Summertime

This summer is not like others. It's normally a very social time, but with the pandemic numbers on the rise again, things have been curtailed.

One casualty of our current situation is that there will not be a city fireworks show and my city restricts the use of most pyrotechnics by local citizens. Still, I hear loud Ka-booms already so there will be people who make up their own spectacular celebration as usual regardless of the ban.

But even with some fun activities continuing, this should be a time to reflect on what July 4 really means―Independence Day. People fought and died for our opportunities to worship as we wish, to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe, and to vote. Yet, how many people take full advantage of those liberties? It's something to think about and how to execute those liberties appropriately.

While you contemplate...

Puzzle #16  What Am I? – Good Things to Eat/Drink
(Note: This puzzle may not display properly)

Creamy                               Crust                             Rare                        Tart                                         
Chocolate or Vanilla           Fruit                              Medium                  Squeezed                
Cone                                   Cream                           Well                         Sugar Needed                                    
                                        

___________                   ___________                   ____________       ____________

Hoagie                              Red                                  Iced                         Jonathan

Po’boy                              Vine Picked                     Black                       Delicious

Hero                                  Birthmarks                      Java/Cup of Joe       Pink Lady                 

____________                 ___________                   ____________       ____________                    


    

Pekoe                               Roma                               Maine                       Cobbler               Green                               Big Boy                           Claws                        Fruit

Iced                                  Grape or Cherry              Boiled                       Georgia

____________                 ___________                 ____________           ___________

Hebrew National              Vin                                  Beef                           Potato 

Foot Long                         Red or White                 Veggie                        Bagged

Grilled                              Aged                               Round                        Fried or Baked

____________                 ___________                 ____________            ___________

Shaved                             Cows                               Fried                           Yellow

Frozen                              White                              Wings                          Cob

Flavored                           Dairy                               Thighs                         Husks

____________                 ___________                   ____________            ___________

Juicy                                Marshmallows                 Big Pitcher                   French

Navel                               Chocolate                         Cherry, Grape, etc.      Italian

Pulp                                 Graham Cracker               2 Quarts                      Wonder

____________                 ___________                   ____________            ___________

Why I Believe

Last year there was a book I wanted to write in 2020―another anthology. That is in addition to a possible sequel to If It Hadn't Happened to Me...

Why I Believe will be a collection of testaments from various individuals as to why they believe in God, a creator, a supreme being or something greater than themselves. Personally I think that most beliefs must have a rational as well as emotional or spiritual side. My faith grants me both.

The idea for this book arose when my 12 year old neighbor told her mother, "I want to know who invented God. I want to know about God." The first half of her statement was to "push a few of her mother's buttons," but I think she truly is searching for answers. And what better way to respond than explaining why we even believe!

I'll be asking and accepting submissions of a paragraph up to 500 words in the near future.Regardless of whether one chooses to write, it's a good question to ask ourselves in any case.

Now to Puzzle #15...

Puzzle #15 Scramble―Things to See

IETLRBY LEBL_____  ____    WRTOE  RIBEDG_____  ______      SAL  GVSEA___  ____

SMYCA  HNKTASVI G IGN  YAD  DEPARA_____  ____________  ___  ______ 

SPRIA_____    EILN  VRERI ____ _____    DTDIAOR_______  LAAOM  _____

IYSRDPMA_________  PTEANRHNO___________    DONLON________

HWETI  HUESO_____  ______    HABCE______    OBTO LHLI_____  _____

RDMIA SGAR______  ____    UATARLSAI__________  YBOAWARD__________

AGDRN  YCNNOA______  _______    USATET FO BLETIRY_______  _______

HEKPRNISASEA AYPL ____________  ____    GRANIA  LFASL _______  ____

HMUCA  CCPIHU_______  _______    ROHES  CSAER_____  _____

TAIVNAC _______    WNE  LROANES___  _______    WIAHAI______

EPCA  NVCAALREA____  ________    TISHMSINANO________________

Puzzle #14 Word Search Summer Things

I have not been affected as much as others by the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. While I like to be social, I learned long ago how to entertain myself. As the baby of the family, with my nearest in age sibling eight years older, it was a necessary skill to acquire.

It's no surprise that books were a great part of what occupied my time―not just reading, but building structures out of my many Little Golden books. My imagination soared in quiet times. You can learn a lot in those moments, and it's a great time for people of faith to commune with our creator.

So in the past few months, I've actually had fun. Creating puzzles, writing, and reading are my favorite pastimes. Results of those ventures are various posted puzzles to this blog and an eBook short story which relates well to our current situation, Miracle of the Apocalypse.

As our country prepares to open up again, I'm going to continue doing what I've learned to do as an adult. There will be more puzzles and perhaps a few more books in my future.

PUZZLE #14 WORD SEARCH ―SUMMER THINGS

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ROSE   BLOOM   PICNIC   BOUQUET   SWIM   LILAC BUSH   LILY   CRAB

CLAMBAKE   ORANGES   SUNBURN   BEETS    STRAWBERRY   TAN   RUM

BEACHBALL   BANANA   TRUNKS   STARRY   REUNION   PLAY   SANDAL   SUNLIT

ICEE   BOAT   CONE