The New Orleans School Voucher Program

I love the city of New Orleans. It's been a second home to me since my first trip there 62 years ago... which I really "do" remember! I have watched New Orleans go from a vibrant, world-class, commercial center, the largest port in the World, to a bureaucratically moribund excuse for a third-world banana republic. I lived there for 10 years during the 1980s, and loved every minute of that time. I also cried as I watched it's deterioration. Deterioration of a city ALWAYS, AND WITHOUT EXCEPTION, begins with the abdication of control of the local educational system by parents to the federal government.



Then came the collateral, flooding damage of the failed levees after Hurrican Katrina... and please remeber that Hurrican Katrina DID NOT hit New Orleans... it hit THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST! The infrastructure of Eastern New Orleans, including the existing bureaucratic, educational system, was esentially destroyed by corruption... and the parents, who have remained or returned to the city, have had to step forward and take their God ordained responsibility for their children's education. I am so happy for and proud of them.




This video will explain why I have more hope (that is, hope with real basis) for the future of my beloved second home. God bless the parents and teachers who are fighting for excellence in education for their children, the hope of the city and nation.

Frances

NewsBusted 8/20/10

Good morning everyone. I couldn't resist passing on a little snark when there are so many opportunities out there. Clear your mind. Start your Monday with a laugh.




Never take anybody's word for the truth. Do your own homework. Verify!

Frances ;-D

My Secret Garden: How Doeth It Grow?

Like a jungle, of course!

But, I don't EVER remember my Secret Garden being as beautiful as it's been this Summer. No exceptions.

I intended to write about my July/August garden last year, but time and direction prevented me. I've been writing elsewhere, and, even this time, it's taken me several weeks to put this post together. Anyway, I am NOT going to let the days slip away again. It'll be yet another year before my garden reminds me to write about it if I don't do so now. Even now these beautiful blooms are fading. However, it will only be a few weeks before the next wave of color begins. Enjoy.

To understand my "justifiable" (cough, cough) pride, you must be aware that an immutable Law of the Universe is that Summer in the South is hot as Blazes, humid as a steam bath, and rain is never dependable. There are very few plants which can survive, let alone bloom, under these stresses, with zero pampering. After the day lilies, during the first two weeks of June, there simply isn't much happening in the Southern Garden. By July, the crepe myrtles are almost the only thing still blooming... but not in my garden. The rains came when needed this year, and we have been the beneficiaries of God's bounty. Beautiful flowers during the day and heavenly fragrances to enjoy during late night constitutionals with Pasha Zack and Harem Kitty Maxie.

Long, long ago, I started collecting heirloom plants for each month. I wanted color throughout the year... the gaudier, the better. My idea was that if a plant had survived and thrived for a hundred or more years, and had been passed down through my family or friends' families, I'd give them an opportunity... they could root hog or die! They rooted. They thrived. And recently I received the gardener's greatest accolade. A friend came down my drive and exclaimed, "It's a wonderland!" What more could I ask?
　
Generally in order of appearance, these are the bloomers in my July/August garden: Crepe Myrtle; Garden Phlox; Lycoris Squamigira (aka Naked Lady Lily); Philippine Lily; Cashmere Bouquet; Confederate Jasmine; Pink and Blue Buddlieas, New Gold Lantana and Homestead Verbena. July/August is all pink, white, yellow and purple, and the butterflys and birds have been going crazy.

Happy writing, and gardening.

God bless,

Frances

Who will eventually return to writing Science Fiction Romance...

I promise!