Cream rises to the top

I'm sure most of us have never milked a cow.

It's really an interesting experience. The cow doesn't seem to mind it, and once you have the rhythm and technique down, it is really kind of a relaxing thing to do.

Seeing the bucket of milk go from just a small amount to a nearly full bucket of frothy, warm milk is quite rewarding. I love the sound as the milk squirts into the bucket - so fun. And then, what to do with all that milky goodness? Bring on the chocolate chip cookies!

My grandmother, the good Iowa farm wife that she was,

made her own butter as well as cheese and yogurt back in the day. And there was always fresh milk in the fridge. She would let us help make butter when I was little - one of my favorite memories.

Fresh butter on your toast with fresh-home made bread in the morning? It just doesn't get any better!

It all tasted amazing!

My grandmother always said 'Good people and good cream - they always rise to the top!"

That is still true today. It seems that the worst of circumstances bring out the best - as well as the worst - in people.

Around the world, we have all heard stories of people going above and beyond to help their neighbors through this mess.

Kids and families are making meals for truckers across the

US who are otherwise struggling to find an open place to stop for a break.

There is nothing on the shelves without these folks - and they know it. They are more important to our daily lives than we give them credit for - until now!

They're away from their homes and families, at risk, to make sure there are supplies - even TP - at your grocery store!

Major businesses are donating millions to help ensure supplies are plentiful.

It's amazing how our priorities have shifted in a very short time!

Our local grocery store team - and I'm sure yours as well - are putting in Herculean effort to keep the shelves of the stores stocked.

A 97 year old friend of my mom's was escorted into the grocery store this morning by a police officer and one of the store staff when they arrived for their shift to keep her from having to wait in line and bobbled around by the crowd. Bless them. Dear Mickey was able to get what she needed without worry of not being fast enough to get what she needed before the 'locusts' decended upon the freshly stocked shelves. They didn't have to do it, but I'm so glad they did. Mickey had been very fearful of going to the store with the crowds and people jostling their way to get what they need.

Medical professionals around the world are putting themselves at risk to care for the sick. Researchers are working around the clock to find answers and solutions at a pace that is astounding.

Companies are re-tooling and repurposing to provide needed testing supplies. An alcohol company is now producing hand sanitizer.

Crafters from around the country are making masks for those who need them.

In the US, business and government are working together to help provide service and solutions. This doesn't happen - but it is now! I'm sure it's the same around the world.

In the WA community, there have been numerous posts, helping us keep up to date with the latest news, helping us learn more about what exactly this 'thing' is and why it's not like 'just another flu season'. There have been posts about how to make the most of this situation to maximize both our time well and the opportunity it presents.

And in Croatia, the folks in Zagreb have been doubly

hit as a large earthquake literally rocked their world over the weekend.

Heartbreaking stories of devistation and loss on top of this virus pandemic. They could seriously use a break and lots of help.

And there are folks who are stepping up there to do so. Certainly, not enough and not fast enough, I'm sure. I can't begin to imagine. I've only experience slight tremors before and they scared the heck out of me. A large earthquake causing this kind of damage must be terrifying.

Stories of people going the extra mile, taking time and sharing to help their neighbors get through this abound. Yeah, there are plenty of stories of goobers. The husband and wife who 'invested' $70k in TP and supplies, jacking up the prices and trying to sell them on Amazon. They were quickly shut down, as well they should have been. Karma will find the goobers and take care of them.

It's nice, in times like these, to focus on, recognize and thank the folks who are trying to be part of the solution and make the situation better for others; those who give for no other reason than they feel called to do so. What a blessing they are to those they help.

As we go forward, we can choose to be the cream, rising to the top; to be part of the solution, rather than contribute to the problem No, it's not a problem of our making, but here we are.

So what are we, each of us, gonna do about it?!

Yours in service. Stay well!

Christine