Moooooo and Baaaaaaaa BnB

After picking the strawberries, it was a short ride to the next destination.

White House Farm Bed and Breakfast

The lawn was perfectly manicured. The large pecan trees were dressed with new leaves and shaded the yard with fragmented shadows. We were invited inside by the owners (Anna and Christian Yoders) and received a tour of the three rooms available that welcome guest with the names – Magnolia Room, Rose Room and Spring Banquet Room.

But it was the things outside that sparked our interest. Pheasants (Rainbow, Golden and Silver) Bantam and regular size chickens and Great Pyrenees mom and dad and their 5 week old pups. Sheep, peafowl and cat and kittens. Including a set of quads that were just opening their eyes for the first time.




Anna saw that we also had a love for animals and made sure we enjoy our time on their farm. “Would you like to hand feed the sheep?”


4 o’clock, whether it is AM or PM is a busy time on the farm. The 120 to 130 Holsteins will gather outside the milking parlor. Inverted showers give the ladies their twice a day rinsing. Twelve at a time they walk up the ramp to the line of four legged steel and rubber spiders. Fifteen minutes later, 30 pounds of milk per cow is delivered to the 1000 gallon stainless steel tank. (That’s about 7 gallons per cow daily).




One of the ladies is a recent transfer from Pennsylvania. She was apparently spoiled as a calf and still craves human interaction. We were invited to give her a hug!!!

Strawberry Fields Forever...

Nope, not the Lennon/McCartney collaboration...

Rather, one of the sweetest, ready to eat fruits around. I remember picking strawberries as a youngin'. Let's see - one in pail, one in mouth, two in pail, three in mouth.


Blackberries were done the same way, except you had to worry about the chiggers crawling on your legs.

After lunch on Tuesday, we drove over to Kauffman Farm Market.

Fields of plastic covered rows with straw covering have become the accepted practice of planting for many crops. And for sure it was in use here. But another method was also employed... A unique planting technique eliminated the stooping over to pick the berries from ankle height. Pyramids of 4 pots were stacked, largest of about 10 inches at the bottom to 4 inches on top. With the irrigation pipes acting as the trunks, it made for rows of strawberry trees. The results were an easier harvest and virtually grass/weed free crop. The ruby jewels glistened against the towered emerald backdrop. Each one with the promise of juicy goodness.

A pair of puppies slept and played in the greenhouse.

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream! How and the world did we have room for a cup so shortly after the lunch we had enjoyed. But we did!

Can you guess what this is???

You may have passed many as you drove through the country side. But most likely you've never seen one from the inside... I hadn't. My engineering mind went crazy with possibilities!

From the Halls of Montezuma...

The journey began at 9:30 this morning. 19 folks loaded into the church bus. We traveled the sixty seven miles that took a little under two hours (with the 'necessary' stops). But we travel back in time... to a simpler time and life.

Montezuma, Georgia was our destination. Just outside Montezuma is a large community of Beachy Amish Mennonites. The roots of these Mennonites go back to the Old Order Amish of Somerset County, Pennsylvania and they share many of the same beliefs. They wear plain clothes and the women wear head coverings. Unlike the Amish, they have church buildings, drive automobiles and use electricity. But they do not watch television or participate in other forms of modern entertainment..

We were a few minutes early for the 11:30 opening time for the Yoder's Deitsch Haus Restaurant and Bakery. So we made the loop around the area viewing the various farms in the community and the options for the afternoon of sights and shopping. More on those later.

The food is served cafeteria style. But the selections are nothing like the ones 'the Lunch Lady' of your school days flopped on your tray.

First of all, right after the salad bar, was the deserts. "Life's short... Eat Desert First!" Pecan Pie, Buttermilk Chess Pie, Coconut Pie, Lemon Custard, Strawberry Pie, Chocolate Pie. Mmmmmm, PIE!!!

Meatloaf, Shredded Roast Beef, Skillet Fried Chicken, Pineapple Glazed Ham, Fish Fillets, Meat Balls in a yummy looking sauce.

Rice and Gravy, perfect Mash Taters, Mac and Cheese, Turnip Greens, Creamed Corn, Fried Apples, Fried Okra, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole, Yeast Rolls and Corn Muffins.

The food was excellent, the atmosphere was just right for a relaxing meal, the waitstaff was courteous and attentive.

The sign out front


Our Waitress

After the meal, we visited the gift shop and investaged the 'Tea Rooms' and Gazebos.

The old tractors brought back some great memories... I remember driving a Model A John Deere on my uncles' farm so many years ago --- that one seemed much larger or was I much smaller?!?

Onion Festival Emptyness

From Yahoo News:

The Navy Blue Angels were back home Monday to regroup and mourn the loss of one of their pilots, killed in a crash while performing in one of his first air shows with the team.

Witnesses said the plane clipped a stand of pine trees before it went down in a South Carolina neighborhood Saturday. Investigators were still examining the wreckage, and the Navy said it could be three weeks or more before it announces what caused of the crash.

At the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis's parking space was turned into a makeshift memorial with flowers and posters remembering the 32-year-old pilot.

One poster read: "We will always remember No. 6." A small note said: "God bless your soul. Fly high Blue Angel."

Davis was from Pittsfield, Mass., and was in his second year with the Blue Angels, the team known for its high-speed, aerobatic demonstrations, said Lt. Cmdr. Garrett Kasper.

The rest of his squadron decided not to participate in a weekend airshow in Vidalia, Ga., and returned home to tearful reunion with family members late Sunday, Kasper said.

VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL AIR SHOWPRESS RELEASE

APRIL 23, 2007 VIDALIA – The Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show expresses their utmost condolences to the family of Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis of the United States Blue Angels, who died in a tragic accident at the Marine Corp Air Station Air Show in Beaufort, South Carolina.

While the Blue Angels will not be able to perform in Vidalia, Georgia this weekend, the Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show remains on schedule and dedicates their show in his memory. There will be some of the nation’s best aerial acts including Team Aeroshell, the Air Force A-10 Jet Demonstration Team, a B-2 Bomber and F-117 Stealth flyover, the World Extreme Motocross Stunt Team, the U.S. Air Force Reserve Jet Car and many other exceptional performers.

At the moment I am less than 1/4 mile from the runway at the Vidalia Airport. Onion Festival Officials are making attempts to fill the void. They will not be able. There will be an emptyness feel this weekend by all that attend. It's enough to make even Yumion shed a tear.

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis (call sign “Kojak”)
Photo and Bio - Blue Angel: Official Website

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1992 where he played football and was active with the Civil Air Patrol. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with honors in 1996.

Kevin reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Officer Candidate School and aviation indoctrination in September 1996. He completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk, and received his wings of gold in June 1999.

Kevin reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for training in the F-14 Tomcat and was the “Top Stick” in his class. In July 2000 he reported to the VF-11 “Red Rippers” where he completed deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). While with the “Red Rippers,” Kevin served as the airframes/corrosion branch officer, air-to-ground training officer and head landing signals officer. His deployments included extended operations in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In July 2003, Kevin transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet through Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) at NAS Lemoore, California, and then reported to the Fighter Composite Squadron (VFC-12) “Omars,” stationed at NAS Oceana, Virginia. While at VFC-12, Kevin served as a Navy adversary pilot providing valuable air-to-air training for fleet squadrons. In December of 2004, Kevin graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as an adversary pilot. During his tour at VFC-12, Kevin worked as the schedules officer, legal officer, FRS/SFARP officer and assistant operations officer.

Kevin joined the Blue Angels in September 2005. He has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Air Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.

At Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, the site of Saturday's crash, a somber crowd watched Sunday as six jets flew overhead in formation. Smoke streamed behind one of the jets as it peeled away from the others to complete the "missing man formation," the traditional salute for a lost military aviator.

"The spirit of the pilot is in the arms of a loving God," said Rob Reider, a minister who was the announcer for the air show.

I pray that God will bless and comfort his family and his fellow Blue Angels and the support team.

And God bless the U.S.A.

Update:

The crash took place in the final minutes of the air show, said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Walley, a Blue Angel pilot. He said the name of the pilot would not be released until relatives were notified of the death.

“Our squadron and the entire U.S. Navy are grieving the loss of a great American, a great Naval officer and a great friend,” Walley said.

A Navy statement said the pilot had been on the team for two years — and it was his first as a demonstration pilot. The accident was under investigation, the statement said.

Blue Angels - Vidalia Onion Festival - Now in Question???

The 30th Vidalia Onion Festival is this coming week. The Airshow has always been a huge draw. Last year, we had a steak cookout at work on Friday, while the airshow participants when through the practice program. The Blue Angels put on a fine show. Enough to make the heart of any American skip a beat.

The Blue Angels are scheduled to come to south Georgia again. While watching the NASCAR race from Phoenix this evening, I was looking for the Blue Angel website. A news website popped up:

BY BRUCE SMITH
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Saturday, April 21st 2007, 7:34 PM

BEAUFORT, S.C. - A Navy Blue Angel jet crashed during an air show Saturday, plunging into a neighborhood of small homes and trailers and killing the pilot, the county coroner said.

Witnesses said the planes were flying in formation during the show at the Marine Corps Air Station and one dropped below the trees and crashed, sending up clouds of smoke. At least one home was on fire.

Raymond Voegeli, a plumber, was backing out of a driveway when the plane ripped through a grove of pine trees, dousing his truck in flames and debris. He said wreckage hit "plenty of houses and mobile homes."

"It was just a big fireball coming at me," said Voegeli, 37. "It was just taking pine trees and just clipping them."

County Coroner Curt Copeland said the pilot was killed, but did not release an identification. Copeland said there was a lot of debris at the crash site and described the scene as horrific.

John Sauls, who lives near the crash site, said the planes were banking back and forth before one disappeared, and a plume of smoke shot up.

"It's one of those surreal moments when you go, 'No, I didn't just see what I saw,"' Sauls said.

At the Blue Angels command headquarters at Pensacola Naval Air Station the petty officer on duty said he "had no comment at this time."

The phone rang unanswered at the Marine base.

More than 100,000 were expected to attend the air show and the Blue Angels were the main attraction. The elite aerial-demonstration team, which is based at Pensacola Naval Air Station, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Beaufort is about 35 miles northwest of Hilton Head Island.

I read on another news site that it was the Number 6 Aircraft that crashed.

Navy Blue Angel Number 6 minutes before it crashed during an air show in South Carolina.

Smoke rises after the F-18 fell to the earth.

Missing Man Formation by the Blue Angels*

*Official U.S. Navy Photo

Today, we are all Hokies...

From an email I received today!

Can you find your school?

(Click on the Image to Enlarge)

South Georgia Fires

In my April 15th post, I told you about the dry conditions and fire warnings for the region. One of the driest areas is around the Okefenokee Swamp. The Okefenokee is the largest peat-based "blackwater" swamp in North America. The name comes from the Mikasuki word meaning "trembling earth" - referring to the spongy peat bogs.

For a week now, firefighters have been battling two wildfires. More than 1000 people have been forced from their homes and 14 houses have been destroyed. The fire has spread over 45 miles of tinder-dry pine and cypress forest. The fires are now on the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The larger of the two fires started Monday when a tree fell on a power line. But it has edged toward the wet prairie area and has slowed down and is 30% contained. Higher humidity and decreasing winds have also aided firefighters. But officials worried about stronger wind over the weekend spreading any flames. The cause of the smaller fire was still unknown.

Fire danger map showing drought conditions

The winds this week have been from the west and the northwest. Had they been from the south, we would be smoked over - like we experienced during the Florida fires of 1998.

Southeast Georgia is extremely dry, with rainfall deficits of 6 to 8 inches for the year. We pray for rain and for the safety of the firefighters and the residents of the area.





Including this one:

Pogo the Possum by Walt Kelly

Brrrr-rrrummmp

Three summers ago, Brooke went fishing with Johnny (her Daddy/bio-grandfather) at Lake Sinclair. Besides catching fish and sun rays, Brooke also caught a little fellow. She brought him (or her) home with her and released him (or her) in the Kio pond. As a tapole, he (she) would swim about the pond. The first year the morphing into a frog was a very slow process. Rear legs were the first to appear, then the front legs. The next year, weight gain and tail loss. This year the vocal cords are being heard.

It has been very hard to get a photo of the bullfrog of the pond. Only by sneaking a shot through the window was I able to shoot the Rana catesbeiana. I think she is most likely a girl frog. I think her name is Rosie...

Rosie the Ribbeter

Areo Acrobat

Captured this fellow showing out, both in color and his aerodynamic abilities.

We have only seen three or four individuals this spring. And there may be some reason for that... The Easter Morning cold snap is discussed on the hummingbird.net:

From the email I've been receiving, it's obvious that lots of people are concerned about the April 2007 cold snap and its effects on the Ruby-throated migration. I don't have many specific answers about this unusual event, but I do have a few theories and opinions. The stage was set by an unusually warm early spring, with no significant cold fronts during the entire month of March. As a result, although the arrival of the first migrants on the Gulf coast was normal, some birds made extraordinary speed northward with no bad weather to slow them down. In my opinion, the spring hummingbird migration is constrained by the availability of active insects, not by the blooming of flowers, and there were plenty of bugs for the earliest birds to eat. Freezing temperatures are not a direct factor in hummingbird mortality; healthy Ruby-throated tolerate nights in the teens easily, but freezing weather limits insect activity. Hummers can do without nectar, but they need bugs at least every few days or their nutrition suffers (including their tolerance for cold).

By the first week of April, a few birds had made remarkable progress, particularly into the midwest, which saw unseasonable highs in the 80s. Everyone knew a cold front was long overdue, and it was a nasty one, bringing thunderstorms, hail, sleet, and snow. Hummingbirds do not migrate in flocks.

Each bird has its own internal clock and migration schedule, probably inherited; the migration starts with just a few individuals in early March, builds over several weeks, then tapers off until it's essentially over by June. The dates on the map reflect the earliest birds, not the vast bulk of the population. Since they are spread out both geopraphically and temporally, the species limits its vulnerability to catastrophic conditions, including bad weather. This is also why you may not see any hummingbirds for weeks after the map shows sightings in your area--if a hummer passed through a yard two houses away, you probably wouldn't
notice.

So, a very small percentage of the Ruby-throated population had the misfortune to be caught on the wrong side of the cold front. Will they survive?

There's little research or precedent to suggest answers, but I would expect most individuals to find enough shelter and food to manage, while some others will not. There's an advantage to being first to arrive--a chance to claim the best breeding territories--but there's always a risk of outrunning the food supply. If climate change is moving toward earlier springs, these risk-taking hummers will be in the forefront of an evolutionary shift to earlier migration schedules. But climate deals with averages, over long periods of time, while weather has immediate and dramatic effects. Climate affects populations; weather affects individuals.

What can you do to help? Don't wait to hang your feeders until after you see hummingbirds. Let the map guide your timing. The standard 1:4 feeder syrup won't start to freeze unless nights drop below about 27 degrees Fahrenheit, and even a slushy feeder is better than none at all. You don't need to worry about insects or shelter, because hummers are adept at finding both on their own.

It's heartwrenching to think of hummingbirds dying from the cold, but remember only a small portion of the population is affected, and they're tougher and more resourceful than you might think. I'm more concerned about what's happened to the wildflowers on which the rest of the species will depend as they head north. The loss of flower resources might have a much harsher impact overall than the direct effects of cold weather on the leading edge of the migration. Remember that many hummingbirds never use feeders, so try to replace the freeze-damaged flowers in your garden as soon as you can.

Looks like we need to make a trip to Chas Mar!

Goslings and Ducklings

It's that time of year again! Sarah and Mama spotted five gosling's following Mother and Father Goose on the pond this afternoon!

And they swam and they swam, all over the dam!

Of course, we had to hold one of the babies. He was light as a feather and downy soft!

We placed him on the ground and Mama "honked" once and he ran as fast as his little goose legs would carry him....



Mother and Children Reunion!

It's like the other four are saying, "Hey, where you been???"

... and, remember the baby ducks from four years ago? shhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone... There is a Mama Duck that has been on the nest for about 18 days now!!!

Red Sky in Morning...

As I was leaving this morning...

A panoramic of three separate shots.

Reflections

My blog usually doesn't reflect the things that most would consider current events. While I watch more news than movies, listen to NPR on my commute to work and read the news websites, I usually just absorb the tit-bits and don't write about them. But what happened yesterday, I am moved to express my feelings.

The news yesterday from Virginia Tech is not shocking to me. Don’t get me wrong – it is a tragedy. In my 50 years, America has changed. Crime, even in small towns, has exploded. The nightly news has become a grocery list of the wrongs that people have committed against their fellow man. We cringe at the reports of yet another injustice done to the innocent. But, the evil that we hear about is not new. Are we just more exposed to it? Everything thought to be news worthy hits the airways. Shock Jocks and Reporters are stirring the pot. Over 24 straight hours of news coverage and counting. And we watch, like the proverbial train wreck, we watch.

I followed the headlines on the Internet yesterday.

12 Killed at Virginia Tech…
22 Reported Dead on Virginia Tech Campus…
32 Dead in the Worst Massacre Ever…

I am afraid that we are yet to see the Worst Massacre Ever!

So… Why did it happen? Can it happen in my hometown? Is the school down the street the next one to have dozens of T.V. news vans with satellite dishes on top in the parking lot?

Why??? Human nature? Can’t people just get along? Why do people feel that they must get even with someone that has wrong them? Where is the Golden Rule? What about forgiveness? In the midst of such disastrous event, where can we turn?

How about God?

I'm praying for my town, my region, my state, my country. I'm praying for what we as Christians have called revival. A renewal of God's Spirit, God's love and God's grace. This is the only way true forgiveness can be expressed and experienced.

For the Victims at Virginia Tech

"If Everyone Cared" by NickelBack

From underneath the trees,

we watch the sky

Confusing stars for satellites

I never dreamed that you'd be mine

But here we are, we're here tonight



Singing Amen, I, I'm alive ( I'm alive )

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive.



[Chorus:]If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day when nobody died



And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, ( I'm alive)



And in the air the fireflies

Our only light in paradise

We'll show the world they were wrong

And teach them all to sing along



Singing Amen, I, I'm alive (I'm alive )

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive...



[Chorus x2]



And as we lie beneath the stars

We realize how small we are

If they could love like you and me

Imagine what the world could be

If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day when nobody died

When nobody died...



[Chorus]



We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day when nobody died

Rain and Wind

Last night the weather got rough again in southern Georgia.

As we head for bed last night, the thunder had just started rolling. I let Metro outside to take care of business one more time. The rain was just beginning, the deck was sprinkled with drops.

Our last rain of any significance was 31 days ago. We have been in a no burn Red Flag warning for most of March and all of April. The Georgia Weather website has reported Slight Drought Conditions:

Most of Georgia is now experiencing mild drought conditions. The state has been teetering between abnormally dry and mild drought since spring 2006. An abnormally dry winter has led to very dry soils, record to near-record low stream flows, low reservoir and farm pond levels and dropping groundwater levels across most of Georgia.

Stream flows statewide are abnormally low for late March, too. The U.S. Geological Survey reports record low daily flows on the Flint River near Griffin, Alcovy above Covington and Middle Oconee near Athens.

Most rivers and streams north and west of a line from Brunswick to Dublin to Lincolnton are at or below the 10th percentile for the date. At the 10th percentile, we expect more water in the streams nine out of 10 years.

Most major lakes in the state are near the desired level for late March. West Point, Walter F. George, Clarks Hill, Allatoona and Carters are all at or slightly above the guidance level for late March. Lanier, Hartwell and Seminole are running 0.5 to 1.66 feet low for late March.

Farm ponds across much of the state are low.

The state had less than desirable groundwater recharge this winter. Groundwater levels are dropping statewide

We finally got rain last night, nearly two inches overnight. And we got some wind…

Just to our north, folks in Eastman and Dublin got more than just wind and rain! Either small tornadoes or severe straight line winds did damage in Dodge and Laurens counties.

Photos of the damage to the Press Box at DCHS football field

~ Photos by Kim Turner and submitted to 13WMAZ.com

The tornadoes that took the lives of 8 souls on March 1st were about 30 miles away. Last night, the winds were within 15 miles.

William sung a very appropriate song this morning.

Words and Music by Mosie Lister copyright 1958

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howl above me, and there's no hiding place.

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,

For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,

Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;

In that land where the tempest, never comes,

Lord, may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

This storm will continue to cause concern for the next several days, forecasted to turn into a Nor'easter which will impact Mid-Alantic and New England coastlines and states.

Keep 'em safe till the storm passes by...

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39

Friday the 13th

Actual email from my boss:

Bob, I heard from Alex last night that they’re having difficulty doing the reversal test, on the medium and large sizes - - he claims it’s difficult to get the umbrella to reverse because of the double canopy construction. Would you pls have someone video you doing several cycles of the reversal test, to show him how you do it? Send to me first so I can review before sending it overseas.

So I get an umbrella from stock with Ashley running the video camera. And POW! I destroy the first one. I dig in the box of rejects from last year. POW! Two up and two down. OK, let's try another one. Great, I'm pitching a NO HITTER!

The last umbrella is taken from my retains. FINALLY, a good take!

I get back to my desk, review the 15 second mpeg and it dawns on me. It is Friday the 13th!!!

I have never been into the rituals of luck:

• crossing out a black cat that happens in my path only causes fingerprints on the windshield
• not walking under a ladder is a safety issue
• finger crossing is for forming the letter R in sign language
• four leaf clovers - they're just rare, unless you live near a nuclear plant - then you may have 5 or 6 or 27 leaves
• pennies heads down or heads up are going in my pocket - that's 1/100 of a buck
• horseshoes are for horses, not over doors

There is no such thing a karma or luck for the christian. Rather, we receive blessings. And more than we deserve.

Why the voice of Buck Owens stuck in my head?

Gloom, despair and agony on me
Deep, dark depression Excessive misery
If it weren't for bad luck
I'd have no luck at all
Gloom, despair and agony on me

Remember When...

Kuhn’s 5 & 10 and Lay’s Five and Dime were where you really wanted to go on Saturday morning. The hardwood floors would squeak up a storm as you walked the aisles in Kuhn’s. King's Department Store. Fraley's Furniture. Cook's Department Store and the fire that destoryed it. Cedar shavings on court house square. Turning the handle on the parking meters.

Miss Nancy on Romper Room

Boyce Hawkins, Bob Lobertini, George Goldtrap (with his flipping chalk) and Bill Hall were the T.V weathermen

Marcia Trimble’s name was used as a reminder to be home when you were told to be home

Roma Pizza, Dean’s Dairyland and the lunch counters at City Drugs and Stewart’s Pharmacy

“Look at us we’re walking”

Getting ready for school while watching Ralph Emory and hoping Snow Bird would show up and Keith Bilbrey would name your county

The smell of the library and the Elkin's Hardware Store

WBMC, WAKI, WLAC and KDF

Purity Dairies cow said "it must be nice to be wanted".

Avalon Dairy and 8 ounce cartons of milk

Weekday afternoons of: Dialing for Dollar and The Big Show

Huell Howser, Oprah Winfrey and Pat Sajak before they went on to bigger things

Field trips to the Park Theater and Warren County Airport or if you were really good - Cumberland Caverns!!!


Cooper & Martin, HG Hills, Lentz Cee Bee

Warren County Livestock and Agricultural Fair

S&H Green Stamps and Top Value Stamps

McMinnville Central Bulldogs and McMinnville City Rebels

Sonic to Dean's Dairyland and back again, and again, and again, and again, and again...

The sound of drumming finger on desk...

Usually a treadmill test is started in the early morning, checked on occasionally but otherwise forgotten until the end of the day when it really gets cranked up.

But not on the latest request:

30 minutes on
5 minutes off
30 minutes on
5 minutes off
repeat ad nauseum... or until 8 hours is reached.

There has got to be better use of a treadmill than this:

And there IS!!!




OK GO... Here it Goes Again

The dude in the red slacks nearly slipped at 2:04!!! Bwahahahaha!!!

Miracle

Lawrence is an amazing man. I have work along side him on several occasions. On the roof of the sanctuary – in the landscape surrounding the building – in the heat of church attic in the middle of the summer – cutting lumber for him for the new orchestra pit behind the pulpit - under the preacher's house. He was never tiring, or so it seemed. He would work circles around me, even though he is 18 years my senior.

Even more amazing is the fact that Lawrence did all this with a less than visible handicap. He wears prosthetic from just below his right knee.

He had walked into his shop one October afternoon – some seven years ago – to put away the odd tool, to rummage around for a scrap of lumber or perform some other mundane task. As he stood near the small air compressor, decay and oxidation give way to force, and the tank exploded. After painful therapy and rehab, Lawrence was able to get back to the labor he loved – doing for others and serving the Lord with his hands as well as his heart.

I could only imagine working with him before that accident. Or rather, in his dust…

On November 3rd of last year, near tragedy walloped Lawrence again. He was trimming and clearing dead pine trees around his house. He was on a scaffold on a fork lift, some 40 feet in the air, handling a chainsaw. Only problem was - he forgot to place the safety chain around the forks of the machinery.

Being an engineer, I did the math.

• 32 feet second per second


• 40 feet in the air


• 6 square inches of heel

I came up with – trying to stop a one ton car, traveling at 45 miles per hour with the heel of one foot. Since Lawrence tried to protect his right leg, all of the impact was absorbed by his left side.

Damage was intense. A broken left hip, broken femur, shattered knee joint and knee cap, broken tibia and fibula and a general rearrangement of the metatarsals.

A hip replacement and pins to realign the upper leg were the first order of business. External Pins in the lower leg with a splint (not a cast) until the pins were removed. Additional surgeries for the knee and heels were discussed and planned. But they are yet to happen. Early on, the doctors thought he would be bed bound for many months and confined to a wheel chair for years, if not the rest of his life.

Around the middle of January, Lawrence was back at church. On the first Sunday of February, he was back teaching our Sunday School class from a wheel chair. Three weeks later, he was walking with the aid of a walker.

This pass week I witnessed something that many would consider a miracle.

During Passion Week communion, Lawrence walked from the back of the sanctuary to the front and returned to his seat in the back of the auditorium by taking security on the ends of the pews.

Did I mention that “Lawrence is an amazing man” ???
He IS a WALKING testimony!

Lawrence during the Valentine's Banquet 02/09/07

Here comes Peter Cottontail… Brrrrrrr…. Ouch!

As we rode to Sunrise Services this morning, the thermometer in the overhead console glowed 30° F. You come to expect a cool snap around Easter, but this year was very unusual. This Easter falls right in the middle of the five week span which defines the day.

Easter festival should be celebrated throughout the Christian world on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. If the full moon should occur on a Sunday and thereby coincide with the Passover festival, Easter should be commemorated on the Sunday following.

Full moon was this past Monday – after the first day of Spring last month on the 21st. Spring has been kinda strange across the eastern half of the nation. Three of three MLB games scheduled in Cleveland this weekend were cancelled – DUE TO SNOW!

The air conditioner was running just four days ago (temperature was just short of the 90° mark) --- the heat has been on for the last 3 days.

Standing on the front courtyard of church this morning, jackets covered pastels. Sandals were endured for the few moments until Grace was said for the breakfast that waited in the Fellowship Hall. And damage was done to the tender vegetation around the farm.

Crepe myrtle

Pecan

Paulownia

Potatoes in the Garden

Hydrangea and Metro

Watching the Master's this afternoon, Amen Corner (and especially the 13th) is just beautiful with Dogwood and Azalea.

Grand ol' Ladies of the South

The Old South is full of them. Some are better preserved that others. Show cases of "old times there". I can only imagine the tales walls could tell and the history that passed by the Main Street out front for nearly two centuries.

This specimen is in a sad condition. The Corinthian columns are decaying at their bases. The side protocol is caving in under it own weight. The front balcony is infested with honey bees (they were swarming around the broken boards).



We peeked into the windows. There is indications of someone working on the old place. The floor are clean. The inside is clear of any real damage. The stairs (both the front and rear) appeared to be in decent condition, no warping or missing treads. The kitchen is void of any evidence of any meal ever being prepared. It is like the old girl is being prepared for a grand ball some time in the distant furture.

It is going to take a lot of work and money to redress this Southern Lady!

I can't help but wonder... What kind of homes would have been the norm if the War of Northern Aggressions had turn out differently?

Merlinda

When Maggie died last fall, Merlinda took over as Head Hen. When allowed freedom from the chicken pen, the four red hens (Merlinda, Melissa, Mildred, & Margaret) along with Marty and Martha scratched and hunted for bugs all over the yard. And when Marty would call at the discovery of a treasure, Merlinda would be the first in line for the morsel.

Then something happened, we are not sure what. But I am blaming a mean Nanny Goat. Around the middle of January, we noticed Merlinda was hopping on one foot. Her right leg (thigh and drumstick for the culinary) just kinda flopped without purpose. At the same time, she lost her status in the pecking order. She was being abused by the other hens in her weakness. We removed her from the coop and made a small pen for her under the carport.

And a fine pen it was… One inch EVA foam to act as insulation from the cold concrete - fresh straw for bedding (changed regularly) - a heavy gate as a top for security - and a blanket for shielding Merlinda from the winds that circle around the breezeway - fresh water and food & daily treats. She was enjoying the spoiling.

Amateur vets to the rescue – we splinted the leg. For six weeks, we pampered and petted her while she wore her blue painter’s tape cast. She even received ‘spa treatments’. Did you know that chickens are somewhat potty trainable? We didn’t either!!!

Yesterday, Merlinda was moved from the rehab center back to the coop. She protested! But as darkness came with the end of day, she hopped one rail at a time till she made it to the roosting rail at the top. The victory was bittersweet, we felt like our chicken had cut the apron strings and we were empty nesters.

Morning report: Merlinda is either afraid to or is not able to descend the rails to ground level on her own. I guess we will have to install a handicapped ramp.

April Wises

We have received many a ribbing from our Anniversary date. But it was the most convenient time for us the head to the mountains to get married. We told no one except our parents of our plans. Buddy and Sissy had preceded us with a Smokey Mountain wedding by just a few months and acted as our escorts and our Best Man and Matron of Honor.

We left work Thursday afternoon, with our luggage packed the night before to head for Lawrenceville. Friday would find the foursome heading toward Tennessee. Friday afternoon, we arrived in Pigeon Forge to obtain the license and do a little shopping.

Our time was set for 5:00 p.m. We are early and got to see those before us having their photos taken in the various scenes that were set.

A simple and beautiful ceremony. We had our photos taken and re-dress in more comfortable attire. As we are re-entering Georgia, a GASP! "I forgot my purse!" To this day, Sarah doesn't carry a purse!

This morning, we discovered we shared this date with another couple. One of Sarah's classmates and his wife were married 17 years before us.

Joe and Vickie,
Happy Anniversary to you also!!!

Happy Anniversary

What do you get for your wife for your anniversary when she really wants nothing?

"Don't get me roses or cut flowers - they are just going to die"

Although, a tree or new landscape plants would be an option...

"Don't get me jewerly - I have enough already"

Wow, would I get hit for that...

"Don't even think about going out to eat"

HA! Considering, gourmet dining around here is going all out and ordering those large fries instead...

I walked into Chas Mar Friday afternoon to buy worms. Nope, that is NOT what I bought Sarah for our Anniversary!!!
I saw the banner over the door: F-R-M (Flint River Mills) CHICK DAYS. I walked in the door and the sound of little peepers filled the air, along with the smells that I associate with hardware stores - in the present and in my childhood. I flip open the cell phone and call home.

"Listen!!!"

Rainbow colors run around the pen, too young and not yet programmed to flee the reaching of the nubby fingers of toddlers that come in looking for Easter basket fillings.

Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red

I wanted one of each color. Sarah convinced me that two yellow ones would be least artificial and would be enough.

Out like a Lamb

The weather in south Georgia was be-you-de-full today. Overnight and the start of the morning in the lower 60's and with the clouds cover the sun, we were able to continue cleaning the flower beds around the Koi Pond and on the south east end of the house. After lunch, we ventured into the pine woods to gather a pickup load of pine straw. Nothing looks better than freshly dressed landscaping.

The high temperature (79°) occured around 4:00 this afternoon - and with the steady southern breeze blowing, it was a perfect day to stay in the yard working till dark. Metro was there to "help" - his little paws can dig much at a time, but he sure can get dirty. His bath water could be called McKinley Morganfield. Don't get that one - look up the wiki

Doctor Report

I called yesterday for my phone appointment as scheduled. The doctor was not available. I waited in vain until 5:00 pm for my call back. So I figured I would need to try again this morning.

The red light was glowing on my phone when I arrived at work. I dial the voice mail number.

"You have ONE voice message.
Message ONE,
received Thursday, at 8:34 PM"

I got a GOOD report...


Whew!!! Now, I will need to make appointment with Dr. Salvat. But first... another Liver function blood test.