All Patriots Please Rise . . .

Once again, we celebrate our Constitution Day. As I mentioned in last year's column, we've come a long way in the last 218 years. During the turmoil of the last few months and years, we have been testing the principles on which our country was founded. It's been a wild ride, and despite the advent of terrorism and natural disasters, we are still strong.

Lately, I've finally gotten back to my roots by getting back into active volunteering. So, it's time for my soapbox. Got some extra time? Try doing some volunteer work. Within the last couple of months, I've been doing some volunteer work at libraries, museums, animal shelters, and children's shelters. The old adage holds true. You do get back a lot more than you give. There's never been a better time and a greater need, so get on out there!

Anyhow, Happy Constitution Day! Let freedom ring, and let the rantings continue! See ya.

An Order Of Chaos

I won't even pretend to understand chaos theory, but I'll make my crude analogy anyway. The events of the past several years have been really weird. It all started with a random meeting at a shopping center almost three thousand miles from home. If not for that meeting, I would not be involved in this strange dysfunctional family feud once again. I had thought I had left all of this behind a couple of years ago. I might not have moved again, if it weren't for that meeting. I do miss my old house, and I was pretty tired of moving around. Some good stuff came from that meeting, though. I did get to see my cousins for the first time in over two decades. We've had a couple of quick weekend reunions since then.

The big question remains... Was it worth it? I'm not really sure. I'm starting to get a bit set in my ways, and I'm starting to resist any form of change. Maybe this is what it's like to get old, and a bit inflexible. For now, the dysfunctional family feud rages on. Bring on the chaos!

See ya.