Orchids to …
• Barbara and Bob Stevens for the sharing their generosity with all of us through their donation to the fantastic new visitor center at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site.
• Nancy Ferguson for getting me the CD I wanted, from Sandy.
• the sheriff’s department for not taking the neighbors’ complaint seriously, saying we gave our Pop a cupcake.
• the police for taking out the Trump hater who fired 62 rounds at Republican leaders, seriously injuring House Majority Steve Scalise.
• those turned on their porch lights for everyone in Texas, Ohio and abroad.
• all of the Democratic presidential candidates having a moral core and fundamental sense of decency and empathay.
• Joe Biden for his speech, which was stirring and passionate, with an authority that is hard to match.
• Mr. Hileman and Mr. Warren for all their hard work to help out this summer at ABC Stewart School.
• our new congressman who helped me at his office, because he goes everywhere in the 6th District like no one before him.
• Presidents George Bush after 9/11, Bill Clinton after Oklahoma City and Barack Obama after the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, for meeting the moment in ways the current president doesn’t seem able to do.
• whoever turned in my black purse from the cart at Walmart, because it was really appreciated.
Onions to …
• the neighbor for wasting the sheriff’s time by calling them two times saying we were giving our diabetic Pop a cupcake, because the deputies could’ve had a real call to attend to.
• those that don’t realize vigils do nothing and are just symbolism.
• those who value their guns more than they value lives.
• Republican politicians who block gun control measures that could help prevent these mass shootings.
• people that don’t realize if you take away guns, people will find other ways to kill people.
• the communication group that works hard at being exclusive instead of inclusive and welcoming.
• the ridiculous number of drivers locally who think stoplights are only a suggestion.
• those who think passing laws about background checks and red flag laws are going to stop these shootings because criminals don’t go through legal channels to obtain their weapons.
• those who think anyone will be allowed to have a gun if our country becomes an authoritarian society.
• the president for unconvincing remarks about hate in a speech most notable for its implicit defense of guns.
Happy Birthday to …
• D’Metri and Felicia Bailey, from your family and Donna
• Beth Sullivan from Joseph Hart Chapter DAR.
• Mark Hege, from friends at the Moravian Church and his mother.
• Lesley Boewe.
• Abby Walls, from friends at the Moravian Church.
• Megan Freeman on No. 30, from Nick, Alexis, Kinsley, Mom, Dad and family.
• Sandy Retz, from Judy.
• Allison Scott on No. 26, from Mom, Dad, Matthew, Jordan, Judy and Aaron.
• Isaac Terry and Mickey Bennett, from Mamaw Linda.
• Belated Happy Birthday to…
• Stephanie A. Burton on Aug. 7, from Christopher D. Burton
• ANOTHER beautiful morning
