Sunday, May 31, 2009

Our Trip to Ohio

Ben came over Wednesday night and showed us how to use our remote.
He said he's look in on Sallycat while we were gone.

Thursday morning found us pulling out of the drive at 7:07 and heading north on 121 to McKinney and across to Texarkana. We spotted a lone hot air balloon that morning. (and one here in Ohio this evening!) It took us all morning to get out of Texas. And the rivers were full when we crossed into Arkansas. Rice fields were flooded, too, with green bits poking up. Amber waves of grain looked ready for harvest in Texas, but none was being harvested until Arkansas and further north. We stopped at a few Walmarts, as Walmart was born here in Arkansas, and they have plenty, and the clerks ask if you need help, but, alas, they no longer carry the big, big, super size ziplocks that I like to use as luggage.

I had such fun texting Amber since we were away from the computer and thusly, email. We stopped for the night north of Nashville. It was a long, long day of driving. We did not get to the hotel until 10 pm.

When in Tennessee, where Cracker Barrel was born, we knew we must stop for a meal. Good, clean bathrooms, too. They seem smaller, like the prototype. Breakfasted and rested, we headed out from our Quality Inn on Friday morning and headed for Louisville, Kentucky, where we planned on stopping for dry ice, and the last northernmost store to hold Blue Bell. While hunting for the elusive dry ice company, the addresses were missing from some of the building, and then I spotted an ice cream truck---the kind that sells ice cream in your neighborhood, and told Bob to follow that truck! Sure enough, it lead us right to the dry ice place under the bridge. Bob bought ten pounds, enough to keep three half gallons cold. There is even a new flavor, Groom's Cake, which is wonderful. We sat in traffic for an hour outside Cinncinnatti, but surprised our daughter-in-law by 5pm. And we got to see our granddaughter's daycare, and took them all out to eat after Andy got home from work.

Good to see our granddaughter, who is now over two years old, but it had been a year, and phone chats and even visual skype phone chats don't allow for all the expressions, all the eyebrow movements, all the high voiced speeches and observations. But, we were strangers to her. And it took a while to warm up to us, and let Granddad read her a story, and she was mighty tired from a long, long week. Saturday morning, we enjoyed bringing them breakfast, and Bob and Andy went over the trip to Alaska plans. Sunday afternoon we got to babysit so that Andy and Lauren could go check out the new 3-D movie, UP. We had such fun with the granddaughter, as she finally warmed up to us enough to let us kiss her on the neck, and she kissed me back. Too cute. She loves oranges, and can turn crackers into shapes, like cars, trucks and trains. Very imaginative. And cutting the velcrow fruit kept her busy for a long time.

Tomorrow is the captain bars pinning ceremony. with cake. Then, we head for home.


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I should be packing

Let's see if this post gets eaten never to be seen again. ha

Storms came through again last night. My-oh-my. Thankfully, it was pea size hail. It went on for a while, and they rolled off the roof and dive bombed into the plymouth windshield. We hid the toyota in the garage. And it is a tight fit. Bob has it down to a science. He was disgusted with me as he could have gotten it four inches closer to the wall-of-tools and given me more room for my fat behind to get back inside the house on the other side of the car. I could have gone out the side door, and unlocked the gate and come in the front door. This storm literally formed up just west of the metroplex, and cartwheeled into town. On radar, it looked like it would stay north of I-30, but it just kept expanding. I bet folks on I-20 stayed dry. Then another storm rolled through at 2am. Silly Sallycat was outside. And we had all the windows wide open.

I never like Outlook email, anyway. The sbc one that comes with the homepage makes a list for you. I clicked on "contacts" and wow. There they were. Like a walk down memory lane. Only a few still worked. But, it says I have 222 old emails saved. That will jog a memory or two to scroll through those someday. We have so many W's and J's that the contact thingy has a separate page. That took me a while to figure out. I just knew Bob had given me a handful of new/old email addresses, but I could not find them. Then, I noticed the "W" page. Ah. Sneaky.

And what is with The "e" browser and foxfire. They are picky on what websites they will open. "e" likes the live cam at Mount St. Helens, but not Old Faithful. Foxfire will let me see it, but foxfire does not like Mount St. Helens. I will just keep both loaded with sites.

And if any of you dear readers want emails, please resend that email address. please. I think I have figured out how to load them. finally.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I just spent time composing a post that is gone...

That is so discouraging. I'll come back once I have cooled down.

It was a wonderful post. All about James being home this weekend, and Bob spending hours setting up the new computer, and our finds on google earth, and trips coming up...

murphy's law. when you get sloppy and think things are permanent on computers, you get slapped down.

http://msunderestimated.com/2009/05/25/national-memorial-day-concert-in-dc-videos/

http://prairiepundit.blogspot.com/2009/05/autopsies-ct-scans-of-war-dead-yield.html

http://www.lesliekamm.blogspot.com/ (another mom who has given up everything to help her wounded son)

Monday, May 25, 2009

New Stack

New Stack called Gateway. New mouse. New keyboard.

I miss my old favorites. And I am slowly rebuilding. Took me forever just to figure out how to put the favorites column back on the left where I like it. I am not good at change. Favorites are easier to add to one brouser than another.

Bob worked on setting it all up all afternoon Sunday. Cords, dust, moving furniture, plugs, more dust, and downloading stuff. Gotta have icons. James downloaded a background of my old computer so that I can grieve better.

The geek folks at Best Buy transferred some old stuff, but the blogs are so old, it is like visiting old friends. Reading old newspapers. Some are still viable, but most I am having to delete because they are no longer there or not posting a new blog in years. I am adding the ones I remember as I find them on working blog rolls. And thankfully, I had a few favorites saved on my blogsite here. Whew.

Then, last night, with all the storms, our half of the block experienced a two hour power outage. Folks across the street had lights. Folks one block south had lights. Just our side of the street. Bob was on the new pewter at the time, so he was able to shut things down carefully. The surge protector box gives you a few minutes. Then we sat in the dark. And I got out the candles, and the flashlight, and we waited some more. As we opened windows, the loud drunken partiers next door could be heard even more easily, so we took off for Walmart and the post office. I needed to mail a package and a few letters, and Bob needed a new shoelace and some black shoe polish for his new cowboy boots.

The dvd thingy works. Listened to my new IL DIVO dvd last night.

I need to hunt and peck for my favorite weathersites. That low cartwheeled across Arkansas and Oklahoma yesterday, and I wonder where it is centered now.

Happy Memorial Day does not sound right. Yes, we are Happy to be free, but Memorial Day is about remembering. And I have stumbled upon some awesome sites to help me learn about the latest heros, like the woman West Point grad killed in Afghanistan on May 20th. This is not a good Memorial Day for her family.

More later.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Saturday

Bob got some new cowboy boots. Now he is ready for the wedding. Bob uses cowboy boots as dress shoes.

We ate lunch at Chick-fil-A which I call, Chick-fill-you-up.

Then the dreaded visit to Best Buy for another computer stack. The sweat. No chairs. And spending a thousand dollars for the privilege of hearing about cpu-s, and processors, and gig-a-rams. And a charge for "office" software. And an extra charge for warranties, and harvesting of old stuff off the computer.

Dealing with salesmen who are hard to find. We did not dress up enough to get attentive salesmen. We look like a couple of old geezers.

Interesting. And the smaller, more compact stack costs less, but you have to load your dvd disks sideways. I can just see dropping them everywhere. Oh, well. A painful visit once every four or five years. At least they are into recycling old computers. Used to, Bob would order all they stuff online, and then spend hours and hours downloading the disks. Am I spoiled, or what. Nowadays, when you buy it at the store, they download everything for you, and you pick it up later. What fun. Three trips to the store. For that, they oughta deliver it, and set it all up. ha.

Cloudy day. Super humid, but not super hot. A rare easterly flow of a storm. It is not hurricane season, but the low has a hurricane type signature.

Doves and a few cardinals emptied out the seed supposidly yucky to squirrels in one day. wow. Hungry doves. The sparrows flip the safflower seed everywhere as if the good stuff is hiding underneath.

Friday, May 22, 2009

James Found Out His Unit Might Not Have To Go!

I would much rather email this news to everyone, but with the computer crash, I do not have email addresses loaded yet.

JAMES FOUND OUT HIS UNIT MIGHT NOT HAVE TO GO !!!

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE

James said his unit will probably prepare now for a deployment to Iraq in March. Wow. But, plans change, and this is not written in stone.

I am so thankful James and Amber will have more time together as a couple before the first deployment. That is such good news. wow. I cannot wait to talk to Amber.

(and I cannot wait to ask Bob why this laptop will not let me use contractions)

Four Years Ago Today

Four years ago today, it was a Sunday. And our firstborn got married! It was a very hot day near Galveston, and yet the wedding cheese cake was frozen solid. We have such fond memories of the groom trying to cut the frozen wedding cake with his saber.

Lauren was a beautiful bride. They chose a wedding place that used to be an old bank, and it was so pretty inside. Laurens mom had been my good friend through high school as we attended the same church and sat together and had sleepovers, and so it was the best to be a part of a wedding where we knew the brides parents real well.

Four years, and that second lieutenant will soon be a captain. And their two year old is learning how to say, Alaska. I hope they have a wonderful anniversary. And look back with fond memories. It was like a huge family reunion. And now we are looking forward to the next son to marry in July. James found out today that Afghanistan is being dropped, and they may deploy to Iraq in March instead. What a changeable Army under this present administration. I am so glad James will have more time to get to know his new bride with the deployment being changed. I hope she does not feel rushed. It all seems to be happening so fast. We are getting the best deal---another daughter-in-law!!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Andy and Lauren. May you have many, many more---and actually look back someday and remember whatall you did on the 4th anniversary.

I remember our tenth because we went to Galveston, and my folks kept the babies. And I remember our 15th because Bob went all out with shrimp and a hotel downtown Dallas, the Anatoine. Fancy. And I remember our first, because I fixed prime rib and Bobs family and aunt and uncle were there.

I am not an idiot---but Bobs laptop wont let me do the aposterphe. I give up.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I'm Back...sorta

Last night, (wednesday) Bob and I watched a DVD--excellent yet sad HBO special, Taking Chance, about this Marine who escorted LCPL Chance Phelps home. My email was acting up, so I shut off the computer, as that usually clears it, but then it would not restart this morning.

Bob hooked up his old laptop for me to use. So, I'm back---until this crashes. Bob says not to get too attached, or depend on it toooo much.

Email. news.

But, I hope we can recover my pictures, and old journals and emails. But, with computers, you just learn not to get too attached. It is a race between the computer crashing, and the online folks changing your homepage. ha

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Time to hear it again. LTC White

http://blatheringsblog.com/?p=2404

Time to hear LTC Randolph C. White Jr. deliver a speech at Infantry graduation.

Now go call your mother.

Found on Army Wife Toddler Mom blog

Blog Fodder on WBAP this morning

WBAP ran a story this morning about a boy who died some months ago from getting hung up in a soccer net. His father is suing because he says 911 did not help him resusitate his son. 911 in that city says they are not liable for that which they have not been trained.

Let's look at this logic. If you are not liable for that which you have not been trained, then why get any training at all? Hire people off the street. Don't give them any training. Is the world being run by lawyers?!

The second story that seemed to be blog fodder was some "talented" fellow competing in some TV show. (sorry, we choose not to have a TV at our house) And this fellow wears make-up. One knowing radio dad says it emo make-up for the fellow who has not decided. Has not decided where to put it? Wow. Not the type I'd want my daughter dating.

And now for a funny I am sure has been sent to your email inbox:

WALKING THE DOG

A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco.
Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her seeing-eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of
her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight
before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour... Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?'

The blind lady said, 'No thanks, but maybe BUDDY would like to stretch his legs.'

Picture this:The people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a seeing-eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday

Silly me. I thought I posted something on Monday.

And now it is Tuesday.

Bob had a meeting in Dallas and then Fort Worth, so he drove in today. And he also procured his passport so that he can help Air Force son and his family drive to Alaska. After James and Amber's wedding, Bob will help drive one of Air Force son's cars north to Alaska. Isn't it silly that you need a passport to travel through Canada to get to Alaska? But, now Bob is ready to be a world traveler.

The Mimosa tree next door is in full bloom. So pretty. Feathery blooms look like pompoms. Whenever I spell Mimosa, clerks will ask, "like the drink?" And they are usually surprised to hear there is a Mimosa tree. Our street has mostly oak trees---and there is a wide variety of those, and a few magnolia, pine, and a few pecan. One street over, they have actual dogwood trees, the pink and white variety like you see in east Texas.

Our Sunday School teacher gave us a whopper of a homework assignment. Bob worked on his until midnight Sunday night. I worked on it some yesterday. And then had fun on Brietbart TV online.

The shuttle released Hubble this morning. Do they land tomorrow? We have the coverage going on a split screen, but I have not been listening with both ears, obviously.

I am learning more about Army son's day from his fiancee than from him. What happened to that guy that would phone us for a five to ten minute chat each evening? He hath droppeth us like a hot rock. Oh, well. As it should be. I guess. I don't have to like it. So there. I think I will order extra starch for his shorts...I mean shirts.

I am still in shock and amazement that Ben-Ben ate supper with us Friday night, Saturday night at Uncle Roy's, and Sunday lunch, too...three meals in three successive days...whoa. My brother called me today and talked about the El Paso job. That would take Ben-Ben away for a long time. But, it would give us an excuse to go see him and relive our El Paso days. Maybe.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sunday---what a difference a week makes.

Last Sunday I was boo-hooing over an emotional Mother's Day message, slide show and music.

This Sunday, I enjoyed a good Sunday School lesson by Mr. Bud, and good sermon. And James and Amber sat with us. And even Ben-Ben joined us for lunch at Carrabbas. Bob and I wisely split an entree---as they are tooo large and you feel overstuffed after.

Sunday afternoon, Amber cut James' hair, as we sat outside on an absolutely gorgeous weather Sunday afternoon. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. We ate some more leftover cheesecake, and visited with the soon-to-be weds.

I got all James' laundry done, and folded, and now the house is too quiet again, as James and Amber have gone back to Amber's church for a pot luck and Lord's Supper.

Windows open. Birdies singing.

Last Sunday, Mother's Day was fun. The lasagna was good, and it turned out well, but today was good, too.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Rainy Saturday Morning

A cold front came through, so we are enjoying a rainy Saturday morning.

Watchin' the Shuttle space walkers repairing the Hubble online.

I need to give Bob a haircut.

More later

Later---we traveled to Frisco to visit Bob's brother and his wife and the other brother, Charlie in town for meetings. Ben-Ben rode with us. Bob had to use the windshield wipers with one hand and the steering wheel with the other as the rain was very spotty. Dry patches and then wet patches making their own weather on the new portions of 121 that is now toll--but take yer picture toll. Coinage for the North Dallas Tollway portion. I took salad and cheesecake, but Bob's sister-in-law knocked her self out with grilled chicken, green beans and new potatoes, hot bread, and brownies made with a symphony bar inside!! Whoa.

Fun to see their finished remodeled hearth and entertainment center. And no dog this time---not slobbery St. Bernards and no mutt licking the carpet. They hope to get another dog soon. Good to get caught up on their kids' news.

James and Amber were at a recital, but they said they'd go to church with us Sunday morning. Bob and I stayed up tooooo late as Bob was playing on the computer, and I worked for hours trying to get a silly knot out of my extra large yarn ball. When I stepped out to do laundry, Bob gave the yarn a try---but decided to cut it. Now why didn't I think of that?? There comes a point in trying to unravel a knot (rat's nest of a knot) that it becomes a quest, and I just was not ready to take the easy way out. Bob made that decision for me. I could have knitted three dishrags for the unraveling of a knotted mess.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Something Captured On Film

http://legault.club.fr/iss_atlantis_transit.html

This French photographer captured in 0.6 of a second the shuttle Atlantis and ISS (the international space station) as they transited the sun back in 2006. Recently, he was able to travel to Florida to capture Atlantis just before it grabbed Hubble in 0.8 seconds:



http://legault.club.fr/atlantis_hst_transit.html


What makes this so amazing is that our human eyes cannot look at the sun. And even if we could, the shuttle zips by the sun so quickly, we could not focus on it. But, telescopes, filters, and cameras can. And this photographer captures some amazing shots. I love the cows in the first series. He positioned the telescope after careful calculations and eye on the weather, right next to some cows in a field.

There is so much we don't see. Can't see. And while we think of the sun as a big object in the sky, the shuttle and ISS and Hubble are traveling at over 17,500 miles an hour in orbits around the earth---and yet they appear to be hardly moving at all when they meet each other. It seems agonizingly slow to watch them be in "free drift" as they touch or make contact. But, planned out way in advance, and with the help of myriads of computers and watchful engineers on the ground, they make it look easy.

There are so many lessons here. To make an amazing picture of such beauty takes time, money, desire, travel, calculations, good weather (clear skies) and all the expensive cameras, telescopes, filters, exact timing, health and expertise to succeed. I can't show you the pictures because they are copyrighted, so you will have to copy and paste to go there and see them. I found one set and the links on spaceweather dot com.

So what? You say.

The universe is so beautiful, so vast, so precise, that it speaks of a wonderful Creator. And God designed us with eyes to see, and brains to figure out how to capture what we cannot see. Everything is moving, either being pulled or pushed or expanding to God's perfect end. And it is amazing to me that God created, showed it all to us, left some parts hidden, and created us as very intricate, complicated creatures that have the free will to marvel, to worship, to ignore, to not even care, to notice, and ponder what God is up to. What is His plan? We seem so small. Our lives zip by and some are cut short when the laws of physics are disturbed.

In Lawton, Oklahoma, just three hours down the road, a soldier was killed when his motorcycle hit a patch of gravel and flipped. And just three weeks before, another soldier was killed when a minivan struck him while he was riding his bicycle. What a waste, we think. Accidents. They left behind grieving families, property, jobs, medals. They both experienced a lot more danger flying in airplanes, traveling through Europe, deployed to Iraq, and even in training, and both had to be in great physical shape. Disciplined. Sometimes God seems to overrule the laws of physics and prevents an accident. We have all experienced near misses in the crazy traffic that is DFW. And sometimes God allows a crazy person to snap and take out five other soldiers. And sometimes God allows an empty suit, an arrogant liberal to percolate to the top and become president of the United States of America.

The what ifs---what if the divorce papers of his opponent had not been made public and Obama had not won the contested seat in Illinois? What if Elizabeth Edwards had done the right thing and exposed her husband for the fraud and cheat he was before the North or South Carolina primary and Hillary had won? Would we be better off with Hillary cramming her idea of socialized health care down our throats?? What if the media was not so biased and in love with Obama? What if John McCain had won? Would our country be still knee deep in stupid bailouts?

No one is asking me. But, something happened last September. Some strange computer run on the banks. And they said unto President George Bush that a crash was sure and that he must do something. And he believed them, and so did McCain. And Obama was handed a country in "crisis" which was very convenient because he can now blame President Bush for problems. And he can hide his own incompetence and stir up unrest, and "use" this crisis to ram through his liberal agenda called socialism.

But, God is in control. Remember? There are no accidents with God. Our time on this earth is like the brief transit of a manmade spacecraft across the sun. God puts kings on thrones, and controls the weather. God blesses the righteous, and sometimes He takes home an Enoch or a soldier seemingly before their time. Others live to be almost one hundred, like my grandpa, and enjoy and appreciate the farm God gave them to work and make productive. Others, God infuses with the spark to start church, or write a program or join the Army.

Maybe I should keep it for another post---but one funny: when you live and love an engineer, a very literal, precise engineer, a patient man, a loving, strong and gentle man, he will look over your shoulder when you are gazing at the crazy magazine pictures online of weddings and children and parties and he can't help it---he does not see beauty, but a waste. A waste of time and money and energy. But, ask that same man to talk deep---as I love his deep sounds--ask that man to talk dirty, and he will say unto you: dirt, filth, dust, grime, soil, grit, and then he will roll over and go back to sleep.

I guess the honeymoon is over if dear husband does not have time to relight the water heater pilot. Oh, well. I asked, as he walked out the door, why the cowboy boots---as with jeans (dress down day) boots are his dress up shoes. He said that he did not have any clean black socks. So, I bought some more black socks at Walmart today. And found him some snazzy boxer briefs. One is in his college colors!

And he left his coffee in the microwave. It was not a great start. Maybe it will rain and he won't have to do any yard work. Brother Charlie is in town, so Bob should enjoy getting to see his best friend brother, Roy, too.

Later---Bob let ME relight the pilot!!! I learn by DOING. So, for me to get down on the floor with the flashlight and candle on the end of the pencil and relight the thing was wonderful. Now I can do it all by myself. ha.

We ate supper with Ben-Ben at Cracker Barrel---because Friday night is catfish night. Then we came home and went to bed early, because Bob was falling asleep in his chair.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hard Day

My thoughts are with our Army son, James today. He is the officer in charge of the personal effects of a soldier who died in a motorcycle crash. So sad. My heart goes out to the parents who did not like motorcycles, and did not want their son to get one, and then to get the news. The worst news ever---that the son you raised, and taught, and hauled everywhere, should lose his life like this. This soldier had been in the Army probably six or eight years, and probably experienced a couple of deployments, so these parents have suffered enough with that.

James let us know about this sad duty in an email asking for prayer for the soldier's family. We called and talked to him, and Bob was able to relate his experiences from when he reviewed reports of a soldier that died in a motorcycle accident when he was in the Army. Bob was able to talk to our son about the importance of securing property so that it does not get stolen. And keeping good records. The paperwork must be staggering.

When we raised our sons, and as Andy and James went through college, and ROTC, we wondered if they were being prepared sufficiently for the hard things they might face in the military. I wonder if they ever got briefed on this. Andy, our firstborn in the Air Force has experienced a lot of funeral duty. And while hard, his job as been at the graveside with grieving veterans and retirees families. So James' duty is a little different, and sadly, it probably won't be the last time. Motorcycle and traffic accidents are too common. Too frequent.

Our sons know they are being evaluated at each job, each responsibility, and they are learning life lessons beyond things we have ever had to experience....lessons I am sure God will use again in the future so that they can turn around and comfort someone going through this or something similar.

As a parent, you hate to see your sons go through tough days like today, but we are proud of them, and are so thankful they share a little bit of it so that we can pray more intelligently.

And with hard days, there will be days of joy and laughter. On the radio here today, WBAP is highlighting the story of a 19 year old soldier in Afghanistan who called his folks with the news that his picture was on the front page of the New York Times. In a firefight, SPC Boyd only had time to grab his helmet, flak jacket and weapon. And the photographer caught a picture of his bright pink boxers sporting the print: I love New York.

So, as my son deals with the sad duty today, I hope he learns some good things, some silly, and funny things about SSG B. I hope SSG B. is remembered for more than one mistake on gravel. And I hope SSG B's life helps others to slow down, be more careful, and know you leave grieving parents and a grateful nation for your service.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

It is Wednesday? Whoops!

Tuesday night, Bob got off early after a meeting in Fort Worth, so we ran off to the movies and saw Star Trek again. I heard the music this time. And saw more of the insidious bias---its all about feelings, go with your feelings, Spock. We just blew up the logic planet. And the biggest coincidence ever---rebel just happens to be banished to planet Spock from the future is on. Bob still had to explain two different conversations, as I did not get them the first time, either. But, it was nostalgic.

How come when we eat an ice cream cone before bed, I cannot get up the next morning. And my eyes are all puffy? Yikes.

I am watching the NASA online coverage of the shuttle grasping the Hubble for repairs. They are moving in agonizingly slow. Slowing down for the grasp as light as a kiss. And the Hubble folks are having to give the telescope commands to accept this catch.

Yesterday, I listened to a progress supply module come in on automatic pilot. The Russians make me chuckle in their emotional play-by-play, as they were ready to take over the controls if needed: "steadily, stately, (it is coming in) like an important person". Too funny. That told me so much about their culture.

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Miracle of Chiropractic !!!

Ben was complaining of a lump in his neck, and high blood pressure, and being tired. I suggested we start with the chiropractor we have used for years, Dr. Gary Brettmann. He recently moved his office to Mansfield, Texas--1024 E. Broad Street.

Since it was raining, Ben could not work on roofs right now, anyway. So he dropped by this morning, and asked to go to see Dr. Brettmann. I told him I'd take him.

Dr. Brettmann worked him over good. His fifth vertebrae was not in the right place, and come to find out, that is what was affecting his blood pressure. Dr. Brettmann asked Ben if he had been lifting heavy things. Ben confessed the heavy concrete/cement bags for the windmill base.

We went home by Walmart, and Ben's blood pressure was normal! Amazing.

We cannot cover Ben under our insurance because he no longer lives with us, and is not a full time student. This thirty dollar fee for a chiropractor treatment just saved us thousands. I realize an MD has to run tests to rule out things and protect themselves. Chiropractic is the way to go! Dr. Brettmann has restored a guy to get back to work---work he enjoys, and given him such relief. Ben was afraid he had a tumor.

Misting

Is it a mist? Is it a fog? The droplets are not grounding the bugs---and the mosquitoes are amazingly aggressive---whoa. And all I did was walk Bob to the car this morning. At 6:10am, it was still dark.

Shuttle launching today to go fix the Hubble. (at 1:07 CT good launch!)

I think I shall go to Walmart today. My list is small: coffeemate liquid, Bob's 'showtime' Old Spice body liquid soap, and oats to make oatmeal. And maybe get some prints out of the digital camera.

The talk shows on the radio will be all over the white house dinner and mean spirited commedian, and hopefully, highlighting some good things Cheney said.

Has everyone seen the new Star Trek movie? Ready to talk about it's "message"?? If you have not seen it, you'd better stop reading. I was puzzled by the agenda of the new Star Trek movie, but then it hit me---a new timeline means the liberty to rewrite Spock as more loving/feeling/emotional. Logic is blown up. Blown up as in the whole planet Spock came from. And alert, more observant bloggers have noted how the utopia Star Trek pushes---a future without money, and without nations---and where sex has no consequences...what are we teaching the next generation at the church/religion that is Hollywood??

Propaganda, bias, and what is that word? _____________

Sure, the new movie is smart, and action-packed, and loud, and amazing in its special effects. And such nostalgia for those of us who watched the original as little kids. Will I see it again? Yes. I like to see movies in the theater. I miss a lot the first time, and now that I know the ending, it is fun to go back and see details. Some are complaining about the music, as if not grand enough. It nodded back to the past.

One of the pluses someone mentioned was the fact that the movie does not bore us to death with diplomacy. But, the strange theme of an elderly/wise omnipresent Spock from the original series trying to fix what he was blamed for breaking, and the what ifs. Sequel? They seem to leave that possibility open. Why wasn't the original Shatner given a role? He still seems hale and hearty enough to do hotel/travel ads. And why not the now openly gay character? I am being sarcastic here---but isn't Hollywood all about shoving homosexuality down our you-know-whats?

It is refreshing to see the bad guys blown away. But, sad to see the good guys fly into a trap where all of their other ships have been blown up. And the bad guy---he was just vengeful for a perceived wrong. If only the bad guy had been enlightened, he would not have been bad. What is Hollywood selling? Do they really think the radical extremist muslim criminals would stop blowing stuff up if we could just reason with them and make them feel better and show them what really happened in history? Do they really think we can educate them or enlighten them to be nice? Legislate loving? Sure---lets look at how loving and nice they were at the white house dinner. The comedian called Rush Limbaugh treasonous for disagreeing with the present administration's policy. The comedian proclaimed a painful death, and waterboarding as punishment for someone who disagrees with her. Education and enlightenment is not helping the left get along. And the irony---if given a chance, the taliban sees no difference between President Bush and President Obama. The taliban would love to kill Rush as well as comedians. The honorable men and women who are at this very moment fighting for the comedian's right to spew her hatred is also fighting for Rush Limbaugh's right to have an opinion.

Who is Hollywood in bed with? Who does Hollywood hate, and who do they love?

And the left, liberal main stream media press---they all voted for Obama. When will they return to being objective? When will they set their feelings aside, and report the news? Funny---I do not remember any need for the press or media in the future utopia that is/was Star Trek. I guess in the future, there will be no need for money, or newspapers. And isn't it fun to see how they solved that weightless/gravity thing in space, too?

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day 2009

Woke up in the middle of the night with a bad dream. And I started thinking about my meal preparations. Reminded myself to turn the buttered pans over so that Sallycat does not lick them ! Bad kitty.

Bertolli does a baked lazagna that is really good, and so easy. I was going to put it in the 13 by 9 inch pyrex, but the two round pyrex (2 quart each) with lids did much better and kept it moist in case the preacher got long winded.

Bob and I live so close to the church, we drove home between Sunday School and church to make sure the oven turned on. I had it on automatic, but wanted to be sure. All that was left was putting the rolls in the oven, washing the lettuce, and whipping up some pumpkin pie for dessert. I use plain milk in pumpkin pie. So I had all the ingredients. It just seemed easier to eat at home today of all days, as the eating places are full, and waiters fractured. We can visit easier at home, too. I should have turned on the AC much, much earlier. I did not realize it was over eighty in here. I just started sweating and sweating. Thought I was having a hot flash. Ha.

Church was just way too emotional today----Janet put together a slide show of the kids, for moms, and I got to thinking about our grown sons---Andy to Alaska in August, and James possibly to Afghanistan in December. And Ben is having some health issues. I cry easily, and a friend hugged my neck--and she has more health issues than ten people. I do not have any problems compared to her. Such a sweet soul. She has been so tired lately from a "leaky" valve in her heart...that we keep in touch by email, as she has been too tired to go to church. So good to see her today. So, I boo-hoo-ed through church and vowed not to come to a Mother's Day next year---like Easter, the message is "lite" and I'd rather do a fun Mother's Day like the time we took Andy to see his new college. But, ours turned out fine.

Ben bought me a dozen roses and put them in water and had them on the counter when we got home from church. Wow. And even Benito came over with two more roses and carnations, and in his slippers wished me a "Happy New Year". It was too cute. I could not correct him.

The food was good. We had plenty. Plenty of rolls and salad left over, so Bob won't have to eat "birdseed" again. Last night, after working hard in the yard, Bob said he wanted something more substantial than "birdseed" when I offered him the trail mix with sunflower seeds in it. Too funny.

Amber took some pictures. She even caught the doves on the birdfeeder. I counted five doves at once. When we take pictures with James' digital, the screen is dark and affects the picture. But, Amber was able to grab the doves like a post card. Wow.

And I confessed the trick I played on Bob---he is going to blog about that, because I got him good. All in all, it was a pretty good day!!

Happy Mother's Day everyone.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

COOOOL Weather



Wow. Cool weather one more time? It was so hot and humid and sticky here in the DFW area most of last week. Had to turn on the AC. Then, even though it was over 90 degrees yesterday, the temps started falling. Ah. Since midnight, it has been slowing sinking. Sixty-six feels delish. Opened the windows wide. Did not think we'd see this until October or November.

Bob got both front and back mowed again today. It had grown since Monday's hay mowing session. I lost count of the bags he hauled to the compost pile. It is probably full of the coastal dandelion seed, but, oh, well.

Still need to do haircuts. But, that can wait until tomorrow afternoon.

I have lazagna planned for lunch. I hope to set it going in the oven and then all I have to do is the rolls, and wash the salad. A super easy Mother's Day lunch after church.

James brought his blankets home this weekend, so I have been feeding them one at a time into the washer and dryer. Somehow, a few were soap laden. So, they needed an extra rinse. I have tried before to wash them and in too full a load, I have now learned that they eat all the soap.

Time for bed? Even though it was cloudy all day, Bob got some sun. His co-workers are going to think he has a boat...or a convertible.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

Genesis 1:28 says: Be fruitful and multiply...

Genesis 4:1 & 2a says: Now Adam made love with his wife, Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, "I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD. And again, she gave birth to his brother Abel.

Genesis 4:20 says: And Adah gave birth to Jabal ...vs.21 and his brother's name was Jubal. vs 22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

Genesis 4:25 And Adam made love with his wife again; and she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, for she said, "God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel; for Cain murdered him." vs 26 And to Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD.

Genesis 5 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. he created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created. When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. Then the days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died. And Seth lived one hundred and five years, and became the father of Enosh. Then Seth lived eight hundred and seven years after he became the father of Enosh, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died. And Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan. Then Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years after he became the father of Kenan, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died. And Kenan lived seventy years, and became the father of Mahalalel. Then Kenan lived eight hundred and forty years after he became the father of Mahalalel, and he ahd other sons and daughters. So all the days of Kenana were nine hundred and ten years, and he died. And Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Jared. Then Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years after he became the father of Jared, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died. And Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and became the father of Enoch. Then Jared lived eight hundred years after he became the father of Enoch, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years and he died. And Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. And Methuselah lived one hundred and eight-seven years, and became the father of Lamech. Then Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years after he became the father of Lamaech, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died. And Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and became the father of a son. Now he called his name Noah, saying, "This one shall give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground with the LORD has cursed." Then Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years after he became the father of Noah, and he ahd other sons and daughters. So all the days of Lamaech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years, and he died. And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Happy Father's Day, too.

This fun to graph. And in graphing, you realize that Seth was 700 years old when his own father died. He would live another 115 years. Math question: When Adam died, how many generations were making babies?

Methuselah outlived his own son by five years? When Methuselah died, God shut Noah and his family in the ark, and flooded the earth. So, since we are given Adam's age and Methuselah's age, and Noah's age, it is pretty easy to figure out what year the flood happened. We are not told that Methuselah drowned. I believe he died and was buried.

BEGAT means Born, opposite of abort !!!

Sitting there eating my salad---

now I know why I love the BEGATS !!! Begat means born, or father or mother, or give birth to---and raise to adulthood so that they can begat someone, and God is BIG into BEGATTING !!!

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!!!!!!!

Quickverse makes it easy to count how many times a word occurs in the Bible.

The word, BORN occurs 308 times in 266 verses.

"gave birth" occurs 32 times in 30 verses.

Isn't that wonderful?!!! We serve a loving God who invented SEX and MARRIAGE and FAMILY and gave us little babies to love and raise.

Wouldn't it be wonderful, to spice it up a little, when the Bible is read aloud, we read: And Eve gave birth to Cain: Eve did not abort Cain. Eve gave birth to his brother, Abel. Even DID NOT abort Abel.

And brave Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Luke 2:7 says: she gave birth to a Son, her firstborn and wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in the manager...she DID NOT abort him. She DID NOT SMOTHER Him. And let's not forget the brave mother of Moses who tried to save his life by putting him in a watertight basket and setting him to float on the river, and gave instructions to his big sister to watch him.

Abortion is a modern crime. Women used to die in childbirth. But, thanks to modern medicine, most women survive pregnancy now, and the crime of murdering a baby before it is born sadly, has been a modern crime. One hundred years ago, women hid a pregnancy in big skirts. Many cultures leave unwanted babies in the wild to die even to this day. And in China, women are forced to have abortions in some crazy population control method. What are they going to do in a few years when the men outnumber the women?

God disciplined cultures that murdered tiny babies. Even some of the kings of Israel suffered for not removing the evil religion of the day that murdered babies. Some read the Old Testament and think God is cruel for wiping out whole nations or cities or towns---but often they were guilty of murder or homosexuality. (see Sodom and Gormorrah)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

All is in readiness

The Bertolli bag is poured out into the glass dish, along with a bag of cauliflower.

The frozen rolls wait on top of the cookie sheet. All I have to do is turn on the oven at the proper time. And set the microwave going about twenty minutes before Bob gets home.

(Ben-Ben came over for supper, too! I texted him, and he was headed this way--)

I bought the oil for the van, and found the OFF bug spray hidden back in the camping department of Walmart. I should have picked up another gallon of windshield wiper fluid, as the reservoir drank all I had.

I listened to a Mars Hill message---number 4 in Nehemiah---I had always wondered about that list, too. He likens Nehemiah to keeping a journal. And the list of folks who worked on the wall got their names in the Bible for doing God's work---the most back breaking and heavy hefting of jobs. And how God uses people, and families, and how God could have miraculously brought the walls back in the blink of an eye, but instead, God used people and relationships, and how work is good. I love the daughters that are mentioned. Were these amazon women of super strength? Tomboys? Or just women with good organizational skills? Nothing is wasted in the Bible. Every word precious. Every story for our benefit.

These would have been the walls Jesus saw during His earthly ministry. These would have been the gates He entered.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Clean Sheets

And clean blanket. And clean pillow cases. Time to take a shower and head to bed.

I have been sleepy all day. lazy.

I had such a big want list: OFF bug spray, and oil for Bob's car. Two-O's.

And even though I had a nap, I yawned in church.

church---feels funny to type it. church. like a horse prancing.

OOpps---maybe James gets that randomness from moi.

Cereal for supper. Frozen chewy cake for snack. Cake that is chewy because I did not follow directions.

The clean sheets are calling me. Whispering my name.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Ten Minutes

In ten minutes he'll be home.

In ten minutes he will fill up the house with sound, and smiles, and voice.

In ten minutes, our evening together will begin.

Maybe with a bit of mowing? Rain kept Bob from getting it done last weekend, and now it is SO tall. Getting his Sunday School lesson was a priority last weekend, too.

But, Bob frowns when he mows. He does not like to mow. That is why he had big, strong, strapping sons... But they escaped. Flew the nest.

In ten minutes, he will be hear to enjoy the doves cooing, airplanes going overhead, birds chirping. The sparrow nests in the neighbor's carport sing the full nest of babies song. Music to the cats on patrol.

In ten minutes---well, make that eight now...the distinctive sound of the Plymouth climbing the drive will draw me to the front door to hold the door, (make sure it is unlocked) and hollar whether or not I have fetched the mail. As Bob exits with brief case in hand rescued from the back seat, and the empty blue glass coffee mug still smelling sweet with coffeemate liquid dried in a puddle. With a little soaking, it will go through the next dishwasher run just fine.

In just a few minutes, Bob will be home. Wait, what yonder sound? It is the Romeo and I his Juliet.

And so, Romeo came home from the wars, and mowed the long, long grass, and lived happily ever after. That mulching blade chopped the grass in nice, short pieces!

On Saturday, my mowing man plans on another swath, and some weed eating.

And I spotted new leaves on the tree I thought had died. Maybe it did suffer from the late freeze. Bob was right again.

Questions and Answers





amazing answers---the one at the end where he illustrates "election" made me cry---God gives us the illustration of what we need in toddlers. Wow. Wow. What an awesome God we serve. Be encouraged.

When your toddler is headed into traffic, and death---a loving Father yanks us back. A loving Father's love is more important than our self-destructive will. The question is not, is God just? He owes us nothing. He gave us everything.

Monday, May 4, 2009

I found a flea!!

I found a flea. a real live flea!

I just hate to put the flea drops on the cat unless we see a flea as she gets all spastic and convulsive. But, Sallycat is leaving tuffs of hair everywhere she sits. And I noticed she was digging at herself, and reaching back and biting her leg or back. So, I put the drops on her. And of course, she did not like it. And tried to get away. So I brushed the spot to make sure I got it on her skin, and the brush caught a real, live flea! Yippeee! She IS flea infested after all.

Well, the flea drops say they get rid of most of the fleas within 12 hours. She ought to be feeling better soon. And maybe the hair tuffs will stop appearing on the carpet every few minutes. Poor tiddy-tatt.

This report made me laugh out loud!!!

WBAP, our local talk radio station, at the top of the hour news, Amy C. just reported that North Korea says the obama administration is NO DIFFERENT than the previous. Wow. What a low blow. Those North Koreans are cruel. What a hoot.

A Food Post

For those of you that can't stand talk about food...be warned. Go away.

Last night, our soon-to-be daughter-in-law brought us some flautas she made. Wow. Food delivered to our door! Are we spoiled or what!!?? How did she make them? I hope James paid attention. But, I heard he was showing off his vacuuming skills. Silly boy. I hope he is not going to be one of those who crow every time they clean the potty. I hope he cleans and folds and vacuums stealthily---as unto the Lord---not needing her to notice every cotton pickin' thing. 'Cause guess what, whatall she doeth for you will be so much and the list so long...there are not books enough to hold them all.

At lunch yesterday, we went to overpriced Carrabbas. The food was good. But, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. Bob tried to get me to split an entree with him, but no...and I should have, but the good thing is that I got to eat the leftovers today. WOW. I have never had such a tasty breakfast. Ha. Just the right amount. Veal piccatta. lemony. with garlic potatoes.

And the bread at Carrabbas is delish. I love to take a loaf home for dessert---and toast the next day. I wish they'd let you buy an uncut loaf. I would cut the crust off, and feast upon the crust and give the soft innerds to dear Bob. Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean....so betwixt the two of them, they ate the whole loaf.

Am I spoiled or what??!!

To the grocery store I go because we are almost out of milk, and fruit, and birdseed. And I have doves to feed before I sleep.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Sunday, May 3, 2009

The house is quiet tonight. Bob taught Sunday School this morning---he did not get all the way through his lesson, so I am glad he practiced the whole thing on me before we left for church.

And we talked to all three of our sons yesterday AND today. That is neat. Rare.

The firtborn and family are back home after a geology field trip to Lake Erie. When I was saying good-bye to the grandchild, I'd say, "bye-bye" and the grandchild would mimic me exactly. If I said, "bye-bye-bye", the grandchild would, too! Smart one! Have I reported that firstborn gets his captain's bars pinned on June 1st, and there is cake involved?? Should be fun!

I cannot spill the beans on our middle son just yet. Not until James and Amber give permission. Let's just say it is gonna be a fun, fun summer!!!!!!!! I am so glad Amber got to see James today, and that she then came by our house, too! Wow. I was so good to see her. It has been such a roller coaster week, that I have been wanting to hug her all week. Last Monday, James got the news about moving down to a battalion possibly deploying to Afghanistan in December. We knew he'd probably deploy somewhere once he finished his training, but other places had been voiced, so Afghanistan was a jolt. Time to brush up on all things Afghanistan. And maybe it won't happen what with the current administration, and Sec. Gates not wanting to send more troops. The only way to win in Afghanistan is live with the people, so they know we are there to help for years and years. They will try to milk the USA for everything they can, and they are corrupt, but unless we built schools, and give them some profitable way to earn a living, they will go back to poppies and abusing their own. But, does this administration understand this mission? Is this our mission for the next twenty years and more? Is America ready to pour billions and billion of dollars and blood and sweat and tears into Afghanistan? I am not real thrilled with propping up their evil religion of slavery and abuse of women and children. What are our options?

Youngest son ate lunch with us today and introduced us to Christie. It was good to see him. He had the great news of being put on salary with the company he has worked faithfully for two years now. The company is growing, and hopefully, though they are small, they can add health care soon. Ben said his blood pressure was elevated for some strange reason. That is not good. He is thin, and works hard. He needs some wisdom teeth looked at, and a pilonidal cyst fixed. He is not covered on our insurance because he does not live with us, he is over 21, and he is not in school.

It rained so hard most of the weekend that the mowing had to be postponed. And we are now beyond mowing---we need a hay baler. At least the coastal dandelions got to go to seed, so I will get to enjoy some next year. We are gonna get a ticket from the city for having too, too tall grass out front.

Skyped with James, and with my folks. When you skype with my folks, you get to see my Dad in his jockeys. He is almost 74 years old--the end of this month, so there is no changing him now. He needs a t-shirt that says, I am a sucker for any con man or woman well dressed, who can tell a convincing sad story. Please--Dad--give her gas next time, not cash.

Time for bed. And what is with the cat---little tuffs of hair everywhere she sits---best take her in for a flea check. Vacuuming every day.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

It is a Good Day when we hear .. all three of our sons

It is Saturday morning, and Bob is working on his Sunday School lesson. Andy called this morning. And I called Ben just now to see how he is doing, and how his week went. Then James checked in and showed us the t-shirts they are selling for the fun run. So, we actually got to see James on Skype. Fun. Fun.

My thought are with Aunt Candace today. She is getting married to Thornton Bates. I wish them all the best. I hope Hannah and Ross have a good day, too.

Now I need to find something quiet to do so that Bob can study.

More later...more online journalling. More boring comments about the day. More parking stuff here that I have observed or want to remember.

Pjamas Media has an excellent video up debunking a certain commedian that has strange thoughts about WW2. I learned stuff they never taught at my high school, and I graduated in 1974. We did bend over backwards warning Japan to surrender or we would destroy certain cities embedded with munitions factories. As my Mother would say, "you learn something every day". And that is good. Never stop learning.

and on a website today that lists the fifty top tools every man should have---not only does my dear husband have every single tool, but I recognized them!!

More rain!! Wow. I think it has rained every day this week. This will ease the drought and fill up the lakes, and give other parts of the country a turn at the sunshine.

Can't Sleep

It is four o'clock in the morning.

I have been naughty. A dear niece hinted of some digestive problems, and in our country, that means she got to shell out over $800 to rule out things, which in English means, the doctor was protecting himself from lawsuit. If she comes down with something, he can point to the tests and say, "see, I did nothing wrong---I ran these expensive tests". Yikes.

My dear niece, did not want to burden us with the details of her symptoms, nor did she want to discuss them in the public forum that is the blogosphere. But, as a mom, that just makes me curiouser. So, I started guessing. And giggling. And Uncle Bob came up with a few guesses, too. And we sorta got carried away. I hope she will forgive us either before or after she laughs. She had not posted in so long, and now our over-the-top comments may scare her away from blogging for another month.

Uncle Bob was so good to get his yearly physical. And he bravely told the doctor about a mole on his back that I did not think looked right, and the doctor took it off, and he got his results back yesterday: the mole was not cancer. So, we celebrated by going to Chick-fill-you up, and ate supper. It does not take much for us to celebrate at Chick-fill-you up. I had the chicken strip salad. (sounds naughty) and Uncle Bob had a sandwich and fries. We love their ice cream cones, too. But, you get chilled eating them there. Best to eat them careening down the freeway so that you can control the temperature inside the car.

The creative juices are flowing. I must confess, I thought of a few more digestive disease guesses...

And aren't biscuits in England called "digestives"?

Friday, May 1, 2009

Congratulations Firstborn!!

Our oldest son called to say he gets his Captain's bars pinned on June first! And parents are invited. And there is a cake! And something about the pictures of the cake for first lieutenant bars not being released to cake wrecks until next year. I don't quite get that one, but it has to do with the unfortunate placement of aircraft?!

Andy called at almost 5pm (their time) and I think the grandchild was holding the phone. All of a sudden I heard the trumpet sound. Not trumpet as in the Bible, but trumpet as in through speakers, followed by the National Anthem. Not having experienced this at 5pm their time before, I surmised it must be the Air Force Base's evening call. But, why not taps? Do we save taps for only funerals now? Soon as the song was over, Andy came back on the phone and explained that they pull over, roll down the window and sit respectfully when this happens while in a car. And he said that the grandchild knows to put her hand over her heart.

I got to experience it. By phone. How cool is that?

When I was a little girl, the small town in Illinois had a noon whistle. You just got used to it, and some days you did not even hear it. And in Israel, I read that certain times of year, everyone stops and observes several minutes of silence. The civilian world is missing so much not living by an Air Force Base. Wouldn't it be neat if we all stopped at 5pm and heard the Star Spangled Banner? Or, at sunset, the haunting notes of taps? Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well, safely rest. God is nigh. God is near!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Ever since BO made his hostile comment about the tea bag protests, I have been thinking of good comebacks. bumperstickers. BO thinks Fox news is behind the tea bag protests. What an idiot.

I can't stand BO's uh, uh, uh-s.
I can't stand his inability to answer questions.
I can't stand it when he slaps the military. He said he was "enchanted" by the military. Really? And why? Because, he said, they do not complain. Ah. I see. Then he went on to talk about how he wishes he could just push a button and MAKE BANKERS DO WHAT HE WANTS. He is a (insert bad word) dictator. No dissent allowed. We are peasants? Such intolerance. I have got to buy more tea bags and hang one from the rear view mirror.

Anyway, here are my bumper sticker ideas:

A PROUD TEA BAG WAVER

GOT TEA BAGS?

I (HEART) TO WAVE TEA BAGS

and I am still working on this one:

I NOT ONLY WAVE TEA BAGS, _______________________

And my new favorite line I found on a blog yesterday: big, stinking pile of Pelosi. It can be used thusly: BO's attitude toward the country is a big, stinking pile of Pelosi.



And now a word about swine flu. I have been wondering how exactly people die of flu. Surely, on the death certificates it says they died of dehydration or pneumonia or maybe complications of flu by an infection of the blood, and our local radio station just reported that severe cases of pneumonia got ahead of Mexican officials before they realized it was swine flu. And two military bases in California have a large number of infected soldiers.

Can you think of any good Tea Bag Bumper Stickers ideas?

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so snarky today. My attitude stinketh like a big pile of Pelosi. Please protect everyone downwind. And I need you to give me a heart of repentence, please. I ask, trembling, because, no matter what, Your Way is Best. Your Will Be Done. In Jesus name. Amen.