Are you an Olympics fan? Do you know someone who is in the Olympics? Many of you may already know that there is a great deal of controversy over the decision of the Olypmic committee to choose Beijing, China for these world events. I went to Beijing a year and a half ago (that's me getting ready to go into the Forbidden City) and it was a very enlightening experience.  It is a country with so much history. The history of our United States, 200 years or so, is a blink of the eye compared to their history. But no one can argue that the "one child only rule" in China disturbs many. And of course, that's not the beginning of the alleged civil rights violations.  I'd be curious to hear your feedback on the matter.  Do you think the world was wrong to choose China for the Olympics or do you think the media uproar is an overreaction?  Email me on the contact page and let me know.  And...stay tuned for monthly surveys on this website come fall.  (Me standing on the Great Wall of China below)

 

When I was a kid, my little town in Ohio celebrated the Fourth of July right.  The town literally closed down.  Streets were blocked for basketball tournaments, the pool and bowling alley were free, there was an evening ice cream social and square dance, sack races took place after the baseball tournaments, and the deals at the fleamarket were amazing!  I still remember the year I won a silver dollar in a sack race in honor of our nation's bicentennial celebration and the way the warm cotton candy tasted right out of the cotton-candy-making machine. At the end of it all we all set on a blanket to "ooohhh" and "ahhhh" over our humble fireworks.  The Fourth was more exciting to me than Christmas. That town no longer celebrates like they used to.  Budget cuts and a younger town council have made such celebrations seem frivolous. But in my heart, that small town celebration of our freedom remains a cherished memory.  I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Fourth of July and that your own memories are as fantastic as mine. Take time to be grateful for your American citizenship and the freedom it grants you...and take time to remember those young men and women past and present who have sacrificed to make such celebrations happen.

I'm back, and just in time for the hottest days of summer.  The waterfall to the left is from one of my excursions while in Ohio.  Hocking Hills/Old Man's Cave.  I have some lovely memories of this park, hiking and picnics, time with family. Click on the picture to read about this phenomenal vacation spot.

 

So, what have I been doing since I arrived back in Texas?  Easy....reading and swimming.  If you've read my bio, you know these are two of my favorite things, although movie watching is also on the list, and I'm tearing up my Netflix list...making up for all of those videos I missed during school.  Today I went to the Tullis Library and signed up for their Summer Reading Program.  They have one for grown ups, too!  I can win a $100 gift certificate.  But, it's not all about me...Young Adults can go to the Tullis Summer Reading Program held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 where they have super cool activities like Duct Tape outfits and Candle Making.  You can also win prizes for the amount of books you read and attend their Summer Reading Program Party!  Download the form I have included above, or simply visit the Tullis Library Website.  You'll probably see me lurking in the young adult section, reading all of their wonderful books! 

Hello summer readers!  Be sure to check out "What Kilby's Reading" for my latest reads.  I am in Ohio right now (home of the Ohio State Buckeyes) with my family, enjoying the cool breezes and the attention of my nephews and my niece.  So far I've been shopping, gone swimming, had cake every day and went on a boat ride at a local lake.  So much for my summer weight loss goals...I guess I won't get an "A" for effort either.  There's a lot more fun to come, and I'm truly happy to be here.  I hope each of you is having your own summer adventure.  I've gotten a few emails from former 8th graders so far, but no 7th grade emails.  Keep those emails coming and use some of the summer rays to catch up on your summer reading! 

Oh, and check out this awesome photo of me with my nephews Cale (left) and Camden (right) posing for the camera.