Amanda and I have recently made some new friends. They are a cute little couple and are very sociable. The problem is that they are behind bars. This has been a bit of a strain on our relationship with them. Amanda and I try to go at least every other day to see them. We can never stay for very long, but a least we get to see them. We asked how much it would be to free them and we were told 1400 euro for one and 700 euro for the other. They are so sweet, but we just don’t have that kind o...

Apparently, one of my prison friends has made bail. I am sure it was a mafia connection, they always have the money. I didn’t even get to say good-bye. I wish her well and all the good things in life. My other friend, however, is doing much worse. He is now all alone. I went to see him this morning. I could see it in his eyes, he wants it to end. He wants out. My heart just went out to him. No friends, no one to talk too, completely alone. His bail is only 700 euros. If only I had it…po...

It’s a preview of hell, I just know it is. It is so freakin’ hot here, it’s unbelievable. Usually I’m not one to whine too much. I did grow up in the Texas Panhandle where we unhooked our stove top during the summer and fried on our concrete slab at the front of our house in the shade. I can stand the heat, but this time I’m getting out of the kitchen! It’s only been in the mid 90’s, but it’s been humid and calm, a deathly mixture. We leave our air conditioner on all day long, but it doesn...

I had a dream the other night that really stuck with me. I was out fishing with my dad, I am not sure where, but it was salt water and shallow enough to wade fish. As I was walking around in the water, a man kept passing by with a colander full of fish. Apparently he was skimming the top of the water with this colander and oddly enough, he was catching fairly good sized fish for the method he was using. I, however, was fishing with a hook and sinker set-up for fishing on the bottom, b...

Perseverance and compassion to get through the years Love and tenderness to get through the tears Pride and passion to stand for the right Strength and courage to stand for the fight Hugging your children, but crying inside Trying to run, yet with no place to hide Standing your ground, facing your fears Guarding your family when danger nears Growing closer and growing apart Sharing and protecting your delicate heart Waking each day with tiny hands to hold Spending each night i...