Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:01 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Rat-Nose here.  Mark, really, but everyone calls me Rat-Nose.  Easier that way, I guess (or else they think I look like a rat; don't really know the reasons why they call me that!).

Can't sleep; decided to write in here.  Just after five in the morning; still dark outside, will start gettin' light within the hour.  It's hot outside:  not even six in the morning, temps hovering near eighty; gonna' be a scorcher today.  Ah, such is summetime here in Texas:  you expect it to be hot.

Today we are going to Crowley, Texas; they are having a huge Freedom Day celebration at the park there.  This is the second year for it; they are saying it's going to be better than last year's.  Don't know why they didn't have it on the Fourth; the Fourth was last week.  They are having live music, a parade (that's at nine, to kick things off), military flyovers, and to cap the evening, a huge fireworks display that may last as long as a half hour.

Speaking of the Fourth, our city had theirs last week; it was good.  I got sunburnt; looked like an overcooked crawfish. LOL Still peeling now; at least I'm not bright red anymore! LOL  Saw an awesome fireworks display, shot off fireworks with some buddies, just had a great time. 

I wish it could be the Fourth of July every day--that, or Christmas! LOL

It is during times like this when I'm in my element:  don't have to worry, think about school, homework.  I can do what I want, when I want, how I want, with nobody to bother me.  Now, if I'm jeopardizing my life in one way, my parental units will get sore at me. :P  That's different. LOL

I have been writing to my three new Internet buddies; they tell me about what's going on with them, and I do the same.  We've been having some interesting convos.  Paul in Australia tells me about koalas and 'roos, and something called Vegemite.  Johnathon and Ronee' tell me about their huge family, their performing, and what it's like living with disability.  It's really cool how we learn about other people.  I am starting to enjoy getting to know new people this way.

We talk at least once a day or every other day; seems that I'm always on the computer, much to my folks' dismay; they're always gripin' about the high cost of electricity. LOL

Seems that is all that's on the news:  the high cost of everything.  And I'm afraid it's not going to get any better.  Things may go even higher, puttin' more people in a bind.  It's crazy how expensive is nowadays--everythin's goin' up and up except for people's paychecks!

The election prospects have also been on the news.  If I were old enough to vote, I'd be pullin' for John McCain.  He may not be the best choice for president, but he's gotta be better than the other guy, Obama bin Laden (or whatever his name is).  Somethin' about Obama scares me; I don't trust that man.  I pray he doesn't get in to the Office, or else we're doomed, in my opinion!

I have been followin' the election news, and from what I hear, it seems that John McCain might be our better hope--although the experts are saying otherwise; they expect our country's problems to get even worse.  Great, just what I did NOT want to know! *sighhhh*

I think I'll vote for Garfield-the-Cat.  Or maybe Odie.  LOL

Well, I guess I'm going to vamanos outta here.  I am sure my parents will be rising within the hour; then we have to get ready for our day in Crowley.  I am lookin' forward to it; it's like we're celebratin' the Fourth of July all over again!  I will write how it went next time; stay tuned for a full report at ten tonight on KRAT radio, courtesy of your rovin' reporter, Rat-Nose!  Take care and God bless!

~Rat-Nose. :D