ODDS AND ENDS FROM THE NEWS - APRIL 30

SOME ODDS AND ENDS TODAY FROM THE NEWS

COVID-19

“The U.S. not only has more confirmed coronavirus cases than any other country on the planet, but it surpassed 1 million cases Tuesday — approximately one-third of the global total. American fatalities, meanwhile, have topped the number of U.S. deaths in the Vietnam War. On Twitter, President Donald Trump attributed the enormous number of cases to good testing. He promised the U.S. will soon be conducting 5 million tests per day, though the White House official in charge of testing said “there is absolutely no way on Earth” that can happen.”

PACKING PLANTS (I wrote about this last week)

After more than a dozen high-profile plant closures due to outbreaks of coronavirus — and mounting concerns about food shortages — President Trump issued an executive order that meat producers must keep working. This week, U.S. pork production was reduced by about 20 percent, and beef production by 10 percent. The Labor Department said it would help defend plant owners from legal action over workers being put at risk during the course of business, though it isn’t planning to legally compel employees to show up to work.

CAN I SUE MY COMPANY?

Customers and employees can sue a business for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages if they prove negligence, recklessness, or intentional disregard for their safety. But some recommended precautions for COVID-19 could run up against workplace protection laws, such as:

• Telling other employees when someone is sick (privacy violation)
• Requiring workers to test negative before coming back (discrimination and health privacy)
• Prohibiting at-risk populations like the elderly from coming to work (more discrimination)

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Texas is going to have a limited reopening tomorrow (May First).  So, an employee that might not be showing symptoms comes to work and shares the virus with other employees and customers.  One (or more) of the employees or customers catches the virus, shares it with his/her family and some die.  Can you sue? 

Who would you sue?  The business for not testing every employee?  The employee who shares the virus? 

Aside: I’m over 70 - do I qualify as “elderly”? (I think I am a “senior”, but somehow “elderly” implies old - and I’m not old!!

It almost sounds like the mesothelioma ads on TV!!  (American’s love to file lawsuits where, even if they don’t win, the companies frequently settle outside of court!!!)

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And, if the rest of the news isn't enough: “This year is on course to be the world’s hottest since measurements began, according to meteorologists, who estimate there is a 50% to 75% chance that 2020 will break the record set four years ago.

*****

And, Pollyanna Karen jumps in.  Are you still alive?  Can you still laugh?  

As I suspected, someone has been adding soil to my garden. The plot thickens.

I went to the zoo yesterday.  There was a loaf of pumpernickel rye in a cage.  The zookeeper said it was “bread in captivity”

Q:  How do you cut the ocean in half?  A:  With a sea saw

Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will spend thousands of dollars on fishing gear he uses twice a year!!!

*****

Our attitude makes the difference - do you see the ‘doom and gloom’ or do you see the possibilities that will come after this is all over?  You can change your attitude and be positive!!!

Love and Hugs to you all!!

Karen

Karen's View of World History - part III

Karen’s View of History - World War I part III

World War I ended almost in a tie.  

There is the adage, “A tie is like kissing your sister”

For four years, German and the allies of Great Britain and France had trenches that faced each other.  Any time one side or the other tried to storm the other side, there was generally a slaughter.  America was neutral for most of the war, but when Germany proclaimed they would torpedo any allied ships, it brought the United States into the fray - and brought an end to the war.  

But ending warfare is the beginning of a new world.  In this case, a world where Germany was humiliated and forced to pay reparations since they ‘lost’.  There was gloating on the parts of the English, French, and Russians as Germany lost their eastern lands to a new Poland, and lost its western lands of Alsace-Lorraine.  About 20 million people (mostly men) died, and about 23 million wounded.  All because of a Serbian nationalist killed (or assassinated) an Austrian noble.  

Kings suffered maybe the most.  The Tsar was gone from Russia; the Kaiser was gone from Germany; the King of Austria-Hungary eventually was deposed. Austria-Hungary was divided into Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and some land was ceded to Romania.  

In Great Britain, the King lost more power, the House of Lords lost power, and the House of Commons grew in power.  And women and more men got to vote in elections (one of the few bright spots).

Humiliated Germany as a republic without ‘teeth’ soon had hyper-inflation.  A loaf of bread in Berlin that cost around 160 Marks at the end of 1922 cost 200,000,000,000 Marks (2 billion Marks for a loaf of bread!!); by late 1923. By November 1923, the US dollar was worth 4,210,500,000,000 (4.2 billion) German marks.  People literally had to take wheelbarrows of money to use for shopping.

“To the victors go the spoils”. But soon Germany could no longer pay off the debt and reparations.  Conditions in Germany were dire - until a National Socialist Party under Adolf Hitler took over with promises to restore Germany.  (And we know how that all worked out!!)

The American President, Woodrow Wilson, proposed 14 points for peace. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteen_Points) 

(Aside, Wilson was elected in 1912 and was re-elected in 1916 on the slogan “He kept us out of war”.  My father was born in October 1912, and his name was “Woodrow Wilson White”!!)

While I do not want to look at all 14 of Wilson’s points, let’s look at some in a summary:

I. Open covenants of peace

II. Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas.

III. The removal of all economic barriers and the establishment of an equality of trade conditions

IV. National armaments will be reduced to the lowest point.

V. A free, open-minded, impartial adjustment of all colonial claims

Let us give a quick analysis.

-1 Point 1 attempts to undermine the various alliances - and to have frank diplomacy.  There had been many alliances between countries that lead to “you hurt my friend, therefore you hurt me”.

-2 Great Britain was the ‘owner’ of the seas - dating back to the British defeat of the Spanish Armada.  This point was not acceptable to the United Kingdom.

-3 Removal of economic barriers.  (Aside - we still fight this today with tariffs and lack of “free-trade”)

-4 National armaments to be reduced - (Biblical “beat their swords into plowshares” and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” - Isaiah 2:4)

-5 Colonies - Europe had divided the world into colonies.  “The sun doesn’t set on the British Empire” was a common phrase.  With African colonies (South Africa), India, Australia, and Canada, (and more), English had a definite world influence.  

Wilson proposed a “League of Nations” loosely based on his 14 points.  Unfortunately, the US Congress did not agree with him (the power had shifted in 1918 Congressional election).  But, eventually, thirty-years later, we got the United Nations.

And most of the reigning leaders were very leery of the Bolsheviks in Russia. Could the common man really run a country instead of a Tsar or King?

World War I brought equality of peoples into perspective.  Women voting, men voting, minorities voting - and acceptance (or at least tolerance) of people - not fully realized as Hitler blamed the Jews on the inflation, failure of World War I and almost every other evil.  

To me, that last part is still in progress.  But there is hope!!

An unrealistic peace treaty, indirectly, caused World War II.  Man’s inhumanity to fellow man still exists.  Can we all get along?  Maybe someday!!!  

Hugs!!

Karen

Karen's View of the World - World War I - continued

Karen’s View of History - World War I - continued

https://www.history.com/news/queen-victoria-grandchildren-matchmaking-wwi

https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history 

Europe prior to World War I was a hodgepodge of Kings - and many were descendants of Queen Victoria of England.

Tsar Nicholas of Russia was married to Princess Alix (a granddaughter of Queen Victoria); Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany - a grandson of Queen Victoria.

The article stated: “Luckily, she (Queen Victoria) had plenty of family members with which to do it. Victoria had nine children and 42 grandchildren. Eventually, seven of them sat on European thrones in Russia, Greece, Romania, Britain, Germany, Spain and Norway”

But these cousins didn’t get along well.  

Then, there were alliances.

“A number of alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire, Russia and other parties had existed for years, but political instability in the Balkans (particularly Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina) threatened to destroy these agreements.”

“The spark that ignited World War I was struck in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand—heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire—was shot to death along with his wife, Sophie, by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914. Princip and other nationalists were struggling to end Austro-Hungarian rule over Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Serbia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Russia had interest in the Balkan states.  Balkan states under Austro-Hungarian Empire could block Russian access from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.  Therefore, Russia was opposed to Austrian aims in Serbia.  And being opposed to Austrian aims also translated into Austria being opposed to Russia, and Germany as an ally of Austria was therefore an enemy of Russia!!!  

And each side thought they were justified with fighting.  France was mad at Germany for taking Alsace-Lorraine in a previous fight.  Britain wanted to remain the most powerful over the seas.   

So, Germany and Austria wanted to stop nationalism (and the desire for a Serbian state); Russia didn’t want Austria and Germany to come too close to Russia.  France was allied with Russia.  And it was a big mess.

Seemingly each side thought they could win a war - some even predicted that they would have victory in only a few months.

And … who fought in the war?  Generally, the commoners - especially in Russia - where commoners were (generally) treated like peons and slaves.

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So, an assassination in Serbia of the (supposed) heir to the Austria-Hungary led Austria to demand retribution (aka “revenge”) on the Serbians, which was harsher than expected, caused millions of men to be killed, and millions of dollars spent - and ultimately lead to another harsh penalty on Germany, which eventually lead to terrible inflation in Germany - which was somehow related to the Jews, which led to Hitler and World War II. 

*****

How about a scriptural perspective on this? From Romans chapter 12

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

There were no winners in World War I – but – IT HAD TO HAPPEN!!!  (That is written by a person who is both a Pollyanna, and a bit of a pacifist).  The entire world changed, common people and women got the right to vote.  Kings and nobility became more of a historical factor and not (generally) important today. 

Is our world loving and forgiving today?  Are all people free?  Are women, Jews, Blacks, and other minorities better off today? I think so!!  Is it perfect? Not yet!!  Will it ever be perfect?  Nope!!! 

Love one another is still a foreign concept to much of the world.  But, like the second time Pandora opened her box, there is HOPE!!!

Hugs!!

Karen

Karen's View of History - Russia and World War I

Karen’s View of History - World War I

I am listening to “Fall of Giants” by Ken Follett.  (Note - this is long.  In audiobook format it is 30 hours long - and I am not finished yet!!)

Quick (and very incomplete) synopsis.  The book follows characters from England (aka the UK) - a wealthy Earl (in the House of Lords), a common family that works in the coal mines on the land owned by the Earl; a German diplomat (and his crusty father), the Earl’s sister who is working for peace, some poor Russians, an Austrian diplomat, and an American.

Let’s look today at Russia - through the eyes of the major Russian character.

He grew up in a small rural village - no electricity, all land ‘belonged’ to nobility.  When young, he watched his father being hanged for hunting on the local noble’s land; he saw his mother shot by the Tsar’s thugs.  There is brutality from the Tsar and other nobility.  He moves to St. Petersburg and works in a family, but gets on the wrong side of immoral policemen who are trying to rape a girl.  He rescues the girl, but these police hound him throughout the book.  

The description of peasants is that their conditions are deplorable, and the description of the Tsar, church leaders, and nobility is wealth and power beyond imagination.  Eventually, about 5.5 million Russian died in the war, mostly peasants that were poorly supported.

*****

As you know from history, that eventually the Tsar is overthrown, and eventually, Lenin and the Communists take over.

There is a historical principle - like a ‘seesaw’.  If power is like a giant bully sitting on one end of a seesaw, and holding a small child up on the end - and laughing and deriding the child who can’t get down.  But, eventually, in the historical principle, the child gets enough weight/power/friends and they level the seesaw and eventually put the bully up in the air.

Seemingly in Russia during World War I, the Tsar and nobles were like the giant bullies.  They could almost at randomly harass the peasants.  In one scene from the book, the people start lining up at midnight to get a loaf of bread when the bakery opens in the morning.  But, the flour ran out and most of the people in line didn’t get bread (and by implication, without much of anything else).  (Meanwhile, the Tsar lives on the best food).

The treatment of fellow humans in Russia was like some American’s treated slaves - not as humans, but as ways to grab more money and more power.  

Unlike America, where many people opposed slavery, the Russian leaders laughed at the situation and basked in their power.  Man’s inhumanity toward fellow man continued.

Unlike America, where democracy (slowly) worked to free slaves, give women the vote, give Blacks the vote, and learned to tolerate (if not fully accept), minorities, in Russia, the “pot boiled over” and the Russian Revolution tipped the seesaw all the way to the other end.  

Does the end justify the means is a traditional philosophical question?  Can violence beget violence?  Is taking over a regime by force from those who have ruled without understanding and with violence be justified?

  

*****

My aside and opinion. Is America moving to the way of the Tsars?  Do we have entitled classes and poor classes?

Do we have a ‘ruling class’?  Are not most of our elected senators, representatives, and others, from the ‘wealthy’ group?  (It definitely isn’t cheap to be a senator or president).  Do our representatives really know and understand the plight of immigrants at our borders?  Do they work for justice, fairness, and mercy?  Or do many of them work towards reelection and their own comfort?  (I saw a video a while back about one of the first sessions newly elected representatives got in their orientation - it was on raising money for their next campaign). 

And, if (particularly in congress) representatives and senators are not wealthy, there are lobbyists who buy them dinner and contribute to their reelection campaigns.

With our current situation, we have many who work from paycheck to paycheck.  The virus has almost instantly created deeper poverty than there was before. My Congressional representative recently sent a flyer (free because of the “franking” allowance), that described how he was helping in the COVID-19 crisis and working on funding for those in need.  (He made himself look like an important leader in congress, and while NOT a campaign flyer, it pretty much was).

While the Tsars and nobility in Russia disregarded the plight of their citizens, do our representatives represent us? (Or do they represent influential groups and follow their party line).  

Even though Matthew 26:11 says “You will always have the poor among you”, at times, it seems like helping the poor and downtrodden is more rhetoric and less reality!!!

More tomorrow!!!

Hugs

Karen

Stop and Smell the Roses - taste feel, savor and reflect

Guest Blog Today!! 

My friend Kristof shared this with me, and I wanted to share it with you!!!  I think it is a bit of a take on the “Endure” or “Embrace” concept.  (By-the-way, if you have something to share, let me know!!!  Since at least 2014, I have written a daily blog (probably more of a daily journal).  I have skipped a couple of days here and there, but 360 posts a year can tax my brain!!!()

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One good thing to come from this shelter in place dog and pony show is a change in the tempo of life. Life doesn’t feel so pressure filled to the brim with the stress of responsibilities outside of home. There is time to ‘slow down and smell the flowers.’  

I’m more relaxed as is the rest of my family.  It’s nice to not be exhausted all the time and be able to talk to each other without the pressure of worrying about getting ready for what’s next on the to do list of everyday life. 

Traffic is somewhat reduced and there is more time spent moving instead of being stopped. I’ve had time to teach my youngest to ride a bike. We’ve played games as a family.  We’ve eaten together at the same table at home.  I ran an errand at Callahan's general store in Austin. 

There’s something genuine and interesting about the people; almost like from a time gone past.  

I’ve found a group of people on social media just as passionate and interested in film music that enjoy stimulating conversation and commentary on film scores and their composers. In a way I found a tribe where I feel like I belong. There’s been time to explore new soundtracks and discover new composers with amazing work that I’ve somehow missed out on over the last 20 years  

There is so much more to life than running the rat race. There’s time to talk - not just in passing - but to have a conversation of substance.  There’s time to be focused on the present without being caught in the perpetual motion of economic productivity. There’s been time to reflect and experience and spend time in our own thoughts, as introverts and the lives of others as extroverts. It’s the substance of life that’s been eroded by constantly being pressed to fulfill roles and never-ending responsibilities we have become accustomed to doing day in and day out all of our adult lives. 

There’s been a strange calmness compared to the hustle and bustle of life in the city.  There’s a little more peace, quiet and solitude yet somehow more connection to the humanity of our world. Air is cleaner. There’s less noise. Fewer cars on the road. Fewer airplanes in the sky. Maybe that’s okay.  Maybe this is a once in a lifetime opportunity where society gets to rearrange life’s priorities 

Has this social distancing and shelter in place stuff really flattened the curve?  Who cares?  The real benefit to society has been the opportunity to stop and smell the roses and experience more than a temporary whiff but to take in the beauty and savor the aroma, depth and nuances of the scent of the flowers.  To drink that fine wine and experience the subtleties of the flavors contained in a small sip as it penetrates our taste buds. To feel and savor the textures in sound. There’s finally time to reflect and savor life’s experiences. To find the hidden gems we’ve spent too much time missing as we gloss over life instead of spending time experiencing the everyday details leading to the sense of feeling fulfilled in the beauty of the moment.

*****

Karen adds:

WOW - EMBRACE the times - “In everything give thanks” - stop and smell the roses - taste, feel, savor, reflect, and avoid the ‘rat race’.

Thank you Kristof!!!

*****

Can Your Marriage Survive COVID-19

Can your marriage survive COVID-19? Part II

https://time.com/5811146/coronavirus-married-relationship/

Yesterday I started a two day look at an article from Time Magazine - Can your marriage survive COVID-19?

Let’s continue that.

-1 Do what your ancestors did.

That is a so-so title.  SEX!!!  The author alludes to pioneers who lived in one-room sod-houses or starting out in a one-bedroom apartment.  INTIMACY!!!

The article puts it this way, “Intimacy is also key. Too much togetherness and stress can have an unsexy effect on partners who live together but getting it on can also be a stress-reliever as well as a nice break from Netflix. “You still need intimacy, If the pioneers figured it out and they were in one room, so can you.”

-2 Plan out your days, but not too tightly. 

Let’s say you have children and you need to homeschool them through this situation.  Are you going to divide the instruction between you and your spouse?  Or, if one spouse might have more skills as an educator, then the other spouse can pick up other chores - cooking, laundry, cleaning, making beds, and other activities.

Without children, you can still schedule your days.  (That might even be to who has the remote control at which time). I liked watching “Wheel of Fortune” as a diversion, and my spouse liked watching one of the political programs - schedule them or record them.  

Check out the weather.  If you want to do some things outdoors - like take a walk or ride bicycles, it is much nicer in sunshine than in rain!!!  Do you want to watch the local news and weather?  Schedule it.  Are you planning a major meal?  Maybe that will block more time for one spouse as she (or he) prepares the feast.  

But, don’t be a slave to the schedule.  Allow for calls from Grandma and others to interrupt the day!!!

-3 Make an appointment for your fights. 

This one surprised me (although I like the concept)

If you are starting a fight (which most likely is over some petty issue), break it off and schedule a time.  When you are in “the moment” you may go irrational and say things that hurt.  One of the smart ways to approach almost any fight is to try to understand the other person’s point of view.  Put up your hand and say “We do need to solve this, but not now.  Can we look at this again, maybe at 4:00 today?  This is a form of “cooling off period”.  

-4 Take your arguments elsewhere.

This is especially important if you have children.  Fighting in front of the children can be traumatic for them.  If your children are older, maybe you and your spouse can take a walk or a drive.  The article mentioned one couple that sat on the bathroom floor out of hearing range of their daughter.

-5 Respect the now invisible boundaries.

If your spouse is (finally) relaxing with a program on TV, wait for a commercial, or for the program to finish.  It might be hard when you want to interrupt and ask “Where is the <item>”, but unless you need it instantly, it can wait.  Let’s say you are doing the dishes and you don’t know where the dish soap is.  Do a good faith search first.  Maybe your spouse moved it to the laundry room or to the garage to clean some tools.  And, those dishes won’t get dirtier while you wait!!!  

-6 Ask for what you want, really.

I think the article says it best, “Your partner is probably a wonderful person but almost definitely garbage at mind-reading. You need to explain your needs, and you need to be specific. “I would love it if you could plan dinner every second night” is vastly preferable to “You have to help around the house more,” for many reasons, just as “Could you rub the left side of my back?” is superior to “Could you make me feel better?” Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done. “We’ve worked with so many couples, and when you ask them what it is they want, they don’t know,” she says. “Men don’t know what they want; they’re raised to suppress their feelings. And women are so used to caring for everybody else, they don’t know what they want either. But if you don’t ask for what you want, you’re not going to get it.” So much is going on, and the situation is changing so rapidly that nobody is going to notice everything that every person needs or desires. So, ask. Nicely.

*****

So, can you survive the “both spouses at home” aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic?  The answer is YES - and a sub answer of “You have to survive it!!  Murder is illegal!!!  (And, while you might think that it could be “justifiable homicide”, the police and courts will probably disagree!!!)

Last week, I wrote about ‘enduring’ and ‘embracing’.  If you want your marriage intact after this is over, you must force yourself to ‘embrace’ the situation - make the most of it!!!  You can’t change it - and the only person you can change is yourself!!!  Become a LOVER!!!  

Hugs!!!

See you tomorrow!!!

Karen

Can your marriage survive COVID-19 - part I

Can your marriage survive COVID-19?

https://time.com/5811146/coronavirus-married-relationship/

From Time Magazine some good ideas for helping your marriage survive the virus!! (And, I’m still thinking of the “endure” or “embrace” from yesterday)

The article starts like this, “Have you recently noticed how loud your partner chews? That her placement of items in the fridge is illogical? That his consumption of toilet paper/soap/the good snacks is remarkably high? That parenting is not one of his or her core strengths? If so, you might be married during a pandemic.”

That sounds comical, but it is!!!  Little things can build up - so keep it cool!!!  

From a world where the kids were in school, the parents at work, we are in a new reality - living under the same roof for 24 hours each day.

*****

-1 Cool it with the criticism. 

We are all tired and can be cranky - and we may want to “correct” our spouses - but don’t do it.  (Don’t judge lest you be judged).  The concept that when you point a finger at somebody, there are three pointing back at you!!!  The article suggests that we accent praise and encouragement.  The article also recommends, “telling your spouse three things you appreciated about them that day before you go to sleep at night.”

Men be sure to say “thank you” sincerely for all your wife does!!!  Did she make the coffee - say “Thank you” (and just perfunctory)?  Women thank your husband for taking out the trash or watching the kids or mowing the grass.  

*****

-2 Be more curious than furious.

From the article:

“With all the new responsibilities brought on by the coronavirus, it may feel like your spouse is not doing enough or has committed an act of personal treason, but it’s more likely that they’re just distracted, hungry or have motivations that are invisible to you. “High stress always brings out people’s relational coping skills, or lack of them,” says Helen. “Stress also triggers memories from the past, and we tend to respond to the present as we did in the past.” In any case, just asking your partner a question and actually listening to the answer before pulling the ripcord on an argument can have a positive effect, by giving us a moment to pause and engage our more sophisticated cognitive functions. “Talking is the most dangerous thing people do, especially when they are stressed, and listening is the most infrequent thing people do, especially when they are stressed.”

Assuming those within your house are healthy, give a hug to each other and thank them for supporting you in this crisis time.  

*****

-3 Let them feel bad—or O.K.—about the current crisis.

You need to practice “active listening” 

The article says, “When you disagree with your partner’s approach to the pandemic, do your best to figure out what it is he or she is really thinking about instead of dismissing it. “They are going through the virus information in a different way,” says Julie Gottman. “Have some empathy, which means do your best to guess and name what emotion you hear your partner is expressing.” Many therapists endorse active listening—that is, hearing what a person says and trying to say it back in your own words. “If you can’t figure it out, just say, ‘You sound really upset or you sound stressed,’” says Julie.”

Rephrase what your spouse said - but gently.  

He says, “I’m worried about my job, whether it will be there when this is over.”

You can reply, “I sense you are really worried about your job.”

Don’t try to fix it - don’t say, “I’m sure it will be there, when things return to normal”, because you really don’t know.  Reassume him “You are a good worker; you got your promotion two years ago.  While we can’t tell the future, I know and believe that you will be just as good”.

I’ve written about the only person you can change is yourself.  Love one another.  Establish peace in your house.  My parents went through the depression (and maybe it was your grandparents).  Times were tough.  But, if you will, times are much better now.  We have television, maybe even some streaming service (like Netflix), modern appliances (many places in the 1930s didn’t even have electricity!!).  While I’m not a proponent of 16 hours of television a day, it can fill the time.  And, again, in normal times, I don’t like television as a ‘babysitter - but that might be a way out at times.  And, maybe Mom or Dad (or both), can sit on the sofa with a child and watch something uplifting together!!!  [Hmmm - can you stream Pollyanna!!!]  

You might even read with them, supervise and help them with homework, draw, color, make something special with them.  Fill your refrigerator door with their artwork.  Put it on the wall, make this a memorable “vacation”!!!

-4 Buy some time, or trade for it. 

We all need some “my time”.  The article suggests at least half-an-hour a day.  Work out a schedule for you and your spouse to support each other and get the time.  AND … when you figure out a time - go away!!  Get out of sight of your spouse and family.  Get far enough away so you can’t even hear them.  (For me, I’d take a nap upstairs!!)  

And, likewise, get some free time for your spouse.  “I’m going to walk the kids around the block, and we will not be around the house for at least half-an-hour”.  

Marriages can be tough - and in tough times, the stress can become too much.  You must keep balance, no rocking the boat!!!

More tomorrow!!!

Hugs!!

Karen