Dateline Dayton – Last Sunday afternoon, our condo association sponsored a patio walk.  Thirteen patios were open for viewing. It looked as if it could rain any time, which happens a lot here in the summer. Happily, the rain held off until we were in the clubhouse for ice cream.

We gained good ideas from the 11 patios we visited.  Next year, instead of planting annuals, we will be filling our planting space with perennials, using a few pots of flowers for color.  This was the choice for the patios that were open.

I liked the idea for two reasons, limiting the work required and considerable cost reduction.

I was surprised by how many patios featured wood decking. One even had a hot tub.  One patio was surrounded by a vegetable garden with few flowers. Another had grass, and was much smaller than ours.  The owner does cut the grass himself, with a real mower. I have an electric mower. 

The size of our patio is just right. We only saw one that might be larger.

Children’s Hour

I have tried to keep abreast of world affairs, even if I don’t have time for details.  At our last class breakfast, there was talk about the number of children entering our county illegally.  On the way home I asked Pauline, and she was not aware of the problem, either. 

Since then, I have heard stories about the illegal young people every night on the news.

This places a heavy burden on states, and the numbers are staggering.  Even with much  less than perfect living conditions, they are probably happy with the arrangements, compared to what they previously experienced.

We must take corrective measures.  American children go hungry every night.  Many don't have a decent home. Schools are struggling. They cannot handle this overwhelming influx of children.

My gut reaction would be to send them back.

But is that the right thing to do?

I am glad I don’t have to make the decision?

However, is any government agency capable?

Children are the future of our country.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net