Look!

My husband, the amateur tour guide, does a pretty good job of narrating our trips. At what is he pointing? Is there something on shore to see?

Sometimes, we overlook something important because we have our eyes focused on the wrong thing. Don't let someone narrow your view. Watch for all danger, including geese flying overhead. They don't look dangerous, you say. That's because you've never worn their bombs!

Be careful in this political climate. There seems to be a move now to grab our attention one place while hitting somewhere else. Keep alert. Watch all the angles. Our freedom is at stake.

Sunrise, Sunset

It's been a very busy day. But I wanted to post something on the blog for those of you who check it once in a while. Don't want to disappoint any of you.

Our Ladies' Bible Class is working on a Beth Moore study. This one is Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman.

If you have never heard of Beth Moore, check her out online. We have done at least a dozen of her books and they never fail to excite and encourage us. She stays close to the scripture and brings the lessons to life for us on her dvds. We also use books which have five lessons a week that take approximately 30-45 minutes each to do. It is worth all the time we spend and then much more. I would recommend them to anyone of any denomination, and those of the Jewish faith. It is a good study for anyone who believes in a loving God who wants to save us from our sins and give us a home in heaven after this life. It would also be a comfort to those women who have never been to church and find their days and nights difficult to face.

This course seems like it was written for just this place in time, although it has been true from the beginning.

Sunrise, Sunset, Swiftly fly the years. (Fiddler on the Roof)

Chipper Moves Indoors

If you double click on the layout, it will get big enough to read the text.

Following this story, we had another run-in on Sunday.
It was too rainy and cold to put Chipper out in the morning. Before I left for church, I decided I would assist her in finding a comfortable place to locate this indoor season. To keep her from settling in one of our most comfortable chairs, I piled things on every one of them. I was thinking this would cause her to go into the tv room and choose a chair out of the 'public' part of the house that company frequents.

Chipper outsmarted me. When I returned from church, she was perched ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER! Guess who was put back outside? She is getting too wise in her old age...to wise for her own good. She has spent today out as well. I need time to think. Anyone know how to 'conquer' a cat?

Organized

Yep, I missed him while he was away. But had a good time working on this layout. It certainly has been interesting to see him take such an interest in 'gardening'.

Little Miss in Glasses

Looks like it is all about me today. I try not to live that way, but I am an only child and it just pops out sometimes. This was me at three. Yes, I wore those glasses and I'm glad I did until
I felt like I wanted to be seen in a good light more than I cared about seeing. They must have alleviated eye strain a bit.

It turns out, I probably didn't need them; but at the time they evidently didn't know how to treat my problem. I just put up with it until college, when the headaches were too severe and I had to see an ophthalmologist, who prescribed eye exercises.

It turns out, I lack fusion, which may not mean much to the general public, but it means I may never get a pilot's license. You know, I didn't even think about wanting to do that until I was told I can not. Does that say something about me? Afraid it does.

I've Been Framed

Yes, I've been framed, and quite elegantly I must add. It isn't every lady who frames herself.
But then I've never followed the crowd. This PC stuff is more than I can take. Oh, forgive me.
I'm off the subject...and the subject has been framed.

This is my official picture for the Scrapgirls convention in October. However, it won't be presented in this form.

True Flowers

This is our youngest daughter, the mother and home schooler of triplets. She is also teaching fourth grade social studies in home school co-op this year. I guess there is no need to say she is
a very busy person.

Well flowers are supposed to grow where they are planted; but she has been transplanted far away from here and I miss her and her family. Hoping to go see them before too long.

Indian Corn / First Day of Fall

I have a bad cold, but I can still get on the computer. I'm thankful for laptops!

Yesterday was the first day of fall. I didn't realize it until evening. It even looks a little bit like autumn is here. There were a few browned oak leaves falling today. Few leaves have turned, however. But it certainly looks like it will be earlier this year. Even though the temperature has been quite warm during the day, we have been getting those cool nights, which usher in fall and the turning of colors.

I truly love this time of year...do not dread winter. At least haven't before now. With the new administration, however, winter could be pretty cold. They are managing to give us change that we never would want...change like higher fuel costs, higher taxes and loss of jobs. It could be a mighty cold winter. I find myself wishing it were the fall of 2010 already and we could vote the bums out of congress.

Treat

It is time for a treat and this is one the triplets love, Krispy Kreme Donuts. However, they will never know the taste of an original Krispy Kreme cream stick with vanilla icing ... my favorite. Krispy Kreme started just a few miles from here when I was young. Since they franchised and limited their menu to donuts that could be made in small portable ovens, the cream stick as I knew it has been discontinued. That's right, they dropped my very favorite donut in the whole world. But counting my blessings, that is pr0bably a good thing for me.

Picture This

As you have probably guessed, Vince DOES NOT like his picture to be taken. At least he didn't. But I suspect that over the year he is becoming accustomed to it and somehow, even under his skin somewhere, has learned to enjoy.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

At least your grandmother wants to know. What was going on in your mind? Were you acting shy or were you thinking of something mischievous?

Major Announcement

We got the call I've been waiting for while we were with friends this evening.

Come February, I will be using this paper, BMU_Baby chronicles_Paper_Boy from www.Scrapgirls.com for pictures of our new grandson, Caleb.

Mason in Amish Country

The triplets had a good Social Studies lesson last week with a field trip to Amish Country. It is wonderful to have books and movies about other lands, but it is so important to learn about your own and all the different people who live here.

Our Republic was formed for ALL who leave their native countries behind and cross our borders legally to embrace a new home and language. For this reason, it has been called a melting pot.

We all live in this blessed land and must learn to respect the rights of others. We are all Americans. All must be free... male, female, old, young, black, white, red or yellow. We are all God's children.

Amish Field Trip

Chelle took the triplets on a home schooling field trip to Amish country. She said it isn't like the large settlement here, but it still shows how they live. Now that they have seen this, I can hardly wait for them to see REAL AMISH country here .

It was fun making this page. I couldn't resist making the background paper the same pattern as her skirt. Oh the things one can do with PSE.

Stormy Day

It is a gorgeous day here in Ohio. So why the stormy pictures? I was just checking some folders and found that I had never finished these layouts. They are from August 10, 2008. I just couldn't enjoy the work and left it undone. But, we find ourselves talking about this adventure quite often. It was a bonding experience for most of us. Would we do it again??? I really don't know, but I'm glad we did and lived to tell about it. And I'm thankful summer this year had no cold spell.

We all need the skills to weather a storm. One of the blogs I read often is Muses by Ro. I don't have a link, but you can google it if you'd like to read her thoughts. She warns of an impending storm in her post today.

Real Men

Admit is girls, there is nothing more exciting than seeing guys help in the kitchen. When they take over, it is FABULOUS.

Everyone in this country should have the work ethic of these super men. That's my opinion and I'm not likely to change my mind.

California Daisies

A glance at my patio shows my neglect of plants during the last dry spell. It makes me sad to see these once lovely daisies with only a few flowers withering and the leaves curled and dry. I feel like I dealt them a blow in the prime of their lives. I'm glad I captured their beauty this spring for now these California Daisies might as well be in their home state, dying with the rest of their family in the drought imposed by our out of whack government which prevents California from getting the water it has to have to grow food for themselves and the rest of the country. California looks like the pictures I've seen of the dust bowl. Nothing is growing and 40% of the people have no jobs. Good farmers have their hands tied. Why are we letting this kind of nonsense go on in this home of the free? We are starving people to protect some fish! I'm sure these self righteous nuts would prefer that people were in danger of becoming an extinct species.

Sweet Corn Husks

Generally the guys are drafted to shuck the corn just before we eat, while it is piping hot. They have been known to burn their hands; but being men, they act like it is no big deal. However, I've taken pity on them and bought rubber gloves to protect them from the heat. This night, Ron was showing the guys his lovely hydroponic garden (no corn there) and we women were getting anxious to eat. So Jane grabbed the gloves and started husking, while I went after those dilly dallying men. This picture shows that Jane can do a find job, even though she is female. However, she was giving the fellows a little heat and making a suggestion about what she could do with this ear if the men didn't stop teasing her.

Sweet Corn

9/12 in Washington D.C.

Sad, but true, at some reports this weekend was the largest gathering of people ever in Washington D.C. and the main stream press does not report it. Makes me wonder... Does it you?

I've seen more press given to two or three PETA pickets outside a furrier. Makes me wonder... Does it you?

Does it seem strange that we must turn to the British press to get news about our own land?

Our congress seems to be full of self serving individuals. Whom is the press serving? Not the people, that is for sure. Makes me wonder... Does it you?

Chinese School

Aussie loves school this year...Chinese School, that is. He attends on Saturdays and he really works hard at it. He was promoted to the second grade this year, so he is keeping up just fine.

Maybe we should be learning right along with him. Could come in handy some day.

Focal Point

I have been sick all day, missed church and our life group get together. Hasn't been a pleasant day, but I'm trying to keep my focus on more important things than my headache.

This layout that I did about our cat during a life group meeting earlier this summer, came to
mind and I've entered it here. Reminding us that we need to watch where we focus.
During that meeting, we could have easily paid attention to Chipper, who put herself right before our eyes and then missed the importance of our prayer.

Where is your focus right now? Are you being overwhelmed with the amount of 'stuff' being hurled before us by our devious 'servants' in government? Focus. Keep your eyes open and be alert to the most important thing...defeat of the liberty sapping health care plan. Do not let yourself be side tracked or bamboozled by deceptive words or slight of hand. Our freedom is at stake.

ORU and the Shady Guy

There isn't much else to say. It's all here. Just double click on the layout and you will be able to read the story of the shady guy we met at the Vue.

Labor Day Weekend

Okay, I have to be honest. The Rons have never heard Teresa say this, but every time we are together, she looks at those two and says to us girls, "Two Rons don't make a right." Of course they think they are right. But they also have a pretty good sense of humor; so they only saw fireworks because it was the Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed the concert at Blossom and a picnic preceding the 'skylights'.

Pontoon and Friends

$1,000 Tomato

The first fruits (fruit) of Ron's labor is this nicely ripened cherry tomato. He insists it was the best tomato he has ever eaten...worth every penny it cost him. He did share the harvest with me and I can verify it does taste like a tomato. And I'm proud of him for finding such a practical hobby.

Labor Day on the Water

It was a busy weekend. You saw the blog for Friday night when we , Frank and Sue had dinner together. April came in Saturday for the evening only. We had dinner and did some shopping. We joined friends for a picnic ,concert and fireworks at Blossom on Sunday evening after having lunch with Hugh and Kay.

For several days they had forecast perfect weather for Labor Day. However, even though Al Gore can predict the weather within a few degrees thousands of years from now ( Wow, are you impressed? Me neither! ) they missed this one. Today was very cloudy and we were not sure we would be able to go boating; but God blessed us with some pleasant weather long enough for us to take a short ride. Ron carries his IPhone which lets us keep track of weather radar. We pulled into the dock ( aided by 'our' Al ) just in time to walk to the house while the rain sprinkled a sign that it was on its way.

Since we don't see these couples often enough, we had a wonderful time catching up and just enjoying one another's company.

Hoping to do another layout of this gang, if they are thoughtful enough to give me copies of their pictures (Just a hint) soon.

On the Wagon

Ron had to help me up here and it took two guys (Thank you, Frank) to get me back down; but here we are 'on the wagon'. We were back to Buehler's Grocery ( and restaurant) again last night for the Friday night fish special. They had just changed their display to fall and it caught my art loving eye right away. Don't know how I lived before a camera was clipped to my purse. Don't think this generation will pass on without a pictoral history. Of course there were lots of things I thought would never happen until this year.

ORU 'Executives'

Only two could not make the 'meeting' today. The rest of us live within 25 miles of Hudson, three within the city limits, so this is a good place to meet.

Today, we talked about going commercial with ORU. (Opinions R Us) We certainly have the talent, education and wisdom to pull it off (even if we are the only ones who know that). But do we truly want all that work? Probably not. I wouldn't want to depend on a web site for a living at this time, with all the hackers, both crooks and government (legal crooks) threatening the internet.

ORU took time off from the cares of the world today to celebrate the freedom of assembly. It was perfect weather to eat on the sidewalk at the Vue in Hudson. Some of you might not think that is a big deal; but in Ohio, we don't have many days that are not too hot nor too cold for being outdoors on purpose.

Of course as usual, we had a lot of business needing our attention. We have our first customer... one who is willing to seek our advice. It would happen that she is from out of state. We were able to come to a consensus on all questions asked and are feeling even more confident in our abilities to 'run the world'.

Another item of grave importance is the procurement of official ORU stationery. I have used our new design in the layout above. It is embossed with our new stamp of approval.

Naturally, before we adjourned there was an appreciated opportunity for a photo shoot. Look for the layout above on next year's calendar to be offered for sale in time for Christmas.

Relief Sale and Auction

About a month ago, July 31st, we were happy to join Bernadette and Hank Prusinski to Amish country for a quilt auction and dinner. The fund raiser was held by Mennonites and supported by Amish, Apostolic, and Brethren churches as well. The quilts were quite gorgeous. It shows what women can do when they are taught at the hand of their mothers and when they are not car pooling the proverbial rat race. Each was a work of art, exquisitely hand made.

Whenever I am in Amish country, I am reminded of their lifestyle and admire the simplicity. Even though I can't agree with many of the their teachings, I respect them for taking care of their own. They do not depend on government to take care of them. They are very independent and thus are much more free than the 'English' as they call us. I pray they will hold on to their ways and avoid the consequences of a government run rampant.

Stay Afloat

I don't know these people, just snapped the picture. Thought it was a good one for a gradient.
Just trying to learn how to do them. I really don't get it...need a teacher, I think. Maybe I can find a tutorial on line somewhere.

Whenever I board a boat, I generally don't think about it ever going under. I just expect the boat to float. Just like the boat, I never worried about our country going under. But this year things have CHANGED. Our country is spending money it doesn't have. It is in true danger of sinking.

The cause is not just the president, but congress as well. We must all join together in 2010 and vote out of office all Congressmen and women. Go to www.moveoutcongress.com.

Insist that our representatives believe in abiding by our Constitution. Read it yourself. Know it.

Again, go to www.moveoutcongress.com.