Out and About

This morning Betty and I got out and went to our local International House of Pancakes for breakfast. I had a craving for pancakes and I needed to see how I would do riding in the car in a sitting up position. I also needed to see how I would do sitting in a straight back chair.

All in all I did OK and the pancakes (Harvest Nut) were good.

We ran a few errands while we were out. By the time I got home my surgery incision was getting a little sore and I was tired. I need to build up my energy and I'm trying to do that by doing whatever I can around the house and with the horses to help Betty. It will take some time, but I'll get there.

The pancakes were good.

Monday Video - Miniature World

When I was a kid, probably 6 or 7, I received a Lionel Train set for Christmas. It was one of those basic sets with a circular track that was probably 3 feet or less in diameter. I had a locomotive, coal car, a couple of other cars, and a caboose. You could put little pellets in the smokestack and it would make little white puffs as it ran. There was very little speed control, if any. Basically you could switch it on and off, but I enjoyed it - for awhile.

That was the extent of my involvement with model trains. Since then I've seen several nice train set ups - one in a friend's house in Augusta, Georgia and others in Christmas set ups in downtown Cincinnati.

They all pale in comparison to this one in Hamburg, Germany. Even if you don't care about model trains, it's worth a look to see what their creative minds have come up with - and they're still adding to it.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflections - Suffering and Courage

We're in the Lenten season which traditionally has been a time of preparation for and meditation on the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. In the first century church it was a time of preparation for baptism for new believers.

Given my recent discomfort, my mind has been more on the suffering of Christ. In no way will I pretend that my discomfort comes anywhere close to the realm of suffering. Betty's recovery from her accident and our friend Max's recovery from his heart surgery come much closer to true suffering.

The New Testament Greek word for suffer is 'thlipsis' and means 'pressure.' This same word has also been translated as anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, and trouble. So, it appears that Biblical suffering can include emotional, psychological, social, and relational pressures as well as physical suffering.

Scripture makes it clear that we are to share in Christ's suffering if we are truly his followers.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

And that sharing in Christ's suffering leads to and is necessary for our growth as Christians.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3-5)

When I read that scripture the word that, for me, captures the essence of suffering producing perseverance, perseverance producing character, and character producing hope is courage.

There are three Greek words that are translated as courage. 'Steko' means to stand fast, to persevere. 'Tharrheo' means to be bold, to be confident. And, 'tharseo' which means to be of good cheer. The last one is the word that Christ used when he was walking on the water and he told Peter, "Take courage (be of good cheer). It is I, don't be afraid." And Jesus asked Peter to join him on the water.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

It appears to me that we are to be men and women of courage, even in the sufferings that we inevitably face as we follow Christ.

In the midst of our suffering we're to stand fast, to be bold and confident, and to be of good cheer. That's hard and almost impossible to do unless we stand fast upon the solid foundation of Christ and unless our boldness and confidence is in Christ. Only then can we be of good cheer in the midst of our suffering.

In closing I want to share a portion of a poem, St. Patrick's Breastplate, that has always spoken to me of courage.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

It's only in the awareness of the total guidance of God and the total presence of Christ can we courageously face each day and the suffering, the pressures upon our life, that it may bring.

Good to Connect

Today has been a day of contrasts. It's a beautiful sunny day, comfortable, even if a little breezy.

My stomach has been a little unsettled, but other than that I'm feeling better. The pain from the surgery has been reduced down to just the surgery site itself - little or no swelling which was causing some of the initial pain.

Betty and I both wanted to connect with Sugar and Morgunn. So, after lunch we went out and haltered the horses and spent about 15 - 20 minutes grooming them. After grooming, I walked Morgunn around the back lot for a couple of minutes.

It wore me out, but it was a good day. It felt good to reconnect with Morgunn and I know Betty felt the same about Sugar.

A Cord of Three Strands

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccl 4:12)

This past year and this year have been interesting years for Betty and me. We each have had the opportunity to take care of the other through a recovery period.

We both have also had the opportunity to trust in God when we realized that we could only do so much.

Normally, Betty and I share all the work around the house, including the work caring for and cleaning up after the horses. Last year all that fell on me. This year Betty has picked up all of that work.

The good thing is we know that our individual relationship with God and our relationship with each other are strong and made stronger through the events of our lives.

I love this woman.

I Enjoy Old Movies/ Gletta

It's a good thing that I enjoy watching old movies as that's about all I can do to keep my mind occupied. I also enjoy reading, but reading doesn't take my mind off my discomfort as well as an old movie.

We watched Dicken's "Great Expectations" this afternoon and it was a lot of fun. We also watched "Appaloosa." It's not an old movie, actually filmed in New Mexico in 2008. I like any western - old or new (my favorite being "Open Range") as I enjoy watching the horses. The best actor/riders are Tom Selleck, Billy Crystal, but the absolute best is Robert Duvall. That man can sit a saddle.

I'm able to sit up in my recliner longer. I didn't have to move to the couch until about 2:00 PM this afternoon. It's still uncomfortable to sit up straight and to stand, but that will get better in time. I probably won't be back in the saddle again until late April or early May.

Sorry, Michelle, there will be no pictures of my incision. It's in a place that's just not as photogenic as Max's chest.

Betty here.

It's done. Barb, from Edgewood, came over yesterday and we signed the papers to give her Gletta. She came to Corrales Monday and spent that night with Connie so that she could ride Gletta Monday and Tuesday. She has already fallen in love with her and wanted to take her home. In talking with her it seems like a really good match.

I find it hard to believe that Gletta is no longer mine. I keep telling myself I've done the right thing. And I know I have, but it will take some time to get used to it. She will always have a spcial place in my heart.

Small Steps

If any of you have had surgery you know that one of the milestones is when you can take your first shower. It feels so great. I took mine this morning.

I was able to sit in my recliner for most of the morning but I got too sore so I spent the rest of the day on the couch.

Small steps.

Dan

Hi from the Couch

Just a quick hi from the couch. I can hold the laptop on my hip, sort of, so it doesn't put any pressure on the sore parts of me.

I appreciate the prayers and best wishes from everyone. It means a lot to me.

Betty has been the best caretaker anyone could want.

Tomorrow my three days of laying down are over and I'll try sitting up in my recliner through most of the day and, hopefully, spend a little more time on my feet as each day goes on.

I'll post again in a couple of days when things are going better.

Thanks again,

Dan

Not much news to post yesterday, but I thought I'd let you know Dan seems to be on track now that we're in the recovery stage.

Friday was hard. He slept very little Thursday night. The second day after surgery always seems to be the worst, doesn't it? I guess that's because all the anesthesia has worked out of your system. I'm glad to report that last night he slept much better. This morning he has felt a little better so we do know we're going in the right direction. He's being a great patient and not trying to do anything he shouldn't do.

Afraid my blogging skills are limited. There will be no pictures until Dan gets back on line. Of course, if I took a picture of him the way he's feeling right now, and posted it, he's kill me.

Again, we thank you for your prayers.

Dan's surgery went well this morning. Getting to the hospital by 5:30 this morning was a little hard but being in the first round of surgeries had real advantages. All the staff at Presbyterian were great and we like Dan's doctor a lot. Dr. Schomer said it would take about an hour--and it did. No complications--no unexpected problems. He told us we'd be out of the hospital by about 11:00--and Dan came out the hospital doors at 11:00--amazing! We were home in 35 minutes--about the fastest we'd ever made it--and no, I didn't break any speed laws.

After some soup and toast for lunch he took some Percocet hoping to stay ahead of the worst pain. He's going to be hurting for the first few days especially. And he's to stay flat for three days to control swelling that can slow the rate of healing. For now he's stretched out trying to watch TV to take his mind off of the pain.

Thanks so much for all your prayers. Things couldn't have gone better this morning. Please keep them up so that his recovery time is quick and uneventful.

Wednesday Wanderings

Just a few thoughts before my surgery tomorrow.

Betty will do a post tomorrow afternoon or evening letting everyone know how things went with me and my surgery. I'll pick up on my posts again some time next week when I feel up to it.

We rode Morgunn and Sugar this morning and had a nice ride. It will be about six weeks or so before I'll be able to ride again so we wanted to get one last ride in together. Betty will ride Sugar some in our back lot while I'm recuperating.

This afternoon I spent some time dusting and cleaning the floors so the house would be reasonably clean while I'm laid up.

Finally, it's getting towards Spring here which is nice, but I found this photo for those of you who may still be cold...

All together now... "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh."


Today is March 18 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Madeline Carroll (child actress, "Swing Vote"), Queen Latifah (actress, "Chicago"), Bonnie Blair (Olympic speed skater), Vanessa Williams (actress, former Miss America), Irene Cara (actress, "Fame"), Brad Dourif (actor, "Lord of the Rings"), Wilson Pickett (soul singer), Charlie Pride (country singer), F. W. deKlerk (South African president who helped to end apartheid), John Updike (author), George Plimpton (author, "Paper Lion"), Peter Graves (actor, "Mission Impossible"), and Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th US President).

On this day in 1662 the first buses, eight-seat vehicles known as "carrosses a cinq solz," began running in Paris, France. In 1959 President Eisenhower signed the Hawaii statehood bill. And in 1965 the first spacewalk took place as Soviet cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov left his "Voskhod Two" capsule and remained outside the spacecraft for 20 minutes, secured by a tether.

Hard, But Right

Betty here. Yesterday we did something very hard for me, but it was the right thing to do.

As many of you know, after the wreck I had on Gletta (Nov. 07) I started riding her again last Spring, but I never felt safe enough to start tolting on her again. (Tolting is the fast gait that Icelandic Horses have.) That resulted in us getting Sugar last December.

Gletta is a grand horse. Although she is older (27), by Icelandic standards she has a lot of riding life ahead of her (she could easily live into her 40s). I thought I would ride her until we were both old enough to say lets just rest for the rest of our lives. But that didn't happen. And she should be ridden now.

A good friend, Connie Petttingell, loves Gletta, too. She takes care of our horses when we're away and has connected us with a friend of hers who would like Gletta. Connie even volunteered to get Gletta back into riding shape before her friend takes her.

So yesterday we took Gletta to Connie's. It was very hard to put her into the trailer for that last time. Gletta and Savannah (Connie's Paso Fino horse) know each other from times we have ridden together so we put the two of them together right away. Connie's other horses were initially kept separate. All went well and Connie has already gotten out on the trail with her. Since it has been so long since she was ridden, Gletta has no stamina. Connie will work with her to build up her strength. She even tolted her a little.

I hate letting Gletta go. But she deserves better than what we can give her. Gletta will have company because Connie's friend has a Missouri Foxtrotter. All in all we probably couldn't have found a better place for her--thanks to Connie, a truly a good friend.

Here are some pictures from yesterday.

Me giving Gletta one last grooming while Morgunn and Sugar supervise.

Walking Gletta out to the trailer.

Gletta loading into the trailer. She is one of the best horses at walking into and out of the trailer. She made life so simple for me in that respect.

Morgunn and Sugar wondering where Gletta is going without them. I think they miss her, but they are already good friends so they'll be fine.

Unloading Gletta at Connie's.

Connie and me watching Gletta and Savannah greet each other. That went very well.

Gletta going off to check out her new, temporary home.

It was a hard thing to do, but it was the right thing to do.


Today is March 17 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Mia Hamm (Olympic gold medalist soccer player), Billy Corgan (guitarist, Smashing Pumpkins), Rob Lowe (actor, "St. Elmo's Fire"), Gary Sinese (actor, Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump"), Kurt Russell (actor), Patrick Duffy (actor, "Dallas"), John Sebastian (singer for Loving Spoonful), Paul Kantner (singer, Jefferson Starship), Rudolf Nureyev (ballet dancer), Nat "King" Cole (singer), Bobby Jones (golfer), Shemp Howard (one of The Three Stooges), and James Bridger (mountain man).

On this day in 461 according to tradition, St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died. In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines (of course the inhabitants knew it was there all along). In 1776 having seized Dorchester Heights, George Washington forced the British troops under William Howe to evacuate Boston during the Revolutionary War. In 1897 motion pictures of a championship prize fight were taken for the first time as "Sunny" Bob Fitzsimmons knocked out "Gentleman" Jim Corbett for the world heavyweight title. In 1905 Eleanor Roosevelt married Franklin D. Roosevelt in New York. And in 1963 Elizabeth Ann Seton of New York was beatified. She was sainted in 1975.

Monday Video - Cherokee Morning Song

One of the things I love about living in New Mexico is the different cultures - primarily Hispanic and Indian. We have friends in both cultures and it's been a real joy and learning experience for us.

We've been fortunate to attend several Indian gatherings and one of the things I love the most is the music and the dancing.

Even though we don't understand the words, I hope this song will bring a peace to your soul and that you will enjoy the photographs.



Today is March 16 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Kevin Tod Smith (actor, "Xena"), Erik Estrada (actor, "CHIPS"), Bernado Bertolucci (director, "Last Tango in Paris"), Jerry Lewis (comedian), Mercedes McCambridge (actress, "The Exorcist"), Pat Nixon (wife of President Nixon), Henny Youngman (comedian), Wilbur Wright (inventor of the airplane), and James Madison (4th US President).

On this day in 1621 Samoset, an Indian from the Island of Monhegan, visited the new Colony of Plymouth. In 1641 Aquedneck changes it's name to Rhode Island, declares itself a democracy and establishes freedom of religion. In 1802 Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. In 1850 Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" was first published. In 1926 the first liquid-fuel rocket was successfully launched by Professor Robert Goddard at Auburn, Massachusetts. The rocket traveled 184 feet in 2.5 seconds. In 1955 "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" by Bill Hayes reached the number one spot on the pop music charts and stayed for five weeks. The smash hit song sold more than 7,000,000 records on more than 20 different labels. And in 1963 Peter, Paul and Mary released the singles "Puff The Magic Dragon." Through the years, controversy continually surrounded the song. It was banned by several radio stations because they thought the song was about the elicit joys of smoking marijuana. The group adamantly denied this startling assumption.

Sunday Reflections - Belief and Faith

Clifford Calverly was born in 1870 in Thornbury, Ontario. He lived in Claksburg, Ontario where he worked as a steeplejack. In 1887, Calverly came to Niagara Falls to perform his tight rope act. During his successful crossing he set a speed record by crossing the gorge in two minutes and thirty-two seconds as compared to the usuall fifteen to twenty minutes required by most of his predecessors. During subsequent crossings, Calverly skipped rope, hung by one arm, hung by one foot, sat on a chair, and even walked across the falls pushing a wheelbarrow.

If you look closely at the picture you can see the bridge above the falls and there are lots of people watching as he risks his life crossing the falls pushing a wheelbarrow. It would be interesting to ask all those people, "Do you believe that he can walk across a tightrope across Niagara falls pushing a wheelbarrow?" I suspect some would say, "Yes, I believe he can walk across Niagara Falls pushing a wheelbarrow."

Then it would be interesting to ask them, "Do any of you have faith in him that you would ride in the wheelbarrow as he pushes it across the falls?" I suspect very few would say, "Yes, I have the faith to ride in the wheelbarrow with my life in his hands."

In a nutshell, that's the difference between belief and faith. Many people believe in God - there are studies that say over 80% of Americans believe in God. I wonder how many have the faith to put their life in his hands?

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder. (James 2:19)

Belief in something is relatively easy. Even the demons believe there is one God and they shudder. Belief is an act of the mind. When I go to the airport for a trip, I usually believe that the pilot and co-pilot have the necessary skills and experience to fly the plane.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

It's easy for my mind to tell me the pilots are capable, but it takes an act on my part to physically walk onto the plane and put my life into their hands. The same will be true next Thursday. I believe my surgeon knows what he's doing, but it will take an act of my will to walk into that hospital and put my life and body into his hands.

Faith is an act of the will. It is doing something based on belief.

We often tell people in counseling that faith is believing and trusting in God when there is absolutely no reason to do so or evidence to support doing it. Faith is an act of our will to put our lives, bodies and souls into God's hands.

For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. (2 Corinthians 5:7 Amplified Bible)

May God bring us all to the point where we can walk by faith and not by sight.

Happy Ides of March!

Today is March 15 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Sean Biggerstaff (actor, "Harry Potter"), Eva Longoria (actress, "Desperate Housewives"), Fabio (male supermodel), Sly Stone (singer, The Family Stone), Phil Lesch (bass player for The Grateful Dead), Judd Hirsch (actor, "Numbers"), Harry James (jazz trumpeter), Joe E. Ross (actor, "Car 54 Where Are You?"), MacDonald Carey (actor, "Days of Our Lives"), and Andrew Jackson (7th US President).

On this day in 44 BC Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated ("Et tu Brute?"). In 1820 Maine became the 23rd state. In 1869 the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team in America, defeated Antioch 41-7. Later they changed their name to the Cincinnati Red Legs and then to the Cincinnati Reds. In 1913 President Woodrow Wilson held the first open presidential news conference after being in office for only 11 days. The questions had to be submitted in advance. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson sent 12,000 U.S. troops under General Pershing into Mexico to capture revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, who had staged several cross-border raids. The two-year expedition was unsuccessful. In 1937 the first blood bank was established in Chicago, Illinois, at the Cook County Hospital. And in 1977 the US House of Representatives began a 90-day test to determine the feasibility of showing its sessions on television (and they have been posturing for the camera ever since).

Clip, Clip Away

Today has been another full day.

I ran some errands this morning. Then after lunch I did some more bush whacking and finally got all of that done and most of it cleaned up. I still have a little to clean up and I'll be done.

Later in the afternoon, we gave Gletta a trace clip - cutting the hair off her belly and neck as that's where horses expel the heat from their bodies. We need to leave the hair over the main muscle mass as we will still have some cold nights, but she needs this as the days are getting warmer next week.

Here are some pictures from our clipping adventure.

Betty getting Gletta ready with Sugar watching to make sure everything is done right.

Wrapping Gletta's tail - Sugar watching closely - "What's going on, Mom?"

I started and did some of the outline cutting.

Betty did the underneath with Sugar continuing to supervise.

This gives you an idea of how thick Gletta's hair is.

Morgunn decided to come help supervise.

The finished project. See how it's just Gletta's belly and neck.

This is how much hair we got off of just her belly and neck. The pile is over 3 inches thick.

You could make a fair sized dog out all that hair.


Today is March 14 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Kirby Puckett (Minnesota Twins ball player), Billy Crystal (actor/comedian, "City Slickers"), Michael Caine (actor, "Cider House Rules"), Quincy Jones (composer), Frank Borman (astronaut), Hank Ketcham (cartoonist, "Dennis the Menace"), Les Brown (bandleader), and Albert Einstein (physicist).

On this day in 1743 the first recorded town meeting in America was held, at Faneuil Hall in Boston. In 1812 the U.S. government authorized issue of America's first war bonds, to pay for military equipment for use against the British. In 1923 President Harding became the first chief executive to file an income tax report. And in 1958 the Recording Industry Association of America certified the first gold record to Perry Como's "Catch A Falling Star."

Rainy Day - No Friday Ride

Normally, Friday is one of the days we try to ride, but not today. It was a rainy day which we needed so no complaints here.

So, not much to talk about today.

I'll close with this poem which spoke to me as we just fed the horses and I love to watch my gelding, Morgunn, when he eats.

I Smile

I smile.
A slight grin crawls across my face,
And a glimmer shines within my eye.
As I look at him, I smile.
Munching, munching. happy and content..
Perfectly consistent with every chew.
I wonder..
What makes him so special?
What about him makes me so happy?

A ray of sun dances across his dusty coat,
Two stepping on the chilly breeze,
Waltzing with the strand of hay entwined in his ebony mane.
Tasseled are his ears, and long whiskers,
But ever so much longer are his gentle inquisitive gazes.
The gazes that see right through you and back.
Way past your soul and straight to the core of your heart.

His sudden pause terminates my dreaming,
But now it's just a momentary halt of chewing,
Couples with a wistful glance to the field.
Wrangle ambling, he continues to graze.
I breath in his soft scent and find myself happy,
Much happier than before I knew those hairy ears and adoring gazes.
I know not why, but still..
I smile.


Today is March 13 and if today is your Birthday then RUN, IT'S FRIDAY THE 13TH! (Just kidding) - Rachael Bella (actress, "A Little Princess"), Will Clark (professional ball player), Adam Clayton (bass player for U2), Dana Delaney (actress, "Desperate Housewives"), William H. Macy (actor, "Wild Hogs"), Neil Sedaka (singer, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"), William Casey (former CIA Director), L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology - nut case), and Percival Lowell (astronomer who discovered Mars canals).

On this day in 1462 the Gutenberg Bible was printed. In 1519 Cortez lands in Mexico. In 1639 Harvard University was named for clergyman John Harvard. In 1793 Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin. In 1852 the New York Lantern publishes the first cartoon showing the character "Uncle Sam," based on a real U.S. officer who served in the war of 1812, Samuel Wilson. In 1878 the first collegiate golf match was played as Oxford defeated Cambridge. In 1923 a great improvement in radio receivers was advertised on this day. The new models had a concealed speaker and eliminated the need for headphones, which were considered a nuisance because they were so heavy to wear and messed up women's hairdos. And in 1970 Digital Equipment Corp introduces the PDP-11 minicomputer.

A Full Thursday

Today started with Betty and me going to visit with Dr. Schomer, the surgeon who's going to do the cutting on me next Thursday. We asked him all kinds of questions, especially the most important - "How much is it going to hurt?"

I didn't like his answer, but as you know by now I'm a wimp when it comes to my own pain. I can deal quite well when someone else is in pain, but, on boy, don't let me hurt.

I guess it will be worth it.

Then early this afternoon, we trimmed our bushes in the front and side yard. We still have to clean up the cuttings, but all the bushes are trimmed. This was one of the big projects we wanted to get done before my surgery. My trimming technique is to use a power trimmer and cut the heck out of the bushes. I don't go for quality as much as I do for quantity. My back was hurting when I finished. Planting those bushes shortly after we moved in seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I don't know...

As I finished the last bush our farrier drove up to trim our horses' hooves. That went well as all three of our horses have good ground manners and don't give him any trouble. They stand quietly. Fortunately, all three horses have great hooves. We believe in horses going barefoot unless there's a strong reason for shoes. A barefoot horse who's healthy, well taken care of, and gets regular and good trims usually has stronger, healthier hooves - just our opinion.

Finally, tonight we head to church to lead a training course we're starting. We're training couples to do the same kind of pastoral counseling we have done. With the growth of our church and as we've gotten older, we need to train people who can do this. We're not getting any younger you know.

It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow and we can use the moisture.

Today is March 12 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Frank Catalano (jazz saxophonist), Darryl Strawberry (pro baseball player plagued by drugs), James Taylor (singer, "You've Got a Friend"), Liza Minnelli (actress/singer/dancer, "Cabaret"), Al Jarreau (jazz singer), Barbara Feldon (actress, Agent 99 on "Get Smart"), Andrew Young (politician), Edward Albee (playwright, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"), Jack Kerouac (author, "On the Road"), and Gordon MacRae (actor/singer, "Oklahoma").

On this day in 1789 the U.S. Post Office is established. In 1850 the first $20 Gold piece was issued. In 1894 Coca-Cola is sold in bottles for the first time. In 1912 the first Girl Scouts of America troop was organized in Savannah, Ga., by Juliette Gordon Low. In 1933 President Roosevelt delivered the first of his radio "fireside chats," telling Americans what was being done to deal with the nation's economic crisis. And in 1969 Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman in London.

Wednesday Wanderings

Today was a day of differences. The morning was occupied by a visit to Wells Fargo Mortgage Company. We've decided to refinance our home to take advantage of the lower mortgage rates which should save us some money. It went pretty well, although it's amazing how much paper you have to waste for something like this and this wasn't even the closing where I'm sure there will be another few inches of paper.

I remember when we bought our first house back in the mid-70's. If I recall correctly we signed an application form to get the mortgage and then signed maybe three documents at closing. Now, you sign all kinds of disclosure forms just to apply for the refinancing.

Oh well, I guess that's the world we live in - doesn't make it right - just is.

This afternoon, I got to go to Presbyterian Hospital for a pre-operative testing. Yes, I'm having an operation next Thursday, March 19. I had a double hernia operation years ago and the best guess is that scar tissue from that operation is gumming up some of my plumbing so it needs to be fixed. That's about as much detail as I'm prepared to go into and probably more than you wanted.

Compared to my good friend Max Wade's heart operation this should be walk in the park, but I'm told that I'll be in a fair amount of pain for several days. In fact, I have to be prone for 72 hours after the operation. Betty gets to be the good nurse of the East for a couple of weeks, but she'll have her hands full. I'm a terrible patient and a big baby so she'll get a good work out.

I was at the hospital for almost two hours just to get some blood taken and an EKG, but, again, I guess that's the world we live in.

Tomorrow I go to the surgeon to talk about the operation. I'm taking Betty with me as she always asks much better questions than I do.

So much for today.

Today is March 11 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Thora Birch (actress, "American Beauty"), LeToya Luckett (singer, Destiny's Child), Douglas Adams (author, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"), Bobby McFerrin (jazz composer), Sam Donaldson (ABC newsman), Rupert Murdoch (owner of man newspapers and TV channels), Ralph Abernathy (civil rights leader), and Lawrence Welk (bandleader - "And a one...").

On this day in 537 the Goths lay siege to Rome. In 1867 the volcano Mauna Loa erupted in Hawaii. In 1930 Babe Ruth signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees for a sum of $80,000. In 1942 as Japanese forces continued to advance in the Pacific during World War Two, General Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia, vowing: "I shall return." In 1953 the first woman doctor, F. M. Adams, was commissioned in the regular Army. And in 1969 Levi starts to sell bell-bottomed jeans - and the world was never the same.

On Our Way Home

We woke up to about 2 1/2 inches of snow on the ground, but we're on our way home after visiting with our kids and granddaughter in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was a great visit, but it's always good to get home.

We hope everyone had a great weekend and your week is off to a great start.

Of course we have to share a few more pictures of Juliet...


On Monday, we went to a local bookstore who had a story hour for the kids...




Today is March 10 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Emily Osment (actress, "Hannah Montana"), Carrie Underwood (singer, winner of American Idol), Prince Edward (Prince Charles younger brother), Sharon Stone (actress, "Basic Instinct"), Osama Bin Laden (terrorist), Kim Campbell (Canada's first female Prime Minister), Chuck Norris (actor, "Walker, Texas Ranger"), and James Earl Ray (murdered Martin Luther King, Jr).

Monday Video - Bizkit the Sleep Walking Dog

I love dogs, but some dogs may be one or two bricks short of a full load.

Enjoy Bizkit as he chases something while he sleeps...




Today is March 9 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Bow Wow (young rapper), Emmanuel Lewis (child actor, "Webster"), Juliette Binoche (actress, "The English Patient"), Bobby Fischer (chess master), Raul Julia (actor, "Kiss of the Spider Woman"), Mickey Gilley (country bar owner), Yuri Gargarin (Russian cosmonaut and first man in space), Keely Smith (jazz singer), Irene Papas (actress, "Zorba the Greek"), and Mickey Spillane (author of Mike Hammer novels).

On this day in 1796 French general and future emperor Napoleon Bonaparte married Josephine de Beauharnais. In 1822 Charles Graham of N. Y. was granted a patent for artificial teeth. In 1862 the ironclads "USS Monitor" (Union) and "CSS Merrimack" (Confederacy) have their famous battle at Hampton Roads. It was a standoff. In 1873 the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was founded. And in 1961 Sputnik 9 carries the Russian dog Chernushka into orbit.

Sunday Reflections - A Child

Since we're here in Fort Collins, Colorado enjoying our granddaughter, Juliet, my mind has gone to what God says about children in the Bible. There is a lot which is not surprising. Children are God's gift to us as parents - and they are also a challenge. If we take our faith seriously we have to examine ourselves continually to ensure we're living the lives that we want our children to emulate. We don't want to be "do as I say, not as I do" parents.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

It's wonderful watching Wade Daniel and Marie teaching Juliet through their own lives. They both are devoted to their faith in and relationship with God. Juliet will learn much about God through her Father and Mother.

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. (Proverbs 23:13)

Yes, I do believe in spanking when a child is willfully disobedient - not when they're foolish or make a mistake. Juliet is not at that age when willful disobedience is an issue yet, but it will come. Both Wade Daniel and Marie understand that there are times when it's more important to be a parent to Juliet than to be her friend. Children don't like discipline, but they are comforted by the boundaries set by loving parents. I feel the same way about the discipline God has brought into my life when I needed loving boundaries.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

I think it's an amazing gift that God came to us as an innocent, vulnerable child born to common, everyday folk. He understands what it means to be a child. When I have studied leadership, I have learned that it's important to know what it means to be a good follower if you're to be a good leader. God learned what it meant to be a child so he could be a good Father to us all.

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. (Matthew 18:2-6)

I watch Juliet with Wade Daniel and Marie and I think I understand a little of what Jesus is saying. She absolutely trusts them with her whole life - even when she doesn't understand what's going on. When she's unhappy or sick, she gives herself totally over to them because she knows they love and care for her deeply. She is who she is - no more and no less - she hasn't learned to put on roles or faces for others and I believe that's what true humility is - being who we are in God's eyes who sees through all the facades and defenses we put up to the world.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. (1 John 5:1-2)

I love Wade Daniel (and his younger brother Chris) with all my heart. He's turned out to be a good, Christian man, husband and father - despite all the times I came up short as a Father to him. God clearly has his hand on Wade Daniel's shoulder. Because I love him so deeply I would love Juliet no matter what because she is from his flesh. However, she makes it easy to love her because she loves deeply already because she knows she is loved so deeply by her Father and Mother.

I couldn't close out this post without some more pictures so bear with this proud grandfather...

During the afternoon we went to a public farm run by the Parks and Recreation Department...

We'll close with pictures of two sweet little lambs...



Today is March 8 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Bob, Clint and Dave Moffatt (singers, The Moffatts), James Van Der Beek (actor, "Dawson's Creek"), Freddie Prinze Jr. (actor), Aiden Quinn (actor), Mickey Dolenz (singer, The Monkees), Lynn Redgrave (actress, "Georgy Girl"), Cyd Charisse (actress/dancer, "Singing in the Rain"), Claire Trevor (actress, "Key Largo").

On this day in 1618 Johann Kepler discovers Third Law of Planetary Motion. In 1854 US Commodore Matthew C. Perry made his second landing in Japan. Within a month, he concluded a treaty with the Japanese. In 1855 a train passed over the first railway suspension bridge at Niagara Falls, New York. In 1887 the telescopic fishing rod - made of steel tubes inside one another - was patented by Everett Horton. In 1894 a dog license law was enacted in the state of New York. This was the first such animal control law in the U.S. It cost dog owners a $2 annual fee per dog in cities with a population over 1,200,000. And in 1971 a new undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion was crowned, as "Smokin'" Joe Frazier of Philadelphia won a decision over Muhammad Ali, who was previously undefeated.