by Leona Choy
I aspire to walk an exercise mile each day either before going to 7 a.m. daily Mass or at 9 p.m. with flashlight and cell phone. (Not in winter! That's treadmill time!) I know most of the neighborhood Labs, Retrievers, German shepherds and small yappers by name, and they know me by scent. Bark ferociously as they will, I pay no attention. I know they will keep their distance although no fences surround the five acre wooded lots in our subdivision. Their owners have installed invisible electric fences underground, and the dogs wear special collars that give the animals a nasty electric charge if they step over the invisible fence.

Rating: 5.0/5

On the wall of the great room in my home are two large paintings showing two contrasting eagles. One looks shabby and disheveled, slumping with scruffy feathers, crooked beak, and gnarled feet scarcely holding onto a branch. The other looks young, strong, groomed, alert, and gazing bright-eyed at the stars from a high mountaintop perch. Both, however, are "senior citizen" birds!

Rating: 4.4/5

In our earlier years we struggled to fulfill ourselves through education, jobs, and careers, possibly in marriage and family relationships. Perhaps through our talents or skills or the approval of others. Time seemed to be on our side. We rarely gave its earthly termination a thought - Plenty of time - open end future.

Rating: 5.0/5