Decalogue

I have enjoyed listening to Jon Meacham's book, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power this summer. One of the things I especially like is hearing excerpts from Jefferson's personal correspondence (a little less formal than the Declaration of Independence!).  The list below is from such a letter.

A Decalogue of Canons for observation in practical life:

1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
3. Never spend your money before you have it.
4. Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.
5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold.
6. We never repent of having eaten too little.
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
8. How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened.
9. Take things always by their smooth handle.
10. When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.

To see this list in Jefferson's handwriting, go to http://www.jeffersonhour.com/decalogue.html.

A Red, White and Blue Wedding

Thursday, July 4, was a great day for celebrating our country.  For our family, it was also a day to celebrate the marriage of Michael and Vicki.  Their beautiful garden wedding was blessed with pleasant weather, good company, delicious food, and the musical talents of Crossing Blue (https://www.facebook.com/charminlynngibson).

(click on photo to see larger view)

Love and best wishes to the happy couple for a fantastic future together!