Sunday Reflections - When A Life Comes To An End

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:55)


Betty and I have had five cats over the years (Silas, Sylvester, Silky, Sammy, and Sarah). They all have died except Sarah.

Sarah is either 18 or 19 years old - we're not sure.

Over the last few days she has started the dying process. Her appetite is gone. Her kidneys and bowels are shutting down. She sleeps most of the day and night. She can still move a little, but her hind legs are losing their coordination.

The good things are she doesn't seem to be in any pain, she still appreciates sleeping in our lap and she still seems to like receiving a good rub around her face and ears. So, we're riding it out with her as long as we can and as long as she's not in pain. We have no idea if it will be a matter of a day or two, or longer.

It makes me realize that, for us who are believers in Jesus, there is no sting for our own deaths. The sting comes for those who love us - as we love Sarah - and who will miss us - as we will miss Sarah.

Today is November 30 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Elisha Cuthbert (actress, Jack Bauer's daughter on "24"), Clay Aiken (singer, American Idol finalist), Ben Stiller (comedian, "Meet the Parents"), Bo Jackson (two sport professional), Mandy Patinkin (actor, "Criminal Minds"), Abbie Hoffman (1960's radical), G. Gordon Liddy (Watergate conspirator), Dick Clark (ageless host of "American Bandstand"), Shirley Chisholm (first black US Congress person), Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister during WWII), and Mark Twain (American humorist and author).

On this day in 30 AD Cleopatra committed suicide, making an Asp of herself. In 1782 the United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. In 1940 Lucille Ball and Cuban musician Desi Arnaz were married. They would divorce in the 1950's - after the 1954 season run on "I Love Lucy." In 1954 Elizabeth Hodges of Sylacauga, Alabama, was injured when an 8-pound meteorite crashed through the roof of her house (I was living in Birmingham, AL at the time and I remember the news reports of this happening). And, in 2004 longtime Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings finally loses, leaving him with $2,520,700, television's all-time biggest game show haul.

Gettin' Ready for Christmas

Betty and I love Christmas. We love the true meaning of the season - Christ's birth - but we also love all the glitz and glitter, all the Christmas music, all the Christmas decorations, all the Christmas shows on TV.

We started our Christmas celebration today by bringing in our artificial Christmas tree (I know, but all old folks eventually go to artificial trees) and all of our Christmas decorations.

So, this will be the first of several posts throughout the Advent season as we wait to celebrate once again the gift that is summed up in these words, "Unto you is born this day, a Savior."

Today is November 29 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Kim Delaney (actress, "NYPD Blue"), Howie Mandel (host of "Deal or No Deal"), Garry Shandling (comedian), Chick Mangione (jazz trumpeter), Diane Ladd (actress, daughter of actor Alan Ladd), Vin Sculley (sports broadcaster), Enos Edward "Yakima" Canutt (cowboy, rodeo rider and legendary movie stunt man), Madeline L'Engle (author, "A Wrinkle in Time"), C. S. Lewis (Christian author, "Chronicles of Narnia), Louisa May Alcott (author, "Little Women").
On this day in 1877 Thomas Edison demonstrated his invention, a hand-cranked phonograph that recorded sound on grooved metal cylinders. Edison shouted verses of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" into the machine, which played back his voice. In 1890 the first Army-Navy football game was played. The Navy Middies won, 24-0 (Go Navy!). In 1929 Navy Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Byrd radioed that he'd made the first airplane flight over the South Pole. In 1981 actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, California at age 43. And in 1986 actor Cary Grant (one of the coolest actors ever) died in Davenport, Iowa, at age 82.

What A Year And I'm Glad It's Over

Here's my first blog post (Betty writing). Dan does such a fantastic job of writing that I never feel the need. His blogs are fun and interesting and he finds incredible info to write about. But today you get me. I had thought to write about what I'm so thankful for, but Dan did such a great job yesterday, I'll say "ditto" only substitute my name for his.

We have been so blessed in our 41 years of marriage. God has seen us through many things and drawn us into ministry together and a life that includes many shared interests. Our wonderful kids, grandkids, extended family, friends, and church make for a great life. And our love for horses has led us to owning our own for the past 3 years. That has brought joy and new experiences to us.

It was a year ago today that I had a bad fall from Gletta, my horse--hospital, broken bones, body brace, painful but steady recovery. And then this summer in early July I had additional medical problems with an emergency appendectomy and subsequent bacterial infection that took three rounds of antibiotics and two months to take care of. Needless to say, I would never want to repeat this past year in regard to my physical condition, but I also know that God allowed everything to happen and I am changed, I hope, into a better person because of them.

I am well now! And I know it was by God's grace that I have no permanent disability. In the late spring I began riding Gletta again--with helmet and padded vest. Regaining my confidence on her was coming along slowly--I wanted to ride again so badly. In the early summer, though, I came off of her again--nothing hurt except for a muscle strain in my lower back that bothers me sometimes anyway AND my pride. Dealing with all the medical stuff over the last half of the summer and early fall meant I didn't feeling like riding anyway, but we knew a decision had been made. My sixty three year old body doesn't have the quick reflexes or balance to feel safe on Gletta out on the trail anymore. I love Gletta so much, but she's more horse than I should be riding out on the trail now. We don't plan to sell her and I'll still ride her some in confined areas.

It's hard to acknowledge that I shouldn't ride her, but Dan and I have decided that doesn't mean I shouldn't be riding at all. We've decided to start looking for another horse that I can feel safe on. I'm hoping to find another well-trained, small, gaited horse, but so far there isn't anything available in the area. It's actually become an exciting process because I'm taking my time and I know we'll find just the right horse for me. We heard about and checked out a wonderful Palomino Paint named King. He's safe and gentle but he's not gaited. I would have to learn to post his trot.


We've also heard of a small, gaited Rocky Mountain Horse in Las Vegas, New Mexico about 2 1/2 hours away. We're going to check her out next week. We got the picture below from their web site. We'll keep you posted on the search.

After this last year, I now have a much greater appreciation for the life God has given me--undeserved, but gladly accepted. I pray the years ahead will be filled with opportunities to watch my grandchildren grow and mature, to share my life with Dan, to serve God where ever he directs, and to enjoy horseback riding in a safe and confident manner.

Too much to ask for? I hope not. I do believe that whatever life holds, the Lord will walk with me as he has all my life to this point. What more could I really ask.

Today is November 28 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Anna Nicole Smith (not sure what she was famous for other than being famous), Jon Stewart (comedian host of "The Daily Show"), Judd Nelson (actor, "The Breakfast Club"), Ed Harris (actor, "The Right Stuff"), Paul Shaffer (Letterman's band leader), Joe Dante (director, "Gremlins"), and Randy Newman (composer, "Short People").

On this day in 1895 the first automobile race took place between Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois. America's auto race starts; 6 cars, 55 miles, winner averaged 7 MPH. In 1919 Virginia-born Lady Nancy Astor became the first woman member of the British Parliament. In 1925 The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville's famed home of country music, made its radio debut on station WSM. And in 1961 Ernie Davis become s the first African American to wthe Heisman Trophy. In 1963 Cape Canaveral is renamed Cape Kennedy.

Happy Thanksgiving - 2008

This is my favorite Thanksgiving image. It's a painting by Norman Rockwell. I know that it plays on every Thanksgiving cliche and many families don't have this kind of Thanksgiving, but that's OK. It still invokes for me the kind of Thanksgiving we all hope for - happy generations of a loving family enjoying whatever God has provided.

I'm getting ready for our friends who are joining us for a turkey dinner. It's a single Mom and her young adult daughter. They are both neat people and we'll be blessed to have them in our home.

The morning started with watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (one of my favorite movies is "Miracle on 34th Street"). Then football started late in the morning - what would Thanksgiving be without the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys? Of course, there's the roast turkey, green bean casserole, baked sweet potatoes dinner followed by Betty's Pecan Pie and vanilla ice cream which is always good. Then more football if I'm able to stay awake.

Seriously, every day should be a Thanksgiving Day. We who live in this wonderful and blessed country have much to be thankful for regardless of our present circumstances. So, here's my list - not complete by any way. I'm thankful for...

1. Knowing and following Jesus as my Savior and Lord.
2. Having Betty in my life for the past 47 years (6 going together and 41 married). This past year has made that thankfulness all the more sweet.
3. Having two wonderful Christian sons who married wonderful Christian girls and we now have a wonderful granddaughter and a wonderful grandson. How's that for wonderful?
4. Our two horses - Morgunn and Gletta.
5. Our dog - Chloe.
6. Our cat - Sarah - who's getting very old and feeble and may not be with us much longer.
7. Our church where God is invited to be and to work.
8. Our extended family - stepmother, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins - and those family members who have gone before us.
9. Our friends - many of whom will read this post.
10. Galloping Grace Youth Ranch where we have been privileged to work with some of the greatest kids in the world and greatest volunteers.

I could go on, but that gives you an idea of how blessed I am.

Finally, I'm thankful for having and keeping a sense of humor - even a slightly warped one such as this...



I know, this is wrong in so many ways, but I still think it's funny.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Today is November 27 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Jaleel White (Urkel on "Family Matters"), Robin Givens (actress, "Head of the Class"), Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President Kennedy), Jimi Hendrix (rock guitarist), Eddie Rabbit (singer, "I Love A Rainy Night"), Bruce Lee (martial arts expert), "Buffalo Bob" Smith (host of the "Howdy Doody Show" - my favorite show as a little kid), and James Agee (screenwriter, "The African Queen").

On this day in 1520 Magellan enters the Pacific Ocean. In 1582 William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway were married. In 1779 the College of Pennsylvania became the University of Pennsylvania and the first legally recognized university in America. In 1868 Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer's 7th Cavalry kills Chief Blackkettle and about 100 Cheyenne (mostly women and children) on the Washita River (he'll pay). In 1889 Curtis P. Brady was issued the first permit to drive an automobile through Central Park in New York City. Mr. Brady had to pledge to New York's finest that he would not frighten the horses in the park (still would be a good idea). And in 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York was marred when a gust of wind knocked part of a lamppost onto a 34-year-old woman, fracturing her skull and leaving her in a coma for almost a month.

Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and, like most every blogger in the known universe, I'll have a post about what we're thankful for.

I want to get an early start by saying how thankful we are for our granddaughter, Juliet. She's a wonderful little girl. When she and her Mom and Dad were here for the Balloon Fiesta she got her first horse back ride with me and Morgunn.

Our son recently sent us some pictures and here they are for you to enjoy...


Today is November 26 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Tina Turner (singer, "Proud Mary"), Rich Little (comedian, voice impersonator), Robert Goulet (singer), Charles Schulz (cartoonist, "Peanuts"), and Eric Severied (TV journalist).

On this day in 1716 the first lion exhibited in (what was to become - OK, Wade Daniel?) America was seen in Boston, MA this day. In 1778 Captain Cook discovers Maui (in the Sandwich Islands - later Hawaii). In 1778 George Washington proclaims this day a National Thanksgiving Day in honor of the new Constitution. This date was later used to set the date for Thanksgiving. In 1832 the first streetcar railway in America started public service in New York City from City Hall to 14th Street. The car was pulled by a horse and the fare was 12 and a-half cents. In 1864 Charles L. Dodgson, whose pen name was Lewis Carroll, sent a handwritten manuscript to Alice Liddel this day. The manuscript was titled, "Alice's Adventures Underground". It was an early Christmas present to the 12-year-old. Later, the manuscript was renamed "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass." In 1901 the Hope diamond is brought to New York. In 1922 a team of archeologists led by Howard Carter discovered the tomb of the teenage Pharaoh, King Tut. In 1942 the motion picture "Casablanca," starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, had its world premiere at the Hollywood Theater in New York. In 1956 "The Price is Right" game show debuted on NBC. And in 1973 President Nixon's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, told a federal court that she'd accidentally caused part of the 18-and-a-half-minute gap in a key Watergate tape.

Yesterday Was Long But Good

Yesterday, Monday, was a long day, but a good day. In the early afternoon, we drove out to the Edgewood area to take a look at something that I will let Betty talk about later this week.

While we were out there, we stopped to visit with our blogging friend, Lisa - Laughing Orca Ranch (I stole this picture off her blog - forgive me Lisa).

It was late and we were only able to stay a few minutes, but it was an enjoyable time. If you've ever checked out Lisa's blog, you know she has a real menagerie - a great Paint horse (named Baby Doll), two Llamas, several goats, cats, a young German Shepherd dog, and various different-looking chickens - one of whom is named (appropriately) Phyliss Diller - and I'm sure I left something out. There are critters everywhere you look.

Lisa is a gracious and delightful person and we're glad we got spend time getting to know her a little better.

We finally got home about 6:30 PM and Morgunn and Gletta were wondering where the heck we were - way past their dinner time.

Today is November 25 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Barbara and Jenna Bush (twin daughters of President Bush), Donovan McNabb (quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles), Jill Hennessey (actress, "Crossing Jordan"), Amy Grant (Christian singer/songwriter), John F. Kennedy, Jr. (President's son), John Larroquette (actor, "Night Court"), Ricardo Montalban (actor, "Fantasy Island"), Joe DiMaggio (Yankees pro ball player), and Carry Nation (anti-alcohol crusader).

On this day in 1177 Jerusalem fell to the Muslims. In 1715 this was a big day for one Thomas Masters who became the first American to be granted an English patent. Tom was the first to master the fine art of cleaning and curing Indian corn. In 1783 more than 6,000 British troops evacuated New York City after signing the peace treaty ending the Revolutionary War. In 1817 the first sword swallower to perform in America gave a show in New York City. In 1863 the Union Army ends the siege of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the Battle of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. In 1876 Colonel Ronald MacKenzie destroys Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife's village, in the Bighorn Mountains near the Red Fork of the Powder River, during the so-called Great Sioux War. In 1884 John B. Meyenberg of St Louis patented evaporated milk. In 1949 "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" appeared on the music charts this day and became THE musical hit of the Christmas season. Although Gene Autry's rendition is the most popular, 80 different versions of the song have been recorded, with nearly 20,000,000 copies sold. And in 1963 the body of President Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Monday's Video - Nick Vujicic

For Monday's Video we found an inspiring video. Be sure and watch both parts. It will be well worth your time.





I have to admit I shed a tear, or two, or twenty as I listened to Nick share his story. What courage, what peace. This is a man who truly knows who he is and he's comfortable with that knowledge. I have both arms and legs and yet I find myself envying this young man and his life.


Today is November 24 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Katherine Heigl (actress, "Gray's Anatomy"), William F. Buckley, Jr. (publisher), Dale Carnegie (creator of the Dale Carnegie self-help program), Scott Joplin (ragtime composer), Bat Masterson (Western law man), and Zachary Taylor (12th US President).

On this day in 1504 Queen Isabella of Spain, who sent Christopher Columbus on his first voyage, died. In 1859 British naturalist Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which explained his theory of evolution and the world hasn't been the same since. In 1864 Kit Carson and his 1st Cavalry, New Mexico Volunteers, attack a camp of Kiowa Indians in the First Battle of Adobe Walls. In 1871 the National Rifle Association was incorporated, and its first president named, Major General Ambrose E. Burnside. In 1874 Joseph Glidden received a patent for barbed wire and the West was never the same. And in 1963 Jack Ruby shot and mortally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President Kennedy.

Sunday Reflections - Rest

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)

One thing I have learned from our horses is how to rest. God has made horses in such a way that they always conserve their energy. If they need to work and go, they will. But, if they don't see a reason to expend energy they will do as little as possible. I believe this is inherent in their awareness that their lives may depend on being able to get away from a predator at a moment's notice and they'll need all their energy then.

The one exception is foals - young horses. Like most youngsters they love to play until they drop and drop they will. They'll run and buck and kick and then plop to the ground for a quick snooze.

I wish God had given us the ability to know when to rest. I've found over the years that I let obligations and things into my life that steal my energy and, before I know it, I'm worn out. Even in my supposedly adult years I would be like those young foals and go and go until I would finally drop.

In my 'golden' years I've finally learned the value and importance of rest. Now I will take every opportunity to stop and just relax. I'll read a book, watch a movie on TV, or just enjoy the sun setting on the mountain.

I realize now, as my strength and energy are dwindling due to age, that it's wisdom to save my energy for the truly important things in life - loving Betty and my family, giving to others, riding our horses, being with my God.

I pray you can find the rest you need in your life.

Today is November 23 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Jerome Wade (our friend and pastor of our church), Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Johnny Mandel (composer, theme from "M.A.S.H."), Harpo Marx (silent brother of the Marx Brothers), Boris Karloff (actor, "Frankenstein"), William Bonney ("Billy the Kid"), and Franklin Pierce (14th US President).

On this day in 1785 John Hancock was elected President of the Continental Congress for the second time. In 1863 the patent was granted for a process of making color photographs. In 1889 the first jukebox made its debut in San Francisco, at the Palais Royale Saloon. The contraption consisted of an Edison tinfoil phonograph with four listening tubes and a coin slot for each tube. In 1936 "Life Magazine" was first published. It was an immediate sellout. The cover of that famous magazine showed an obstetrician slapping a baby and the caption read, "LIFE begins." In 1958 Ronald and Nancy Reagan appeared together in the "GE Theatre" production of "A Turkey for the President." And, in 1968 a young Dan Cooksey reported to Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI to start his career in the US Navy.

Saturday Odds and Ends

Just some random thoughts on this Saturday morning.

We went out to Galloping Grace Youth Ranch for the last day of the season. We had a ton of neat kids. Several who are coming along nicely in their riding skills, some little ones who are a joy to lead on one of the GGYR horses, and some new kids who've never been on a horse before. One, a young girl, went from being led on a horse in the arena to riding by herself in the horse games in the round pen. It was amazing to watch her grow in her horsemanship in such a short time. I already look forward to next year and hopefully I can help with some of the horses during the winter.

This morning we were supposed to meet with a couple who are working on their marriage, but they canceled for some reason. It's nice to have a quiet morning to ourselves. Betty's working on her Bible study and I'm watching TV and writing this blog. Guess who's the serious one in our relationship. I greatly admire her devotion to her relationship with God.

It's always fun to see Simone, our resident Roadrunner, on our swing first thing in the morning all fluffed up and drying out her feathers after a cold night. Last winter she took up residence in our stable each night for almost three months, but she hasn't started that this year.


It was cold this morning and Gletta evidently drank some water which froze on her muzzle whiskers and then she ate some more hay. It stuck to the ice on the whiskers.

Finally, today is the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. I was a college freshman at the University of Tennessee. I was in an introductory Engineering class when someone came in and gave us the news. Classes were canceled for the next two days as we all dealt with this event in our lives. I don't think Kennedy was that good of a President, but I had great respect for him as a WWII Naval officer who commanded a PT boat (PT-109).

We hope you have a great weekend.

Today is November 22 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Scarlett Johansson (actress, "The Horse Whisperer"), Mariel Hemingway (actress, "Lipstick" and granddaughter of author Ernest Hemingway), Jamie Lee Curtis (actress, "A Fish Called Wanda"), Billy Jean King (tennis pro), Robert Vaughn (actor, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."), Rodney Dangerfield (comedian who "gets no respect"), Hoagy Carmichael (composer, "Star Dust"), Charles de Gaulle (French leader), and Abigail Adams (wife of President John Adams).

On this day in 1542 new laws are passed in Spain giving protection against the enslavement of Indians in America. In 1718 English pirate Edward Teach -- better known as "Blackbeard" -- was killed during a battle off the Virginia coast. In 1873 American lawyer Horatio G. Spafford's four daughters drowned when their passenger ship, while crossing the Atlantic, collided with another and sank. One month later, as his own ship passed over the spot of the earlier tragedy, Spafford penned the words to the enduring hymn, "It is Well With My Soul." In 1906 the "S-O-S" distress signal was adopted at the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in Berlin. In 1963 President Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas and C. S. Lewis, author of "The Chronicles of Narnia" died. In 1968 The Beatles release their white album. And, in 1972 the State Department ended a 22-year ban on U.S. travel to China.

Six Things About Me

My Sandia Mountain blog friend, Lisa at Laughing Orca Ranch, tagged me for "6 Things About Me." Well, it gives me something to write about on this Friday.

So here goes.....

6 Things about me

1) I grew up wanting to be Roy Rogers. Having my own horse is as close as I'll come.

2) I navigated a ship around the world while in the Navy. We left Florida and went through the Panama Canal to the Pacific. We spent 7 months in the South China Sea during the Vietnam conflict. We sailed to Singapore and then Thailand. We went through the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles Islands. We stopped in Mozambique in Africa and sailed around Cape Horn to the South Atlantic. We stopped in Brazil and eventually returned back to Florida.

3) Both of our sons were born while I was in the Navy and I missed both of them being born. I missed the oldest, Wade Daniel, by an hour and the youngest, Chris, by two weeks.

4) We lived just outside of Washington DC when the kids were small and saw Smokey Bear at the National Zoo the last year he was alive.

5) The only vegetables I don't like are cauliflower and brussel sprouts. I used to not like beets, but since Betty loves them I've come to like them over the years - especially if they're fresh from the Corrales Growers Market.

6) I married my high school sweetheart, Betty. We met when we were juniors in high school. I had just moved into town and had just been dumped by a cheerleader. It was the best thing that ever happened to me as Betty caught me on the rebound. We married six years later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rules:

~Link to the person who tagged you.
~Post the rules on your blog.
~Write six random things about yourself.
~Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
~Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
~Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here are the six blogging friends I tag:

Galloping Grace Youth Ranch (Max)
7MSN Ranch
Trailboss
The Ranch at Salmon Creek (Mark)
My Own Line Scrapbook
Sillescraps by Cindy

Today is November 21 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Ken Griffey, Jr. (pro ball player), Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys quarterback), Goldie Hawn (actress, "Laugh-In"), Harold Ramis (actor/director, "Ghostbusters"), Marlo Thomas (actress, "That Girl"), Joseph Campanella (actor, "Days of Our Lives"), Stan Musial (pro baseball player), and Voltaire (author, "Candide").

On this day in 1620 leaders of the Mayflower expedition frame the "Mayflower Compact,"designed to bolster unity among the settlers. In 1783 Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis Francois Laurant d'Arlandes made the first flight in a balloon, thus becoming the first men to fly. The pair flew nearly six miles around Paris in 25 minutes reaching an altitude of around 300 feet. Ben Franklin was one of the spectators for the big occasion. In 1789 North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the US Constitution. In 1877 inventor Thomas A. Edison announced the invention of his phonograph. In 1922 Rebecca L. Felton of Georgia was sworn in as the first woman to serve in the US Senate. In 1942 the Alaska highway across Canada was formally opened. In 1944 the "Roy Rogers Show" was first heard on the Mutual Broadcasting System. In 1973 President Nixon's attorney, J. Fred Buzhardt, revealed the existence of an 18-and-a-half-minute gap in one of the White House tape recordings related to Watergate. In 1980 one of the largest TV audience ever - an estimated 82 million people - watched as Sue Ellen's sister, Kristin Shepard shot J.R. Ewing on "Dallas." And in 1995 the Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 5000 mark for the first time.

Headin' for the Outback

Betty and I were the recipients of a gift card for Outback Steakhouse so we're headed there this evening for dinner.

We've eaten at the Outback maybe three or four times over the years. Sometimes I've been happy with the steak and other times I wasn't so impressed.

In any case, it's free so it will be a good meal. I'm easy to please. I'll let you know tomorrow how it went.

(It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just one week from today.)

Today is November 20 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Josh Turner (country singer), Bo Derek (actress, "10"), Duane Allman (singer, "Allman Brothers"), Veronica Hamel (actress, "Hill Street Blues"), Joe Biden (VP-Elect - hard to believe he's next in line for the Presidency), Dick Smothers (singer, "The Smothers Brothers"), Richard Dawson (actor/host - "Hogan's Heroes" and "Family Feud"), Estelle Parsons (actress, "Bonnie and Clyde"), Robert F. Kennedy (slain brother of President John F. Kennedy), and Alistair Cooke (host of "Masterpiece Theater").

On this day in 1620 Peregrine White was born aboard the "Mayflower" in Massachusetts Bay -- the first child born of English parents in present-day New England. In 1789 New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights. In 1866 the rotary crank bicycle was patented, by Pierre Lallemont in Paris, France. The bike, incidentally, was known as "the bone shaker." And in 1947 Britain's future queen, Princess Elizabeth, married Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh: in a ceremony broadcast worldwide from Westminster Abbey.

While I'm Recuperating

I figured I would do an 'advance' post on Tuesday for Wednesday since I don't expect to feel that good after going to the dentist - I know, I'm a wimp.

So, I thought I would share some new pictures of our granddaughter, Juliet, that we just received from our son and daughter-in-law. The pictures are from her first birthday and Halloween which was the next day.

I know we're biased, but ain't she cute?


I would love to go and feel sorry for myself, but this little girl just perks up my spirits.

Today is November 19 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Kerri Strug (Olympic gold medalist gymnast), Jodie Foster (actress, "Contact"), Meg Ryan (actress, "Sleepless in Seattle"), Calvin Klein (fashion designer), Ted Turner (founder of CNN and known blowhard), Dick Cavett (TV host), Larry King (CNN host), Indira Ghandi (Indian Prime Minister), Tommy Dorsey (big band leader), and James Garfield (20th US President).

On this day in 1794 the United States and Britain signed the Jay Treaty, which resolved some issues left over from the Revolutionary War. In 1850 the first life insurance policy issued to a woman was purchased by 36-year-old Carolyn Ingraham of Madison, New Jersey. In 1863 President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address as he dedicated a national cemetery at the site of the Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania. The main speaker, Edward Everett spoke for over two hours. No one remembers what he said. Lincoln spoke for less than 2 minutes and his address has gone down in history. In 1932 Halfback Joe Kershallo scored 71 points to lead West Liberty State College of West Virginia to a staggering 127-0 win over Cedarville College, Ohio. And in 1959 the last Edsel rolled off the assembly line. Ford Motor Company stopped production of the big flop after two years and a total of 110,847 cars.

Arrggggh, It's The Dentist Again Tomorrow

I recently went to the dentist for a semi-annual check up. Betty and I work real hard on taking care of our teeth - brush and floss at least once a day. When I was a kid, my father had lost all but two of his teeth by the time he was 55. When I came back from Vietnam I had 9 cavities that had to be filled which was no fun.

I made up my mind that I would take care of my teeth so I will go to heaven with a mouth full of teeth.

The check up went OK, but the dentist wants to put some fillings in. It's not decay, which is good, but old age. A couple of my molars are wearing at the gum line and this is a protective measure to keep them healthy.

So, tomorrow morning I go to get two fillings - one on each side. I may or may not have a post tomorrow depending on how I feel and if I'm still drooling from the novocaine.

Today is November 18 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Mickey Mouse (noted cartoon character who started his career as "Steamboat Willie"), Owen Wilson (actor, "Shanghai Noon"), Elizabeth Perkins (actress, Wilma in "The Flintstones"), Sinbad (actor/comedian), Wilma Mankiller (great name? - first woman chief in the Cherokee Nation), Linda Evans (actress, "Dynasty"), Brenda Vacarro (actress, "Midnight Cowboy"), Alan Shepherd (astronaut, first American into space), Imogene Coca (comdian with Sid Caesar on "Show of Shows"), and William Gilbert (composer - Gilbert and Sullivan).

On this day in 1247 Robin Hood died (according to legend). In 1307 William Tell shoots the apple off his son's head (according to legend). In 1820 US Navy Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer discovered the frozen continent of Antarctica. In 1874 the Women's Christian Temperance Union is formed. In 1883 the United States adopted Standard Time and set up four zones - Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. In 1894 the "New York World" published the first regular Sunday comic section on this day. In 1936 the main span of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is joined. In 1949 Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers was named the National League's Most Valuable Player. And in 1966 US Roman Catholic bishops did away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays.

Monday's Video - Stupid Is

One of my favorite movies is "Forrest Gump." If you recall, one of Forrest's sayings was his mother always told him that "stupid is as stupid does."

Today's video illustrates that saying in a very real way.





Today is November 17 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Laura Wilkinson (Olympic diver), Daisy Fuentes (host of "America's Funniest Videos"), Danny DeVito (actor, "Taxi"), Lorne Michaels (producer, "Saturday Night Live"), Tom Seaver (pitcher for the New York Mets), Martin Scorcese (director, "Taxi Driver"), Gordon Lightfoot (singer/composer, "If You Could Read My Mind"), and Lee Strasberg (acting teacher).

On this day in 1800 Congress held its first session in Washington in the partially completed Capitol building. In 1852 the U.S. Post Office issued a 1-cent carrier stamp to make it easier to pay fees for delivering and collecting letters. It was the first postage stamp to depict an American eagle; and the last to make it easier to pay the fees. In 1869 the Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean and the Red seas. In 1934 Lyndon Baines Johnson married Claudia Alta Taylor, better known as "Lady Bird." In 1973 President Nixon told Associated Press managing editors meeting in Orlando, Florida, that "people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook." And in 2003 the Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is inaugurated as Governor of California.

Sunday Reflections - The Miracle of the Seeds

Betty and I have a bird feeder in our courtyard - sunflower seeds. It attracts Finches, Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Rock Doves, and Quail. We've fed birds for as long as we have owned houses - since about 1975.

Each evening the bird feeders are empty.

After the birds are gone for the evening and just before it gets dark, I always go out and refill the bird feeders.

The next morning the birds return to full feeders and begin to help themselves again to the tasty seeds.

I sometimes let my mind roam and wonder if the birds ever think about this. They leave in the evening with empty bird feeders and return in the morning and - voila! - the feeders are full of seeds again. In my warped way, I can see the birds going home every night and telling their children, "Don't worry, there's a miracle every night and the feeders are full when we return each morning."

Silly, I know. But, it makes me think of all God does to create little miracles in our life. The sun comes up every day - even if we can't see it behind the clouds. Betty and I have each other for one more day. We have our house to keep us warm. We have food in our pantry and in our refrigerator. We have hot water for showers (big miracle in my mind). We have a great church. We have our horses, dog and cat to enjoy. We have our health for one more day. We have great friends. We're blessed with all of our family - especially our granddaughter, Juliet, and grandson, Javier.

If we're not careful we can take these things for granted, but in reality they're the daily miracles God puts into our lives - just as I put seed into the bird's feeders each night.

(PS: Another miracle is our Covenant Builders marriage seminar yesterday went very well. We had 19 couples attend and they all seemed to get something out of it. We did our best and the rest is up to God. Even though we were worn out, we greatly enjoyed the Gaither Homecoming concert last night.)

Today is November 16 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Oksana Baiul (Olympic ice skater), Lisa Bonet (actress, "The Cosby Show"), Dwight Gooden (professional baseball pitcher), Shigeru Miyamato (game designer for Nintendo), Daws Butler (voice for Yogi Bear and Captain Crunch), and Burgess Meredith (actor, the Penguin in "Batman").

On this day in 1532 the Spanish Conquistador conquered the Incas. In 1621 the Papal Chancery first adopted January 1st as the beginning of the calendar year. Previously, March was the first month. In 1776 British troops captured Fort Washington during the American Revolution. In 1841 Napoleon Guerin of New York City patented the cork life preserver (a jacket containing 18 to 20 quarts of grated cork). In 1864 Union General William T. Sherman and his troops began their "March to the Sea" during the Civil War. In 1907 Oklahoma became the 46th state admitted to the Union. In 1932 the Palace Theater in New York City closed its doors. It was the most famous vaudeville theatre in America. In 1986 Gerber Products announced intentions to produce baby food in plastic jars, instead of glass - a first for the industry. And in 2001 The first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is released.

Covenant Builders Preparation

Tomorrow, Saturday, I will not have a post. Betty and I will be conducting a marriage seminar at our church called Covenant Builders. We're spending most of today getting ready for it.

Covenant Builders is a program that we started about 10 years ago at our church in Ohio. It's purpose is to give couples a day when they can focus on strengthening their marriages.

We have a passion for marriages for several reasons. First, we know what our marriage has meant to us over the past 41 plus years. Second, we believe that marriages are a key part of God's plan for his kingdom here on earth. Finally, we believe that the adversary knows that if he can destroy marriages it will have a profound impact not only on the couple, but on their children and grandchildren, on their extended families, and on their friends.

So, we want to do all we can to support the marriages in our church.

We have 21 couples signed up and we'll cover topics on personality differences, communication, conflict, forgiveness, and God's plan for marriages.

If you're a praying person we would appreciate a small prayer as we go through this program on Saturday.

Saturday night we have tickets to the Bill Gaither Homecoming concert which should be a lot of fun.

See you Sunday for another Sunday Reflection.

Today is November 14 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Condaleeza Rice (Secretary of State), Yanni (New Age musician), Prince Charles (next in line to be King of England), King Hussein (ruler of Jordan), McLean Stevenson (actor, Colonel Blake on "M.A.S.H."), Senator Joseph McCarthy (1950's communist crusader), Aaron Copeland (composer, "American Spring"), Claude Monet (french Impressionist painter), and Robert Fulton (inventor of the steamboat).

On this day in 1832 the first streetcar -- a horse-drawn vehicle called the "John Mason" -- first went into operation in New York City. The vehicle had room for 30 people in three compartments. In 1851 Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick" was first published in the United States. In 1889 inspired by Jules Verne, New York "World" reporter Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) set out to travel around the world in less than 80 days. (She succeeded: making the trip in 72 days.) In 1951 the first world lightweight title fight was telecast coast to coast this day. In 1959 Hawaii's Kilauea volcano had its most spectacular eruption. In 1967 the Monkees received a gold record for "Daydream Believer." In 1968 Yale University announced it was going co-ed. And in 1994, after many delays, the first trains for the public were run in the Channel Tunnel - the "Chunnel" - under the English Channel.

Filler Time Again

Again, nothing special going on in our lives - which is not a bad thing. It's windy again here in the Land of Enchantment. We have a dinner at church tonight.

So, I thought I would share some funny pictures I ran across recently. They are pictures taken by our brave men and women who are protecting us in Iraq. It shows that, despite being away from home and families and being in circumstances that are at best stressful and at worst life-threatening, they still maintain a sense of humor.

The first is man's best friend spotting for his sniper buddy.

The second is an example of our mobile army using local resources to be mobile.

God bless them all and bring them home safely with honor.

Today is November 13 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Whoopi Goldberg (actress, "Ghost" and flaming liberal), Chris Noth (actor, "Law and Orders" and "Sex in the City"), Jean Seaberg (actress, "Saint Joan"), Oscar Werner (actor, "Farenheit 451"), Nathaniel Benchley (screenwriter), Louis Brandeis (first Jewish Supreme Court Justice), and Robert Louis Stevenson (author, "Treasure Island").

On this day in 1775 Revolutionary forces captured Montreal. In 1789 Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes." In 1806 Lt. Zebulon Pike discovers what became know as "Pikes Peak." In 1835 Texas formally declares independence from Mexico and calls itself The Lone Star Republic. In 1843 Mt. Ranier erupts. In 1895 Hawaii shipped the first shipment of pineapple to the US. In 1914 the brassiere as patented. In 1921 "The Sheik" starring Rudolph Valentino was released. In 1955 the first live broadcast from a foreign country, Cuba, was presented on NBC. And in 1982 the Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC.

When All Else Fails

For those of you who do your own blogs, you know you have some days when you just can't come up with anything that interests you. You hit a proverbial 'wall.'

Well that day is here for me so, when all else fails, I'm going to fall back on the newspaper.

I recently read a couple of interesting articles that were published on the same day and on the same page - one above the other.

The first was headlined "Women's Hands Are Germier - Females Have More Varities of Bacteria Than Men Do"
Doesn't that sound great? Here are a few excerpts:

"The researchers aren't sure why women harbored a greater variety of bacteria than men, but the study's author suggested it may have to do with the acidity of the skin. Men generally have more acidic skin than women. Other possibilities are differences in sweat and oil gland production between men and women (horses sweat, men perspire and women glow), the frequency of moisturizer or cosmetics applications, skin thickness or hormone production. Asked whether guys should worry about holding hands with girls, the author said, "I guess it depends on which girl."

The other article was "After 40, Our Brain Slows Us Physically."

And, here we just thought we were getting old when it's our brain's fault. A few excerpts.

"How quickly we can move our body depends on how fast our brain cells can fire. That quickness is dependent on good insulation in our brain's wiring. New research suggests that in middle age, even healthy people begin to lose some of the insulation in the motor-control part of the brain at the same rate their speed subtly slows. That explains why it's hard to be a world-class athlete after 40. The research points to yet another reason to stay physically and mentally active. An exercised brain may spot fraying insulation quicker and signal for repair cells to get to work."

So, I guess I'll keep holding Betty's germy hand (cause I luv her) and I guess I'll keep exercising, working with our horses, and riding as much as I can to keep my brain insulation from wearing out too fast.

Today is November 12 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Tonya Harding (ice skater and breaker of legs), Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs hitter), Michael Moorer (first left-handed heavyweight boxing champ), Nadia Comaneci (Olympic gymnast who scored first perfect 10 score), Neil Young (singer), Al Michaels (sportscaster), Grace Kelly (actress), and Auguste Rodin (sculptor, "The Thinker").

On this day in 1867 Mount Vesuvius erupted. In 1892 the first professional football game was played in Pittsburgh between the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. In 1920 Bbaseball got its first "czar" as Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis was elected commissioner of the American and National Leagues. In 1927 Josef Stalin became the undisputed ruler of the Soviet Union as Leon Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party. In 1933 The first known photo of Loch Ness monster is taken. In 1940 Walt Disney released "Fantasia". One critic called the film, "as terrific as anything that has ever happened on the screen." In 1942 The World War Two naval Battle of Guadalcanal began. And in 1954 Ellis Island closed after processing more than 20 million immigrants since opening in New York Harbor in 1892.

New Hat Style

There's nothing like a new hat to perk up a girl's spirits. There are some hats that are just downright unique...

Then there are the special hats for those of us who love horses...

Of course there are those hats that come close... but just don't get there...

Finally, there's Chloe's new hat - which we think is just her style...Teddy Bear Butt...

Isn't that a perfect chapeau (Michelle word) for her?

Happy Veterans Day and thank you to all who have served in our Armed Forces! (Yours truly served in the US Navy from 1969 to 1973 as the Navigator on the USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY DLG-32 with two tours to Vietnam.)

Today is November 11 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Galen Wade (our cousin who lives in Massachusetts), Leonardo DiCaprio (actor, "Titanic"), Calista Flockhart (actress, "Ally McBeal"), Demi Moore (actress, "Ghost"), Jonathan Winters (comedian), Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (author, "Slaughter House Five"), Pat O'Brien (actor, "Knute Rockne"), and George Patton (WWII General).

On this day in 1647 Massachusetts passes 1st US compulsory school attendance law requiring settlements of over 50 households to hire a teacher and those over 100 households to found a school suitable for college preparation. In 1889 Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state. In 1918 fighting in WWI came to an end. In 1921 President Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. In 1939 singer Kate Smith first sang "God Bless America" on the radio. And in 1982 the space shuttle Columbia blasted off for the first commercial space flight.

Monday Video - Mikey Plays With Red Sun

I love to watch a horse person work with their horse in such a way that shows their unique relationship - the horse seems to enjoy it and have as much fun as the human. Today's Monday Video - Mikey Plays With Red Sun (what a great name for a horse) - is one of those videos. Mikey is horse trainer Mike Wazenreid. It's a little long, but well worth watching if you like horses.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Today is November 10 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Ellen Pompeo (actress, "Gray's Anatomy"), MacKenzie Phillips (actress, "One Day at a Time"), Donna Fargo (country singer), Tim Rice (lyricist, "The Lion King"), Russell Means (American Indian activist), Roy Scheider (actor, "Jaws"), Richard Burton (actor, married to Elizabeth Taylor), Claude Rains (actor, "Casablanca"), and Martin Luther (German monk).

On this day in 1775 the US Marines Corps was established by order of the Continental Congress. In 1782 the last battle of the revolution was fought at Chillicothe in the Ohio Territory. In 1801 Kentucky outlawed dueling. In 1871 Journalist Henry Stanley found missing Scottish missionary Dr. David Livingstone and uttered his famous greeting, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" In 1885 the first motorcycle made its debut. In 1891 the first Women's Christian Temperance Union meeting was held in Boston. In 1919 the American Legion helds its first national conference. In 1928 Hirohito was enthroned as Emperor of Japan. In 1939 the first air-conditioned automobiles went on display. In 1951 the first direct dial coast-to-coast telephone call was made. In 1969 "Sesame Street" made its debut. In 1975 the ore-hauling ship "Edmund Fitzgerald" sank in a storm on Lake Superior. In 1980 the satellite Voyage I sails past Saturn. And in 1989 workers began to tear down the Berlin Wall.

Sunday Reflections - Psalms 139

I love the Psalms. They are a source of comfort for me when I need to hear from God. But, without a doubt, my favorite is Psalms 139.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar (that, sometimes, is a scary thought). You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord (helps me realize that I should think before I sepak). You hem me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me (comforting). Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain (so true).

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you (I can't get away from You even if I tried).

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (some days I don't feel that way and I need You to remind me); your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (one day left or a thousand, help me to live each day to the fullest). How precious to me are your thoughts, O God (yes)! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart (sometimes I fear what's in my heart); test me and know my anxious (some days very anxious) thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me (probably every day), and lead me in the way everlasting (please).

God's blessings on you today.

Today is November 9 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Nick Lachey (singer, married Jessica Simpson), Lou Ferrigno (actor, "The Incredible Hulk"), Tom Fogerty (guitarist, "Creedence Clearwater Revival"), Mary Travers (singer, "Peter, Paul & Mary"), Carl Sagan (author, "Cosmos"), Spiro Agnew (Vice-President to Richard Nixon), and Hedy Lamarr (actress).

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower sighted land at Cape Cod, Mass. In 1857 the Atlantic Monthly magazine made its first appearance. In 1935 the union CIO was formed and the Japanese army invaded Shanghai, China. In 1938 the Nazis looted and burned Jewish homes and stores in the Kirstallnacht ("the night of the broken glass"). In 1967 the first issue of "Rolling Stone" was published. In 1989 East Germany opened its borders to West Germany. And in 1995 catoonist Bill Watterson announced the end of "Calvin and Hobbes" (truly a dark, dark day).

Counseling Saturday

As most of you may know, Betty and I are associate pastors at our church. Our main responsibility is pastoral counseling. We're not professional counselors, but we belonged to the American Association of Christian Counselors for many years and received a lot of training through that organization. We've been doing this ministry now for about 23 years.

We know our limits and don't attempt to do what professional counselors do. Our goals are threefold, (1) help people, mostly married couples, see where God is in the midst of their situation, (2) see what God might say to their situation from his word, and (3) share from our own experiences working on our own marriage for over 41 years.

We realized a long time ago that if we were going to suggest things for people to work on in their marriage, we had better do the same in ours - otherwise we would be saying, "do as I say, not as I do" - known as hypocrisy. Helping other folks' marriages has been a big influence in helping us build our marriage.

Marriages take work.

We're meeting with two different couples today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We'll do what we can to help and the rest is up to them and God.

Today is November 8 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Jack Osbourne (son of rocker Ozzy Osbourne), Tara Reid (actress, "Josey and the Pussycats"), Leif Garrett (70's actor), Mary Hart ("Entertainment Tonight" host), Bonnie Raitt (singer, "Nick of Time"), Morley Safer (CBS News commentator), Patti Paige (singer, "How Much is That Doggy in the Window"), Esther Rolle (actress, "Good Times"), and Margaret Mitchell (author, "Gone with the Wind"). On this day in 1889 Montana became the 41st State. In 1892 Grover Cleveland was elected President. In 1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt won his first term as President. In 1960 John F. Kennedy was elected President. In 1966 Ronald Reagan was elected Governor of California. In 1971 Led Zeppelin released the album "Led Zeppelin IV" which included the song, "Stairway to Heaven." And in 1988 George H. Bush was elected President.

Cold, Cold - But Fun Day

It was cold this morning - 32 degrees at our house. I went out to the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. Some of the home school families had canceled because of the cold, but one family persevered and showed up. This is a neat family - two boys and a girl - who love coming to the ranch and love being around the horses. I worked with the oldest boy, Grant, who is learning a lot about how to ride. We tried a bitless bridle on Black and it worked well. Grant seemed to have more control than when he rode with just a halter and we didn't have to worry about him hurting Black if he made a mistake with the reins.

This afternoon we had a wedding at the church. I married a couple who were on their second marriage, but they have learned a lot and this marriage has a much more solid foundation - Christ.

Professional bull riders finals tonight on TV.

All in all a good day.

Today is November 7 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Keith Lockhart (Boston Pops conductor), Joni Mitchell (singer/songwriter, "Both Sides Now"), Al Hirt (Jazz trumpeter), Billy Graham (evangelist), Dean Jagger (actor), Leon Trotsky (Russian revolutionary), Madame Curie (scientist, discovered radium).

On this day in In 1874 the Elephant was used for the first time as a symbol for the Republican Party. In 1893 Colorado became the first state to allow women to vote. In 1916 Jeanette Rankin of Montana became the first woman elected to congress. In 1917 the Russian revolution took place. In 1929 the Museum of Modern Art in New York opened. In 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented fourth term. In 1967 Carl Stokes was elected Mayor of Cleveland becoming the first African-American Mayor. In 1967 the Public Broadcasting Service was established. And in 2000 Hillary Clinton was elected Senator from New York.

Odds and Ends

There are a couple of things hanging on in our life and we can tie up some loose ends.

First, it appears that Simone took care of her 'bad feather' day a couple of days ago. We saw her this morning and she looked fine. She sat calmly on the swing with her feathers fluffed and no sign of a 'bed back.' I guess she went to a feather stylist.


Do you ever make decisions and then wonder why you did it? I did. I decided to order 6 yards of gravel with the idea of spreading it in the horses' run outs and in areas where they have to walk. It's a good thing for their hooves - helps them stay hard and helps keep them worn down - especially when we're not riding them as much.

But, 6 yards of gravel is a lot of gravel and it doesn't move on it's own and, as far as I know, there are no gravel fairies to move it in the middle of the night. So, it sits there - outside our kitchen window - reminding me I need to get it moved - one shovel and one wheelbarrow load at a time.

Oh well. Good for my old age - keeps me limber.

Today is November 6 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Pat Tillman (former football player, Army hero who died in Afghanistan), Rebecca Romlin (actress, Mystique in "X-Men"), Ethan Hawke (actor, "Dead Poet's Society"), Maria Schriver (wife of the Terminator), Glenn Frey (co-founder of The Eagles), Sally Field (actress, "Gidget"), Mike Nichols (director, "The Graduate"), Walter "Big Train" Johnson (Hall of Fame pitcher), James Naismith (founder of basketball), and John Phillip Sousa (composer "The Stars and Stripes Forever").

On this day in 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected President. In 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederacy. In 1888 Benjamin Harrison was elected President.In 1900 William McKinley was re-elected as President. In 1928 Herbert Hoover was elected President. And in 1956 Dwight D. Eisenhower was re-elected President.

Windy Wednesday

If you live in New Mexico you know we are experiencing a very windy Wednesday. It was overcast this morning, but the sun has come out this afternoon as I write this. But, the wind is still blowing pretty hard with some fairly extreme gusts.

This is a picture that normally has a mountain in it, but it has been obscured by the dust.

Now, I know by now, our good friend, Michelle, is probably thinking how much I'm enjoying this windy day - and I am. I like weather extremes - as long as I don't have to be out in them.

But, someone else enjoyed this day. I saw something go flashing past our kitchen window and realized it was Morgunn and Gletta running in the wind.

Here are some more pictures of them enjoying the windy morning by running around and around their stable.

Then, after running around their stable, they decided to run into their stalls.

And then they would run back out.

Finally, even though the wind hadn't died down, they finally ran out of steam and they died down.


So, yes Michelle, a windy day can be a fun day - especially if you're a horse.

Today is November 5 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Kevin Jonas (lead guitarist for "The Jonas Brothers"), Javy Lopez (Atlanta Braves catcher), Tatun O'Neal (Best Supporting Actress at age 10 for "Paper Moon" - now, sadly a druggie), Peter Noone (singer, "Herman's Hermits"), Sam Shephard (actor, "The Right Stuff"), Art Garfunkle (singer, "Simon and Garfunkle"), Elke Sommer (actress, "Pink Panther"), Vivian Leigh (actress, Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind"), and Roy Rogers (King of the Cowboys and my boyhood hero).

On this day in 1872 Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for trying to vote. in 1895 George B. Selden received the first patent for an automobile. In 1912 Woodrow Wilson was elected President. In 1940 Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented third Presidential term. In 1994 former President Ronald Reagan revealed he had alzheimer's disease. And, in 1994 George Forman became the oldest heavyweight champion at age 45 and immediately invented the George Forman grill (just kidding about that last part).