The news does it!

One of my goals in aging is to keep my mind alert. I devote a portion of each day to acuity. To be mentally keen is a challenge.

To achieve this goal I discipline myself in reading, writing, and thoughtfulness. My first activity of each day, after walking our pet, Cassie, is to read the daily devotional from The Upper Room.  It’s a spiritual, mental and psychological lift.

I budget time to read the local paper. At the Athletic Club I often read while on the treadmill. That’s when I get started reading the weekly publication of Newsweek.

In addition to reading, I find the evening news stimulating ; it often precipitates brain waves that result in sharpening the mind.

In the last year, I become an MSNBC enthusiast, follower and zealot. This soundly produced reporting ogf the news and intelligent interpretation of the news is a source of fresh prespective on national events.

The three major commentators, who speak with eloquence and authority, are Chris Matthews, Keith Olberman, And Rachel Maddow. For me, they are mainstreams of integrity.   It comes across to me that they thoroughly prepare  and research their part on MSNBC news. Their presentations offer intellectual insights to us listeners.

For a gripping version of the daily news, I become glued to MSNBC. For night after night of a penetrating analysis of the news that will keep your attention, tune in to (Clarksville cable) channel 49 from 7-9 p.m.

Their commentaries, for me follow in the proud tradition of Walter Cronkite in accurately and conscientiously  presenting the news. MSNBC is one of my sources of mental alertness and inspiration.

Spring: An opportunity for spiritual renewal

Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.

In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.

For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches. [Read more]

Creating legacy one day at a time

I celebrated my 70th birthday in Nashville at the Melting Pot Restaurant, with a fine dinner and festive atmosphere for this special occasion. Though born in the Missouri Ozarks, near Fort Leonard Wood, I am now and plan to remain a Tennessee resident and productive citizen in our community. At my age, I find it this to be an enriching place to live out my remaining 15-20 years.

Since turning 70, I am analyzing my situation,and have made the following observations: [Read more]