:: The Elder Journals ::

Remember when Sunday came around and the comics section was first to be read out of the over-sized newspaper? All of us had our favorite cast of characters to keep up with in precise order. Then it was off to the breakfast table for a bit of nourishment and share the comical humor.

Since the advent of the internet it is much easier to dance through various sites and cull practically every subject there is. In this case, comics are the selection of the day.

These are just a few of the thousands out there which will tickle your fancy and hopefully put a smile on your face.

• Reality Check
• Moderately Confused
• Brevity
• Committed
• Off the Mark
• Nonsequitur
• Garfield
• Frank and Ernest

If you have some favorites, feel free to send them. I’d love to know which comics you find amusing and make you laugh.

Happy Sunday!

Thirsty? Have a parched voice? Well, yank yourself away off the fast-lane for a spell. Delight in a refreshing, thirst-quenching, mouth-watering glass of Iced Tea with Lemon and Mint.

There are over 200 varieties of lemons [Citrus], of which we usually purchase two to three of this list, in the grocery store; Eureka and Meyer lemons. Several species in the citrus family have been hybridized to grow only as ornamental, inedible stock.

Blooming periodically through the year, the fruit of the lemon tree can bear continuously through all of the seasons.

Lemons have some of the most versatile, natural benefits in consuming, cleaning and cooking. Their anti-bacterial characteristics and exhilarating aroma earn it a top spot in the kitchen.

Mentha piperita [Peppermint] grows abundantly in Southern gardens, hanging baskets and patio containers. Peppermint is the most favored of the mint family. The digestive tract will benefit from the consumption of mint, along with helping to alleviate bad breath.

So, take a much needed, well deserved break for yourself. Brew a pot of your favorite
tea, include a slice or two of lemon with a couple of sprigs of mint, sweeten to taste, then journey back to a leisurely moment in Southern time.

“A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.” ~~ Robert E. Lee ~~

My name is Michael Isaacs. I am a father of two. My son Michael turned 39 on June 8th. Andrew will be 38 on October 7th. I have four grandsons ranging in age from 3 years to 10 and a half.

In 1974, a young musician recorded a poem written by his wife. It was based on his wife’s former husband’s relationship with his children. The poem was entitled “Cat’s In The Cradle” and was written by Sandy Chapin. It became a million-seller by Harry Chapin.

My sons were four and five years old when the recording climbed the Billboard charts. However, it touched me deeply and has had a lasting affect on me. The lyrics gave me insight into my relationship with my father and moreover, on the relationship I would have with my sons. And, yes, my son’s had similar feelings upon hearing the song.

Michael, Andrew, Cameron, Austin, Nathan and Aiden, “Pops” loves you very much!

Dad, I miss you!

If you’ve not heard the song, please give it a listen. And, if you remember the song from your past, listen again. It will give you cause to think…of your father and/or your children.

I have also included the lyrics to the song.

“Cat’s In The Cradle”
by Harry Chapin (December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981)

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you Dad
You know I’m gonna be like you”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin’ home Dad?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin’ home Dad?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then

Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and he said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then Dad
You know we’ll have a good time then

I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then Dad
We’re gonna have a good time then

“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.” ~~Harmon Killebrew ~~

One of the most delicious fruits from the garden, or on grocery store produce tables are Cucumbers.

Here I’ve placed several cucumber slices on a small open-faced dinner roll with a generous teaspoon of mayonnaise. My palette enjoys a little black pepper on top of the slices, but use your imagination pleasing to your taste-buds.

This delightful sandwich is most refreshing during those arid summer days, and may be accompanied with a mouth-watering Southern-style glass of iced tea with lemon and mint!

Remember to pause
for One Minute
at 3:00 p.m. (Local Time)