Warning

It used to be such an inconvenience having to pull out identification every time you wrote a check. Some places even wanted to see your licence and a credit card. It held up the line. Now we don't have that bother. I am rarely asked for identification. I even told a couple of clerks I appreciated them not asking because it was a stolen check. They didn't even bat an eye, because they use check cashing companies, and their money is guaranteed. Now, your check can be cashed for any amount by any race or gender. Kind of reassuring, isn't it. Watch those check books, my friends.

That Sky

Wednesday evening, as we went out the door to go bowling, I grabbed my camera, just in case the sky wanted to wow me. At the last minute I put it down, thinking how I would feel if I lost it. By the time we reached the lake road I was sorry. The whole sky lit up from the west, across the sky on the south..bright pink, purple, and blue. Who looks south for sunset colors? The show continued for seven miles, until we turned onto the loop. This morning I got up, thinking the sunrise might rival it. I kept glancing out the window where I last caught a great sunrise. Finally, at seven, I gave up as I could see objects, instead of silhouettes. I was putting up my camera and passed a different window, and saw the sun had come up in a new location. I know it shifts through the year. I just hadn't thought of it. Now the picture had to be taken from the dam of our pond instead of from the house side. I took four shots there before it got too light. I wonder, now, what I missed by going out so late. Sometimes blessings come unexpectedly, and sometimes you just have to seek them.

It's That Bright

We ended up the old year trading our old Ford in on a new Ford truck, and visiting my sister and her husband. That night we bowled on our league, and ate at Asian City, not at the hibachi bar. We got home early, and watched TV until twelve, when the woods around us exploded with gun fire and fireworks, and the dogs took refuge under the house. After I tried to convince them it was not Armageddon, I lay thinking of the past year. Gray skies turned blue, and looking back, the year was pretty good, in spite of the doom and gloom reports on the news. Some near and dear to us went through some financial woes, but are surrounded by caring people, and are keeping a positive attitude. Gas prices dropped from near five dollars a gallon to a dollar and a half. It seemed like everyone got snow except us and Austin. Some, up north may have gotten more than they liked, but made the best of it. We still don't know the real Obama, but whatever he is or isn't, God is bigger. This morning started the first day of the new year with the brightest bluest sky. It almost hurt my eyes. I took my pony to be staked out where the grass was best, and with his new cool shades, he seemed to agree the future looks bright, so Happy New Year, everyone.