It's Valentine's Day and I am so lucky to be have a wonderful sweetheart, my husband. I feel so fortunate to live in the time I live in. I was watching television earlier this evening and there was a story about a couple who loved each other dearly but were not allowed to be legally married in the state of Virginia. He happened to be white, she black. That was in the 1950s. They were even arrested and then told to leave the state, which they did for 25 years before the supreme court said that this was an injustice. I am so thankful that we can marry who we wish, for most of us, at least race no longer matters. I can't imagine loving someone, wanting to marry them, and someone telling me I couldn't because we weren't the same race. The audacity of those people to dictate the lives of these men and women. I was born in 1951, grew up in an area of California that was culturally diverse and grew up not knowing the way things were. I only knew my reality, where prejudice didn't seem to exist. I thank God that I didn't have to live in an area where people of different races and cultures were mistreated. Even though things aren't perfect today, they are so much better in so many ways.
BTW, they were married for many years, raised three children and were a wonderful family!

Many thanks to our Veterans. Many of the World II War vets have passed on. My dad is 86 and a veteran, most of the fellow soldiers are now gone. The Korean War vets are getting up there in age as well. And even the Viet Nam War veterans. Recently my husband and I went to a reunion of Viet Nam Vets who all served in the same artillary battalion. Many of them hadn't seen each other in 40 or more years and it was a mixed emotion reunion. it brought back many memories for my husband, and others. Many internal scars remain to this day. Many of them hadn't spoken of the war since they came home all those many years ago. Mostly because of the way they were treated when they returned home. They are finally getting thanked for their service and for all they endured in those times. Today we have a greater understanding and show a lot more respect for those who are serving our country. This week, and every week, remember our veterans. Thank a veteran or soldier serving today for their service to our country. Veteran's Day is but once a year but we should act as if it's every day of the year.
God bless all of our troops!

It's fall here in the Ozarks and the weather is great, especially after record heat this summer. No complaints here though, I love warm (hot) weather. It's really nice to be able to get out and take walks any time of the day. The leaves are beginning to change colors from green to yellow, red, orange and brown. It's pretty much like walking through a huge bouquet when you walk through the woods. It' really nice that the ticks are gone as well, though I am still battling a few chiggers. Those little buggers are hardy, and pretty much invisible, so it's a challenge. The warm days and cool nights are perfect for gatherings outside. I love my porch, it's the perfect time to have small parties out there. It's been a great time for star gazing as well, wow, wow, and wow!

I recently took a couple days off just to hang out with some friends and relax. We took a trip up to the river and just let the water of life wash over us. It was so relaxing that I didn't care what my hair looked like, left the makeup at home, and dressed like I was an island girl. It was just swim suits and t-shirts for three days. The laughter was endless. WOW, I had forgotten what that felt like.
Though I must admit, I was a little freaked out about turning 60 - life just keeps getting better. The wonderful thing is that I appreciate my friendships so much more. I still have all kinds of obligations but I find myself wanting to do the fun stuff. I have done just about everything else I ever wanted to do. Now I want to be at home with my husband and two dogs, and do fun things with my friends.
It's sort of like I have come full circle. When I was a kid I just wanted to hang out with my friends, laugh, gossip just a little, and well I am back there again.
It sure is fun just rollin' on the river.

There are so many good things I could say about people who live in the south. The friendliness, the way people smile and look at you when you speak to them, caring for family and friends...BUT there is one thing that has not changed for a lot of people (my experience is mostly with those living in the Ozarks). That one thing is prejudice because of the color of a person's skin. It makes me sick to hear comments about 'blacks not living in the area' and the very negative comments that go along with that statement. It's one of the most offensive things I have to deal with from co-workers, and yes a few friends. In the past I refused to befriend anyone who made negative racial comments. I wasn't aware that such ignorance could still exist. My God it's 2011, what on earth is wrong with people. I hope to make any freinds see that what kind of a person one is does not depend on the color of their skin. Recently one of my best friends told a joke that just sickened me. I got up and left the room but did make myself clear. I won't tollerate that kind of thing for long.
I am the grandmother of a multiracial family. A beautiful extended family. The grandchildren are smart, well-mannered, funny, athletic, and have ambitions and dreams. Some are adopted, some are not. I love them all.
Some of the remarks made by folks in the south can chalk up to ignorance, but most of the time it's plain stupidity.
I love Ronnie Dunn's song 'We All Bleed Red'. It should be part of our culture to see a person for who they are, not who we think they are. I have believed that all my life.

Hey, you have probably noticed we have had our share of foul and other weather here in the Ozarks, as well as other parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama..........all over the south and southeast. WOW is about all I can say. Who ever knows what the weather will do but it never ceases to amaze me when it's so destructive.
In spite of all, there's still some great things going on this spring. Keep watching for updates at Great Ozark Events. Right now I am just publishing whatever I get sent in paragraph form, as soon as I can figure out how to do a calendar, that's what I will do.
Keep on reading about Life Here In The Ozarks! 

Well I haven't been here for a while, health issues, etc.
Spring is just about here and I have 'spring fever', or at least something like it. I want to get outside and feel the sunshine and dig in the dirt. I am so ready for SPRING!
I hope to be back on track with the monthly issue of Life In The Ozarks and daily or every other day blog posts.
You are welcome to reply, comment, send in a good story!