It is bitter tonight as we have a white-out storm and gale force winds. This is what is called a Lake Storm - and normally they do not hit us this hard. A fluke? Our whole winter has been a fluke, if that is the case.

Normally I can look out the side porch door and enjoy all the birds and squirrels at our feeders above the snow banks, but this year the snow is scant, and the flocks are many. The cardinals and Goldfinches have decided to stay over with us, along with a flock of sparrows, l3 Morning doves and 6 fat squirrels. They are adorable and go through seed at high speed in this weather. They come early in the AM. to feed and again around 3PM - just like clock work.

Will have to chip the ice off my car early AM tomorrow in order to do my errands. When you think of Sunny Calif. - think of me in Snowy Adirondack Mts. Oops. penmom

I have a bone to pick with the people who are donating, so generously, to Haiti. It is admirable and I have nothing against charity donations. It's just that there is so much need right here in my own community, and around the state, that I resent how easy it is to give to a charity event for another country and people, and so hard to get a dime for those in need that we KNOW and who live right here.

So I ask myself: Why is that? My answer is: there is publicity to be had in these country-wide appeals for other countries so the generous American people give and give and soak up the good-feelings it generates. How good would you feel if you saw and old man, riding a bicycle in 10 degree weather, only a summer cotton jacket on, sneakers (no socks) and holey jeans. No hat, no gloves and he has a little bag of groceries hanging off the handlebars, since he just came out of the nearest grocery store (one mile) in town and has very little money to even eat on, let alone clothe himself? Do I imagine you would rush right out and give him some help?Or perhaps start a rock concert to raise money for him? Or donate clothing,etc. directly to him?

What is that? You said you would! Well, why haven't you? Because no one will notice and you won't get that feel-good sensation. Well, for you information: HE WOULD NOTICE and he is the one in need-right here on every street in America. You see him, but you don't. He is invisible in his misery and it is easier to drive away in your warm car and clothing and 6 bags of groceries sitting in the back seat. Please, please, don't tell me you don't see yourself in this diatribe. Yes, you there, with the computer! You're the one I am talking to.

For your information I made and gave 40 crocheted hats and mittens to a charity here in town that gives them to these needy people. There are racks and racks of coats and clothes they can choose from also. Someone is doing things but getting no publicity at all. Do you need to have your name up in lights before you are charitable? Think about taking care of America.