Wednesday HodgePodge

 1. It's been said the best things in life are free...are they? What are some of those things? 

The usual:  good health, family, friends, nature... 

2. Stars or stripes? Red, white, or blue? Apple pie or home made ice cream? Do you like hotdogs? If so, what do you like on yours? 

Stars, of course.  I am always looking skyward.  Today I will say blue, it's the color of the sky.  How about putting the ice cream on the pie? Hot dogs, let's put mustard and sauerkraut on them today, but tomorrow I'll have them with ketchup and relish. 

 

3. One thing on your summer bucket list? Any plans to make it happen soon? 

Live music at Jones Beach.  I very much missed it last summer.  We have tickets to see Jimmy Buffett at the beach in August. 

4. What's your summer anthem? Yes, you need to have one. 

5. What's something you love about America? If you live outside of America, tell us something you love about the place you call home.  

Our Constitution opens with the words — as trite as it sounds — “We the People”.  Well, it’s time to remember that “We the People” are the government — you and I.  Not some force in a distant capital.  Not some powerful force that we have no control over.  It’s us.  It’s “We the People.” ...We are the United States of America.   There is not a single thing — nothing — nothing beyond our capacity.  We can do whatever we set our mind to do if we do it together.   So let’s begin to get together.  

-- President Joseph Biden Address to Congress

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could. -- President George W. Bush, 9/11 Address to the Nation

I chose two quotes, from two very different Presidents,  leading us through two very different crises.  Both speak to the character of our nation and our people.  We are a house divided, but what we aspire to is grand and glorious. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Houston, we have a problem.  When Broadway shut down during the pandemic, we were left holding tickets to two of the hottest shows...Broadway is reopening in the fall, and our tickets will be good for an upcoming performance.  Great, right?  Not when our rescheduled dates for both shows...are on the same day.  We are going to have to reschedule one of the shows....