COMING TO AUSTIN by Doctor Bob

"One semester at TCU while living with my father was enough, so I left Ft. Worth to enroll at the University of Texas and to be near the lady who later became my first wife. It was that easy in those days. You just showed up at the registrar's office, presented your transcript, and you were in.

My father, of whom it could have been said treated his sons with benign neglect - had it been benign, said goodbye. I headed to Austin in a 1931 Model A Ford with my belongings, two checks for $125 each, and two pints of Old Crow, which my father had thoughtfully bestowed.

It was January 31, 1949. I had just turned 17. Some will recall that date, as it got to 0 degrees that morning; more will remember four days later when it reached -5 below, the record for Austin. Weather forecasting in those days was rather primitive. Cold and snow was predicted for Ft. Worth, but as I was headed south and being 17 and bulletproof, I took to the road with no qualms. I made Waco by dark on roads that by then were covered by snow, and was cautioned not to proceed, as conditions were deteriorating. Reason with a teenager? Forget it. South of Waco the problems started.

My '31 Ford had an electric fuel pump, which was not designed to function at zero degrees. When it froze up, the engine would stop and I would sit by the side of the road until the heat from the engine would thaw it out and I could then proceed another 5-10 miles before it froze again. This process was successfully repeated and got me to the edge of Austin where the pump said "No Mas". The radiator was okay as I had previously, with tears in my eyes, had the foresight to pour in a pint and a half of perfectly good whiskey, saving enough for emergencies like snakebite. By now it's around midnight, and not considering my circumstances a problem, I put on several layers of clothing and settled in with Mr. Crow to await the thaw.

Some may remember the Skyline, a country and western dance hall and beer joint, where my second, and last, wife introduced me to Waylon and Willie and the Boys in the early 70s. It sat at what is now North Lamar and Breaker until replaced by that fungoid growth, the shopping center. My resting place on what was now February 1st afforded me a view of the Skyline about a mile away on the next hill. The snow and ice covered Dallas Highway, now North Lamar, dipped down from my hill and up to the Skyline, making a perfect toboggan run for the unsuspecting motorists. About every 15 minutes or so a vehicle would creep past me and, reaching the downslope, begin a slow motion, out-of-control slide to the bottom of the hill and join, with a gentle crash, the growing detritus of cars and trucks which had previously made the run. I, of course, thought this was great fun as it looked like a surreal illuminated ballet, with the pirouetting headlights illuminating the surrounding woods as they hastened to join the growing light display below. What with snow in the air and on the ground, there was no sound.

I don't know how long I enjoyed this hypnotic silent movie, but I was dozing when someone rapped on my window. It seems that the wreckers and police with chains on their tires had arrived and were hauling the reluctant sledders up the hill, and most could proceed without assistance. My visitor was a policeman and my waking thoughts were, "what have I done now?" He asked if I was okay, and I replied that I was just fine and inquired about his health.  Fate sometimes protects the innocent. This cop was a genuinely nice guy, and was concerned about me. He said I could not survive where I was and asked if I had a place to stay, and with the information in hand, tied onto my front bumper. Autos had functional bumpers then, thankfully, instead of the disposable paper mache stops with which we are now blessed. He delivered me to the boardinghouse where I was to share an 8x10 room with two other unfortunates, on the corner of 22nd and Rio Grande. It was an aging and deteriorating mansion, which has since been restored and now displays an historical marker."

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After publishing Doctor Bob's first post a few days ago, my son Matthew told me that he doesn't think of Doctor Bob as a father figure, but more like an uncle or a good friend. I asked why, as I thought the age difference might be more like father/son. Matt went on to inform me that their relationship did not place all the expectations upon him that a parent would! No demands, just friendship. I've given that a lot of thought! 

Doctor Bob (aka Robert Roberts, DDS) is also a fine cook. Here he is last Thanksgiving getting ready  to carve the turkey he cooked and brought to our dinner.

Now about that Easter ham, Bob...

Love, Peace, and a blessed Easter to you all,

Marilyn

YOU SPOKE AND I LISTENED

My last blog post generated a lot of hits on the internet. Gun control is on the minds of many. Not only here in the U.S., but in other countries as well. 

From my friends I have some feedback that I thought I would toss out there for you readers. The first is from a good friend and former classmate from high school who now lives in Oklahoma City. Here's what June had to say:

"I couldn't agree with your latest blog post more. I just don't understand all the paranoia concerning all these guns, especially assault weapons, and the people in this country (especially in Oklahoma) who cannot feel fully clothed without these atrocities. If the latest horror in Connecticut didn't get through to these people, I don't think anything can."

Another old friend, Jack Garner (John Nance Garner, V), who has written a couple of guest columns for me, is also a frequent  published contributor to the Denton Record-Chronicle (DRC). Never one to pull any punches, he sent me the following:

"I was eating breakfast at What-A-Burger after my morning bus run when this man walked in with a friend. Both are older men, and both were dressed in camouflage shirts and pants. 

I knew one of the men. His name is Floyd V*** who retired from the University of North Texas where he taught math.. and he's very good at finance. I believe he is a millionaire. He is also a right-wing religious nut job.

He saw me and walked up, but paused at a distance from my table and said, 'Well, I guess your man got to be President.' I said, 'Heck, Floyd, you know he did.'

Floyd answered, 'You know he's going to take our guns away from us.' And I told him, 'Floyd, he's never said anything about taking our guns. He wants to ban assault rifles and multi-shot clips.'

'Do you have any guns,' he asked. 'Sure I do.'

'Well, I hope he gets yours.' 'I'm not real worried about it, Floyd.'

'When I handle my guns, I think about shooting you.' And he turned and left. In spite of his math ability, he is really an Oklahoma redneck, and he was gone before I thought, 'Heck, he sounds like he's making a death threat!'

Takes all kinds to make a world, unfortunately.'"

After this encounter, Jack was inspired to send the following letter to the editor of the DRC, and they published it:

"The Government is coming to take your guns, and if that makes you shake in your BVDs; if it makes you want to rush out and buy another gun, the NRA and the gun manufacturers of America know how to push your buttons. I've heard that tired old pitch for fifty years, and you know, nobody from the government has knocked on my door and said, 'Gimme!' 

Be honest, has President Obama said or even suggested he wants your guns? No he hasn't, but the NRA has tried to twist a stand against assault rifles and multi-bullet gun clips into 'The Government is coming to get your guns.' The NRA is supported by and takes its marching orders from the gun manufacturers of America, and they couldn't care less what happens to and with their guns once they leave the manufacturing plant and are sold in the stores.

They don't care if their guns kill fathers' and mothers' babies or you as long as the cash keeps rolling in. 

They don't care if their guns eventually make their way into the hands of criminals.

When is the last time you had to pull a gun in self-defense? When is the last time you had to repel a mob with an assault rifle? The weapon manufacturers want you to fear that you will have to in a hypothetical future. Why? That fear translates into gun sales. Gun sales mean more cash, and that is the only goal and purpose they have."

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Another family friend, Cliffie, from the Dallas area sent me links to two good articles. One reflecting the NRA's position:    NRA Speaks

The second one amazed me. Can you believe that some think that we need assault weapons because Iran may invade the U.S.?   Protection Against Invasions

(From the Minnesota Post)

Dallas Gun Shop

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Finally, another family friend took issue with my comment about the Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida. I explained to him that my main argument regarding that killing was that the self-appointed "vigilante" type man who did the shooting ignored police warnings to stand back and wait for a patrol car when he called and told them of the "suspicious" person he was following. This man was not a legitimate security guard or any kind of law enforcement. I think he was just some guy who felt the gun he had made him macho, and he wanted to prove himself by taking down a would-be intruder in the neighborhood. Even our law enforcement people are suspended and sometimes even charged for shooting an unarmed suspect -- even if the suspect was a known criminal.

'Nuff said on this subject. I really hope and pray that our representatives listen to the majority of American people who wish to see the gun control laws strengthened -- especially the ban on assault weapons and high volume gun magazines.

Peace,

Marilyn

ARE WE A STUPID NATION?

Recent Headlines on Shootings in U.S.

There have always been shootings in this country. Mass killings, domestic violence, police shootouts, and homicides. With very, very rare exceptions -- and I do not count "stand your ground" killings such as the Trayvon Martin one in Florida (that man went "hunting" for his victim armed with a gun), you do not see headlines about people shooting someone in self-defense or defense of one's home or property. Every gun owner I know of who talks of the "right to bear arms" cites their reason is that they wish to protect their home and loved ones. How often is that really necessary in our country? Not nearly so often as the senseless gun violence we hear or read about every day .

Then there are the ones who refer to the notion we may need to protect ourselves like the patriots of old.. from an oppressive government. Really? Recently, I saw the image below on another blog. I think it relates to what I feel is the stupidity of these people. As if even an arsenal of assault weapons would keep them safe if the government wished to come after them. And we sure don't have to worry these days about being attacked by Indians (unless you are a female in India, that is). Even if you were to be burglarized in your home, a handgun would be easier to keep close at hand for protection than an assault weapon. Wouldn't it? Or an old time shotgun? What logical reason can be given for wanting to own an assault weapon unless you are a member of law enforcement?

No, I don't think we are a stupid nation. However, I do think the majority of the public is being duped by the gun manufacturers and the NRA. It's all about the money. Our representatives in Congress who are against the assault weapon ban are fearful of losing the powerful support of the gun lobbyists. Or maybe their seat in Congress. It truly is a shame that doing the right thing is no longer true of our representatives.

Daily News Cover March 20th

Children of the Sandy Hook Massacre

There are way too many guns in this country. Stopping the sale of assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines will only be a drop in the bucket, but at least it will be a start towards more responsible, sensible gun ownership. If this is not done, as the newspaper says, "Shame on U.S."!

Then all we have to worry about are all the weapons already out there in the hands of criminals and white supremacist groups. 

What do you think? 

Peace,

Marilyn

DOCTOR BOB

Special people show up in our lives from time to time. Affectionately known by my family as "Doctor Bob" (aka Bob, Bobby, or Robert L. Roberts, DDS), he is one of those very special people. When my younger son Matthew married Amy they moved to a lovely house on Doe Valley Lane here in Austin. Doctor Bob and his adorable wife Betty were their neighbors, and quickly became close friends. After more than ten years, I would have to say they are more like another set of parents for Matt and Amy.

Doctor Bob holding court.

When Doctor Bob "speaks", we wish to hear what he has to say. He shares his wisdom freely with the young folks. I recently asked him to furnish me with some of that wisdom and some of his "stories" to share with my friends and other family members. This is the first installment.

A little background info first. Doctor Bob spent 8 years in the University of Texas system - four years here in Austin and four years at UT Dental School in Houston. He then practiced general dentistry in Austin for 36 years, retiring in 1994. "Retiring" certainly didn't mean tired to him! Not even slowing down.

Pictured left to right, Doctor Bob, Rich Harrison, and Ernie Fortenberry, members of a group who enjoy two hours of doubles at the Pharr Tennis Center two or three times a week. Bob and Rich are 80 years young and Ernie is the youngest at 79 years.

Doctor Bob states, "They are not unusual. You'll find their likes at almost any tennis center anywhere. It is indeed a game for life!"

"I was 8 years old when I was handed a racquet at Camp Stewart outside of Kerrville, Texas, and told to go hit a ball. It was love at first stroke, and I have been a tennis player all my life. In my youth, I played for the exercise; in my dotage I find that I must exercise to play the tennis...Morning stretching, 5-pound weights and elastics when I'm not swimming in the lake or cutting firewood. Anything to keep the joints and muscles moving. With the aging process in each muscle fiber, some protein is being replaced by fat no matter what we do. All we can do is slow the process. Senescence is a bitch.

The mental benefits of stepping on a tennis court are equally important. At this age, with the testosterone levels disappearing, winning is reduced to a side benefit. We play as friends, laugh at our dumb shots, and cheer the perfect ones. It's the camaraderie along with the cardio stress that is important. Exercise is nature's reboot of the psyche -- you may quote me on that."

Matthew and his surrogate dad, Doctor Bob

Thank you Doctor Bob for the insight into your magnificent lifestyle and physical fitness at age 80! We all should heed your advice in hopes to be as healthy -- and happy as you when we reach your age.

Now where are my hand weights? Hmmm.. mine are only 2 pounds. Will that help?

Peace and good health to you all,
Marilyn

SPRINGTIME FUN

Last week was Spring Break for my grandchildren, so we got together in Austin. It was the first time I've had all my children and grandchildren under one roof in 11 years! After a family dinner here, most congregated at my daughter's and son-in-law's lot on Lake Austin. There were RVs and campers, and one family friend furnished a big boat. The weather was extremely cool the first couple of nights and day.. in the 30s at night. The first full day, it never got out of the high 50s, but that did not deter the kids from having fun in the water!   Tanner and Travis both joined the polar bear club. Here's Tanner after his dip on Monday:

Tanner was chosen to be in the "Royal Court" at his school, which his mom said is comparable to  being a class favorite in public school. He is on the A honor roll and in the National Honor Society, plays the cello in the school orchestra, and is now competing in tennis. He and big sister Ashlyn (age 17) are traveling to Colorado Easter weekend for a school orchestra competition. Ashlyn plays second chair, first violin, and Tanner fourth or fifth chair cello. However, he is a middle schooler playing in the advanced orchestra.

 Before joining us in Austin for Spring Break, he and his dad attended a tournament in College Station. He won the first match, but lost the second. Dad said he played well.

 "I love playing tennis now and I have improved a lot! I recently competed in a USTA state Zonal Area Tournament (ZAT) and I won first in consolations! Unfortunately, I had somewhat dropped my movie making hobby because of lack of time and inspiration, but thankfully it's been replaced by tennis! I will be playing a lot more tennis now! Thank you for your support." (Tanner)

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Hannah, a student at Marsh Middle School, recently won third place in an essay contest conducted by a Dallas radio station. It was a take on Alicia Keys' song "Girl On Fire".. "What Does It Take To Be On Fire?"  Hannah states, "It takes courage, confidence, and most of all, inspiration." Here she is being interviewed: 

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10151587700042214

I'd say our Hannah is a "Girl on Fire"!

Hannah is a straight A student still, and sings in the Marsh Middle School choir. She told me about an upcoming spring recital which will consist of Disney songs. She sang a solo from "Little Mermaid" at the Christmas program, and will sing it as well as others at the spring recital. The acting bug has bitten Hannah, though, so I expect more theater productions to come!

Craig and Hannah on Spring Break

(Jasmine) Grandchildren Kelly, Hannah, and Cameron

Spring Break 2013

Audrey, Ashlyn, Hannah, Cameron
Kelly and Travis

Not only getting into the frigid water, the kids also went on hikes, played ball, Cameron played guitar and sang, the teens did a little sunbathing (legs only), and Ashlyn and her friend Shaylee took Uncle Matt's kayak for a run on the lake. Lots of good food and drink, camaraderie, and fun for Spring Break. (The adults had a good time as well.. just not quite brave enough to test the water!)

Ashlyn, besides playing violin in the school orchestra, is on the A/B honor roll and has been invited to join the National Honor Society. A sports lover, she played basketball and volleyball this year. Her mom says that she now wants to get a part-time job!

Ashlyn

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I must say that besides Spring Break, I know it must be Spring because grandson Travis played his first two Little League baseball games. I went to both and cheered him on. And oh, yes, another sign of Spring? I painted my toenails!

Until next time..

Happy Spring!
Marilyn

WHAT DO YOU FOCUS ON?

It is very difficult to keep an optimistic outlook with all of the negativity surrounding us today. I personally have to work really hard at understanding the Light and the Dark (Shadow, Ego, Satan?), the Yin-Yang, and why it is sometimes necessary for one to experience the woes of the world. The Yin-Yang symbol represents the interdependence, indeed the interconnectedness of all things. It is a reminder that each is necessary to the whole -- the masculine and the feminine, the light and the dark, the fire and the water, and the negativity as well as the optimism. If we are never made aware of the ugliness present, both literally and emotionally, in our world, how are we to know what is needed to correct it?

What is needed is often based on our desires. What do we wish our world to be? What do we wish to experience not only in the world, but in our own lives? At the top of the list for most of us is (or should be) peace. However, it appears that our struggles to obtain "peace on earth" have been failing abysmally. Why? 

(Public Domain Image)

The answer may lie in the word "struggles". The struggles taking place often lead to war. On a personal level, it could be the break-up of a relationship.. or divorce. On social issues we often speak in terms of attack. We are waging "War on Drugs", a "Fight Against Breast Cancer", "Let's Fight Against Hunger", and "War on Poverty" among others. Not that these are not legitimate causes deserving of our attention and assistance. But these are not "peaceful" images of solutions being portrayed in our minds.

We worry about things like the rising incidence of gun violence. Is the answer to that to place more guns on the streets and in our homes and God forbid, in our schools? 

Today we heard of another nuclear test conducted by North Korea. Will that be followed by a proliferation of more nuclear weapons in other nations -- or perhaps aggression towards the North Koreans? Is the answer to the problem of the Iranians obtaining a nuclear weapon to agree to an invasion of Iran?

(Public Domain Image)

I do not have the answer to these questions, but I do believe that peace is possible. There is a law of quantum physics (the uncertainty principle) that boils down to "what you focus on increases". Could it be that we have all been focusing on the wrong images? Could we bring about change by prayer and imaging for peace? With enough people... Ah, critical mass could be obtained.

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If we pay close attention, there are good things happening right under our noses. A few years back a group of high school students started a club of sorts to counteract what they perceived as  a form of snobbery and unwarranted bullying in their school. They began to greet students in the hallways with compliments and acts of kindness. Even students who had been snubbed, didn't belong to the "right" club, or otherwise had been made to feel unworthy were recognized. This was so successful that in a few short years, it has evolved into an organization in many schools across the country, and is an active movement in the local elementary school here that my grandchildren attend. It is known as C-squared -- Coalition of Clubs. It was started to draw together different school organizations and clubs and eliminate the rivalry, and it has blossomed into a movement of compassion and kindness, meant to take the place of mean-spirited bullying. Members are nominated by teachers as being recognized as showing qualities of fairness, compassion, and kindness to others. I am very proud to say that my ten-year-old grandson Travis was made a member of this group this past semester. I have witnessed his compassion for others many times while watching him at play. Besides, he is also making wonderful grades and is on the A & B honor roll.

Organizations such as this are instrumental in creating a culture of caring, compassionate young people to go forth into the world with optimism and the ability to spread love. However, we all know that what goes into making these young people before they enter school is the role models they have in their homes. In my grandson's case he has a dad, my son Matthew, who is deeply involved with raising his children. Besides the ordinary things that good dads do, like teaching  them to fish or play golf, to play fair, go on camping trips, coaching a Little League team, or joining them for lunch at school some days, he belongs to an organization that keeps dads involved when their children are in school. It is called WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dad of a Great Student).  Originally inspired by a school shooting in Arkansas, it was formed to place dads in and on the school and its grounds. (I might add that these dads are not armed with guns, just love!) Their credo:

• (To) "engage men, inspire children, reduce bullying and enhance the educational environment"..
• "Is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive role models for the students and to enhance school security. Today, more than 2,659 active programs in 46 states participate in the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program."

Bravo to all the dads involved! Especially my son Matthew. They are making a difference, and the children for whom they are role models will certainly help to create a kinder, gentler world of peace.

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Now this is not the image that pops into one's mind when you think of a scientist, is it? The lovely young lady (appearing to defy the law of gravity) is my oldest granddaughter Audrey. After graduating from SMU last spring with a degree in Environmental Science and one in Biology, she has spent the intervening time working first at a Delaware State Park as a naturalist, lecturing the tourists on the flora and fauna present in the park. Her most recent internship was at a research facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii assisting for a spinner dolphin research project, the SAPPHIRE project. For more information, the project's website is:  http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners. 

She wrote me this brief description of her stay there: "..a lot different from when I was in Maui! (Editor: Doing humpback whale research in January of 2012.) The hardest days are when we have to hike to a theodolite station, where we do our land-based research. We leave at 5 am and don't return until 6 or 7 pm, depending on the dolphins. We have a really intense hour hike each way, too.." "..I love working here. Every day is different. Some days we identify dolphins on the computer by matching their fins. It's a bit tedious but rewarding at the same time. On longer days, we hike to a cliff and take coordinates of the dolphin pods and tourist activity in the bay. We stay there as long as the dolphins are there, which on record days was 10 hours! It has definitely given me some perspective on the realities of wildlife research. We go on the boat to take photos of the dolphins. That's a lot of fun, but we don't do it too often, because they already have a lot of photo data. We also go on the boat to change the batteries and memory card of all of the acoustics loggers (records sound underwater). So we definitely stay busy."

Audrey with Resident Sea Turtle -- Hawaii

Since returning home from Hawaii in time for New Year's celebrations, Audrey has been working with a genetics research lab at West Texas A&M University studying the hybridization between two species of deer, as well as continuing some of the SAPPHIRE research back home analyzing the acoustics data for a Duke PhD student. This keeps her busy while waiting to hear from one of the universities she has applied to for admission to a graduate program. One of which was Duke, Nicholas School of the Environment in Durham, North Carolina. Lo and behold! While on a trip to North Carolina she got word yesterday that not only has she been accepted into their graduate program, but she's also received a scholarship. No one has worked harder or deserves it more! She will be working for a Master of Environmental Management degree, with an Ecosystem Science & Conservation concentration. Whew! I can barely write about it, much less understand it all. I have several pages of information forwarded to me by Audrey's mother, Carajean, that I will read diligently and do my best to fathom the work that so drives my granddaughter's passion. 

I am so very proud of Audrey, but especially so of her mother and dad who have given her the necessary role models and encouragement for her to launch on a much-needed career of work for our environment, both rescuing and preserving it for future generations. They also embraced Audrey's desire to become a vegetarian at a tender age, and now practice the diet as well. Kudos to you, Carajean and Branch!

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This has been a long read, I know. I have more to share about other grandchildren in a subsequent  blog. And, you know what? After working on this, I have more reason to feel optimistic about our future. 

Now, all together -- close your eyes, take a deep breath, and send images of 

Love and peace to the world,

Marilyn

LOOKS LIKE HOME, FEELS LIKE HOME

I am approaching the end of a long journey that started in August of last year, when the owners of my previous home wished to double my rent or sell the house I lived in. (The economy has taken its toll on everyone!) I was well into the process of settling my dad's affairs, after his illness forced him into a nursing facility in May. The next few months were probably the most stressful -- physically and emotionally I have ever experienced. There were many times I felt like just giving up. BUT, that is not my nature. I persevered, packing all 164 boxes for the monumental task of downsizing from a 3-bedroom, 1,200 square foot house to a 2-bedroom, 800 square foot cottage near the lake only three and a half miles from my son Matthew and his family. I moved on December 3rd, after having an estate sale at my dad's home in Mineral Wells the first of October and a garage sale of my own belongings the first week in November. Whew!!

As you can see in these videos, the first few weeks of labor have created some semblance of a cozy little home. (Little being the defining word!) Son Matthew and daughter Carajean contributed to the efforts of making order out of what at first appeared to be an impossible feat.  (With only the office/guest room yet to be worked on, I will soon be ready for some overnight guests!) During this time, son Craig filled in for me by visiting his grandfather at the nursing home, being there for Dad's 94th birthday!

Day 3 After Move-In

During the first visit from grandchildren Travis and Kelly, I let them decorate a small fiber optic Christmas tree I had left out of storage so it would add a little festive atmosphere during the holidays. No time for big decorations or outdoor lights! I enjoyed my neighbors' outdoor decor, though, as I kept my granddog, Jasmine, for two weeks while Matthew and his family spent the holidays with Carajean's family in Amarillo. Jasmine and I made many outdoor trips during those two weeks. The cheerful lights and decorations made our walks more enjoyable, in spite of the colder than normal temperatures! For the first time in my life, I walked a dog while holding an umbrella on two occasions! Jasmine didn't mind the rain and sleet, but Grandmommy did! She was good company for me, as the inclement weather kept us indoors most of the two weeks. I watched lots of Netflix, with Jasmine curled up on a pad at my feet. I wish I had taken photos of her while she was here, but Matthew took this photo on her first night home with her loving family. Boy and his dog were happy to be together again!

I am looking forward to living here and exploring the area around our little group of cottages, which were built sometime during the 70s as a retreat. There is a park across the street that is filled with children, pets, and laughter every time the sun comes out and there is no school. I've already witnessed many of the local wildlife, too!

I have been so busy putting one foot in front of the other that I've not really given much thought to New Year's resolutions. However, one I think I will make (notice I give myself an out!) is to write more prolifically on this blog, as well as catching up with old friends and school chums. My next post on this blog will be to brag on my grandchildren's accomplishments -- and they were many -- for the past few months.

In the meantime, may this year be the best ever for each of us, and may we know an abundance of 

Love and peace,

Marilyn