Just when you thought you'd heard it all.....

I have seen and heard many sad things in my life. Loosing a loved one is very hard to grasp. But, I believe being told that someone very close to you tried to end their own life is the hardest thing so far I have ever had to deal with; especially since it involves a child. I'm not going into any detail here. All that is important is the fragility of life. And, when someone tries to willingly take care of it disturbs me. This is a new area to me and something I don't want to ever face again. Hopefully the immediate family feels the same way and has had their eyes opened to what the effects of their actions has caused.

I wish people would wake up and understand the importance of living a Godly life. A life of surety, hope, and service. One that doesn't promise tomorrow, but promises a wonderful eternity. People need to wake up to the urgency to know Christ because we don't know when our number will be called. People need to stop living a life of self service, but living to serve others and stop being so selfish. Children are not punching bags or telephones to give all one's problems. THEY ARE CHILDREN; LET THEM BE!!!!! I could go on and on, but this is enough as one can probably read my anger.

Today is a sad day, but also a new day. Hopefully the help that is needed will be found. God is not finished with this child yet. This whole ordeal has brought me closer to the value of life and how we spend our time. One more reason for me to vow to live my life for God and God alone; nothing else matters.

Thanks for letting me share this. Please pray for this situation.

Until next time . . .

Final Fog in August, #12

I was asked this morning by my friend and fellow blogger how many fogs did we have in August. I quickly answered, "11." Well, after thinking about it, that is not at all correct. You see Friday night I didn't have internet available, but we did have fog. So, that takes the total to 12. Tonight is the last opportunity for fog before the end of the month so we'll see what happens.

As of today, August 31st, 2009 we have had 12 Fogs in August!

Until next time . . .

#11 & Revive to Stay Alive!

Yep, that's it ladies and gentlemen...Fog #11 for August. I really didn't think there would be fog this morning since we got a little rain last night. But, low and behold there was fog this morning; although light.

I am so excited about this weekend. We have been planning for a few months for the first Revive to Stay Alive! Teen Retreat 2009. For the first time around we have a good number of teens and adults planning on attending; 32 teens (7th-12th grade) and about 20 adults have registered. We have a wonderful guest speaker and his wife (youth pastors Greg and Tina Mason from Doniphan, MO) along with an awesome band, Pennyless from Mtn. Grove, MO.

So my fellow bloggers, be in prayer this weekend for all lives who are potentially going to be changed at this teen retreat. We live in a time where people think they are too busy for God and a relationship with Him. Folks, the time to know the Lord and live for Him is now. We can't wait for tomorrow because God only promises today. I don't know who holds tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand.

Until next time . . .

Little Miss Blue Girl

This is a special double post day....I must report and pictures will follow for sure. You know I mentioned in an earlier post that our fall cows are calving. Well, we have a blue rhone cow, yes she is blue-ish. I told day earlier in the month, "I sure wish the blue cow would have a blue heifer so we can keep her for a cow." Well, I got home last night around 10:30 pm and dad was just coming back on the four wheeler from checking the cows. **Note-he watches those things like a hawk during calving season to make sure they don't need help having their babies. It think they get checked at least 3 times day. Anyway. He drives up and says to me, "Sis, what was your wish?" Of course I immediately thought he was talking about my charlois cow that is more than likely bred to the herford bull, Johnny-that would produce a cream colored with white face calf (I hope she has a heifer so I can keep it). He says, "No, what was your wish?" Of course I couldn't remember. Then he said, "Didn't you wish for something blue?" Oh my goodness ya'll I was so excited!!! I said, "let's go look at it!" It was 10:30 at night. But, my good ole daddy took me to see. He told me to be quiet because he knew how I'd be when I saw the calf; I squeel like a little girl at Christmas. He drove up to Old Blue Lady and there SHE was; a perfect, beautiful blue heifer. I instantly loved her and told him I must purchase her from him. Well, I'll probably have to duke it out with mom, but money is already on the table and I'm going to win this one; I hope. I hope to get a picture of Little Miss Blue Girl in a few days.

Until next time . . .

#'s 9 and 10

I forgot to post yesterday, but we again had fog. So, by my tallies that is 9 fogs so far for the month of August. This was a big, heavy fog too. Don't know if that says anything for the snow, but I did notice this was a dense fog compared to most we have had for the month.

We had fog #10 this morning. Actually, I knew there was fog even before the sun came up. You see, since the weather has been so nice I have had my windows open. Well, let me just tell you right here...I hear everything at night. My senses are so intune at night time I think I could hear a needle hit a haystack! Anyway, I knew it was foggy at about 4:45 this am because I was outside. It was actually kind of neat. I walked out on my porch and was in the fog; it was like I was in a cloud because the fog was down at the ground level and thick. I bet you're wondering what in the world I was doing out at that time; there was no meteor shower-couldn't have seen it anyway due to the fog. Let me back up a minute. I was abruptly awaken to a sound of something crashing. Of course I had to lay there in my bed for a bit to see if I heard anything again. When I finally got the nerve I got up and turned all the lights on. This was sure to scare off anything that shouldn't be there. I put my glasses on so I could see and out the door I went. Of course I couldn't see anything because 1-it was dark outside, and 2-it was foggy. Since the porch light only goes so far I got the remote to my car and flipped the headlights on; nothing. Then, out of the shadows and the looming fog there IT was.......a big fat stinking armadillo! Absolutely hate those things. Many questions were answered in the wee hours of the morning today...I found out what made the crashing noise, discovered what was digging in my yard and flower beds, and discovered what was killing my flowers! I wish I had a pistol.

So, we are up to #10 fog in August according to my records. I am thinking I may have missed one last week because it looked hazy in the morning like there had been a fog, but I didnt' count it. I think that was a fog day and the bulk of it had lifted prior to me seeing it. I also think this was a day I reported patchy fog. Who knows. Again, this is not a definite calculation. It is merely a prediction and quite fun to count and report.

Have a wonderful day my fellow blogger buddies!!

Until next time . . .

Mediterranean Journey

Now taking reservations for Mediterranean Journey departing March 18th, 2011. For all who is interested or know someone who may be interested, I can now get you reserved for a fabulous trip taking in Italy and Spain! For 9 days we will embark on a great adventure to Rome, Florence, and Barcelona; with lots of stuff in between.

To view and enroll on this tour visit my site: www.eftours.com; click on the 'student tab' and enter this tour number: 153015 to check out the tour. The cost for adults is $2850, students $2470. This includes round-trip airfare, all hotels, 2 meals a day, passage on an overnight ferry across the Mediterranean Sea, as well as entry to the included excursions-exhibits-museums.

So, come spend your 2011 Spring Break with me on an exciting Mediterranean Journey.

#8 complete with Coyotes!

This morning was with out a doubt, definitely a fog day! As the sun was coming up, yes I was up as the sun was coming up, I could see the fog quietly resting on the ground. I can tell the season and location of the sun is changing because of how it comes in my bedroom windows. The windows are at the head of my bed and the sun peaks through the blinds as it's coming up over the horizon. Which, since the sun is now rising directly in the path of my windows, is causing me to wake up earlier....good thing, fall mornings are breath taking! Anyway, it was a beautiful, foggy morning. The sunrise had an orangy-pinkish hue and was calm and relaxing. I just love fall-like mornings!

Since the weather has been lovely I have been keeping all the windows open; definitely has it's advantages. However, this morning I was abruptly awaken by a disadvantage-the shrilling, ear piercing sound of coyotes! They were so loud and several of them that they woke me up. They were actually pretty close to the house this morning; right next to the front yard. It sounded as though they were right out my window, but they weren't quite that close. I had the howls in surround sound. I could hear them in the distance through my bathroom windows, echoing from the living room windows, and loud and clear from my bedroom windows. They were so active they got my mom and dad's dogs barking! It was toe tingling to say the least.

Well, August is almost over. It has been quite an interesting month as far as the weather is concerned. Not our typical weather for this time of year. Overall this has been a great summer considering June was our hottest month. It's almost like we are ahead in the seasons...can't wait to see what September has in store.

Until next time . . .

Patchy #7

Well, fog #7 but it was patchy...only foggy over the lakes and valley areas. But a fog is a fog is a fog.

Had a super weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! Got so busy cleaning the house and messing around outside that I totally blew my time getting ready to go to my dear friend Sara's spa party. I have already apologized and received forgiveness from my friend. Time just got away from me. Sorry again Sara!

Opened my windows up Friday night when I got home from work and haven't closed them yet. I love love love this weather. Weird for August because it feels like fall and September weather. I have windows at the head of my bed and have woken up the last two mornings to the birds singing...so pleasant. Yesterday, though, I woke up to woodpeckers, but it wasn't too bad! ha ha Still though, it is so peaceful with the windows open. The place gets aired out and you hear all of nature. The horses are behind my house so I hear them all the time, plus at night I get to hear the coyotes singing...eary sound because they are so close to the house. But, still pleasant.

Some of our mama cows are calving right now. I love going with dad to check on the cows because more than likely there'll be a new baby calf. We checked them twice yesterday; shortly after church and then again in the evening. The first time we went there was one new baby; pretty fresh too! Then, in the evening we were counting the cows and babies to make sure they were all there an no mama out of pocket (aka off having a calf) and low and behold there was another new baby; also pretty fresh. She was learning how to get moo juice (aka milk) for the first time. So cute!!!

Our cattle are split into two heards; spring babies and fall babies. These are the best times of the year: spring + new baby calves; fall + new baby calves. Absolutely love farm life. Wish I had a cowboy to share it with. Hope to have pictures of baby calves posted soon! There are some real cuties.

Well, that's all for now. Nothing more exciting going on other than being a Monday.

Until next time . . .

Patchy #6

Well, we had fog this morning, but it was patchy. So we'll call this one a patchy #6 fog in August. I wonder if this means there'll be a patchy snow? Who knows.

Until next time . . .

Today

This is a big day for many across the world. Thousands of children and teenagers everywhere are headed back to school. Some for the very first time, some who are somewhere in the middle, others in their last year before entering the workforce, and others in their last year before college. I was imagining this morning those little ones stepping onto a school bus or entering the halls of their school for the first time. I also thought of those somewhere in the middle and those stepping into the halls or bus for the first time on their last year of high school. There are a few people really close to my heart that fit all those descriptions. I pray for their safety this school year. I pray that they dig deep into their studies and make good grades. I also pray for their parents that they have patience and guidance for their children.

What wonderful memories I have from my school days. The only thing I really remember about Kindergarten is crying on the first day and in my school picture as well as taking paint trays out of people's desks with Chancey Hambelton during nap time. We would take them out of the ones closest to us and put them all in someone else's desk. Yes, we got in trouble! I also remember playing 'London Bridge' near the time out stumps on the playground. These were also the stumps where we dusted the chalk board erasers. I remember fondly being in the classroom by the office one summer day and Jeremy Wages busting a stink bomb in his desk; it smelled of rotten eggs. The stinch filled the entire school. I remember there being a breeze that day and the windows of the room were already opened. The wind took that stinch a sailing. It was awful!!! I remember lipsyncing to 'You Lost that Lovin' Feeling' by the Righteous Brothers with my best friends Aaron Anstine and Beth Volanski while in our Freshman year. We won that talent show and won tickets to see Confederate Railroad at the West Plains Civic Center in 1994. Guess who opened for them? Kenny Chesney!!! My sister got his autograph there before he was famous. I wonder where that is??? I remember walking across that old stage and accepting my diploma; such a fond and proud memory. There were many wonderful as well as sad memories from my school days. Now, today, there are kidos everywhere walking down the halls of their schools making their own memories. Here's to a great 2009-2010 school year.

Also, on this day back in 1972 my wonderful parents said, "I Do!" Happy 37th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad! I am still amazed by my parents sometimes. They are the best and most important thing in my life (after God of course) and I couldn't have asked for better. It's kind of ironic I think...my parents were married at the Ball this day in 72...and 37 years later my dad is going to enter that same church house as a pallbearer for his aunt. Peace be with the family today.

So, this is a very important day for many. School begins, celebrations of love, and celebrations of life as one is being put to rest. Hope your August 19th is grand!

Until next time . . .

Fog #5

As of this morning we are at fog #5. I actually think there have been a couple more, but not during normal viewing hours. You see, when I was up in the wee hours of the morning last week viewing the meteor shower there was a fog that rolled in, but I didn't count it. Who is up at 3 am to believe me?! Anyway. This could be where the variations come from in the winter when there are say 6 snows and only 5 counted fogs. Who knows...but it's a fun way to predict.

Not much else going on really. Today is the last day of freedom for those who attend Dora School. They, along with many other children across the country start the 09-10 school year tomorrow. Some have already began and others won't go back until after Labor Day. But, tomorrow seems to be the average start date for many.

Welcome back School!!!!

Until next time . . .

Perseids Take 2

I couldn't resist the chance of viewing more of the Perseids Meteor Shower....so I stayed up again! Needless to say this is a glasses day instead of contacts. Anyway. I didn't stay outside as much this time; I was smarter. I took a nap in my recliner until about 1:15 am and then outside I went. Yes, I know the peak of the shower is between 2 and 4 am, but I do have to function at work the next day people. ha ha

The nights, well mornings is more like it, have been wonderful. One couldn't ask for better weather. I didn't stay out long this morning, unfortunately. I sure wanted to, but man. The display was a bit more active between 1 and 2 am today than they were yesterday. I will close with this. I have seen several meteor showers; parts of them-one day I will stay up all night and watch the whole thing until the sun comes up. But, this morning I saw the best, most spectacular, and beautiful meteor to date. It was HUGE!!! The fireball on the end was bright white, but the tail (train) WOW..magnificent! It went soaring across the sky like white fire, but the tail was first green and pinkish...then the white fireball lit up again and the tail went to white and purple. The tail stayed visible in the it's arch form for about a minute. It was so awesome. As soon as I saw it, even though for an instant, I could do nothing but gasp and praise God for His mighty works!

When I finally went back to bed I had instant replays of all the meteors as soon as I closed my eyes; that's all I could see. So amazing.

Until next time . . .

Perseids & Jupiter

Stars & Planets have always been my thing....I just can't get enough of their beauty and remain in awe of God's wonderful works and splendor! God is good all the time; All the time God is good!

The planet Jupiter has been largely visible for several weeks now, but I haven't gotten around to get the telescope out until last night; thanks to my mother. **note** My telescope has been at my mom and dad's how for a while (almost 2 years) to keep it safe while I moved (2 years ago) and I have never picked it up until this week. Just thought I'd share.

So, last night I made myself stay up really late because if I sat down or got comfortable I knew I'd fall; asleep that is. I visited with my parents until 11 pm. I guess if I'm talking I'm not sleeping and neither is anyone else at 11 pm for that matter. Off to the house I went. Got the telescope all set up on the front porch. **note** That's why me and my dad built that front porch so I could have a place to put my telescope on a great evening like last night.

Got the tele all set up and WOW!!...There it was...Jupiter in all it's splendor. Of course it looked no bigger than a the end of a q-tip, but I could see it along with it's moon. It was beautiful. All I could do was start singing "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me." Plus, as I was viewing Jupiter up close and personal for the first time a lovely meteor from the Perseids meteor shower streaked thru the view of my tele....Now that was amazing.

After my lengthly star gazing I focused my attention on the area of the constellation Casseopeia; the entire area of the overhead sky really. August 12th was the day of the peak time of the Perseid Meteor Shower. The peak is in the hours of midnight to dawn with the best time supposedly around 4 am. I was outside from midnight until about 2 am and say quite a few lovely meteors. Some had large heads with flowing, twinkling tails. Others were short and sweet. One even started on one side of the sky and sailed north until it finally faded. Last night was a perfect night for star gazing too. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Although I didn't make it until 4 am; I did have to get up and go to work-which I'm paying for right now because I feel like I was hit by a Mack and my head feels like it's barely attached to my body. But, the view of God's majesty was absolutely worth it. Maybe next year I'll stay up until 4 am!

It's been awhile since I took a bit of time and just looked at the sky. I could just set there and look and never get bored. I am reminded every time I view the stars, picking out some of the constellations and planets along with the Milky Way Galaxy, of God's great works. He is so awesome. When I view the stars I often wonder how people could not believe in a greater power than ourselves, one who made everything...God. It did not happen in one boom in time. Life and world was made with great craftsmanship, care, skill & love. Just how can people not belive in the one true God; creator of the Universe!!!

Until next time . . .

Now at 4

Woke up this morning to fog in August #4. Actually the fog began to roll in last night about dusk. It was so pretty. Dad and I were out on the four wheeler till about 10 pm, first looking for then doctoring a cow. It was such a nice evening. You could see the fog rolling in up and down the hollars.....so pretty. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

Until next time . . .

Still at 3

Well, after the first full work week of August we have had 3 fogs for the month. There was patchy fog this morning on my way to work, but I don't know how to count that one. All I know is there have been 3 big fogs so far for the month.

Monday, August 3rd
Wednesday, August 5th
Thursday, August 6th

I'm curious to know what the rest of the month has in store.

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend.

Until next time . . .

3 Fogs

Well, I decided to devote my blogs this month to track the Fogs in August. So, here's a recap...I failed to write down the date of the first fog, but fog 2 was Wednesday, August 5th; fog 3 was this morning-Thursday, August 6th. It could very well be that there is an extra fog in there because it was foggy last night too. I am going to have to check with my sources and see if two fogs in one day counts as two fogs. More on this later.

Until next time . . .

Fogs in August

Anyone like winter weather? Snow?

This is one of those folklores my grandpa and mom have always told me about. He passed those folklores to my mom and now she has passed them to me.

For as long as I can remember my mom has written 'FOG' on the calender every August for each day there is fog. I remember as a child asking what that meant and this is what she said, "For every fog in August that predicts the number of snows for the winter." Of course as a child I was like, 'Right on!' because snow usually meant no school. As an adult and member of the work force it is a different story; although I think snow is beautiful!

As tradition goes I have now taken on the habit of penciling 'FOG' on my calendar. For inquiring minds who want to know, we are at 2 fogs so far for the month and it's only the 5th. (I don't think I missed one in there. I'll have to double check mom's calendar) Wonder what the remainder of the month has in store?

Remember....count those fogs in August! Oh, and here's a good read from the Farmer's Almanac about fogs in August. Clink on the link below.

Until next time . . .

Weather :: Like snow? Count the number of fogs. :: Farmers' Almanac

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Welcome August!

It is so hard to believe it is already August. It seems like it was the beginning of Spring just last month and everything was just starting to green up, the trees were budding, etc . Now we are 3/4 into the year and beginning the road to Fall. School will be starting in a few weeks; many will start school for the first time and others will be entering their final year of high school. Two people come to mind here. My good friend (other sister) Cristina's sweet little Dora will start Kindergarten this year while my eldest niece, Shanea, will be in her Senior year. As one is starting their school days the other is ending one chapter in order to begin another. I'm sure many of my blogs will include the doings of my family. So this part is To Be Continued...

So, it is August. With August, at least in these parts of the country, come those dreaded hot summer days; one more opportunity for summer to punch us in the face with the heat. However, the last few weeks have been unusually pleasant. The mornings and evenings have just been beautiful! Everything is so green and lush; not to mention my yard that will be terrible to mow! It's hard to believe this time last year everything was brown, typical for August, but we were feeding hay to the cattle because there was no rain and no grass to speak of!!! Everyday is a blessing, but I'm thankful how blessed we (my parents) have been in the area of the cattle farm. Speaking of lush, my 4 0'clocks planted by my front porch are in full bloom. They have been for several weeks, but they just keep getting pretty. They are a pleasant burst of color around the house. Some days I just have to lean over the porch and admire God's beauty. It's so hard to believe that plants begin as tiny seeds!

With August, which I've touched on a little, also comes SCHOOL....school starts in three weeks. Just when one gets their child back to normal after being around certain kids for a year it is time to throw them back in the fire again. Oh, I so hope this is a better school year for my sister's sake. I don't understand the thrill of being in trouble all the time and not doing my homework. There is just no fun in that at all. Keeping the fingers crossed for a good year!

Also with August comes the Dog Days of Summer; aka snakes are blind as they are shedding their skins. All I can say about this is I hate snakes. The only good snake is a dead one.

This time last year we began the Biggest Loser at work. I was so excited and energized after losing 42 pounds from August to November. Sad to say I gained much of it back over the course of the year. So, starting today I am getting back on track again. I feel so pumped! Already had my grits this morning followed by a 20 oz bottle of water. After seeing how I looked after just 42 pounds and feeling so great I know now what I can achieve. Even though I hate it tremendously that I gained back, it was a good thing in a way. One, I know I can do it. And, two, I didn't know just how bad and tired I felt before. Now I know and I don't want to live this way anymore! So, I'm going to spend the second half of my year of 30 and into my 31st year fighting the fight to getting healthy.

I don't know of anything else that comes with the month of August. Again, it is hard to believe August is already here. Where does the time go?

Until next time . . .