kaysar back up on the chopping block has not made me a happy camper. Much is riding on the veto this week.
I've also been busy with another issue that's very important to me. Since it's of a political nature I've tried not to get into it here at le chateau Breathe.... For the obvious reasons. However, a couple of folks (okay, David and Sally) have expressed an interest in knowing anyway. So, here's the deal. If you REALLY want to know, I'll tell you. But, be forwarned you may not like it. Here's your chance to say 'yea or nae'. The majority wins.
Do you really want to know what's the hot issue I've been working?
Or would you rather leave the political stuff to the other side?
You may now cast your votes.

Freaky Friday

I know I've been rather lackadaisical in my blogging of late. It's just there's been so much going on. I've been working on a personal project that's kind of politically connected so I won't go into the details. Of course I've been indulging in my guilty pleasrue (Big Brother)quite a bit, as well.
Speaking of Big Brother, how about that show last night? I jumped for joy when Eric got his walking papers. What a jerk he'd been all week. Of course my joy was short lived when Maggie won HOH. I'm afraid this does not bode well for my guy Kaysar. But that's the way the game goes. One week your on top, the next week your the one on the hot seat. I can't believe James is already switching sides! He's gone to Maggie, suggesting the best people to nominate are Janelle and Kaysar! What a rotten backstabber he is. I don't think Maggie's going to fall for his BS though. I sure hope not.
Anyway,(oooo Piggy's favorite word), this weekend promises to be a busy one for me. Hopefully I will get caught up with my blogwalking early next week.
I hope everyone is enjoying this HOT summer weather. As for me I HATE it. I'm counting the days until October.
What's your guilty pleasure? Do you have the opportunity to indulge in it often?

Wednesday's Wanderings

Is anyone besides me totally impressed with Kaysar on Big Brother? In one fell swoop he brought the high and mighty Eric to his knees. Eric goes around talking about playing the game with integrity but he was the FIRST one to break his word. He made a deal with Michael, James, and Kaysar that they would be the final four. Then the first thing he does when he's HOH is nominate Michael and talk crap about him all week. Now that Michael's gone, he expects James and Kaysar to honor their deals with him. How wrong is that? Eric made the same mistake Jase and Scott made last year. He assumed he could control people by using intimidation.
Kaysar on the other hand is using the fine art of persuasion. He simply lays out the options and lets the the others make their own decisions. He's a very intelligent guy. But I wouldn't want to cross him. I suspect with Kaysar revenge is not a dish he'd serve up cold.
Now, if you don't watch Big Brother, you have no idea who or what I'm talking about.
So, here's a little something one the side. A Wednesday meme...

1. Which country is the world's greatest superpower"
I guess I'd have to say the United States. Followed closely by China.

2. Why is the whole world excited about Harry Potter?
I have no idea. But I'm enjoying the book that a very kind and generous lady sent me!

3. Is anything in life ever free? Name something.
Sure.
Well, maybe.
Or maybe not.
Blogger is free. Yeah it has it's hassles but it's still free. Same with Haloscan.

Okay, I'm off to beddy bye.

Sunday afternoon reading

You're Catch-22!

by Joseph Heller

Incredibly witty and funny, you have an undeniable taste for irony in all that you see. It seems that life continually puts you in perpetually untenable situations, and your sense of humor is all that gets you through. These experiences have also made you an ardent pacifist, though you present your message more tounge-in-cheek, than rant. You could coin a phrase that replaces the word "paradox" for millions of people.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Frisky Friday

For your viewing pleasure...







Sorry I just couldn't resist!

Ya'll have a good one. Weekend that is.

Thursday's Thoughts

Is it Thursday already? Where does the time go?

I found this little poem over at Michelles . It describes to a T the way I feel. Now if I could just find one about storms.
Rain, rain, please stay
Please rain yet another day
I love the rain, I love the cold
My garden loves you more, I'm told.

Speaking of other people's blogs. I have discovered this absolutely fantastic new blog. 100 Reason Why I Hate My Husband , by Christine. Christine is an amazing writer and her blog just cracks me up. I owe a big thanks to The Queen for leading me to Christine's very entertaining blog. Thanks Queenie!!

I have a very quiet house tonight. Zach is home with his Mum. Dan has gone over to Josh's for a few days. Robert is in Eufaula. Robby is at work. Kasey was gone with friends until just a little bit ago,now she's in the living room quietly watching tv. It's a pleasent repsite from the turmoil of late.

I'm off to play a few rounds of online scrabble. Later gators!

Miraculous Moments

Yesterday was Zach's birthday. For a short few hours he had, his Mother, his Father, both his Grandmothers, and his brother and sister all in the same house at the same time. And there were NO arguments, no fussing, no snotty snipes. Just a fun cookout with cake and ice cream. He got mostly money in leiu of presents, for a trip they are taking to Adventure Land. It's a theme park in southern Georgia. I think the best present of all, at least to him, was having his Dad there.
I've noticed that Daniel seems to be letting his guard down and enjoying being with Zach a lot more lately. I'm not fooling myself into thinking he's going to give up and stay here, but at least this is a start in repairing his relationship with his son. One step at a time.
I even had three of my grandchildren there. Trent and Hayley came for the party too. I can't believe how much Hayley has grown. She is so adorable. She has this fine, short curley red hair that is just beautiful. She actually let me hold her and give her hugs and kisses. Trent on the other hand informed me kissing wasn't for big boys! I think he didn't want the other kids to see him smooching on his granny. No problem, he gave me a big hug and a kiss when we went to leave.
Over all it was a good day.
Now I'm off to beddy bye. Sweet dreams I hope!

Recipe for Insanity

If your looking for a recipe for insanity, you've come to the right place. For starters try putting five adults, one human child, and two canine children, in a three bedroom, one bath, little brick house. Do you know how many times you can stumble over a canine child without breaking an arm or leg. So far I'm up to around a million. Have you any idea how many times a human child can ask the same question? More than you can imagine, trust me. If you have any doubt that one can resist the urge to beat the living crap out of another, I can testify it ain't easy but it can be done. Is it possible to hate someone you love. Oh yeah! Trust me this too is possible.
Then come the nights. When I walk from room to room and peek in to see each one sleeping so sweetly and innocent. There's something oddly peaceful and serene about the snoring that rock's the rafters. Think I'll go take a long hot bubble bath. Hopefully no one will need to tinkle for the next hour or so.
Calgon take me away....

The Three Amigos

Benson, Billy & Josh
They were three beautiful, bright, gregarious young men. Filled with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with the recklessness of youth. Invincible in their minds. So much to give, so much promise.
Young girls followed after them with the fawning most often reserved for movie stars and rock idols. Envied by those who didn't understand their allure.
Impatient to grow up, living every minute as if it would be their last. Always teetering on the edge. Staying just within the bounds of the law. High school boys with dreams but no real plans for their future.
Today, two are gone. Both brought down by their addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Billy, and Benson, you will be so deeply missed.
Especially by the third amigo. Even though they had parted paths years ago, I know his heart must be breaking as he remembers the days of the 'the three amigo's.

What made the difference in these young men's lives? Was it their parents? Their families? I'd like to believe in some small way it was, because that third young man is my son Joshua. But in my heart I know the piviotol moment, the person who made the biggest difference is a young woman named Amie. She saw something in my son and she believed in him, when no one else did. She changed the direction of his life. Her faith in him gave him faith in his self. Her willingness to stand beside him through the ups and downs gave him the strength and courage to change the direction of his life. Together they created a life that neither Benson or Billy would ever know. They have two beautiful children, a lovely home, and love. As well the love and respect of both their families and their friends.
Do I believe Amie may well have saved my son's life? I do. When they met back in 1998 Josh was a ship without an anchor. He had no idea what he wanted from life or where he was headed. He had dreams but no plans. Hopes but little motivation.
Am I eternally greatful? Absolutely.
Goodbye Billy (1977-2005), and Benson ( 1977-200).
Thank you Amie. Thank you so very very much!

Big Brother Part Deux

I don't like summer. The heat is exhausting, and I can never seem to get cool enough or stay cool long enough. The only, and I mean ONLY thing that summer has to offer is Big Brother. I love this show. I watch it religiously. I've even managed to get my daughter hooked. I see from the comments to Thursday's post, I have more than a few fellow addictee's. Therefore I am going to share my favorite links with ya'll.
For live feed updates go here [ UPDATES! ]
For chat go here:[ "CHAT" ]

There is also a chat room via the CBS site, but I don't go there because the room isn't moderated most of the time and things can get nasty real fast. By nasty I mean lots of hotheaded people and some who are vulgar. The chat room above is heavily moderated and no cursing is allowed.

I chat under the names of 'Jules' (don't ask) and 'Phaydra'.

I was sad to see Ashlea go, but glad it wasn't Kaysar. I'm afraid Janelle will be next. They were the two prettiest girls in the house. Not that there are any who aren't pretty. They're all HOT! The guys not so much. I liked Eric to start out with but he's gotten way too cocky and copped an attitude. I never liked Rachel and hoped she'd be nominated this week, but I think it's going to be Michael and Janelle. Yes, David, I know Rachel's hot, but there's just something about her that bugs me. It's hard to bond with every player when it's this early in the game. There's just too many of them.
Anyway (ooo Piggy's fav word) if ya'll get to missing me, you can find me over in the chat room or reading the live feed updates. I don't have the live feeds yet cause it's too early in the game. I'll probably get them around the middle of August.
Okay, I'm off to partake of my addiction!
Ya'll come if ya can!

Guilty Pleasures

I confess. I'm addicted. For the past five years the ides of summer have found me glued alternately to my computer and my television. Big Brother [6] has arrived.
I will stay up all hours of the night (this is the one time I don't mind insomnia) to watch the live feeds or to read the live feed updates. People in the chat room know me on a first name basis. After all we've been chatting every summer for five years. There's Barb and Romie, and Joe from Tampa. We're already taking bets on who's going home this week. I'm hoping it will be Ashlea and not Kaysar. Not that I have anything against Ashlea, I just like Kaysar better. Guess what. He's Muslim and he's a hottie! I'm curious to see if the other houseguest will hold his nationality and his religion against him.
Anyway (yea, Piggy's fav word) don't get concerned if I go missing for a day or two. Just hop on over to the Big Brother chat room. You'll find me there. Or asleep on the floor by the computer or tv.
Do you have a gulity pleasure?

Don't Have A Cow Man!

Man faints, dies after seeing epidural

LOS ANGELES - A California woman is suing a hospital for wrongful death because her husband fainted and suffered a fatal injury after helping delivery room staff give her a pain-killing injection.

Can you imagine if he'd seen her getting an episiotomy? Or actually seen a head the size of a small cantalope passing through his wife's vagina? Men are such wussies.

Maybe I'm being a bit on the cold side here, but I'm thinking this guy wouldn't have held up too well over the long run anyway. If seeing someone else getting a shot was enough to bring him to his knees he'd have never been able to hold up to the big stuff. Like taking the kid in for it's shots. Or maybe taking the kid to the hospital for stitches when he/she busted his/her head open falling off a bicycle.

To think there are fools out there that think women can't hold up in combat.

Manic Monday

The storm has passed. And rather quickly I might add. There was a bit of wind and a bit of rain. We lost power around 3 pm. I sat down in my easy chair to read, and fell asleep. Two hours later I woke up, there was still no power but the terrible, awful, very bad hurricane was gone. There's a few fallen limbs in the yard to be picked up, but that's it. Much ado about nothing. I suppose it really was the perfect storm after all. There were all the necessary elements, including much lauding by the media. But the damage was minimal. Can't beat that with a stick.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives.
Dagnabit!

The (Un)Perfect Storm

Just a short update for this rainy Sunday morning. Dennis is a few hours away from making his arrival. Despite my cavalier attitude I have a healthy respect for this storm. Overnight he's been upgraded from a category 3 to a 4. That's a very dangerous storm. Especially for those along coast. Many who still haven't recovered from Ivan. Even we folks in Podunt will be feeling some tropical force winds and rain. Odds are we will loose power, if not for days at least for hours. So just in case you don't hear from me for a day or two, don't worry. Our house is a sturdy little brick one that has withstood Carla, Opal, and Ivan. With a couple of tornadoes thrown in for good measure. I suspect it will be fine this time too. But, without power there is no cable or internet.
Anyway (ooo Piggy's fav word) we're batten down the hatches and getting ready to ride out the storm. This one should be interesting. Ya'll keep the homefires burning and I'll see on the flip side.

There's a storm across the water, clouds are rolling in...

The way folks in these parts are acting you'd think there was a storm headed our way.
What's that you say? There is?
Nah.
Yeah, I know there's a bad boy out there in the Gulf. Churning his way north. I know he's already done some damage. Taken some lives. I just don't think he's coming this way. Maybe the folks in Mississippi and New Orleans should be concerned but not people here in Podunt. We may enjoy a bit of rain with a squall or two of wind but we're in no real danger. Not enough to be boardin' up windows, closing down businesses and takin' to the hills.
I have to say, these hurricane's are becoming a bit of an annoyance. They are killing and maiming innocents and causing massive property damage. Leaving an ever widening path of destruction in their wake. I think it's time we enact some of that Patriot Act on their asses. Come to think of it this oppressive heat is getting out of hand as well. I say we put out a bounty on Mother Nature. Hunt her down! We could start by sending troops into the South of Africa to ferret out those rouge weather systems lurking there. Just waiting for an opportunity to slither their way into the west to destroy our way of life. You know it's because all those Africans hate us.
I've had enough. I say we declare a war on the weather!

Blogger's Frame of Mind

"If, as you live your life, you find yourself mentally composing blog entries about it, post this exact same sentence in your weblog."[ The Phantom Scribbler ]

Do you do this? I do. I was blogging about life, long before blogging became the cool, 'in' thing to do.
As I go about the daily ups and downs of life I often find myself menatlly composing 'blog entries' in my mind. If someone in traffic ticks me off (IF?), as I curse them for all their worth, I dash off a quick stupid drivers post. Perchance a dingbat hausfrau brings ALL her wild bratty kids to the market with her and they create havoc in the aisles, I mentally blog about what I'd really like to say to her and do to them. Blogging has become the ultimate in not only tension release but an inexpensive and effective form of therapy. Vive'la blog!
Many is the time when mental blogging may have saved a life. Most likely my own.

Thursday's Thoughts

We got a little rain last night and today, but that's about all Cindy had for us here in Podunt. I hear Dennis is looming on the horizon. As much as I love foul weather I don't wish to see the poor folks of Florida go through another hurrican season like last years. You'd think so much wind and rain would wash away some of the evil that lurks within that state (child molesters/killers). I guess even a hurrican can't eradicate the depravity of man.
Friday is Amanda's (Zachary's Mother) birthday. She'll be 29 years old. She's once again homeless and just started yet another new job. My heart aches for her, yet I can't help but feel a bit of anger that she's still leading a life that is so disruptive to her children. The one lesson Amanda has never learned, is when you have children, your life is no longer your own. As a parent you have to make sacrifices. A lot of them. That means no parties, no bars, no men who come (sleep over) and go (well duh)like ships in the night.
If I could wish just one wish for her it would be that she finally grow up and learn the true meaning of love. Not just romantic love but the love that one feels that enables them to make the hard choices. The one's that hurt you inside but you do what you must in order to do what's best for the child you brought into this world.

Not that she's alone in her short comings as a parent. In fact compared to my own son, she is a trophy Mom. His selfishness and lack of concern for his child is a constant source of pain and disappointment for me. Zachary said something today that just made me sit down and cry. He was complaining about his Dad going off with Josh and leaving him here. I said to him "Zach you can't blame me for the things he does", he turned around and looked at me with those big sad brown eyes and said "Why not? You raised him." If he had punched me in to stomach it couldn't have hurt any worse. Of course when I started crying he started hugging me and said "I'm sorry Granny". Then he said, "Don't worry Granny, I won't ever grow up to be like him." Dear God how the truth can hurt.
We do the best we can. We try to teach them to be responsible, caring adults. Then they go out into the world and defy all that we have tried to teach them. Did we fail? Or did they simply choose not to listen? Who knows?
All I can do now is try to be there for Zachary.
In this, I pray, I will not fail.

....
Zachary and Amanda

Weekend Update

The holiday weekend here in the house on Any St in Podunt, USA, was fairly normal. The only explosions were of the fireworks variety. Considering how many people are currently occupying said house that alone is an accomplishment. There was a cookout late Monday afternoon, followed by an evening of watermelon and fireworks. The hubs left for his monthy sojourn to his brothers. I'm sure he's going to enjoy the peace and quiet of a house with only three adults living there. I almost envy him.
The most exciting thing to happen all weekend was my radio interview (via telephone) with Dan & Co over at Left Turn on Bird Street . I was quite honored to be invited to chat with them on air about the life of being a liberal in a southern red state (heck it's more of a block of red states). Somewhere out in California people are shaking their heads wondering how a lefty such as myself survives living amongst so many righty's. The encouraging news is I'm starting to see more and more folks come toward the light.
I'm hoping the coming week will bring some much needed rain. Oh and peace and quiet too!
Ya'll have a good one!

ps: Yes I shamelessly stole these smilies from KB over at Split Splat . Hopefully she won't put a hit out on me!

Of Dogs and Men

dogs are good with kids.
dogs are happy with any video you choose to rent, because they know the most important thing is that you're together.
dogs aren't threatened if you earn more than they do.
dogs do not care whether you shave your legs.
dogs do not have problems expressing affection in public.
dogs do not play games with you -- except fetch (and they never laugh at how you throw).
dogs do not read at the table.
dogs don't correct your stories.
dogs don't criticize your friends.
dogs don't feel threatened by your intelligence.
dogs don't mind if you do all the driving.
dogs don't need therapy to undo their bad socialization.
dogs feel guilt when they've done something wrong.
dogs like your size.
dogs look at your eyes.
dogs mean it when they kiss you.
dogs miss you when you're gone.
dogs take care of their own needs.
dogs think you are a culinary genius.
dogs understand what "no" means.
Gorgeous dogs don't know they're gorgeous.
Middle-aged dogs don't feel the need to abandon you for a younger owner.
You are never suspicious of your dog's dreams.
You can force a dog to take a bath.
You can train a dog.
You never wonder whether your dog is good enough for you.
dogs understand if some of their friends cannot come inside. ( I'm not so sure about this one. Petunia and Dakota don't seem to understand why Thumper the humper [neighbor's dog, who's name tells all] can't live with us)
*****
I hope all my American friends are having a great 4th of July holiday. As for you Canucks, I hope you all had a dandy Canada Day weekend!

Sunday Sermon

I believe blogging is all about expressing one's feelings and opinions, therefore I have decided from here on out I am going to post once a week on an issue of importance to me. Sometimes it may be about religion, sometimes politics, sometimes it will be whatever is on my mind at the moment. I feel that failing to do so is betraying the reason I blog. This is who I am. I am a person who cares deeply and passionately about my religion, my family, my friends, my country and the world around me. I realize there are those who don't agree with me on some of these issue and I will welcome their comments and opinions. I love a good debate.
So, without further ado...
Grave Doubts

Before I begin, let me state for the record that, regardless of whether we have a chance to get our democracy back or not, I am prepared to go to the wall with this. I am not ready to roll over because 'there's nothing we can do about it'. I will keep shouting because the alternative is unacceptable to me.

However, I have some grave doubts about the possibility of any kind of democratic (small 'd') process when I hear with my own ears a voice vote taken where the 'ayes' are clearly audible, the 'noes' are practically inaudible, and the chair moves that the 'noes' have it. That is pretty much saying black is white, and white is black, and anyone who disagrees can take a long walk on a short pier.

I have grave doubts when I watch with my own eyes a chairman of a hearing shut off microphones and stalk out of the room to keep witnesses from testifying, and get away without so much as a 'by-your-leave'.

I have grave doubts when I see something happen that I have never seen before - the media intimidated into silence by an administration that will not tolerate dissent of any kind.

I have grave doubts when I watch civil rights, property rights and privacy rights dismantled before my eyes by the most secretive, bloodthirsty and greedy administration ever. Without a peep from the party that is supposed to be all about freedom from government intrusion. When I see anyone who dares to speak the truth about what they see, smeared and discredited. When I see anyone who places loyalty to the administration over doing what's right promoted and decorated.

I have grave doubts when I find that the only places that the exit polling does not closely match election results are places that are pivotal to one candidate's success.[Places which incidently used the new paperless trail, electronic voting machines.]

I have grave doubts when a congressman of sterling character and 30 years' service to our country, carrying a letter signed by 122 other congresspeople and over half a million Americans, is insulted and dismissed by an unelected underling as if he were a beggar at the gate.

I have grave doubts when a 'Snowflake' of cells or one brain-dead woman represents the 'Culture of Life' and an avalanche of American and Iraqi deaths mean nothing.

When torture is acceptable and the reporting of it is unacceptable.

When facts mean nothing, spin means everything and the President uses the word 'propaganda' in all seriousness.

When 'pre-emptive war' is national policy.

When the President's idea of 'bipartisanship' means 'both parties agree with me'."

All of this flies in the face of everything I thought I knew about America. And I have the fear that, no matter what information is revealed to the American people, our votes and our voices will not matter anymore.

We are being ruled by a dynasty. It doesn't really matter who is President; the idiot son is just a puppet, albeit a cruel and vindictive one. This administration is filled with the plutocrats and chickenhawks that have been in collusion for decades. There can be no accountability when everyone in power is in on the fix.

Bill Clinton was vulnerable because he was a country boy from a poor family, with only his brains and personality to recommend him. He got to be President on his own, and didn't have a phalanx of courtiers to protect him when he displeased the ruling class. George Bush does not have that vulnerability.

At the moment, I'm running out of hope - not that we're not right, but that it won't matter. I will not let that stop me from raising my voice and taking whatever action I can. But I sure could use a little light at the end of the tunnel. And I don't mean the light of an oncoming train.

I want my democracy back, you thugs!

This fine piece is the work of Alicia from Last Left Turn Before Hooterville . I believe the lady has nailed it.
[editor's note: the words in brackets and bolded are mine.]

Cat Philosophy

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." - Anonymous

"There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats." - Anonymous

"Managing senior programmers is like herding cats." - Dave Platt

"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." -Unknown

"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." - Jeff Valdez

"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." - English proverb

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat." - Ellen Perry Berkeley

"One cat just leads to another." - Ernest Hemingway

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later." - Mary Bly

"Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia." - Joseph Wood Krutch

"People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life." - Faith Resnick

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." - Hippolyte Taine

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats."- Albert Schweitzer

"The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." - Ernest Menaul

"Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God."

"Time spent with cats is never wasted." - Colette

"Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well." - Missy Dizick

"You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." - Colonial American proverb

"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want." - Joseph Wood Krutch

"Cats aren't clean, they're just covered with cat spit." - John S. Nichols -- Murray F Spiegel

The Friday Five

The Good Ole Summertime

1. Can you share a tale of a favorite summer cookout/get together?
I loved the cookouts we used to go to when we were in the military. Usually the whole battallion would get together. There would be games for the kids, gossip for the women, beer for the guys, and of course tons of great food. After dark there would be fireworks. Then we'd all load up our tired kids and go home. I don't think I ever felt so connected to any other group of people.

2. What is a favorite summer ritual of yours?
We used to go to the beach every summer. Not so much anymore. With the price of gas, and all the shark attacks it's lost some of it's allure for us.

3. After a long hot summer day, what is your favorite way to quench your thirst?
Is there any thirst quencher better than good old fashioned lemonade?

4. The 4th of July is coming up, what plans, if any, do you have?
We really don't have any big plans. Maybe cook out on the forth, but otherwise we'll be sticking pretty close to the house. Too many fools on the road!

5. What are you looking forward to doing most before the summer ends?
Summer is not my favorite time of year, so I mostly am looking forward to summer ending.

Okay, it's your turn now!