Book review/Travels with Charley

I ran across Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck at a library book sale. I read it before as a freshman in high school some 30 yrs. ago well actually closer to 40. I don't know why exactly I bought it nostalgia I guess.

I guess there is a reason authors win Pulitzers Travels won the prize in 1962. The test of time was passed with ease by Steinbeck. Most of Steinbeck's work is fictional but this is just as it sounds a travel book just John and his dog Charley. John felt he lost touch with America and had a truck retro fitted with a camper and set out to rediscover America anonymously. Through his trip he makes an effort to connect with the locals as often as he can to find the real America.

While some of the information is dated it made me remember why John Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors.

Joy

The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always, but rejoicing is not always easy. Lately I have been felling old and wore out. Sore feet, stiff muscles and just plain tired. Making it hard to exercise which is something I really enjoy. Today however I found a reason to rejoice in getting older, my son informed me that come November I will be a grandpa.

Joy is always there sometimes we just don't realize it.

Drums

We went to a free concert at the North Ridgeville Public Library with some friends Sunday. The group was called 7 Mile Isle and the main focus was the steel drums. I had never knowingly heard the steel drums so didn't know what to expect. The drums create a sound that is not what you would expect with bell like sounds that are very melodic. The steel drums are the focal point for reggae and Carribean music in general.

We had a good time and would recommend a steel drum concert to any music lover.

Owed

Reading the Cleveland Plain Dealer yesterday there was an article about unemployment. The article was talking about weather it is time to cut back unemployment compensation from 99 weeks to 79 or even 59 weeks.

A former factory owner Ken Rapaport is quoted "I want to work, benefits should exceed 99 weeks.My personal belief is that our government owes us everything that is possible as long as we demonstrate that we are actively looking for work." Rapaport is 60 years old and feels that is adding to the difficulty of finding a job.

The part that interested me was the statement that the government owes us something. What does the government truly owe us. The government surely owes us safe and secure borders. We're also owed streets, roads, and bridges that are safe to travel on. Maybe the biggest thing we are owed is a government that applies laws and justice in an equitable manner.

Am I missing something maybe but one thing is for sure the government doesn't owe me a free ride.

TANSTAAFL

2012

Put aside the past
Reconcile, renew,rejoice
Happy New Years day

Book review

I just finished Sarah Palin's America by Heart. I found it to be much more informative than Going Rouge. Where her first book told us about her the second tells us what she believes. She talks about family, faith, and flag and how they intertwine to make America great.

In the past I have said Palin should not run for president because of her lack of electability. This book had me wishing she had given it a go.

Christmas eve

Christmas eve is here
Our waiting time has passed
Celebrate His birth