In the crush of everyday life, in a world that has become increasingly intolerant, vile and expensive, it is the simplicity of a hot cup of coffee that helps make it clear. Maybe a spoonful of sugar. Maybe not. How about some leche or milk or half and half? Now, outside with the Sunday newspaper, chock full of dreamy ads at Kohl's, Penney's and Meijer's. The sports section. The comics.

Now take a deep breath, sit down on a chair or the porch steps. Look at all the new greenery. Check the clean morning air.

So inexpensive. So lacking violence (unless you read about the hockey game!)

Simplicity. I like that.

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When I read the paper out there at least one of my cats parks on a chest at a window and watches me. This morning it was Bunjii. I believe he goes there more often than the other four. Maybe he enjoys my habit, and wants to participate. He is the most curious cat I have ever had. He always has this 'surprised' look on his face. He is also afraid of loud noise, strangers, telephone ringers and the coffee grinder. They all have very different personalities, you know.

Cats are much more intelligent than most four-legged domestic animals. Dogs are way down on the IQ scale. Cats are somewhere between pigs and chimps.

After all, my cat Hobbes, has recently taken up blogging and amateur photography! Go figure.

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The Indians have won five straight. They swept the 3-games in Kansas City and took out the first two of four at home versus the pin-stripes from the Bronx.

Hallelujah!

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My golf sports injury is still painful and bothersome. I am doubling up my anti-inflammatory med. No heavy lifting, as they say, which means no golf until it repairs itself. Most of the damage is around my ribcage. Methinks I require some more muscle tone before I attempt to smack a little ball beyond my human limits.

We DO pay for the outrageous things we attempt, even knowing those things are impossible.

But it is the trying that pleases. We just cannot say "Not me!"

My sixth grade teacher lived on the words: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

Thus, my ribs are toast.

Thank you Mrs. Kretzinger.