From Sinking Sand

Reader's Digest Changes

2012-02-11T18:05:00.003-05:00

At the doctor's office Thursday, while waiting my obligatory hour in the waiting room, I looked briefly from time to time (when headache and fever would allow) at the latest issue of Reader's Digest. What a colossal waste of time and tome. How far the mighty has fallen! RD has been reduced to a collection of advertisements broken up by a multitude of lists such as "Twelve Things Your Pediatrician Won't Tell You," and so forth. The book condensation at the end is now about the length of what an earlier feature article used to be, and there are no more than maybe four articles of any substance at all--and I use the term "substance" very loosely.

There was a card in the magazine for ten issues for eight dollars--something that five years ago I would have snapped up as being a good deal. Now I wouldn't waste my time.

Contrast that with a couple of issues from the early '90s that I picked up somewhere along the way and have read in these last few days of illness, when reading or studying anything extensive would not have been easy. It took quite awhile to wade through all the good reading in those issues. Decent articles and a true book condensation. I closed the covers of both issues feeling somewhat more informed on a number of different subjects.

I wonder what the editors of RD really think they are accomplishing by dumbing down the magazine so far.

Sick, Sick, Sick

2012-02-09T14:10:00.003-05:00

Well, I knew I was sick, sick enough to be pretty miserable. And I knew that whatever it was, was rapidly affecting my chest. I did not think that the doctor would say "Pneumonitis/early pneumonia.". It's a relief to know it's not "all in my head."

My New Toy

2012-02-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

This is why I was excited about getting an iPad. A special connector puts it right up to my projector and I can put any kind of app up there - or the internet, or whatever (though I can put the internet up on the board right through my MacBook).

But here is the nice part. This is an app for writing/drawing. (It reminds me of the Magic Board on Captain Kangaroo when I was a kid and thought it was really, really, cool.) I can sit at my desk, write on the iPad app, and it is displayed right on the board as if I am standing up there writing. Great for keeping an eye on the class; great for days when I don't feel well. And I feel high tech (and cool) for using it!

Eventful Day

2012-02-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

Mike had quite a day yesterday.

First he woke up sick with a headcold, and had slept very little the night before.

Then I had a flat tire on the way to school and he had to come rescue me.

Then he lost several major programs on his computer and spent most of the day putting it back together.

Then he found out that the staff at work is so short-handed that he needed to come in today, in spite of feeling so bad, and even though he has used very few sick days during his tenure there.

Today he is at work, my tire is fixed, and the computer is 90% restored. I hope he's making it OK!

"Maybe If You Jiggled That Little Thingamajig Over There..."

2012-01-26T20:13:00.006-05:00

Mike undertook a plumbing project this afternoon, and as most projects like that go, it rapidly got more involved and complicated. Two trips to the hardware store and no supper until after 7 pm. But he got the leaky pipe under the kitchen sink fixed, as well as replaced the sprayer which has not worked for several years. It will be nice to have that back.

I have learned much in the past years.

Fifteen, twenty years ago I would have been the hovering spouse, trying to be supportive, full of helpful little phrases such as "Maybe if you jiggled that little thingamajig over there, it would help get it loose," or other such ideas from a woman who has never done a plumbing job in her life but still had a better way for him to accomplish the task. And then I wasn't very happy when he wasn't very happy with me. No wonder home improvement jobs usually turned into stressful times for us all.

Now I know that the best thing I can do is just stay out of the way, preferably in another room (though available to help when he shouts out "I need you to come here a minute" to hold a tool or a light or whatever). And all he wants to hear from me is "I know you can get this done." Followed by a sincere "Thank you" when the job is done.

I've still got a lot to learn. But at least that lesson has at least had some small progress made through the years. And life is sweeter both during and after the job.

Who Is God Anyway?

2012-01-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

Mike has been off for several days and has been doing a lot of reading, as well as organizing his thinking into some written pieces. I convinced him to let me post these thoughts:

---------------------------------------------------------

The title subject of who God is has obviously had volumes of books written, sermons preached and just plain topics of discussion over the centuries. So to attempt to answer the question in an e-mail would be inadequate to say the least. Yet it is a question that every human being needs to consider because it has eternal implications. So how do we grapple with such a weighty subject without getting lost in the discussion?

After thinking about this it seems like a good place to start might be to realize who God is not. In our day and in our society especially, the idea of who God is has become a very cloudy concept in peoples' thinking. We should understand that the god of this world (Satan) has to be the author of much of that confusion. And we must take credit for some of it ourselves as we just don't spend too much time pondering it. But let's look at some of the external forces that influence our thinking.

One thing God is not is what He is advertised as being. You don't have to look far in our present surroundings to see (or hear) proclamations about God. Well-meaning evangelical Christianity often reduces the eternal God of creation to someone (or something) that we merely need to add to our existence to make us whole (or at least happy). It is astounding to see things written on billboards or tee shirts or even church signs that say things like "Try Jesus" or "Got Jesus?" or some trite phrase that sounds like a beer commercial. These are nothing more that futile attempts to make God more palatable to people so as to give them the sense of security of knowing Him. The truth is that God Himself must reveal Himself to individuals before they can know Him. I saw Newt Gingrich this past weekend while he was campaigning in Anderson. I knew who he was, but I still don't know him because he has never introduced himself to me. And we have not had a personal conversation. Likewise, Satan himself knows who God is (probably better than most humans), but the scriptures say that he (Satan) trembles because he knows who God is. How many of us tremble because we know who God is?

So what is the big deal if we don't know God personally? Won't He sort all of that out in the end anyway? There is an infinite amount of truth to be conveyed on the subject of God and our relationship to Him. As was stated above, a person can know who God is and even be a scholar on the subject. But it is impossible to know God unless He reveals Himself to you.

Seeing Newt

2012-01-21T18:38:00.003-05:00

About 2:30 this afternoon, after a nice visit with my cousins today and last night, I read on Facebook that Gingrich was going to be at the local Chick Fil A (the one owned by friends and where Andrew used to work) from 3:30 to 4:15. The rain had stopped - what did we have to lose - we decided to go see all the fuss.

Below: Bus pulling up at the left. The white bus on the right is the press bus.

If you look carefully, you can see Newt directly in the center between a camera and a man's head.

There was a large crush of people.

Taken through the glass window of the restaurant. I was inside with some students who offered me a seat, so I got to hear his brief speech. Mike was still on the outside and took this picture.

Newt's bus - we stood by it for quite awhile waiting for him to come back out, but he slipped out the other side of the restaurant and left in an SUV to meet up with his bus in another location. Just like a politician!

Another Example For the "Middle Age" File

2012-01-19T07:52:00.002-05:00

I couldn't find my school ID tag in my pocketbook this morning. Got halfway down our street before realizing it wasn't in there as usual. Called Mike - he checked all the possible places - it wasn't in any of them. I looked down - you guessed it - it was around my neck. I just told him that "I found it" - did not admit openly where it was. Sigh.

Not Happy About This. . .

2012-01-12T17:56:00.004-05:00

I was afraid that this might happen.

I used to drive to the grocery store past a nice triangular field formed by the meeting of three roads. Once I even saw a northern harrier over the field, that looked just like this one on the left. It was riding the thermals, looking for food, just gliding and gliding. It was a beautiful sight.

Then I heard that a Food Lion was being built on the site. Hard to believe, what with another grocery store across the road and another grocery being built right there also. Also disappointing because the field had to be demolished for the store.

But I got used to it, and loved the store. It was a little smaller than the other two groceries on the corner. I know many of the staff and call them by name. One woman in the deli even knows exactly how thick to slice the meat that I buy every week for Mike's salads. (#8 on the slicer.) The atmosphere is homey with beams and indirect lighting. It's really a nice little store.

Tonight I heard on the news that this store is one of half a dozen in our area being closed. I hate it.

And the worst part of it is that the lovely triangular field is still gone. Instead of the nice Food Lion, it will now be covered by. . .an empty metal building.

Is this what "progress" is really supposed to be like?

Deluge

2012-01-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

The deluge is beginning. And I'm not talking about the rain that is supposed to come our way tonight.

I'm talking about political ads. Today is the New Hampshire primary, so the swarm is now headed our way. All I want to do this evening is watch the evening news, and I am subjected to a constant barrage of ads about how Newt has been mistaken too many times, and Rick Santorum is an insider politician, and more, and more. I'm glad that Ron Paul is good to veterans, and Rick Perry got jobs for Texas. I know enough to filter out the attack ads that are sponsored by the competition. But these are desperate times. None of those attack ads matter during this cycle. I want to be able to tell which man is the best man to defeat Obama. That is all that matters, far more this election than in many other times.

Update

2012-01-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

Can't believe I haven't posted for a week. It was really hard to get back into school after such a nice break. And the first week back is spirit week and homecoming, so there is a lot extra to do - in addition to starting upperclassmen on research papers. Yesterday I had a 14-hour day at school. I taught all day, took the gate $$ for the first ball game, worked the concessions for the second game and homecoming and part of the third game, then sat with Dad for the last game.

New Year's Thought - NOT Lofty!

2012-01-01T17:07:00.003-05:00

Perhaps on New Year's Day I should be writing about resolutions and big ideas, but this is going to be far less lofty than that. I'm going to write about bowl games.

I remember fondly the days when the week between Christmas and New Year's was filled with bowl games of ever-increasing importance, up to the "big four" on New Year's Day. People were home, on vacation, not much to do, and there was a lot of football going on. Once January 2nd or 3rd got here, everyone went back to work and school, and football was over.

Now - the games between the two holidays are nothing games, and the big stuff takes place during the week(s) after New Year's Day. People are back at work, and the games are much more lost in the shuffle of everyday life.

No wonder Clemson can't get their tickets sold. Who can go to Miami on Jan. 4, a Wednesday night? At least USC is playing tomorrow and parents can more easily justify getting their children back for school, even if they may have to miss one day. I think that's a big factor in why USC has sold their tickets for Monday's game, but Clemson is having a harder time.

Somebody somewhere needs to think this through, as much as the fact that we badly need a playoff system.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

2011-12-31T16:24:00.004-05:00

Everyone is gone today, and I am home working around the house. (Why is it so much easier to get things done when no one is home?) I've done laundry, cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed, put "stuff" away, and generally tried to get as much as possible done before going back to school next week.

And I've cooked. Got something in the crockpot for Mike's meals next week at work, browned hamburger I got this morning.

And - with a half of bag of potatoes that need to be used, a can of mushroom soup, ham chunks, onions, mushrooms, enough milk to make a good sauce, and cheese on the top--it's the perfect time to make a casserole of scalloped potatoes. Enough for several lunches for me next week as well.

Comfort food.

Artwork

2011-12-30T13:51:00.003-05:00

This is the picture that I posted about a month ago, which Mike has as his desktop photo, and which speaks volumes about family life - the different stages of each, the way they loved to be out with their dad doing whatever he was doing.

And this is the drawing that ML made of the same photograph and gave to her dad for Christmas.

I think it's a pretty impressive piece of work!

Christmas Misc.

2011-12-27T13:04:00.003-05:00

Some misc. pictures of Christmas:

ML was a "nanny" for this sweet little girl the week before Christmas. One day we painted ornaments at our house.

These are springerle - anise-flavored German cookies made with a special mold. My sister drove from Michigan to Illinois to get a lesson in how to make them from a dear friend of our family. Aren't they beautiful.

ML and Aunt Ginny, who hosted us all on Christmas eve. She had a houseful!

Andrew and cousin.

Mike and his sister Barbara.

Dad and daughter on Christmas day:

Mother and son:

ML and cousin

Game-playing at Grandma's house:

The priceless look on Dad's face when he got an iPad from my brother.

Table Centerpiece

2011-12-22T13:42:00.001-05:00

This table piece. . .

is a gift from a student's parent who is a landscaper. Isn't it pretty! The greens don't show up quite so differently in real life as they do in this picture.

What To Do With an Old Green Robe

2011-12-21T13:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was doing some Christmas shopping in the mall when I saw a robe - a warm, leopard print bathrobe. I am a sucker for anything leopard print. My old bathrobe is worn out. Plus, birthday money was burning a hole in my pocket, and the robe was half price. So. . .I bought it.

And now is the time for second thoughts. My mother bought me my old robe, at least twenty-five years ago. It's been so long that the exact, or even approximate, time, has faded away. She's bought me two robes since then. While they were nice, they just didn't feel like the old green one. One of them (pink and grey plaid) I gave to someone who could use it, and the other one (light green stripes) is still hanging in my closet. (Anyone need a bathrobe?) Here is the old green robe laid out on my bed. (The Christmas appearance is unintended.)

I hung the new one in my closet and brought the old one out to take to the laundry room, past Mike who was sitting in the den, and told him it was time to take the old green robe to the Haven of Rest. And that is when he dropped the bombshell.

"You're putting it in Haven of Rest? Isn't that the robe you rocked the babies in all those years?"

Ouch. He's right. How can I get rid of the old green robe? Here's proof of what he's talking about. The baby in the picture is now 23 years old.

I still have the receipt for the new robe and could take it back. But the old one is worn out. The lining shows every time I wear it. What should I do with an old green robe!!!

p.s. The Red Photo

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

P.S. - The Red Photo

The Christmas photo (the green one) was already composed and printed, when I realized that the most important picture of the year had been left out! Here’s the story behind the little red photo that goes along with our family picture:

When Mike was 27, he realized the need of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the testimony of his brother, he accepted Christ’s gift of salvation through His death and resurrection, and asked God for forgiveness of his sins.

As a new Christian, he didn’t know much about this new relationship with Christ, but he had a deep yearning to learn more. One night he stumbled across a radio program and realized instinctively that the speaker was a true Bible teacher who could give him good instruction. For five years or so, he nightly settled at his kitchen table with his Bible, notebook, and pen in hand, to study God’s Word with John MacArthur and the Grace To You radio program. I wasn’t around in those days, but just this Thanksgiving his brother’s wife told me that they knew not to call Mike during the broadcast, as that time was not to be interrupted!

Eventually Mike got into church and systematic Christian growth, but he has always wanted to find a way to express his appreciation to John MacArthur. Last spring, Mike saw that the Grace To You organization was holding a first-ever conference, Truth Matters, just for radio listeners. We made plans to go to southern California, and my boss even let me off for three days just two weeks into the school year. We had a wonderful time, driving to the Pacific Ocean, touring the Reagan library, seeing orange groves – and most of all attending the conference. On Friday night, Mike got his opportunity to tell Dr. MacArthur thank you.

And that is the story of the red photo.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2011

Hello to friends and family from the Bailes, still holding down the fort in Anderson, SC. Our lives do not seem to change dramatically from year to year, but that is not all bad. Stability is a gift that we may not value as much as we ought.

Mike continues as an operator at Oconee Nuclear Station. His faithful work all these years is greatly appreciated. He hasn’t hunted as much as in the past; however, he’s followed South Carolina Gamecock baseball and football with great interest. He and I got to go with good friends to a game in Columbia this fall and had a great time.

I am in my 21^st year of teaching at Oakwood Christian School (32^nd year overall). This year is a first – I am teaching the daughter of students who were in my classes 25+ years ago at BJJH. You didn’t think I was that old!

My folks live nearby now so we are able to spend much more time with them than in the past. They have gotten very involved at our church and are making good friends there.

Mary Lee transferred to North Greenville University this fall, and enjoys it very much. She is definitely the student in our family, and we are very proud of her hard work. She has changed her major to elementary education - her creativity will be a natural in that career choice.

Andrew had a good year, graduating from college and singing with the Calvary Quartet. He is now pursuing any musical opportunities that come his way and learning about the pluses and minuses of living on one’s own.

We send our heartfelt desire that you have a wonderful Christmas and that you find time to meditate on the gift of eternal life through Jesus, Who was sent to us during this season!

The BEST Day of Christmas Vacation. . .

2011-12-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

Last week I decided that the best day of Christmas vacation is actually the day before it starts--because there is that delicious feeling that the next day is the LAST day of work for two weeks.

But this morning I decided that the best day of Christmas vacation is that first Monday morning, when my internal clock completes its usual 5:30 wake-up, and then I roll back over until 7:30. And there are 13 more days for that.

Unfortunately, vacation is like a vehicle going downhill - it tends to pick up speed. I've got to make every second last.

What Did The Neighbors Think?!!

2011-12-14T12:14:00.006-05:00

My eighth graders are really excited about seeing constellations right now. The skies are so clear, and many of them are finally putting it all together in their minds, so they come in every morning excited with what they've seen. Plus, right now Jupiter and Venus are very visible in the night sky, as well as the Pleiades very bright at this time of year. The crowning touch last night was that there was a meteor shower, the Geminids, coming from the region of the constellation Gemini which we just learned.

Anyway, our assistant pastor's son is one of the ones really doing well with this. He went out last night and tried to use a rather poor pair of binoculars (apparently one of the left lenses was completely out) to view objects in the night sky. So - his dad has a hunting rifle, and in order to magnify things, they brought that out and used the scope of the rifle as a mini telescope!

I'm just wondering what the neighbors thought when they saw the two of them sitting outside in the dark pointing a rifle toward the sky. . .

A Better Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-12T07:49:00.001-05:00

I love this Christmas link that is up again this year. It's a little grainy sounding but not bad.

Happy Birthday to Mike

2011-12-07T08:30:00.002-05:00

Somebody is having a birthday today. I won't say how old he is, but for comparison purposes, do you see all that dirt in the background? :-)

He has to work twelve hours today, but I hope he has a happy day anyway and that the day is not too busy there.

Newt vs. Mitt

2011-12-07T08:12:00.001-05:00

This is a very good editorial in the WASHINGTON TIMES about the differences in Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

Mike's Christmas Decoration

2011-12-04T09:12:00.001-05:00

(not really - I got this off Facebook - but it would be if he could arrange it!!!)

Scary and True

2011-12-03T20:35:00.004-05:00

These are the last two statements from Charles Krauthammer's column in yesterday's Washington Post.

"If Obama wins, he will take the country to a place from which it will not be able to return (which is precisely his own objective for a second term).

"Every conservative has thus to ask himself two questions: Who is more likely to prevent that second term? And who, if elected, is less likely to unpleasantly surprise?"

"It Would Have Saved Me a Minute or Two"

2011-12-02T15:13:00.004-05:00

Taking high school juniors to the chemistry lab is always an interesting experience. They have legitimate questions from time to time, which I am glad to answer, but often the questions they ask are things which they really ought to think through for themselves instead of trying to get me to help them.

Today a young man says "I can't figure out how to get this last equation." Which means: "Give me a hint. Help me with it. Do my thinking for me." To which I said, "Well, then, think it through and see what the procedure tells you." A few minutes later he says "Okay, I've got it now."

So I reply "See, you didn't need me for that." And his response: "No, but it would have saved me a minute or two."

And therein lies the crux of the issue!

Monday Morning Misc. 11/28/11

2011-11-28T06:30:00.003-05:00

--I realized this weekend how much I miss the old-fashioned TVLand station. Was home alone a good bit, and sometimes like to just have something on in the background - it used to be that if nothing else was on, you could always catch an old episode of Andy Griffith or Leave it to Beaver or Gunsmoke. Now, it's just become a station like any other. Kinda sad.

--While at my folks last night, Mom gave me a package of cheese slices she said she wouldn't use, and I stuck them in my purse to take home. Mike came by to watch part of the ballgame after he got back from work. I went out to the kitchen and fixed him a couple of hotdogs, and retrieved a couple of slices of cheese to put on them. He sure gave me a funny look. "Do you always keep cheese in your purse?"

--The best time of Thanksgiving vacation (with a half-day of work on Wednesday) is the Tuesday night beforehand, because of what's coming, and the half-day of freedom on Wednesday. After that it just flies by. Ditto for Christmas vacation.

Washin' the "Cars"

2011-11-26T08:23:00.002-05:00

Mike found this photo in one of the files of scanned pictures on his computer, and has been using it as his desktop picture. It really encapsulates that period of life for us. Andrew still has training wheels on his bike and ML isn't even to the bike stage yet. ML is barefoot. I'm surprised Andrew doesn't have high top tennis shoes on! I love this picture.

Not My Morning In the Kitchen

2011-11-25T09:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was not my morning in the kitchen. Usually Thanksgiving cooking goes fairly smoothly, but not yesterday.

I BORDERLINE burned the pies. They weren't burned, but any longer and they would have been.

The third pie must have had a crack in the crust or something, because liquid poured out from UNDER the crust when I accidently tilted it taking it out of the oven.

I scorched the creamed corn. Not enough for a burned taste, but close.

And I didn't realize the rice krispie treat pan was on a still-warm burner, so they were a little bit caramelized. (The nephew who requested them didn't appear to know the difference.)

Not my morning in the kitchen!

Found!

2011-11-22T10:25:00.004-05:00

Mike found my wedding band this morning!!!

He ventured into my closet to see if a book I thought I left at home might have been in there. Ordinarily that would not have made me too happy, especially since right now all my winter clothes are spread out all over the floor in the semi-annual exchange process. (I've told him in the past that my closet is the one place in the house where if things are a mess, so be it. . .) But today is a different story!

Anyway, he didn't find the book (it was at school with me after all) but. . .he did see a little glint of glittering gold on the floor. It is found!!

Monday Morning Misc. 11/21/11

2011-11-21T06:30:00.003-05:00

--Last Saturday I had a terrible day with food and grocery store items! I left a gallon of milk at the grocery store. During the return trip to get it, I bought some apples, and when getting in the car the bag slipped and two of the three rolled out on the ground. Then while unwrapping some new TP rolls, I dropped one in the toilet. The klutz gene was definitely operating.

--All last week I had trouble sleeping and was awake every night. It was bad enough that by Saturday morning I had a terrific headache. A two-hour nap Saturday, and another one today, have helped. Who knows why sleep is so erratic at times.

--Have asked this question before, but will ask it again: If this recession is so bad (and I know it truly is for some people), why are the lines at restaurants so long?

--My boy and the quartet he is in sang in town Sunday morning. I always love to go hear him sing.

--My daughter comes home for Thanksgiving on Tuesday!

Thinking Courageously

2011-11-19T12:34:00.004-05:00

Saw COURAGEOUS last night. Great movie. The folks at Sherwood take a little different emphasis each time, but the foundations of Christian faith, and men taking responsibility, are always at the forefront.

This one was a little more complex, involving several interweaving plots and some very real sadness, as well as violence (four of the five main characters were policemen). At first glance, the ensemble of men might have looked like an attempt to be politically correct - two middle aged white men, a young white man, a Latino, and a black man. But the themes explored were excellent. The black man had to forgive the father he never met--a perfect example of the widespread sociological problem of black poverty due to absent fathers. The Latino father struggled to find work to support his family even though he tried very hard. Both of the men were Christians who were strong leaders of their families. I thought the movie gave a good perspective of Christians in different circumstances who desire to serve God with their hearts, lives, and families.

COURAGEOUS is well worth a viewer's time. It should absolutely be shown to young people. The people at Sherwood Baptist have developed a ministry that has a huge impact, overcoming many of the difficulties of reaching people in today's complex society. It would be a huge, humbling blessing to be used by God in such a mighty way.

Some Political Musings

2011-11-17T11:11:00.003-05:00

--Cain. Down ten points in the polls. I don't know if he would be the man for the presidency simply because of his inexperience in many ways, but I love his financial acumen and philosophy. His financial sense would be well applied to the mess our country is in.

I don't know if he groped those women or not. No one does except those women. However, it is difficult to get away from the feeling that this was a high-tech lynching. His presence in the race would be a fearful thing for party-line Democrats, particularly those of color, as he is a man who speaks his mind, and his thinking makes sense to reasonable people. He would have been an outstanding counterpoint to President Obama. He needed to be gotten rid of, and I wonder if that is what has happened.

--Newt. Brilliant man. Today's Washington Times says that the rumors about him serving his wife divorce papers on her cancer-recuperation bed are false, and that his daughter has come to his defense about that. I've always loved his thinking and hated his personal-life decisions, feeling like that level of morality is close to a disqualification. In dire times like this -- is it?

--Romney. About as exciting as a mashed-potato sandwich. Screams career politician. I get the feeling that he would find a smooth way to flip-flop on just about any issue if it would get him elected. Yet many seem to think he is our best option. I don't know.

--Perry. Too much of a cowboy to suit me. Not ready for the job.

--Bachman. Not a cowboy, but I'm not convinced she's ready for the job either.

Every candidate has baggage. We must pick the right one. The consequences are too great.

Link to Videoed Quartet Concert

2011-11-15T20:27:00.004-05:00

For anyone who would be interested, this is a link to the church where the Calvary Quartet sang last Sunday. If you click on Sunday night, November 13, most of the service is a concert that plays on RealPlayer.

ML's First Deer

2011-11-12T17:33:00.004-05:00

This actually happened a few weeks ago but we didn't get these pics until this week. She got a four-pointer when she went out with Mike on a Friday night; however, they didn't find it until Saturday morning. Therefore the meat was unusable. But it was still a great experience. Don't they look like they've had fun!!

23 Today. . .

2011-11-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Header Pic

2011-11-08T20:34:00.004-05:00

The pic. above, and also on the header, is from Allison - daughter of dear friend Gretchen - former student - many-talented, lovely girl. She took the photo during a hike, and I "stole" it (well, I got forgiveness rather than permission). It is a beautiful photograph!!!

And here are two more:

ML's Journal

2011-11-07T18:51:00.002-05:00

When ML was home yesterday, we had a good time looking in her "journal" from when she was in K-4 through about 1st grade. She started it because Andrew was doing one as a project with his first grade teacher, and of course she wanted to do one also. At some point I will post some of her earliest "entries"--all with interpretations written by me on the left, because she wrote 100% phonetically (notice the "my frand Alicia" in the picture below") and I knew the meaning would be lost if we didn't get it down right away. Of course, there were pictures on every page as well.

Note the family portrait below - particularly how her dad is portrayed!!
That child was something else. She brought a smile to my face more times than she will ever know.

Repeat and Repeat and Repeat

2011-11-06T19:56:00.003-05:00

Tonight at church we sang "He Included Me," and here is the chorus:

"Jesus included me,

Yes, He included me,

When the Lord said 'whosoever,'

He included me.

Jesus included me,

Yes, He included me,

When the Lord said 'whosoever,'

He included me."

Now, I do understand why some people get unhappy with some modern choruses that just repeat one line over and over, but just because the copyright date on this is 1913, I can't see why it's any different than that.

Sometimes, looking through the hymnal, I see a great many that could be jettisoned without any great loss to the church. Not the great hymns, but some of the ones like this one above - there is nothing wrong with it, just nothing profound.

Worthy of more thought and more posts later.

Where Is My Wedding Band?

2011-11-04T21:13:00.004-04:00

I have lost my wedding band. And I am very unhappy about it.

How a wedding band just walks away between Sunday night and Monday morning, I have no idea.

Every time I come in the house, I put my rings in a small crystal bowl, with a lid, that stays in a specified place. They stay there until I leave again. All I know is that, after following the same routine on Sunday night as the past 26 years, the next morning there were only two rings in the bowl.

I have scoured the house and thought through my steps that evening. No success. No wedding band.

Mike says we can get another one. If this had to happen, it's good that it was just the band - it really wasn't anything particularly valuable. But that band went with me through everything the past 26 years. For better or for worse. And, though a replacement may be be an acceptable substitute - I don't want a new band. I want the old one back.

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

2011-10-31T07:23:00.004-04:00

--When airport security has to do a full body pat-down on an 80-year-old man because his artificial hip sets off the X-ray machine, something is wrong with the priorities of our screening/security system. He was very matter of fact about it. I say that when 80-year-old men start hijacking planes, then we should check them. And not until.

--Could someone please explain to me why racing is a sport? What kind of athleticism do you have to have to drive a car? Probably makes plenty of sense to other people, but at first thought it doesn't to me.

--This morning I heard an announcer on a radio station say to a caller, "Love you! Mean it!" When we start saying "Love you" to so many people we've got to clarify the ones to whom we mean it, we're throwing that phrase around too freely.

--And finally, the following quotation was on Facebook last night. My husband liked it. I'm glad that Clemson is doing well; however, doing well does not equate to a national championship or an unbeatable team. People just talk too big, which tends to ruin the wonderful success that they are having.

"Dear Clemson fans,

As some of us have told you, all it would take was someone playing defense to stop you. I just didn't think Georgia Tech could find one. Now, can we please stop all the 'No one in the country can beat us' and "We are going to be National Champions" nonsense? You are good but not that good."

Go! Fight! Win!

2011-10-28T16:26:00.003-04:00

At our school, students often make locker notes, particularly to inspire the athletes before big games, such as this:

Obviously, as shown below, some wag had too much time in study hall:

I saw this on the empty locker next to my colleague's room this morning, and had to snap a picture of it.

"She Never Saw a Little Bear."

2011-10-25T18:59:00.007-04:00

You'd have to have known my Aunt Marian to smile at the title of this, but many of us at her funeral yesterday understood it well.

Aunt Marian could tell a story better than anyone I know. She didn't stretch the truth past truthfulness; she just knew exactly how to tell the details so that the story was hilarious. If she saw a bear, it wasn't just a bear, it was a "TERRIBLE-big bear," or "the biggest bear you've EVER seen." She enlivened many a gathering with her details. Her laugh was unique and infectious.

Her care and concern for others was a trademark. Her unequivocal and enveloping love for her children and grandchildren was widely known and appreciated.

I could tell many Aunt Marian stories but will limit this to two (or maybe three. . .).

When Andrew was about two months old, she and Uncle Chuck were on a trip, and detoured several hours to come see the new baby. Due to work schedules, we could only spend about half an hour together, but they made the effort and I never forgot that. Both of them oohed and aahed and made this mother very happy. The yellow afghan she brought for him that morning is still in our closet (next to the one she made for our wedding).

About eight years ago we made a trip to Illinois for a reunion and stopped to stay a night with them. She heard that ML had had a birthday the day before, and made her a cake and gave her a gift bag. That was some gift bag. It wasn't just two or three things - that bag was packed with little things that a twelve year old girl would love. ML told me on Friday that she still wears one of the hair clips that was in the gift. Aunt Marian's generosity, especially for birthdays, was well known.

But one story touches me the most about Aunt Marian. She was hugely loyal and supportive of her children in every possible way. I remember when my sister showed slides of her work at a college and radio station in the Caribbean, at an informal program there in central Illinois. One of Aunt Marian's daughters did not "get the memo," and showed up dressed more informally that the other people who attended. Afterward she said to her mom, "I guess I embarrassed you today." Without caring who was watching, Aunt Marian folded her daughter in her arms and said "Oh, no, sweetie, you could never, EVER embarrass me!"

She was the wife of the elder of a huge church. But most of all she was a wonderful Christian wife and mother. She was my aunt, and I will miss her.

Morning Glory Muffins

2011-10-18T21:38:00.003-04:00

Lately, we are big on morning glory muffins. They are stuffed with all kinds of things. They only have 2 1/2 cups of flour, which usually translates to about a dozen muffins, but because of all the add-ins this recipe makes two dozen. In addition to the basics, these muffins contain shredded carrots, applesauce, shredded Granny Smith apple, crushed pineapple, coconut, raisins, and pecans. Two of them, warmed, with a little peanut butter, make for a very filling breakfast. And they are good for Mike when he has to work nights. There is a fresh batch cooling in the kitchen right now!

Football Interruption

2011-10-17T09:02:00.004-04:00

There's a group of young boys, 6th-8th grade, who play a loose version of football on the front grass of our church every Sunday night before the service. I'd call them the "welcoming committee" except that they are totally focused on catching passes, not welcoming anyone. It's enjoyable to see them having such a good time, especially since they do make an attempt to stay out of people's way.

Last night as we were walking in, one of the boys, who is in my eighth grade astronomy/earth science class, stopped long enough to say "Hey! I saw Cassiopeia last night!" Then he went back to full concentration on his game.

I felt honored to be worthy of such an important interruption.

Sharing Another's Thoughts

2011-10-16T17:24:00.005-04:00

A week ago today, a fine man, one that I taught in the second year of my junior high teaching career, passed away suddenly. He left a wife and two children. I've not had much contact with him in recent years, but when he and his brother were in junior high and high school, his parents and family were very kind to me in many ways, including having me in their home several times. One of the plates in my fine china set is from them. I saw his parents just last summer at another funeral.

Another fine man, also in my classes that year, a close friend of the man who died, wrote an essay here, that is outstanding in attempting to digest such a loss.

This was a very thought-provoking part of his blog post:

"Oh yes, there is also the promise that our God is in the heavens doing whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3 ). And this, as much as it troubles us, was pleasing to God or He wouldn’t have done it.

"Yes, yes, He is the one who did it. And I think my friend would agree with me. Especially now.

"While that is unsettling for some, if I thought for one minute that God was up in heaven earnestly desiring to hold back the powers of death from His child, my friend, but ultimately unable to, I would never preach again. I would have nothing good to say about a God who is so loving as to not want people to die a physical death, but so impotent as to be unable to stop it. What assurance can such impotence give of a future resurrection and hope? That would be a God unworthy of the very lives we wish to preserve."

Too Good to Pass Up

2011-10-12T11:59:00.002-04:00

Shrimp and Grits

2011-10-11T18:54:00.003-04:00

My mom made shrimp and grits for us last night for supper. It was delicious. Not bad for a Yankee!!!

SHRIMP AND GRITS

PARMESAN GRITS (This recipe needs grits amts increased 50%)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup uncooked quick grits
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

Prepare by bringing salt and 4 cups water to a boil; gradually whisk in grits. Cook medium heat for 8 min, stirring occasionally or until thickened. Whisk in cheese and pepper. Keep warm.

CREAMY SHRIMP SAUCE
1 lb. medium unpeeled shrimp
1/4 fresh pepper
1/8 tsp salt
vegetable oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp a.p. flour
1 1/4 low sodium fat free chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp hot sauce
2 cups firmly packed fresh baby spinach

Peel shrimp; sprinkle with pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook in large nonstick skillet coated with non stick spray 1 or 2 minutes on each side until shrimp is pink on med to hi heat. Remove from skillet. Reduce heat to med. Add oil and heat for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 30 to 60 seconds. Whisk in broth and next five ingredients. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in shrimp and spinach. Cook 1 min until spinach is slightly wilted. Serve immediately over grits.

Frugality Taken Too Far - Continued By a Blogging Friend

2011-10-11T12:19:00.003-04:00

My friend Barbara, whom I knew casually in college but we have re-connected on the internet, has a great post on frugality here. She has put far more thought into the issue than I did in this post, and she has great things to say. I recommend her post.

Wish They Were Little Again

2011-10-10T19:43:00.002-04:00

I am not exactly sure where all these old double-scanned pictures are from. But they really make me miss the olden days.
The top picture is ML's first time at the ocean. She had no fear - if Mike hadn't scooped her up when she ran in the first time, she would have not stopped running. I love that pic. Sorry she is squinting in the second one, but it's still a sweet pic.

Both above pictures are of Bill, MH, ML, and Andrew, pics about four years apart.

Don't know if Andrew was maybe sick here or just resting. ML is wearing one of her dad's old T-shirts, and Kitty has gotten in on the action also. And the one above it - I could just grab both of those kids out of the pool and just hug and hug them.

Operation Christmas Child Bake Sale

2011-10-10T10:59:00.006-04:00

My 7th graders are trying to fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The mother of one of them has gotten 100 boxes to fill! An admirable goal, so we're trying to bring things in.

So the kiddos want to have a bake sale, before and after school, to raise money. I can use the mini-bus one day and take them, with the money they make, to the Family Dollar and Big Lots stores to get things for the boxes that have not been brought in. They think this is great.

This is supposed to be my free period. (It's activity period, but they don't have choir until tomorrow.) So my room is full of seventh graders making flyers and posters to advertise their bake sale.

I sure hope they bring in some food to sell. I sure hope they've mentioned this to their mothers.

How do I get myself into these things! And if you live in the area - please stop by and buy something from my "children."

Now Available. . .

2011-10-09T20:34:00.003-04:00

Available in both DVD and CD formats. . .

This was taken just tonight in Macon, GA.

Al Mohler on the passing of Steve Jobs.

2011-10-07T08:18:00.001-04:00

Al Mohler on the passing of Steve Jobs. A very fair and balanced commentary from a Christian perspective.

Couponing to the Extreme

2011-10-05T10:27:00.004-04:00

Last night I watched EXTREME COUPONING for the first time.

Anyone who knows me knows I enjoy using coupons and getting good deals, especially at the grocery store. But watching these women on this show made me realize why coupons are getting scarcer and rules at stores are tightening up.

Two of the women had hundreds of ten and twenty year old coupons their mother had clipped back in the days when many did not have expiration dates. And they had a dozen or more of each of more recent ones. The store they went to had a limit to how many coupons could be doubled in one transaction. So - these women went back in the store TEN TIMES (no joke) to make ten separate transactions. They got almost a thousand dollars worth of groceries for $20.

I do not think that is a good thing. I think that is outrageous. That is abusing the system far beyond what is intended. What if everyone tried to do that! There would be no coupons for anyone because the companies would quit issuing them - neither companies nor stores could make a profit. I've seen other people who abuse coupons over the years in other ways - such as splitting a family into three booths in order to use three coupons that each state "one per party." These things are wrong. I hope and pray that I will never abuse "the system" that allows me to save money on many items.

NOTE: Here is a link to a far more in-depth post on taking frugality too far, written by my blogging friend Barbara. She makes some outstanding points.

For and Against

2011-10-03T13:26:00.004-04:00

It bothers me, the number of my Christian friends and acquaintances, who are not only FOR one of our in-state teams, but are also AGAINST the other team in the state.

Until the two teams meet, why not root for your team, but be glad for the other team if it is having success? It is a credit to our state for either team to be known on the national scene.

I'm weary of hearing "I'm for (Clemson or Carolina) and for whichever team is playing (the opposite in-state team). I'm weary of hearing "It will be a great weekend if my team wins and the other team loses." I'm weary of hearing fans get very quiet when their own team is having trouble but the other is doing well, then "rubbing it in" when the reverse is true.

There is an unnecessary unkindness in that that is especially uncalled for in Christians. Be for your team. Root as loud as you can. And be against the other team when the two teams meet. But hope that the other team comes into the cross-state meeting with a 11-0 - or thereabouts - record! After all, that makes for a better game anyway.

Things

2011-09-28T20:56:00.006-04:00

Recently Mike discovered online that a famous gun had sold to a collector - a gun that we had had the opportunity to see on a trip to the northeast about fifteen years ago to take care of a business matter. That was a very interesting trip in many ways. We stayed in the home of the man (and his wife) with whom Mike was dealing, and though we greatly appreciated their kindness and hospitality to us, it was very apparent that the purpose of their lives was to accumulate nice things. Their house, though small, was full of vases, and clocks, and knick-knacks, and other things about which they were continually saying "Oh, and let me show you this." Then we went through the storage shed in the back yard that was also full of items of various kinds. And then, they took us to the huge garage that they had rented nearby - also full of "stuff." That's when they showed us the historical gun.

I do enjoy seeing nice things, especially since knowing Mike's dad, who was a collector and a good judge of quality. (And I really, really wish I had taken advantage of his expertise when he was still alive - such a wealth of information in many areas went with him.) However, collecting "stuff" is not, nor will it ever be, our main focus. I remember going into those people's rented garage in a northeast town, to look at yet more things and things, and I thought of the Bible verse about the man who kept building barns to store his grain. Those people have barns full of "grain."

Check Your Bacon

2011-09-27T20:12:00.002-04:00

Was in the grocery store this afternoon, when Mike called and asked me to get a pound of thick-sliced bacon and some biscuits for work tomorrow morning. I got a pound of house-brand thick-sliced bacon, then looked at it more closely. It just didn't look or feel like a pound. I went and weighed it in the produce department. .75 of a pound. I asked for the manager and pointed it out. He took it to the deli to use the electronic scale. .80 of a pound. That's not good. I told him that the administrative offices need to know that they're not selling a full pound, and he agreed to do so.

Check your bacon! :-)

Gamecocks Pulled It Out

2011-09-25T21:58:00.004-04:00

Went to a USC football game last night with our good friends Ken and Rachel. I've never been to a USC game, or to any SEC game, and though it was a rough one, the Gamecocks won over Vandy 21-3. They should have won by a greater margin, but their offense was really weak. The defense carried the game.

The pageantry beforehand was even better than the game! And the USC band looks really, really sharp in their black and red uniforms. I got a pic of that but it turned out a little blurry.

Really interesting to watch Spurrier throw his visor in disgust, in person!

In the stadium, with Columbia in the background.

Our friends. We had a great time with them!

Stadium in the background--

Football under the lights!

Uploaded

2011-09-22T13:16:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my colleague Kurt I now have a printer set up in my room - not nearly as many trips now to the printer in the library. This morning I tried scanning, and now for the first time I can take the star charts I've used for many years and run them through my computer to show through my projector. SO much better than using the dated transparencies I have for the overhead. These old star charts are the best I've ever used - much better than the ones included in the more recent editions of the book I use.

Ups, Downs, and Neutrals of Our California Trip

2011-09-18T20:00:00.004-04:00

There were a lot of interesting things about our California trip - mostly positive. I'll do an Ups and Downs post about it (kudos to Bet for the idea of Ups and Downs) for those who are interested in little details.

UP - Great views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean!
I also learned something new from a weatherman out there - There is a high pressure area in the middle of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and water flows clockwise around that high pressure. Therefore - the Atlantic gets warm water that is coming up from the equator, whereas the Pacific gets cold water that is coming down from the Arctic. That's why people don't swim in the Pacific like they do the Atlantic.

UP - Very easy flights. Four of them - two coming and two going. Granted we didn't face bad weather like some trips, but you hear so much about the awful service of airlines these days. All four flights were on time and there were no delays or headaches.

UP - Bob Hope Airport, Burbank. When we checked the map, and discovered that A)Burbank was much closer to our destination than LA International Airport, and B)flights into Burbank were comparable in price to flying to LA, we took the Burbank route. It is a small airport - smaller than GSP - and has a homey feel to it, much different than a large airport. Getting the luggage and rental car there were both easy to do, and we were only 20 miles from our hotel, with easy on and off the freeway. If we were ever to go out there again, we'd try for that airport if at all possible.

DOWN - Freeways are not well marked. If you miss the sign that says your exit or freeway change is one mile away, you may or may not have a sign at the actual turnoff.

UP - The regular streets are much better marked than the freeways. What I do wonder, however, is why a number of streets in the town where we stayed (Santa Clarita) were named "Avenue Stanton" instead of "Stanton Avenue," for example. Never seen that before.

DOWN - We missed the earthquake! Santa Clarita was hit with a 4.2 quake while we were gone to the Reagan Library, and they said our hotel got a good jolt. If we were going to be in California, it would have been nice to have been in an earthquake. A minor earthquake.

UP - Omelets to order every morning. That was a specialty of our hotel. Your choice of ham, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and cheese in an omelet. They were delicious. That was on top of a full breakfast bar, including waffles, breakfast meats, breads, and oatmeal. Every morning.

NEUTRAL - We got a taste of California-style life. I went into a grocery store for a couple of things we needed, went through the self-serve check-out, and there were no bags. Found out you can either pay a dime for a paper bag, bring your own cloth bags, or carry your stuff out bagless. No plastic bags allowed. Welcome to California!!

DOWN - Trash all over the roads!

UP - On Saturday afternoon Mike was about to die to see/hear the USC game (and I'm not talking about the Southern California team). Of course, nobody on the west coast cared a whit about the South Carolina game, so it wasn't on TV out there. We pulled up the local (as in our hometown) radio station on the internet and got the streaming audio, so he got to hear the entire game in our hotel room. He was a happy man, and I thought it's really something that we can get our local radio station in California and hear a game that nobody in that area really cared about. Technology is something.

UP - Beautiful fruit stands all along the road to Ventura. So much good stuff. Strawberries, melons, oranges, avocados. I can't imagine having access to fresh fruit and vegetables (as in not supermarket delivered) year round.

UP - The beautiful views of the desert mountains. Somehow we just weren't expecting the area to be that mountainous. Wherever we went, the view was 360 degrees of mountains. (Well, Mike corrected that - the view was only 180 degrees at the ocean.) All the towns are nestled in valleys between the mountains.

UP - Meeting people from all across the country. We talked Sunday morning with people who had been members at Grace Community Church for twenty years. We met people from Dallas (they had been on the plane with us as well), Tulsa OK, western Alabama, Michigan (same town as my sister, can see her condo complex from their home!), and even from our home area. (Their daughter had even played a volleyball game as part of the away team at our school the previous week.) Met a lovely young woman from Arizona named Lori. I told her on the way out the last night that if we lived in the same area I thought we would be good friends. She started to cry, because we really did have sweet fellowship even if it was brief.

And those are my mostly ups for our great trip!

Homemade Pizza MY Style

2011-09-18T13:32:00.003-04:00

There is one thing that I confess I do like about having both kids not around. They always turned up their noses at my homemade pizza. Oh, they would eat it if there was nothing else around, but they've just been too spoiled over the years by Domino's and Papa John's. Plus, if they were here, I'd have to make it the way they liked it - pepperoni and cheese.

I make it, just for me, loaded with mushrooms (a full eight ounces of canned ones), a roll of browned sausage, and a package of mozzarella cheese. Plus a can of pizza sauce on a refrigerated pizza dough. I pre-bake the crust for about seven minutes before putting on the sauce and toppings. It was good for lunch today (Mike is at work), and it will be good in lunches for school this week. And it's made the way I like it.

Teachers' Convention in Gatlinburg

2011-09-16T17:24:00.003-04:00

This. . .

. . .was the view from my friend's and my bedroom balcony, in our lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains for the teachers' convention I just attended for three days. Not a bad view to wake up to!

We only enjoyed this porch the first day, as the temperatures turned cooler and we saw something unusual we are not used to at home. Rain. Steady, cold rain that fell all day. Seems like I have memories of that.

Interior of the lodge.

It was a nice conference. The speaker was focused on one topic, which was good, and his topic was beneficial. Our administrator went all out to make it a nice event for us and to show his appreciation for his teachers' hard work. And his wife cooked all the food - with five children underfoot. She is a saint!!!

We had some free time in the afternoon yesterday, and I took three other teachers antiquing. Nice time. The only bad thing about going to an antique store is that they know what they have and price accordingly.

And now - a weekend!!!

Sugar Cravings

2011-09-11T17:17:00.004-04:00

Two and a half years ago I went off sweets. For some reason it wasn't too hard. Oh, I had occasional lapses - I remember well succumbing to the temptation of a bag of M&Ms in the Food Lion store in the middle of about June or July, but did realize that an occasional - a VERY occasional - lapse can sometimes almost help a person stay on a diet of no sweets. I also remember our neighbor, the manager of a restaurant we go to occasionally, giving us a free dessert one night when we were there. And I devoured the entire brownie covered with whipped cream, kiwi, and strawberries. Felt mild guilt but also enjoyment. After all, you can't turn down a kind gift like that.

And going off sweets, along with intensive exercise at the Y, led to a 20+ drop in poundage.

The downturn came about two years ago right now. It was my last year of directing the play, and the script called for a box of candy that was passed around the family from time to time. In the interest of maintaining cast unity, and making practices a little more fun, I kept the box full. I didn't eat any and truly didn't miss it. Until one day. I decided to take two pieces out of the box. One young man, Carl, actually fussed at me. (They knew I was off sweets.) "You can't eat that!" he said. Then he finally said, OK, I could eat them - but was limited to two pieces a day.

Believe it or not, that was the start of a downfall. Two pieces a day became a little more than that. Gradually. Then, it became easier to justify things. A long morning, with an hour to go before lunch? A Mr. Goodbar is OK for a little energy, because it has peanuts in it. And so forth and so on.

I have now been off of sweets, again, for three weeks. And it is much harder this time. I crave chocolate on a daily basis. I did eat a few plum-sweets yesterday, which really aren't bad for you (the name plum-sweets is a euphemism for "chocolate-covered prune pieces), but they also didn't really fill that craving.

So far I am hanging on. It is important that I do so.

9/11

2011-09-11T17:16:00.001-04:00

These were my memories and thoughts about 9/11 three years ago. And those thoughts, particularly the last paragraph, remain the same.

I Could Have Been There. . .

2011-09-08T16:48:00.003-04:00

My planning period starts at 9:00. This morning I started to make a ten-minute run to the bank, two blocks away, as I am out of cash.

Awhile later we had a lockdown at school. No one knew why, but the teachers in the front rooms could see police cars on the road in that direction.

Then I read it on the internet: The bank was robbed, around 9:00, by a lady who said she had a bomb.

I'm so glad I didn't go to get cash this morning.

California Fruit

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of the things that we really enjoyed seeing was the variety of fruits and vegetables being grown. We had a couple of hours when we first got there, and drove out the Ventura Highway to the ocean. Along the way we passed this fruit stand.

See those big boxes of oranges? $3 a box!!

Someone from the church has family that owns this orchard. Of course I didn't get the picture until all the fruit was gone, but these people donated boxes and boxes of peaches, nectarines, and plumcots (plum/apricot crosses, also known as pluots) for the attendees of the conference. I looked up their website and was surprised at all the varieties of plumcots that are available now. They are delicious.

All these small boxes were available for people to take with them. The green/yellow fruit in the back is an emerald plumcot (with a natural waxy coating). Delicious!

≈

Oranges. The trees were loaded. On a forty-mile trip we went past miles and miles and MILES of orange and lemon trees.

These little fruit stands are everywhere and are loaded with fresh fruits that we either can't grow here or have limited growing seasons. Imagine getting fresh strawberries nine months of the year!

Isn't that pretty!

We also saw acres and acres of red pepper plants, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins. Also some trees that we weren't sure about and thought they were olive or almond trees.

All this in the valleys in between the mountains.

Super Trip

2011-09-05T20:19:00.005-04:00

Just got back from a great trip to the Truth Matters Conference in Sun Valley, CA. This will justhave a few pictures as an overview as I have more specific picture groupings in mind for the future.

We went to this conference because it was at Grace Community Church. The pastor, John MacArthur, through his radio program was very influential in Mike's early Christian life, some thirty years ago. This is a new conference for GCC and Mike really wanted to go. My administrator was kind enough to let me take the time off, even though the school year has just gotten started.

So we were gone for six days!

First day there - had just arrived, checked in to our hotel, and drove out to the Pacific Ocean in Ventura.

Tour of the Grace to You offices on day 2.

Also on day 2 we went to see the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Well worth the time.

Air Force 1 - quite a sight. No pictures inside--

At Reagan's grave

This is the view from the front of the Reagan Library!!

MacArthur speaking at the conference

This is a retired astronaut who has a book out of pictures he took from space, with appropriate verses and commentary about the beautiful creation of God. He did a presentation as part of the conference that was very interesting.

Church choir

And us. :-)

More to come.

Gratitude

2011-09-03T12:37:00.005-04:00

When Mike was a new Christian, over thirty years ago, he didn't know anything about the Bible, or much about the life-changing decision he had just made. One day he stumbled over a program on the radio and thought "That man is a good Bible teacher." He continued to tune in, and his listening evolved into two years of sitting at his bachelor kitchen table every evening, notebook, Bible, and pen in hand, and studying the Bible with John MacArthur. He considers MacArthur to be his first pastor in a way, as Mike was still in his formal church and hadn't yet made the decision to go elsewhere.

For years he has wanted to tell Dr. MacArthur how much he appreciated MacArthur's early influence and help. Last night he got his opportunity.

Motel in Maine

2011-08-29T06:16:00.005-04:00

I recently found out that this little motel where we stayed on our Maine trip,

with views like this out to Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean,

is for sale. I need a million and a half, take or leave a little, fast, to acquire this gem. Mike could be the general manager/yard man/fixit man/all-purpose person (like he is at home), and I could run the front and take care of the breakfasts. It all sounds so wonderful.

If I DID have a million and a half, we might be moving to Maine.

Paper, Pens, Books, and Art Supplies

2011-08-27T19:29:00.003-04:00

I didn't have the energy or time to go yard-saling big-time this morning, but did stop at one place nearby, a storage unit place that has periodic sales to clear out units of people who have not paid their bill. And today's purchases made me a little sad, not glad. I got several books for our school library, a pile of paper, and some Expo markers off a table that also had bins full of pens, coloring books, art supplies, books, dolls, and other things belonging to a little girl. Her name was MacKenzie - it was marked on many of the items. I got a beautiful collection of Winnie the Pooh stories for the library for fifty cents. It was a Christmas gift to MacKenzie.

I almost felt guilty buying those items. It made me wonder whatever happened to this little girl's family, that they had to park their - her - belongings in a storage unit and then were not able to pay the rent. And it made me think of another little girl who also loved paper, pens, books, and art supplies - one who still owns the ones she uses even though she is in college now.

Too Much Visual Information

2011-08-24T07:35:00.002-04:00

On TV this morning, when the major news is fairly large earthquake and an approaching, both local and national news felt the need to show video clip repeatedly of Nancy Reagan falling as she approached her seat for an event at the Reagan Library.

Is it really necessary for the news to show this over and over, video of such a gracious lady in her 90s in such an ungraceful moment of her life? We've come to expect video of everything that happens. Mention that she fell, maybe, but give the video a rest. Better yet, a burial.

No more time to rant this morning.

VBS Pics. That Bring Back Memories

2011-08-21T21:09:00.006-04:00

Last week while getting ready for the school year I found a set of old pictures of a Bible school that was my "baby" about fifteen years ago. We did a creationism Bible school, and along with the usual classes, crafts, snacks, music that a VBS has, we had five creation rooms. The children went in groups to one room each night, and we had them really well decorated. I don't have any pictures of the astronomy room (day 4, sun, moon, and stars), but I have pics of the other four. There was a teacher in each creation room who gave the same lesson each night, actually, twice each night, because there were five kindergarten classes and five elementary-age classes. The lessons were a combination of science experiments and Bible truths.

We skipped day 1 because it was just darkness and light, and because five days of creation fit our five nights of Bible school!

There was a man in our church who was quite the chalk artist and he came in and drew the pictures after we got each room lined with paper. It was a mammoth job, but turned out so well, and it was very satisfying to see how much the children enjoyed it.

This was the ocean room (day 5 - birds and fish).

The jungle room, taught by John S. (day 3 - dry land and plants). He is the kind of guy who will do anything anyone asks him to do. I remember we had such a time getting all that green crepe paper to hang from string from the ceiling.

The woodlands room for day 6 - land animals and man. Julie V. taught this very well. The "deer" in the back was easy to come up - it was Mike's target for bow practice.

I especially liked finding this picture because the older woman on the right is my friend Jean, who has been gone for ten years this fall. This isn't really of her face, but I've not found any photos of her up until now, so this was nice to find.
The weather room - day 2, firmament (atmosphere) separated from the waters. I taught this room and did experiments such as crushing a can to show air pressure. You may recognize the little lady in the turquoise dress in the middle of the picture. :-)

The other woman who ran this with me, and I, packed everything up thoroughly and labeled it well - "Do not throw out without talking to Marsha or Ann first!" - before putting it in one of the church storerooms. However, sometime about ten years ago, it was thrown out. I discovered that when someone called asking for it to use at their own church, and it was nowhere to be found. So it was a one-time Bible school, probably not to be done again, but it really made a lot of memories, I hope for the children, but definitely for me.

School Year Starting

2011-08-17T08:41:00.002-04:00

Open house last night. Good crop of new students - A LOT of them. We have maintained our numbers even with the poor economy, which is wonderful.

An opening on the faculty was unexpectedly created yesterday, which allowed for the hiring of a fine young man for whom many of us had hoped we would have a place. It's always a good thing to have good male role models on the high school staff, and we know this young man and know he will do a good job.

Totally Random Pics

2011-08-15T21:05:00.003-04:00

. . .because I miss my kids tonight.

Graduation 2009:

Andrew in the play DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, spring 2008

My daughter a couple of years ago.

and the two of them together, I don't know when.

Everyone In the World. . .

2011-08-14T17:43:00.003-04:00

This past week in inservice, we watched a Chip Ingram video about words and relationships. One thing he said that really caught my attention was "Everyone in the world is desperately insecure - some people just cover it better than others."

A couple of times since then I've seen or interacted with someone who might not mesh well with me, or however you want to say it, and have then thought of that phrase. It helps.

Quick Lunch

2011-08-13T12:18:00.007-04:00

ML left for college yesterday (worthy of its own post) and Mike is out of town for the morning. Nothing really to eat in the frig, and I was hungry. I'll probably do some good gourmet burgers on the grill or the broiler for supper, so didn't want anything really big. So - I opened a bottle of V-8, added one can of green beans, one can of white beans, and a little frozen corn. Added a little onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Cooked it for about 10 minutes on the stovetop. Delicious! And enough for a couple more meals.

(Those gourmet burgers are at one of our nearby grocery stores - Burgundy Mushroom, Bleu Cheese, or Bacon Cheeseburger varieties. Made from scratch, and fairly high dollar, on the fresh fish and thick-cut steak counter - unless you go in the morning around 9:00 and get the marked down ones from yesterday that they've gone ahead and wrapped for quick sale and put with the regular ground beef. Same hamburgers, much better value.)

And this is what I picked this morning! Though the hot, dry weather is difficult to endure, nice tomatoes are the silver lining (red lining?).

Turn Off Your Phone

2011-08-10T21:04:00.002-04:00

About halfway through church tonight Mike realized he hadn't turned the sound off on his phone.

It's a good thing he turned it off then. About two minutes later, he got a call. His ringtone currently is a turkey call.

That would have sounded real cute in the middle of church.

Cooking

2011-08-08T11:43:00.002-04:00

Just made a box of Pasta Roni for ML and me for lunch, and realized once again that so much of cooking is just learning to put things together and not necessarily following recipes. But so many people don't know that. I read the directions on the box for amounts of water, milk, and butter, and realized that with putting in the spice packet, it is just making a seasoned white sauce. It was funny, though, because below the directions was a box that said "Make it a meal!" It then REPEATED the list of instructions, except at the beginning added an explanation of how to brown some ground beef to add to the finished noodles. Who needs a written recipe to add ground beef to Pasta Roni? That was my contemplation as I added cubed ham (which was not listed on the box).

Of course, it must also be admitted that a true cook probably doesn't use Pasta Roni to begin with. . .

Two Days Left

2011-08-08T08:21:00.003-04:00

Two days of summer vacation left. Sigh. Got to clean house once more before starting back - guess that's on the agenda for today. Never made it to Commerce, but that's probably not bad - don't need to spend the $$ anyway. I may go in today or tomorrow to get going on my room. It's a help to have it reasonably well done beforehand.

In a way I'm ready to get back - it's just that "feeling" that resists the end of the inertia of summer.

Loula Grace Erdman - An Author I Have Really Enjoyed

2011-08-06T17:42:00.006-04:00

I've never been a big fan of much fiction. That is to say, fiction that is lacking in its construction - poorly developed characters or a weak plot or a not-very-worthy theme. There are fewer fiction pieces that I like than dislike.

Loula Grace Erdman is a name that became familiar to me when I gave a nonfiction book by her, Life Was Simpler Then, to my great-aunt Louise in the '70s. It was a good book describing life in the '30s and '40s for small-town Missourians. I recognized her name, that she also wrote a good book about teaching called Separate Star. Then, at our public library and also my college library, I stumbled across more books by her. Loula Grace Erdman may not be hugely well known, or assigned the title "great writer," but she turned out some excellent work that is worth the reader's time. I've re-read several of her books a number of times, because each re-reading gives up new details or twists that weren't obvious earlier - which is one of the marks of a good piece of fiction.

I've also learned much history from them. She wrote primarily about the homesteaders of northern Texas and everyday life in late 19th and early 20th century Missouri; she also wrote a couple of books with information of Order Number Eleven, a Civil War order that displaced many innocent Missourians due to the border conflicts between Missouri and Kansas. I had never heard of that order, but her book Another Spring will open the reader's eyes to that terrible time period in a way that nonfiction does not.

Her work can be found on eBay and internet bookstores, which is where I found most of my collection about ten years ago. Some of her children's books, and one adult novel, The Edge of Time, are still in print, but most are not. Most of her books available today are books pulled from library shelves as rejects, because her style of writing doesn't fit the modern parameters of books printed and read today. They are full of detail and heavy on good characterization. And though they are not prudish, they do not contain objectionable elements when dealing with sinful behavior.

My evaluation/opinion:

OUTSTANDING

The Years of the Locust - Winner of an award in the 1940s for fiction, that carried a large monetary award. Very unusual format - flashback about the lives of a patriarch couple in a community, told after their deaths.

The Edge of Time - Still in print. Story of a homesteading couple that drove from Missouri to Texas to live in a dugout. The hardships were unbelievable. Makes the reader think about what our forefathers went through to open up the boundaries of the country and to live free and independently.

Three at the Wedding - Erdman thought that this was her best work of characterization, and I agree, even though this book is not as well known as some of her other novels. The story of three women at the same wedding, all of whom loved the same man at different times of their lives, and how they all came to be at the same wedding. The reader really sees the hardness of the bride's mother, and the hometown simplicity of the stepmother. I didn't care as much for the story of the third woman whose story is told, but the interplay between the other characters, as well as the way it all draws together at the end, is great reading.

VERY GOOD

Another Spring - The story of families displaced by Order Number Eleven at the end of the Civil War. This book will really cause the reader to become aware of what it would be like to literally have to scrounge for food, clothing, and everything else needed for life, because of being run out of one's home with no opportunity to take much along.

The Far Journey - Story of a woman who almost loses her marriage due to her reluctance to go west with her husband, then makes the trip out to Texas (with their young son) to join him. The events that happen to her during the trip, and the way it all works out at the end, make for very good reading. The theme of how she comes to see her error of not supporting her husband is seen throughout the book.

Lonely Passage - Story of the coming of age of a young girl growing up in a family of strong women. One of the most interesting parts of this book is how the weakest woman of the group eventually transforms into the strongest. This is a book which shows well how Erdman handles sin issues without having to resort to objectionable elements.

Separate Star - Book about a teacher in a small-town school in the middle of the 20th century. Any teacher will recognize the challenges this teacher faces. She is an excellent, caring teacher, and it is a good story. Since it was written for teen girls, it does include the obligatory romance, which is not characteristic of the other books.

-------

These are only about half of her books; they are the ones that I think are the best. I didn't care as much for her children's books; but then, I didn't spend as much time on them either.

Loula Grace Erdman died in 1976. I think her work represents a good, clean, author who wrote fiction that is much more uplifting than some of the things available today.

Nothing Says Summer in South Carolina. . .

2011-08-05T12:19:00.003-04:00

. . .like this flavor combination. Tomatoes and cantaloupe. I used to think it was weird. Not any more.

More Nostalgia - End of Summer Coming

2011-08-04T12:32:00.003-04:00

So I'll probably post more pictures with the end of summer coming. This will probably be of interest just to family. I'm saving some for other posts and another blog. We're really going back in time with these--

Cousins at Christmas--

Budding trumpeteer--

Doesn't he look young?!!

Precious uncle and aunt--Talk about looking young!

Middle Age Strikes - Yet Again!

2011-08-03T20:55:00.003-04:00

I stopped by the church nursery tonight to drop something off. The couple in there asked if I knew where so-and-so was, as that person was supposed to help tonight. I said no, but would be happy to stay and help. Since there were only a couple of children they said they didn't need me - but I wrote down my phone number for them to call during church if more showed up.

Hung onto my phone (on vibrate) during church in case they called. Halfway through the service it hit me - I had written down my HOME phone number! Got up to go check, and it was good I did as there were now TWELVE children in there. And they had called the number they were given.

What a dingbat.

Some Thoughts About Christian Efforts From Thirty Years Ago

2011-08-03T17:57:00.005-04:00

Today I was reading an old WORLD magazine while putting in my time on the elliptical at the gym. It contained the results of a contest they had where people submitted the last lines of books to be judged as to which were the best. A couple of the books included were Nicky Cruz's RUN BABY RUN and BROTHER ANDREW by, who else but, Brother Andrew. It was very interesting reading, and kept my mind off of those slowly-passing minutes on the elliptical.

What it made me think about was the activities of Christians back in the days of Brother Andrew, when the Iron Curtain was up and people were creative in their evangelistic efforts. I remember that Bible smuggling, ala Brother Andrew and others, was a real and dangerous activity (just like into China today). I remember a group of guy friends spending a summer doing that, and a group of girls who met once a week to pray for their safety.

I remember getting envelopes of various sizes and colors from some organization (can't remember the name), stuffed with Bible passage portions, and also a list of names and addresses of people in Russia. We would address the envelopes and stamp them, then mail them - the idea being various handwritings, stamps, and envelopes would help evade detection by mail authorities.

I wonder whatever happened to all those Bible portions - what percentage made it through, and of those, what percentage actually made a difference. That was thirty years ago - I wonder if anyone has a changed life due to those efforts. I wonder if one of those portions served as the impetus for events that may have started a church in a small Russian town.

It will be interesting, in eternity, to see if any good was done.

Andrew at Niagara Falls

2011-08-01T19:23:00.001-04:00

The quartet went to Canada this past weekend - whirlwind trip to a church in Ontario - and they stopped at Niagara Falls on the way back. Loved this picture. Sure hope he's leaning on a strong fence.

Summer is Almost Over

2011-07-31T14:15:00.006-04:00

Ten days of summer left for me. It seems odd that 'summer" will be over, when, according to the calendar, we are not even halfway through the season of summer yet.

I've still got a few things to do, necessary things, like clean out the medical receipts drawer. I ought to take everything out of the china cabinet, wash it all in hot soapy water, clean the shelves, and return it. Amazing how dusty, and even a little greasy, the glassware in there can get, even when in a cabinet with closed glass doors that are rarely opened. I'd like to go to Commerce - nothing badly needed, just feel like the summer isn't the summer unless I've walked through my favorite stores in Commerce. I'd like to go to an old hardware store in a little town in Georgia - supposed to be quite a destination. But it is so, so, sticky hot that little trips like that lose their appeal.

The adrenaline for starting back is starting to flow - the mental organization and thought process that happens around this time of the year. I probably ought to go to school and work for a day or two. There's something about coming in the first morning of inservice and at least be partially underway with the necessary work, that is good for the psyche.

I also probably ought to go in and run a bunch of copies before codes are put on the copy machine!

I have not yet had my annual dream of having a class that is completely out of control - the same dream every summer, for 30+ years now. Summer can't be over until I have that dream!

A Simple but Good Bible Study Idea

2011-07-29T07:43:00.002-04:00

If you're looking for a good Bible study idea that doesn't require lots of extras, you might be interested in this. Rand suggested it to our students the last time we were at camp, and I tried it this summer.

It's this: Go through the book of Psalms and write down every attribute or promise of God. You can use a computer or write things down longhand or tailor it any way you please. Just look for the statements about God. You will be amazed at how many you find. So far, through Psalm 96, I have written down 12 pages, front and back - that comes to over 620 attributes and promises, with over a third of the book yet to go.

Squash Fritters

2011-07-28T20:12:00.004-04:00

I made these about a week ago - went to Cooks.com and combined several recipes. They really were more of a squash pancake than a fritter. They're mainly shredded squash, an egg, a little flour, and seasonings. I added parmesan cheese (the shredded, not the powdered, kind). We liked them very much.

The second batch, a few days later, I added panko bread crumbs. The fritters were too soft and runny to say that they were "rolled" in crumbs, but I did dust each side with them. The added texture really added to the taste and made them even better.

Unfortunately, I had very little luck with my squash plants this year. All seven of them over the past couple of months made big, beautiful plants - but didn't produce any squash. I read somewhere that you can use a Q-tip to pollinate the female blossoms using pollen from the male ones. (Did you know that squash blossoms are gender specific??!! The female ones are slightly swollen at the base.) I just couldn't see myself doing that. I'll just buy squash at the farmer's market.

Quartet at Oakwood

2011-07-25T09:35:00.002-04:00

The Calvary Quartet came to Oakwood last night. Unfortunately my camera takes videos that are too big to post on here. I don't understand this megabyte issue and why videos taken on some people's cameras will post just fine, but mine are too big. Anyway, they sang well. We had some 35 people at the house for BBQ afterward. Always nice to have the quartet come by, along with their local family members who ride down for the evening. I wonder what the neighbors thought about the huge traveling bus parked out on the road!!!

Minor Fix

2011-07-24T15:43:00.004-04:00

Not to bore anyone with medical things, or sound like a little old lady who can't talk about anything else - but something else that happened with the same doctor I saw Wednesday. I did NOT see her about ankle/foot pain that has plagued me for months, but she happened to notice something during the exam. "Did you know you have a fallen arch on your left foot?" So I spent $15 on four arch supports for the left shoe of the four pairs I wear the most. As long as I wear those shoes, the pain is no longer a problem. Minor fix for what had been a very vexing problem. Nice that it was a cheap fix also!

Not That High

2011-07-21T20:57:00.003-04:00

So I had a doctor's appt. yesterday, and the nursing assistant routinely takes my blood pressure. The cuff fit fine - not too small or any effort getting it on. She says "It's 146/96." She didn't think anything of it, didn't ask any questions, and started to write it down. "Whoa," I respond, "something is not right. My blood pressure is usually very close to normal." She gets a different cuff, one with a larger width, and re-takes my BP. 126/80.

What if I hadn't said anything! I might be on medication by tonight.

Makes me wonder how often these machines and equipment might be wrong. Also makes me see how important it is to be familiar with one's own body and what normal readings usually are.

"I'm Sick"

2011-07-19T13:31:00.005-04:00

When ML had strep throat a week ago, the timing was both fortunate and unfortunate. Good in that she got sick on Thursday night, and since her summer school class is Monday-Thursday, she didn't miss any classes or labs at all. Bad in that she had a huge test on the hardest part of the course material that Monday.

She went to the teacher after turning in her test and told her that, though she knew it didn't make any difference, she wanted the teacher to know that she had been very sick with strep throat and not able to study until Sunday afternoon, and if her grade was not good, it was because of that -- not because she didn't care about doing well. (Which was, I thought, the best way to handle it.)

But, being a teacher myself, I know how often students use sickness as an excuse to get out of things. Unfortunately they are often enabled by parents. When I get a note saying "Please excuse ___ for not completing ___. He was not feeling well." -- I know that more than likely the student was tired, or just didn't feel like doing the work, or whatever, and talked Mama into writing a note. "Not feeling well" is not the same as "sick."

The extreme of this situation is what we always have two or three of every year: students who get to 19 absences in a class, the absences almost always scattered in nature, at about February or March. They automatically fail the class at 20 absences. It is amazing how they are able to get to school without any absences for the rest of the year.

Anyway - the point is this: There is a high enough percentage of enabled and not really necessary absences, that teachers get a bit jaded at some point. Then, when someone like ML comes along, who had a real and debilitating (for a few days) illness, the teacher has to make a judgment as to whether it is legitimate or not. Fortunately, when a student has a good track record, as ML does, it makes it a little easier to judge correctly. I certainly hope that was the case in ML's situation with her teacher.

No Root Canal for Now?

2011-07-15T14:34:00.005-04:00

So I saw the dentist Monday, for a terrific toothache the night before, in a tooth which has been going downhill for some time (probably since it got loaded with filling when I was a kid). He gave me a prescription for amoxicillin and said that if that didn't help, I'll need a root canal.

Well, I took the prescription and got it filled and thought, "Yeah, yeah, this isn't going to help at all - just a routine to go through. The nerve is deteriorating and this is just putting off the inevitable." But I've faithfully taken the pills twice a day all week.

Two nights ago, hot food did not affect that tooth as much as it has been. And in the last two days it has been slowly improving. I just now ate an ear of corn cooked in the microwave - ate it very carefully - and had very minimal pain.

Maybe the amoxicillin really is helping! I'll take it!!! (literally and figuratively)

$5 Worth of Peaches!

2011-07-14T16:56:00.003-04:00

Stopped at a peach shed and told the teenage boy running it that I needed some that were usable today. He showed me a box of what he called overripes, but which I could see were perfectly good peaches at their peak ripeness -- about 30-35 in the box. I asked him how much - he thought a minute and said "Five dollars?" I got the better end of that deal.

My Son is OK

2011-07-13T22:29:00.003-04:00

My son is OK. Sore but uninjured. And very much alive.

The people in the other car were uninjured also.

So grateful to God for those blessings.

Last night we got one of those phone calls that every parent dreads. "Mom, I was just in a wreck." He looked down for a minute. Went around a curve and rear-ended a man with a child in the back seat.

His truck has a large repair bill but was not totaled.

He is very sore tonight. His grandparents went to visit him and be an encouragement to him, which he appreciated greatly. He has learned a valuable lesson.

And I am just thankful that he is OK.

When It Rains. . .

2011-07-11T18:07:00.003-04:00

. . .Mary Lee had strep throat this weekend, 102-104 degree fever consistently for three days.

. . .Mike had a broken tooth, turned out to be a cracked filling, which had to be repaired.

. . .I had a bad toothache last night so went to the dentist also - maybe a small infection, otherwise, the big RC (root canal) coming down the pike.

If it's not one thing it's another!

Too hot to think of something "intellectual" for a post. Temps in 90s and humidity makes it above 100 heat index. Whew--

Another Nostalgia Photo Post

2011-07-08T15:00:00.005-04:00

Hanging around the house today because I don't like to go too far away when my daughter has a 102 fever and strep throat. So here is another nostalgia post of old pictures.

These first two I call the pictures of "my two hippies." In the first one they were just "hanging out" one day when we still lived in Taylors. But don't they look like a couple of wild men?!!

I have no idea what Mike was painting here to be dressed so raggedly, but they sure were having a good time.

ML and Aunt Rhoda

Both children with cousins--

This was a Christmas card one year. Today seemed like the perfect time to post it since the sunflowers outside are currently in full bloom. Sometime soon I'll post a pic. of the volunteer sunflowers that have grown under where the birdfeeders were last winter! Anyway, I thought the pic. below was really sweet - especially in ML's special sunflower dress that, I think, Grandma and Aunt Rhoda made.

A Must-Read Link

2011-07-07T15:24:00.003-04:00

This woman - a cousin of our former youth pastor's wife - is facing death due to cancer. This is how a Christian can have peace and assurance in facing death.

Thoughts About Casey Anthony and Other Stuff

2011-07-07T07:58:00.007-04:00

What bothers me most about the Casey Anthony verdict is that the jury didn't even see fit to convict her of aggravated child abuse. I can see why they didn't feel that there was enough evidence for first degree murder. (I thought she'd get 2nd degree, or aggravated manslaughter.) But - a woman who doesn't report her child missing for a month? Is that not aggravated child abuse? Could they not find something in those charges to convict her for her bad behavior?

Next thought: I am seeing more and more that poverty has deep roots. There are very few people who are desperately poor, or homeless, or with addiction issues, that can be described as "blameless." Those who work with very needy people have to deal with their reactions to such things. You can't really say "Well, if you had done [such and such], you wouldn't be in this boat." If you give to such people, you have to make peace with that reaction. Which of course, is why Christ's love is so unbelievable - He could have said to all of us, "You bear blame, so you are responsible and must take the punishment." But He didn't.

Final thought: I am also seeing more and more that the people who live upright lives, save their money, determine to be responsible for themselves and their children, are the ones who will be "punished" financially. Want to go to school and have no money? Free government grants. (Never mind why you have no money - that you spent what you did have, didn't work, or whatever.) But those who have some saved - they don't qualify. Need medical care? Say you don't have insurance. They'll see you anyway. Our system rewards bad behavior in so many ways.

So much for miscellaneous thoughts this morning! Besides that, it's time to get some breakfast for daughter who is going to summer school, then get going on this house. Maybe.