One Issue Voter

I admit it.

I am a one issue voter and I don't apologize for this.

Actually, it has made it easy for me.  I don't even have to pay much attention to most candidates as so few remained on my radar.  After my one-issue eliminating factor was considered, there were few candidates whom I would support.  Normally, I'd believe that candidates should be examined by the entirety of their platforms, but I simply can't ever see myself considering electing someone to office, any office, if their platform supports the right to abortion as a legitimate choice.

I believe that the evil side made a big coupe when people were convinced that abortion was an acceptable choice, that a baby in utero is not a real person... unless of course it is a baby who's mother wants it. 

from Elfwood.com

 I was listening to Ron Paul speak at the Iowa Straw Poll.  Click here if you are interested in hearing what he has to say...  http://www.ronpaul.com/  To be honest, I didn't mean to be watching the Straw Poll at all but when I turned on the tv it was on that channel already.  I was about to change the channel when I caught a few of his words.  I had to listen more.

He spoke of a time during his training as a doctor.  He said that he was observing an abortive procedure where a baby was born crying and breathing.  He watched as the staff put the baby off to the side, letting it die.  Later, he was observing a baby, about the same size, born prematurely.  He watched as the staff worked diligently to save that baby.  He realized something was very, very wrong with the discrepancy of treatment for these two babies.

The difference between the two babies?

One was wanted and one was not.

Is that what makes us human, being wanted by someone?

I decided if Ron Paul could display such boldness, so could I.  I've written an article that I hope will catch the interest of others via the internet.  If you are interested, you can read it here:

http://www.suite101.com/content/ron-paul-speaks-out-against-abortion-at-the-straw-poll-a384651

As I listened to him I remember thinking, "He's sure brave to speak so potently against abortion while running for president."  I also thought, "He doesn't have a chance."

I kept watching, though, and found that he was not the only candidate to do so.

I'm wondering, are the times changing?

Are more and more people realizing that in utero or out, a human is a human?

Dear God, I hope so!

But it does mean I'm going to have to pay more attention now.

Jesus, Refuge of the Weary

Jesus, refuge of the weary,

Blest redeemer, whom we love,

Fountain in life's desert dreary,

Savior from the world above:

Often have your eyes, offended,

Gazed upon the sinner's fall;

Yet upon the cross extended,

You have borne the pain of all.

Text: Girolamo Savonarola, 1452-1498; tr. Jane F. Wilde, 1826-1896

Tune: Herrnhut, c.1735

Bendy

I like to think that I am a flexible person.

I'm really not.

Even as a kid I noticed that I wasn't as "bendy" as other kids.

Thankfully, I did not pass this trait on to Sam.  Yesterday I moved the computer to a new desk as the old one was threatening to collapse.  The new desk is not really made for computers and is pretty small.  In fact, the front drawer has to be pulled out to have a place for a keyboard.  This is temporary.  

Sam was not pleased and complained that he couldn't sit at the computer with his legs crossed anymore.

Keep in mind that Sam is 6'3" now.

When he speaks of crossing his legs at the computer he doesn't mean draping one leg over the other at the knee like a normal person.  He means folding his legs in front of himself much like other people fold their arms across their chests.  He can still do this and reach his long arms around to the keyboard. 

Now that's "bendy"!

I expect he won't pose for a photo to help you get a visual of this but I did run across this old photo that kind of gives you the idea.

Peaceful Kingdom

After yesterday's post, I'm supposing some of you may be wondering what I received for my baptismal anniversary this year, and how it was tied in with the event.

Yes, I got a bag of Cheetos!

First, Mike said that I had to come up with a tie-in of my own.

I looked at the bag and  saw that it said it was made with

REAL CHEESE

so I said it is because we believe in the

REAL JEEEEEEEEEESUS!

I thought that was pretty good given that I had to come up with it on the spot.

Mike then had me read Galatians 6:6 "Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher."  He then pointed out that this particular bag of Cheetos was family size...

So, I shared with him.

He also made some comment about being brought into the "peaceful kingdom".

What?

OK, here's the story...

The first year we were married I gained an ounce or two and announced I was going to diet.

Mike, being the helpful husband, decided to assist me in my efforts.

When he found me eating from a bag of Cheetos, he snatched the bag from my hands.

Rude!

I did what I had to do and tried to snatch it back. 

Cheetos are really yummy!

We playfully wrestled over the bag and in the effort I kicked at him. 

Don't worry about him, I wasn't even wearing shoes.

He was wearing cowboy boots.

I broke a toe!

Seriously, it hurt sooooo bad!

Peaceful Kindgom?

Sure, as long as you don't get between me and my Cheetos!



Baptismal Anniversary and Grady

In our family we celebrate our baptismal anniversaries.  Today is mine! 

We often do weird gifts for these anniversaries, always trying to make them correlate in some way to our baptisms.  One year, while living in a small town with very limited shopping, I gave Mike a package of 3 pairs of undershorts for his baptismal anniversary.  He looked at me like he didn't get it!  Duh!? 

3.... the Trinity!

White... Purity!

It's almost like I had to spell it out for him.

I was fully immersed when I was baptized at age 10.

Mike was baptized by what some call "sprinkling" but actually I think it was more of a "pouring". 

At any rate, we discussed these different traditions at length when we were dating.  

One year, for my baptismal anniversary, Mike gave me a lawn sprinkler.

 Now you don't feel so bad about me giving him the Tidy Whities, do you?

(picture from Hanes)

For the record, I do NOT recommend using the search engine for a picture of underwear...yikes!

On a sadder note, today is also the 1 year anniversary of the death of our old dog, Grady.

Grady lived to be almost 15 years old, which is pretty good for a large dog.  Even so, it was a hard day when we had to say good-bye to him.  Do you think we'll see our dogs again in heaven?  I do.

I Miss Ben

Today I am feeling especially lonely for our son, Ben, and his wife, Sara.

Ben and Sara live a long way from us right now.  I am ok with that most of the time.  They have had some really wonderful opportunities and it is fun to hear of their adventures.  We talk on the phone quite a bit, and I am very grateful for that.

Today, though, I just want to give my boy a hug.

Tying the Knot

Yesterday, after a lovely morning playing with Cordelia and visiting with her parents, we decided it was time to Tie the Knot!  

You see, one of the things Mike and I really enjoy is to float the local river.  Because I was too sick last summer, we never got a a chance to do it at all.  So far this summer we've held back because the river was flooded and not so very safe.  Some years we've actually had to stand up and carry our inner tubes because we were dragging bottom!  Not this year!  But it is below flood stage now so off we went!

Somewhere along the way we bought a 2 person raft, thinking we would upgrade from the inner tubes.  I'm not sure what 2 people would be comfortable in this raft, though.  It is pretty small and crowded.  We've improvised.  Mike floats in the raft and I float in the innertube.  However, we tie them together (get it, tie the knot?) so we stay close.  I think it probably looks pretty funny.  It also makes paddling a bit of a challenge as one oblong rafter tied to one inner tuber makes for a situation of being unequally yoked together... I know, I know, I'm just so very funny.

 

We sometimes go in circles but that just adds to the fun!

Yesterday we chose to go out of town a ways and float in for a couple hours.  We passed one row boat with fishermen in it right away but after that we had the river to ourselves until we were landing.  We ate our lunch, carefully gathering our garbage so as not to spoil the environment.   We chatted. 

We listened to birds singing.  In bursts we'd paddle like crazy to avoid hitting a log or smashing into bushes along the edge, but mostly it was relaxing and beautiful.

When we came to our landing spot we found quite a few people getting ready to launch.  They looked at us kind of funny I thought.  One was putting in his jet ski and others were putting in rafts big enough for 10 people to ride comfortably, cup holders and all.  

 

Well, we may have looked odd but we had a lovely afternoon.

Monday Joy

Monday is Mike's day off... in theory anyway.

He often gets called to do something for someone but now and then he gets the whole day off.

This morning we picked up a fast food breakfast and went to eat at a little park, taking Bode along.

After our breakfast, we went over to Maria and Eric and Cordelia's house.  I am ever so grateful to be living in the same town as our only grandchild.  She brings us such joy! 

She hugs and hugs and tells us she loves us over and over again.  She entertains us.

This is a picture from our morning...

Our hearts are full!

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

God, whose giving knows no ending,

From your rich and endless store:

Nature's wonder, Jesus' wisdom,

Costly cross, grave's shattered door,

Gifted by you, we turn to you,

Off'ring up ourselves in praise;

Thankful song shall rise forever,

Gracious donor of our days.

Text: Robert L. Edwards, b. 1915

Things That Grew

So, here is Sam now. 

The tree on his left is the little apple tree is the little apple tree he planted 6 or 7 years ago. The tree on his right is a Quaking Aspen planted the same day.  Sam is 6'3" tall now.  It's just fun to see how he has grown.

Now, please hop on over to  

http://wyomingroseboutique.blogspot.com/

as Maria has posted the winner!

Things that Grow

This is a picture of Sam planting a little treein 2004 or 2005.

Tomorrow, I will show you that tree and Sam now.

Also, we will be drawing today for a winner for our earring give-away.

Watch for the announcement tomorrow!

 

It Could Be Worse

Remember how hard I've been working, ripping up carpet and pads?  I've also been removing a LOT of staples.  

Additionally, I feel like we've moved at least 3 times this week.  One day we moved everything out of 2 bedrooms, most of it going into the dining area.

The day after that the carpet guy, Dan, gave me a day to return those rooms to something near normal, and to clear out (remove carpet, pad, etc.) the living room.  So, all the living room things went into the dining area for the day while he carpeted the living room, hallway and stairs.  Afterward we got the living room put back together.

I thought it was looking nice.

Dan was supposed to return today (Thu) to finish up the master bedroom but Tuesday afternoon he called and said he could come a day early.  Yay!  Wait?  I wasn't ready!  Thankfully, Sam was home and helped me move the king size bed, dressers, etc. and shove them into the previously carpeted bedrooms.  So much for those rooms looking nice!  We ripped up carpet, pad... you know the way it goes now.  Oh yes, after that I painted the KILZ on any stains that could be from a pet.

I was sooooo happy Tuesday night as most of my work was done and we were ready for Dan to come and finish the job.  Whoopee!  I was ready to get the house back in order.  I showered and got ready for bed, feeling jubilant.  Just before I went to bed I noticed something odd at one spot on the top stairway carpet...

Yes, that is a spot with no fibers.

Instantly, I thought of Bode and his chewing but upon inspection, that didn't seem to be the deal.  Even the fibers around that spot seemed loose.  Then, I went around to other rooms and tested the carpet fibers.  I tugged on individual fibers, finding that some stayed put but some just pulled right out.  They came out as easily as pulling small weeds from moist, heavily mulched earth.  I can't remember that I've ever tried to "pluck" a carpet but I was pretty sure that I shouldn't be able to do so.

Well, I'd like to say I felt calm and cool about this but I DID NOT! 

I am glad to tell you that Mike did remain calm and tenderly reminded me that, although this was not good, in the big picture of life our troubles could be much worse.

The next morning, when Dan came expecting to finish up the project, we showed him our find.  Because the carpet is a frieze (shag with a twist) it was easy to miss the gap until the fibers were moved aside a bit.  Dan agreed that this was not acceptable or normal.  We paid him for the work he'd done, as well as for the day's work he'd planned to do for us.  He'll be back but it may be awhile.

When I spoke with the owner of the store where we purchased the carpet, she was horrified.  She treated me with great respect and came out herself to test the fibers, take pictures and cut some of the left-over carpet to ship back to the manufacturer.  It looks like something went wrong with their gluing process.  Hopefully, they will quickly see the problem and send new carpet.  I'm expecting they will also pay for Dan to rip out this carpet (I really don't want to do that again just now!) and lay the replacement carpet.

So, that was a bummer, but eventually it should be made right.

Now, we wait.

Lord's Prayer Knick-Knacks

I believe this is my oldest possession.

It was a gift for me as a new baby.  Although it doesn't all show in this photo, my name and date of birth were written in gold script at the bottom.

When my husband, Mike, went back to college and then seminary in the 80's we either gave away or stored most of our possessions.  We knew that we'd be making several moves and would sometimes be living in very small apartments so that just seemed the right thing to do.  This Bible figurine with the Lord's Prayer, however, was one of the very few items I kept with me through move after move. 

It and a couple of other knick-knacks were on one little 3-tiered shelf hanging on the wall above our table.  At that time, one of our children was about a year old so I'd put this up there to be safe.  That may have been a mistake.

Ben, I mean one of our children who will remain nameless, was quite a climber, even at age one.  One day he got on the table and pulled down the entire shelf.  Don't worry, he wasn't injured.  I think everything else was broken but I didn't care so much about the other items, I guess, because I no longer even remember what they were.  But this treasure, I glued back together.  I think it just gives it character, don't you?  It tells more of a story now than it did before.

One day when Maria and I were hunting for vintage treasures for our Wyoming Rose Boutique, we found this lovely piece. 

I am sure you see the resemblance.  Can you imagine how excited I was?

I expect it is from the 50's as well, making it an antique rather than just a vintage item.  I hesitate to call it an antique, though, since that would mean I was an antique as well!

It shows that lovely crackled appearance that comes with age.

So do I.

...but it is in great shape!  It has a pretty little bird on it...

...and just the sweetest little flowers.

I don't know the history about this piece.  I can only speculate as to who's shelf it has been on over the years, or who's shelf it will be on in the coming years.

What treasures have you retained from childhood?



Yarn Sculpture

Maria and I have become yarn sculptors.

What?  You've never heard of that?

Well, people can make sculptures out of everything else so why not yarn?

We are really letting loose with our creative sides and are making up these hats as we crochet.  Both of us get bored quite quickly when following a pattern.  We prefer to "wing it".  Sometimes that doesn't turn out so great for us but I am thinking we are onto something now.  This is another one of the little hats we've sculpted.

At least it is working out better than when I "wing it" with my cooking.

That doesn't usually go as well for me.

I'm interested in what you do for a creative outlet...knit, sew, paint, cook, bake?



In Case You Were Wondering

In case you were wondering...

...red duct tape...

...is pretty much unchanged by the digestive process.

      

 

You can thank me for not taking a picture of that!

Psalm 18:1-2

I love you,

O Lord my strength,

O Lord my stronghold,

my crag, and my haven.

My God, my rock

in whom I put my trust,

my shield,

the horn of my salvation,

anjd my refuge:

You are worthy of praise.

Psalm 18:1-2

A Wonderful Kind of Mess!

The news at our house is, EVERYTHING IS A MESS!

I'm very happy about it!

What?

We're getting new carpet, at least upstairs.  The basement will have its day but not yet.  I decided that since I don't have a regular job right now, I could do the carpet rip-out.  I must be using some rather dormant muscles because I wake up SORE!

  It's hard work but rather satisfying.

To make it more manageable, I cut the carpet into strips.  Then, I just pull and pull until I have a piece off.  I roll it up and put it in a big garbage bag, then, I start  pulling up the padding.  It doesn't pull up smoothly so I always have to go back and pick off the broken pieces of it.  I learned to do that part quickly as Bode, it turns out, believes carpet padding is yummy.

Next, I got a little stool and sat down with a pair of pliers and hand-picked the staples out.  There are tack-strips around the edges of everything but I'm leaving those in place for the attachment of the new carpet.   It is a bit risky as those tack strips have little nails pointing upward.  It's really best to NOT step on them.  Trust me, you know when you've done that!

The man who is laying our new carpet heard that I was plucking staples by hand and kindly offered a scraper tool for me to use.  I declined.  In fact, he offered it several times and I continued to decline, stating it wasn't that hard to pluck out the staples.  One day, he just couldn't stand it anymore and brought the tool over to me.  What do you know?  It is a job that now takes just a few minutes. You slide it across the floor and it pops out most of the staples.  Those that don't pop out are sheered off.  Either way, all I have to do is sweep them up!

Next, I'm painting KILZ over any spot on the floor that looks like it may have a pet stain on it.  If you ever need to use KILZ, you need to know there are several kinds of it.  If you are dealing with pet stains, don't wimp out and choose the water-based KILZ.  I did that in our basement and learned that it just doesn't do a good job.  This time, I chose the oil-based KILZ and it works well.  However, good ventilation is a MUST.  It has a very, very strong odor that lingers.  I opened all windows and it still took a full day to remove the odor after I'd just painted the floor in 2 rooms.

Our carpet-layer-guy has already completed those 2 rooms.  He is working us in between other jobs so Monday he will return to do a bit more and then later next week come back to finish the job.  The biggest mess is simply that I have to pile everything from the rooms being carpeted into the dining area.  The Rose Room has been the worst.  This is the room where I have miles of fabric and skeins and skeins of yarn, not to mention oodles of containers with our jewelry-making supplies.  It is my favorite room, but all those things made for quite a mess in our dining area!

 I don't mind; I'm just so excited to have new carpet!

Reminder:

Wyoming Rose is doing a give-away! 

Simply leave a comment at our store blog:

http://wyomingroseboutique.blogspot.com/

Next Friday we will place the names of all commenters in a hat and draw for the winner!

Jewelry in the Sun

Another thing I enjoy is making jewelry.

It is another addiction, much like crocheting.

Recently, I had a chance to share my addiction with two of my friends.   We were out on a deck at the beautiful home of one of them and we just enjoyed being together.  It was really a pleasant morning.

They made some lovely pieces for themselves.

I made a couple of pairs of earrings, one for Wyoming Rose Boutique...

...and one for a GIVEAWAY!

Entering is NOT complicated. 

Simply leave a comment at our store blog:

http://wyomingroseboutique.blogspot.com/

In one week we will place the names of all commenters in a hat and draw for the winner!



Vacation for a Day... Installment #3

OK... let's wind this thing up, shall we?  I've saved the most interesting part for last...

Thermopolis, WY

Home of the World's Largest Mineral Hot Springs!

There are hot springs popping up all over the place, flowing down to the river.  Some places smell pretty strong of sulphur (think rotten eggs) so all your senses get involved.

We left Thermopolis and went through the Wind River Canyon, through some tunnels, and out near Boysen Lake.  The beauty just came coming at us!

And when I wasn't driving, I crocheted as we rolled along....

It was a day to remember!

Thanks for patiently letting me document such a lovely day!