Before September 11...

Today, our family joined thousands of others to pay respect to our military at the Welcome Home parade in downtown Colorado Springs.We saw babies, children, adults and seniors joining to support our soldiers, sailors and airmen. We saw a couple of war protestors, but they both carried signs supporting our troops and acted in a respectful manner.

The flyovers were awesome, but I was struck by two things: the diverse group of men and women who protect the freedoms we too often take for granted, and the occasional looks of pride I could detect on their almost stoic countenances when we cheered.

After the parade, we went to a restaurant for lunch. Soon, a man in uniform and his family were seated next to us. As the only gesture we could possibly offer in addition to thanking him for his service, we asked the hostess to use a 20% discount coupon we had for that family's bill without telling them who did it. We felt good about doing a small thing, and it didn't cost us anything.

What can you do to thank a serviceman or woman? Socks and beef jerky are popular for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you can mail a flat rate box overseas for only $11.95. You can write a letter with your child to a homesick sailor. You can take your dog to visit veterans in a nursing home (ask first, but our yellow Lab is a favorite in Walsenburg).

September 11 is approaching. Won't you please do something to show you haven't forgotten? While you're at it, let your public safety workers know you appreciate them, too.

I hit around 60 golf balls today for the first time in about 9 years. It's good to step out of one's routine now and then. What will you do?

Find 1 thing you can be excited about today. Enthusiasm breeds happiness. I'm excited about attending a minor league baseball game tonight.

Today is Day 1 of 21 Days of Devotion at Chapel Hills Church. I am on Day 4 of a new fitness plan. It feels good to be working toward goals.

Make this a weekend to remember with your loved ones.

Slow down - there are lots of kids in the crosswalks (and not in the crosswalks!) both in the morning and afternoon!

Good news from Rose Kelly, Licensed Mortgage Planner

Now that the real estate market is beginning to show signs of stabilization, the VA/FHA 3/1 and 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgages are becoming more attractive.

3/1 ARM 3.875%* (APR 4.25%)
5/1 ARM 4.25%* (APR 4.625%)

This is how they work, they are fixed for 3 or 5 years at the start rate (3.875% or 4.25%* today), they will adjust annually after the first adjustment.

How much can it increase: maximum 1% annually after the first adjustment, 5% over the life of the loan.

The 3/1 ARM is fixed for 3 years The first adjustment is 11/2012 to a max of 4.875%, and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 8.875% by 11/2017

The 5/1 ARM the first adjustment is 11/2014 to a max of 5.25% and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 9.25% by 11/2019

What will rates be in 2017 or 2019…your guess is as good as mine. Based on historical data mortgage rates could be at 12% or higher.

Kids are heading back to school in many areas. What do YOU want to learn before Christmas "break"?

We are taking our Lab, Bo, to visit residents of the CO State Veterans Nursing Home (where my father lives). It blesses us more than them!

Play Polly Pockets while little ones are still asking you to join them. Work will still be there when they've stopped asking.

BirthdayDialer.com calls about any phone number to send a birthday song/message. Choose a birthday song you prefer, type your name and send.

Why wait for New Year's Day? Resolve to make a fresh start tomorrow morning!

The key to successful date nights with one's spouse are to be flexible. While our plans didn't go exactly as I'd envisioned, it was an enjoyable day/evening anyway.