HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA HODGEPODGE!

     This week the United States of America turns 238 years old. As countries go we are still very young when you consider the great nations that have endured for millennia! America has accomplished a lot during her short lifespan. I love America and the ideals that it still struggles to live by. Happy Birthday, America! And now, here's this weeks Hodgepodge!

1.  Speaking of 180...when was the last time you 'did a 180' on something?
     Just this evening SWMBO and I were returning home from dinner out. I told her I was going to visit our local Dairy Queen for a cherry dipped cone. While enroute I changed my mind and decided to forego the cherry dipped cone. I remembered that we had watermelon in our refrigerator at home. Just as sweet and tasty and so much better for me, health-wise. 

2. It's Independence Week in the US of A! What's your favorite thing about America right this very minute? Favorites only! Let's hear what you love about America.
 
If you're playing along today, and you're not an American but have been to America, what do/did you like best about this country? If you've never been to America, do you have any desire to visit? What's the number one thing you'd like to see?
     My favorite thing about America are the freedoms that we enjoy. We are free to move about without requiring permission from anyone. We are allowed to speak our minds without fear of getting locked up for what we say. We are allowed to criticize our leaders in as vile or vicious a manner we choose without having to worry about getting locked up or worse, disappearing without a trace. These are just some of the many freedoms that we enjoy.

3. Stars or stripes? Red, white, or blue? Watermelon, homemade vanilla ice cream, or blueberry pie?
     Watermelon please! 

4. When did you last see stars, figuratively speaking?
     About a month ago I was doing something in the car. I bumped my head on the door jamb and saw stars for a second or two. Ouch!

5.  'Clear as a bell', 'with bells on',  'lots of bells and whistles', 'saved by the bell'...which phrase 'rings' truest for you lately?  Have you ever seen The Liberty Bell?
     I have never seen the Liberty Bell in person. "Clear as a Bell" is truest for me lately. My beloved SWMBO still is in love with me and is still devoted to me...that fact is clear as a bell! The reasons why she does is not not as clear! However, I thank God every day that she does.

6. Are you caught up in World Cup fever? Have you watched a lot or a little or none at all?
     I have never been a "Soccer" fan. I am not watching the World Cup at all. I really have no interest in the game or the tournament. 

7. Bid farewell to June in 10 words or less.
     I hope that you and Ward Cleaver are very happy!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
     Forty-two years ago I asked this gorgeous blond blue eyed high school sweetheart to marry me. She refused! I asked her a second time. She again wisely refused! Being a baseball fan I thought I'd give her a third strike and so I asked her a third time to please marry me. She foolishly said "Yes!" We have been husband and wife, best friends, soul mates ever since.
     We have the kind of deep, devoted love that poets write about. We have the kind of love that songwriters write about. We have the kind of love that romance writers are envious of. Am I bragging? Your bet your derriere that I am!
     Seriously and all kidding aside, God has shown us how to love each other with that all encompassing AGAPE kind of love. He has shown us how spectacular a marriage can be. So although I am bragging, truth be told, all the credit for our marriage rightfully goes to God. He is love! He is the inventor of marriage and the great example of love in action. A godly marriage is a true blessing that enriches two peoples lives. You can take that to the bank! Happy 4th everyone!