We have a tropical storm moving through our area. It is a named storm, 'Debby'. The rain is endless and the winds have been howling. After three or four days of rain the storm is finally slowing, but Tampa Bay still has had 6 to 9 foot seas. That is beyond "small craft advisory'! While the wind is not appreciated, the rains are welcome. We are still experiencing a drought.

Florida is purging "non-citizen" voters from its roles. They are engaged in a battle with the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Over 90% of the alleged "non-citizen" voters are democrats, most are poor and are minorities, and many are valid, eligible voters. I live in such a backward state!

We hear daily news about Zimmerman and the "stand your ground" shooting. I am sick to death of hearing about it! The guy is a killer. Had he not followed and confronted Trayvon Martin, the boy would still be alive. I am glad they charged him and his wife with perjury but I doubt that in the end either will be convicted of anything.

I have a new instant dislike in movies- the damn blue filter used to create 'atmosphere'. It strips all of the color out and leaves everything looking flat and dark...and blue. It is so overused that I now hate it and dislike a movie as soon as I see the blue filter in the opening scenes. How good can a movie be any good if the filming relies on cheap cinematic tricks? The blue filter has been around for decades. Just this weekend I noticed it was used when filming "Blade Runner" in 1982. I don't object to the blue too much in these older movies, but in recent movies it is just a cheap, overused trick. British movies, particularly the grittier British crime series and movies overuse the cyan filter which does not leave a blue cast but still mutes the colors unrealistically.

I think a part of what has depressed me so damn much is the anniversary of my son's death earlier in June. This year was particularly bad because my oldest son hurt me so much. I can't wait to disengage somewhat from the Auxiliary. I need to get back to painting and writing and having time for friends.