Single-family RENTALS are a modern version of a starter home, which have gone nearly extinct in the United States.

But their existence challenges the American ideal that suburban single-family houses are meant for homeowners.

And their growth is now in jeopardy.

Congress’ largest housing package in nearly 40 years includes a section restricting single-family rental communities backed by large investors.

Large investors finance an estimated 62% of new single-family RENTAL homes. (CNN)

Of course, the demand for single family RENTAL homes is extremely strong!

This is because young people can’t afford to BUY a home at today’s prices.

In a time like this, budgets are tight.

But, none us like to deprive ourselves of something we want.

So, how do you distinguish between wants and needs?

Your emotions could be the key factor driving either choice.

Or, you may be a more practical person who takes the time to question if it is really a need.

Regardless, I think the worst possible consequences of going ahead must be thought of first.

I think this consideration will help you do or not do something you want.

I know it sounds like a simple approach, but simple beats complicated every time!

Thought the summer travel season was looking bad?

Brace yourself: It could get even worse.

On top of higher airfares and fees because of the war in Iran, airlines in Europe and Asia are now facing a potential shortage.

This will raise the odds of flight cancellations and schedule cuts.

The US is in no immediate danger of running out of jet fuel, but the global shortage is driving up fuel prices for US carriers.

They are cutting back on cheap airfares and less profitable flights, a move that’s likely to drive up airfares for US travelers particularly in the summer months. (CNN)

Let’s face it. A dog is a great companion!

Here are some qualities dogs possess:

LOYALTY-This is such a great attribute dogs display every day.

FORGIVENESS-We should all be as forgiving as our dog.

PATIENCE-Like Jobe the biblical character, dogs put up with a lot.

AFFECTION-Dogs like to snuggle!

PERSEVERANCE-Dogs aren’t quitters.

I wish people possessed all those qualities.

If not today,when?

Change is always difficult, but sometimes necessary.

Each of us is still a work in process.

It must begin with the desire to become a better person.

Is there one change that is more important than other possibilities?

I think someone who loves you would be a good resource.

That same person is probably the best one to give you feedback on your progress.

God is not finished with you yet.

We can always become a better person today than we were yesterday!

If not today, when?

Albert Einstein

I believe difficulty provides a most profound learning experience.

Of course, we learn from our successes also.

But, we pay more attention to a failure because it hurts so much.

I also think we can get the greatest benefit from a failure by making a plan not to repeat it.

We can make our life a contiuous learning opportunity with a commensurate effort to do so.

If not today, when?

Even though these trees began their lives on the side of a hill, THEY GREW ROOTS.

And those roots gave them the foundation to deal with their odd beginning.

How about you?

Many of us face difficult circumstances growing up.

Each of the trees, beginning life on a hillside, had the instincts to grow up right.

It’s not so obvious as youngsters trying to make sense of their lives.

That’s where parenting comes in.

As humans, we are very dependent on our folks to teach us right from wrong.

Hopefully, its not too late for our young people to learn to make prudent decisions.

Maybe the parents can lead the way and give them the foundation they need.

If not today, when?

The photo is similar to my grandpa’s house in Jackson, Ohio.

Today’s population for the town is 6,200.

My dad would put us in our family car and drive us from South Bend to Jackson once each summer.

Jackson was like a dream.

It was so different coming from the big city to such a small town.

We had 3 cousins who were our age.

We spent most of our time with them.

Grandpa’s house had a grand front porch with two big wooden swings.

All of us could swing together on the big swing and grandpa had the smaller swing all to himself.

The big meal each day was lunch.

Grandma and her sister (my great aunt) prepared all the meals.

It was a dream come true every summer!

Augusta, Georgia —  

Even when it seemed to be easy, Rory McIlroy was doing it the hard way.

And just when it seemed like the hard part was over, he found a way to make it even more complicated.

Rory McIlroy knows how hard it is to win the Masters.

It took him 17 years of perseverance on a golf course that caused him the most psychological pain of his professional career.

Houston:

It was a hero’s welcome for the four-person Artemis II crew following a textbook splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday evening.

The astronauts arrived Saturday at Ellington Field at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

They were welcomed with cheers, a standing ovation and hugs from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

The crewmates reunited with their families at the site for the first time since their historic 10-day journey around the moon concluded.

Isaacman referred to the mission as “the greatest adventure in human history.” (CNN)