A few weeks ago a friend sent me this email and, since I grew up in the 50's it touched me and I would like to share it today.
In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."
The clerk responded "That's our problem today. The former generation did not care enough to save our environment."
He was right, that generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But they didn't have the green thing back in that customer's day.
In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.
But she was right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.
Back then, they washed the baby's diapers because they didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220-volts - wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand new clothing.
But that old lady is right; they didn't have the green thing back in her day.
Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house - not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen they blended and stirred by hand because they didn't have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then they didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she's right; they didn't have the green thing back then.
They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But they didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks were just because they didn't have the green thing back then?
...and I'm sure if I asked my neighbors really nicely, they would let me have a bouquet of their lovely lilacs! That's my Simple Pleasure today...loving the way the world comes into bloom in early spring.
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28: 5-7 NIV
Joyce is working full time so she doesn't get out as often as she would like. 
So, here it was, a beautiful Thursday morning in April and she was off and I was able to join her at the driving range. 
Joyce - watching to see if her ball was going exactly where she wanted it to go! 
Me - taking my first swing of the season. I smacked that little ball a good one and it felt good! We hit balls for about an hour and then it was time for lunch so we headed out to find some pizza. Can't wait to actually play a game at our favorite 9-hole course. 
Here is a zoom picture of the woods in back of my townhouse which is the common ground of the development. I'm lucky, though, as there are no sidewalks and no one ever usually comes back here. My own private wooded area! I've planted some daffodils back here too they just haven't come into bloom yet. I've planted a small azalea here also - just in front of the two trees. That white speck is a little angel statue that I've put in the crook of the tree. It is so wonderful to know that in a month or so we'll be able to plant other flowers and shrubs. 
Here is my lame attempt for this weeks Blurb: When Jim Browning graduates college, he decides to take time off by backpacking through Europe. Arriving in a small Italian village he is immediately struck by the beauty of the Dome of the Illusion of Saint Gregory. He steps inside the sacristy and is at once involved in a world of intrigue and a fight for his life and reputation when a priest accuses Jim of stealing a priceless relic of the Saint. He is taken to a very ancient jail cell unaware of the shadowy figures who want the relic for themselves. Soon a young woman comes and claims she is Jim's lawyer and tells him to cooperate with his captors. Does Jim go against his natural instincts and follow the lovely woman's advice or can he reach a long, lost relative in the nearby town of San Verde who may or may not be able to help? (148) 
I decided to go to our local Home Depot and get a replacement fixture. It was very inexpensive and should be very easy to hook up. Hehe, but NOT for me! 
Over the years, I have collected a few cards from handy persons who have helped me from time to time. Not all of the cards I have collected are from people that I know and have used for work around my house, but I have them just in case! The card in the forefront is an example...I just picked up this card and have not used them for anything so I would have to ask for references. Anyway, my simple pleasure today is knowing that I can call someone I KNOW and TRUST, which, for me, is the most important aspect of hiring anyone.
Getting the table ready 
Look at that smile! We were making meatballs with a recipe in our heads (unfortunately we never wrote it down) and not on paper! 
Here is the Tomato sauce simmering on the stove ready for the browned meatballs. By the way, they turned out wonderfully tasty but we know now that some of the spices and a different type of Italian cheese were missing. Oh well, next time will be closer to the "real thing." 
