This morning I looked out of the window and the sky was clear and blue! I had forgotten what that looked like! We excitedly ate breakfast and got ready for the day. A new day, a fresh day, washed by rain and sunny with hope...free to play and explore!

Although the clouds came rolling back in and started growing and becoming grey, patches of blue continued to let the sun shine through! When we arrived at Sea World, we first went to the dolphin petting area. While there, the "Star Spangled Banner" started playing. In respect to the flag, we placed our hands over our hearts. As I listened to the strains of the familiar tune and as I watched the dolphins swim peacefully in the water, I reflected on what this meant to the early immigrants who came to our country a hundred or more years ago. Arriving on a ship in famed New York Harbor or a humble port like Galveston, Texas, they were possibly surrounded by playful dolphins as they gazed longingly towards hope, freedom and a chance at a new beginning in a new land. Why did my ancestors come to this land? I’ve often wondered that. I know some came from Germany, some from France, some from other parts of Europe. Was it due to famine, political unrest, religious persecution, lack of land, or a sense of adventure? While the dolphins swam quietly and gracefully through the water, I wondered. Then, after the anthem, it was back to splashing, teasing, and enjoying our freedom in the sun!

The dolphins were teasing us, coming just within reach.  Actually this is something they do to scope the area and they communicate back and forth about what is going on.  Soooo....who is watching who?

Bye!