Mourning Dove Family III (Part 2)

 Dear Victoria … I Wonder …

                                              This morning (7:30) you “twittered arrival”

                                              to relieve your mate of parental duty.

                                              The air so fresh and the breeze so light;

                                              the sky a mix of cloud and sun.

                                              My coffee I bring to a balcony chair

                                              and observe you so quiet just 10 feet away.

                                             You rest on the nest...with barely a flinch

                                              Knowing.. my home I share with you.

                                             Your dappled-spot feathers, move very slight

                                             as you slowly breathe...keeping one egg warm.

                                             (perhaps today, another white shell).

                                             For hours you sit...like an ornament on glass...

                                             never blinking an eye, or changing position.

                                             I wonder...just what, is pondering your mind!

                                            Are my squabs healthy inside their white shells?

                                            Are they 2 boys, 2 girls...or one of each?

                                            In about 2 weeks, these babes will hatch;

                                            Albert and I will be busy with care.

                                            We'll feed them, protect them, and keep them warm...

                                            'neath our feathers spread over their tiny-ness.

                                            Our parenting days are twenty four-seven.

                                            We'll share all our duties...as good parents should.         

                                            Voraciously hungry, “pigeons' milk” we'll feed them.

                                            Soon, little feathers will begin to sprout;

                                            before we know it, their wings, they can spread.

                                           If I could speak to our unborn babes,

                                           I'd tell them what's in my warm dove heart.

                                           “There are many things I really want to know,

                                           but you are  hidden inside…answers don't show.

                                           I hope and I pray...you feel you belong...

                                           never wanting to feel that you're alone.

                                          “Your father and I planned from the start,

                                          conveying to you, our dear little squabs,

                                          that straight from our hearts, created you were

                                          and you are the products of his love and mine.

                                          “It doesn't really matter if a boy or a girl...

                                          we'll both be so happy that you exist.

                                          It won't be long before you flap wings;

                                          we'll love you both and teach you to fly.”

                                         This is my “dream” as an incubating Mom,

                                          preciously nestled on Mourning Dove eggs.

                                         I thank you, House Mother, for your loving heart,

                                          providing us shelter and our lives not disturbed.

Merle Baird-Kerr ~ written May 27, 2012

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Mourning Dove Family III (Part 1)

 In April, I wrote about...Mourning Dove Family II with follow-up of ...Bella
and Carlo's Family.   On May 23, I had visitors and wondered if they'd stay.
Thus, I  post this article  under the above title.  As their life develops,
I”ll keep you informed about Victoria (she arrived here on May 24^th to remain) 
and Albert.

On their day of arrival, I wrote this bit of prose and sent it to a few friends. 

                                                        The Arrival of Visitors!

                                           Yesterday, on May 23, I had visitors.

                                            They announced their arrival with a series of “twitters”.

                                            Slowly, I opened the balcony door

                                            and glimpsed a Mourning Dove on the old nest.

                                            They “twittered” to and from  the high wires

                                            to the balcony railing and to the nest.

                                            Once, they sat together...as though discussing.

                                            Their continued maneuvers lasted 45 minutes.

                                            A couple minutes later, Victoria again arrived

                                            (looking very plump...carrying eggs).

                                            She spent not long...before flying away.

                                            Yet, I hoped this a positive signal to be...

                                            the “the arrival of Mourning Family III”

                                            Late afternoon and evening...no mourning dove came!

                                             This morning at 8, my subtle glance revealed

                                             Victoria...or was it Albert?  upon the nest!

                                             Soon, I heard,”twitter, twitter, twitters”...

                                             but believe it was only a checking-out fly-over.

                                             Albert seemed content...just sitting on the nest;

                                             no ”change of shift” seemed apparent to me.

                                             Then “twitters” again and both on the nest.

                                             Twitters once more, I glanced through the door.

                                             Regally sitting was “my queen Victoria!”

                                             She's either laid her eggs..or soon intends.

                                             Albert twitters his return...”Is all OK?”

It is with great delight, I welcome

Mourning Dove Family III

and my pleasure to introduce Victoria and Albert.

I'll await the hatching of  their “squabs” in 2 weeks' time

and another 2 weeks for these babes to grow...

developing their wings and learning to fly!

How fortunate  I've been to observe these birds!

Their parenting is shared 24/7...how amazing it is!

And we humans...believe...We Know Best?

Merle Baird-Kerr … written May 24, 2012

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Common Sense

Definition:  Sound and prudent judgement based on a simple perception

of the situation or facts.  This “common sense” equates to the knowledge

and experience which most people already have, or which the person

using the term believes that they do or should have.

In case you are in a quandary, these illustrations

“will do the talking”!

The Baby

It was late at night, and Heidi who was expecting her second child, was home

alone with her 3-year-old daughter, Katelyn.  When Heidi started to go

into labour, she  called 911.  Due to a power outage at the time, only one

paramedic responded to the call.

The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn to hold a 

flashlight high over her Mommy so he could see while he helped deliver

the baby.

Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked.  Heidi pushed  and pushed,

and after a little while, Connor was born.  The paramedic lifted him by his feet,

and spanked  him on his bottom.  Connor began to cry.

The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help, and asked the wide-eyed-

3-year-old what she thought about  what she had just witnessed.

Katelyn quickly responded, ”He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place .

Spank him again!”

Mother Who Loved the Arts

A Mother who loved the arts was bragging about her children to some friends.

“My children are following my lead and are working in the arts,” she said with

obvious pride.  “Mary is now playing first violin for the symphony orchestra,

Robert's paintings are being displayed at the art museum this month...and David

is the hunter in Swan Lake.”

“That's wonderful,” said one of the friends.  “What about Alice? Did she ever

get a job in the arts?”  “No, said the mother, “Alice is working in real estate.”

“Oh,well,” said the friend.  “Don't worry.  Alice has a beautiful voice and she is

 still very young.  She may yet get a job in the arts.”

“Oh, I hope not,” said the mother.  “If it weren't for Alice, we would all be starving!”

Talk is Not Cheap

A doctor approached her attorney friend and said, “I've got a problem.Whenever

I'm at a party or social gathering, people always tell me about their ailments.  
 I don't mind  giving a little medical advice, but I feel like I'm being cheated 
out of my fee.   Would it be legal to bill them?” 
 Immediately the attorney replied,  “Absolutely!  That will be $300!”

The Crow and the Rabbit

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. 

A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do

 nothing all day long?”  The crow answered, “Sure, why not?”

So the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow and rested. All of a sudden,

a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

                                    Moral of the story is...”To be sitting and doing nothing,

                                                  you must be sitting very, very high up!”

         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sure...”common sense” is often overused and overworked. 

Not surprisingly, there comes a time when “he” just can't hack it anymore!

The Obituary

(printed in The London Times)

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has

been with us for many years.  No one knows for sure how old he was, since his

birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. 

He will be remembered as having cultivated such  valuable lessons as:

                                                       Know when to come in out of the rain.

                                                       Why the early bird gets the worm.

                                                        Life isn't always fair.

                                                        Maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (Don't spend more

 than you earn) and reliable strategies (Adults, not children are in charge.)

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned, but

overbearing  regulations were set in place.  Reports of a 6-year-old boy

charged  with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens being

suspended from scho using mouthwash after lunch and a teacher fired

for reprimanding an unruly student.

All these contributed to the worsening of his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job

that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent

to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents

 when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;

and criminals received better treatment than the victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from

a burglar in your  own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to

realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot.  She spilled a little in her lap...

and was promptly awarded a huge settlement!

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents (Truth and Trust),

 by his wife (Discretion), by his daughter (Responsibility) and by his son (Reason).

He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers:  I Know My Rights

                                                             I Want it Now

                                                             Someone Else is to Blame

                                                             I'm a Victim

                                                             Pay me for Doing Nothing.

Not many attended his funeral...because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, join the majority...and do nothing!

(Unknown source)

... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Pearl of Wisdom”

Blame for error always lies with those who act.

Those who do nothing...

what do they have to be wrong about?

Merle Baird-Kerr . . . written February 27, 2012

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Victoria Day Weekend

 Spring Musings...and a Butterfly Came

                                             Weather-perfect...on this Sunday in May.

                                              Rays of warm sun burst through the trees.

                                              The breeze wafts the leaves...ever so green

                                              and the birds, merrily, messaging their songs..

                                              I hear them from afar with melodious tunes:

                                              “Freedom, Freedom,” my red cardinal sings.

                                              “Couchi, Couchi, Couch,”  one quickly responds.

                                              “Par-ee, Par-ee,” from a nearby bush,

                                              and the mourning doves “Twitter” to and from nests.

                                             “Dear, Dear, Dear...” from a lofty maple tree

                                              and “Jibber, Jibber, Jibber,”  the echo of another.

                                              A sturdy tall tree of gray rippled bark

                                              has long-armed  branches that soar to the sky.

                                              Its thousands of leaves ...all lacy lime green

                                              shade the lawns, the patios and balconies below.

                                               Low cedars and bushes surround wooden poles

                                               of telephone and hydro 'tween here and paved path.

                                               Wires, so numerous... parallel the ground

                                                speaking of “flight lanes thro'  the blue cloudless sky.

                                               The Social Room views...to a park-like garden

                                               where oft' throughout summer, the residents laze.

                                               Some love gardening in their private-given-plot.

                                               Occasionally, we've a luncheon for all to enjoy.

                                               We “dress” for the event (whether Hawaii-an or Injun)

                                                with umbrella-ed tables and themed decor.

                                                The gardens are a-bloom...and evergreens stately.

                                                Camaraderie is present...among us all.

                                                Yesterday, was delivered a load of rich soil

                                                 for gardens at the front and resident “green-thumbers”

                                                 who came with their shovels and carts for the loam,

                                                 spending the weekend...to plant precious flowers.

                                                 My 3^rd floor balcony is hung with pretty baskets

                                                 of purple clematis and bright golden daisies.

                                                 I've gone”artificial”!  I learned my lesson!

                                                 (The squirrels well feasted on my gorgeous hibiscus;

                                                  they nibbled my pansies, ruined geraniums & lobelia

                                                  then tried to build nests in empty flower pots.)

                                                As sprightly little sparrows flit through the trees,

                                                I cherish the spring and anticipate summer.

                                                The mourning doves' return,  I shall await

                                                and also for the flowers to colourfully flourish.

                                                The tapestry I'm stitching is “Spring Tree Fairy”

                                                as I muse about birds, the gardens and the flowers.  ,

                                                Suddenly...upon my canvas,  partly on the table

                                                a butterfly came...'twas a small orange Monarch

                                                who sensed and yearned to be included in the scene.

                                                How momentous can this be?  Not a fantasy or dream!

                                                Transformation, it signifies...a new phase of life

                                                bringing happiness and joy, romance and success.

        What wonderful wishes, the butterfly delivered!

                                                                           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                                                                          “Pearl of Wisdom”

                                                    When a flower grows wild, it can always survive.

                                                         Wildflowers don't care...where they grow.

                                                                              (Dolly Parton) 

                          Merle Baird-Kerr ... written May 20, 2012
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Sisterhood of Nature

 Since introducing my blog in March, 2011, I realized most

significantly the strong relationship between humans and birds

or animals. My recent study and observation of Mourning Doves

was an eye-opener to family experiences among these mating pairs.

In animals as diverse as African elephants and barnyard mice, blue monkeys
of Kenya and feral horses of New Zealand...long-lasting and mutually
beneficial relationships turn out to be the basic unit of  social life...the  force that
 not only binds existing groups together but explains why the animals' ancestors
bothered going herd in the first place.

Researchers have discovered that some female baboons with strong bonds
have lower levels of stress hormones...live surprisingly longer...and rear a
 greater number of offspring to independence...than do their less socialized peers. 
Similarly, wild mares with female friends are  harassed less by the stallions and
have more surviving foals that lack social ties.  Even female mice allowed to choose
a “friend” as a nesting partner will bear more pups than females forced to share
straw space with a mouse they dislike.Female elephants  keep in touch with their
“chums” through frequent exchanges of low-pitched vocalizations called “rumbles”. 

Scientists have documented and concluded that female camaraderie reduces
stress...increases longevity...and helps mothers raise independent offspring.  
Camaraderie is easy to spot.  Lionesses suckle each other's cubs.

                         Female spotted hyenas greet each other through elaborate
                         ceremonies of mutual trust.

                         Elephants touch trunks, share food, play lifeguard for the day...

                         often aiding and protecting another's calf.

The Power of Human Female Friendship

When in public school in the village of Burford,  I had a “special friend”, Sylvia who

was a neighbour.  She and I walked to and from school together daily...often going

to each other's home for milk or juice and home-baked cookies...often sharing our

inner secrets.  In grades 7 and 8, my favourite friend and classmate was Margaret
who continued throughout  high school years, . We shared confidences and family
situations. Naturally, I had other friends within the school system, the church,
the softball team and 4-H club (for farm children).

In Toronto, with post secondary education, .Jean, Olive and Beatrice were my
“friendship circle”.  Attending Teachers' College, my new friends were Jean,
Olive and Beatrice.  Attending Teachers' College, my close friends were Marilyn,
Judy and Mary. At my first assigned school to teach, the secretary, Louise,
became a personal friend. Then, the following years, organizations and clubs
to which I belonged, presented other “special friends”  What I discovered
was the “ideal buddy count”!  To have a “top 3” seemed to be what was important.
With a trio to lean on, you not only see, but experience, the kind of strong, stable,
relationships that help females cope better with stress.
Most females, I've observed, have at least one close associate with whom they
hang out. At each stage of growth and development, I had a “mentor” whom I
wished to emulate.  One such person, Stella, advised me “to be myself”...not to
copy someone else...for herein lies a personality to be developed.
                                            Now, the challenge is…to discover...who I am!

I wish I had known Confucius who said,

“If I am walking with two men,

each of them will serve as my teacher.

I  will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them;

and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself”

(Chinese politician, teacher, editor & social philosopher)

(551 BC – 479 BC)

Psychologists have noted that, “Coalition between the males may be showier,

but, female friendships appear more resilient, lasting until one member dies.”

Robert Seyfarth of the University of Pennsylvania states,
“You have to have someone to hang onto. A friend gives you an element of
predictability and certainty...and you can use that to buffer you against
all the things you don't have control over. 
A familiar friend calms and equilibrates...mops up the  spills that can weaken 
the immune system...and in so doing, may help lengthen life 
~ as with baboons, humans and other group-minded kinds.”

“Two Women”,  the movie starring Sophia Loren in a World War II true story
drama, impressed me with their bonding and survival.  A few years later, after
reading the novel, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood,  I viewed the movie
of the same title. There are numerous  organizations and clubs that cater to women
e.g. Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Canadian Federation of University Women,
 Lioness Club, Women Who Excel  (business women's networking organization),
Zonta Clubs, Women of the Moose, etc. Camaraderie here, can be sought and
developed...also within your neighbourhood, through theatre, gyms, hobbyists,
recreation, team mates...the list is endless!

                                The pinnacle of my happiness was inviting 5 intimate friends

                                           (each whom I’ve known for over 25 years,

                                           who are all retired from business;

                                           among whom we’ve chatted, laughed and cried)

                              to celebrate my March 17^th Birthday at the RBG’s Garden Café,

                                Wonderful Ambiance...Delicious Lunch…Superb Friendship!

Jean Silk, a primatologist at the University of California states,

“Yes...having coffee with friends is good for you;

 we should all do it often…and open the conversation:

You look gorgeous!  Have a cookie! 

Now, tell me what's on your mind”.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Pearls of Wisdom”

Friends are Angels that lift us to our feet

When our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

(Anonymous)

Friendship needs to work,

just as a butterfly needs no song.

Just to feel its presence…is beautiful.

(Marjolein Bastin ~ world renowned nature artist))

Merle Baird-Kerr … written April 28, 2012

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Mythology

 A myth is a story with a purpose.  It tries to explain the way of the world.

Myths also try to explain the relationship between gods and  humans.

Even though the events in the myth are usually impossible, they try to

send a message that has an important social or religious meaning.

For early people, myths were like science because they explain

how things work.  They also explained other questions that are

now answered through modern science.

I never met a person who does not like mythology.  I think that it is the child in us

who love stories and fairy tales, fabulous narratives and exciting adventures.

“Emotion” is the main ingredient of everything which touches the heart...turning

into precious treasures, things that, without “emotion” would be merely ordinary.

“Emotion” and “imagination” can paint life...with magical colours.

In this world with defined edges, where everything is labelled and cataloged,

where gray seldom exists...because there is only black and white...where little

miracles happen every day...but are seldom noticed...it is more than likely that

we will not do something extraordinary which would attract to us the attention

of the world.  If we want or need poetry, enchantment and beauty in our lives,

we must create them.

It is up to us...the appearance and colours of the world we choose to live in.

Of course, there are cruelty and injustice...but we can fight them! 

We can make a difference.

                            “Emotion” is the heart of Life. “Imagination” is its decoration.

Our Interpretive Application of Mythology Today…

is Making a Difference!

We need not to depend upon  “gods” to direct our decisions.

We have  learned to “believe in ourselves”.

We need not allow our level of ability to dissuade us

from stepping into the world to “make a statement”. 

Achievement is attainable! 

It is the Inspiration...Imagination...Emotions...Desire

that urge, drive and impel us to “step out of our picture frame”

to explore new horizons.

Consider the Artist within each of us.  We may not be a Vincent Van Gogh
or a Robert Bateman; we may not be adept with a paint brush and palette;
we may deem that we have no vision  to leap from an image in our minds...
to canvas and easel before us.

Linda Sorensen, daughter of a long-time friend, has become a recognized Canadian

painter of wilderness scenes.  She states, “The creative spirit is awakened in me,

whether through the lens of my camera or through my easel and paints on site.

It is here that the beauty of the natural wild speaks to me as the timeless freedom

of the days unfold.  It is the visions of wilderness that I feel my paintings inspire

a connection between man and the actual wild.”

She attended Nelson High School in Burlington ~ having Robert Bateman as her
mentoring teacher.  Today, her paintings are hung in several Ottawa Valley
art galleries.

A bridge-playing acquaintance, retired from her ER nursing career,
has expanded her longtime interest as possibly a “budding artist”.
She engaged herself in “art lessons” and through guidance, projecting a vision
with brush and oils to the canvas before her.The results are amazing!
Family and friends admire her framed work; at request, she paints from a photo
or a scene captured while travelling locally or on vacation.

Further, I suggest that it may be a “Paint by Number” picture that inspires  you

to paint from your soul. The finished “painting” gives a sense of achievement!

Perhaps Music  is your passion.  Your voice may be a God-given-talent.
With lessons the voice learns projection, enunciation, and that special ingredient...
emotion which expresses your inner feelings.  The message sung from the soul has
deep impact.Your audience may be church parishioners, may be an onstage
 performance of a musical, may be a soloist at a wedding, may be a voice in the
opera chorus...even an aria of your own!  Remember...we can all sing...in the shower!

My niece, Sonya, loved Ice-skating and soon enrolled  in the
Goderich Skating Club. She learned the grace of movement, various turns
and jumps. Dreams of grandeur piqued her interest.  After a few years,
Sonya realized she was at the peak of her ability. Her greatness was in coaching
younger skaters...who also had dreams.

Consider the Track and Field participant. Physically, as a child, you excelled.
in one or more of these disciplines.  Then there were the “meets” between schools,
followed by tryouts for town and city teams.  You may qualify at the Provincial
level and possibly a position with the National team.  Your dream..the Olympics?

A friend's son (the 4th in a family of 6 children), didn't know "what to do
with his life". He was bored!  Anxiously, his parents asked if he had a 'dream job"
he'd like. Brad stated, "Yes...I'd love to fly!"  They inquired and located
a place in Saskatchewan where he could learn to fly helicopters.  WOW! 
He was gone! This vocation was for him! Excelling with the 'copters, he began
to climb the aviation ladder.  What is he doing today? Flying passenger jets for
Air Canada as a pilot. Today his parents and family benefit with "free travel flights".  

Whatever your level of ability,

Inspiration, Imagination and Emotion

will bring you to unexpected heights

and great sense of personal achievement!

“Pearls of Wisdom”

Unexpected change

can be like a breath of fresh air...

a little brisk at first,

but magic for body and soul.

(from a novel by Susan Biggs)

Make an ordinary day...extra-ordinary.

Every day holds a chance for romance

...joie de vivre!

(Anonymous)

Merle Baird-Kerr . . . written April 30, 2012

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"Priority" Humour

“Priority” in some species is “a given”:  e.g. with sled dogs, there is the “alpha;.

with lion prides, always the “male”; with humans, one is an outstanding “leader”.

Often there is what we call “a pecking order” which the others that be, understand.

The following illustrations of: senility, of dentistry, of famous people, of politics…

demonstrate how “priority” and choice… is often favoured”

Old Age at Its Best

Russ and Sam, two friends meet in the park every day to feed the pigeons, watch
the Squirrels and discuss world problems. One day Russ didn’t show up.  Sam
didn’t think much about it and figured maybe he had a cold or something.
 But after Russ hadn’t shown up for a week or so, Sam really got worried.

However, since the only time they ever got together was at the park, Sam didn’t
 know where Russ lived, and was unable to find out what had happened to him.

A month had passed and Sam figured he had seen the last of Russ, but one day
Sam approached the park … and “lo and behold” there sat Russ!  Sam was very
excited and happy to see him and told him so. Then he asked, “For crying out loud,
Russ, what in the world happened to you?”

Russ replied, “I’ve been in jail!”

“Jail!” cried Sam, “what in the world for?”

“Well,” Russ said, “You know Sue, that cute little blonde waitress at the coffee
shop where I sometimes go?”

“Yeah,” said Sam, “I remember her.  What about her?”

“Well, one day she filed rape charges against me…and at 89 years old, I was
so proud that when I got into court, I pleaded GUILTY!

 The judge gave me 30 days for perjury!”

Every Problem has a Solution

A guy goes to a female dentist to have a tooth extracted.

She pulls out a numbing needle to give the man a shot.  “No way!  No needles.

 I hate needles, “the patient stated.

The dentist starts to hook up the nitrous oxide and the man says, “I can't do the gas
thing. The thought of having the gas mask on suffocates me!”

The dentist then asks the patient if he has any objections to taking a pill.
“No objection,”  he replied.  “I'm fine with pills.”  The dentist gives him a couple
of pills. He swallows them.  “What are they?” he inquires.  “Viagra,” says the
dentist. “Heck,” the patient said  “I didn't know Viagra worked as a pain killer.”

“It doesn't,” stated the dentist, “but it will give you something

to hold on to when I pull your tooth.”

Canadian Citizen

You, who worry about Conservatives versus Liberals…

relax…here is our real problem.

In a Toronto University classroom, they were discussing the qualifications to be

the Prime Minister of Canada.  It was pretty simple…the candidate must be

a natural born citizen of at least 35 years of age.

However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the

requirement to be a natural born citizen.  In short, her opinion was that this

requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming Prime Minister.

The class was taking it in and letting her rant, and not many jaws hit the floor

when she wrapped up her argument by stating, “What makes a natural born

citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?”

Yep…these are the same kind of 18-year olds that just voted in our election!

They “exist” and they walk among us.

Queen Elizabeth and Dolly Parton

They both die the same day and they both go before an Angel to find out if they'll
be admitted to Heaven.  Unfortunately, there's only one space left that day, so the 
Angel must decide which one of them gets in.

The Angel asks Dolly if there's some particular “reason” why she should go to
Heaven. Dolly removes her top and says, “Look at these...they're the most perfect
breasts God ever created...and I'm sure it will please God to be able to see  them
every day for eternity.”

The Angel thanks Dolly and asks Her Majesty the same question.  The Queen
takes a bottle of  Perrier out of her purse...drinks it down...then wees into the toilet
and pulls the lever.  The Angel says, “OK,  Your Majesty...you may go in!”

Dolly is outraged and asks, “What was all that about?  I show you two of God's own

perfect creations and you turn me down.  She wees into the toilet and you let her in!

Would you explain that to me?”

“Sorry, Dolly,” says the Angel, “but even in Heaven, a Royal Flush beats a Pair!”

(Thanks to a couple readers who sent me the foregoing.)

“Pearl of Wisdom”

Nobody ever gets anywhere in this life

without taking some initiative.

If you have a good concept, run with it

and see what happens.

(Rebecca Brandewyne from her novel...Glory Seekers)

Merle Baird-Kerr … written April 21, 2012

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