Rise and Shine --- Go fly a kite

Good Morning and here's hoping this week is better than last!

You know, in the attempt to save some money, it's always good when you can find something free.
So, with the heat bearing down and the walls getting smaller, Saturday was a good day to head downtown for a free kite-making exercise at the Philadelphia Water Works.
Every Saturday in the shadow of the Art Museum, there are a group of artists who sit outside (it's called Art in the Open) and show their, well, art.
They also get children involved with some free activities. Saturday was kite day.
So, we piled into the van and made the trek down.
The children made kites out of newspaper. They were able to paint them, string them and run around with them. OK, so they didn't actually fly high, but that wasn't the point.
Just being able to see the pure enjoyment of them running around trying to get it off the ground made up for everything else.
That's what we all need to find. We need to fly more kites.

Rise and Shine --- Away we go

Good Morning and welcome to a decidedly better feeling Tuesday!

While waiting for reports about that ride on the Osprey, I'm left wondering about excitement.
What might be exciting to some, is probably just another walk in the park for others.
My brother likes to jump out of planes. I know somebody who's not happy unless the waves are at least eight feet high. Meanwhile, there are those who prefer a quiet bike ride (of say, like 100 miles) or just sitting down with a good book.
That's the wonderful thing about the time we live in. Anything can be done (well, within reason), so why not try if you have the opportunity.
I get excitement in seeing everybody smile. If, at the end of the day, somebody says 'That was a good day.' I know things are all right. Sure, there are plenty of pressures around, but, in the end, they get pushed out by other things.
That's what we should be telling our children. Don't sweat the small stuff, we can take care of that. Jump out of the tree if it calls to you. Ride the skateboard over the wall. Run as fast as you can for as far as you can.
Just finish the homework first.

Rise and Shine --- Flying

Good Morning and I know of at least three young Phillies fans that couldn't stay up last night!

At about 10 p.m., when it looked like we were headed for a 1 a.m. finish, it was time to shuffle everybody off to bed. When the Phillies were jumping around on the field around midnight, I thought they should get a chance to witness the spectacle.
The amazing thing about children, though, is once they are asleep they are asleep. Try to wake them is like trying to wake a tree trunk. At least in this corner of the world.
Over in another corner of the world, the Phillies were also the topic of conversation. You'll be able to read about that a little later.
It's amazing how united everybody can be. Here we are in Delaware County watching the Phillies late at night, while in Iraq they are taking in the game during the early-morning hours.
I tried to convince a 10-year old that calling Mom and asking her about the game, since it was already Tuesday over there, he would able to get the final result.
He bought it for about a minute, then realized it's just a time difference. You know, the little things you do to keep entertained.
Meanwhile, this photo came across the e-mail last night. Looks like fun:

Rise and Shine --- Traveling

Good Morning and, yes, I broke down and put the heat on last night!

Sometimes we travel. Sometimes, we even travel far enough it takes an airplane to get there.
Even though most airlines have done away with movies on flights (at least free ones), I was thinking what would be the best movies to watch if heading on a long trip.
Here are some hopes:
1. Old School. Yeah, I know, it wouldn't fly with everybody (pun intended), but it will certainly make those hours sitting in the tiny seats a bit more comfortable.
2. Bourne Identity. Especially if you are heading overseas with an iPhone in hand and a mysterious look.
3. Joe vs. The Volcano. Nothing like a feel-good Tom Hanks movie to get you fired up about your trip.
4. The Terminal. Never mind, airlines don't have a sense of humor. Neither do passengers after about four hours or so.
5. Lord of the Rings. Not just one, but the whole trilogy. You will be able to fall asleep during the middle run. If not, it will certainly kill a lot of time.
6. Mr. Bean's Holiday. You're stuck next to somebody snoring badly who keeps passing gas. At least you can escape with somebody who had a worse time.
7. Some Like it Hot. Palm trees. Marilyn Monroe. Jack Lemmon at his best. Nothing would make the trip go smoother. Then again, 'Well, nobody's perfect.'
8. Cars. Yeah, you're in a big airplane. The air is sour. The food stinks. The bathrooms are too small. Nothing like a movie about talking cars to get you through the night.
9. 2001: A Space Odyssey. Now, if your really tired or really inot outer space, this is the perfect movie. Long, slow, boring, but great visuals. Just get a pillow with your headphones.
10. The U.S. vs. John Lennon. OK, there would never be a documentary on an airplane. Besides, Lennon preaching about peace among all people would undoubtedly tick some people off. You don't need that on a plane.
By the way, if this movie comes on, ask for an eye mask and ear plugs, because you are stuck in a time warp: