The Year Without A Fair

What would the kids do without their electronics?

SLEEP!




That was impossible not to laugh with, but let me set the story up ... this morning before I dropped off the kids with Robert and Sharon (Martha's parents, for those who haven't kept up here) I went like I do every Thursday morning in summer with them to Town & Country Credit Union where every Thursday up front with Lori at the guest services desk there's a bowl of a particular item for each customer to take one for Thank You Thursday.


This morning the kids were so engaged in their game (they're playing the same one right now) that they brought their tablets in with them and still acknowledged people -- oh, today's item was a Rice Krispies Bar -- but as we were about to leave Lori said the top line and Sarah surprised both of us, as Jeffrey usually has the sardonic quip and Sarah of late won't say anything, replied.




Hey, WE'RE not stopping them from getting sleep -- in fact, S and J were so grating (especially S this week, I am half-glad Martha's seeing this too) last night that we moved back bedtime TWICE. But as Jeffrey replied to today's exchange at top, they're never tired until they fall asleep! Hm. Evidently we don't agree on the difference between being asleep and just being tired. But he's nine in a few weeks, give him time ...


One month from yesterday, the North Dakota State Fair begins. And like five years ago, I'm really hesitant about going. Of course, this time five years ago I really didn't have a choice in the matter as 2011 was the year of the North Dakota State FLOOD! This week here in Minot we've been hearing and seeing quite a few retrospectives on it and getting caught up on what public officials are doing (and not, in some cases) to make sure we're not overwhelmed by such an event again!


Evangeliberal: Following Jesus From The Near Left by Brian Skar (ISBN 9780978864903) did open my eyes, or I should say opened ME up to compassion that especially in this election year we're lacking. To politicize the teachings of Jesus or vice versa is what the author, a pastor in Berthold, North Dakota, accuses the religious right all too often of doing -- as I read it, the EXTREME right. For extreme left would be just as bad, giving freedom to everybody except who you don't like.


And THAT just wouldn't be fair, would it?


David