Wednesday, February 27, 2013

More of Maggie...

"Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been."  -Nursery Rhymn

Ice.  Maggie loves ice.  Whenever someone gets ice from the ice maker on our refrigerator, she comes running.  I think she likes to get showered with the bits of ice chips that don't make it into the glass, and come tumbling down to the floor.  When you get ice, she wants ice, so she has ice water in her drinking bowl most of the time.  Today she really explored the ice maker on the refrigerator. (pictures from my iPhone...I had to be fast to catch these).

Where does this ice come from?  It is here somewhere...somehow...maybe a closer look...

Wow, this is a tight spot.  Okay, it comes out and falls to the floor.  How do I get it to come out though?
Besides loving ice, her favorite toy, by far, is pipe cleaners.  Yes, she can have hours of fun with the things.  One time, Reid, my grandson, said he had a gift for Maggie...2 pipe cleaners: a yellow one, (his favorite color), and an orange one.  She has them all over the house, but they mostly live under couches, refrigerators, and behind closed doors.  She somehow plays with them, and gets them lost under places where she cannot retrieve them.  When I see she is low on toys, I do an "under items" search, and restock her toys.  Enjoy her as she plays with her pipe cleaners.


After all that play, she is exhausted...Time for a nap.


Sunday, February 24, 2013

Maggie, the helper...

"A photo remembers little things long after you have forgotten everything." -Aaron Sussman

Maggie is one fantastic little helper.  One of her favorite hobbies is helping out with photo editing. I am sure I know exactly what she's thinking... "Okay, I am ready.  Where's the first picture that you want me to work on?  Come on where is it...this blank screen will never do...
Oh, great photo.  Let me see, I will just take my paw, and move the picture a little over to the right.  There that looks pretty perfect to me.  Next one please...


 Oh, cute picture of a mama and baby.  That brings back fond memories of me when I was a kitten.  I was such a cute kitten.  I think if I step on this key...or maybe this one, it will make the picture even better.


I think looking at the picture from the top of the computer gives a better perspective.  I can see to move things around much better from on top here.  Besides, I like hanging out here.


I not only work on desk top computers, I am especially good with laptops, too.  I think I will sign in and check out my email.  Hey, what's the password  to unlock this thing?


I am pretty handy with an iPad too.  I know, I know.  My talent is unlimited.  This is Rob's morning workout from "Daily Hiit", which stands for: high, intensity, interval training.    I have to hit the replay button for her since she usually has to do three reps of the daily workout.  It sure wears her and me out!

 After working so hard on the computers, and iPad,  I think I will try to catch that CD that goes in and out of the Bose player.  I never seem to be fast enough though.  One of these days, I am going to capture it.


Enough of the CD,  I think I will go check out the sewing bag.  Hmmm, this looks like a good place to take a short nap.

With nap time over, I think it would be fun to help organize this drawer.  It looks like it has some great things for me to play with.  I especially like iPhone cords, and I see one over in the upper left hand corner.  They are the best for chewing.

Look, I found this pen and scissors in the drawer.  They are also good to chew on. 


What's that I hear?  Could that be the bed going up?  I am so good at helping make the bed.  Okay, tuck it under a little here, and there.  That's right...now the next side...

 Let me help you get this sheet unfolded... I'll just sit right here, and you pull.  That should do the trick.

The work never ends.  These dishes in the dishwasher need a little soap added before it's run.  I know the dispenser has to be on this part some where.  Now if I can just remember what it looks like...

Whoa!  What's all that commotion outside?  It looks like birds and squirrels.  I have got to get out there to catch them...


Drat.  They ran up that tree.  I am going to sit, watch, and wait.  I am sure they will come down and make a tasty meal for me.


Day is done, gone the sun.  Time to close these curtains.  It has been a pretty tough day.  I am ready to go to bed.

I am going to stretch out in my favorite chair and call it a day.  See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Just living...

Right before Valentine's Day, I found this planter of forced tulips.  I thought they were so pretty, and knew they would look good on my dining room table.  After they opened a little more, I put them in front of a window which provided some nice natural light, and took about 50 pictures.  I always go over board when it comes to taking pictures.  What can I say other than I am obsessed with getting the right photo.  I loved the softness of the photos, added a texture to them, a wonderful quote, and I think I have a nice piece of art.  






Monday, February 18, 2013

A Reminder to me...

"And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it.  It shall not go out, but the priest shall burn wood on it every morning; and he shall lay out the burnt offering on it, and offer up in smoke the fat portions of the peace offering on it.  Fire shall be kept burning continually on the altar; it is not to go out." -Lev. 6:12-13

I am in Leviticus for my daily reading which is not the most exciting book of the Bible.  I should not be surprised that God speaks even in the mundane. The verse above spoke to me loud and clear.  Here is what this means to me:

In the inauguration of the traveling tabernacle of the Lord, the sacrifices placed on the altar were accepted by the Lord, and consumed by a fire that came from the glory of the Lord.  This was no ordinary fire, it was sacred fire, holy fire from God Himself.  It is this fire, started by the Lord, that was to never go out.
"And there cam a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat, which when all the people saw, they shouted and fell on their faces." Lev. 9:24

When I became a Christian, (or anyone who becomes a Christian for that matter), God put His fire within me, and that fire is not to go out.  Just as the priest had to keep that fire going by feeding it wood every morning, I need to keep God's fire within me lit by feeding on the word each day.  The word is my fuel that keeps God's fire burning.  I don't always do this.  I get so busy with my day that I sometimes leave God out.  I think, then, my day has the potential to be fueled by "strange fire"--a fuel source taken from some place other than God.

In Lev. 10:1 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took fire from their own cisterns and offered "strange fire" before the Lord, and God killed them.  They entered the tabernacle with a profane fire, a common fire, that offered no protection, and they instantly perished.  Worse, God did not allow them to be mourned.  While this seems harsh, God had clearly commanded them about the fire, and they disobeyed.  God clearly tells us we are to have no other God, to abide in Him, to fellowship with Him, but I/we...are busy.  I think God will understand.  But who is it hurting--Him or me?

Fire produces smoke, and that smoke is to be a soothing aroma to the Lord. (Lev. 6:15).  My fire--my God fire produces smoke that is pleasing to God.  I believe that smoke manifests itself in the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, patience, joy, gentleness, kindness, and self-control.  What kind of smoke comes from the "strange fire"?  Anger, wrath, hatred, impatience, lust, pride, and no self-control.

What a lesson God gave me today.  I want my smoke to be of the Spirit of God!  Lord, help me walk in it.
from Stephanie Ackerman at: http://www.homegrownhospitality.typepad.com

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Our Valentines...

"When love is not madness, it is not love." -Pedro de la Barca

Valentine's, valentine's...I had two celebrations.  One was actually the day before when a couple of friends of mine hosted a valentine's party for Jane since she cannot host one herself.  Jane, in her younger days, was quite the social butterfly.  Being unable to get out, greatly depresses her, so we decided if she could not go to a party, we would bring a party to her.  I made the cake, and invitations, the other two ladies supplied the punch and fruit.  I was not sure how many were going to show up, but we had her little room filled with people.  There was no food left, and she had a splendid time.
Since Valentine's day was on Thursday this year, it fell on the day we had our grandkids.  We decided to throw a party with all kinds of good things.  Erynn requested chocolate covered strawberries, and I did some mandarin oranges for Reid.  To drink, we had root beer floats, a favorite for both of them.
I decorated the table, and actually took pictures, but I think I deleted them thinking I had already downloaded them to my computer, because I cannot find them anywhere.  Rats! The only decoration picture I have is one I took with my iPhone.
Warren and I had a scavenger hunt planned for the grandkids.  Each one got a piece of paper with 10 clues on it.  Each had their own room to hunt for the objects.  When they figured out the clue, they would find the object, and there was a quarter under it.  The only problem was as they were waiting for their dad to leave, they explored, and found many of the quarters.  Kids are so observant.  I had to tell them we had a game planned, and to quit looking around.  Next time, I guess we will have to make it a little harder.

We were going to go to the park, but Warren told me we couldn't go, we had to stay here.  Hmmm. I knew something was up.  I had gone in the backyard to play with the grandkids when Warren came to get us for the surprise.  He had hired the one of the High School boys choir to sing me a Val-o-gram.  He chose "Unchained Melody" which I love.  They gave me a cute Teddy Bear wearing a sweatshirt that said, "I love you" and a Hershey candy bar.  I loved it and was surprised to find myself tearing up.

I love doing art journaling, so I used some pictures of Warren and me to design a page in honor of Vanentine's day.
Sweethearts forever.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Light that Shines...

I wanted to share a video with you that is so inspiring as well as moving.  It is produced by one of my favorite photographers, Sue Bryce.  It is a story about a 31 year old lady who has breast cancer, and has   now metastasized to stage 4 bone cancer.  Sue is a glamour photographer, and she wanted to show women who have been scarred by disease that they are still beautiful.  Watch, be moved, and pass it on. Then make an appointment for a mammogram if you are way over due.  It is a gift that you give yourself and your family.

'The Light That Shines' a story for all from InBedWithSue.com on Vimeo.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Love is in the air...

"Let your love be like misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river." -Malagasy Proverb

Love is in the air.  You can see and feel it in stores that are full of decorations, candy, cookies, and cakes all wrapped and packaged in heart shapes in colors of red, pink, and white. Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  So I decided my photography had to reflect the spirit of love.  Well, that and the fact that our February challenge for our photography club is the color "red" also helped me in defining my photo shoots, too.  I had a lot of fun doing these.  First my grandkids.





Adjectives to describe the above: adorable, cute, handsome, gorgeous, pretty, and fun!
Next, I asked one of the youth, Olivia, from our church to be my model.  What fun we had taking these! She was a good sport, and gorgeous besides.  Her dark hair and porcelain skin, along with the red clothing made some awesome pictures.   I tried out some new photo editing techniques, too.  I loved it all.  And that is what this month is about: Love.  








Then, these are two sisters who went out with me and Stephanie DeFranco, another photographer, for a fun photo shoot.  These were my two favorite pictures.  I like the way the setting sun adds such drama to the photos.  


Lastly, I have a picture of Mary who lives at the same retirement village as my Jane.  On the day I took this picture, Mary was sitting in the lobby, and I thought she looked so pretty in her red sweater, turquoise beads, and her beautiful gray hair.  I asked her if I could take her picture (I just so happened to have my camera), and she said yes.
Many thanks to all my models.  There sure is a lot of "red" going on out there!

Monday, February 11, 2013

My weekend...

"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against the tyranny in government." -Thomas Jefferson 

"For the first time in history does a nation have a complete gun registration.  Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient. The world will follow our lead in the future." -Adolf Hitler, April 15, 1935 in address to Reichstag

I got absolutely nothing done this weekend around the house.  I spent Friday night at a self-defense class that was very informative and good.  Now if I can remember everything if I ever need it.  Warren would not let me practice my new found knowledge on him.  Rats!

Saturday and Sunday I spent getting my class room and shoot qualifying done, so I can carry (a gun) concealed.    I have had my permit in the past, but had let it expire. You have to start from the beginning when that happens, which I will not do that again.  My friend, Karen, did the class with me.  It was so much nicer having someone I know take it with me.  On Saturday afternoon, Warren came because he was going to do his 2 year practice shoot.  He did not have to stay for the whole time, but it was sure nice having him in the class for a little while too.

Getting fingerprinted
One of the instructors teaching how to keep someone out of your space.
On the range.  Only 4 at a time went to the shooting line.  Our class had 19 people, so it took a long time to get through all of them. 

Rebound from the .45.
Being supervised.
Now with my revolver, which was a .357 magnum.  I love this gun!  I borrowed both the guns I used--the semi-automatic and revolver.  
My target.  I don't get to keep the target.  The score is sent in with all our paper work, and this target is kept on file by those who were instructors for the class.  
Karen, and the shotgun.  Isn't she a hoot?  Shotguns were highly recommended for home protection since its bullets are less likely to go through walls.
This was Karen's first time ever shooting a gun!  She did a fantastic job.
Rob and Karen.  Future Annie Oakleys
We had such a great time.  When everyone got done with their qualifying, we got to shoot all kinds of guns...the shotgun, I did not like.  Too much recoil.  I did like the gun called, "The Judge" which is like a pistol shotgun.  One person brought an automatic rifle, and that was a lot of fun to shoot.  It was cold, and dirty out there.  We had fun, but I was glad to get home after two days of this.
 
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