I received an irate call from my father, Bob Michelson, this morning.

He, a calm and decorated veteran and pilot of three wars, was fit to be tied. In addition to following the stock market closely, he tracks world events with the eyes of a falcon.

“GM’s stock price is at an all-time low and Citibank is sitting at a 10-year low,” growled the Colonel. “Meanwhile the world scowls at us as we slurp up 25 percent of its oil supply and contribute to worldwide spikes in fuel prices–and yet refuse to drill for oil in our own backyard.”

And why can’t Congress get mobilizing legislation into gear? Because the legislation isn’t quite…perfect.

And so our elected leaders dismiss themselves for a patriotic holiday–as their fellow Americans and constituents drain their assets at the gas pumps this summer.

I join this veteran in his complaint–and wish we had reason to celebrate decisive action from our elected leaders this 4th of July.

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I took a break from San Diego real estate this weekend and went shopping for underwear instead.

I bought 30 pairs, and fear it won’t be nearly enough.

You see, a very cool lady named Rocky wrote a very compelling blog, that inspired me to not only go shopping, but to start blogging for underwear–and posting up some very unprofessional photography. But that is inconsequential. Her Underwear for Africa project will go far to help put some smiles on some needy African orphans–and that is a worthy goal.

In Kenya, at least, it is illegal to buy or sell used underwear, because authorities fear the spread of disease. That might not be a problem, except that average wages run under $1.00 per day and a bra in a store might cost $30 or more.

There is a predictable black market in used underwear, but not one that is available to needy orphans. That is where Rocky Turner and the Underwear for Africa project steps in–and where I got hooked.

This afternoon, I am packaging the collection of boys’ and girls’ underwear into a new backpack–and have discovered some extra space.

All it took was a call over to my Dad (Bob Michelson) and husband Mike, who are watching the San Diego Chargers getting demolished by the Green Bay Packers. I explained what the backpack and scattered underwear was all about–and snagged another $40.00 from them for underwear shopping. I discovered, too late, that the Encinitas 99-Cent Store is selling underwear at 3/.99. If the inventory is available, I just might be able to parlay this into over 100 pairs of underwear.

For which I would happily buy another backpack!

If you would like to do a little shopping or collecting for these kids-in-need, please feel, free to call me at 877-818-8197 or simply follow this link and your heart.

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