GOOD NEWS FROM IRAQ????

The papers are full of what just might be better news coming from Iraq. I hope that these stories really mirror the true condition. It seems to me that if they do, then that's all the more reason to bring the combatant troops home as fast as they possible can.

This is a Kansas tree--when you look at it and let your mind roam, don't you get lots of thoughts and idea? Joy to you---Marian

A PARTIAL CATCH_U"P

I found an article called "Books aren't dead---theyre just going Digital" in the Nov. 26, 2007 issue of NEWSWEEK a very good read. I'd automatically thought that books in any form except hard bound, and paper backs would never interest me, a heavy reader, but read the article. See what you think, and let's discuss it----Have some joy today, Marian

A WISH FOR ALL--

PLEASE HAVE A GOOD DAY TOMMOROW WITH SPECIAL LOVE FOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, ALL OF THEM. HAVE SOME EXTRA JOY YOURSELF, TOO----MARIAN

TREES

The first tree in by the Museum of Art in Long Beach, CA, and seems to me to be so strong and protectuve.
But one friend said that it reminded her of a SUMO wrestler. The second tree is a triplet, and is a real

addition to any landscape. Have fun today, and more tomorrow----Marian

RESPONSE TO THE SUNDAY PAPERS

Did you notice as you read your Sunday paper this morning that all the reporting about the political race was only about who was ahead in the polls, who had the most paid staff in Iowa, and who had the most money? There was not a word in our papers about what the candidates stood for, what they would do if elected, or any legislation for which they would work if elected. What is this?
Do the reporters and powers-that-be in the news business just want a fight? Do they ignore reporting what the voters would like to know in order to vote wisely? I also think that it might be stretching a bit for newsmen to say nobody except those with the most money are the only ones who have a chance. Or that we need only report on the "first three" as even BEING in the running. But these two statments have been said so much and in so many ways, that it seems to be taken for granted. But I wonder?

I promise more trees in the next issue----joy------Marian

AN ADDENDUM----

To my Nashville friend--thanks for your comment! You're the first outside family to comment, and you can't imagine (unless you've had one) how exciting it is.Thanks. You gave joy today.

I really meant to add to my political statement in yesterday's blog that for a long time I have thought and said that I believe there will be some activity, storm, happening, just some big thing that will throw everything about the election into a tizzy---change everything. I don't have any idea what it might be, and I hope that it isn't bombing Iran, but something. Mark my words. I hope I'm wrong, and if I am, I'll be thankful, but------ have some joy today. Marian

(I don't have to mention this as you already know it---I can't spell, and there's no spell check on these blog blanks that I've been able to find, so please exceuse me---)

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE

I heard he Democratic candidates for President debate last nigh, and was impressed again with the quality of those running. I do believe that should any one of them get elected we would be well served. Last night I was especially interested in what Richardson had to say, and at this point I'm inclined to vote for him. He, unequivically, supports bringing the troops home immediatly. As this has always been my main concern, I liked what he said.

I seldom listen to the pundits after the debates, as I don't really like to have them tell me not only what I heard, but also what I should think about what I heard. I often think that what they say happenened in the debates when reports appear in the Newspapers, is really not what happened at all.

Got a bit of progress toward my Christmas list of "to-dos" today when we made a trip to Hot Springs for a little shopping. And the trip over and back was really a pleasure as it was a perfect Fall day with plenty of color left in the hills and trees. Well, I hope you, too, had some joy today--Marian