Follow Me Friday

Downhill

I have been a bit busy. Went back to work yesterday. I do have something to post regarding my day Tuesday but have not had time to do it. I was tired last night and simply sat down and watched my shows on Hulu.

Today it feels like something is waiting to pounce. I hate that feeling. I have no defenses against it except pray for the day to go well and that no harm fall on those I love. If you've read the blog much you know I get these things now and then, with no good effect. I've begun making a habit of noting when I get these feelings. I have to have a reference point and I have to pay attention. If it is just beans I'd like to know. And I'd not mind it at all. We can all have a laugh. But if it is something else, I kind of want to know how to address it.

All right, off to work now. Hope you all have a good day. The weekend is nearing for some of you. Still a day away for me.

Cheating and God: Study ties willingness to cheat, viewpoint on what God is like - latimes.com

The telling statement in this article is "The take-home message is not whether you believe in God, but what God you believe in."

Link

Personally, and I'm sure there will be oppositions to it, I believe in a God of love, peace, integrity, and judgment. He doesn't think I can attain perfection, he simply expects me to try my hardest to attain the highest mark I am capable of. We are capable of far more than we believe. Honest, sincere effort in any endeavor is what counts. Failure is understood but just as I expect my children to get back on the horse, so too does the God of my faith expect me to do so. But knowing to do good and not doing it is sin. Just because a person thinks God loves them is not a licenses to cheat, steal or kill.

My mama always said a person who would steal would also kill. A thief was no better than a murder in the end. For her wrong was wrong was wrong.

Ok, this was interesting but they are simply stating what Christians have said for at least 2000 years. It isn't news except to the ignorant.

Armadillos and leprosy: The animals pass the disease to humans, study finds - latimes.com

Link
Who would have guessed! Thankfully, I've never been tempted to try this "treat".

A Morning Without Rain

That's a good title for a book!

The rain has stopped. I woke up to cloudy skies and the phone ringing around 9 a.m. Immediately I stepped outside to see that the water has again receded back toward the drain but it is by no means gone. There is just too much water in the system for the drains to handle it quickly. All the water here empties into the Ohio River and it is out of its banks. Any drainage areas are already inundated and can't handle run off from the streets.

This is the major problem of building cities along river banks. Water doesn't soak into streets and drives. They acts as sluices and the water rushes along them to the lowest point. What you get is backed up drains.

About half the sewers in Evansville are over 100 yrs old. They've been doing major replacement for about 5 years but it is time consuming to dig up whole streets and lay new drain and put the streets back. Weinbach, one of the streets I have to come down to get to my house, was completely torn up for three years while they replaced the entire system beneath it. It was the biggest mess and a huge inconvenience. And the money for such projects has to be obtained from .... taxpayers.

We do have fewer problem in my neighborhood. This is the 4th time in 20 years I've seen water like this on my street. But the rain we have had this past few weeks exceeds the 1937 flood levels. Our levee held but the water simply backed up or over flowed in areas where there was no levee and spread out across the region and tri-state area. This is where the borders of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky converge as well as the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, two major rivers. I suspect just slightly further downriver where the Missouri and Mississippi converge it is in a similar state so there is nowhere for the excess from the Ohio-Wabash to go but across land. Land that is already saturated by lots of rain. It is like pouring water over a full sponge.

I'm going to get dressed and see if I can get out of the area for a short time. I'm feeling house bound today. I want to see if I can escape. May take the camera with me if I do.Although, I suspect everyone is sick of the videos by now. And I look terrible! Must do the hair today.

I think I see a bit of watery sunshine! Oh... I do. Ta Ta For Now!

Ariel View of Flooding

If you want to take a bird's eye view of our situation, here it is. You will see the are where Mike and I filmed today. Watch for the circular track or the twin bridges. That is where we crossed the river and filmed. This is truly shocking.

Man Dressed as Cow Steals Milk | NBC Washington

Link
Not sure what the cow was thinking.... but it is nice to read something that does not concern politics, war, storms, or violence for a change. Be sure and watch the video.

A New Car!

There she is.... ain't she purty!

Mid-Week Run

I'm back to work and I have had a headache all day long. My knees are
not real happy either. The weather is presumably the culprit since a
co-worker is having the knee problem, too.

I've had a sore throat since yesterday and I suspect walking in the
rain on Monday may be responsible for that. The headache may be a
symptom of this as well. I'm tired and don't feel well but I've
managed to shuffle through a move briefing this morning and this
afternoon, preparing the next months appointments.

Five can't arrive too soon for me. I'm really very tired and want to
take something and lie down. The rest of the week is shaping up to be
a dud.

You all know there is a new car in the parking lot. Well, new to me.
2010 Chrysler Sebring Touring. White Gold with black interior. Roomier
than my Focus and looks a lot nicer, too. I think I got a fairly good
deal and my payment is lower... but the insurance went up so I didn't
get ahead on it. I do like it and am relieved that I have a way to get
about. I don't have to call someone or postpone a trip.

While I had to postpone my overseas trip for the end of May, I have
not canceled my vacation completely. I have to do something to get
away from all this. Really get away. I want to go somewhere that I can
simply sit down and relax and not be expected to do anything for
anyone.

I have to work on the writing a bit more this week. I didn't get to do
anything while I was off. The house was filled and I was on the road
most of the days I was off. When I got home from car shopping I was
ready to drop.

Writer's meeting is tomorrow night but I don't know how many will
show. So far I'm only expecting five of us but that's plenty to go
with. Must clean up a bit this evening but it isn't that bad, really.
Just straightening up and putting away anything we left lying around.

I'm off now until I get home. Will try an post photos tonight.

Did I say it was nice to have a car again?

Rainy Days and Monday

Poured rain most of the night. More to come if you believe the weather maps. Lots more.

We haven't gone car hunting yet. We will later today. I have to take Dave to work and Becca to an interview. He would have done that but had to start his job and she doesn't drive... well, she doesn't have a license. And this afternoon I have to drop her at another appointment. So, my car hunting is going to be punctuated by running for others. I also have Sarah during all this. Not sure how effective we'll be in the car department. But I'm glad Dave got a job so I don't mind so much. And tomorrow I'll ban everyone from the house.

I shall post updates as they occur.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Rain, pouring rain all weekend long and no end in sight! I have to shop for a car in the pouring rain! This is just dreadful.

No, we did not hunt eggs. We could float them but didn't. I'm not sorry and Sarah doesn't know she missed a thing. They had bags of candy filled eggs for the children this morning so she was fine with it. Although, we do not let her sit and eat candy.

I came home and worked on the sweater this afternoon. My aunt and uncle are on their way here. I expect them around seven but we will be at church. I've left them a way into the house so they won't have to sit in the car for two hours. I'm on my way out now, into the downpour and will return later.

Ahoy there, maties! Heave to and hoist the mainsail!

Fit for A King

I'm all dressed in my Easter finery and waiting for my chariot... well, my ride to church. Everyone will be going today but Dave and he has to work.

I know there are numerous folks will be making merry with prize eggs and bunnies and chicks. We didn't do eggs this weekend because it has been pouring rain for days and would only be a mess. I don't particularly miss it. I don't believe in Easter bunnies and eggs. I loved hunting the as a child but you can hunt eggs any time.

There will be numerous folks all decked out today the way we will be. They will be excited because they have a new outfit and will look the best they have looked in a long time.

I not need to search in an empty tomb for the prize. I am dressed in a new garment that bears neither spot or wrinkle. The prize lies in the fact that the tomb is empty. Everyone can win and everyone can wear a garment fit for a King because He lives.

A Real Friday, At Last!

I'm home today. Didn't get up until 8:30. I had to take Dave to his new job and keep Sarah for Becca to have a glucose tolerance test at the lab. She's in the sandbox and I'm here watching out the window. She will start daycare on Monday for Becca to do the Impact program through the state. This, I hope will all help them get on their feet. Impact is a program designed to help families find jobs and become self sufficient. It doesn't work for many because until you have a job you have to go to class. Most of the recipients are lazy I know. They're on my program and more than a few get sanctioned for refusing to participate. Most do it because while in the program you can get financial assistance as well.

Anyway, I'm here in the dinning room/den watching out the window as she sails across the yard in her bakery sandbox. She is always baking. I suspect that someday, Sarah may want to be a cook.

I took a break of about 30 minutes and washed dishes and vacuumed up sand.... The rain started and Sarah has had to come inside. Once I was done with chores, we opened doors and windows and let the freshening breeze blow through the house. We spent several minutes on the porch watching the rain but I am getting pretty tired of opening doors, moving kitchens, and other items. She doesn't seem to like playing alone. I never had the problem with the boys and can only assume it is because she has adults home with her all day.

Becca says she plays in her room but since we don't actually have a play room that's not possible. And she doesn't like going in any room here alone. I've never understood that about her. She always acts as if someone is going to jump out at her.

She just wanted to close the door and I told her no that I liked the breeze. She said, "O.k. I'm going out here and ignore you." I told her, "That's o.k. I'll ignore you, too." Her cold shoulder lasted about two minutes. She is developing her manipulation techniques. I'm not easily manipulated.

It is going on 11 now and I really need to get up and do several things... namely sleeves.

Oh, I wanted to thank everyone for their comments on The Watcher. That story has not been really edited. I did a few grammar checks and spell check but not much else. I was just glad to get something on paper. I like the way the picture generated ideas.

I'm off to do something else. HRH is calling.

Tis Thursday!

Eight hours between me and a long weekend! I am so thankful.

I went to bed before midnight last night. Is that not astounding? In fact, I think I was in bed before 11:30. At any rate, this morning is the first in ages that I have not had to get up and feel as if I were still in the middle of a deep sleep. I was sleepy but not as much as usual. I hope today will productive and wakeful.

I must get to bed before 10. That is the goal to shoot for. I think it was the summer after Jerry died when I was doing that and I was not having nearly the pain problems I've had since. Could have been last summer but I don't think so. I can't actually separate those two years ... odd. I mean, they seem to be blended when I try and think "did I do that in 09 or 10".

Sun is shinning but 43 is not warm. I'm o.k. with it. It is still too early for 80 degree weather. I don't think it is good for plants and animals either. But it would be lovely to have a nice 68 degree weekend... without rain. I want to dye eggs with Sarah and hunt eggs. I want to look for a car and dry weather is better for that.

I didn't crochet last night. I watched television shows on HULU. I actually cooked food. Had black-eyed peas!

Oh... got to run. Time to leave for work.

Howdy Neighbor!

That's what I've been saying to Sarah lately when I see her. She now says it to me with a grin.

I've been busy as a bee. Just got back from the bank. I got two more refund checks on the car loan! I can't figure out where it is coming from! But that means another $500 on the down payment. I'm very glad for all that.

I've finished the shawl. Did I tell that already? I finished it Sunday. And now I need to work on the sweater. Or jacket, as Sarah called it. I've been writing a short piece based on a one of my computer wallpapers. I'll post it for you soon as I feel it is finished.

I've been working on my story for the group critique. Not sure what I'll have done but we shall see. I'm struggling with structure.

I do not sleep well at all without the doxepin. But the trade off is I'm exhausted all day the next day, as if I didn't get enough sleep. So, starting today I'm taking it every other night. I'm hoping once I adjust to it, I can go back to every night. Either way, the sleep is much better with than without. I had a restless night last night without and had a nightmare. I also have more aches and pains without it. The dizziness I've been plagued with is better but no completely gone. I still get mild bouts of it and my ears still fell a bit congested. I can't get to physical therapy for it because I have no way to go.....

Same old song.

I'm going to bed earlier tonight. I did last night and that may be why I was restless. I don't know. I slept but kept waking up, particularly after the nightmare. Very unsettling. I don't handle them so well anymore. Used to, if I woke from one, I would be fine once I woke and saw Jerry. Now, I look around at the doors and windows because I feel as if I'm being watched. Not fun when you've dreamed something is after you or whatever I dreamed. And when I go back to sleep it is a nervous sleep rather than a good rest. I'll wake a couple more times with a start.

I'm on my way to shower and more comfortable clothing. Hope your evening is pleasant.

The Universal Prayer

Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith.
I trust in you: strengthen my trust.
I love you: let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow.

I worship you as my first beginning,
I long for you as my last end,
I praise you as my constant helper,
and call on you as my loving protector.

Guide me by your wisdom,
correct me with your justice,
comfort me with your mercy,
protect me with your power.

I offer you, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on you;
my words: to have you for their theme;
my actions: to reflect my love for you;
my sufferings: to be endured for your greater glory.

I want to do what you ask of me:
in the way you ask,
for as long as you ask,
because you ask it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding,
strengthen my will,
purify my heart,
and make me holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins
and to resist temptation in the future.
Help me to rise above my human weaknesses
and to grow stronger as a Christian.

Let me love you, my Lord and my God,
and see myself as I really am:
a pilgrim in this world,
a Christian called to respect and love
all whose lives I touch,
those in authority over me
or those under my authority,
my friends and my enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness,
greed by generosity,
apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself
and reach out toward others.

Make me prudent in planning,
courageous in taking risks.
Make me patient in suffering,
unassuming in prosperity.

Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer,
temperate in food and drink,
diligent in my work,
firm in my good intentions.

Let my conscience be clear,
my conduct without fault,
my speech blameless,
my life well-ordered.

Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.
Let me cherish your love for me,
keep your law,
and come at last to your salvation.

Teach me to realize that this world is passing,
that my true future is the happiness of heaven,
that life on earth is short,
and the life to come eternal.

Help me to prepare for death
with a proper fear of judgment,
but a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death
to the endless joy of heaven.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

~ Attributed to Pope Clement XI (23 July 1649 – 19 March 1721)

Sailing with Sarah

I'm sitting on the patio at the moment. When I got home Dave and Becca were cutting my yard. It looks very nice now with the grass cut and green. Sarah was pretending the patio is a ship and she was the crew. We were the passengers. Now she has found her way to the sandbox and is playing.

There is a cool breeze blowing and the sun has now begun to set. I will soon go inside and get ready for bed. I like my back yard and this time of year is always my favorite. I wish I didn't have to work. I'd be back here all day.

The Cardinals are back and chirping up a storm. The bright red is clearly visible in the new foliage of the trees. I saw two males earlier. They'll find a lady to fight over and soon there will be a pair and the lone male will have to find a new territory.

I will close this now and get something to eat.

Wednesday Nite Visit

Sarah came over tonight because she had cabin fever and had overwhelmed her parents. She's been just fine. Played in the sandbox, watched a move, got a bath and played till Dave picked her up at 9. I think she was in a good mood and but was suffering cabin fever. She sees the same people all the time and gets bored.

I am going to bed. My medicine is working. I've been sleeping hard and fast and so I'm going to keep doing it. We canceled the writer's meeting tomorrow night. I have nothing written. I was sick for a couple of weeks and this last week I've been exhausted. The doxepin makes me sleep really good but I have to get enough hours or I'm tired the next day. I haven't got it balanced yet.

So, off to bed I go. TTFN

Euphemisms

I have always loved language and particularly the English language. We
speakers of English, both the pure English and those who bastardize
it, have found strange and often amusing expressions to describe what
we think and feel. One source of a great number of our expressions
comes from the Bible. I said once I'd post some of them.

Today I ran across one that reminded me.

Take "He's half-baked." That's in the Bible. Hosea 7:8 says: "Ephraim,
he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.
" Ephraim is half-baked.

Another is "I escaped by the skin of my teeth." Job 19:20 says: My
bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the
skin of my teeth.

I'll drop these in as I run across them.

Solar Roads?

The wave of the future? And an absolutely brilliant idea!
http://www.wimp.com/solarhighways/