Dear Reader:

Most evenings I watch the ABC Evening News with David Muir and have been an avid fan of their “Made in America” series. Almost by osmosis, I do find myself checking labels more now to see if a product, food, drink, clothing, toy, etc. is made in America.

I do feel strongly that this patriotic endeavor to help Americans sell their wares over foreign imports falls under being a good citizen, as taught to me through my ninth grade civics class.

One thing I have learned from the book Hamilton, is that God definitely put the right people in the right place at the right time to create this amazing country we call home… The United States of America.

Winning a revolution against all the odds from England and then creating a democracy from all the differing views on exactly just what that meant was nothing short of miraculous. But somehow, some way the right people ended up at the right assemblies and meetings with a brilliance that still stuns me today….Jefferson, Madison, Washington, and Hamilton…just to name a few.

When I look at my grandchildren I know they are by-products of “Made in America“….the best country in the world with opportunities limited only by the individual him/herself. The dream is still there for those spunky enough to want it.

Yesterday, in Hamilton, I had gotten to the first Presidential inauguration. Washington knew he was walking a fine line so as not to dress or look like royalty while at the same time appearing as a leader for all the people.

David Muir would probably love to know that it was Washington, himself, who set the precedent for wearing clothing made only in America. Here is the description from the book describing Washington’s poise and appearance.

“From the outset, the fifty-seven year-old Washington was determined to strike a happy medium between regal dignity and republican austerity.

Resplendent with a ceremonial sword at his side, he also wore a plain brown suit of American broadcloth woven at a mill in Hartford. A special message for Hamilton’s future was encoded in this outfit: that America should encourage manufactures, especially textiles, an industry dominated by Great Britain.

*Washington hoped it would soon “be unfashionable for a gentleman to appear in any dress that was not of American origin.” 

…………………………….

*If this were still true today, think of the difference it could make for American textiles and manufacturers. Being true to the Red, White, and Blue!

So until tomorrow….As much as one can find fault with America getting caught up on the dark side of politics, let us never forget it is still the most wonderful land in the world….why so many immigrants still want to make it home. Thank goodness for the immigrants, like Alexander Hamilton, who helped build our country.Diversity has been the key to our success. Let us never forget it.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Delight of the Day: Look how my Ginger Shell plant grows! It is loving the rain and clouds and literally growing as I watch. Its shoots start out as twisted looking green candy canes and then slowly unfurl into huge big leaves. Life is just amazing.!