Do you have a secret desire that remains as a "want-to-do," but has also become something you just haven't had the time to do?

Too many people put off something that would bring them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't put it in their busy schedules, are too rigid to make it a routine, or are just waiting for the "the right time" or "when they can afford it."

Sometimes those reasons are legitimate. Sometimes they require a plan to save time and money.

However, often the excuses are just that, excuses that take away from the event at the time.

There's always those people we have to stop and visit and find ourselves letting time pass until it’s too late.

There are the things we will do in the spring, when the weather is better or when we're snowed in for a short vacation of work, like scrapbooking, picture books and journals.

My sister, Kaye, was one who on the spur of the moment would decide, "Let's go to the zoo," or some other place, and we quickly got everybody ready, packed a lunch and away we would go. We enjoyed the day without thought of the things we left home, undone.

They got done anyway, sooner or later, in one way or another. Many is the time we swooped into a greenhouse decorated for Christmas, or a grand opening for a new place — just for the fun of going. Sound childish? Maybe, but it was always worth it. Sometimes we need to think like children and take fun trips that lighten our day.

It is so important to go out and have a nice day, doing something you want to and not something you have to.

There's the phone, the computer, the pen and pencil and paper just waiting for you to get in touch with a friend, a relative you don't see often enough, a former friend from work or school. Why are you waiting? Tomorrow may be too late. It is nice to hear from others. It is so basic and simple.

It is so easy to say, "just a minute" as a "put off" to a child. A minute is more like a short lifetime to them.

Life is not a race. It is something to be enjoyed. Would you throw away a beautifully wrapped gift without even knowing what was inside? That is what happens when we lose these minutes in time.

While you are busy completing your schedule, you can make it fun-filled with happiness as well. Sing or hum a favorite song, or like they say, "I hope you'll dance."

If your saliva glands water at the sight of a super treat like a banana split or a root beer float, go for it. A diet isn't ruined for a day - just enjoy every spoonful along the way. Don't spoil it by thinking, "I shouldn't be enjoying this." Yes, you should.  You are worth it.

You will never regret the happy things in your life. What you will regret is not taking advantage of those opportunities.

Ellendale Days was such an event. It was hectic and work to get to all the places I needed to be, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The people I met or "re-met" were wonderful. The expressions on people’s faces and things they shared were great. And of course there were the children. Where can we learn these lessons any quicker or better than by observing children?

And there were the church communities. In all the churches there were special things I might not have found in another, though the basic premise was the same.

I recently read that a gal celebrated her 40th birthday by planning to do 40 good things for others this year. The tasks varied from little to big, simple or complicated, but I thought, what a wonderful way of celebrating her day and year. It gives us all something to think about.

My sister, Kaye, is here visiting from Arizona. I am going to enjoy every minute of it. I don't see her that often anymore. I just can't let the time slip away without the laughter and tears we have shared through the years.

Life with my sister will ever be a "zoo."

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, July 11th: Zoie Marie Jensen, Shirley Wallace Tennant, Nicholas Lee Shultz, Helen Scripture Schubert, Kelly Sauke, Nataniel Lizarazo, Michele Degan Reistad, Rochelle Thompson, Lisa Goodnature Noble, Christopher Olson, Jessica Mangskau, Elaine Peterson, Naomi Hemingway, Randy Borchert, Scott Knutson, Celina & Richard Drecher, David & Bonnie Jensen, Carrie (Thompson) & Danny Wichmann

• Friday, July 12th: Daniel Christensen, Kimberly Peterson, Rick Pelzl, Daryl Waltz, Herb & Lori Moon

• Saturday, July 13th: Megan Elizabeth Nowariak, Audrey Lillian Peterson, Marayah Mae Mortenson, Kolette Lageson Stevenson, Brenda Misgen, Sandra Cerney Collins, Joseph Adrian Parks, Ed Nelson, Cynthia Fuerniss, Dick Larson, Amber Anderson, Jean Johnson, Corey & Danielle Wangsness, Jason & Shannon Peterson

• Sunday, July 14th: Kallen Reed Rasmussen, Gavin Cole Halverson, Sharon Richards Lucas, Annette Hove, Madison Larkin, Dana Simonson, Jeff Kitzer, Jerry Langlie, Lee Cummins, Shane Davis, Peter Kasper, Roger Swearingen, Bethany & Ashley Ashton

• Monday, July 15th: Nathan Daniel Wayne, Nathan Joseph Bauers, Levi Peterson, McCoy LaVerne Schwierjohann, Thad Aaseth, Judd Aaseth, Stacy Seath Tempel, Lacinda Jensen, Vicki Utpadel Knudson, David & Kim Killian

• Tuesday, July 16th: Sue Stieglbauer, Hudson Mrotz, Kyle Ladlie, Jeff Helmers, Nancy Wilder, Kenny & Sarah Price, Dave & Deb Oeltjenbruns

• Wednesday, July 17th: Kaylee Christine Hanson, Merton Nelson, Ralph Diaz, Sandi Vangen, Victor Christenson, Larry Molenaar, Leslie Schwartz, Lisa & Bob Wayne, Kristine (Simon) & David Freitas

Wishing that each day is happier than the one before!