July 1

The sun is poking through a mostly overcast sky in the Ozarks of SWMO. It looks like it will be another beautiful day in the Ozarks. Even under cloudy skies there is a serenity and solemn beauty that exists in the rural setting that I look out at as I enjoy my coffee each morning. I hope that I never take the privilege of early retirement for granted and that I will always appreciate the beauty and comfort of my home.

Happy Canada Day to my friends in the north!
Friday will be Independence Day here in the US. 
I guess July might not be a historically good month for Great Britain.

The calendar shows that we are beginning the second half of 2025. If you are actually counting days, the halfway point is noon on July 2nd. Maybe I should set some goals for the second half of the year. I feel like I am an underachiever. I think that most people would find my life incredibly boring. It is a little weird that I really don't do anything and yet I can't say that I am at all bored with life. Perhaps that is a part of the privilege of having the choice to do nothing.

I have gotten better about working earlier in the day as the summer intensifies. I feel like that is progress. I am a slow starter when it comes to doing things during the day. I can't really say how much I appreciate my quiet mornings on the deck. Alone with my coffee and Chromebook and the sounds of the birds that are gathering food and singing their songs is the best time of day and I tend to enjoy it for much longer than I really should.
I saw a pair of gold finches in the flowers this morning. I've seen them in the past, but it might be the first time this summer. 

I have some wind damage to clean up and just general yard maintenance to take care of today, so I'd better get to it. 

Have a wonderful July.

John