MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY

GREAT BIG HUGS

DAWN

Having been rocked by one damaging revelation of misbehavior after another.
Wall Street is in a state of crisis. Investors are disgusted by the misdeeds of a few and suspicious of the industry at large. Every firm finds its integrity open to question. Regulators are up in arms. And the industry is facing billions of dollars in costs to comply with a floodtide of regulations.

But imagine what could happen if Wall Street firms looked back to a simpler time when a handshake was enough to seal a deal, and right and wrong were as clear as black and white. What if executives, portfolio managers, analysts and traders decided that some things aren’t for sale? What if every major investment firm agreed to live by the principle that the client always comes first?



1. Live Each Day With Courage                                   
2. Take Pride In Your Work                                           
3. Always Finish What You Start                                  
4. Do What Has To Be Done                                       
5.Be Tough But Fair                                                      
6. When You Make A Promise, Keep It                      
7. Ride For The Brand                                                 
8. Talk Less and Say More                                         
9. Remember that Some Things Are Not For Sale
10. Know Where To Draw The Line                           

                       James P Owen

Here is a slide show of some of the flowers that I have planted. The urns for the cemetery are farther ahead than my other planters. The urns have to be in full bloom by next week. I think that they will be. The four pots that I have in the slide show were all designed and planted by me. I hope you like them. If you like any of them let me know and I will tell you what plants are in each one. I am in the habit of making my father's urns always yellow and purple because his school colors were blue and gold. Grandma always has to be in red and white.

My flower beds and the front yard are not yet in full bloom. The lilies and the roses are just starting to come up. I do have some pretty tulips. And the crab tree is turning out spectacular this year. She was a memorial for my father. As my flowers grow, I can post of their progress. I did not count how many plants I have put in. Nor have I kept track of the amount of money and time I have already put into them.

I decorate with flowers. I want to be surrounded by bright colors and to be reminded that life is renewing. I plant flowers to bring in hummingbirds and butterflies. I want my yard to be an extension of my home. And I want that place to be relaxing and peaceful. As you look at the slideshow, imagine being in one of the many rocking chairs or benches on my porch or deck and listen to the wind chimes, bird song and the sound of my water fountain. And relax and enjoy.

  
         On Friday February 29, my sister had her sixth baby. Her name is Elizabeth Fern. She weighed in at 8 pounds and 14 ounces and is 20.5 inches long.  She is healthy. And of course all her family will spoil her.
          Saturday, after working a night shift, my other sister, my mother, a nephew and I drove six hours to spend a long weekend with the family and the new baby. We took care of the house and the other children so that my sister could rest and take care of the baby. We had a good time. I am used to a quiet child free house. Can you imagine the noise level of a house with seven kids in it?  I had a little headache all the time. The kids were all good but I am just not used to the noise level. 
           I also got to take my mother and four year old niece shopping. That was an experience in itself. Little Catie is a princess.  She insisted on going to the mall, so we went.  She also insisted on eating out, which we did. She has manipulation down to an art form.  I had to say no to most things and then we get  to see a wonderful pout. She is a doll and I love her. 
       For the drive over there, I handed the keys to my car over to my sister Deb. Now she is not used to driving a powerful car. I woke up to her shouting..."Oh MY GOD, I'm Going 95 MPH!!"  She found out what my car can do. I went back to napping. I found out later that she did get the car to 100 mph just to say she did it. Yup, that car goes fast.  FYI, I drove home and followed the speed limits.
        I will be able to see the baby again in June when a nephew that lives next door graduates from high school. I can hardly wait.  Then I get to spoil the baby some more.