Posts
A baby elephant at the Columbus Zoo just getting his feet underneath himself for the first time. (no sound)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Cecile Woodruff
I was getting rid of some old Bibles, and this picture fell out. I have no idea who she is, or even where the Bible came from. (People know I love books, and so I will often get boxes given to me to look through.) The Bible had belonged to the Hollister family.
Anyhow, Cecile looked like such a pleasant lady, that I thought I'd give some random googler a chance to find her, if she happened to be a relation of theirs.
Some faces just intrigue me, and hers does.
So ... descendant of Cecile Woodruff, if you happen to pass this way, here is what she looked like one winter day long ago. :) Leave a comment, and I'll be happy to send you the picture.
Anyhow, Cecile looked like such a pleasant lady, that I thought I'd give some random googler a chance to find her, if she happened to be a relation of theirs.
Some faces just intrigue me, and hers does.
So ... descendant of Cecile Woodruff, if you happen to pass this way, here is what she looked like one winter day long ago. :) Leave a comment, and I'll be happy to send you the picture.
Some thoughts on Psalm 139 from this weekend
I'm finally feeling better. Life is good! :) (You never realize how good you feel until you feel really BAD for a while.)
The speaker at last weekend's retreat gave us a lot of time alone with God, with suggestions for study. I really enjoyed it.
The first suggestion she had was to meditate on Psalm 139. This is one I'd memorized years ago, and I haven't spent much time with it since. Thinking about it was such a treat. I'll share some of what I came up with for the first five verses, and I'd love to hear your thoughts also.
1. O LORD, You have searched me and known {me.}
There is SO much in me (and in anyone) that would offend God, at the very core of His being. He is perfect, and we human beings are far from it. I know myself, and know that I am far from it.
Yet He makes a deliberate choice to go there. He is all-knowing. He already knows everything. Yet to "search" seems to imply some attention above and beyond that. He somehow directed the process, focused it more precisely, when it comes to knowing His people.
Now my first (negative) thought is that He's looking for hidden sins and yuckiness that needs to go away. Yet later, in verse 23, David ASKS God to search him for hidden sins. So this initial searching must be something different, yes? Maybe a desire to become more intimately acquainted with one who's loved? Maybe gazing on the reflection of the Lord Jesus, that's present (even in small scraps) in the hearts of those who have trusted him?
The word "me" is in brackets, which means it isn't in the original text, but is strongly implied. It's interesting to read it without that word. "You have searched me and known." There's something all-encompassing when you read it that way. The open-endedness (new word ... made it up myself) is comforting. He has searched, and He knows it ALL ... the motivations, the secrets, fears, triumphs. He just ... KNOWS.
2. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
He cares about all the little details of our day -- the things that would be SO tedious to all but those who really care ... "When did you get up this morning?" "Did you sit and watch the sunrise?" "Was your headache any better today?" These things are fascinating when they involve someone you love.
The end is amazing. "You understand my thought afar off." I have friends whom I love dearly, and whom I can truly say I "know." Yet, the way they think is so different fro the way I think that there is a continual mystery in understanding their motives and choices. Yet God is afar off ... profoundly different in every way. Nevertheless, somehow, He not only CAN, but chooses to, understand my thoughts. So often I don't understand them myself!
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
He "scrutinizes" or "winnows" my path. This sounds fearful, too, doesn't it? But only because I don't know HIM as well as He knows ME!
The use of "winnow" is interesting. Picking out the bad bits and blowing them away. Fortunately he adds in some good bits, so there's something left! It seems like a violent process, but it's a process with a POINT. There are times when violence is required in order to accomplish good ends. Surgery, or setting a bone, a soldier's boot camp or disciplining a child ... these would all seem violent to an observer who didn't understand the situation. Yet their end is healing, and maturity and strength.
"Path" or "journeying" makes me think of life and "lying down" of death as well as the day to day awake and sleep, or moving forward in our growth with God and times of stagnation. All of this, He knows intimately.
What a beautiful summary statement. "intimately acquainted with all my ways."
There's a story told, and I wish I could find the source. (help? anyone?) about a practical joker who sent anonymous notes to many people in his town. They all said the same thing: "all is discovered, flee now." And they did. Every one of them had a secret that, if it were known, would be so deeply shameful that they ran. We all do, don't we? If not something we've done, then something we've thought, or something we just ARE. But in God's case, all IS known, and there IS nowhere to flee. But there's also no need to flee.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
Again, there's so much to know here that's abhorrent to me. There are things I've said that just make me flinch when the memory sneaks in unbidden. In James 3, it says "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity."
In those times of verbal idiocy, I often don't even known my words before they slip out. Yet God DOES. If tongue control is going to happen, I need to ask Him to do it!
5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
I can tend to be claustrophobic in certain situations ... crowded rooms full of people, amidst clutter, when I can't see outside, etc. But this is a good type of enclosure, not like a cow in a loading cute!
I was thinking about reasons why we enclose things:
Because they might get lost
livestock, children, earrings
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord,
Take and seal it.
Seal it for thy courts above.
Because there is danger to be avoided
There are hidden pits, evil people and treacherous pathways, and we'll wander into them chasing butterflies.
To set it apart for ourselves
My yard, my field, my last piece of chocolate cake ... we enclose it to show ownership.
Because it's valuable, and someone might snatch it away
Passports, cars, and beloved disciples who might listen to false teachers who would lead them into falsehood
Because we want to assign it value
If you're trying to sell something, putting it in a glass case automatically gives it a perceived value. If you have something that might appear ordinary, and you want to display it in your home, you set it apart, and it draws the eye, and curiosity. There's an allure to the apparently-every-day that is, for some reason, different.
Because it's fragile, delicate
Oh to remember this about other believers! It's so easy to be quick with advice, or criticism, or just un-useful words. We are all far more fragile than we let on. God wants us to deal gently with one another.
“Being perplexed, I say,
‘Lord, make it right!
Night is as day to Thee,
Darkness as light.
I am afraid to touch
Things that involve so much;
My trembling hand may shake,
My skilless hand may break;
Thine can make no mistake.’
“Being in doubt I say,
‘Lord, make it plain;
Which is the true, safe way?
Which would be gain?
I am not wise to know,
Nor sure of foot to go;
What is so clear to Thee,
Lord, make it clear to me!’”
-- Streams in the Desert
**************
So, there's what I've come up with. I'd love to hear your gleanings!
On another note, my robins are back, and building a nest on the balcony again this year. I shredded some rags last night, and put them out, to contribute something to the construction process.
The speaker at last weekend's retreat gave us a lot of time alone with God, with suggestions for study. I really enjoyed it.
The first suggestion she had was to meditate on Psalm 139. This is one I'd memorized years ago, and I haven't spent much time with it since. Thinking about it was such a treat. I'll share some of what I came up with for the first five verses, and I'd love to hear your thoughts also.
1. O LORD, You have searched me and known {me.}
There is SO much in me (and in anyone) that would offend God, at the very core of His being. He is perfect, and we human beings are far from it. I know myself, and know that I am far from it.
Yet He makes a deliberate choice to go there. He is all-knowing. He already knows everything. Yet to "search" seems to imply some attention above and beyond that. He somehow directed the process, focused it more precisely, when it comes to knowing His people.
Now my first (negative) thought is that He's looking for hidden sins and yuckiness that needs to go away. Yet later, in verse 23, David ASKS God to search him for hidden sins. So this initial searching must be something different, yes? Maybe a desire to become more intimately acquainted with one who's loved? Maybe gazing on the reflection of the Lord Jesus, that's present (even in small scraps) in the hearts of those who have trusted him?
The word "me" is in brackets, which means it isn't in the original text, but is strongly implied. It's interesting to read it without that word. "You have searched me and known." There's something all-encompassing when you read it that way. The open-endedness (new word ... made it up myself) is comforting. He has searched, and He knows it ALL ... the motivations, the secrets, fears, triumphs. He just ... KNOWS.
2. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
He cares about all the little details of our day -- the things that would be SO tedious to all but those who really care ... "When did you get up this morning?" "Did you sit and watch the sunrise?" "Was your headache any better today?" These things are fascinating when they involve someone you love.
The end is amazing. "You understand my thought afar off." I have friends whom I love dearly, and whom I can truly say I "know." Yet, the way they think is so different fro the way I think that there is a continual mystery in understanding their motives and choices. Yet God is afar off ... profoundly different in every way. Nevertheless, somehow, He not only CAN, but chooses to, understand my thoughts. So often I don't understand them myself!
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
He "scrutinizes" or "winnows" my path. This sounds fearful, too, doesn't it? But only because I don't know HIM as well as He knows ME!
The use of "winnow" is interesting. Picking out the bad bits and blowing them away. Fortunately he adds in some good bits, so there's something left! It seems like a violent process, but it's a process with a POINT. There are times when violence is required in order to accomplish good ends. Surgery, or setting a bone, a soldier's boot camp or disciplining a child ... these would all seem violent to an observer who didn't understand the situation. Yet their end is healing, and maturity and strength.
"Path" or "journeying" makes me think of life and "lying down" of death as well as the day to day awake and sleep, or moving forward in our growth with God and times of stagnation. All of this, He knows intimately.
What a beautiful summary statement. "intimately acquainted with all my ways."
There's a story told, and I wish I could find the source. (help? anyone?) about a practical joker who sent anonymous notes to many people in his town. They all said the same thing: "all is discovered, flee now." And they did. Every one of them had a secret that, if it were known, would be so deeply shameful that they ran. We all do, don't we? If not something we've done, then something we've thought, or something we just ARE. But in God's case, all IS known, and there IS nowhere to flee. But there's also no need to flee.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
Again, there's so much to know here that's abhorrent to me. There are things I've said that just make me flinch when the memory sneaks in unbidden. In James 3, it says "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity."
In those times of verbal idiocy, I often don't even known my words before they slip out. Yet God DOES. If tongue control is going to happen, I need to ask Him to do it!
5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
I can tend to be claustrophobic in certain situations ... crowded rooms full of people, amidst clutter, when I can't see outside, etc. But this is a good type of enclosure, not like a cow in a loading cute!
I was thinking about reasons why we enclose things:
Because they might get lost
livestock, children, earrings
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord,
Take and seal it.
Seal it for thy courts above.
Because there is danger to be avoided
There are hidden pits, evil people and treacherous pathways, and we'll wander into them chasing butterflies.
To set it apart for ourselves
My yard, my field, my last piece of chocolate cake ... we enclose it to show ownership.
Because it's valuable, and someone might snatch it away
Passports, cars, and beloved disciples who might listen to false teachers who would lead them into falsehood
Because we want to assign it value
If you're trying to sell something, putting it in a glass case automatically gives it a perceived value. If you have something that might appear ordinary, and you want to display it in your home, you set it apart, and it draws the eye, and curiosity. There's an allure to the apparently-every-day that is, for some reason, different.
Because it's fragile, delicate
Oh to remember this about other believers! It's so easy to be quick with advice, or criticism, or just un-useful words. We are all far more fragile than we let on. God wants us to deal gently with one another.
“Being perplexed, I say,
‘Lord, make it right!
Night is as day to Thee,
Darkness as light.
I am afraid to touch
Things that involve so much;
My trembling hand may shake,
My skilless hand may break;
Thine can make no mistake.’
“Being in doubt I say,
‘Lord, make it plain;
Which is the true, safe way?
Which would be gain?
I am not wise to know,
Nor sure of foot to go;
What is so clear to Thee,
Lord, make it clear to me!’”
-- Streams in the Desert
**************
So, there's what I've come up with. I'd love to hear your gleanings!
On another note, my robins are back, and building a nest on the balcony again this year. I shredded some rags last night, and put them out, to contribute something to the construction process.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
quite possibly the least productive day ever
I was at our church's ladies' retreat Friday night and Saturday, and it was such a blessing. I have some gleanings I'd like to post on Psalm 139, but not tonight, I don't think.
Came home sick, and I've been sleeping ever since ... I mean for the last 24 hours, I've been awake about 5. And now, that I've gotten up, checked my mail, and typed this, I'm considering going back to sleep again.
Sure hope this passes before I need to be at work Tuesday morning (and I also hope no one ELSE came home with it.)
Came home sick, and I've been sleeping ever since ... I mean for the last 24 hours, I've been awake about 5. And now, that I've gotten up, checked my mail, and typed this, I'm considering going back to sleep again.
Sure hope this passes before I need to be at work Tuesday morning (and I also hope no one ELSE came home with it.)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
no one accuses the EPA of being anti-science
I am listening to the Mars Hill Audio Journal right now. It's an audio publication our pastor subscribes to that examines different aspects of culture, theology, etc.
It really is fascinating. The one that's playing now is about stem cell research, and the line in the subject really jumped out at me.
Those who are against embryonic stem cell research are portrayed as being anti-science. Which is, I suppose, true in a limited sense ... they believe that there are limits to where research should go. (i.e. - Joseph Mengele ... or however his name was spelled ... don't want to look it up, because I don't want to know any more about him than I already do!).
However, those who want to protect the environment would ALSO believe in restrictions on scientific research ... animal experimentation, biological weapons, things that would harm the environment, etc. However, I've never heard anyone claim that those folks are "anti-science."
It's all a matter of your world view, isn't it? This is a fascinating magazine - I'd encourage you to have a listen! They have a free podcast with little samples from the different articles, which is what I'm listening to right now.
It really is fascinating. The one that's playing now is about stem cell research, and the line in the subject really jumped out at me.
Those who are against embryonic stem cell research are portrayed as being anti-science. Which is, I suppose, true in a limited sense ... they believe that there are limits to where research should go. (i.e. - Joseph Mengele ... or however his name was spelled ... don't want to look it up, because I don't want to know any more about him than I already do!).
However, those who want to protect the environment would ALSO believe in restrictions on scientific research ... animal experimentation, biological weapons, things that would harm the environment, etc. However, I've never heard anyone claim that those folks are "anti-science."
It's all a matter of your world view, isn't it? This is a fascinating magazine - I'd encourage you to have a listen! They have a free podcast with little samples from the different articles, which is what I'm listening to right now.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
things change
I was reading in Acts 21 this morning, and thinking about how different things were in the early church than they are now.
In college, I used to attend a church that thought it was very important that we follow the pattern of the early Christians.
Yet, there are SO many things that happen in Acts that are VERY different from how God has the church structured now.
This particular chapter, I was noticing how OFTEN people were hearing from the Holy Spirit, not just about their own lives, but also about others. Paul was getting all KINDS of communication through other people from the Holy Spirit.
But today, the Spirit communicates to the individual believer about their own life, but (in my opinion) doesn't go meddling with others. He will talk to me about ME, and He will talk to you about YOU. He doesn't need to use me to give you orders!
It made me think of how, when a baby is newborn, SO many things change ... the hole in their heart closes up, the soft spot in their heads firms up, their neck gets stronger, they gain weight, vision improves, etc. And it's SO SO FAST.
And it's the only time in life (except maybe adolescence) that everything is in such a state of rapid change.
Acts is kind of like a newborn. All kinds of things are happening to prepare the church for maturity and stability in the future. And while we learn a TON from it, I'm becoming less and less convinced that it's intended to be a pattern for how the church should function today.
In fact, it's amazing how LITTLE pattern God actually gives us for the church's function. We are told some about how the leadership should be, and some about how we should treat one another, but as far as details about when we meet, how long, what the music's like, what the building's like, what we should wear, etc. etc. ... God doesn't say a whole lot.
When you look at the intricate details He gave for old testament temple worship, that's really amazing, isn't it? They had specifications for EVERY THING having to do with worshiping God.
Yet for the new testament church ... there's all this liberty left.
I think it's a neat picture of how God is now focused on the internal condition of our hearts, rather than the externals of buildings and dress and music and blah blah blah. He wants us to worship Him in community with a local church, but how that's done? We're pretty free.
And how adaptable this makes Christianity. It's not a belief that only "works" in Israel in 50 A.D. or in America in 2009. It belongs to every culture who opens to it, and any time. The Dutch here who prefer music without any drums, or such-like (and kind of like their food without spice also ... I wonder if there's a connection?) can HAVE their plain way of worship. And those who like drums and dancing can have that too. It's all freedom and liberty. I like that!
Grey areas are very VERY nice in so many things!
Rambling post today ... if anyone read this far, I'm impressed. :)
In college, I used to attend a church that thought it was very important that we follow the pattern of the early Christians.
Yet, there are SO many things that happen in Acts that are VERY different from how God has the church structured now.
This particular chapter, I was noticing how OFTEN people were hearing from the Holy Spirit, not just about their own lives, but also about others. Paul was getting all KINDS of communication through other people from the Holy Spirit.
But today, the Spirit communicates to the individual believer about their own life, but (in my opinion) doesn't go meddling with others. He will talk to me about ME, and He will talk to you about YOU. He doesn't need to use me to give you orders!
It made me think of how, when a baby is newborn, SO many things change ... the hole in their heart closes up, the soft spot in their heads firms up, their neck gets stronger, they gain weight, vision improves, etc. And it's SO SO FAST.
And it's the only time in life (except maybe adolescence) that everything is in such a state of rapid change.
Acts is kind of like a newborn. All kinds of things are happening to prepare the church for maturity and stability in the future. And while we learn a TON from it, I'm becoming less and less convinced that it's intended to be a pattern for how the church should function today.
In fact, it's amazing how LITTLE pattern God actually gives us for the church's function. We are told some about how the leadership should be, and some about how we should treat one another, but as far as details about when we meet, how long, what the music's like, what the building's like, what we should wear, etc. etc. ... God doesn't say a whole lot.
When you look at the intricate details He gave for old testament temple worship, that's really amazing, isn't it? They had specifications for EVERY THING having to do with worshiping God.
Yet for the new testament church ... there's all this liberty left.
I think it's a neat picture of how God is now focused on the internal condition of our hearts, rather than the externals of buildings and dress and music and blah blah blah. He wants us to worship Him in community with a local church, but how that's done? We're pretty free.
And how adaptable this makes Christianity. It's not a belief that only "works" in Israel in 50 A.D. or in America in 2009. It belongs to every culture who opens to it, and any time. The Dutch here who prefer music without any drums, or such-like (and kind of like their food without spice also ... I wonder if there's a connection?) can HAVE their plain way of worship. And those who like drums and dancing can have that too. It's all freedom and liberty. I like that!
Grey areas are very VERY nice in so many things!
Rambling post today ... if anyone read this far, I'm impressed. :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Obama's latest
He's suggesting we charge military personnel for treatment of service-related injuries.
I am SO not kidding.
(He says "charge their private insurance" ... but, that means their insurance rates will rise dramatically, or they'll be dropped entirely ... when you charge an insurance company, you charge the people who buy the insurance.)
Read it! And write letters. Many, many letters.
Trinka
I am SO not kidding.
(He says "charge their private insurance" ... but, that means their insurance rates will rise dramatically, or they'll be dropped entirely ... when you charge an insurance company, you charge the people who buy the insurance.)
Read it! And write letters. Many, many letters.
Trinka
Friday, March 13, 2009
don't you just have days like this?
My oldest niece was having a bad day. Everyone was, apparently, out to get her.
She wrote the following missive. (Note the use of all-caps on the word "BAD"). :)
I've had days like this. Everyone in the world is just BAD. I'm buying an island and moving. :)
Often, I find that coffee helps!
She wrote the following missive. (Note the use of all-caps on the word "BAD"). :)
I've had days like this. Everyone in the world is just BAD. I'm buying an island and moving. :)
Often, I find that coffee helps!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
we interrupt this blog
For a non-commercial announcement.
There is a free add-on, discussed in this LifeHacker article, which, when installed, will give you a tab on your Office '97 programs called "menu".
Upon clicking on this tab of wonder, you will get ... can you believe it? ... the Office 2003 menus!
You're welcome.
(I'm slowly learning the Office 2007 menus, but, when I'm in a rush, it's VERY nice to be able to just go to what's familiar, and grab what I need!)
There is a free add-on, discussed in this LifeHacker article, which, when installed, will give you a tab on your Office '97 programs called "menu".
Upon clicking on this tab of wonder, you will get ... can you believe it? ... the Office 2003 menus!
You're welcome.
(I'm slowly learning the Office 2007 menus, but, when I'm in a rush, it's VERY nice to be able to just go to what's familiar, and grab what I need!)
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Today's Dilbert
Love it!!! (If you only see two panels, click on it to go to the site, and see the third.)
Thursday, March 05, 2009
It's good to be a girl ...
My insurance company recently sent a document to me that indicated they thought I was male.
The funny thing is ... this is NOT the first time this has happened, or even the second!
I'm quite a girly-girl, so at least it's not an indictment of my appearance.
But I DO have a strange first name, and my last name is a commonly-used man's first name.
So, often data-entry types will see my name, assume it's reversed, and assign me the wrong gender. One college I applied to made this mistake. I would have had a very interesting time in the dorms, if I'd ended up going THERE!
I think I've gotten insurance-company straightened out.
Which is good, since I'm wearing a skirt today, and I'd hate to have to go home and change. :)
The funny thing is ... this is NOT the first time this has happened, or even the second!
I'm quite a girly-girl, so at least it's not an indictment of my appearance.
But I DO have a strange first name, and my last name is a commonly-used man's first name.
So, often data-entry types will see my name, assume it's reversed, and assign me the wrong gender. One college I applied to made this mistake. I would have had a very interesting time in the dorms, if I'd ended up going THERE!
I think I've gotten insurance-company straightened out.
Which is good, since I'm wearing a skirt today, and I'd hate to have to go home and change. :)
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
so many bad choices start with these words ...
"I'm afraid of ending up alone."
Good grief folks. There are WAY worse things.
Pull up your big-girl panties, learn to operate power tools, replace air filters and see the occasional movie by yourself.
Really ... it's not a bad way to live.
Relationships are great.
Relationships born out of desperation ... not so much so.
Good grief folks. There are WAY worse things.
Pull up your big-girl panties, learn to operate power tools, replace air filters and see the occasional movie by yourself.
Really ... it's not a bad way to live.
Relationships are great.
Relationships born out of desperation ... not so much so.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Bittersweet Facebook bios
I've been on Facebook for quite a long time, but used it infrequently - mostly to see the pictures posted by a few friends.
But recently, I've run into a large group of folks I knew about 20 years ago.
It's fascinating to get these little snapshots of their lives. Most have been the predictable "went to college, got married, had kids."
Then there are a few that were stories of great sadness and victory.
One fellow who was always a thinker has some books he's written.
Another who had the best sense of humor of anyone I've ever met has become a doctor. (Can you imagine how much more at ease you'd be with a doc who didn't take himself, or life, too seriously?) In the midst of rejoicing at seeing him have that success, I noticed that he's gone through a divorce, and some custody strangeness with his kids. So, you get 20 years of history, condensed into one 10 minute Facebook reunion. And you wonder ... do I send condolences, congratulations, what?
A lot, apparently, can get squeezed into 20 years. I, on the other hand, am still wearing some of the same clothes, and reading the same books. Some of us just don't DO change.
But recently, I've run into a large group of folks I knew about 20 years ago.
It's fascinating to get these little snapshots of their lives. Most have been the predictable "went to college, got married, had kids."
Then there are a few that were stories of great sadness and victory.
One fellow who was always a thinker has some books he's written.
Another who had the best sense of humor of anyone I've ever met has become a doctor. (Can you imagine how much more at ease you'd be with a doc who didn't take himself, or life, too seriously?) In the midst of rejoicing at seeing him have that success, I noticed that he's gone through a divorce, and some custody strangeness with his kids. So, you get 20 years of history, condensed into one 10 minute Facebook reunion. And you wonder ... do I send condolences, congratulations, what?
A lot, apparently, can get squeezed into 20 years. I, on the other hand, am still wearing some of the same clothes, and reading the same books. Some of us just don't DO change.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Letter from a Grand-dad
A very cute email forward. :)
Guess you heard that 68% of the youth vote went to Obama. My 20 yr old granddaughter called this morning to tell me she was one of them. I replied with this e-mail:
My Dear Susan,
The election of Obama comes down to this. Your grandmother and I, your mother, and other productive, wage-earning tax payers will have their taxes increased and that means less income left over. Less income means we will have to cut back on basic purchases, gifts and handouts. That includes firing the Hispanic lady who cleans our house twice a month. She just lost her job. We can't afford her anymore.
What is the economic effect of Obama's election on you personally? Over the years, your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in food, housing, cash, clothing, gifts, etc. By your vote, you have chosen another family over ours for help.
So in the future, if you need assistance with your rent, money for gas, tires for your car, someone to bring you lunch, etc. ... Call 202-456-1111.
That's the telephone number for the Office of the President of the United States . I'm sure Mr. Obama will be happy to send a check from his personal or business accounts, as we have, or leave cash in an envelope taped to his front door for you, as we have.
It's like this. Those who vote for the President of the United States should consider what the impact of an election will be on the nation as a whole and not just be concerned with what they can get for themselves (welfare, stimulus checks, etc.). What Obama voters don't seem to realize is that the government's money comes from taxes collected from tax paying families. Raising taxes on productive people means they will have less money to spend on their families.
Congratulations on your choice. For future reference, you might attempt to add up all you've received from us, your mom, Mike's parents and others and compare it to what you expect to get over the next four years from Mr. Obama.
To congratulate Mr. Obama and to make sure you're on the list for handouts, write to:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington , DC 20500
Love you Susan, but call the number listed above when you need help.
Take Care!
Love,
Granddad
Guess you heard that 68% of the youth vote went to Obama. My 20 yr old granddaughter called this morning to tell me she was one of them. I replied with this e-mail:
My Dear Susan,
The election of Obama comes down to this. Your grandmother and I, your mother, and other productive, wage-earning tax payers will have their taxes increased and that means less income left over. Less income means we will have to cut back on basic purchases, gifts and handouts. That includes firing the Hispanic lady who cleans our house twice a month. She just lost her job. We can't afford her anymore.
What is the economic effect of Obama's election on you personally? Over the years, your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in food, housing, cash, clothing, gifts, etc. By your vote, you have chosen another family over ours for help.
So in the future, if you need assistance with your rent, money for gas, tires for your car, someone to bring you lunch, etc. ... Call 202-456-1111.
That's the telephone number for the Office of the President of the United States . I'm sure Mr. Obama will be happy to send a check from his personal or business accounts, as we have, or leave cash in an envelope taped to his front door for you, as we have.
It's like this. Those who vote for the President of the United States should consider what the impact of an election will be on the nation as a whole and not just be concerned with what they can get for themselves (welfare, stimulus checks, etc.). What Obama voters don't seem to realize is that the government's money comes from taxes collected from tax paying families. Raising taxes on productive people means they will have less money to spend on their families.
Congratulations on your choice. For future reference, you might attempt to add up all you've received from us, your mom, Mike's parents and others and compare it to what you expect to get over the next four years from Mr. Obama.
To congratulate Mr. Obama and to make sure you're on the list for handouts, write to:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington , DC 20500
Love you Susan, but call the number listed above when you need help.
Take Care!
Love,
Granddad
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Dad's foundry burning
My father found this video last night that was taken when his foundry burned in 1991.
I had absolutely no idea the size of the fire. And the place was a 100-year-old building, located in an old area of Reading, with other buildings right on top of it - it's a miracle that nobody was killed, and the fire dept. was able to contain it before it spread.
I had absolutely no idea the size of the fire. And the place was a 100-year-old building, located in an old area of Reading, with other buildings right on top of it - it's a miracle that nobody was killed, and the fire dept. was able to contain it before it spread.
I admit it ... I watch Survivor
My sister-in-law and I occasionally watch it "together." (meaning, we text message each other during the show.
It always takes a while to learn who's who, and their personalities. But for the initial few episodes, I'm always just hoping for people to get voted out who have brought inadequate swimwear. I live ALONE and I'm embarrassed.
Clothes ladies ... clothes are good.
They know they're going to play a game that's athletic, and long-lasting. Maybe a swimsuit that actually is ... you know ... designed to stay ON when you breathe?
And there is always complaining about being cold at night.
Again ... clothes ... maybe bring clothes containing actual fabric?
Instead of strategically-placed rubber bands?
It always takes a while to learn who's who, and their personalities. But for the initial few episodes, I'm always just hoping for people to get voted out who have brought inadequate swimwear. I live ALONE and I'm embarrassed.
Clothes ladies ... clothes are good.
They know they're going to play a game that's athletic, and long-lasting. Maybe a swimsuit that actually is ... you know ... designed to stay ON when you breathe?
And there is always complaining about being cold at night.
Again ... clothes ... maybe bring clothes containing actual fabric?
Instead of strategically-placed rubber bands?
Friday, February 20, 2009
critters at work
Today I shopped at a local trophy shop to pick up some name tags we had ordered for work.
I love going to this place.
"Why?" you may ask, "do you like visiting a store that's so obviously selling merchandise that doesn't interest you?"
It's because they have a dog. There's a sweet little poodle that greets me at the door whenever I go there.
There's something so warm about a business that has a pet. (Those with allergies would probably disagree.)
Bookstores so often have a resident cat. It changes it from a commercial enterprise to a giant cozy reading room when you see that fuzzy fellow looking down at you from the top of a shelf.
One of my few memories from when I was really little was going to my dad's foundry in the evening when nothing was happening, and there was a big German Shepherd dog wandering around. (Dad just sent an email and said his name was "Lance")
When I was a kid, my brother and I always wanted to go to one certain hardware store, because they had a Macaw. His name was Rascal, and he was a fun bird.
Then there was the time in high school when I actually worked at a pet store. The two favorites there were a green parrot and a white cockatoo that were chained to an open perch in the middle of the store. They were great fun, and SO smart. They learned to open the ages, and, if you weren't careful, would let the small birds out at night when nobody was watching.
Critters ... I'm in favor of critters. (at least the ones that don't have long, naked tails ... mice, gerbils, snakes ... nothing like that!) Fellow came in one day with his pet rat. No thanks. That's not a pet. That's vermin.
I love going to this place.
"Why?" you may ask, "do you like visiting a store that's so obviously selling merchandise that doesn't interest you?"
It's because they have a dog. There's a sweet little poodle that greets me at the door whenever I go there.
There's something so warm about a business that has a pet. (Those with allergies would probably disagree.)
Bookstores so often have a resident cat. It changes it from a commercial enterprise to a giant cozy reading room when you see that fuzzy fellow looking down at you from the top of a shelf.
One of my few memories from when I was really little was going to my dad's foundry in the evening when nothing was happening, and there was a big German Shepherd dog wandering around. (Dad just sent an email and said his name was "Lance")
When I was a kid, my brother and I always wanted to go to one certain hardware store, because they had a Macaw. His name was Rascal, and he was a fun bird.
Then there was the time in high school when I actually worked at a pet store. The two favorites there were a green parrot and a white cockatoo that were chained to an open perch in the middle of the store. They were great fun, and SO smart. They learned to open the ages, and, if you weren't careful, would let the small birds out at night when nobody was watching.
Critters ... I'm in favor of critters. (at least the ones that don't have long, naked tails ... mice, gerbils, snakes ... nothing like that!) Fellow came in one day with his pet rat. No thanks. That's not a pet. That's vermin.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
if I get attacked by a plate of Mongolian beef, I'm ready to defend myself
I've recently discovered a site for people trying to grow their hair long. It has some wonderful tips & tricks. (I'm now sleeping with my hair in braids laced with coconut oil ... and whether it protects it or not, I don't know ... but it smells WONDERFUL).
On this site is a section with all kinds of instructions for different ways of putting up your hair. The one I tried today weaves it around a pair of chopsticks. I love the way it looks, but I keep picturing myself pulling them out and tackling a plate of fried rice. :)
Kristen asked for a picture -- here's the best I could do with my cell phone camera over my head. :) It's not as smooth as it could be, because I did it with dry hair.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Define "Impertinent"
No ... really. I mean it. Think about it, and tuck the definition away in your mind behind your right ear.
Did you do it?
No?
I'm waiting ...
No. Don't look it up ... I want the definition from inside your own head.
Waiting ....
OK.
The word really has two definitions:
1. synonymous with impudent or cheeky (this is how I defined it.)
or
2. synonymous with irrelevant
The interesting thing is, if you ask a group of people what the word means, almost everyone will come up with one or the other, and will vehemently defend their position.
It almost always breaks down thusly:
Math/Science types will insist on definition #2. (irrelevant)
Literature types will insist on definition #1. (impudent)
And so far, NOBODY has said that it has two meanings.
So ... next time you're sitting around a table, and the seven-minute-conversation-lull hits, take a little survey, and feel free to let me know the results!
Did you do it?
No?
I'm waiting ...
No. Don't look it up ... I want the definition from inside your own head.
Waiting ....
OK.
The word really has two definitions:
1. synonymous with impudent or cheeky (this is how I defined it.)
or
2. synonymous with irrelevant
The interesting thing is, if you ask a group of people what the word means, almost everyone will come up with one or the other, and will vehemently defend their position.
It almost always breaks down thusly:
Math/Science types will insist on definition #2. (irrelevant)
Literature types will insist on definition #1. (impudent)
And so far, NOBODY has said that it has two meanings.
So ... next time you're sitting around a table, and the seven-minute-conversation-lull hits, take a little survey, and feel free to let me know the results!
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