Dan and Bettys Place

The Work Continues

2012-02-02T16:48:00.001-07:00

The landscaping work in our yard and courtyard is continuing. The focus today, Thursday, was on the new patio they’re putting into our courtyard.

Just for the fun of it, I did a short time-lapse video of the work on the flagstone. It starts a little slow, but picks up.

Starting Over

2012-01-31T11:34:00.001-07:00

Eight years ago when we moved into our Corrales house, we had the front and side yards and courtyard landscaped. We didn't have any experience with Southwestern plants and what we learned is they can grow really big - think Rosemary and Apache Plume - and can spread like wildfire - think Apache Plume again.

Well, last winter we had an unusually bitterly cold spell in early February - near zero at night and in the teens during the day. I know for some of you that's not that cold, but for us that's not normal.

We lost all of our Rosemary and many of the decorative plants were harmed to the point that they looked terrible. So, we decided to bite the bullet and we're starting over.

Our neighbor, Susan, had some landscaping work done last year and was very satisfied with their work. So, we're using the same company. They started on Monday digging up the old plants. They should be finished by Wednesday. Then they're going to install a new sprinkler system. Finally, we're going to have a flagstone patio put into our courtyard.

Here are a few pictures.

First, here are a couple of pictures of the courtyard after the work was done. I didn't get any before pictures. We kept the False Yucca, the Heavenly Bamboo and the few trees we have, but everything else is gone. The flagstone patio will go in the area closest to the swing and will extend out to the edge of the concrete where it begins to go around the hot tub.

These are pictures of the front yard before the work is done. (They're working on the side and front as I write this.) All the plants in these pictures will be gone, except for the cactus.

Finally, here is a picture of the entry courtyard. We will keep the cactus, but the others will go.

New Mexico Stampede

2012-01-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday night we went to the New Mexico Stampede rodeo. Galloping Grace Youth Ranch is the official charity of the event and we were given 100 tickets for our volunteers. We made the night into a volunteer appreciation event.

One reason I love rodeos is the patriotic openings and they do a good job at the Stampede.

The first event is the bareback bronc riders. I think this is the hardest event in that it seems to a terrifically hard beating on the rider’s back and neck. It also probably hurts when you hit the ground.

The next event is the steer wrestling. It was a tough night for most of the competitors as they hard a hard time catching up with the steers.

This guy started off well.

But it took him forever to get the steer thrown.

Then it was the tie down roping. I love to watch the horses work in this event.

Next was the saddle bronc riders.

One of the saddle broncs decided he didn’t want to wait in the chute for his ride to start – so he tried to get out on his own.

After that excitement, the team ropers took the stage.

The next to the last event is the barrel racing and this is one of my favorites.

Finally, the bull riders. These guys are both brave and nuts - all at the same time.

Some riders find themselves in a ‘close encounter’ with the bull and that’s when the bull fighters earn their pay.

And some more.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and it was a fun and enjoyable evening. Go cowboys!

Monday Video - Bye

2012-01-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not leaving. Today's video is a little girl reaching out to strangers. Need a warm feeling inside today? Check this out.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - It Is Good

2012-01-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:31 -- God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day.

I was looking again at the pictures I posted from our recent visit to the Bosque del Apache Nature Preserve. The beauty of the birds reminds me of the greatness of God's creation. He is the great Artist.

In the first chapter of Genesis God says "it is good" six times as he creates. Finally, in the last verse, as most artists do, he steps back to review his artwork, and he says that it is not only good, but it is very good.

So, when you start doubting who you are, what's your purpose, what's your worth, just remember that God stepped back after creating you, looked at his creation, and said, "you are very good."

Bird Bird Bird–Bird Bird’s the Word

2012-01-27T17:10:00.001-07:00

A terrible title, but I couldn’t resist. If you don’t know what I’m referring to just Google The Ramones.

(Warning – lots of photos and a video.)

Thursday Betty and I got up at 3:15 AM so we could leave by 3:45 to drive down to the Bosque del Apache Nature Preserve. The preserve is 8 miles South of San Antonio which is 8 miles South of Socorro which is about 2 hours South of us. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there and we wanted to get there before sunrise.

The reason to get there early is to watch the Snow Geese. They come back to the preserve each evening to rest in the lake. Then, just before sunrise something sets them off and hundreds and hundreds of Snow Geese take to the air all at the same time. It’s called ‘the lift-off,’ ‘the rising,’ and, my favorite, ‘the blast.’ And it is a blast to watch and hear all of these birds rising up and lifting off and flying over you.

After that, we drove around the preserve to see what else we could see.

Well, here we go with some photos. Here’s a picture of the Snow Geese on the lake as we arrived at the preserve. It’s about 6:30 AM and sunrise is 7:10 AM.

Here’s some photos of a Snow Geese ‘blast’ from the other side of the lake.

Just before sunrise, the Snow Geese on our side of the lake took to the air with a blast of noise and wings.

Then we drove around the preserve to see other birds as the sun came up. First, some ducks and Sandhill Cranes feeding.

As we drove around we saw several hawks.

When we got to the Southern end of the preserve we came upon a flock of Snow Geese and some Canada Geese in a field. While we were there they suddenly walked and flew to an irrigation ditch right in front of us. We were the only people there so it was our own mini-blast.

Finally, we watched some Sandhill Cranes, a few more Snow Geese and a couple of Bald Eagles.

Here’s a short video of some of the sights and sounds.

We stopped at a Sonic in Socorro on the way home and had some breakfast burritos. We were tired and worn out when we got home, but it was a great day and we enjoyed it.

Friday Funny - Put A Little Bounce In Your Life

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the week and maybe it's been a hard week for you - or you're just tired in general. Sometimes we need something to give our spirits a little lift. Fortunately, God has endowed many of his creatures with a joy for life.

Enjoy the joy-filled bounce in this creature of God. (Be sure and have your sound on as the music is perfect.)

Breezes and Birds

2012-01-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

I know, dumb title. We had thought about riding this morning, but it was a little bit too breezy and cold so we'll try again on Friday.

Tomorrow morning, we're going to get up early so we can get down to the Bosque del Apache (Woods of the Apache) nature reserve before dawn. Bosque del Apache is a great bird habitat for Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Canada Geese and tons of ducks. It's not uncommon to see coyotes there and some have even seen a cougar and elk there as well.

We'll have our cameras with us so hopefully we'll get some good pictures and maybe a movie as well.

I'll try to have something up by Friday.

Out and About With No Squeak

2012-01-23T16:00:00.001-07:00

We decided to ride Sugar and Morgunn out today. The last time we rode out with them was before Christmas. Since then, we've either done ground work with them or ridden in the back. We rode them over to the open sage area that's South of us. Our neighbor across the street has said it's fine for us to ride down his driveway to get to the open area.

There are dirt roads through the area so we have a choice of where we go. We decided to take the shortest route since it was the first time they were out and it was cold. Plus we had someone coming to the house today to give us an estimate on some landscaping work and he was due at noon.

Both horses did fine, but you could tell between the cold weather and being out for the first time in a while they both were full of energy. I did several serpentines with Sugar to help her keep her mind focused on me. So we were happy with this first ride out.

We cleaned and oiled our saddles this past weekend. I gave my new, squeaky Tucker saddle a good oiling with pure neatsfoot oil and then went back over it again with Bicks Leather Conditioner. Bicks is my favorite conditioner. We first encountered it in Ohio when we went to an Amish saddlery and that's what they used for all of their tack. I figured if it was good enough for the Amish it would work for us. That's what we've used ever since and we haven't been disappointed.

The saddle had very little squeak when I rode in it this morning and the more I rode the better it got. It had hardly any squeak by the time we got home.

We hope to get out again on Wednesday because we're supposed to have rain and snow showers tomorrow.

A good day.

Sunday Reflections - Seasons

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...

It's Winter and, of course, that's a season. But God is taking about something else when he says there's a season for every activity under the heavens. He then gives a pretty specific list of activities

A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Some times are very significant - a time to be born and to die, a time to kill and to heal, a time for war and peace. Some are relational - a time to embrace and refrain from embracing. Some seem inconsequential - a time a keep and to throw away, a time to scatter stones and to gather them. Some are emotional - a time to weep and to laugh, a time to mourn and to dance. Some are daily work - a time to plant and to uproot, a time to tear down and to build.

Sounds a lot like our lives - significance, relational, inconsequential, emotional and daily work in the midst of it all.

The Hebrew word for season is 'zeman' which literally means to fix a time, an appointed occasion.

I believe God fixes a time, appoints each occasion for the seasons of our lives. Some seasons are full and bountiful. Some seasons are struggles, filled with hardship and pain. Some seasons are seasons of waiting.

I believe Betty and I are in a season of waiting. If often feels as if we're disconnected from the things that used to fill us with significance and joy. For me things have changed a lot.

Ever since I was 24 years old I have been in positions of leadership - responsible for people, programs, activities, budgets, etc. It started with my four years as an officer in the Navy. At that tender age I was given far more responsibility for people and things than most young people find in many years in business. Then I joined Procter & Gamble and for the next 27 years I filled various leadership positions as I worked my way up the corporate ladder.

Toward the latter part of my career I became active in church ministries and led many different ministries from small groups to pastoral counseling teams.

As I got older, especially as I entered my 60's, I realized something. My love for God and doing his work is still strong. However, my enthusiasm for leading and being responsible for others and programs has burned out. I no longer have the emotional or physical energy to be responsible for others. It took several years of work to prepare people to take our place in our church ministries, but a little over a year ago Betty and I were finally able to step down from leadership - after over 40 years.

So, what does God have next for us? I don't know. We're content for the moment to work in the background - to be in a season of waiting.

Flags, Hula Hoops and Noodles, Oh My!

2012-01-20T15:29:00.001-07:00

Betty and I worked with Sugar and Morgunn this morning in the back. I wanted to give Sugar another easy ride to be sure the new saddle is working for her and it seems to be fine.

To make it more interesting for everyone, besides doing the normal exercises we do, we added some distractions. We put flags in the cones that flap in the breeze, noodles and hula hoops on the ground that move when stepped on and a couple of wind flowers by the center cone. The hula hoops have beads in them that make a noise when they’re touched.

The cones are set up in a shape where we can work on turns to improve our softness as well as their softness. We use the bridge to work on control and trust. I was in our round pen where we have two large white barrels. We use the round pen to work on turns by doing figure eights around the barrels and to ride circles.

The morning went well and, if the weather permits next week, we’ll take them out for a trail ride.

Here’s a short video of Betty and Morgunn.

New is Good

2012-01-19T14:15:00.001-07:00

There's nothing wrong with buying and using items previously used by others. In many cases, it's the smart way to go.

However, it's always fun to get something new. For a horse person, the only thing better than a new horse is a new saddle. Yesterday, Betty and I went to Dan's Boots and Saddles to pick up the new saddle I ordered for Sugar.

It's a Tucker endurance saddle and our friend from Dan's, Melanie Scholer, came out before Christmas and measured Sugar. She sent the measurements to the folks at Tucker and they made this saddle specifically for her.

Since Betty's riding Morgunn, she's using the Steele Custom saddle we had made for him about four years ago as it still fits him well. It's a good saddle for Betty to ride in. I tried Betty's Steele Custom saddle we bought when we got Gletta, her first horse. That was a great saddle for Gletta, but it never seemed to fit Sugar as well as I wanted.

I used the new saddle this morning as we exercised the horses in the back. The saddle seemed to be a good fit for Sugar and she moved freely and well under it. We'll ride in the back again tomorrow to give her more time to get used to it and then next week we'll take them out for a trail ride to see how she does.

The only problem is being a new saddle it has a lot of new saddle squeaks, but I expect that to go away as it's broken in.

Monday Video - Willow in the Leaves

2012-01-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

It's a cold, damp day here in New Mexico so I thought this video of a sunny, Fall afternoon delight would cheer us all up.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - Freedom

2012-01-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

I believe our country is at a crossroads that will define our freedoms in the future. However, as a Christian I know there are two spheres of freedom for us as individuals.

First,there is an eternal freedom that comes from one source and one source only - Jesus Christ:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

This freedom is the freedom from the yoke of slavery found in sin. There is no power, no government that can ever take away this freedom.

The second sphere of freedom is the world in which we live. The founders of our country were focused on freedom with a passion that burned hot within them. Being human they didn't get it 100% right, especially in dealing with the slave issue of the time.

But, they got the principles right: Our freedoms come from our Creator. We have the inalienable right to freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to protect ourselves and our families, freedom to own property and the freedom to pursue happiness. As Americans we have the freedom of equality - equality of opportunity, not of results.

Over the years, there have been those who have attacked these freedoms, primarily in an effort to control us and our resources. Through the sacrifice of live and treasure these attacks have been beaten back.

I believe our worldly freedoms are once again under attack and, I suppose, will remain under attack until Jesus returns.

There have been people who have expressed this God-given desire for freedom better than I ever could. Here is one of my heroes in the area of freedom. I'm sure she wasn't a perfect human being, but I believe she understood the principles of freedom our founders expressed so well.

Hugo Instead of Horses

2012-01-14T10:37:00.001-07:00

Betty and I had hoped to ride yesterday morning, but we chose not to for two reasons. First, it was colder than we like - mid 30's - and Betty had a headache.

So we decided to go to the movies yesterday afternoon. We went to see 'Hugo' and we highly recommend it.

The production quality is excellent, the casting is right on the money, it's a feel good story highlighting great human values and there is some basis of historical fact mixed in.

Even if you wind up having to rent it, we recommend 'Hugo' for a great evening of movie watching.

Friday Funny–Carrot Crazy

2012-01-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

As you may remember, we have a resident bunny in our courtyard who is Betty’s least favorite resident animal. Occasionally, he or she will eat some of our plants, but for the most part just feasts on sunflower seeds.

So, when I saw this video, I thought of her and figured I would share it with you.

Enjoy.

Carrot Crazy from littleGIANT on Vimeo.

When the Cold Winds Blow

2012-01-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

It's a sunny day here in New Mexico. It's a little on the cold side, but if the wind's not blowing the sun, along with our mile-high altitude, can make the day feel very pleasant.

That's not the case this morning. I had a dentist cleaning appointment this morning (look Ma, no cavities) and our intent when I returned home was to ride the horses in the back and do some more basic, under-saddle exercises with them.

We went out to clean up last night's manure and found out the wind had picked up significantly. The forecast was for this to happen in the afternoon, but it started this morning.

Normally, I don't mind the wind if the temperature is more moderate. I don't even mind the strong winds we have in the spring. I find them interesting and part of the nature of living in New Mexico.

However, I don't like cold winds. Hear that Michelle? It's cold winds I don't like. I have a blogging friend, Kate, who's much tougher than I am and this cold wind would probably not stop her. I know, I'm a wuss when it comes to cold wind.

So, we decided to hold off riding until Friday morning when, hopefully, it will be a calmer morning. Now I need to turn on the heating pad and warm up some.

Monday Video - Flying Rays

2012-01-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Our world is full of wondrous things, many of which are still being discovered. Here's something that was totally new to me - Devil Rays that fly.Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - It Will Be A Miracle

2012-01-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

John 7:21 -- Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.

When Jesus said this, the Greek word for miracle is 'ergon' which means a work, an act, to toil.

So, when Jesus did a miracle, it was a work, an act of God.

As I write these words, I'm watching the beginning of the Denver/Pittsburgh wild card play off game. It will literally be a miracle if Denver beats Pittsburgh. It won't be an act of God, but a miracle never-the-less.

That's all I've got for today as I have to root for a miracle.

Update: Miracles do happen. Denver 29 Pittsburgh 23

Now they have to play New England next week in New England. Talk about miracles.

Bring On Spring!

2012-01-07T12:55:00.001-07:00

OK, it's time for winter to be over. I'm ready for spring.

I know we've had some mild weather for January, but the early mornings when I go out to feed the horses have been pretty cold.

I hate having to wear a hoodie, then my heavy barn coat, a mad-bomber hat (which is great for keeping your head and neck warm), glove liners and mittens to keep my fingers from freezing.

It takes me an extra hour, actually just a few extra minutes but it seems like an hour, just to get ready to go outside.

It's also tiring to brace against the cold. Betty and I always seem to be more tired during the winter than during the warmer weather. I guess it just takes more energy to operate in the cold than in the warm.

The one good thing is our New Mexico sun. Once it comes up, it does make things a little nicer.

I know we're still going to have several more weeks of cold and probably snow. We're supposed to have a mix of snow and rain tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Enough already. Bring on the warmer weather.

PS for those in much colder, snowier climes: Sorry for my rant, but you can always move to the Southwest if you want to get away from your colder, snowier winters ;)

100 Years Young Today

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state in the Union.

Today, January 6, 2012, we celebrate our 100th birthday.

Today is also my sister Jane's birthday, but she's somewhat less than 100. Happy birthday, Sis.

There was one unusual thing about New Mexico becoming a state. The normal procedure was to add one more star to the official US flag right after the new state joins the Union. However, since Arizona was admitted as a state just a couple of months later, there never was an official 47-star US flag. The official flag went from 46 stars to 48 stars.

There have been a few 'unofficial' 47 star flags produced, but we won't mention those.

So, for 100 years old, New Mexico still looks good to Betty and me.

Happy Birthday to all New Mexicans!

Horse Catch Up

2012-01-05T13:13:00.001-07:00

Since Betty and I got home last week we've been getting over our colds. Even with that we wanted to reconnect with our horses, Morgunn and Sugar, since it has been over a month. We decided we would start this week, even though we still weren't 100%.

On Monday, I was still too sick, so that wasn't a good day to start.

Tuesday, we exercised in the morning (boy did that hurt given it's been over a month since we last went to the gym) and decided to do a little, very basic ground work later that morning. We only spent about 15 minutes, but it went well and they responded well.

Yesterday, Wednesday, we did more extensive ground work with the horses - asking them to do several exercises beyond backing them up and moving their hindquarters. It went well, but it took a lot out of us. Even though we're getting over our colds, our energy reserves are pretty low.

Today, we exercised again this morning and that went pretty well. We need to build up our strength and consistent exercise is the only way. We thought we might ride the horses in the back, but we decided that wouldn't be a good idea. We would be tired from our exercise and we wouldn't be able to give our best to Morgunn and Sugar.

So, after a good night's rest we'll ride Morgunn and Sugar tomorrow morning. We're planning to do some riding exercises in the back and, God willing, it should go pretty well. We're looking forward to it.

War Horse

2012-01-04T15:57:00.001-07:00

Because of our colds, we didn't get to go see War Horse until today.

It's a good movie, but a hard one to watch because of the harsh conditions both men and horses had to endure during World War I.

It's a Seven Spielberg movie and like most of his movies, the attention to detail is amazing. The characters and the settings are perfect for the time the movie is set.

It starts in pre-war England and the early scenes of the horse, Joey, being born, growing up and being used as a farm horse are wonderfully done.

The war time scenes are difficult to watch, but there is no blood or gore.

For a horse owner and lover it was a hard movie to watch at times, but it is so beautifully done I'm glad I saw it.

Christmas One More Time

2012-01-03T17:27:00.001-07:00

(Warning – lots of photos)

When Betty and I got home last week from our Christmas trips to Colorado, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, we both came home with one more Christmas present – a bad cold. It was the kind that included a bad cough each night while you tried to sleep as well as the usual congestion. Fortunately, I had done some posts in advance – all the ones through last Sunday.

Now we’re all better. So, I’m going to share some of the photos from our trip. Even though there are a lot for a blog post, they are just a sample of all the photos we took.

First, our visit with Wade Daniel, Marie, Juliet and Leah in Fort Collins, Colorado. This included opening presents, a visit to a lighted garden at night and ice cream with Nana and Papa at a local mall. Unfortunately, Leah was sick with roseola while we were there, but she’s better now.

Betty and I received special gifts from the girls. I got a sweat shirt and Betty got a tote bag with our names, Papa and Nana, on them under a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was made with Juliet and Leah’s handprints. Pretty cool.

Then we headed to Mount Vernon, Ohio to have an early Christmas with Chris, Tracy, Javier and Esme, their Chihuahua.

Then we hopped into our rental car and drove to Bowling Green, Kentucky to have Christmas with my sister Jane, her husband Hack, and their kids April, Kelly and Gary and grandson Jory.

Finally, one more road trip to Franklin, Tennessee for Christmas at Grandmother Nita’s place. Betty’s sister Margie and her brothers Bill and his wife Noel and Jim and his wife Noel were there. Jim and Melissa have two children – Leslie, married to Tom, and Patrick, married to Michelle, and they were there as well. Michelle is Singaporean and she and Patrick teach at a University in Singapore.

We actually have three celebrations each year. First we have a nice dinner on Christmas Eve Eve at Margie’s house. Then there’s Christmas Eve when Nita’s niece comes over and it was also Betty’s father’s birthday when he was alive. Christmas Eve also includes a karaoke session which is fun. Finally, we open most of our presents on Christmas morning.

So, if you made it this far, well done. No more Christmas pictures until next year. On to the New Year!

Sunday Reflection - Perspective for the New Year

2012-01-01T11:42:00.001-07:00

Have you ever stood on the top of a high mountain and looked out over miles and miles of space - valleys, mountains, plains, houses, farms, cities and villages? I have several times over the years in our travels.

One memprable time was on one of our trips to Canada to visit with our friends who had a guest ranch. They also had a mountain camp up in the Canadian Rockies. One all-day ride was the 40-Mile Ridge ride. It was a steep ride up to the top of a mountain where you could see 40 or more miles in every direction - hence the name 40 Mile Ridge. We could see over the valleys where people camped and hiked.

When we were down in our valley where we camped our perspective was limited by the trees and mountain ridges. We couldn't see other campers or valleys. Up on 40-Mile our perspective was much greater.

Our relationship with God is like that. I live in the valley where I can't see that much, but God Iives on the mountain top where he can see so much more and his vision is not limited to 40 miles.

Psalm 119:105 says: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

If you think about the type of lamps used in Old Testament times, it was a small, oil-burning lamp that provided only a small glow around the lamp. So, when the writer of that psalm talked about God's word being a light on our path, the illumination would be pretty small in scope. We might have enough light to see where our next step should be to stay on the path, but beyond that small illumination everything was still in darkness.

My experience with God has been like that. Whenever I felt God was showing me something it was only a small glimpse of the next step to take. The whole path and the ultimate destination of that step was never revealed. My perspective has always been one of being in the valley.

My faith is that God sits up on 40-Mile Ridge and knows where he's leading me.

I don't know where God will lead me and Betty in 2012, but I have faith in his guidance.

We wish you all a God-blessed and a God-led New Year!

Friday Funny - So True

2011-12-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

For all you of you kids at heart out there.

Evolution of Someone I Love

2011-12-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Betty had a great idea. We're collecting old pictures of her family up until the time that Betty's mother died when Betty was 20 years old. I'll put them into a photo book and we we'll give copies to everyone for a late Christmas present.

I thought I would share some pictures of Betty to show the evolution of the person I love the most.

And I guess she was destined to be a horse person all her life.

Headin' Home

2011-12-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

We're on a plane from Nashville, Tennessee To Houston and then another to Albuquerque. We've had a good time, but it will be good to be home.

And one of the first things we'll do is go see War Horse! Hot dog!

The Smells of Christmas

2011-12-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

When you mention the smells of Christmas, I suspect most people will think of Christmas trees, roaring fires, turkey cooking, pies cooling, tamales (a New Mexico Christmas tradition). The smells at the first Christmas would have been very different.

2,000 plus years ago a tired Mary and Joseph were still amazed at the birth of their new son Jesus. We've seen pictures and nativity scenes portraying this event for many years. But, until I recently heard someone on the radio, I haven't thought about the smell of that first Christmas.

Years ago when we were visiting Betty's stepmother and sister in Tennessee they took us to a special show. It was called Cheval Theatre. It was a Cirque de Soleil (sp?) show, but done on horse back. It was great.

When you entered the show, you were routed through their circular, portable stables so you could see all the different breeds they used in the show. When we walked into the stables we were immediately struck by the smells - hay, horse, manure and urine. Nita and Margie both said 'ewwww,' but Betty and I both loved the smells. This was before we owned our horses, but we were deeply into riding. So, the smell was familiar and comforting to us.

When Mary was waiting to deliver Jesus she would have encountered the same smells - hay, animal, manure and urine - the first smells the baby Jesus would have experienced - the smells of Christmas. I wonder if they were comforted by those smells?

We hope you had a blessed and safe Christmas.

O Come Emmanuel

2011-12-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Christmas is the celebration of the coming Messiah - the Savior of the world. He came, not as a king or conquering warrior, but as a child - born in a lowly manger. And his coming was announced not to kings or presidents or the wealthy - his coming was announced to lowly shepherds.

As you celebrate this day with gifts for your loved ones, we pray that you will remember the greatest gift of all - the baby Jesus born this day.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Betty and I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas with family and loved ones. There's no better way to explain the real meaning of Christmas than the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

It Is A Silent Night

2011-12-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas Eve. On this silent night, Joseph and Mary settled into a lowly stable - probably a grotto carved into a large rock or hill - not the stables we know today. In the midst of this dark night, Mary gave birth to our Savior Jesus.

We have friends who are here in New Mexico who are Indian - Navajo and Apache - and I love the Indian languages. Meditate on this special, silent night as you listen to Silent Night sung in Arapaho.

A Clydesdale Christmas

2011-12-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big beer drinker - maybe once a month or so when it's hot and I've been working outside. However, I love the Budweiser Christmas commercials - especially when they include the Clydesdales.

Here are a few I remember well and enjoyed. Too bad I don't care for Bud.

Christmas Horses

2011-12-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Even if you're not a horse person, you will probably enjoy this video of horses in the snow accompanied by a Christmas carol.

A White Christmas

2011-12-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Christmas movies is "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." It portrays a lot of good things about friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. Here's another video to help you get into the Christmas mood.

Sunday Reflection - Seeking Joy

2011-12-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is supposed to be the season of Joy. We see the word 'Joy' in a lot of places. We sing 'Joy to the World.' We're supposed to be joyful - full of joy.

But what is joy? C. S. Lewis says "joy is the serious business of heaven." Serious? Doesn't sound too joyful to me.

I've written before that happiness is based on our circumstances. If everything is going well, we tend to be happy. If things are not going well, we tend to be less happy.

The Bible often associates joy with things that don't seem that great, that happy.

James 1:2 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 10:34 (NIV)

You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV)

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit...

Sure looks to me that joy is something different than happiness because the circumstances mentioned in the above scriptures don't appear too appealing to me.

C. S. Lewis gives a hint to the meaning of joy in this quote:

If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

In his book, "Surprised by Joy," Lewis describes his coming to faith. He described a feeling, a sense of longing that I could relate to. When I was a little kid, my father worked long hours. He would often be gone when I woke up and would not return home until late. As a little kid, I didn't understand my feelings. I missed my father. In adult terms I longed for his presence. Nothing in my little world could be a substitute for my father's presence.

This longing, this desire for something outside of the realm of our senses is what Lewis defined as joy. As Christians, we long for our heavenly home. We long for the reality of being in the presence of our heavenly father. We long to walk and talk with Jesus. This longing is joy.

When we describe Christmas as the season of joy, we sense that it is a season of longing for that which is not yet here. The kingdom that is here, but not yet fully come.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come - and will come again. Let us long for, desire his return.

Have a joy-filled, longing for, Christmas.

My Favourite Time of Year

2011-12-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice video by the Florrin Street band to help you get into the Christmas mood.

The Christmas Gift

2011-12-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

They say that every little girl wants a pony for Christmas. Maybe it's true. This young girl seems to have gotten a really nice mare for Christmas.

Enjoy.

Christmas and Children

2011-12-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

We often hear that Christmas is for children - and there's some truth to that. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary Did You Know?" It's a haunting song about wondering if Mary truly understand the incredible gift she carried in her womb.

Enjoy the song and ponder the haunting pictures of these children.

Monday Video - Need A Thrill?

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Even as a kid, I've never been that crazy about roller coasters. However, if you're one who likes that kind of thrill, then plan your next vacation to Austria to ride this single-pipe alpine coaster - with no brakes.

Enjoy.

One Thousand and Counting

2011-12-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just happened to notice that we were coming up on blog post number one thousand for Dan and Betty's Place - and this it.

It's hard for us to believe that we could find that many things to talk about. It's also hard for us to imagine that there are people who have been willing to read some of these posts. Other than ourselves, we doubt seriously that there is anyone else foolish enough to have read all one thousand.

Some people may say that those of us who write a blog about our lives are self-focused and there may be some truth to that. However, we like to think it's a good way to share our lives with those who might be interested. In any case it's a whole lot more satisfying than trying to share your life in 140 characters or less (e.g., Facebook).

So, we'll keep on keeping on for awhile. If we're blessed with enough life from God, we might make another thousand. Um, that may be a scary thought.

Here's to all our blogging friends for what we have learned from you and the inspiration you have been through your words and pictures. If we have given you a laugh, an inspiration, some encouragement or just a way to waste a few moments of your time, then the calluses on our typing fingers are worth it.

Warmest regards,

Dan & Betty

PS. The bill above is a fake.

Leah and Her Nana

2011-12-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that can match the love between a mother and her child on this earth. Coming in a close second is the love between a grandmother and her grandchild.

Yesterday, Leah woke up with a slight fever so Betty and I (mostly Betty) watched her while Wade Daniel and Marie could go to work. Juliet went to her normal day care.

It was wonderful for me to watch how much Leah loves her Nana and how much Betty loves Leah.

Horses and Snow

2011-12-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Snow itself can be pretty, but put a moving horse in the snow scene and you've got something special. If you're not already in the Christmas mood, maybe this will help.

Enjoy.

An Early Colorado Christmas

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're driving up to Fort Collins, Colorado today to spend a long weekend with our kids and grandkids and celebrate an early Christmas with them.

We return next Tuesday evening, December 13, and have one day, Wednesday, to wash clothes and pack again. The next day, Thursday, December 15, we fly to Nashville and we won't return until Wednesday, December 28. We'll drive up to Ohio to spend an early Christmas with our other son and daughter-in-law. Then we'll drive down to Kentucky to spend three days with my sister and brother-in-law. Finally, we'll get back to Franklin, Tennessee to spend Christmas with with Betty's stepmother. Her older sister will be there, plus her younger brother and his family.

I won't have a wifi connection during the trip to the mid-West so I won't be able to do any posts during that time. I hope to get some posts up and scheduled while we're gone so I hope you'll keep checking occasionally.

In any case, Betty and I wish everyone a blessed Christmas.

Dan

Luke 2:8-13 (NIV)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Moonrise Over The Sandia Mountains

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Late in the afternoon on Monday, I went out to fill up our bird feeders so the birds would have plenty of seed the next day. I realized the moon was rising over the snow-covered Sandia Mountains and I thought it might make a decent picture.

Corrales Snow

2011-12-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

We had another significant snow storm come in Sunday night into most of Monday. So, we have another three plus inches. It’s a good thing that Betty and I didn’t have anything scheduled to take us out so we have just hunkered down with a fire going.

Here’s a short video of our snow.

Monday Video - Maisie Meets Baby Sloth Temba

2011-12-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't had your daily dose of cute, check out this video of when Maisie, a howler monkey, meets a new baby sloth named Temba at a zoo in Panama.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - Don't Make God Mad

2011-12-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

My daily Bible study is fairly simple. I read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation - not all in one day, of course. When I finish Revelation, I start back at the beginning and start reading again in Genesis. I don't know how many times I've read through the Bible, but it's interesting to see how much new I see each time I go through it.

I read two chapters a day regardless of how long or short the chapters are. It's fairly basic, but that method works for me.

I'm currently in the middle of Ezekiel. It and Lamentations that comes before it can be pretty depressing. The general theme of both is that Israel and Judah have screwed up and God is going to lower the boom on them. Actually, his wrath is pretty severe. Some are going into exile, some will die from famine or disease and some will die by the sword. He uses other kingdoms, especially Babylon as his instruments of punishment.

So, what did Israel and Judah do that got God so ticked off?

Very simple - they turned away from him and worshipped other gods. The worst for me is some worshipped the god Baal and even sacrificed their children in fire to him.

I worry for our nation that we may possibly incur God's wrath and ultimately his judgment. We worship the gods of abortion, euthanasia, power, money, sex, fame, celebrity and on and on. God made it pretty clear that we should have no other god before him.

God loves us so much that gave us the gift of the forgiveness for our sins through the final sacrifice of his son Jesus - but, like most gifts, it has to be received. It can also be rejected. God has made it pretty clear what the future holds for those who reject the gift of his son and turn to other gods.

God is love - but God is still holy.

But, even in the midst of his anger, God loves his children:

Ezekiel 11:19 -- I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Christmas Dinner and First Snow

2011-12-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

We had our first significant snow last night.

Betty and I went to our favorite Corrales restaurant, the Indigo Crow, for a Christmas dinner. It's a cozy little adobe restaurant and they had a roaring pinon fire going which gave a great smell to the whole restaurant. We had the special, a surf and turf with a filet and grilled shrimp accompanied by mashed potatoes and asparagus. We finished off the dinner with a chocolate tort. It was all delicious.

What made it even better is we enjoyed the dinner with a gift certificate from our Colorado kids - Wade Daniel, Marie, Juliet, Leah and Kona. Thanks guys.

As we were coming home, the snow started. It turned out the snow was not as significant as they forecasted. We got only about an inch when they were predicting up to three inches. But, it's always fun to have that first snow.

Question for Horse Folks

2011-12-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

We have a question for you horse folks who read this blog and would greatly appreciate your opinions.

Currently, we're using a Tucker Toklat saddle pad with a fleece lining similar to this one:

It's a good pad and fits us and the horses well. The only problem is that with a combination of sweat, dirt and hair (in the spring) we have to use a saddle blanket to keep them clean. It's easier (for us at least) to clean a saddle blanket than to clean a saddle pad.

We would like to eliminate the saddle blanket and we're considering switching to a felt pad similar to this one:

Is it reasonable to think that we can use the felt pad without a blanket? We know we'll need to clean it and wonder how easy/difficult felt pads are to clean.

If you have any thoughts and/or experience you can share we will greatly appreciate them.

Thanks,

Dan & Betty

When New Neighbors Move In

2011-11-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Our friend Carolyn, who lived behind us, sold her house a few months ago and moved back to St. Louis to be closer to family. The couple who bought her house, Ricky and TJ, already lived in Corrales in an older house. They wanted a newer, bigger house.

They sold their old house and the new folks are moving in within a week or so. That meant that Ricky and TJ needed to build a pen for their animals - two Angora goats named Frankie and Pickles.

Well, Frankie and Pickles moved into their new digs this morning and Morgunn and Sugar didn't know what to make of these new monsters who moved in next to them - with horns no less.

Morgunn seemed more curious than anything else, but his energy level was still pretty high.

Hey, Dad, what the heck are these things?

Sugar, after prancing around for awhile, decided she didn't want anything to do with these weird creatures and decided to keep her distance.

I'm sure that in a few days Frankie and Pickles will be no big deal - I hope.

Monday Video - Fly Like A Bird

2011-11-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

I suspect almost all of us have wondered what it would be like to fly like a bird. There are sky divers now who wear winged suits that enable them to get horizontal flight as they fall. Check out this video where several winged sky divers attached several cameras to give us a bird's eye view of their flights.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - Hope

2011-11-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

1 Timothy 1:1 -- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,...

Have you ever hoped for something? Kids hope for things all the time - a toy, a pony, their parents to get along. Beauty pageant contestants always hope for world peace - or whirled peas, I'm not sure.

The Bible has a lot to say about hope. Job talked about his hope a lot.

Job 6:8 "Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for, ...

The Psalms say even more about hope.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

The Old Testament Hebrew word for hope is 'tiqvah' which literall means a cord, as an attachment. The New Testament Greek word is 'elpis' which means to anticipate, usually with pleasure and confidence.

Over the years I have hoped for many things. I hoped that Betty and I would get married some day. When I was in the Navy and our ship was in Vietnam I hoped we would get home safely. I hoped both of our boys would be born healthy. I hoped they would find good Christian girls. I hoped my career would provide for my family and for Betty and me in retirement. I hoped Betty would get over her horse accident several years ago without any lasting damage to her body or spirit. I hoped I would survive my prostate cancer. And, on and on.

It's safe to say that I was attached, as with a cord, to each of those things I hoped for - and I hoped in confidence that my hopes would come to fruition.

You know what? Hope sounds a lot like prayer.

Friday Funny - Tail Gate Party Origin

2011-11-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Now we know.

Have A Blessed Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Betty and I hope everyone has a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving.

Christmas de Caballos Parade - 2011

2011-11-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Corrales held its annual Christmas de Caballos Parade which is a celebration of the horses in Corrales.

If you would like to see a snapshot of the parade, check out this video.

Monday Video - Man and Beast

2011-11-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Perhaps be Dr. Doolittle?

Well, the actor Robin Williams had that unique opportunity when he was able to meet and 'talk' with Koko, the gorilla who knows sign language.

Enjoy this touching video.

Taking a Walk on the Inside

2011-11-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night and started worrying over something coming up that's a problem/issue for you? Your mind goes, "If this happens, I'll do this," or "If he says this, then I'll say that," or "If she does this, I'll feel this way." Those are future-oriented thoughts, but it can also occur with past issues. "Why did I do that in that situation?" "Why did she say that to me?" "Why did he do that to me?"

This is 'what-if' thinking and officially is called 'introspection.'

Introspection is a self-examination of our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors and actions. It almost always stirs up feelings of worry and anxiety about our past and/or our future.

What does God say about this walk on the inside?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, ..." (Matthew 6:25)

God clearly tells us not to worry or be anxious. That's easy to read, but hard to put into our daily lives. If introspection produces worry and anxiety then it's probably not what God wants us to do.

David gives us a clue to God's approach in Psalm 26:

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; (Psalm 26:2)

God wants us to be examined, but there is a difference.

In introspection, we are the guide of the walk on the inside - it's a self-examination. And, it doesn't allow much or any room for faith in God. The focus is on us - our worries, our short-comings.

In God's examination, the Holy Spirit is the guide of the walk on the inside - it's a God-examination. Faith in God is a prerequisite for and an outcome of this walk. The focus is on God and our relationship with him.

Ready for a walk?

Good Horse Day

2011-11-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, Friday, was a nice day - a little breezy, but still nice. We decided to work with the horses again.

On Thursday morning we both rode our horses in the back. Since we've been gone so much and had some minor health issues we haven't been able to ride as consistently as we want. So, we're going back to the basics to re-establish our connection and communication with Sugar and Morgunn. The only problem we had on Thursday morning is Morgunn is really connected to Sugar so he had a hard time when she wasn't close. That's called being 'buddy-sour.' It added an extra distraction for Betty as she was working with him. She did well, but she couldn't focus completely on the exercises she wanted to do with Morgunn.

Betty had a good idea and we did it on Friday morning. Betty saddled up Morgunn and rode him in the back. I took Sugar, without her saddle, into our round pen and did some ground work. Morgunn could see Sugar, but he couldn't get to her. So he paid much more attention to Betty and it went a lot better. She was able to focus more on the exercises without having to deal with him thinking about Sugar. I did a lot of good ground work with Sugar which was good.

We're going to do this a couple more times next week and then we may swap. I'll ride Sugar while Betty does ground work with Morgunn in the round pen.

Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers coach, used to hold up a football at the first practice of each year and say, "Gentlemen, this is a football." He knew the value of rebuilding a good foundation for his players by focusing on the basics. Sometimes we need to go back to the basics with Sugar and Morgunn and it's worth the time.

Friday Funny - 11 Sounds Your Kids Probably Have Not Heard

2011-11-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the web site below for 11 sounds your kids probably have not heard before. Their world today is so different from the world I grew up in.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/106713

Oh, Aching Back

2011-11-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

A little over a week ago, my lower back - right at my waist - started hurting a little. Another back spasm, I thought. I have had them over the years, but I haven't had one in several years.

Only this one is a little different. Most, if not all, of my back spasms have been the kind where there's a sharp, jerking pain - that's the only way I know to describe it. When it hit, I couldn't move for several seconds. However, this one just hurts a little, especially when I get up after sitting for awhile.

Some days have been better than others. Yesterday was a good day, even though I did some light work outside. When I went to bed my back felt better than it has since it started. This morning the pain was back.

I don't want to let this stop my life. I'm being careful, but we're still exercising. We're still riding the horses. I'm still shoveling manure twice a day. None of this makes my back hurt any more.

At Betty's suggestion, I have made an appointment for next Monday afternoon to go see her chiropractor. I've never been to one, so we'll see how it goes.

In the grand scheme of things, this is pretty minor, but it's annoying. If you think about me in your prayers, throw up a quick healing prayer. Can't hurt.

A Nice Surprise

2011-11-15T16:57:00.001-07:00

I just received an email today and it was appropriate since Veterans Day was this past Friday.

I spent my four year Navy career on one ship, USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (DLG-32). For most of that time, the commanding officer was Captain Al Blanks.

Captain Blanks was a 'Mustang.' That's someone who stared their Navy career as an enlisted man and then became an officer. He was an enlisted sailor in World War II and became an officer after the war.

I learned so much from this man - not only what I needed to know as a Naval officer, but also what I needed to know as a man - integrity, respect, absolute honesty, brevity, character, honor, duty - and not to ever assume. He had a sign on his desk that said, "When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME." And, he was a man who could correct you in such a way that you never felt demeaned. Even after chewing you out, he would give you a smile that said, "We're still OK." Being a former enlisted man, he knew how to relate to both enlisted and officer. For him, being an officer was just another job.

The STANDLEY served in Vietnam twice and on the last tour made an around the world trip while I was on board. As a result, a lot of us have kept in touch over the years and we've had several reunions. Betty and I were able to make the first reunion, but none of the later ones.

So, I was very pleased to get an email today that Captain Blanks sent out telling everyone how he and his wife Helen survived another Veterans Day celebration at their church. And, he attached the following pictures.

There are a few people in all our lives who change the direction of our lives and Captain Blanks is one of those people in my life. I am honored to call him friend.

Monday Video - Watch the Dress

2011-11-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

If you have been a reader of this blog for a long time, you know about my interest in illusionists. Here is a couple who share equally in the illusions. Especially watch her dress.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - Simple Words, Great Meaning

2011-11-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)

I can't imagine any greater words to hear from Jesus than, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Sometimes, I think we make salvation too complicated. Inadvertently, we can make it a barrier to those seeking God. Here's a man, a criminal - probably most of his life - condemned to death by the law of the world. All he does is acknowledge he deserves death and then asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom.

So simple, yet that is the essence of salvation - acknowledging we don't deserve mercy and acknowledging that Jesus is king, lord, savior - the words don't matter. It's what's in the heart.

My salvation moment came late at night. For years I was trying to find my salvation, my worth and value, through my career. After several months of having that shaken through several events, all I said one night was, "God, I'm tired of trying it my way. I'm ready to try it your way." And I meant it.

Simple words with little apparent theological meaning. There are probably some well-meaning Christians who might say I didn't do it the 'right' way. All I know is my life was changed from that moment on.

God has given us the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. Let's try not to complicate this simple gift so that we inadvertently become a stumbling block for others.

The old Shaker song, 'Simple Gifts' may have some simple truths:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

Corrales Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Corrales held it’s first ever Veterans Day Parade. Betty and I decided to go watch it to support whomever showed up for the parade – not knowing how big it would be or how many people would show up to watch and support the veterans.

We were pleasantly surprised at the parade itself. There were lots of veterans, veterans groups, vehicles, bands, and dogs. Even better, there was a large crowd along the parade route and it was great to see a lot of families there with their kids. There was a lot of support and we heard a lot of ‘thank you’ shouted from the watchers.

I didn’t take a picture out of respect, but the most touching thing we saw was a Vietnam Vet who needed a walker to walk who was determined to walk the whole parade. Almost everyone else was riding.

Here are a few pictures of the parade.

You can’t beat a parade that starts with a bagpipe – and he was pretty good.

One of the honored guests at the parade was John E. Allen from Rio Rancho. Mr. Allen was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and flew an F-4 Corsair – one of my two favorite planes when I was a kid right after World War II (the other being the P-51 Mustang). I can remember seeing both planes flying over our house.

There were several neat, restored military vehicles. Including one with a dog at attention.

And a neat restored non-military vehicle.

There were representatives from Paws and Stripes, a Rio Rancho program that connects rescued dogs to wounded veterans.

And, of course, a military band from the New Mexico Military Institute. A man standing next to me, retired Air Force, was a proud grandparent of a young girl in the band.

No Veterans Day Parade would be complete without motorcycles – lots and lots of motorcycles.

Finally, my favorite picture. Parents who are teaching their children well.

The Veteran’s Day Parade in Corrales was a good place to be yesterday. I’m glad we went.

Veteran's Day - 11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known only to God."

When our boys were in the Boy Scouts, we took the troop to Washington DC. It was a great trip and they experienced a lot of neat things. But one of the most moving things was when we took the subway over to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It was amazing watching these young, exuberant boys become quiet and thoughtful. They knew they were in the presence of something special.

The Honor Guard marches before the tomb 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year - cold, heat, rain, snow, sleet, wind - doesn't matter. It's a vivid example of honor, duty and sacrifice - and they consider it a privilege.

Most veterans understand honor and duty. Most veterans understand sacrifice. There's a saying about veterans - "All gave some and some gave all."

So, if you know a veteran or have a veteran in your family, take a few minutes to connect today and say whatever your heart leads you to say.

Catch Up

2011-11-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

I realized this morning that I haven't done a post since Sunday. Boy, how time can swish by. So, here's a quick recap of our last few days - at least the parts of our lives that might be half way interesting to a few of you.

On Monday we rode the horses in the back. Because of our travels and various ailments (nothing serious - headaches, back aches), we haven't worked with the horses on a consistent basis. We're going to try to get back to some consistency, even if it's a little groundwork. We worked on basic in-the-saddle movements and they did pretty well. So did we, I guess.

Later that day we learned that a good friend may be facing a serious health issue. She'll find out tomorrow, Thursday. That put kind of a downer on our day.

On Tuesday we exercised first thing in the morning. Betty had a dental appointment and all was well. In the afternoon we trailered the horses over to the vet's for their Fall shots and that went well.

Today I went to the lab to have some blood drawn for my appointment with my urologist next Monday - a follow up visit from my prostate surgery earlier this year. Hopefully the blood test results will still be good. After getting home we cleaned up last night's manure. Then we did about 15 minutes groundwork with the horses even though there was a cold North wind. We'll spend the rest of the day reading and watching old movies on TV. Two of my favorite things if we can't ride.

So, that's our week so far. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning with our family doctor for an annual check up. Hopefully the weather and my back will be good enough on Friday morning so we can ride again.

Sunday Reflection - Age and Wisdom

2011-11-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:13 -- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding..."

As I grow older, I think more and more often on what kind of man I want to be in my old age.

I have seen men and women grow more and more bitter as they got older. In many cases it's understandable as they have endured many, serious health issues. It's also understandable when the independence we value so much is taken away by age and/or illness. Having to live the last years of your life in a nursing home can take away the best of spirits.

Both Betty and I have gone through some serious health issues in the past few years. It's tough and very hard to keep your spirits up when you're hurting and dependent on others for your daily living.

Yet, I have also known men and women who have gone through the trials of age and illness and done so with much grace and beauty. They exemplify the beauty moving from the face to the heart mentioned in the above quote which I love.

What makes the difference? Why do some people live in beauty and grace and others live in darkness and despair? Here are my thoughts about the people who live in beauty and grace.

1. Their personal relationship with God is the center of their lives. All else revolves around that. Jesus Christ is their foundation upon which they stand in the midst of life's storms.

2. They know this life is not all there is. They look forward to something better.

3. They have learned to let go - to let go of physical things they can no longer do, to let go of material things that no longer matter, to let go of friends who are no longer here, to let go of life itself.

4. They understand the difference between happiness, based on circumstances, and joy, based on something more than themselves. They seek joy, not happiness.

5. They value the peace that passes all understanding. They have learned what it means to be content - in all circumstances.

I have never considered myself as beautiful. I'm an average, off-the-rack kind of guy. Yet, I hope and pray that as I get older and encounter more things I must let go of, I will learn to have a beautiful heart.

Friday Funny - All Things Good

2011-11-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

Prickly City is one of my favorite comic strips. Sometimes the artist runs across a fundamental truth. In this case, God uses our hardships so that we may comfort others with the comfort we have received.

Halloween In Fort Collins

2011-11-03T14:00:00.001-06:00

As you probably know, we spent last weekend in Fort Collins, Colorado with our kids and granddaughters. Since we came home on Tuesday, we were there for Halloween. It was a beautiful Colorado night - clear, cold and lots of stars overhead.

We went over to Marie's sister's house for a quick dinner, then we headed out to the neighborhood to see what the kids could gather.

Juliet went as Strawberry Shortcake and Leah went as a Vanilla Muffin - at least as much as she would wear. Being only one year old, Leah just enjoyed being out with everyone without knowing what was happening. However, Juliet being four knows real well what was going on. She went from house to house with her cousins, Maggie dressed as a Blue Smurf and Kaley dressed as a Princess. Juliet, being smaller, usually trailed her older cousins, but she still had a good time.

Here are some pictures. First, Leah watching all the pre-activities.

Pictures of the door-to-door visits. Marie's sister lives in a nice neighborhood where most of the neighbors participate in the Halloween activities.

Then there were the post activities - checking out the night's haul.

We're Home

2011-11-02T07:58:00.001-06:00

We drove home from Fort Collins yesterday, Tuesday. It was an uneventful trip and we're glad to be home. We had a great time with the kids and grandkids, especially on Halloween night. Juliet is a fun four year old and Leah, at one, is a delight. She smiles all the time except when she's hungry or has to put on her pj's to go to bed.

I have to work on a few pictures and then I'll share them here.

Juliet's Birthday Celebration

2011-10-30T09:03:00.001-06:00

Today, Sunday, October 30, is Juliet's 4th birthday. However, we had the party for her yesterday. It was held at Jumpin' which is one of those indoor jumping places with all the blow up slides. It's also one of those places where the noise decibels exceed the take off noise of a jumbo jet - at least to my old ears.

Juliet's cousins were there as long as several friends from her day care. Despite the noise, it was a lot of fun.

We'll give her our presents today so she'll have another mini-celebration.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

Juliet in her princess dress - a gift from one of her day care friends.

Marie's brother Michael gave her some large building block mats. He and Wade Daniel made Juliet a little house.

Nana and Leah.

Heading North

2011-10-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

Betty and I hopped into our Toyota Tundra this morning to head North to Fort Collins, Colorado. We were going to take the Mustang, but with the heavy snow in Colorado a couple of days ago we decided it would be safer in the 4-wheel drive truck instead of the rear-wheel drive Mustang.

We're going up to celebrate Juliet's 4th birthday on Sunday, October 30. They'll probably have her birthday party on Saturday and, the last we heard, it was going to be at one of these jump places with all the inflatable slides and jump areas.

I'll post when I can so be good in the mean time and stay out of the cookie jar.

Electric Blanket Time

2011-10-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

There are the regular seasons of the year - Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. We also enjoy the holiday seasons - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, etc. if you're a Christian you may be familiar with the seasons of the church - Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and some I'm probably forgetting.

For me, I also note the seasons that are perhaps related more to my comfort and that of our horses.

We note the horses' change of seasons through the addition and shedding their coats. They're both heading into their wooly bear season. Next Spring, we'll celebrate the warmer weather and longer days by being covered in their hair as it comes out in bunches and constantly spitting it out of our mouths as we groom them.

Today, we put the electric blanket on our bed as we expect colder nights in the next few days. I don't know who invented the electric blanket, but there is a special place in heaven for him or her as far as I'm concerned. The season of the electric blanket means clicking it on about an hour before we go to bed so it will be nice and toasty when we jump in. We refer a dual-control as Betty prefers her side to be a little warmer than I like. With independent controls we're both happy.

The next change of season will be noted by me putting on my mad bomber hat when I go out in the early morning to feed Sugar and Morgunn. This is one of those hats with the large side flaps and are insulated with rabbit hair. I look really stupid when I wear it, but I don't care as it keeps my head and neck toasty warm.

I'm sure there are more changes coming up, but that's enough for this post.

Stay warm everyone.

Monday Video–Northern Lights

2011-10-24T11:11:00.000-06:00

We’ve all seen Northern lights in pictures and videos, but have you ever seen the Northern lights from space? Neither had I.
Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection - Pottery

2011-10-23T09:52:00.000-06:00

My morning bible study over the past few weeks has been in the book of the prophet Isaiah - it's a long book. One of my favorite passages from Isaiah is: Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) [8] Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Pottery has been an important part of our lives. Neither Betty nor I have ever turned a pot, but our nephew Gary has and he's pretty good. No, pottery has been a part of our life because Betty has always appreciated good pottery. She has a good eye for pieces that are unique and well-made.

For many years she collected pottery pitchers and we had/have some neat pieces. As we've gotten older we no longer collect things like that as we're trying to cut down on our material things (without much luck, but we're trying).

When we moved into our house here in Corrales, New Mexico, we soon learned that our house sits on what used to be Indian land. There was a Pueblo community along the Rio Grande when Coronado first visited this area in the mid-1500's. Sure enough, after a few rains and wind storms, we started to find pottery shards in our back lot where Sugar and Morgunn live. A lot of it has been plain, utility ware shards with no decoration. But, we've also found pottery pieces with black and white decoration on them and a few pieces with a red ochre stain.

It's neat when you first pick up a shard knowing that the last person to touch it lived over 500 years ago and might even have been the potter who created the piece. I like to think that all the pottery pieces were works of love because they required so much time and work - and each piece was unique and well-made. This is especially true of the decorated pieces because they required so much creativity and skill. Even now, when they're broken, they're still beautiful and it's easy to see the love of their maker in each piece - even the utility ware.

I like to think that God is like that. Each piece/person he creates, he does so with love. And, even when we're broken, we're still beautiful in his eyes and we still reflect the love of our maker. Some times we just need to open our eyes to see.

Friday Funny - Dog Plays Fetch With Himself

2011-10-21T10:51:00.000-06:00

This is the perfect dog for a lazy person like me.

Enjoy.

Horse Exercises

2011-10-20T19:18:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned yesterday, this morning Betty and I worked with Sugar and Morgunn on some groundwork exercises. We're using exercises from a trainer in Tennessee named Larry Whitesell, a gaited horse trainer as opposed to a baited horse trainer. You have to read yesterday's post for this to make sense.

We did four basic exercises from his first DVD. The goal is to build balance and relaxation. First, we flexed their heads holding our hand on their Atlas joint which is the first cervical joint right at the poll. After a few moments they began to relax and lower their head. Second, we asked for them to lower their head by flexing at the Atlas joint while we gently massaged the rein. Third, we circled them around us while pushing the cervical joints along their neck from their poll to their withers. Besides relaxation, this encourages them to engage their hind ends and step forward with their hind legs into our hands. Finally, along the fence we asked them to move forward and back with our hand on their nose. Again, this encourages them to relax and learn how to move into our hands without pushing through with their nose

Here's a short video of parts of our morning. I didn't get video of every exercise and I included some of the desensitization we do every time we work with them. I also included Morgunn's favorite after ride/work exercise. Sugar just walks up to the tack room door waiting for some hay. Also, there is no sound or music - just lazy, I guess.

Groundwork

2011-10-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

Betty and I are going to do some basic groundwork with Sugar and Morgunn tomorrow (Thursday) morning. We have been watching some DVD's from a baited horse trainer from Tennessee - Larry Whitesell. We like his approach and his philosophy. We're even thinking of taking one of his clinics next Spring. He comes to Arizona a couple of times a year and that's close enough for us to trailer Sugar and. Morgunn.

I'll do another post about what we did and how it went.

GGYR Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T11:43:00.000-06:00

It's time for me to promote one of my favorite events - the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch.

Betty and I were there this past Saturday to help out with the horse rides. This year's pumpkin patch is three times larger than last year. Besides the horse rides on the weekends, there is a tractor ride area for the little ones, duck races, pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss, real chickens, turkeys, ducks and goats, country crafts, pumpkin carving, and even more.

Additionally, next weekend there will be a craft fair and BBQ meals available, plus a woodcarving demonstration every hour. Plus, you can find some of the best pumpkins in the Albuquerque area lat good prices.

Here are a few pictures from this past Saturday:

If you're looking for a fun time - with free admission - come on out to the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch Pumpkin Patch on Irving just West of Coors.

Sunday Reflection - Rest

2011-10-16T12:05:00.000-06:00

I posted earlier how tired Betty and I are our kids and grandkids visited last week. A four year old and a one year old are loads of fun, but they take a lot energy to keep up with them. I'm sure they were equally tired and they also had a long drive home to Fort Collins.

I thought a reflection on rest might be appropriate. God uses rest for his purposes. Jesus needed to go out into the wilderness to get away from the crowds to be with his Father and, I'm sure, to get some rest.

The big example for me is Elijah. He had just defeated Jezebel's prophets of Baal with an extraordinary demonstration of God's power. Jezebel set out to kill Elijah and, instead of standing on the power of God he had just witnessed, he fled in fear.

The first thing God did was to se that he had rest and food:

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

When we're sick and/or tired, we can't live our lives in a way where we're of use to God. Rest becomes important to our relationship with God

Betty and I are going to take some time - several days - next week to get some rest. I wish the same for you if you too need rest.

A Quorum of Quail

2011-10-15T10:32:00.000-06:00

We’ve talked before about our little ‘zoo’ we have around our house – rabbits, coyotes, hawks, snakes, squirrels – and quail.

Usually, we see at most 6 – 8 quail at a time. Yesterday, Betty looked out our back window and said, “Quick, come see this.”

We had 30 or more quail back with the horses scratching around. It was fun to watch them running around so I shot a quick video – and, of course, put it to music.

Enjoy.

Catch Up

2011-10-13T15:39:00.001-06:00

It’s been several days since I wrote a post. Our kids and grand kids left early morning. It was a great visit but we’re tired and I’m sure they are tired as they had a long ride home.

Shortly after they left, a plumbing repair man showed up to work on our Jacuzzi tub that’s not working. He was able to get most of the work done, but not all because we also have an electrical problem. So, the electrical guy shows up tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, we spent the whole day cleaning the house and changing it from kid-proof to adult-livable because we had a counseling session here on Tuesday night.

Wednesday, we had a friend from California come for lunch before heading to Santa Fe for an appointment.

Today, the farrier showed up this morning and we had a premarital counseling session this afternoon.

Saturday, we volunteer at the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch pumpkin patch leading horse rides for the little kids.

So, we’re a little on the tired side. Hopefully, I’ll get back to normal posting in a couple of days. For now I’m going to rest.

Last Day Recap

2011-10-09T16:36:00.001-06:00

Today, Sunday, is our kids and grandkids’ last day with us. They leave for home, Fort Collins, Colorado, early tomorrow morning.

We’ve covered the Balloon Fiesta, the Zoo and Explora. So here are some pictures and one small video to cover a few other things we did while they were here.

The first is Juliet had her first two horseback rides this week. Today, she rode Sugar while I led her and her Daddy, Wade Daniel, rode on Morgunn. I used a lot of what I have learned working with the kids at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch to help her feel comfortable. I even wore my riding helmet so she would feel comfortable wearing her helmet.

Everyone seemed to have a good time – even younger sister Leah as she watched. (Great pictures by Betty)

As some of you know, at the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch auction and dinner, Betty and I bid on and won the Wells Fargo gift package. Part of that package was one of the Wells Fargo horses – a little larger than the usual stuffed horse.

Here’s a short video of the fun that was had with the WF horse.

Finally, a picture of Juliet in her Halloween costume for this year – she’s a ‘pretend’ Strawberry Shortcake. And a picture of a happy Papa with his little one – Leah.

A great visit and they will be missed, but we’ll see them soon when we go up to Fort Collins for Juliet’s fourth birthday on October 30.

Explora Adventure

2011-10-08T12:46:00.000-06:00

We took the granddaughters, Juliet and Leah, to Explora yesterday. I have to admit that I didn’t know about it, but Betty did. It’s a children’s science center that’s part of the Albuquerque museum system.

We arrived there about 1:15 in the afternoon and we didn’t leave until just before closing at 6:00. Even then we didn’t see everything.

It’s a neat place that has some things that most adults would find fun. At least I did.

Here’s a video of our adventure.

Juliet & Leah Meet Nemo

2011-10-06T12:10:00.000-06:00

Well, not Nemo per se. Betty and I bought a Clown Fish Air Swimmer for Juliet and Leah’s visit.

Wade and I put it together today (not that hard, but it took time) and pumped it full of helium. We debuted ‘Nemo’ today for the girls. Wade did a great job of controlling ‘Nemo’s’ movements around the room.

Here’s a short video of Nemo’s coming out party.

A Rainy Day at the Zoo

2011-10-05T11:55:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Tuesday, if you recall, was kind of a rainy day. So, what did we decide to do? We went to the Albuquerque Zoo. Actually, we got there about 10:30 AM and it wasn’t raining – yet. It started raining pretty hard just about lunch time so that worked out well.

We ate lunch at the Cottonwood Café and, by the time we were through (remember, with a 4 year-old and a 1 year-old, meals can take a little time), the rain had slowed down enough for us to continue.

Actually, it was kind of nice. It was cool and pleasant and most of the animals were more active than they would be on a sunny day. In fact, as we approached the tigers’ cage, one of them let out a huge roar and jumped into the pool. That was cool!

Here are some pictures and a short video of my favorite zoo animals.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2011

2011-10-03T11:14:00.000-06:00

After watching the balloons on Saturday land around our house, we decided to head down to the balloon field to watch them take off this morning, Sunday. There are tens of thousands of people at each event, but they have a great park and ride shuttle system that drops you off right at the Balloon Fiesta park.

It was a beautiful morning with a huge crowd. This is the largest balloon event in the world. Close to 600 balloons participate. It’s reported by Kodak to be the most photographed event ever and, if you watch the video, you’ll understand why.

If you’ve never seen the Balloon Fiesta, then here’s a quick overview in about nine minutes. At the end you’ll see a balloon landing back at the field. That’s a result of what’s called the Albuquerque Box. The wind moves at different directions at different heights. Usually at the lower levels, the wind will move the balloons South. Then they’ll rise up to a higher elevation and move North or Northwest. If the box is working properly, a balloon can descend back down to the lower level and land back at the field.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection–In The Beginning

2011-10-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning….

OK, this is not going to be a very spiritual post. Our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters came in Friday night from Fort Collins, Colorado for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Today was the first day of the fiesta with the first mass ascension this morning.

It’s not uncommon for the balloons to come up our way and even for some to land around our house. This morning, however, we had about two dozen balloons land around us which is the most ever.

Here’s a video of the morning’s activities. (In case you wonder, our horses, Morgunn and Sugar, have seen enough balloons over the years so they’re not particularly concerned by all the noise and activity around them.)

Grand Kids On The Way

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

Wade Daniel, Marie, Juliet and Leah are driving down from Fort Collins, Colorado today to spend over a week with us for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. So, I’m not sure when I’ll get to post as there will be things to do that are more important than writing posts – such as playing with the girls.

Corrales Harvest Festival–Horse Extravaganza

2011-09-29T12:30:00.000-06:00

Corrales bills itself as “The Horse Capital of New Mexico.” There’s some validity as there are about 9,000 people and 3,000 horse in Corrales.

To showcase our equine population, the Horse Extravaganza was started three years ago as part of the Corrales Harvest Festival. After the flag is presented and the National Anthem played, an honoree (or honorees) are introduced. These are people who have contributed over the years to success of equines in Corrales.

The next segment is a presentation of the various breeds. After a short break, there are demonstrations of various equine disciplines.

We had our largest crowd this year so it’s impact on the community is growing.

Here’s a video of the photos I took at this year’s event.

Corrales Harvest Festival–Pet Parade

2011-09-28T15:20:00.001-06:00

The Corrales Harvest Festival was held this past weekend. Besides, arts and crafts, hay wagon rides, all kinds of good food, entertainment, the two highlights are the Pet Parade and the Horse Extravaganza.

The Pet Parade is open to all pets and livestock in Corrales. The Horse Extravaganza is a demonstration of the various breeds that live in Corrales.

I have been the photographer for the Horse Extravaganza since it started three years ago. I was asked to be the photographer for this year’s Pet Parade.

Here’s a video of the photos I took during the Pet Parade. I’ll have the Horse Extravaganza up tomorrow.

Big Island Recap

2011-09-26T13:43:00.001-06:00

Here’s the second and final installment of our pictures from the trip to Hawaii we took with Betty’s sister Margie.

The first slide show is our trip to the Big Island. We knew we had reservations on Mokulele Airlines, but we had no idea is was such a small commuter plane. Our pilot, Chris, did all the other jobs, including giving safety instructions from his pilot’s seat. The safety instructions basically amounted to, “Don’t sweat it. The chances of anything going wrong are pretty small.” The last picture in the slide show is a lava tube that was on the side of the road. The Big Island is the youngest of the islands and the volcanoes are still very active.

The second slide show is the pictures we took around our hotel, the Hapuna Beach Resort. It had a beautiful pool and just beyond it a grassy strip under the trees where you could sit and watch the beach. The beach was just a short walk from the pool and it’s a great beach. There is no drop off in the sandy bottom as you walk into the water and the water is crystal clear. It’s pretty calm in the morning and there are some decent waves in the afternoon as the trade winds pick up. There are several feral cats who live on the property, including the one little gray kitten who joined us each day when we sat under the trees. He was pretty wild, but, by the end of the week, he would sit on the chair beside us – but he never let us pet him.

The only driving trip we took was to Hilo on the Eastern side of the island. On the way we stopped at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. This is a garden that was developed privately and it is beautiful.

On our way to Hilo we stopped to show Margie the Waipio Valley. There are several taro farms and it has been settled by the Hawaiians since the earliest days. Hilo is an older town – originally a whaling town. One of our favorite Hawaiian restaurants is the Café Pesto in Hilo. We also stopped at the Mauna Loa macadamia factory gift shop to stock up on nuts – especially ones covered in dark chocolate and toffee. On our way back to our hotel we had to stop for a Hawaii shave ice with ice cream in the bottom.

Kona is a small town on the Western side of the Big Island. We ate a late lunch at Hugo’s On The Rocks. While we were there a pod of Spinner Dolphins swam in and gave us a show by leaping out of the water and spinning around – hence the name. After eating lunch we bought some 100% Kona coffee from a sweet lady in a small trailer. We also saw some of the feral chickens and roosters that inhabit the islands.

Finally, to close out our Hawaii pictures, here’s a slide show of some of our favorite sunsets.

Ke Akua Ho'omaika'I Oe! (God bless you!)

Sunday Reflection - Fire

2011-09-25T15:25:00.001-06:00

As Betty and I came home from the Corrales Harvest Festival yesterday (pictures to come in a couple of days), we saw another fire in the Jemez Mountains to the North of us. Fortunately, this is a smaller fire than the one earlier in the Summer and they expect to be able to contain it with little trouble.

Between Arizona, Texas and New Mexico, it’s been a year of destruction by fire.

That got me thinking about fire in the Bible. It’s a powerful image. Here are just a few of the images of fire in God’s word.

Fire will reveal our work and on what foundation it is built upon.

If any man builds on this foundation (Jesus) using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. (1 Corinthians 3:12-13)

God is fire – and a consuming one at that.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire… (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Our tongues can be fire – and not good fires.

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)

Fire can refine that which is not pure – gold or our faith.

These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7)

God will use fire to cleanse the earth in preparation for the New Earth.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:10)

Fire can warm us, cook our food, refine our metals and be an element of enjoyment and sharing on a cold night. At the same time it can destroy – literally and figuratively – and be used by God to cleanse.

Fire!

Maui Recap

2011-09-23T12:46:00.001-06:00

Here’s the first of two recaps of our Hawaii trip – one for our week on Maui and one for our week on Hawaii, the Big Island. As you know we shared our trip with Margie, Betty’s sister and it was a great time.

The recap will be a series of slide shows of our pictures. The first is a general recap of Maui showing our flight into Maui, lunch at Mama’s Fish House, shots of Lahaina and a few shots of snorkelers at Honolua Bay, one of our favorite snorkeling spots.

The second slide show is the photos of our condo at Kapalua Villas and the surrounding area. You’ll also see photos of some of the birds that joined us for breakfast and a para-surfer.

The third slide show is a craft fair that’s held every Sunday in Lahaina. There are some nice crafts, but this time there was also a hula exhibition put on by young girls of all ages from North Maui.

The fourth slide show is our dinner and show at the Old Lahaina Luau. It’s set right next to the ocean. As you arrive and walk around the grounds you can watch the sun set. There is some pre-dinner entertainment and the show starts right after dinner. The show is the history of the hula from the settling of the islands until the present. You’ll see a photo of me and a neat server named Kyle. He was our server the last time we were there a year and a half ago. This time he was serving the tables right next to us. We reconnected and he did remember us, especially Betty with whom he has a special connection.

The fifth slide show is our drive on the Road to Hana. Hana is a small village on the East coast of Maui. The drive along the coast is only 50 miles long, but there are over 600 hair pin curves and 100 one-lane bridges. So, you can’t drive it very fast. There are beautiful overlooks, water falls and pools and tropical plants to see. It’s a lot of fun.

The final slide show is a group of surfers we watched on our trip home from Hana. We watched para-surfers and traditional surfers. It was fun to watch them and wish I were younger and lived in Hawaii.

I’ll have the Big Island recap up on Monday. Regards, Dan & Betty

Heading Home

2011-09-20T09:14:00.000-06:00

We’re leaving tonight, Tuesday. We leave the Big Island at 8:30 PM for an hour flight to Oahu. Then, at 10:50 PM we’ll catch our overnight flight to Phoenix, AZ. If everything goes well, we should be home about noon or so on Wednesday.

So, we leave Hawaii after two wonderful weeks.

I’ll do a couple of recap posts of our trip after we get home. God’s blessings to all.

Last Day Sea Turtle

2011-09-19T20:04:00.001-06:00

Today, Monday, is our last full day in the islands. We head home tomorrow evening.

This morning Betty and I got to the beach about 9:30 AM while the water was still pretty calm. We hadn’t snorkeled yet on this trip so we wanted to get one snorkel trip in before we left.

The day was perfect with calm water, sunny so we could see well in the clear water and a light breeze. We snorkeled around several points and saw lots of beautiful fish and formations on the rocks. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy an underwater camera this trip.

On our way back Betty was behind me and I heard her yell, “Dan.” I turned around and she was pointing into the water and yelled “Sea turtle.” I swam back and sure enough there was a sea turtle feeding on the rocks just below the surface of the water.

He was at the point in the center right of this photo – on the beach side of the rocks.

As we hovered close to him he actually swam right up to us until he was only about six inches away as he fed. We looked at him and he looked at us as he munched his breakfast. I couldn’t resist and I reached out and touched his shell. It had a velvety feel to it. Since he was so close to the surface we could see his real colors – it was a beautiful sight. I am so sorry I didn’t have a camera.

We watched him for maybe ten minutes or so before we swam back to the beach.

It was a real God-treat for us on our last day. Perhaps the same turtle that swam under Betty’s feet a couple of days ago?

Sunday Reflection–The Seas

2011-09-18T20:55:00.001-06:00

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:9-10)

A Chance Encounter

2011-09-17T14:53:00.000-06:00

We were in the water yesterday, about 4 feet deep. It was morning so the waves were pretty calm. All of a sudden we noticed a young couple with their little daughter moving toward us.

They told us, “A sea turtle is coming your way.” Sure enough a large sea turtle swam right below Betty just missing her. We watched it for several yards before it swam into a rocky area.

It looked very similar to the one in the picture only we were on a sandy bottom instead of the rocky bottom in the picture.

One of those little neat gifts from God.

Slow Down Friday

2011-09-16T13:08:00.000-06:00

If you need to slow down at the end of your week, here’s a short video from Hawaii to help you relax.

Enjoy.