Water Fun H2O GO

It is hard to believe that summer is about over for some kids across the states. I'm not sure when Caleb goes back to school. It just seems like summers grow shorter and shorter. Actually, I think they really are, in some parts of the country.  Since individual school districts still have the freedom to name when they will hold classes, there will be quite a bit of individuality there. I understand that the triplets have a couple of weeks off for fall break.  

Caleb is enjoying a double wide slip and slide their mom bought them. Glad there is no water ban there and that they can enjoy all this fun. 

Wasn't on the computer much today. Even so, I found a chart of 'facts' on FaceBook which were really cooked to make a particular candidate (party) look good. They were obviously faulty. I've been keeping up with these figures throughout the years, so I know these figures are lying. Of course, even if I hadn't kept up with them, I would have known just by looking around me. 

Why are people so gullible now?  Why do they believe anything those in power over them say? It floors me. They are taught these days to fall into line. When we were in school, we were taught to think for ourselves, to use our own brains.  That just doesn't cut it these  days. We need to line up and drink the kool-aid.

If you are one who doesn't want to make waves and so you just fall for all the PC hype, remember that the Jews marched to their death chambers. No thank you. I will stand up and be counted.

Backyard Breakfast

These pictures were taken at the beginning of summer vacation when it was possible to have a comfortable and leisurely breakfast.  And the backyard is an inviting place for that.

I know I don't generally write about problems with Photoshop Elements or anything else technical; yet it is fresh in my minds which is clouded by what I think must be a malfunction. As I tried to save this as a PSD which shows all the individual layers involved, the program had other things on its 'mind'.  It insisted on saving as a pse, which just shows up like a smaller page, all on one layer. I'm so confused. I have no idea what happened!!!   Often, when I come across a problem, I google to see what kind of solution there might be. I did that, but it didn't seem like anyone knew a lot about this problem, or else their explanations were so over my level of competence that I was completely snowed. OK, all that and I'm sure you have no idea what in the world I'm rattling on about. Sorry.

Back to the world condition...no Sorry, my brain has already shut down for the night due to unnecessary obstacles. Hope to have a better mind set by tomorrow posting time.

Pray for the Lord to place his wing over us and save us from sin and our country from obliteration.

Farm Fresh Corn

John and Beth are really into fresh fruits and vegetables right from the farm, farm co-ops.
At least I think they still are.

Oliver sat on the back steps and shucked an ear of corn for the very first time. They took a video of him and during it, I heard him say HARD. Yes it wasn't easy for him, but it was worth the hard work.

Life is like that. It isn't always easy, but it is worth the hard work. With a good work ethic, one reaps monetary rewards and also a good self esteem. Go Oliver.

Studying the Bible this morning, one passage I'd read several times came alive for me. It was in II Chronicles 32. You see King Hezekiah, who had been faithful to God was facing an enemy who was marching to war against his people.

In verse 5, "he worked hard repairing all the broken sections of the wall and building towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the terraces of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields."

Then in verse 6, "He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

Verse 22:, "So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side."


Does anything in verse 5 remind you of anyone who is running for president now? 
What does Trump want to build? What does he want to strengthen? Our armed forces? And what does he want us to do?  Be courageous? See what I mean? Very interesting.

And what did God do? He saved them from their enemy. 

Born to Wear Boots

After years of going to farm  school, Beth has discovered another place near them to ride. I can't find the name of the 'farm' right now, but I know the horse's name is Marble.

This is Oliver's first time to ride. He just might have been born to wear boots. His instructor commented on his very good balance. His posture is great as well.

I am so happy that Beth is a stay at home mother and can spend time with the little ones. She doesn't have to miss anything.  I know some would say they couldn't do that for one reason or another; but it is the most important job in the world.

We love you, Beth!

Happy Girl

I bet  you grandparents out there understand when I say I love  my grandchildren with all I've got. It makes me so happy to see them smile. 

Julia was just two months old when these pics were taken. She is a serious little girl, seems to be a very studious type. And she is a real sweetheart.  

Today was my first day out after having an arthroscopic operation on my knee  Friday. It didn't go as well as I had hoped; but it was good to get out anyway. I was hoping to be able to drive by today; but I did well to just ride in the car to the movie and to dinner. 

The movie was fantastic, one everyone should see. It was worth the pain it caused me for sitting still so long. Dinesh is a courageous fellow. I certainly to appreciate his dedication to this, his adopted country.

Maggie and the 'Owl'

Poor Maggie, she is having to learn about fakes  She was attracted to this owl near the lake. She really tried to make friends, but finally realized he was a fake.

Reminds  me of some of the politicians I heard speak tonight. Fakes! They know how to say the right things, but don't deliver.

In some cases they know what to do, but don't  do it.

They know what the law is, but they don't care.

They say what we want to hear, then do the opposite.

Fakes, just like this owl.

R is for Rhubarb

Beth planted a successful patch of rhubarb...great stuff. Here is Oliver to show you how well it grew. And of course in the second picture he has his signature smile.  

While planning this page, I was delighted with Oliver's alphabet shirt and decided to go with it for the general design...and this is the result.

Sorry, there won't be a lot of comment, and sorry if you are not one who appreciates my opinion. ;)

I'm just coming off the knee operation that explains why I haven't posted for a few days...I'm just not up to commenting on the condition of things right now. 

 Oh my, there is a lot going on and none of it looks good for our friend (or foe) Hillary.  And of course everyone all over the world is laughing; but our press is trying hard to make it all look perfectly fine to those who are plugged in only their liberal news reporting. 

It is a shame people can't open their eyes to what is going on in the rest of the world and they have been deprived of a good background in the study of history. That is a thing of the past in more ways than one.

Oliver, Praying that we all wake up and strive for a renewed world order of morality and love of God and our fellow man.

Hard Work at the Lake

Many visitors say to me, I would sit out on the swing watching the boats go by for hours. The truth is, if you live here, there is work to do. It turns out there is lots of work. Not only does housework have to be done, but also the land has to have care. It is not a small lot and there is watering, mowing, raking, fertilizing. I could  go on and on. Weeds! I don't even  want to mentions them!  You get the idea. Unless one can afford to hire everything  done, one must either do it himself, or herself or it goes undone...that is not a pretty picture. 

Over the years we have been here, parts of the sea wall deteriorate and must be replaced. Ron has replaced those parts one by one. It is hard  work. This year, however, he had his Steiner tractor with all the attachments he needed. He rode it around...that made it more like fun.

The problem was, there were many things that had to be done by hand. Even though he does not want to admit  that he is getting old, his daughters know better. Later I will have another layout or two showing how they came to stay a few days and worked on this project with him. You would never imagine how these lovely girls would ever be able to do this hard work, but they did it. The wall was completed beautifully. 

Of course work around the property is not all that must be done. We will not let ourselves vote without being completely informed about every candidate. That is time consuming. Tonight we were watching the Republican Convention.  We watched  on TV the speeches, etc that are taking place not far from here in Cleveland. 

I hope that each of you is not just voting for  a certain party or what you've been told by friends or the TV.  I hope you are listening to both sides so that you can make up your mind independently. That is one reason you have a brain. Use it. Investigate to find the truth for yourself and then vote in November.

I really don't know where this wall is in Charlottesville, but I love the creativity. And I think Leah does love Charlottesville.  

Time is a blur for me. I can't remember how long she has lived there, but her mom and dad moved there some time after she finished college at Flagler College in St Augustine, Florida.  

They moved to Florida from here in Ohio when she was a little girl. They found that Florida was a good place to grow up after they found the International School in Pensacola.  The rest of the schools were so very inferior to the school she had attended here in Ohio.  Her neighborhood school, it was a very good area, had no books she had not already read. The IB school fit her well.

She really loved Flagler College and graduated in three years.  Acting and teaching those arts were her main interests. Leah lived in New York for a while.  She has been in several movies, but so far none have made it big...of course that is not because she lacks anything. This grandmother will tell you she is great.

Leah is very photogenic and I love making layouts with her photos.

After church this morning, we had lunch with a group of our friends with whom we had not gotten together for a while. It was great fun. Those relationships are a good thing. We bring out the best in each other. We were having a very pleasant day.

After lunch at home, I heard about the shootings that had taken place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana while we were at church this AM.

I walked into the TV room just as they were announcing that the authorities were about to speak on the subject.  I sat down and listened to the whole thing.  (A truly bad thing.) My heart was broken over the senseless killings of these innocent men and the devastation the families and friends felt. I began to tear up. It wasn't long until I was sobbing audibly. That's when our little dog came running into the room to soothe me. 

Dogs, pets, what a wonderful thing. They are so the opposite of these evil men. Their love is so selfless. She was able to bring a smile to my face, knowing there is still good in the world. 

Thank you God, for being the God of love and giving us pets to encourage us when all else is very discouraging.  We ask you, Father, to comfort all those closely involved in these grievous happenings today. I pray you help us bring law and order back to this nation. Protect us and keep us safe from our enemies. 

Fresh Air

Well, here we have Oliver's signature  smile again. I've gone back to May for this layout. And Oliver was still squinting his smile.

The boys love hiking and now they have a little partner; however, it will be a while until she is running along beside them.

 At this point, it looks like we might actually get a president who will save  our nation from decline and make it a better place for our children and grandchildren.

It you haven't heard Pence speak, please google his acceptance speech given today as he accepts the challenge. He is  partnering  with Trump to guide our country back...to make it great again.  I was duly impressed and am very happy with Trump's choice for his VP.

ORU Celebration

It was nice to get the main office of ORU (Opinions R US) in Ohio, together today for a celebration.  Two founding members, Jane and Paulette were celebrating their birthdays with us.

You have heard people say they were not born yesterday. Well, technically these  two were born yesterday...yesterday July 14th. We let them be with their blood relatives then, so that  today they could be with us, their sisters in Christ.  It was fun, as it always is when we gather to share our vast knowledge.

By the way, our Texas branch may be celebrating as well. They have a member,whose birthday is today, the 15th of July. We miss all of them and wish we were together. Happy Birthday, Kalai.

Today, at the Cheesecake Factory, we could only try to show some restraint as we feasted on lunch and cheesecake. And in the meantime, we were able to put our everyday lives aside a few minutes to discuss really important things like trees browned by cicadas and Pokemon.

You might want to know the reason we are so knowledgeable and well rounded. It is because we feed on facts that each one of us throw on the table from all fields. You ask us a question. We will converse about it and give you our opinion.

We have enough expertise to save the world, but no one is wise enough to ask us. ;)

You might wonder how our Christianity and lack of humility  fit together.  Hmmm. We need to think about that as well.

Stay tuned for further adventures.

Pokemon Go

I really like keeping up to date with my pictures. It is really difficult for me to do that these days, since I've gotten so slow. Today though I have an up to date layout. This picture was taken last night at Centennial Park, in Nashville, TN...one of the Pokemon search sights. I'm not completely up on this yet, need to read all the instructions, well I can't say need...since I won't be a participant...I just want to know enough to recognize it when I see it and understand enough to talk to the kids about it.

From watching our own family, we would have to ascertain that everyone is into Pokemon Go.  

This page is about the triplets search yesterday...they are already very experienced. I thought the funny thing about this is what Ashley said at the park..."I can smell the nerds." I think she may have overlooked the fact that she is there as well. However, from what I've observed there are far more people already hooked on this than just the usual video nerds. I know of some adults who are very interested. It is good they can blame their 'interest' on helping their children, especially when those kids are two years old. lol  Anyway, so far, it seems like a harmless activity which encourages  people to get off the couch. Can't be all bad.

I did, however, hear of some instances of crime involved. It can catch people unaware of their surroundings at times. So, if you are enjoying this pastime, please be alert to those around you. Some have been robbed, some have been molested.  Just a warning. As always sin is around you, more today than yesterday. It seems to be getting worse month by month, week by week and even day by day. 

As always, praying for our nation to return to God where there is peace and safety.

Caricatures

I hadn't heard of JoJo before this trip. I have, though, in the past seen pictures of her, but I hadn't heard the name. This time, while the triplets were in St Augustine, where their dad's 'family' lives, they were with JoJo quite a bit and got some good pictures. No, I have not posted one of them together, but plan to in the near future.

Here, I've given you the chance to match each caricature drawn by JoJo with the picture of the triplets above. It should be fairly easy, even if you do not know the triplets well. If you do, it will be a snap. They are very well done images, right on spot!

This girl, JoJo has been making very good use of her time. God has given her artistic talents, both for drawing and for singing.

We all have talents. We all have time. Everyone has the same amount of time each day, assuming they each live all day.

What are you doing with your time? Are you making wise choices? Are you working with what God gave you? Are you doing good, not so good, or downright awful things?  People are watching you and so is God.

Let's each think of something we can do for his kingdom. Think of using your talents for something of which our Lord would approve. Does it show love and respect for others? Does it glorify our Lord?

Thinking good things is a prerequisite for doing something worthwhile.

Ava and the Boat

I rarely get to see this little cutie, but her grandpa, our son, was taking her for a ride in the boat yesterday and she stopped in to see us for a minute.   I'm going to post a picture of her 'driving' the boat with her grandpa here. I'll make a layout of it later, but I don't know when it will be done.

As you can see Tim is as proud of her as can be. He is here from his home in Florida, so he doesn't get to see her nearly as often as he would like.

Recently we have had to look closer at ourselves. Have we done anything to cause our countries distress? Can we make it better?  It seems like there is so little the individual can do. All we can really do is control our own lives, our own attitudes.

I received this email today from Rick Warren. It is a daily email called Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.
There is a paragraph or two from it that I'd like you to read:

"...the number one test of your spiritual maturity- not how much Bible you know or how often you go to church or whether you serve or tithe or pray but your relationships and how you see other people. Because life is all about love!"

"All people matter to God. It doesn't matter who they are or what they've done or even what they believe. Christ died for them, Jesus loves them, God has a plan for their lives, and he wants them to have a relationship with him."

As Rick says, we need to learn to see other people as Jesus does, through the eyes of love.

Again, ALL PEOPLE MATTER.

Of course that doesn't mean that all people should be given everything their hearts desire. They need to be taught to work and earn their keep. But don't look at others and say that they need to work; but work yourself. Be an example. Teach your children that life will not be handed to them on a silver platter. All men and women should work at something, whatever their interests and skills allow, so that they can feel good about themselves and their accomplishments.

You cannot give your children everything and then expect them to start being productive when they finish college. It's almost too late to learn...at least without a lot of disillusionment and hard knocks.

Another Book Gone to Press

Just a few minutes ago, I finally finished the book it seems I've been working  on forever. The subject was the last trip we made to Colorado. We were not there even one week, but we took LOTS of pictures. When I started counting the number of photos and then the layouts, I realized there were just about enough to make one of my 100 page books...but not quite. Now I couldn't make a book with that many pictures of Caleb, Oliver and Julia and only a few of other people... So I decided right then it would just be a book about that vacation.  I believe it ended up 71 or 72 pages. I'm always trying to save money on the books; so I watch for sales and always make 100 pages, because that is the maximum they allow and the more pages, the better the deal.

Anyway, now that I've bored you with my penurious ways, I now have a book on the way to the print room.

I always have an introductory page and this in the one I came up with for this volume.  I ran into another problem while taking a picture for it.  When I switched from a desktop to a laptop computer attached to a large monitor, I lost the ability to sit here at my desk with the monitor and take selfies. I have to disconnect the laptop and use it. One thing better is, I can take it anywhere and have different backgrounds. However, I just can't seem to get that little screen on the right level to take a good photo. I'm always looking down at the screen. I've tried looking over the top, but it just doesn't come out right.  I took this one in June, around my birthday. I'm using it, because I couldn't get anything decent at all today. Of course I've aged a whole month since then. Perhaps that is the problem.

Thinking good thoughts is easy on a beautiful sunny day like this one has been. But tonight I want to mention how much I appreciate our God who has not kept us guessing what we need to do to please Him. He is the god of love and He has given us the Bible with all he expects of us...he wants a heart like his that is full of love for him and our fellow man. He sent his son the earth to live an example of that love.  Jesus is Lord.

Crazy Hair Day

It was crazy Hair Day at VBS (Vacation Bible School) at Caleb and Oliver's church in CO. They did a good job (or their mother did). Oliver decided to add to the craziness with his expression. It is really  fun the see the kids get so much fun out of something like this.

I have to admit, I'm feeling like the rest of the family has been left out for a while, as I've worked on this last book, which will soon be going to the publisher...that is as soon as I can complete an introductory page.  I'm waiting on a chance to get one to one with my laptop and take a selfie. It is a long boring story about why I have not done that yet. You wouldn't be interested...so why am I typing this? Because it is late at night. I have to get up early and my brain is blank...which doesn't seem very unusual these days.

I do plan to get back to a more fair mix of layouts....soon!

Of course I've been thinking, trying to come up with something good to report today...and I have it. I went to a wedding shower for a lady today, whose father graduated with me from high school. He goes to the same church as I and she does as well...at least I see her there often, and she travels a lot with her work. She is 44, never been married, been looking for just the right guy. He is 48 and the same applies, never married and been looking for the right girl. They met through work. They are both very nice people...good personalities and I think they've each made a great decision. I pray that God will be with them as they become one, and that He will lead them through life together.

Family Photo

Family photos can be easy and sometimes they can be a real challenge, especially when attempted in  blinding sunlight. I am the one to blame. Instead of finding a place with the right lighting, I  tried getting one here simply because that is where they were.  But even with all the squinty eyes, I like the picture. I liked it well enough to add to my book...and post here.

Tim, one of John's brothers is visiting us now.  It has been nice, but I haven't been working on this  book as much as I should be. I did get this one layout completed.

I was out a short time today after getting my hair cut. I am embarrassed to say this and ashamed of myself, but each time I saw a black person, I felt some anger. I have never been like that at all and I don't want to be. If you have any problem with that at all, please pray with me that we will overcome it quickly. God made  all colors of people, and He gave them each  a  soul and loves them the same.
I am praying that we stop this division and pull together. A house divided against itself will fall...and I believe that is the reason those who are trying to divide us are doing it. They don't want to help one race above another, they just want the country to fail. We must pull together, black and white, yellow and red, male and female, rich and poor, old and young, atheist  and Christian..We are all loved by God.

Caleb and the Big Pig

As you can see written on the page, when Caleb was a little tyke, he was fond of pigs. He would go to farm class, hop on the little pigs and ride them. The pigs were used to children, but still not many were able to ride them like Caleb did. He had perseverance. He would hold on tight.

This pig is at the sculpture park and is called Old Charlie. He lays there all day and seems to not mind all the foot traffic through the park.

Now, funny thing it, some days, when I'm ready for bed, I wonder just how different I am from Old Charlie. What did I really get done today? Even though it seems I'm a buzz of activity all day long, from morning  until midnight and beyond, I seldom get very much accomplished. It must be because I think so slowly. Sometimes, I have to stop and ponder what I'm really supposed to be doing.

But, you know, maybe at my age, I can do well in the kingdom by just being a light with joy amidst all the weeds of  sin.

As a matter of fact, that fits in with a stray email I received today from I don't know where. I wondered how and why I got it, but it had a good point.  The author, a Holley Gerth, made this statement...I want to be a candle not a firework. 

I don't have to do anything flashy that catches everyone's attention. I can just be the candle in a dark room.

Thank you, Father God, for all the people in my life, especially my family.

A Special Baby Sitter

I know what you are thinking? You let a dog watch the baby?!?!?  Well, yes and no. There is no better. Rado is very attentive. His main priority is Julia's safety. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. Notice what I wrote on this layout.

Of course, we were right there all the time. We love Julia and we love Rado as well. As a matter of fact Rado was the first 'baby' in John and Beth's home.

I'm trying to think of something  good to say. This is one: Our life group met this evening for hot dogs, etc. We had a great time as usual. We read together and prayed together. Can't think of anything I would have liked better for my day...well maybe being with my grandchildren...but that is just not possible very often with them scattered around the US.

It is good to know others who are like minded, who know the truth (The truth will make you free).
We know good from evil and we all have a God who loves us and who has promised to take care of us....and He loves you as well. If you don't know him, pick up a Bible and start by reading the book of John...the fourth book of the New Testament. Yes! God is a loving God. God is love.

Slow Down, Be Happy

I've added two layouts tonight, it is my odd way to make up for not having the July 4th look I had planned. 

Even though my pictures did not turn out well and I'll still waiting for friends photos, it so happens that I could have made a layout from stills of our boat parade here at the lakes. It came right by our house and although I missed it, I found a video on You Tube and, surprise, it was taken across the lake from here, so our boathouse and docks were in it. I won't tell you about the floats, in case I ever actually get a layout done. I don't want to spoil the best parts by mentioning them ahead of time.

The top layout here is of Oliver, who brought me a book to read to him. It was the one I had taken him from Ohio. 

While he was with me, we sneaked a selfie. Isn't he cute peeking up out of the corner? 

The second layout is of the boys and PaPa with Caleb's video game. Boys will be boys at any age and they all got into that game. From looking at  them, I would guess the guys had about as much fun watching as Caleb did playing it. Way to entertain those guys, Caleb.  

That is good entertainment, but there is so much of just the opposite for us in this world today. I have to make an effort once in a while to think of what is good.  As in Philippians 4:8, which says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." , I have to be deliberate each day to set aside time for that.

This morning a church friend sent an interesting email. One thing in that message made me think...it said, " A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour." Think about that. How often those little detours, either on a route or just things that pop up in our days that were not planned, are really annoying. But there is nothing you can do to change it...so just make up your mind to make the most of it. Enjoy it as much as you can. 

If I do that, I imagine it will help my blood pressure and perhaps it will help the way I treat people as well. Thus, just that little hint might do me a lot of good in the coming days. I will try to remember and concentrate on that. Slow down and be happy. "A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."

Daddy's Little Girl

Julia has a beautiful devoted mother, and she also has a doting daddy.  Daddy loves his boys very much, but this is his first little girl...and she is a real cutie.   

I know you would probably expect something more reminiscent of July 4th here today...since our biggest celebration was on Saturday night with the fireworks and we got to bed late last night and was up early for church this morning. I've been dragging around today...not getting much at all done and now I'm ready to sleep...So perhaps tomorrow will bring a better day and a layout for the 4th.

In the meantime, I mean to get some much needed sleep. Remember: It is pointless that you get up early and stay up late, eating the bread of hard labor because God gives sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:2.

Mommies Have Only Two Arms

As a rule, mothers have only two arms, yet they can do so much with them. And it is a good thing, because there is SO much to do. It is nice when she at least gets a chance to sit down for a few minutes. That is one good thing about breast feeding. It is almost impossible to do it unless you sit. Perhaps that was one of the benefits in God's plan...rest for the weary mothers.

In the first picture,Oliver bides his time with some exercises  while waiting for mommy to read for him. Beth is very good at doing that...since before having children at home,  she had been a pre-school teacher. She received an excellent education at Ohio State and is now raising little ones. She has been a stay at home mom for over six years and we are pleased to be her mother and father, in laws. And her children are happy to call her that precious title, Mommy.

I really feel sorry for those who feel they have to work for wages. Children fare far better with love and guidance than with material things like sparkling dresses or Nikes.