How are you doing with the kids back to school? Some people are ok with it, some parents cry (which just embarasses the kids!). I never like it when the kids go back to school. The house is always so quiet. Of course the alternative is the kids arguing about the dumbest things. Still, I would take that over the quiet of the house. Remember folks that it’s not long before they aren’t in the house AT ALL. Enjoy the kids while they are still kids, and not as adults

What is it about the fair that you enjoy? Or maybe don’t enjoy? We seem to get a steady stream of people through the Merchants Building at our booth during the week. Ever notice that it’s the same people at the fair, day after day? You get the feeling that someone just drops them off and says, “I’ll see you at 10pm tonight! Here’s a $5 to get something to drink!” Not that the $5 goes too far anymore. This year we’ll giveaway tickets to Indians baseball games. All you have to do the play our video game on the “Wii”, for a chance to win.

How different would our country be if we had lost the war in 1776? How much do our children understand the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? The Declaration of Independence is such an important piece of our history. It’s why we’re all Americans. Regardless of how we feel about whatever is going on, we have the right to stand up and voice our opinion about what goes on. Our fore-fathers allowed us certain rights; use them, but don’t abuse them. What would Washington or Jefferson or Franklin say if they were alive today? Americans seem to use to the Declaration of Independence to their own advantage at times, when it’s convenient for them. So while we’re enjoying a hot dog and a fireworks show this Sunday, spend some time with your kids and take a look at the documents that make our country the greatest in the world. Have a great 4th of July!!!

Most people associate summer with the Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Actually, summer begins on the 21st. But if this is the case, where has summer gone? Most of it so far has been spent under an umbrella or at the ballpark. Being at the ballpark isn’t a bad thing, but the umbrella bit we all could do without. It’s just a few days until the Marion County Fair and July 4th, the un-official middle of summer. I say we should extend summer out as far as possible. Have summer start on the Memorial Day weekend and run through September past Labor Day. I remember being a kid and thinking that summer seemed so long sometimes…I just wish I could think that way now. Everything seems so rushed and you never feel like you got to enjoy anything. If you have vacation to use this summer, USE IT!!! Don’t waste it away because of work. Work will always be there, but those vacations are here and gone before you know it. Enjoy the summer.

How many graduations have you been invited too this year? The list keeps growing and growing. This year we helped host one, and have been invited to 4 or 5 more. Some of these kids I know better than others. I know there parents, but not them. Shouldn’t the kid at least have some idea of who you are before the parents invite “their” friends? I suppose it’s got to be worse for teachers than anybody. They know all the kids, but can’t possibly go to EVERY party. Do you pick and choose or just boycott them all and keep it fair? And if you don’t go to their party, what should you send in an envelope? Is cash appropriate, or just a gift card to a restaurant or a clothing store somewhere? Leave me your thoughts

Today on the show we celebrated Pac-Man’s 30th birthday. What were some of your favorite arcade games growing up? E-mail me your list. Some of mine were Gyruss, Track & Field, Gorf & Joust.

Sorry I haven’t done one of these lately. Life seems to be getting busier and busier. School is winding down. I love summer vacation with the kids. They’re home when I get home instead of the other way around. Nothing worse than going home to an empty house. We’re in the middle of our baseball season. I’m the head coach for my son’s coach pitch team. So far we’re 4-0. And no, I don’t pitch. I get to handle more of the morale “keep em’ in line “, kinda of things on the bench, which is just fine with me. My daughter is interested in auditioning for “Guys & Dolls”, in Marion this summer. I hope she makes the cut. Auditions are this Saturday. And I am ready to ride the bike…somewhere. ANYWHERE!! Just waiting for the weather to break. Have a good week and I’ll talk to you soon!!