Opinion

Las Vegas, Nevada, is known for its neon lights, glitzy casinos, and relentless energy. You’d think I’d love it. I don’t. I go because that husband of mine has family there and our dearest friends call it “home.” Lucky for me-tucked away from the Strip’s chaos, there exists a quieter side of this desert oasis—horse ranches sprawling with serenity, where time seems to slow, and the whispers of nature are louder than the chatter of the city. It was here, on a gorgeous morning, that an unexpected connection unfolded between me and a mini donkey named Wilson.

I was reminded by an e-mail from a friend that May 31, 2017, marked the eighth anniversary of Dr. George Tiller’s assassination. I realized then that it was time for me to finally write about the reality that life is rarely starkly black and white but a palate of grays.

The odds are in favor of the United States of America electing the first woman as President. It is almost a guarantee that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will win the popular vote by possibly more than 10+ million votes. The antiquated Electoral College could be more in play as it is also likely that Harris/Walz could initially secure enough votes to win the Electoral College. Then a few states could start playing games with the vote of the people by attempting to scam the Electoral College voting process to install someone as president who did not win the popular vote and may not have won the Electoral College.

I couldn’t control my face when we landed. Big smile.

Among the carnage and epitaphs of old heroes we’ve seen fall in recent weeks, one stood out. Because Pete Rose died with a question mark. Should this itinerate gambler be in the Hall of Fame? By the numbers, without a doubt. By the rules, not a chance.

There’s something irresistible about the crisp air and golden light of autumn, isn’t there? The leaves of the Blaze maples blaze red and orange like nature’s own confetti, reminding us that change can be stunning. Here’s where me and my best friend Sheree go GA-GA over the change of seasons! We’re just two individuals in the prime of our lives (or maybe past) — officially entering our “senior” years. Together we decided it was time for a rite of passage: senior photos.

She walks the halls each day among forgotten men—so forgotten, most of them cannot even remember themselves. They are the Alzheimer’s patients at the veteran’s home in St. Cloud.

Vikings (knock on wood)

It is time the public become more aware of the monopolistic behavior of American business that has a strangle hold on the economy of the U.S. The key to capitalism that it works to the benefit of the public/consumer and that monopolistic behavior must be stopped when it occurs to protect the public. The enforcement of laws must take place to prevent monopolies from developing and protect smaller businesses from aggressive larger businesses that seek to create ever expanding monopiles. Often these monopolies seem to grow unfettered even considering laws have been in place for decades to prevent monopolies from growing so that one or a few companies control a segment of the economy.

Most nights begin the same, at least for me they do. I hit my pillow and my eyes close. I was blessed with that ability and I don’t take it for granted. The only time this isn’t true is when I begin praying for one and end up praying for the entire universe and each situation within it - specifically!