Have a Healthy New Year!

One of our local hospitals ran an article in our weekend paper regarding ways to stay healthy this winter. I won't try to put it all in one post, but here is the first installment. And have a happy New Year!

Kitchen sink--
Studies have shown that kitchen sinks are dirtier than most bathrooms. There are approximately 500,000 or more bacteria per square inch in the drain alone. Plus the sponge, the basin, and the faucet handles are also crawling with bacteria.

Ways to reduce the risk:

-Clean your kitchen counters and sink with antibacterial products after preparing or cleansing food, which carry lots of potential pathogens like salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli.

-Wash your hands well with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds (long enough to sing, "Happy Birthday").

-Sanitize sponges by running them through the dishwasher's drying cycle, which will kill 99.9% of the bacteria. (If you don't have a dishwasher, microwaving the sponge for 1 minute on high can also sanitize it. Washing regularly in the laundry and drying it might help, but many sponges can't be run through a dryer.)

-As for the sink, clean it twice a week with a solution of one tablespoon chlorine bleach and one quart of water. Scrub the basin, and then pour the solution down the drain.

Tune in next time for my installment on Wet Laundry!

The Reason for the Season

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' "

~Isaiah 9:6

A Marriage Prayer

For about 18 years now, I have carried a card (in my Bible) with the following prayer. I wanted to share it with my readers today.

Lord,
help us to remember
when we first met
and the strong love
that grew between us.
Help us to work that love
into practical things
so nothing can divide us.
We aks for words
both kind and loving,
and for hearts always ready
to ask forgiveness
as well as to forgive.
Dear Lord, we put our marriage
into Your hands.
Amen.
~Author Unknown

A Northerner's Fund Raiser

Some Christmas Cheer

Just So You Know...

I'm taking a short hiatus from blogging.

God bless.

Where, Oh Where?

I'm not lost. I just haven't had time for blogging lately.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Traditions

We have annual Thanksgiving traditions in our family:

--drive to Michigan

--the guys have to play the family football game, whether it's snowing, or sunny, or whatever...

--the gals have to prepare the feast, complete with turkey, stuffing, rutabaga, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, corn, peas (and other veggies), bread rolls, sweet potato casserole, the jello dessert, banana cream pie, probably apple pie, mashed potatoes...and whatever we can think of that we may have missed in all that!

--watch the Detroit Lions (usually they get beat, but we can always hope!)

--eat leftovers for supper

Thankfully, this year, we don't have to rush back home.

Tell me about your traditions!

Have a Good Weekend!

True Beauty

The following essay was written by my cousin's 14 year old daughter. I have posted it on both my blogs, as I didn't want any of my readers to miss it. (The author's name has been withheld by request.)
****************************************

Letter About Beauty

I hate it when the girls show off their bodies. They show off all of their legs, as in, if their shorts went any shorter they’d be wearing underwear. I guess they think they’d be accepted if they wear basically nothing. It bothers me that their shirts are like bras; it shows all of their stomach and a lot of their chest. What’s with this? It drives me insane! Why can’t they be modest for once? Why do their parents even let them wear this stuff anyway? Why do they even make those clothes in the first place? Who came up with that? Why does everyone strive to be “beautiful”? Why do we all want to be skinny? Yeah, everyone does think about being beautiful and skinny. Even beautiful, skinny girls think that they’re not skinny or pretty enough. What’s with “Oh I wish I had her clothes”, or “Why can’t I get into a size 0 like she can?” Or even “Oh I love her hair! I wish I had her hair.” Or “She always gets the hottest guys, why doesn’t any good looking guy want to go out with me?”? I hate that! But yet, I do that too, just like you do. So this is why I’m writing this to you. I’m going to try to stand up against those lies. You are beautiful, I’m beautiful, she’s beautiful, we are all beautiful. Even when we grow older and the outside appearance may not be as beautiful as it used to be, lets make sure that we’re always modest, and that our inside is beautiful. There are some girls out there who have the most beautiful outward appearance, but inside is the most hideous person on the face of the earth, just by her attitude and her thoughts. We need to be confidant in ourselves. Girls, we need to remember to not show off our bodies so those guys can see it, just wait for your husband, only he should see that. I love the way Emily Downs puts it in an article in Focus On The Family’s teenage girl’s magazine, Brio, she says that “As females, we need to stop putting so much of our worth in outward appearance. Our Lord created humans in His image, not just the thin, perfect-looking people, but every one of us in all our shapes and sizes. God doesn’t see beauty the way today’s media do. He created tiny girls and curvy girls.” God did create us. He doesn’t make junk. He made you the way you are; he made me the way I am. Even the models are not as thin as the pictures in the magazine. They use computers to fix up their hair, eyes, their size, they get rid of their zits, they make their boobs bigger, or their legs more tan, or they get rid of the spot that they missed when they shaved. No one is perfect.

We don’t need to show off our bodies to be beautiful, in fact that’s just disgusting!

We don’t need to have perfect hair; we don’t need to be a size 0. We just need to be ourselves. Proverbs 31:30 says “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Also Psalms 139:14 says “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” The bible says that we are created in God’s image! If you think that you’re ugly, and not good enough, that’s just like insulting God because he made us like this! So think positive, be modest, and most importantly of all, be the girl who God made you to be!


.

For All My Friends Back in Michigan

Detroit Traffic Rules

*Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere.
Detroit has its own version of traffic rules. Hold on
and pray! First you must learn to pronounce the city
name. It's Di-troit, NOT DEE-troit. If you pronounce
it DEE-Troit then we will assume you are from Toledo
and here for the country Music hoe-down.

*The morning rush hour is from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The evening rush hour is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning. Weekends
are open game.

*If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be
rear ended, and possibly shot. If you're first off the
starting line when the light turns green, count to
five before going. This will avoid getting in the way
of cross traffic who just ran their yellow light to
keep from getting shot.

*Schoenherr can ONLY be prounounced by a native of the
metro Detroit area. That goes for Gratiot too.

*Construction and renovation on I-94, I-96, I-75 and
I-275 is a way of life, just deal with it.

*If someone actually has their turn signal on, it is
probably a factory defect or they are "out of
towners".

*All old men with white hair wearing a hat have total
right-of-way.

*The minimum acceptable speed on I-696 is 85
regardless of the posted speeds. Anything less is
considered downright SISSY.

*Oh, don't even think of allowing more than one car
length between cars!

*The attractive wrought iron on the windows and doors
in Detroit is NOT ornamental. DO NOT get out of your
car.

*Never stare at the driver of the car with the bumper
sticker that says, Keep honking, I'm reloading.

*If you are in the left lane and only going 70 in a 60
mph zone, people are not waving because they are so
friendly in Detroit. I would suggest you duck.

*I-275 & I-696 is our daily version of NASCAR.

*It's not M-10, it's "the Lodge".

*That's not a lake, it's a pothole.

*If someone tells you it's on Outer Drive, you better
hope you have a map.

*The Michigan left turn is simple. If you want to turn
left, go a 1/4 of a mile past your turn, get to the
left, then make a left, then another left, then make a
right. NOW you have gone left.

Enjoy your trip to Detroit

Heard Any Good Sermons Lately???

Beware the Golden Compass

There is a new movie coming out soon, starring Nicole Kidman. The title of the movie is "The Golden Compass". It will be marketed to kids, and they have a book series they will be promoting, too.

This movie has a very anti-God sentiment to it. It is being called the "anti-Narnia" movie. To learn more, check out this link. http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

To "Halloween" or Not to "Halloween"? Part 2

First, I want to thank everyone who left a thought or comment on my previous post. You all shared some great ideas and feelings on this matter.

This is the conclusion we came to:

Our youngest son is going to dress up as a fireman, and attend his class party. The situation with our oldest is a bit easier. His class is joining the 7th and 8th graders for a pizza and bowling party. This will not involve costumes, but will just be a fun time.

We're going to follow our tradition of the past by going out together that evening. (We usually go to a fast food restaurant with a play land...though our oldest is getting a bit big for that!) We'll come home and have family prayers, then play some games. The practice in the past was that whoever won the game got some candy. (I took in a pile of caramels one year! :o) ) We usually play Uno or something similar.

After seeing the crowds of children downtown last night, all trying to get their share of the candy offered by the merchants...I was once again thankful that we don't participate in the hullabaloo!

I have to add, too, that our youngest was quite perturbed recently, when he found out that their weekly time of praying the rosary is going to be replaced by their party next week. He didn't think that was right. I have to say, I'm glad he feels that way!

.

A Little Global Warming Education?

If you're like me, it seems there is at least one article in the paper, one news segment on the evening news, or one item on my news homepage every day about global warming. It seems to have become the latest national and international crisis, if you listen to all they are saying, or read all they are printing on the subject.

Last week, though, I saw an interesting story on this topic on ABC's 20/20. It was on John Stossel's "Give Me a Break" segment. I'm including the link here. Read the article, and let me know what you think. Man vs. Nature

We definitely need to be good stewards of our planet. But do we need to throw the entire population into a panic???



.

A New Picture of the Favorite Great Nephew!

Thanks for the Forwards

SUMMARY OF MY LAST YEAR ON THE COMPUTER--A Thank You for All Those Helpful Forwards!

Because of all your forwards...

I have to scrub the top of every can I open.

I don't have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny
Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

In fact I don't have any money at all, but that will change once I
receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me
for participating in their special e-mail program.

I don't have to worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels
looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.

I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible
mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like
a water buffalo on a hot day

Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers get answered only if
I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five
minutes.

I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch
the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping
gas.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make
these product s are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on the cans.

Also, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet
stains.

I don't use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the
microwave anymore since it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for
life.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be
pricked with an infected needle.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with
a perfume sample and rob me..

I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx since they are
actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support
our American troops or the Salvation Army.

I don't answer the phone anymore because someone will ask me to
dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica,
Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

I don't have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I
now have their recipe.

I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African
spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it
bites my rear-end.

And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 I find
in a parking lot because it was probably placed there by a sex molester
waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

I can't drive my car anywhere now because we're no longer supposed
to buy gas from any gas stations.

If you don't copy this and send it to at least 144,000 people in the
next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at
5:00 PM today, and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back,
causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it
actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's
ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician...

Have a wonderful day!

Another Way to Help Greensburg, Kansas

I received an e-mail today, telling of a recipe book a friend is putting together for people in Greensburg. If you would like to contribute, send recipes to jdrunner@gbta.net. Please note that she would like to have this ready before Christmas, so needs the recipes ASAP.

THANKS SO MUCH!

To "Halloween" or not to "Halloween"?

Our kids are ages 11 and 8. When our youngest was approaching his first Halloween, back in the '90's, my husband and I had a lengthy discussion about whether or not we should dress our little tyke in some cutesy costume...or let it go. Since our son was only a little over 1 1/2 yrs., we figured we'd let it go. Then the next year came along, and we just sort of ignored the day. Each successive year, it became easier to not deal with it. When our son started kindergarten, we had already pretty much made up our minds that we didn't want to celebrate the day.

Now don't make us out to be scrooges. We both celebrated Halloween throughout our childhoods. But when we were in college, the town was known for its "witches convention" and big, secretive gatherings by those who were into animal sacrifice. The females on our campus were even encouraged to stay inside on that night. Or, at the very least, not to be out alone after dark. It was a very real situation. It convinced me of the evil that takes place on that night. I could give more details, but that's sufficient.

Back to our kids. While in kindergarten, we told our son's teacher that he wouldn't be celebrating Halloween. They didn't force him to sing the songs, and he had the option of making different art projects, etc. On Halloween, we took him out of school for the day, as they were having an all-day party. Our church had a different type of celebration, with kids dressing as saints. Some of the parents in our church agreed with us, so that made it easier.

In the years following this, we have taken that night as a family night. We take the kids to some fast food place with a playland. We come home and play games, with the winners earning free candies, etc. I have gone to Wal-Mart and purchased sale-priced costumes for the kids to dress up in when they are just playing. We just didn't want it to be a celebration of the dark.

However, this year, our kids are not home schooled. They are in school. Halloween songs are being sung. Costumes are being discussed. There will be parties. We are in the very small minority of people who have never celebrated this with our kids. Most people think we're crazy. The Catholic church also celebrates November 1st, which is All Saints' Day. It is a celebration of the lives of those who have stood as examples of living a truly holy, Christian life.

So I'm asking for your thoughts. I really don't know what to do with this situation. Having told our kids all these years the reasons why we don't celebrate this...how do we reconcile that our church's school celebrates it? And should we just lighten up and let them do this...even though that is completely the opposite of what we've always told them?

Let me know what you think!
_________________________

*jack-o-lantern photo by Christopher Walters

For Your Friday Smile...

Redneck Medical Dictionary

Benign.........................What you be after you be eight.
Artery..........................The study of paintings.
Bacteria.......................Back door to cafeteria.
Barium........................What doctors do when patients die.
Cesarean Section........A neighborhood in Rome.
CTscan.......................Searching for kitty.
Cauterize....................Made eye contact with her.
Colic..........................A sheep dog.
Coma.........................A punctuation mark.
D & C.......................Where Washington is.
Dilate.........................To live long.
Enema........................Not a friend.
Fester........................Quicker than someone else.
Fibula........................A small lie.
Genital.......................Non-Jewish person.
G.I. Series.................World Series of military baseball.
Hangnail................. ...What you hang your coat on.
Impotent....................Distinguished, well known.
Labor Pain.................Getting hurt at work.
Medical Staff.............A Doctor's cane.
Morbid......................A higher offer than I bid.
Nitrates.....................Cheaper than day rates.
Node.........................I knew it.
Outpatient.................A person who has fainted.
Pap Smear................A fatherhood test.
Pelvis........................Second cousin to Elvis.
Post Operative..........A letter carrier.
Recovery Room........Place to do upholstery.
Rectum.....................Almost killed him.
Secretion..................Hiding something.
Seizure.....................Roman emperor.
Tablet......................A small table.
Terminal Illness........Getting sick at the airport.
Tumor.....................More than one.
Urine.......................Opposite of you're out.

Philosophy of Housecleaning

This really isn't my personal philosophy, but I thought it was cute...enjoy!

____________________________________________

I don't do windows because...
I love birds and I don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because...
I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt. Then I'll feel terrible (plus they may sue me).

I don't mind the dust bunnies because...
they are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because...
I want every creature to have a home of their own. Besides, what did that cob ever do to me?

I don't spring clean because...
I love all the seasons and I don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because...
I don't want to get in God's way. He is an excellent designer!

I don't put things away because...
my husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because...
I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because...
I choose to believe them when they say "permanent press".


REMEMBER...

Is It Friday Yet?

* This disclosure is to keep me in Mrs. Darling's good graces. I didn't get this photo off someone's website or blog. It was e-mailed to me from a couple of different sources! :o)

Shoe Giveaway

Check out the "Shoobie-Doobie Shoe Giveaway" on Everyday Mommmy's blog. You have to scroll to the bottom of all the comments to enter your own comment, for a chance to win a free pair of shoes!

Questions That Haunt You

A friend sent this to me in an e-mail, and I just had to share it!

__________________________

Can you cry under water?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in", but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON T.V.?

Why do doctors leave the room when you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" is plural?

Why to toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME junk, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Does the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
_________________

Have a great day!

Sometimes Life Ain't So Grand

It's only September, and already the "bug" and flu viruses are flying around. First, our youngest had it. Then me. Then our oldest. Now hubby. What is "it"? Sore throat, sinus congestion, runny noses, fevers...ugh.

It's a real pharmacy around our house. Keep the ibuprofen, cough drops, cough syrup, and Benadryl flowing! I'm Dr. Mom (and wife) right now. Thus, this is about as good as it's going to get for a post from me. Stay tuned, and keep us all in your prayers!

Isaiah and Me

The Wedding Story

I have posted my account of the trip to Colorado on my other blog. Enjoy!

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

The Kansas State Fair, held annually in Hutchinson, begins soon. Right now, all the entries are being lined up, and the crews are gearing up for the big week. The pumpkin contest is always a big deal. I remember growing some for our local contest when I was a kid. I did have a pretty big one, that it took a couple of guys to pick up. But it was nothing compared to the new champion for this year's Kansas State Fair! The number you see in the picture? That's the weight of that gourd! (check out the Wichita Eagle's story here) This is one great pumpkin that will definitely NOT be flying over the patch on Oct. 31st, Linus!

I'm Back

I have returned from my big weekend. More details will follow in the days to come, on one of my blogs. Thanks to all who prayed!

You Can Pray for Me

This coming Friday (Sept. 7) is the big day. I leave early early early (okay, it's not that early) Friday morning to fly to our niece's wedding. I fly back Sunday. Keep me in your prayers, friends!

50 Lessons in Life

By Regina Brett
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative, i.e. dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

The "Supers"

(Bear with me on this one. My youngest, "Clyde", has been sick the past couple of days. Many episodes of "Super Friends" have been viewed in 48-hours' time!)

Do you remember the "Super Friends" cartoons on Saturday TV? I believe they aired in the 70's. The characters varied, with different super heroes being part of the crew. The DVD set we have includes the characters above: Aquaman, Robin, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman (but also included the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna, with their monkey sidekick, Gleek).

But I digress.

I was just thinking how cool the premise of this show was. I mean, whenever there was a problem of any type, any where in the world, all of the military and governments had this direct "disaster" line to the Super Friends' Hall of Justice. The alert call would go something like this: "Super Friends, a huge mutant iceberg is swallowing up every ship in our navy! Please come help us!" And, no matter what the variety or size of the enemy or threat, the Super Friends always came through somehow. Amazing!

I think this is such a great concept. Imagine what the world would be like if we had such a thing in place? Super heroes to handle any disaster or threat...wow.

The really, really cool thing is that we do have a direct line: to God, Who is much more powerful and wise than the Super Friends. Wouldn't it be incredible if all the world leaders could grasp this???

What Did You Say?

Just to let my readers know, I have added "comment moderation" to this blog. I have found that I sometimes miss comments left on older posts. And, of course, I want to see every wise word left by every reader! (wink! wink!) After you leave a comment, blogger will store it for me to view the next time I sign in. Then I will have to approve it before it actually shows up on my blog. Thanks for your understanding!

The Small World of Blogging

Okay, my friends. Follow the bouncing ball with me for a moment. Eldest son follows link from his own blog profile, to find other blogs where bloggers have similar interests. Asks to go to one of those blogs. Mom (that's me!) must check said blogger out to make sure blogger is not some adult posing as a kid, etc. Mom goes to blog(s) of said blogger. Reads several interesting posts, also noting last name of blogger sounds really familiar. Finds links to blogger's parents' blogs. Discovers that the blogger is the son of someone my husband and I knew in college! No way!!! (So, yes, son, you may comment on his son's blog.)

Hubby and I met at Central Bible College, in Springfield, MO. The campus only had about 1,100 students. I had a philosophy class with the jr. blogger's dad. One day, I used chapel time (I know, shame on me!) for a rendezvous at the local Denny's with some other college chums (names omitted to protect the guilty!). Denny's had this great "free refills on coffee" policy. Except that yours truly has a very low tolerance for caffeine. By time philosophy class rolled around, I had downed at least 4 cups of Denny's best. I was wired! The slightest noise made me react like a bomb had gone off! The two gentlemen seated next to me (blogger sr. being one of them) thought it was a neat trick to pop the caps off their highlighters, just to see me react. They enjoyed it. I got dizzy from all the whiplash-inducing responses to the noise of a cap dropping on the tile floor. I'm sure our professor, Bro. Black, thought I'd lost my mind!

So over 18 years later, I find this guy's blog. And I didn't mention the coffee-induced hyper state. Didn't even hint at it. I mean, we went to college together for a few years. I'm sure there were many more outstanding memories than my caffeine trip. And what does he say? Of course he remembered philosophy class. He was "twitching" just thinking about it! Can you believe that? Ha!

Lots of water under the bridge, my friend. But it's good to know you're doing well, and God is using you and your family in the furthering of His kingdom. Wouldn't it be great if our kids could be great blogging buddies?

Ah, the wonders of the www.

Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head...

We are definitely having some wet, dreary weather in northeast Ohio today! Actually, it has been here since Saturday evening. It's really a bit chilly for this time of year, but you won't hear me complaining! The weatherman is saying it will be back around 90 in a couple of days.

So it sets me to wondering...

What is your favorite season/weather?

My favorite times of the year are late spring and early fall. I love the new, green look to the world after winter. I also love the beauty of a crisp, sunny fall day, with the trees clothed in their autumn finery. My favorite temperature is between 70 and 75 degrees (Fahrenheit, of course!).

What is your favorite???

New Life After a Tornado

Our friends L and M live in Lodi, Ohio. There was a tornado there last week. The day after the tornado they took this picture in their butterfly garden. What a neat illustration of how God always brings life after death!

monarch emerging from chrysalis

Quiz: What Is In That Picture???

What is it? Can you guess?

And the answer is.....

Greensburg, Kansas, USD 422 school buildings! Yes, they began school this week! Not even a tornado could keep them from starting school on time.

Read all about it here.

GO RANGERS!

Fitting Photo

I saw this on the Wichita Eagle website, and wanted to share it. Please continue to keep Greensburg and the residents in your thoughts and prayers. Someone recently asked if they can still help? Definitely! There's a link to Greensburg's home page on my other blog (see sidebar and click on "Greensburg Home Page").

That Song Is Stuck in My Head!

This past weekend, the Akron Beacon Journal ran a feature story in their entertainment section called, "Shame That Tune." The premise was that most of us have some song (or multiple songs) that set our feet to dancing or our fingers to tapping--even if they were lame or annoying songs. (Read: "Come On Get Happy" by the Partridge Family.)

My husband and I had fun naming songs that we knew lyrics to, or that had memories for us, that really weren't great songs, but were just part of our history. Or songs that reminded us of events in our lives.

So I'm curious...what songs bring back memories for you? What oldies remind you of good/happy/bad/sad times in your life? I look forward to hearing your memories!

Friday Ramblings

I'm having a brain sneeze this morning. My thoughts are kind of "all over the place".

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(Clouds in northeast Ohio, August 8, 2007)

We had storms rip through northeast Ohio yesterday afternoon. I have never liked thunderstorms--especially those greenish ones with the swirling clouds. Since the tornado hit Greensburg, I am even more skittish. Thankfully, we were safe. Only one person lost their life yesterday (as well as some livestock at a dairy farm). It could have been worse.

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Speaking of Greensburg, I experienced another night of "mourning" Tuesday evening. It brought tears, anguish, and many prayers for those I know and love in Greensburg.

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You should check out the afghan updates for "Rebuilding Greensburg--Block by Block". Laura Spradlin and all her contributors definitely deserve many kudos for their labor of love. The picture below is from her blog. That's only a few days' worth of squares, sent to her by knitters from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the WORLD! (If you see a bright yellow item in the lower righthand corner, that's part of a scarf made by yours truly--a non-knitter if there ever was one!)



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On a completely different note, we had to do the "school supplies" shopping trip a couple of days ago. We haven't done this for about 5 years, as we were home schooling. You see, when you home school, you buy supplies when they're on sale, and as you need them. As we walked toward the checkout with our "loot," it was a bit overwhelming. I don't remember needing all this stuff when I was a kid! We had a few notebooks, some pens and pencils, a bottle of glue, and some folders. We didn't need dry erase markers, special expandable folders, tab dividers, etc. And we definitely didn't have to supply the school with tissues, paper towel, and disinfectant wipes! (As a side note, I found a website that is an opportunity for helping school kids in Iraq. Check it out here.)

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Today is Friday, friends! Rejoice!

Another Cutie Patootie Pic of the Great Nephew

He's a handsome little guy, isn't he?

Understanding Your Paycheck

Gross pay: $1,222.02

Income Tax: $244.40
Outgo Tax: $45.21
State Tax: $61.10
Interstate Tax: $5.89
County Tax: $6.11
City Tax: $12.22
Rural Tax: $4.44
Back Tax: $1.11
Front Tax: $1.16
Side Tax: $1.61
Up Tax: $2.22
Down Tax: $1.11
Tic-Tacs: $1.98
Thumbtacks: $3.93
Carpet Tacks: $.98
Stadium Tax: $.69
Flat Tax: $8.32
Surtax: $3.46
Ma'am Tax: $2.60
Parking Fee: $5.00
No Parking Fee: $10.00
F.I.C.A.: $81.88
T.G.I.F.: $9.95
Life Insurance: $5.85
Health Insurance: $16.23
Disability: $2.50
Ability: $.25
Liability: $3.41
Dental Insurance: $4.50
Mental Insurance: $4.33
Reassurance: $.11
Coffee: $6.85
Coffee Cups: $66.51
Calendar: $3.06
Floor Rental: $16.85
Chair Rental: $.32
Desk Rental: $4.32
Union Dues: $5.85
Union Don'ts: $3.77
Cash Advances: $.69
Cash Retreats: $121.35
Overtime: $1.26
Undertime: $54.83
Eastern Time: $9.00
Central Time: $8.00
Mountain Time: $7.00
Pacific Time:$6.00
GMT: $24.00
Time Out: $12.21
Oxygen: $10.02
Water: $16.54
Electricity: $38.23
Heat: $51.42
Air: $46.83
Miscellaneous: $154.54
Take Home Pay: $0000.02

(This is where the expression "my 2 cents" came from...)

It's Monday

Rambling on a Friday

You just never know what you're going to find on this blog, do you? That's the fun of a "ramblings" blog. Whatever happens, happens. How profound I'm feeling on this Friday. Humor me. It's MY blog, after all!

Okay. Enough of that.

I did the UN-thinkable today. I made dentist appointments for the whole family. We haven't seen a dentist in a long, long time. Not that we haven't planned to make appointments. It's just that yours truly is the All-Time Dental Chair Chicken Champion of the world. (What? You didn't know there was a competition?) Making the appointment was a big step in my recovery process.

I have had the mysterious "white coat syndrome" since I was a little girl. Doctors, dentists, chiropractors, butchers (okay, maybe not butchers) make me nervous. My blood pressure skyrockets during mere contemplation of visiting one of the aforementioned professionals. Why? Don't ask. I have no idea, other than that I know it costs a lot of money and I don't like being poked and prodded.

So, there you have it. In a short four weeks, I will be the first family victim, I mean, patient, at our new dentist. You can pray for me!



"Oh, HERE's the problem!"

Investment Opportunities

For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.Watch for these consolidations in 2008:

1. Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.

2. Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly-Warner Cracker.

3. 3M will merge with Goodyear and and become: MMMGood.

4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.

5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.

6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.

And finally:

7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: Poupon Pants.