Pet of the week, Beau

 This gorgeous German Shepard is the pet of the week. His name is Beau. He loves country life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is the entrance to his home.

Here he is posing with his owner... my friend... I have been her customer for the past four years. She is one of the farmers from Bluegrass Farmer's Market. 

Bonsai... Budgets...Pruning

OHHH was the collective moan from the group. We are in the middle of a Bonsai workshop. Our instructor is making drastic cuts. As he moves around the plant, he is deliberate and thoughtful.  Questions and rain on the roof interrupt the silence. We sit transfixed as we learn the art of Bonsai.

November 3 Bonsai Workshop
Michler's Greenhouse is Kentucky's oldest continually operating florist and greenhouse.
107 years old.  

Again and again, we were fascinated by the cuts.  We trust his experience as he guides us through the process of the why and where of each cut.  We are not a choir, but our collective expressions are so coordinated it is as if we had rehearsed.  In the end, we look amazed at the art that was fashioned before our eyes.

I am looking forward to attending more workshops in December.

OUCH is the collective groan from our country as lawmakers deliberate the budget cuts to avoid falling over the fiscal cliff. Special interest groups respond in coordinated efforts to avoid certain cuts. … Don’t touch this. Don’t mess with this…Sadly; we don’t trust any of the parties. No one wants to sacrifice. Or we want others to make sacrifices.

Ouch… Do you really want me to give this up? What? Please don’t touch take that away.  On a personal note, I am meditating on the things that God may be removing from my life.

“Every branch in ME that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it my bear more fruit. John 15:2

Late for church?

I have a long list of reasons why I have been late for church. Here are a few reasons: lost a child’s shoe, overslept, traffic, issues with clothes and make up, diaper changes, hungry baby, grocery shopping, cranky teenagers, out of town visitors, and looking for Bibles.  Arrival at church on those days, you would often see a family that was frazzled, grumpy and disturbed.

Arriving early for services provides a peaceful way to experience worship services. I am able to quiet my heart and prepare for services. 

This morning, I heard a new reason for being late for church. “I had to see the end of the Hallmark Movie.” Really?  Yes, she was serious. When I am tempted to be late for anything, I ask myself,  “Will the end of the show make a difference in eternity? Is time spent watching or listening to this program worth 30 minutes of my life?  Two things will last for eternity… people and God’s word. 

Last week we were driving in Atlanta, I snapped picture of this church.
Around the world, many people make tremendous sacrifices to attend church.
They travel long distances and overcome obstacles to worship God.
What sacrifices do you experience to attend church services?

Leftovers from Thanksgiving

Kroger centerpiece, simple placemats, simple flatware, and dishes

The leftovers from Thanksgiving have disappeared. Thankful! What remains? Memories and pictures.

So young,  talented,  intelligent and beautiful!

Pet of the week, Carson

Please meet Carson this week's pet. This lovable dog is originally from northern Kentucky. He now lives in Georgia with his owners, Dama and Gus. Carson has many positive attributes. Here are a few of his fine qualities, he is very protective of his family, he travels well, and he does amazing tricks for food. Yes, he barks a lot (protective).

Here Carson is begging for a strawberry.

My friends, Dama and Gus and their baby.

In everything give thanks...

Walking into our home you will be greeted by the smells of homemade bread resting on the stove, dressing cooking in the oven, pumpkin pie on the counter, and homemade vegetable soup. Our dining room table is prepared for ten guests.

We are here. Other family members are in Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, Florida, and Missouri. Away from most of them, we will celebrate with family and friends. While the day could be consumed with the cleaning and preparation for the meal, I don't  want to miss  the joy of being with people  that make this  day special.

Today will be the first day that some loved ones will miss someone at the Thanksgiving table. I pray that God will comfort them. In other circumstances, some families are embracing this day as it may be one of the last holiday that they will experience together this side of heaven.  Whatever circumstances we encounter today, God is available to us.

No GPS, just a map and a golf cart

Traveling to Daukuskie Island

I am directionally challenged.  It is SO easy for me to get lost.  Sitting with a paper map, I have  a sinking feeling.  If have a GPS, I am happy.

 Before GPS, I depended on directions given over the phone. In most cases, I would rely on hand drawn maps given to me from family or friends.  Before cell phones, I would stop at gas stations or look for friendly strangers on the streets. It is a horrible feeling being lost.  When was the last time I was without GPS? Last week…

This time last week, I was on Daufuskie Island driving in a golf cart with a paper map.  For the next  four hours, I explored the island’s history.   Driving on dirt roads it was like a tiny step back in time. 

I was often stopping to examine the map to get my bearings.  I was wanted to make sure I was able to return to Freeport on time to return to Hilton Head.

I think the majority of the roads on the island are dirt.

This school was named for the Maryfield Plantation.
The Mary Field School  and was built for the black children on the island.
Pat Conroy's book, "The Water is Wide" tells of his experience teaching in this school.

This is the  First Union African Baptist Church

I met Linda on vacation.

 The ferry back to Hilton Head

Remembering a sports fan

 My dad was a huge sports fan.  Baseball, football, track, and basketball, he was a fan. Oh, how he enjoyed a good basketball game. He played high school basketball at Eden High School. Then, he continued playing basketball at Anderson College in Anderson Indiana. His college career was interrupted by marriage and service in the U. S. Army.

As a proud dad, he would sit in the stands cheering his sons playing basketball or football. During basketball games, he would on be on his feet coaching from the sidelines.  In my mind’s eye, I can still see him cheering, shouting, and pointing to players.

In later years, he was able to see his grandchildren participate in events.  It was a joy to see him encourage Jara and Jonathan from the sidelines.  In Michigan, he would smile when my kids took to the soccer field or took ice skating lessons. He marveled at the God's blessing of  children and grandchildren.  On his dresser, he displayed pictures of Larry’s children. He beamed with joy when he held Bethany, his first great grandchild. She was a beautiful baby. Today, she is a beautiful woman.

My dad had regrets. He was not a perfect parent. He missed opportunities. In the midst of life, he left an important legacy. He was a faithful provider, loving husband, good dad, and loyal friend. He treasured God’s word.  He embraced God’s forgiveness. He sought to live as a faithful Christian

Yesterday, he would have been 87 years old.  

In this picture, we were celebrating Daddy's 60th birthday.
One coach he did not like, Bobby Knight. 

Sports Fan

I am in the middle of a learning curve to become an informed sports fan. For the past week, I have been doing my homework. I began my homework by listening to Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio. Listening to this show is easy and entertaining.  Another easy assignment, I  watch selected ESPN shows. Both of these assignments are easy… passive.   All I have to do is listen or watch and listen.

Next, I began my reading assignments. Where do I begin? USA TODAY SPORTS…

In this sports section of USA today,  I read articles on the following; Postseason projections for college football, Coaches Men’s Basketball Poll, Heisman survey, BCS Open Doors and more.   I skimmed other newspaper articles. Then I went to my computer to read on line information.

This year, I have decided to follow college basketball. As an alumni of IU, it will be easy to follow this top ranked team. Hoosiers don’t break my heart. 

Tom Crean, Indiana University's Basketball Coach
Picture from Wikipedia