Scrubbing Bubbles Hit the Streets Associated Press
Story location: http://www.wired.com/news/planet/0,2782,68282,00.html
02:00 AM Jul. 22, 2005 PT
From catalytic converters to alternative fuels, the fight against big-city smog has for years been fought inside combustion engines and exhaust pipes.
Now, scientists are taking the fight to the streets by developing "smart" building materials designed to clean the air with a little help from the elements.
Using technology already available for self-cleaning windows and bathroom tiles, scientists hope to paint cities with materials that dissolve and wash away pollutants when exposed to sun and rain.
"Among other things, we want to construct concrete walls that break down vehicle exhausts in road tunnels," said Karin Pettersson, a spokeswoman for Swedish construction giant Skanska. "It is also possible to make pavings that clean the air in cities."
The Stockholm-based company is part of a $1.7 million Swedish-Finnish project to develop catalytic cement and concrete products coated with titanium dioxide, a compound often used in white paint and toothpaste that can become highly reactive when exposed to ultraviolet light.
This is the idea: UV rays hitting the titanium dioxide trigger a catalytic reaction that destroys the molecules of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, which are emitted in the burning of fossil fuels and create smog when combined with volatile organic compounds.
Exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxides can trigger serious respiratory problems, including lung damage.
The catalytic reaction also prevents bacteria and dirt from sticking to a surface, making them easily removed by a splash of water or rain.
Bo-Erik Eriksson, head of research at Cementa, another company participating in the Swedish-Finnish project, said the byproducts of the reaction, called photocatalysis, are benign, though it depends on what substances are involved: Organic compounds are broken down into carbon dioxide and water, while the nitrogen oxides yield nitrate salts.
Research in the field has been made possible by the revolution in nanotechnology -- science dedicated to building materials from the molecular level. The catalytic properties of titanium dioxide become active when it is applied in a very thin layer, or in microscopic particles.
A range of self-cleaning products coated with titanium dioxide, including windows and ceramic tiles, are already on the market, but the focus has mostly been on their practical value rather than the environmental impact.
In Rome, the Dives in Misericordia church, designed by U.S.-based architect Richard Meier, is made of self-cleaning concrete that helps keep the surface shiny white. In Japan, several modern buildings, including the Marunouchi Building in downtown Tokyo, are covered with photocatalytic tiles to reduce discoloring from pollution.
"Now we have to change and think of the product not just for architectural purposes, but also for environmental purposes," said Francesco Galimberti, spokesman for Italcementi, maker of the concrete for the church in Rome.
In a test in 2003, the company coated 75,000 square feet of road surface on the outskirts of Milan with photocatalytic cement. It found nitrogen oxide levels were reduced by up to 60 percent, depending on weather conditions.
A similar experiment in France found nitrogen oxide levels were 20 percent to 80 percent lower in a wall plastered with photocatalytic cement than one with regular cement.
Encouraged by such results, the European Union last year earmarked $2.27 billion for a project to develop "smart" construction materials that would break down nitrogen oxides and other toxic substances, such as benzene.
However, researchers admit they're still not sure how much of an impact the technology could have on air pollution outside of controlled test environments.
"Now we want to find out if it works optimally and economically and make sure it has a long-lived effect that does not disappear after a couple of years," said Eriksson of Cementa.
Cost is another issue. Galimberti said Italcementi's products are 30 percent to 40 percent more expensive than regular concrete, and using the external air quality as a selling point doesn't necessarily appeal to builders with tight budgets. The company's sales pitch is that self-cleaning materials will save money in the long run.
However, some scientists caution it's too soon to declare a titanium dioxide-fueled war on pollution.
"Trying to clean up air pollution seems to me to be a stretch," said Reynaldo Barreto, a chemistry professor at Purdue University in Indiana. "It doesn't mean it can't be done. But there's an awful lot of air and not a whole lot of surface."
Friday, July 22, 2005
Bears Wander Into Motels in New Mexico
Bears Wander Into Motels in New Mexico
By The Associated Press
Thu Jul 21,10:10 PM ET
Maybe it's an early hibernation thing. A bear wandered into a Raton motel on Monday and a second bear broke into a Taos Ski Valley motel a day later. The bear that walked through the front doors of the Raton motel possibly was lured by the enticing smell of fresh popcorn, officials said.
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"He walked in, went to the pay phones, then straight toward the pool," said desk clerk Kimbra Pacheco.
Lodgers with newspapers chased the bear through an enclosed pool area until game officers arrived. A Department of Game and Fish officer shot the animal with a tranquilizer dart.
Department officers later killed the bear, saying it had been trapped and moved from Raton a few weeks earlier and had lost its fear of humans.
The second bear forced its way through a window screen Tuesday at a Taos Ski Valley motel. The desk clerk called 911, but the bear fled before the town marshal and game officers arrived.
Officers have set a trap to try to capture the animal, which officials believe was attracted by the smell of food being cooked by lodgers on a grill outside their room.
The recent hot, dry weather in northern New Mexico may have forced some bears to search for food in different places, the department said.
The agency said people who live in bear country should keep anything that would attract them away from living areas and keep all doors and windows closed at night.
___
On the Net:
Game and Fish publications: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us
By The Associated Press
Thu Jul 21,10:10 PM ET
Maybe it's an early hibernation thing. A bear wandered into a Raton motel on Monday and a second bear broke into a Taos Ski Valley motel a day later. The bear that walked through the front doors of the Raton motel possibly was lured by the enticing smell of fresh popcorn, officials said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"He walked in, went to the pay phones, then straight toward the pool," said desk clerk Kimbra Pacheco.
Lodgers with newspapers chased the bear through an enclosed pool area until game officers arrived. A Department of Game and Fish officer shot the animal with a tranquilizer dart.
Department officers later killed the bear, saying it had been trapped and moved from Raton a few weeks earlier and had lost its fear of humans.
The second bear forced its way through a window screen Tuesday at a Taos Ski Valley motel. The desk clerk called 911, but the bear fled before the town marshal and game officers arrived.
Officers have set a trap to try to capture the animal, which officials believe was attracted by the smell of food being cooked by lodgers on a grill outside their room.
The recent hot, dry weather in northern New Mexico may have forced some bears to search for food in different places, the department said.
The agency said people who live in bear country should keep anything that would attract them away from living areas and keep all doors and windows closed at night.
___
On the Net:
Game and Fish publications: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Phil has one cool photo collage on his page...
Phil took some pics of Austyn swimming on his last day .... and has one great collage on his site.. be sure and check it out!!! Congrats to Austyn on finishing up his swimming lessons and doing so great...! We are proud of you Austyn!
And Phil, if Gary England can come to Harland's backyard, he could sure find his way to yours - next summer??? or want to try for this summer???
And Phil, if Gary England can come to Harland's backyard, he could sure find his way to yours - next summer??? or want to try for this summer???
So you think you know the news... haha.... unbelievable link has all the frontpages of newspapers everywhere on every topic!!!
One has to see this, and play with it to believe it!!
Warning: by clicking on this link, you will be able to see the front pages of newspapers around the world and all over the USA. The searches can be broken down many ways on many topics... cool huh???
http://www.newseum.org/ is really cool!! and the papers are uptodate, too!!
Warning: by clicking on this link, you will be able to see the front pages of newspapers around the world and all over the USA. The searches can be broken down many ways on many topics... cool huh???
http://www.newseum.org/ is really cool!! and the papers are uptodate, too!!
Last Code Talker Dies in Tulsa Oklahoma
Charles Chibitty receives the Knowlton Award during a ceremony Nov. 30, 1999, at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in Washington. Chibitty, one of 20 Comanche Indians who used their native language as a code to transmit messages for the Allies during World War II, has died. He was 83. Chibitty, the last living code talker, had been residing at a Tulsa, Okla. nursing home but had not been hospitalized, said Cathy Flynn, administrative assistant in the tribal chairman's office. The Comanche Nation's chairman received a call about 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2005, stating that Chibitty had died, Flynn said. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Last of WWII Comanche Code Talkers Dies
OKLAHOMA CITY - Charles Chibitty, the last survivor of the Comanche code talkers who used their native language to transmit messages for the Allies in Europe during World War II, has died. He was 83.
Chibitty, who had been residing at a Tulsa nursing home, died Wednesday, said Cathy Flynn, administrative assistant in the Comanche Nation tribal chairman's office.
The group of Comanche Indians from the Lawton area were selected for special duty in the U.S. Army to provide the Allies with a language that the Germans could not decipher. Like the larger group of Navajo Indians who performed a similar service in the Pacific theater, the Comanches were dubbed "code talkers."
"It's strange, but growing up as a child I was forbidden to speak my native language at school," Chibitty said in 2002. "Later my country asked me to. My language helped win the war and that makes me very proud. Very proud. "
In a 1998 story for The Oklahoman, Chibitty recalled being at Normandy on D-Day, and said someone once asked him what he was afraid of most and if he feared dying.
"No. That was something we had already accepted," he said.
"But we landed in deeper water than anticipated. A lot of boys drowned. That's what I was afraid of."
"I wonder what the hell Hitler thought when he heard those strange voices," he once told a gathering.
Chibitty was born Nov. 20, 1921, near Medicine Park and attended high school at Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kan. He enlisted in 1941.
In 1999, Chibitty received the Knowlton Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding intelligence work, during a ceremony at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
"We could never do it again," Chibitty told Oklahoma Today. "It's all electronic and video in war now."
From Uncle Ivan comes this tidbit.. thanks Uncle Ivan....
Mistaken Identity
An honest man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on
a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him.
He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. "I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.
Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
Isn't this priceless?
An honest man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on
a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him.
He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. "I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.
Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
Isn't this priceless?
From Melanie Shaklee.... this neat tidbit... thanks Mel..
Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe
and tried to light it?
Did you know his trial is over?
Did you know he was sentenced?
Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV/Radio?
Didn't think so
Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.
Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say.
His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record,
Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stated "I think I will not apologize for my actions," and told the court "I am at war with your country."
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:
January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid. Judge Young:
"Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you.
On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutive with the other.
That's 80 years. On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years consecutive to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 for the aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. The Court imposes upon you the $800 special assessment.
The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is all too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice.
You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether it is the officers of government who do it or your attorney who does it, or if you think you are a soldier. You are not----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've know warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and where the TV crews were, and he said: "You're no big deal."
What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today?
I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing. And I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.
It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf and have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.
We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bare any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. Day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure. Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.
Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.
So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets?
We need more judges like Judge Young, but that's another subject. Pass this around. Everyone should and needs to hear what this fine judge had to say.
Powerful words that strike home.
God bless America.
and tried to light it?
Did you know his trial is over?
Did you know he was sentenced?
Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV/Radio?
Didn't think so
Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.
Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say.
His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record,
Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stated "I think I will not apologize for my actions," and told the court "I am at war with your country."
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:
January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid. Judge Young:
"Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you.
On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutive with the other.
That's 80 years. On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years consecutive to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 for the aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. The Court imposes upon you the $800 special assessment.
The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is all too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice.
You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether it is the officers of government who do it or your attorney who does it, or if you think you are a soldier. You are not----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've know warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and where the TV crews were, and he said: "You're no big deal."
What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today?
I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing. And I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.
It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf and have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.
We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bare any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. Day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure. Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.
Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.
So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets?
We need more judges like Judge Young, but that's another subject. Pass this around. Everyone should and needs to hear what this fine judge had to say.
Powerful words that strike home.
God bless America.
Ann and I called Andrew to wish him happy 4th birthday.. last night..
It was kind'a cool. We were waiting for about 10pm to call... We tried earlier several times and didn't get an answer so we thought maybe they had slipped out, or were resting... so we waited.. and then at 10pm we called and wished Andrew Paul HAPPY 4th Birthday!! First thing he reports is... "I'm 4 now Grandpa!". Wow.. yelp, Andrew you are now FOUR... and Austyn will be SIX on his next birthday!!! And Kaitlyn will be 9 months old on the 23rd... and Madison will be 3 months old on the 4th of August!! Wow... time marchs on... And I am still 18... haha.. yeah... right!!!
Talked with Jon... Think they are coming up Saturday .. Cool. I wonder if I will know who Kaitlyn is.. Ms Potter with glasses.. Cool pic by the way!! Seems like we have some special days this month to celebrate.. Andrew, Paul, and Jon and Randi's Anni... wow, guess we need to be fasting for this... haha yeah, right... Not sure what the plans for weekend are...
Grandma Moffat came over for dinner last night with Ann and I. We had a great visit and I was helping her with some photos she has of her mother teaching school at Mt. Pisgah School west of Okarche, OK. There are three of them and they were taken in Feb and March of 1913. Her and Grandpa Siegrist were married on May 21, 1913... It's kind'a an old western story... the young man new in town falls for the school teacher... haha.... Heard the baler is ready, but it will have to wait till next week... too much going on that I need to finish up before getting into the hay... but looks like from next Monday on... busy busy with hay, etc..
Stay cool, drink lots of liquids.... and remember, the heat can get you before you know it!!!
Talked with Jon... Think they are coming up Saturday .. Cool. I wonder if I will know who Kaitlyn is.. Ms Potter with glasses.. Cool pic by the way!! Seems like we have some special days this month to celebrate.. Andrew, Paul, and Jon and Randi's Anni... wow, guess we need to be fasting for this... haha yeah, right... Not sure what the plans for weekend are...
Grandma Moffat came over for dinner last night with Ann and I. We had a great visit and I was helping her with some photos she has of her mother teaching school at Mt. Pisgah School west of Okarche, OK. There are three of them and they were taken in Feb and March of 1913. Her and Grandpa Siegrist were married on May 21, 1913... It's kind'a an old western story... the young man new in town falls for the school teacher... haha.... Heard the baler is ready, but it will have to wait till next week... too much going on that I need to finish up before getting into the hay... but looks like from next Monday on... busy busy with hay, etc..
Stay cool, drink lots of liquids.... and remember, the heat can get you before you know it!!!
OH my Goodness....
3 London Underground Stations Evacuated
LONDON - Three London Underground stations were evacuated at midday Thursday following reports of incidents, British Transport Police said. The Fire Brigade was investigating a report of smoke at one station.
Emergency services also were responding to a report of an incident on a bus in east London, police said.
LONDON - Three London Underground stations were evacuated at midday Thursday following reports of incidents, British Transport Police said. The Fire Brigade was investigating a report of smoke at one station.
Emergency services also were responding to a report of an incident on a bus in east London, police said.
This has nothing to do with much, and yet everything... haha... JC Penney always said two things....
JC Penney had two sayings... One. There is not a dime made till the last shoe is sold. If you have 12 pair, you have to sell the 12th pair to realize any profit, and the second was: The customer is always right!! So with that in mind.. here is a neat post I found on this subject this am.... I post this for my four kiddos.. who grew up somewhat in a retail business and heard Dad say this many times......
Why the customer is always right
You're hearing from a customer who isn't happy with the service or product. Either the customer is right or the customer is wrong. You have to decide which it is. Suppose you decide the customer is wrong, but the customer is actually right. You've now taken a serious chance of losing the customer, and it's possible that the former customer will tell other customers or potential customers that you suck, not only do you give bad service, but when you do, you don't make it right.
Now, suppose you assume the customer is right and you give them a new one of whatever was wrong, and apologize for the screwup, and thank them for their continued patronage. Having been given what he or she asked for, and having been vindicated, and received gratitude, the customer is glowing with a magnanimity that is greater than it would have been had you never made the mistake. You win, big.
Okay, now flip it around. Suppose the customer is wrong. They're just human, it could happen. Suppose you assume the customer is right and give them a freebie and an apology and a thank you. It's likely that the freebie didn't really cost you anything, or not very much. Cost of goods ain't what it used to be. Most of the cost is in time, and you'd spend as much time arguing with them, as you would by giving them what they want. And I don't care what you say, and apology and a thanks costs nothing. You can always be sorry and thankful. Always, no matter what, even if you're being scammed and know it. You can be thankful that this person is leaving your place of business sooner than if you argued with him.
The final case is the customer is wrong and you say they're wrong. In this case you're the most screwed. This is one angry mofo and you don't want to hear what they're going to say about you. You don't even want to think about it. Everyone in your store is going to wonder why you don't just give them what they want so they will leave and they can all get on with what they came to do -- spend money.
Why the customer is always right
You're hearing from a customer who isn't happy with the service or product. Either the customer is right or the customer is wrong. You have to decide which it is. Suppose you decide the customer is wrong, but the customer is actually right. You've now taken a serious chance of losing the customer, and it's possible that the former customer will tell other customers or potential customers that you suck, not only do you give bad service, but when you do, you don't make it right.
Now, suppose you assume the customer is right and you give them a new one of whatever was wrong, and apologize for the screwup, and thank them for their continued patronage. Having been given what he or she asked for, and having been vindicated, and received gratitude, the customer is glowing with a magnanimity that is greater than it would have been had you never made the mistake. You win, big.
Okay, now flip it around. Suppose the customer is wrong. They're just human, it could happen. Suppose you assume the customer is right and give them a freebie and an apology and a thank you. It's likely that the freebie didn't really cost you anything, or not very much. Cost of goods ain't what it used to be. Most of the cost is in time, and you'd spend as much time arguing with them, as you would by giving them what they want. And I don't care what you say, and apology and a thanks costs nothing. You can always be sorry and thankful. Always, no matter what, even if you're being scammed and know it. You can be thankful that this person is leaving your place of business sooner than if you argued with him.
The final case is the customer is wrong and you say they're wrong. In this case you're the most screwed. This is one angry mofo and you don't want to hear what they're going to say about you. You don't even want to think about it. Everyone in your store is going to wonder why you don't just give them what they want so they will leave and they can all get on with what they came to do -- spend money.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Some pics from last night.. enjoy the day!
I didn't want to put the one of Andrew sitting in the bed with Madison Ann... so her Mom would not get upset...hahah..... but... he was... and then he just played with her before they went to sleep last night... This was the last night with Grandma and Grandpa and tonight they will be with Mom and Dad... or at least that is the plan.. haha... right now.
50th Anni. poem a friend shared with me... kind a neat...
Flowers On Highway Twelve
Memories are made up of magic,
they're made up of all tinsel and lace,
a memory here of a wonderful time,
a memory there of a wonderful place.
And that's how we remember our childhood,
such a great place and such a great time.
So please sit back, and let us look back,
and I hope you enjoy this wonderful rhyme.
We grew up in Middleton, Wisconsin,
where the winters can take your breath away,
but memories of eight foot snowmen,
soon melt on the breeze of a Summers day.
The 'lady with the flowers on Highway Twelve',
gardened well and her time was wisely spent,
thousands got to know her beautiful displays,
can you smell again that Heavenly Scent ?
I remember our softball games,
we played while Mom had a deserved nap,
you encouraged us from our early years,
we'd hit the ball, you'd cheer and clap.
We've always loved our animals,
some were hand reared and bottle fed,
they say that you can lead a horse to water,
but Boy ! Princess wasn't that easily led !
I remember the canned tomatoes,
and making jam by the pound,
you've always grown the best strawberries,
and Mom, you make the best apple pie around.
Dad milked his cows in his early years,
bent over on a cold concrete floor,
I guess there were too many early mornings,
because his knees and back said 'no more' !
You can take the man off the farm,
but you can't take the farm out of the man,
and Dad is happiest when he's combining,
and loves it when Jerry's harvest is to plan !
We've discovered the power of prayer,
and the wonder of working so very hard,
there have been times it has been a battle,
and at times we've fought for every yard.
But you've always been there for us,
to lend a shoulder, a hand or to give advice,
I've never met anybody so honorable,
so adored and even as half as nice.
Because we had such a very, very good childhood,
I think that as parents you've been the best,
we have been surrounded by your love,
and with that love we've been truly blessed.
You've helped us to build our houses,
and like all of the greatest ever teams,
you've cemented those homes with your love,
and shared your excitement for our dreams.
You two possess a very deep love,
for one another and for all of us seven,
a love that was born in the Cosmos,
a love that could only be made in Heaven.
You've put your faith in the Lord,
and you've passed that faith rightly on,
you've shown us the Lord's light,
and for us all it has brightly shone.
And your love and your wonderful care,
will always keep the winter chills away,
we are rich beyond our wildest dreams,
what more can there be left to say ?
We love you both so very much,
today, tomorrow and for evermore,
we just wanted to say THANK YOU,
and that's what these words are for.
Because the seven flowers on Highway Twelve,
have grown up now and sown their seed,
because they were tended with so much love,
and that's all that they will ever, ever need.
Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2001
Memories are made up of magic,
they're made up of all tinsel and lace,
a memory here of a wonderful time,
a memory there of a wonderful place.
And that's how we remember our childhood,
such a great place and such a great time.
So please sit back, and let us look back,
and I hope you enjoy this wonderful rhyme.
We grew up in Middleton, Wisconsin,
where the winters can take your breath away,
but memories of eight foot snowmen,
soon melt on the breeze of a Summers day.
The 'lady with the flowers on Highway Twelve',
gardened well and her time was wisely spent,
thousands got to know her beautiful displays,
can you smell again that Heavenly Scent ?
I remember our softball games,
we played while Mom had a deserved nap,
you encouraged us from our early years,
we'd hit the ball, you'd cheer and clap.
We've always loved our animals,
some were hand reared and bottle fed,
they say that you can lead a horse to water,
but Boy ! Princess wasn't that easily led !
I remember the canned tomatoes,
and making jam by the pound,
you've always grown the best strawberries,
and Mom, you make the best apple pie around.
Dad milked his cows in his early years,
bent over on a cold concrete floor,
I guess there were too many early mornings,
because his knees and back said 'no more' !
You can take the man off the farm,
but you can't take the farm out of the man,
and Dad is happiest when he's combining,
and loves it when Jerry's harvest is to plan !
We've discovered the power of prayer,
and the wonder of working so very hard,
there have been times it has been a battle,
and at times we've fought for every yard.
But you've always been there for us,
to lend a shoulder, a hand or to give advice,
I've never met anybody so honorable,
so adored and even as half as nice.
Because we had such a very, very good childhood,
I think that as parents you've been the best,
we have been surrounded by your love,
and with that love we've been truly blessed.
You've helped us to build our houses,
and like all of the greatest ever teams,
you've cemented those homes with your love,
and shared your excitement for our dreams.
You two possess a very deep love,
for one another and for all of us seven,
a love that was born in the Cosmos,
a love that could only be made in Heaven.
You've put your faith in the Lord,
and you've passed that faith rightly on,
you've shown us the Lord's light,
and for us all it has brightly shone.
And your love and your wonderful care,
will always keep the winter chills away,
we are rich beyond our wildest dreams,
what more can there be left to say ?
We love you both so very much,
today, tomorrow and for evermore,
we just wanted to say THANK YOU,
and that's what these words are for.
Because the seven flowers on Highway Twelve,
have grown up now and sown their seed,
because they were tended with so much love,
and that's all that they will ever, ever need.
Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2001
A band from Stillwater OK... lead singer is from Harrah OK.
Jason and Jake are friends... this is Jason Boland and the Stragglers. They are a band from Stillwater, OK. He is the Waylon Jennings of his generation... he has done nothing but get better since the first time I heard him....
Jake has played with Jason, and he and Jason and the Stragglers were in a wedding where Jake sang... a couple of years back.
I know this is not a music site... But I am proud when folks are having success with their talents.. too.. enjoy.
Jake has played with Jason, and he and Jason and the Stragglers were in a wedding where Jake sang... a couple of years back.
I know this is not a music site... But I am proud when folks are having success with their talents.. too.. enjoy.
'I Hope You Dance... sent to us from Ward and Melanie Shaklee.... enjoy, it's so true~!
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend. *The last line says it all. *
Dear Bertha,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the
garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance"
Enjoy the day!
Dear Bertha,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the
garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance"
Enjoy the day!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
They are home.. Paul and Heather..
or at least their MSN Messenger became active... so they must be home.... Praise the Lord.... Welcome home guys... welcome home....!!!
Thanks Phil for the comments on photos..
It's easy to take good photos when you have good things to photograph!! Your home is awesome again this year.. the yard, garden, etc. It shows your love and devotion to the cause! I am proud of you and your efforts! Thanks for the comments...
Heather called.. and they are "headed home"!
Heather and Paul called from their car on the way home from the hospital this morning... Jake talked with Sis and she reported she was feeling much better. Ann is going to meet Paul at the kids doctors offices this afternoon, both have Doctor's appointments.. and she will help Paul with that and then bring them here for the evening... and night.
Heather loves Oklahoma music aritst/singer/songwriter Brandon Jenkins, as do I, and he has a new cd out... but .. as she was leaving the hospital, they ran into Stoney Larue's, another oklahoma music artist who has written several
songs and co wrote several with Branden, ... brother, Bo. So she reported they talked and had a good visit... He must be trying to branch out on his own too, His brother Stoney Larue has enjoyed a great deal of success and is really one of the top artist from Stillwater in the last few years! Anyway.. point here, it's a small world sometimes.. haha..
She is very excited about heading home...
Their home phone number is 405 372 1149.
Their mailing address is :
Paul and Heather Blankinship
Andrew Paul and Madison Ann
11414 E 19th Ave
Stillwater, OK 74074
Here is note from Ann I just received...
Heather just called and they are on their way home. Got her staples out,
going by the drug store and then home to rest for a while. Joan is going
to bring them some supper tonight. Paul will go by and get the kids for
their doctors appointments and I will meet them at the warren clinic to
help go two places at once and then the kids will stay one more night
with us. Then go home tomorrow. Anyway, that is the plan for the moment.
later.. S
Heather loves Oklahoma music aritst/singer/songwriter Brandon Jenkins, as do I, and he has a new cd out... but .. as she was leaving the hospital, they ran into Stoney Larue's, another oklahoma music artist who has written several
songs and co wrote several with Branden, ... brother, Bo. So she reported they talked and had a good visit... He must be trying to branch out on his own too, His brother Stoney Larue has enjoyed a great deal of success and is really one of the top artist from Stillwater in the last few years! Anyway.. point here, it's a small world sometimes.. haha..
She is very excited about heading home...
Their home phone number is 405 372 1149.
Their mailing address is :
Paul and Heather Blankinship
Andrew Paul and Madison Ann
11414 E 19th Ave
Stillwater, OK 74074
Here is note from Ann I just received...
Heather just called and they are on their way home. Got her staples out,
going by the drug store and then home to rest for a while. Joan is going
to bring them some supper tonight. Paul will go by and get the kids for
their doctors appointments and I will meet them at the warren clinic to
help go two places at once and then the kids will stay one more night
with us. Then go home tomorrow. Anyway, that is the plan for the moment.
later.. S
For Jonathan....
The Mozilla Foundation is expecting to see a surge in interest in the Firefox browser from enterprise users once Microsoft launches Internet Explorer 7 next year.
IE 7, which will be available in beta this summer, will not be available to users of Windows 2000.
Asa Dotzler, the community coordinator at the Mozilla Foundation, said Tuesday that he hopes to attract many corporate Windows 2000 users to the Firefox browser, since they will be unable to take advantage of the improvements in IE 7.
"We have high hopes that we'll do better and better in (the enterprise) space with Windows 2000 users," Dotzler said. "We're excited about Microsoft launching IE 7--it will remind a lot of people that if they want better features they have to spend hundreds of dollars upgrading" to Windows XP.
Nearly half of all Windows-based business desktops are still using Windows 2000, according to a recent survey by AssetMetrix, meaning that there is a big market for the Mozilla Foundation to tap into.
Firefox 1.1, which is due for release this month, will include a range of features to encourage companies to migrate to the open-source browser, including an auto-update and preference locking feature.
Previous Next The auto-update system, which Dotzler described as a "world-class update system," will allow users to automatically install patches and updates, rather than needing to re-install Firefox each time an update is released. Version 1.1 will also include improved tools to lock down browser preferences, he said.
Improvements in Firefox, along with IE 7, could lead to a dramatic increase in the open-source browser's market share, according to Dotzler. "As we improve our tools for corporate deployments and people feel they're being left behind on Windows 2000, hopefully we'll see a real domino effect," he said.
ZDNet UK also spoke to Dotzler about the history of Firefox and Mozilla, the rise of Firefox in the enterprise, future marketing campaigns and how the Mozilla Foundation plans to target less tech-savvy consumers. Read his view of Firefox's and Mozilla's history here, and read the full interview with Dotzler here.
IE 7, which will be available in beta this summer, will not be available to users of Windows 2000.
Asa Dotzler, the community coordinator at the Mozilla Foundation, said Tuesday that he hopes to attract many corporate Windows 2000 users to the Firefox browser, since they will be unable to take advantage of the improvements in IE 7.
"We have high hopes that we'll do better and better in (the enterprise) space with Windows 2000 users," Dotzler said. "We're excited about Microsoft launching IE 7--it will remind a lot of people that if they want better features they have to spend hundreds of dollars upgrading" to Windows XP.
Nearly half of all Windows-based business desktops are still using Windows 2000, according to a recent survey by AssetMetrix, meaning that there is a big market for the Mozilla Foundation to tap into.
Firefox 1.1, which is due for release this month, will include a range of features to encourage companies to migrate to the open-source browser, including an auto-update and preference locking feature.
Previous Next The auto-update system, which Dotzler described as a "world-class update system," will allow users to automatically install patches and updates, rather than needing to re-install Firefox each time an update is released. Version 1.1 will also include improved tools to lock down browser preferences, he said.
Improvements in Firefox, along with IE 7, could lead to a dramatic increase in the open-source browser's market share, according to Dotzler. "As we improve our tools for corporate deployments and people feel they're being left behind on Windows 2000, hopefully we'll see a real domino effect," he said.
ZDNet UK also spoke to Dotzler about the history of Firefox and Mozilla, the rise of Firefox in the enterprise, future marketing campaigns and how the Mozilla Foundation plans to target less tech-savvy consumers. Read his view of Firefox's and Mozilla's history here, and read the full interview with Dotzler here.
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y. was shot and then captured the enmey and treated them...
Photo of soldier in video....... being shot... below
BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic
with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot
in the chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
Warning.. you need to be ready to see someone being shot to watch this......
Soldier survives attack; captures, medically treats sniper (Video)
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer is a native of Mendon, N.Y. —
During a routine patrol in Baghdad June 2, Army Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper, hiding in a van just 75 yards away. The incident was filmed by the insurgents.
Tschiderer, with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was knocked to the ground from the impact, but he popped right back up, took cover and located the enemy’s position.
After tracking down the now-wounded sniper with a team from B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs and gave medical aid to the terrorist who’d tried to kill him just minutes before.
here is the link to the short movie of the incident....
Here is official press release...
Media Release
256th Brigade Combat Team
Camp Tigerland
Baghdad, Iraq
APO, AE 09326
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2005
RELEASE 20050705-01
256th BCT Soldier survives sniper attack
Spc. Chris Foster
256th Brigade Combat Team PAO
BAGHDAD -- Being able to react to and maintain control of a situation in a
combat environment can be a difficult task for Soldiers. They must be able to
quickly react and assess a situation, in order to ensure their survival and the
safety of those around them.
“Stay alert, stay alive” is the reminder that is driven into the minds of
Soldiers since the first day of basic training and echoes throughout their military
careers.
This axiom was driven home for at least one Soldier on June 2.
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic with E
Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry
Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot in the
chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
While Tschiderer was relaying information to the truck commander of his
M114 Humvee, an enemy sniper team prepared to engage him from inside of a
cushioned silver van being used as a mobile sniper’s nest. This nest was lined
with numerous bed mattresses to muffle the sound of a Dragonoff sniper rifle
fired through a hole just big enough for the shooter to engage his target of
choice.
Tschiderer was knocked to the ground from the sudden impact of the
sniper’s bullet. The bullet only seemed to have fazed this Soldier as, adrenaline
pumping, he sprang right back up in order to take cover and locate the enemy’s
position.
The sniper was unsuccessful in his mission, due to the stopping force of
the Tschiderer’s daily wardrobe, his protective body armor, which saved his life.
“I knew I was hit, but was uncertain of the damage or location from the
hit,” Tschiderer said. “The only thing that was going through my mind was to take
cover and locate the sniper’s position.”
“The shot came from my 12 o’clock position from a silver van parked
across an intersection about 75 meters from my location.” said Tschiderer.
After Tschiderer alerted his fellow Soldiers of the enemy location, they
immediately began to pursue the terrorists.
Due to his heroic actions and quick decisions, Tschiderer located the
enemy while he took cover and alerted the rest of his team on patrol. As the
Saber team engaged and disabled the sniper’s position, two terrorists fled on
foot, leaving a blood trail that came from the wounds of the enemy sniper.
A cordon and search was immediately set up and Tschiderer assisted his
team in the search of the two terrorists. The driver of the silver vehicle was
detained by a team from B Co. 3-156th Inf. Bn. while Tschiderer and a team from
B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, continued to follow the blood
trail which led them to the yard where the wounded sniper lay in pain.
As Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs, he gave
medical aid to the wounded terrorist—the same one who’d tried to take his life.
-30-
BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic
with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot
in the chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer is a native of Mendon, N.Y. —
During a routine patrol in Baghdad June 2, Army Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper, hiding in a van just 75 yards away. The incident was filmed by the insurgents.
Tschiderer, with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was knocked to the ground from the impact, but he popped right back up, took cover and located the enemy’s position.
After tracking down the now-wounded sniper with a team from B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs and gave medical aid to the terrorist who’d tried to kill him just minutes before.
here is the link to the short movie of the incident....
Here is official press release...
Media Release
256th Brigade Combat Team
Camp Tigerland
Baghdad, Iraq
APO, AE 09326
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2005
RELEASE 20050705-01
256th BCT Soldier survives sniper attack
Spc. Chris Foster
256th Brigade Combat Team PAO
BAGHDAD -- Being able to react to and maintain control of a situation in a
combat environment can be a difficult task for Soldiers. They must be able to
quickly react and assess a situation, in order to ensure their survival and the
safety of those around them.
“Stay alert, stay alive” is the reminder that is driven into the minds of
Soldiers since the first day of basic training and echoes throughout their military
careers.
This axiom was driven home for at least one Soldier on June 2.
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic with E
Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry
Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot in the
chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
While Tschiderer was relaying information to the truck commander of his
M114 Humvee, an enemy sniper team prepared to engage him from inside of a
cushioned silver van being used as a mobile sniper’s nest. This nest was lined
with numerous bed mattresses to muffle the sound of a Dragonoff sniper rifle
fired through a hole just big enough for the shooter to engage his target of
choice.
Tschiderer was knocked to the ground from the sudden impact of the
sniper’s bullet. The bullet only seemed to have fazed this Soldier as, adrenaline
pumping, he sprang right back up in order to take cover and locate the enemy’s
position.
The sniper was unsuccessful in his mission, due to the stopping force of
the Tschiderer’s daily wardrobe, his protective body armor, which saved his life.
“I knew I was hit, but was uncertain of the damage or location from the
hit,” Tschiderer said. “The only thing that was going through my mind was to take
cover and locate the sniper’s position.”
“The shot came from my 12 o’clock position from a silver van parked
across an intersection about 75 meters from my location.” said Tschiderer.
After Tschiderer alerted his fellow Soldiers of the enemy location, they
immediately began to pursue the terrorists.
Due to his heroic actions and quick decisions, Tschiderer located the
enemy while he took cover and alerted the rest of his team on patrol. As the
Saber team engaged and disabled the sniper’s position, two terrorists fled on
foot, leaving a blood trail that came from the wounds of the enemy sniper.
A cordon and search was immediately set up and Tschiderer assisted his
team in the search of the two terrorists. The driver of the silver vehicle was
detained by a team from B Co. 3-156th Inf. Bn. while Tschiderer and a team from
B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, continued to follow the blood
trail which led them to the yard where the wounded sniper lay in pain.
As Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs, he gave
medical aid to the wounded terrorist—the same one who’d tried to take his life.
-30-
BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic
with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot
in the chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
You just gotta love the government....
If our government is helping storm victims, or earthquake victims... like they help farmers.. haha..
Yes, I wondered why the hurricane victims in Florida still had not done much after the damage last year and there was a lot of clean up that had not taken place. I am beginning to understand... slowly.
As a farmer, the government helps us in times of natural disaster, too. In our county in Oklahoma, we encountered severe drought in the year 2003. We started buying hay in August of that year, which is three months earlier than usual. We spent almost 11,000 on hay that winter.
About 5 months ago, ... in the year 2005, we got to sign up for help.... and we waited and waited and waited.. .. and now .. been told it might be first of August or later.. but it's on it's way...
To make a long story shorter... with the amount of cattle we run, and the land we own and rent, we will receive about 1500. first figures were 1900.... Now that seems like a lot ... but let me tell you... it's not. But we are glad to get anything that helps us continue on with our farming...
My point is this... I just wonder if the nice folks who suffered all the losses in Florida and other places along the gulf, are still waiting on help too??? Geeze, I hope not.... our loss was two years ago.. if they are.. can you imagine..???
Just wanting to share... haha...
Yes, I wondered why the hurricane victims in Florida still had not done much after the damage last year and there was a lot of clean up that had not taken place. I am beginning to understand... slowly.
As a farmer, the government helps us in times of natural disaster, too. In our county in Oklahoma, we encountered severe drought in the year 2003. We started buying hay in August of that year, which is three months earlier than usual. We spent almost 11,000 on hay that winter.
About 5 months ago, ... in the year 2005, we got to sign up for help.... and we waited and waited and waited.. .. and now .. been told it might be first of August or later.. but it's on it's way...
To make a long story shorter... with the amount of cattle we run, and the land we own and rent, we will receive about 1500. first figures were 1900.... Now that seems like a lot ... but let me tell you... it's not. But we are glad to get anything that helps us continue on with our farming...
My point is this... I just wonder if the nice folks who suffered all the losses in Florida and other places along the gulf, are still waiting on help too??? Geeze, I hope not.... our loss was two years ago.. if they are.. can you imagine..???
Just wanting to share... haha...
From Uncle Ivan.. Mars and Jupiter on August 27th..... need to watch..
The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2,287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can be certain only that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification
Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10:00 p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3:00 a.m.
By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN !!!
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification
Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10:00 p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3:00 a.m.
By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN !!!
for Philliip.. and Paul.... Organic farming uses less energy than regular farming
July 19, 2005 9:55 AM PDT
Organic farming uses less energy than regular farming
Organic farming produces the same yields of corn and soybeans as conventional farming, but consumes 30 percent less energy, less water and no pesticides, according to a study that reviewed 22-years of farming results.
"Organic farming offers real advantages for such crops as corn and soybeans," said David Pimentel, a Cornell University professor of ecology and agriculture, in a prepared statement. Pimentel studied the results from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States.
The study compared a conventional farm that used recommended fertilizers and pesticides with an organic animal-based farm (where manure was applied) and an organic legume-based farm (that used a three-year rotation of hairy vetch/corn and rye/soybeans and wheat). The two organic systems received no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Organic farming uses less energy than regular farming
Organic farming produces the same yields of corn and soybeans as conventional farming, but consumes 30 percent less energy, less water and no pesticides, according to a study that reviewed 22-years of farming results.
"Organic farming offers real advantages for such crops as corn and soybeans," said David Pimentel, a Cornell University professor of ecology and agriculture, in a prepared statement. Pimentel studied the results from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States.
The study compared a conventional farm that used recommended fertilizers and pesticides with an organic animal-based farm (where manure was applied) and an organic legume-based farm (that used a three-year rotation of hairy vetch/corn and rye/soybeans and wheat). The two organic systems received no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Paul, Heather, Andrew and Madison...... again....
Yes..
Heard from the lady herself this am she is heading home hopefully today. The Doctors did find a 7cm bloodclot behind her bladder causing her discomfort she reported. They think it will dissolve on it's own, but it is a big one. She will stay on meds for about 10 days to 2 weeks.
Ann and I kept the kiddos last night... OK, for all you doubting thomas's in the world.. haha.... ANN kept the kiddos... and they did great. We will do this again tonight, according to Heather so her and Paul can get ONE night of rest before the storm.. haha.. and we don't mind. So guess this is what will be.
Will try to keep you informed on what else happens today. I am running water again.. 15 on and 15 off, trying to clear up our well...
Have a great day.... and here's a photo of Andrew and Madison near bedtime last evening...
Enjoy the day....
Today's Quote
If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.
-Morris West
-Morris West
Monday, July 18, 2005
from Uncle Ivan.. thanks.. haha...
A couple had been debating the purchase of a new auto for weeks. He wanted a new truck. She wanted a fast little sports-like car so she could zip through traffic around town.
He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range. "Look!" she said. I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in 4 seconds or less. "And my birthday is coming up. You could surprise me."
For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale.
Services will be at Downing funeral home on Monday the 12th. Due to the condition of the body; this will be a closed casket service. Please send your donations to the 'Think before you say things to your wife foundation', Dallas, Texas.
He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range. "Look!" she said. I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in 4 seconds or less. "And my birthday is coming up. You could surprise me."
For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale.
Services will be at Downing funeral home on Monday the 12th. Due to the condition of the body; this will be a closed casket service. Please send your donations to the 'Think before you say things to your wife foundation', Dallas, Texas.
Heather.. etc..
Well, another day gone by... haha..
Heather is getting better. They were to do an ultrasound of her kidneys this afternoon. She is having a lot of discomfort, and the Drs. can not understand why in that area. Hopefully, they will figure it out soon.
Ann is going to pick up the two kiddos and take them by to see MOM this evening on her way home. I have been baby sitting our water well this afternoon. The well man and I are not sure but the new pump has not cured all the problems yet. I have to turn on the water for 15 mins and off for 15 mins in hopes of getting it to clear up, especially since the kids are coming to spend the night.
I was headed to the hospital today since I didn't get there yesterday, watching Madison Ann yesterday afternoon and evening so Ann could go in and spell Paul and let him and Andrew have some Father/Son time together... Paul mentioned they are having some health problems with their goats too and I think Dr. Dawson was to give them some medication for them and Paul and his folks were going to Dr. them this evening.
Not sure what else is going on. I know our baler is to be ready tomorrow evening maybe.. and I am to see about the John Deere tractor too, but just don't have time right now.. maybe later this evening... but I will not have time to put any hay up till next week anyway, with all of the other stuff going on, and believe it or not, haha... I have some work too... haha...
I think Jon and family are planning on coming up this weekend for Andrew's birthday.. which really is Wednesday, the 20th.
All I know for now... enjoy the day.. Got to go check on the well... S
Heather is getting better. They were to do an ultrasound of her kidneys this afternoon. She is having a lot of discomfort, and the Drs. can not understand why in that area. Hopefully, they will figure it out soon.
Ann is going to pick up the two kiddos and take them by to see MOM this evening on her way home. I have been baby sitting our water well this afternoon. The well man and I are not sure but the new pump has not cured all the problems yet. I have to turn on the water for 15 mins and off for 15 mins in hopes of getting it to clear up, especially since the kids are coming to spend the night.
I was headed to the hospital today since I didn't get there yesterday, watching Madison Ann yesterday afternoon and evening so Ann could go in and spell Paul and let him and Andrew have some Father/Son time together... Paul mentioned they are having some health problems with their goats too and I think Dr. Dawson was to give them some medication for them and Paul and his folks were going to Dr. them this evening.
Not sure what else is going on. I know our baler is to be ready tomorrow evening maybe.. and I am to see about the John Deere tractor too, but just don't have time right now.. maybe later this evening... but I will not have time to put any hay up till next week anyway, with all of the other stuff going on, and believe it or not, haha... I have some work too... haha...
I think Jon and family are planning on coming up this weekend for Andrew's birthday.. which really is Wednesday, the 20th.
All I know for now... enjoy the day.. Got to go check on the well... S
First Live Cattle from Canada come in to USA today...
First Live Cattle Cross Border from Canada to U.S. - Canadian Cattlemen's Association Reacts to Historic Event
Monday July 18, 3:13 pm ET
CALGARY, July 18 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) is very pleased that today the first live Canadian cattle crossed into the U.S. since BSE was diagnosed in Canada in May 2003.
"This is an historic day for the Canadian beef cattle industry," says Stan Eby, President of the CCA. "I want to thank Minister of Agriculture Andy Mitchell and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and their senior staff for all their efforts on this issue and for directing their agencies to quickly get the processes in place to get the cattle moving. I also commend staff of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the extraordinary effort they put in over the weekend working to ensure that all was in order to enable exports to quickly resume. It was only on Thursday that the preliminary injunction preventing the export of live Canadian cattle was overturned on appeal, and here we are on Monday with cattle actually moving. This is exemplary service on the part of regulators on both sides of the border."
Beef from the cattle exported today will join the 632,000 tonnes of Canadian beef that has been exported to the U.S. since the border re-opened to boneless Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months in August, 2003. Canadian processors are now also permitted to export bone-in beef from these younger animals. A fully competitive market with rational trade in both beef and live cattle will benefit both the Canadian and U.S. beef industries.
A hearing into R-CALF's request for a permanent injunction against Canadian live cattle and beef must still be heard in U.S. District Court, Montana Division on July 27.
"We look forward to the correct decisions being made in any future court actions," adds Eby. "We will continue working to ensure that adequate slaughter capacity is maintained in Canada to make us less vulnerable to border disruptions. However we all benefit from a North American marketplace that is permitted to operate according to marketplace signals."
Monday July 18, 3:13 pm ET
CALGARY, July 18 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) is very pleased that today the first live Canadian cattle crossed into the U.S. since BSE was diagnosed in Canada in May 2003.
"This is an historic day for the Canadian beef cattle industry," says Stan Eby, President of the CCA. "I want to thank Minister of Agriculture Andy Mitchell and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and their senior staff for all their efforts on this issue and for directing their agencies to quickly get the processes in place to get the cattle moving. I also commend staff of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the extraordinary effort they put in over the weekend working to ensure that all was in order to enable exports to quickly resume. It was only on Thursday that the preliminary injunction preventing the export of live Canadian cattle was overturned on appeal, and here we are on Monday with cattle actually moving. This is exemplary service on the part of regulators on both sides of the border."
Beef from the cattle exported today will join the 632,000 tonnes of Canadian beef that has been exported to the U.S. since the border re-opened to boneless Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months in August, 2003. Canadian processors are now also permitted to export bone-in beef from these younger animals. A fully competitive market with rational trade in both beef and live cattle will benefit both the Canadian and U.S. beef industries.
A hearing into R-CALF's request for a permanent injunction against Canadian live cattle and beef must still be heard in U.S. District Court, Montana Division on July 27.
"We look forward to the correct decisions being made in any future court actions," adds Eby. "We will continue working to ensure that adequate slaughter capacity is maintained in Canada to make us less vulnerable to border disruptions. However we all benefit from a North American marketplace that is permitted to operate according to marketplace signals."
Brown's Water Well Service replacing our water pump....
Here is what I been doing today... haha.. replacing our water pump. Got it done about 1:30pm. Ran to get a gallon of clorex to put in it and we are to let it run full blast this afternoon and all night.. but probably won't run that long, since Andrew and Madison are spending the night with us. Anyway, one of those joys of having your own well... nothing $700.00 dollars won't fix, haha...
Have a great afternoon, and enjoy the day!!!
Perkins Chamber of Commerce is busy......
The Perkins Chamber of Commerce is hosting the bridge dedication of the Highway 33 bridge on the east side of Coyle. This will take place at 10:30 this Thursday, prior to the chamber meeting. The Highway 33 improvements from Guthrie moving east toward Perkins are significant to our community and you’re welcomed to come support the efforts.
Also, the back to school business fair is coming up on August 15. See the attached flier for more information. This is always a great audience to showcase your business to.
Have a super week! We’re very glad to have Faith in Action cater one more meal for us (YUM!), so don’t forget to RSVP to Pat B. if you plant to attend this week’s chamber meeting. J
-Kendra
Also, the back to school business fair is coming up on August 15. See the attached flier for more information. This is always a great audience to showcase your business to.
Have a super week! We’re very glad to have Faith in Action cater one more meal for us (YUM!), so don’t forget to RSVP to Pat B. if you plant to attend this week’s chamber meeting. J
-Kendra
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Stillwater woman continues Boomer Lake quest
By Ginger Shepherd
Stillwater NewsPress
Sharon Robinson has spent the last
few months raising money for another
organization.
This spring, her efforts have been
geared toward raising money for a
fountain at Boomer Lake because she
thinks a fountain will be an asset to the
community. Her past efforts have
included raising money for the Ripley
High School Project Graduation �
even when she didn�t have children
due to graduate.
Originally, Robinson wanted to
raise the $12,000 before July 4 to get
the fountain installed for Boomer
Blast, she said.
But she didn�t met the goal. To date,
Robinson has raised $4,000.
�I�ve just hit people at the end of the
charitable giving plans,� she said.
That isn�t the only challenge she has
faced: as she has gone door to door,
she has found that people aren�t home.
�The heat has been a challenge,�
Robinson said. Depending on the day,
she can knock on doors of 10 to 50
people.
And in a week or so,
Robinson is scheduled to have
surgery on her foot which, she
said, has slowed her.
But all of the obstacles have
not deterred Robinson. While
going around neighborhoods
and talking about the fountain,
Robinson said a man gave her a
quarter. The coin wasn�t a
donation exactly, but it was
given as a sign of support.
Many people she has met
have told her they really support
what she is doing, she said.
The biggest sign of support
came from three Stillwater
girls: Victoria Eick, Jesie Eick
and Katie Sutton.
One day, Robinson said she
was out putting posters up for
the fountain. She came across
these three girls who were
happy and excited about the
fountain.
She said she asked them (and
their mothers) if they would
like to raise money for the
fountain by having a lemonade
stand. The girls� lemonade
stand raised $13.30.
Since she hasn�t made the
original goal, she said the reality
of the situation dictates that
the deadline be set for July 4,
2006.
She said with the longer
deadline, people could work
her into their donation plans.
And it forces her to look at
different ways to raise money,
such as benefit garage sales.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Some important events coming up....... this month..
7/20/2005 Andrew Paul Blankinship (Born 2001) Birthday
7/29/2005 Paul Robert Blankinship (Born 1970) Birthday
7/31/2005 Jonathan and Randi Moffat (Wed 1999)Anniversary
Daddy... where do flowers come from, or, the lifecycle of a trumpet flower... kinda shows it all... Heather is doing ok this am. She has a new kind of soreness, the old feeling yucky and hurting is gone, but she is also still on pain medication, too. Ann is going up this afternoon to help her with her hair, and all, after showering. Yes, they told her to walk this am and she did, and she gets to shower this afternoon. She is available for phone calls too. Her number is 405 742 5513. I think Paul is heading home for a bit while Ann is there. Jake went to mow Grandma Moffat's yard this am, but quickly found it toooooo wet with dew.. so will do it this evening.. and fish some he said. I was to take photos at an auction for a client this morning, but been fightning a nasty bug in my computer. Think I got that critter!! Phil came by for a bit last night. He said he was pleased with his pottery firing. He will have some pics on line before long and I will try to get the rest online including some video of the pieces and them doing the firing the 'OLE FASHIONED WAY'. Jon called and he is mowing his yard this am, and true to the Moffat tradition, he is having some problems with equipment!! But he will get it done. I could hear Kaitlyn in the background playing with her Mom. Madison Ann is sleeping this am. We sent an email to Ann's brother Ward last evening regarding his ... birthday! Melanie wrote back that he was "too busy" watching a movie to respond.. hey... sounds like us.. haha... anyway, a very happy birthday to Ward and Happy belated anniversarys to David and Terry Shaklee and Jade and Julia Shaklee on the 12th of July. Sorry we missed them too.
Can you smell the dirt... this 11 year old boy was trying to get the field west of our home worked before it showered.. sure brings back memories.. that age and working.. course, we didn't have tractors with cabs half this size.. haha... but I do remember at 9 years old, farming the Mulvey place and Kouba's next to us on the south one summer, back of my hands bled from being sunburned but I was tough... haha... such is life.. don't mean to bore folks.. but ... this just made me remember...
Friday, July 15, 2005
Our lady made it....
Thanks to the many wishes and prayers from lots of you guys!!! She is out of recovery and has been in her room now for about 2 hours.. She is sleeping and the Drs. said she will be very sore for about three days... she is on lots of pain killers.. to make it easier....
She is pale.. but she made it!!! Ann just drove in with Madison... I will be watching her this evening while Ann runs back to hospital and sets with Heather so Paul can run home and check on Andrew, and stretch his legs a bit...
Later.. Stan
Thanks to everyone... lots of family with her in waiting room too... She knows she is loved... darn.. I thought I had kept that from her all these years.. haha... thanks again all....
She is pale.. but she made it!!! Ann just drove in with Madison... I will be watching her this evening while Ann runs back to hospital and sets with Heather so Paul can run home and check on Andrew, and stretch his legs a bit...
Later.. Stan
Thanks to everyone... lots of family with her in waiting room too... She knows she is loved... darn.. I thought I had kept that from her all these years.. haha... thanks again all....
Here are a couple of photos of the things Uncle Ivan and Aunt Freda received on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. The tea pot in the middle with balloon is what Jake, Ann and I sent them. There is quite a story behind it, but will have to wait for another time. Thanks Uncle Ivan for the photos.... we really appreciate very much.
Heather...
Update...
Just talked with Heather. She is in decent spirits. Very anxious, as I would be too... Her Mom is there and Paul and she is waiting for them to come and get her and take her to the surgery wing of Hospital.
Stillwater Medical Center phone is 405 372 1480, the main switchboard. There is a surgery waiting room, Ann said, so if you want information, Ann will be there along with others waiting.
I have to run and get feed for the fatting calves and then will be there as well.
This is truly a testing time! No one seems to know exactly what the outcome will be, or exactly what they will do. But they and Heather are prepared for whatever they do.
It will be this evening before I update this again.
As a point of information... The surgery Heather had on Tuesday afternoon simply determined there was a much bigger problem than they thought. Therefore, this surgery will be a bigger task. She will be in surgery starting at noon they hope and it will last at least two hours, and probably more they have been told. Then she will be in recovery for a time afterwards, then back to her room which is 513. The phone in her room is 405 742 5513 and this number rings directly to her room. It will probably be this evening before she is back to her room.
All I know for now... Again, Heather says thanks thanks thanks... for all the prayers and calls and flowers...
Love to all.. Stan
Just talked with Heather. She is in decent spirits. Very anxious, as I would be too... Her Mom is there and Paul and she is waiting for them to come and get her and take her to the surgery wing of Hospital.
Stillwater Medical Center phone is 405 372 1480, the main switchboard. There is a surgery waiting room, Ann said, so if you want information, Ann will be there along with others waiting.
I have to run and get feed for the fatting calves and then will be there as well.
This is truly a testing time! No one seems to know exactly what the outcome will be, or exactly what they will do. But they and Heather are prepared for whatever they do.
It will be this evening before I update this again.
As a point of information... The surgery Heather had on Tuesday afternoon simply determined there was a much bigger problem than they thought. Therefore, this surgery will be a bigger task. She will be in surgery starting at noon they hope and it will last at least two hours, and probably more they have been told. Then she will be in recovery for a time afterwards, then back to her room which is 513. The phone in her room is 405 742 5513 and this number rings directly to her room. It will probably be this evening before she is back to her room.
All I know for now... Again, Heather says thanks thanks thanks... for all the prayers and calls and flowers...
Love to all.. Stan
Welcome - Have not talked with Heather this am...
YET!! haha...
But I will.... Ann is feeding Madison Ann, who slept like a trooper last night. We will call her here in a bit and post a report...
hope all is well with everyone else....?
Enjoy the day... s
But I will.... Ann is feeding Madison Ann, who slept like a trooper last night. We will call her here in a bit and post a report...
hope all is well with everyone else....?
Enjoy the day... s
From Randi Moffat..... Run Through the Rain!
Run Through the Rain!
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in
Target. She must have been 6 years old, this
beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of
innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain
that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in
a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down
the spout. We all stood there under the awning and
just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because
nature messed up their hurried day. I am always
mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and
sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust
of the world. Memories of running, splashing so
carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome
reprieve from the worries of my day. The little
voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance
we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the
rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run
through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll
wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This
young child waited about another minute and
repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll
get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom.
That's not what you said this morning," the young
girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This
morning? When did I say we could run through the
rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember?"
"When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer,
you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can
get us through anything."
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you
couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood
silently. No one came or left in the next few
minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she
would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her
for being silly. Some might even ignore what was
said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a
young child's life. A time when innocent trust can
be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through
the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just
needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling
and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes,
through the puddles. They held their shopping bags
over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But
they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed
like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material
possessions, they can take away your money, and they
can take away your health. But no one can ever take
away your precious memories... So, don't forget to
make time and take the opportunities to make
memories everyday. To everything there is a season
and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE
RAIN.
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in
Target. She must have been 6 years old, this
beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of
innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain
that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in
a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down
the spout. We all stood there under the awning and
just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because
nature messed up their hurried day. I am always
mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and
sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust
of the world. Memories of running, splashing so
carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome
reprieve from the worries of my day. The little
voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance
we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the
rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run
through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll
wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This
young child waited about another minute and
repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll
get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom.
That's not what you said this morning," the young
girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This
morning? When did I say we could run through the
rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember?"
"When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer,
you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can
get us through anything."
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you
couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood
silently. No one came or left in the next few
minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she
would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her
for being silly. Some might even ignore what was
said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a
young child's life. A time when innocent trust can
be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through
the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just
needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling
and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes,
through the puddles. They held their shopping bags
over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But
they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed
like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material
possessions, they can take away your money, and they
can take away your health. But no one can ever take
away your precious memories... So, don't forget to
make time and take the opportunities to make
memories everyday. To everything there is a season
and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE
RAIN.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Heather... Update.. this night...
Here are some pics from Ann and I taking Madison Ann into see her mom in the hospital this evening...
The Dr. came by while we were there. Heather is very low on blood and they are going to give her 3 units tonight. She has a really bad infection in her pelvic area, they are not sure where. She will have surgery tomorrow if all is going according to plans. The Dr. told her and Paul they would have 3 very long days after surgery, those will be the critical hours.. since she has so much infection in her, but they truly need to get it out along with whatever is causing the problems.... they are very concerned and welcome your prayers.. The Dr. was trying to find folks to assist him tonight. It is very serious, and needs to be dealt with quickly, before it spreads into other areas. She was very excited... and told me several times that "Aunt Freda" called her... She was so excited about her Aunt Freda calling... Thanks Aunt Freda.... YOU MADE HER DAY!!!!!
She mentioned Jon called and several others and that she was too sick to talk very long... and she was very sorry...
Anyway.. Mrs. Moffat's baby girl (Heather) is feeling tough, it's gonna get tougher, and she needs your prayers..... for her and the doctor and their family to get through these tough times ahead.
Jon thanks for all the web help... Phil was going to take pics of the last night of his pottery class tonight... Randi and Kaitlyn went with her mom to Falls Creek tonight... Andrew spent day in Ponca City with Paul's brother Chris and his wife and their daughter in the Water Park there.. he was super excited...!!!
The folks in the pics are Roy and Joan Blankinship, Heather's wonderful in laws. They are very dear friends too... and have been good friends of ours for a long time. They farm, and Roy has devoted his life to law enforcement, retiring from the Stillwater Police Dept and is now a Dep. Sheriff for Payne County. Joan has spent her life in the health field, being a nurse, she has seen it all around the hospital, so she helps out bunches.... and knows the ropes too, which is wonderful.
All I know for know.. Enjoy the day.. S
The Dr. came by while we were there. Heather is very low on blood and they are going to give her 3 units tonight. She has a really bad infection in her pelvic area, they are not sure where. She will have surgery tomorrow if all is going according to plans. The Dr. told her and Paul they would have 3 very long days after surgery, those will be the critical hours.. since she has so much infection in her, but they truly need to get it out along with whatever is causing the problems.... they are very concerned and welcome your prayers.. The Dr. was trying to find folks to assist him tonight. It is very serious, and needs to be dealt with quickly, before it spreads into other areas. She was very excited... and told me several times that "Aunt Freda" called her... She was so excited about her Aunt Freda calling... Thanks Aunt Freda.... YOU MADE HER DAY!!!!!
She mentioned Jon called and several others and that she was too sick to talk very long... and she was very sorry...
Anyway.. Mrs. Moffat's baby girl (Heather) is feeling tough, it's gonna get tougher, and she needs your prayers..... for her and the doctor and their family to get through these tough times ahead.
Jon thanks for all the web help... Phil was going to take pics of the last night of his pottery class tonight... Randi and Kaitlyn went with her mom to Falls Creek tonight... Andrew spent day in Ponca City with Paul's brother Chris and his wife and their daughter in the Water Park there.. he was super excited...!!!
The folks in the pics are Roy and Joan Blankinship, Heather's wonderful in laws. They are very dear friends too... and have been good friends of ours for a long time. They farm, and Roy has devoted his life to law enforcement, retiring from the Stillwater Police Dept and is now a Dep. Sheriff for Payne County. Joan has spent her life in the health field, being a nurse, she has seen it all around the hospital, so she helps out bunches.... and knows the ropes too, which is wonderful.
All I know for know.. Enjoy the day.. S
Well, here we go again... haha.. lots of money in raising wheat, so we are adding acres to Grandma Moffat's wheat program. She is worried she is going to starve to death and we want to help see to it that she does not. Thought you might enjoy seeing this ground being turned this afternoon. Ken Judge is leasing it. We have added 60 acres to his 110 that he is leasing, so he now has a bit more to raise. They are thinking of stopping the wheat land and just running cattle... and this may happen to all of us... Anyway, this is the patch west of our home.. the tractor is headed west towards the highway along Mehan Road, 68th, Street. If you look real close you can see the diesel smoke bellowing out of the exhaust, and the dirt rising up behind the 30' offset disk. It has two drivers in it. One is Ken and Lesile's older son, opening up the field, then he will leave and go to working cattle, while the 11 year old son stays and finishes up the field. Have a great day... think what it cost per minute to operate this machine .... haha.. diesel along... 500 gallon's every 7 to 8 hours... times 2.37 a gallon... hummmmmm whew....
Can You Love Your Neighbor If You Hate Yourself?
Can You Love Your Neighbor If You Hate Yourself?
The ability to love ourselves is the foundation of loving others and God.
By Brennan Manning
Excerpted from 'The Importance of Being Foolish' with permission from HarperSanFrancisco.
Two curious phenomena dapple Christian life in America today. The first is our tendency to criticize more than compliment. Listen in on conversations in coffee shops, living rooms, and churches. Pay attention to the pundits and the newsmakers. We tend not only to begrudge the value of others but to appear downright sad when a person is praised. Many hypercritical Christians quickly deny the presence of any value anywhere and overemphasize the dark and ugly aspects of a person, situation, or institution at the expense of their noble and valuable facets. They delight in exposing the flaws and imperfections of others and glory in the absence of goodness. Senator William Fulbright of Arkansas once commented on this insidious tendency in the news media: "That Puritan self-righteousness which is never far below the surface of American life has broken through the frail barriers of civility and restraint, and the press has been in the vanguard of the new aggressiveness."
The target may be the national government, the local police force, or the coffee shop waitress. It matters little. The focus is on the limits of reality, on what a person or institution is not. Shortcomings and character defects are cause for celebration because they allow us to feel superior and even noble. On the day of my ordination my father said to me, "Remember that it's impossible to overestimate the worth of anyone." His words fly in the face of our tendency to underestimate the worth of everyone.
The second phenomenon is not unrelated to the first. It is what might be called the preponderance of the negative self-esteem. Self-esteem consists of how we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of others. This in turn conditions our perception of the world and our interaction with the community. As Christians, those of us with negative self-esteem see ourselves as basically unlovable. We negate our own worth, are haunted by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and close ourselves off from the value of others because they threaten our existence. The exaltation of another is experienced as a personal attack. When a colleague is appreciated, we become upset and irritable, belittle their motives as vainglorious, and decry the perniciousness of personality cults. We say to ourselves in effect: "I am a clod, a wrong person; I'm in the way, nobody cares." In group gatherings we feel like intruders. We sigh, "Nobody loves me."
Negative self-esteem would not be so damaging except for the fact that we interact with others in terms consistent with our own self-image. We select from reality only those aspects that confirm our own dim view of ourselves. We single out the dimension of a situation that points to rejection. In a simple conversation with someone close to us, their lack of enthusiasm confirms what we already suspect: "I am a bore." On the street we pass a person whom we value. He ignores us. That night when we go to bed we ignore the pleasant, even beautiful experiences of the day and instead go to sleep dwelling on the one incident that enhanced our negative self-portrait. Consequently, every such encounter becomes a total proof or disproof of our entire being. Every incident becomes a blanket condemnation of self and a reaffirmation of worthlessness.
In order to love our neighbors as ourselves we must come to recognize our intrinsic worth and dignity and to love ourselves in the wholesome, appreciative way that Jesus commanded when he said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The tendency to continually berate ourselves for real or imaginary failures, to belittle ourselves and underestimate our worth, to dwell exclusively on our dishonesty, self-centeredness, and lack of personal discipline, is the influence of our negative self-esteem. Reinforced by the critical feedback of our peers and the reproofs and humiliations of our community, we seem radically incapable of accepting, forgiving, or loving ourselves. In his opening address at the regional charismatic conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Father Francis McNutt touched an exposed nerve when he said, "If Jesus Christ has forgiven you all your sins and washed you in his own blood, what right do you have not to forgive yourself?
The ability to love oneself is the root and foundation of our ability to love others and to love God. I can tolerate in others only what I can accept in myself. Van Kaam writes, "Gentleness toward my fragile precious self as called forth uniquely by God constitutes the core of gentleness with others and with the manifold created appearances of the Divine in my surroundings. It is also a main condition for my presence to God."
Ironically, our self-loathing too often leads us to damage the self-esteem of others. Andrew Greeley writes:
God's mission in the world and his mission in his relationship with the individual believer is essentially a mission of overcoming self-hatred. For self-hatred is a barrier to love. We hate other people not because we love ourselves too much but because we are not able to love ourselves enough. We fear and distrust them because we feel inadequate in our relationships to them; we hide behind anger and hatred because in some deep recess of our personality we do not think we are good enough for them.
The ability to love ourselves is the foundation of loving others and God.
By Brennan Manning
Excerpted from 'The Importance of Being Foolish' with permission from HarperSanFrancisco.
Two curious phenomena dapple Christian life in America today. The first is our tendency to criticize more than compliment. Listen in on conversations in coffee shops, living rooms, and churches. Pay attention to the pundits and the newsmakers. We tend not only to begrudge the value of others but to appear downright sad when a person is praised. Many hypercritical Christians quickly deny the presence of any value anywhere and overemphasize the dark and ugly aspects of a person, situation, or institution at the expense of their noble and valuable facets. They delight in exposing the flaws and imperfections of others and glory in the absence of goodness. Senator William Fulbright of Arkansas once commented on this insidious tendency in the news media: "That Puritan self-righteousness which is never far below the surface of American life has broken through the frail barriers of civility and restraint, and the press has been in the vanguard of the new aggressiveness."
The target may be the national government, the local police force, or the coffee shop waitress. It matters little. The focus is on the limits of reality, on what a person or institution is not. Shortcomings and character defects are cause for celebration because they allow us to feel superior and even noble. On the day of my ordination my father said to me, "Remember that it's impossible to overestimate the worth of anyone." His words fly in the face of our tendency to underestimate the worth of everyone.
The second phenomenon is not unrelated to the first. It is what might be called the preponderance of the negative self-esteem. Self-esteem consists of how we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of others. This in turn conditions our perception of the world and our interaction with the community. As Christians, those of us with negative self-esteem see ourselves as basically unlovable. We negate our own worth, are haunted by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and close ourselves off from the value of others because they threaten our existence. The exaltation of another is experienced as a personal attack. When a colleague is appreciated, we become upset and irritable, belittle their motives as vainglorious, and decry the perniciousness of personality cults. We say to ourselves in effect: "I am a clod, a wrong person; I'm in the way, nobody cares." In group gatherings we feel like intruders. We sigh, "Nobody loves me."
Negative self-esteem would not be so damaging except for the fact that we interact with others in terms consistent with our own self-image. We select from reality only those aspects that confirm our own dim view of ourselves. We single out the dimension of a situation that points to rejection. In a simple conversation with someone close to us, their lack of enthusiasm confirms what we already suspect: "I am a bore." On the street we pass a person whom we value. He ignores us. That night when we go to bed we ignore the pleasant, even beautiful experiences of the day and instead go to sleep dwelling on the one incident that enhanced our negative self-portrait. Consequently, every such encounter becomes a total proof or disproof of our entire being. Every incident becomes a blanket condemnation of self and a reaffirmation of worthlessness.
In order to love our neighbors as ourselves we must come to recognize our intrinsic worth and dignity and to love ourselves in the wholesome, appreciative way that Jesus commanded when he said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The tendency to continually berate ourselves for real or imaginary failures, to belittle ourselves and underestimate our worth, to dwell exclusively on our dishonesty, self-centeredness, and lack of personal discipline, is the influence of our negative self-esteem. Reinforced by the critical feedback of our peers and the reproofs and humiliations of our community, we seem radically incapable of accepting, forgiving, or loving ourselves. In his opening address at the regional charismatic conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Father Francis McNutt touched an exposed nerve when he said, "If Jesus Christ has forgiven you all your sins and washed you in his own blood, what right do you have not to forgive yourself?
The ability to love oneself is the root and foundation of our ability to love others and to love God. I can tolerate in others only what I can accept in myself. Van Kaam writes, "Gentleness toward my fragile precious self as called forth uniquely by God constitutes the core of gentleness with others and with the manifold created appearances of the Divine in my surroundings. It is also a main condition for my presence to God."
Ironically, our self-loathing too often leads us to damage the self-esteem of others. Andrew Greeley writes:
God's mission in the world and his mission in his relationship with the individual believer is essentially a mission of overcoming self-hatred. For self-hatred is a barrier to love. We hate other people not because we love ourselves too much but because we are not able to love ourselves enough. We fear and distrust them because we feel inadequate in our relationships to them; we hide behind anger and hatred because in some deep recess of our personality we do not think we are good enough for them.
Heather This AM....
Talked with Heather about an hour ago. She is up and running.. well sort of. She is in room 513 at SMC. 405 742 5513 is the number to her room direct.
She is feeling tough. They have had her up and walking this am, and have taken her cathater out.. however it is spelled... sorry, mom!!
Paul is tired. The chairs they put in the rooms can be used to sleep in if you want and from spending many nights with Dad I learned you could throw a sheet or towel on the floor next to the wall and it sleeps better than a chair that does not lay flat.. haha.. but anyway... She will be there for sure through today and maybe get to go home tomorrow... or Saturday. Ann took Madison to work her day care this am and by to see Heather... Madison slept most of the night. She might have done better if Grandpa and Grandma would have let her alone, but we kept getting up to check on her.. haha.. finally about 4:30am Grandma got up and she woke up... and it was ON from then on.... haha...
Andrew is off to OKC with Chris and Jen to water park there for the day....
Don't know what else.. but for now.. this is it.. haha... enjoy the day... s
She is feeling tough. They have had her up and walking this am, and have taken her cathater out.. however it is spelled... sorry, mom!!
Paul is tired. The chairs they put in the rooms can be used to sleep in if you want and from spending many nights with Dad I learned you could throw a sheet or towel on the floor next to the wall and it sleeps better than a chair that does not lay flat.. haha.. but anyway... She will be there for sure through today and maybe get to go home tomorrow... or Saturday. Ann took Madison to work her day care this am and by to see Heather... Madison slept most of the night. She might have done better if Grandpa and Grandma would have let her alone, but we kept getting up to check on her.. haha.. finally about 4:30am Grandma got up and she woke up... and it was ON from then on.... haha...
Andrew is off to OKC with Chris and Jen to water park there for the day....
Don't know what else.. but for now.. this is it.. haha... enjoy the day... s
Today's Quote - Welcome
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
-Edith Wharton
-Edith Wharton
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Heather.. is out of surgery...
Ann just called. Heather is out of surgery and in intensive care.. she is doing ok.. they did not find much other than a lot of infection.. dah.....
Will up date later.. madison is crying.. haha..
Will up date later.. madison is crying.. haha..
Heather..
Just wanted to ask everyone to remember Heather in your prayers. The doctors are very concerned, finally, about her health. She has not been feeling well, calling the drs and they not calling her back. Finally today, she and Paul went in to see another Dr. who sent her straight to hospital before noon. they have been running test, etc. She has a very high blood count.. so is very infected and has had this for sometime they decided. The Dr. was planning emergency surgery this evening if he could find a surgeon to help ... Ann is up there with her, and along with Paul and I don't know who else. I am keeping Madison Ann. She is sleeping on the couch right now, so snuck in here to write this note to everyone. The Drs are not sure what they will find, but they know something is not right, so please remember her and the Doctors in your prayers this evening... and in the days ahead. I spoke with her about 4pm and she was in tears, scared, and wanting to feel better...
She is in room 317 at Stillwater Medical Center, 405 372 1480.. her room direct is 405 372 7317. All I know for now. love to all.. S
She is in room 317 at Stillwater Medical Center, 405 372 1480.. her room direct is 405 372 7317. All I know for now. love to all.. S
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
OH MY GOD!!!
The world is on fire! Hell has froze over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH, MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
all my kiddos updated their blogs........ oh my God........
How very very cool......... thanks.. kiddos...
haha.. love you all....
See I would not be able to wish Grandpa Roy Blankinship a Happy Belated Birthday, if Heather had not posted.... So HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Grandpa Roy!!!! Sorry to be late......
And Poor Randi, She must be in really bad shape today and in need of rest... after working so hard all weekend... hehe and then Phil, and his friend Randy... Those two can think up more ways to skin a cat, than anyone I know.. ... smiling...
And you know what, Andrew is not only growing like a weed, he is cool and super smart... He knows Madison doesn't need her ears pierced ... too! Andrew, you da man!! haha.....
Love you all.... enjoy the day! We are richly blessed!
all my kiddos updated their blogs........ oh my God........
How very very cool......... thanks.. kiddos...
haha.. love you all....
See I would not be able to wish Grandpa Roy Blankinship a Happy Belated Birthday, if Heather had not posted.... So HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Grandpa Roy!!!! Sorry to be late......
And Poor Randi, She must be in really bad shape today and in need of rest... after working so hard all weekend... hehe and then Phil, and his friend Randy... Those two can think up more ways to skin a cat, than anyone I know.. ... smiling...
And you know what, Andrew is not only growing like a weed, he is cool and super smart... He knows Madison doesn't need her ears pierced ... too! Andrew, you da man!! haha.....
Love you all.... enjoy the day! We are richly blessed!
Grandpa's Hands, from Randi Moffat
Grandpa's Hands
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.
He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.
When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and
the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check
on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised
his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you
for asking, he said in a clear strong voice.
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting
here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK
I explained to him.
Have you ever looked at your hands he asked? I mean really
looked at your hands?
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them
over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never
really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he
was making.
Grandpa smiled and related this story:
Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they
have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though
wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all
my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon
the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As
a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my
shoes and pulled on my boots.
They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my
life.
They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was
married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home
and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and
walked my daughter down the aisle.
Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a
foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. They
have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of
anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face,
combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real
well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to
old in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and
the ruggedness of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach
out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will
lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the
face of Christ.
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When
my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my
children and wife I thank grandpa. I know he has been stroked
and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch
the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.
He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.
When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and
the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check
on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised
his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you
for asking, he said in a clear strong voice.
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting
here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK
I explained to him.
Have you ever looked at your hands he asked? I mean really
looked at your hands?
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them
over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never
really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he
was making.
Grandpa smiled and related this story:
Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they
have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though
wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all
my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon
the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As
a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my
shoes and pulled on my boots.
They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my
life.
They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was
married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home
and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and
walked my daughter down the aisle.
Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a
foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. They
have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of
anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face,
combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real
well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to
old in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and
the ruggedness of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach
out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will
lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the
face of Christ.
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When
my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my
children and wife I thank grandpa. I know he has been stroked
and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch
the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.
Monday, July 11, 2005
From Joanna and Clinton.......
1. There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old
family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.*
"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.*
========
2. "Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in
the world.
There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good
morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning
and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."*
========
3. A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large
city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space
with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper
that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park
here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."*
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer
along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If
I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into
temptation."*
========
4. There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and
announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news.
The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new
building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in
your pockets."*
========
5. While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an
Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a
sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage
was a hand printed sign... *
"Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution:
Do not step in exhaust."*
========
6. A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question,
Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" *
A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the
kindergarten boy.*
"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.*
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "*
========
7. A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas
just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked
quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the
attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. *
"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the
delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to
get ready for a long trip.*
The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same
in my business."
========
8. People want the front of the bus,*
the back of the church, *
and the center of attention.*
========
9. A father was approached by his small son who told him
proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" *
His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know'
what the Bible means?" *
The son replied, "I do know!"*
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"*
"That's easy, Daddy." the young boy replied excite dly, *"It
stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"
========
10. Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter
what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be
scared, you'll get your quilt."*
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the
pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that
morning's Sunday school lesson was about. *
He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."
========
11. The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was
going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than
they were expecting for repairs to the church building.*
Therefore, he was annoyed to find that t he regular organist
was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last
minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.*
"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But,
you'll have to think of something to play after I make the
announcement about the finances."*
During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers
and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost
twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of
you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."*
At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star
Spangled Banner."*
And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!*
________
Give me a sense of humor,
Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some humor out of life
family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.*
"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.*
========
2. "Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in
the world.
There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good
morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning
and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."*
========
3. A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large
city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space
with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper
that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park
here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."*
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer
along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If
I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into
temptation."*
========
4. There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and
announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news.
The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new
building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in
your pockets."*
========
5. While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an
Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a
sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage
was a hand printed sign... *
"Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution:
Do not step in exhaust."*
========
6. A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question,
Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" *
A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the
kindergarten boy.*
"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.*
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "*
========
7. A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas
just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked
quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the
attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. *
"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the
delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to
get ready for a long trip.*
The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same
in my business."
========
8. People want the front of the bus,*
the back of the church, *
and the center of attention.*
========
9. A father was approached by his small son who told him
proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" *
His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know'
what the Bible means?" *
The son replied, "I do know!"*
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"*
"That's easy, Daddy." the young boy replied excite dly, *"It
stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"
========
10. Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter
what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be
scared, you'll get your quilt."*
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the
pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that
morning's Sunday school lesson was about. *
He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."
========
11. The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was
going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than
they were expecting for repairs to the church building.*
Therefore, he was annoyed to find that t he regular organist
was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last
minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.*
"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But,
you'll have to think of something to play after I make the
announcement about the finances."*
During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers
and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost
twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of
you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."*
At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star
Spangled Banner."*
And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!*
________
Give me a sense of humor,
Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some humor out of life
had no takers on the Sunday adventure and lunch at county line... so...
We stayed home. felt good to relax... tooo good.. haha...
Phil came by and visited for about an hour. Great to see him. He has some great photos online of a old fashioned way of doing pottery... using a pit and wood... instead of the gas fired klein.. really cool. Ann started mowing the yard... and I worked on the perkins livestock new website. sure miss seeing Kaitlyn... but Jon called and said we might get to see him this weekend, and that will be cool!!
Well, got to get back to it, just in case the equipment gets repaired that is broke.. the baler is at John Deere being worked on, and Vince took the radiator out of the John Deere tractor to be repaired... I will be back in the hay again. We have three auctions in town this weekend... if you need tools, one on Saturday is the one, and if you know a collector of MG cars.. it also has several in various state of repair...
All I know for now.. have a great day, and ENJOY! D
Phil came by and visited for about an hour. Great to see him. He has some great photos online of a old fashioned way of doing pottery... using a pit and wood... instead of the gas fired klein.. really cool. Ann started mowing the yard... and I worked on the perkins livestock new website. sure miss seeing Kaitlyn... but Jon called and said we might get to see him this weekend, and that will be cool!!
Well, got to get back to it, just in case the equipment gets repaired that is broke.. the baler is at John Deere being worked on, and Vince took the radiator out of the John Deere tractor to be repaired... I will be back in the hay again. We have three auctions in town this weekend... if you need tools, one on Saturday is the one, and if you know a collector of MG cars.. it also has several in various state of repair...
All I know for now.. have a great day, and ENJOY! D
Saturday, July 09, 2005
SO LUCKY TO BE AMERICAN
SO LUCKY TO BE AMERICAN
by: Baxter Black
DVM
I am writing this column on my veranda. The heat of the day is dissipating. Shadows are growing longer in the canyon to the south. The bottoms of the clouds are turning pink and the mountains to the east of the valley are glowing purple. Cindy is bustling in the kitchen. I think I smell Teriyaki sauce. My 12-year old is being mauled by 5 little cow dog puppies. The horses are fed. The cows are fat. The quail are chuckling and dusk is waiting in the wings.
As I take a sip of my icy beverage and relax I remind myself of my New Year's resolution; to stop once a day and remind myself that this is as good as it gets. But as that thought sinks in, I become fully aware of how many have given so much so I could be right here. “Right here” for me is to be an American.
Lucky enough to be born in a country where I am free to worship God, free to better myself as best I'm able. Lucky enough to born in a time when the knowledge of human kind is expanding exponentially, in medicine, physics, transportation, chemistry, extending and improving all our lives.
Lucky to be born while prejudices are fading, poverty is constantly having to be redefined, and America's light continues to shine as a ray of hope for the less fortunate worldwide. But the reality of the debt I owe comes home to roost every day in the papers when I read the names of those soldiers killed in the war on terror.
Every one of them is directly responsible for the freedom I enjoy. They are each one part of a long line of Americans from all walks of life; soldiers, civilians, policemen, firemen, CIA, research scientists, inventors, ministers, teachers, legislators and parents who have sacrificed, toiled, sweated and believed in what America stands for and put their money where their mouth is. Whether it's carrying a gun, a stethoscope or flowers to the nursing home.
I owe George Washington, Bill Gates, Grandpa Tommy, Lewis & Clark, Cochise, Federico Peña, Thomas Edison, Uncle Paul, Madeline Albright, Donald Rumsfeld and Pastor Blair.
Two hundred and twenty-some odd years ago a group of citizens as different as Jefferson and Adams or Bush and Gore, conspired to declare our independence and invent a country.
They did just that, like none other on Earth. And that I got so lucky to be blessed to be born here is a miracle I do not take for granted.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Emma Kincade's auction tomorrow....
Some of you may remember the lady who helped Grandpa Shaklee when he managed Vincent Chevolet in Stillwater??? Anyway, her name was Emma Kincade in those days.. then she married Petty. They lived south on Western Street about a half mile south of 28th street on West side. They had horses, etc. Andy Kincade is their son. Perrin died some years back and Jake took feed to her for several years, till we quit.
Here is a link to the auction she is having tomorrow afternoon... saw the coach and thought of Phil and his horse Dan....
just wanted you to know.. a bit of history is in the making mode. End of an era...
Here is a link to the auction she is having tomorrow afternoon... saw the coach and thought of Phil and his horse Dan....
just wanted you to know.. a bit of history is in the making mode. End of an era...
This weekend...
Don't have a lot planned... have to go to Sooner Lake and east a bit on highway 15 to take pics of the auction there this morning. Then, work them this afternoon. I think we might keep Andrew and Madison tonight for Paul and Heather. They have baseball practice this evening.... and then tomorrow..
was wondering if anyone would want to meet us in OKC at either the Zoo or the Cowboy Hall of Fame at 9am, go through it, and then to the County Line for lunch and then home.... not a long deal, but something different... guess we could change that to the Kirkpatrick Planterium too if that was a better choice. Jake and Ann want to go to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa sometime too ... so might have to plan that another time.. ahah..
If you are up to tomorrow and want to .. thats cool, and if not.. that's ok too... we could all use a day of rest....
oh .. i guess we could also meet at Jon and Randi's too....???? hahaha.... surprise them???? hehehehe.......
later all.. have a great day...
was wondering if anyone would want to meet us in OKC at either the Zoo or the Cowboy Hall of Fame at 9am, go through it, and then to the County Line for lunch and then home.... not a long deal, but something different... guess we could change that to the Kirkpatrick Planterium too if that was a better choice. Jake and Ann want to go to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa sometime too ... so might have to plan that another time.. ahah..
If you are up to tomorrow and want to .. thats cool, and if not.. that's ok too... we could all use a day of rest....
oh .. i guess we could also meet at Jon and Randi's too....???? hahaha.... surprise them???? hehehehe.......
later all.. have a great day...
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