“A democratic form of government, a democratic way of life…presupposes also an education for personal responsibility that is too often neglected.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

My mother-in-law let me borrow two books on Eleanor Roosevelt a few years back. I’m not sure where they are today but I will continue to look. I have to wonder if we’ve run out of Eleanors.

I think our minds are cluttered with shopping or just using cell phones. I am the only one in our family who is cell-phoneless. There was a time I had one a couple years ago but it didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t a good fit. Perhaps my age had something to do with it.

It wasn’t long after that that I talked to my loaner about trying it again but that didn’t pass. And I realize the quiet life tends to call on one as opposed to calling someone. At least that is the way I see it.

I wonder if Eleanor would tote around a cell phone is she were still with us. Somewhere her books rest unless they were returned to my mother-in-law, which maybe the case.

As I write this I am joined by Mello who is presently lying on the back of the couch waiting for someone to pass by so she will have someone to bark at. If there is too much of that she will be escorted outside where she still barks at sounds outside the fence.

Mello stayed home last Sunday when my wife and I went to the Bohemian Hall for the annual August event. The food carried in was well received along with the company. Jana Peterson, my niece and former writer for the Herald, was there along with Brady, back then the sports writer. Together they have three kids, Franny the girl and twins Jack and Henry. Brother Darryl was also present along with Darla. It was a beautiful day and a nice collection of tables with food piled on then.

A skate boarder passed by and Mello greeted him with one of her strongest bark raps.