No Apologies Necessary

"When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush. He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.' "
America is the greatest country on earth. Some people are forgetting that lately.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE!!!!!

Ah hah! I'm learning to scan pictures so look out for future black mailings. Just kidding. Aren't these pictures cute? I love the one of Joe exerting some independent thought! Anyway, happy birthday to our wonderful first born!!!! We love you so very much and wish we didn't live so far away from each other. Hope your day is terrific. See you soon!!!!

HAPPY 30-something BIRTHDAY, EMILY

It's harder to post while not at my own computer but I didn't want to not acknowledge our only daughter's birthday which was yesterday. I don't think she wants me to say how old she is but I think we all know. Anyway, best wishes for another great year, Emily. Your many talents truly amaze us and thanks for being a terrific mom to our grandchildren and grandchickens. We love you so very much!!!

Sonic's New Friend

This is Sonic's new friend. I guess he belongs to the farm behind us somehow. This is the kind of dog that was in the movie shorts from the 30's or 40's called Our Gang. I always thought Hollywood drew on the black circle around one eye. Who knew it was an actually breed!

The Downside of Technology

The fact that you won't want to read this makes the point of the article.

Subtle changes [introduced by technology] are causing great harm to our neurological well-being. Given that adults commonly consume two, three or even more gadgets at once now -- all while carrying on conversations with people – they are beginning to lose their ability to focus and concentrate. ............a phenomenon called "continuous partial attention," a state of divided attention which leaves people unable to perform tasks that require concentration. Worse, it leaves its victims less and less able to connect with and empathize with each other, they said.
"When our minds partially attend, and do so continuously, we scan for an opportunity for any type of contact at every given moment," "(People) no longer have time to reflect, contemplate, or make thoughtful decisions. Instead, they exist in a sense of constant crisis -- on alert for a new contact or bit of exciting news or information at any moment." Under that kind of stress, the brain secretes cortisol and adrenaline, creating a temporary high followed by depression, leading to something the authors call "techno-brain burnout."


In children, the effects can be worse. When face-to-face contact is replaced by excessive digital media, a child's neural circuits can atrophy and the brain may not develop normal interactive social skills.
"Several studies in both children and adults ... tie frequent technology use to conditions such as ADD, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety and even sociopathic behavior," they said.

I guess I should get off this computer!

Cone of Shame

Someone won't stop licking his leg. I'm not going to show you a close up of Sonic's "hot spot". It's kind of gross. Well, I guess it's just (slightly inflamed) pink skin with no hair. It's getting better but he has to wear this every night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IAN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR GRANDSON, IAN!!! 8 years old is pretty special. We will be out to Utah for your baptism in a few weeks. We love you very much and think you are an awesome boy. We hope your birthday is a fun one.
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa Harris

Sparkly Sunrise