tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2189047136665701822024-03-06T16:25:12.329-07:00Keeping UpReflexions by Joyce CreedLilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.comBlogger786125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-15959525595563905312021-12-14T11:25:00.001-07:002021-12-14T15:38:35.042-07:00Christmas Thoughts... So Why this Lavish Joy? <p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhNePewd9HrE5wwnC3aJKKfKo76MK0yLwJIp1LpUq_zbMZqwf1OGMua8PJFh3iGHzrBnk-wO_zDid41nDm61YmYQS7w8jhOK1nSjolkIELuLMVT8akhOz0lYWLEeSAV1QcKOrrYQX0H4QRtEJ2Xdi8XB4sdDaNaGlgmVysWmaSesKyjNNZyqHbIDgE=s466" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="466" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhNePewd9HrE5wwnC3aJKKfKo76MK0yLwJIp1LpUq_zbMZqwf1OGMua8PJFh3iGHzrBnk-wO_zDid41nDm61YmYQS7w8jhOK1nSjolkIELuLMVT8akhOz0lYWLEeSAV1QcKOrrYQX0H4QRtEJ2Xdi8XB4sdDaNaGlgmVysWmaSesKyjNNZyqHbIDgE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><br />So what can
we say about Christmas? No, Not the colored lights and the laughter and the
camaraderie of friends in cheery places. Those are merely reactions to
Christmas.</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What can we
say about the <i>why</i> of Christmas? The source of our joy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas is
a light…A light which shone into the darkness...and the "people who walked in
that darkness" saw a whole new world. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9UHDPnaJHFWnHHozNmFmwOxf7RP_V1iRxGZeSe7KwuKHUZMOVMjpLBQUD1VU9xQJtGVf9G2OUX3fB3szBGt9pEOB9d_onaTYAzgonhJ_RSYb1RDLWsP5hnoa8EAxKbES87bEIRrsX0ivEKeQ4NenQxkfev1A0psBuSTcSWHUqecdNzOmvP1FxpH9=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9UHDPnaJHFWnHHozNmFmwOxf7RP_V1iRxGZeSe7KwuKHUZMOVMjpLBQUD1VU9xQJtGVf9G2OUX3fB3szBGt9pEOB9d_onaTYAzgonhJ_RSYb1RDLWsP5hnoa8EAxKbES87bEIRrsX0ivEKeQ4NenQxkfev1A0psBuSTcSWHUqecdNzOmvP1FxpH9=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It’s an understanding of God…finally.</span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People have
always had an awareness of God. They look around. They see that “things don’t
make themselves” and they deduce a planner, a maker, an architect. They look
within. And they realize that people matter. There is that sentient spark that
is more than just the body we wear. There’s a feeling that I…that part of me
which is identity…is immortal…or should be. There’s a knowledge of “justice”
that’s higher than animal “might makes right”. There’s hope and love and all
kinds of feelings that seem more than what we are made of--chemically.
Throughout history…there’s a desire for purpose and a knowledge that there must
be a God…but knowing Him, well that’s another thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We read in
Hebrew history of a time when the Israelites camped in a wilderness. For years
they wandered around with their tents and their sheep. They had a tent for God
too, and they packed it up and carried it along with them. But entering the
presence of God was impossible for most of them. There was fear. There was awe.
There were commandments—laws they could not keep and a holiness so pure it was
frightening. Lambs, they sacrificed to atone for sins. They sometimes loved
their God, and sometimes gave up on serving him. When their failures
overwhelmed them, they turned to an easier way. “It’s better to ignore God,”
they thought “and be our own independent lords”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anarchy followed. Then captivity. All kinds
of slavery. Darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But as they
suffered…generation after generation…they whispered to each other the promise
that their prophets had kept alive through centuries of writing…a savior will
come. God will provide a lamb—a lamb so holy we will never need another
sacrifice. He will show us the Father. All things will become clear. Light will
shine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And God?
Well He kept loving and He kept promising and He even kept talking to those who
wanted to listen. And then, one weary night, Jesus slipped quietly into the
middle of human history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some were
unimpressed. After all, they had heard many stories of gods taking human form…waltzing
down to earth to stir things up, instigate battles, seduce women, reward the
faithful and punish the unbelieving…or punish the faithful and reward the
beautiful—these gods were capricious. When they got bored, they left. They
never suffered. Felt cold. Thirst. Hunger. Weariness. They never really understood
men because they never became mortal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At Christmas
we celebrate something very different. Christ. God became man. He became one of
us. Not a rich one of us and not an oligarch or an exalted warrior. A baby. A
child. He would show God to us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He would pay
for sin…once and for all…make a way for us to follow, restore our friendship
with God…to the point we could call Him Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
Christmas baby was Immanuel which means literally “God with Us” He was the
light and He is <i>still</i> the light…shining into all our dark places. That
is the joy of Christmas. That is the <i>why</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Credits to John Bailey for the stunning picture of the Rosette Galaxy.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-87629836333856718492021-01-02T08:53:00.002-07:002021-01-02T08:53:48.078-07:00It's a New Year!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QhYiIhzzQz-IzXyRY3xzusV-5l43xDfEIFpP5lr2Pgi9SA4skmXn0RIYUUQZ6xFlVsiNzOBZGOFbbGe1RAYCHfsM9jS6SQhyphenhyphenC47OoeiLFtBBSvLNyYeZc24ksvC_3dtSbuyvG166px4/s637/January+1-2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QhYiIhzzQz-IzXyRY3xzusV-5l43xDfEIFpP5lr2Pgi9SA4skmXn0RIYUUQZ6xFlVsiNzOBZGOFbbGe1RAYCHfsM9jS6SQhyphenhyphenC47OoeiLFtBBSvLNyYeZc24ksvC_3dtSbuyvG166px4/s320/January+1-2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> ...and the snow came like a blessing--soft and forgiving, making everything wondrous.<p></p><p>The grandkids came over to slide on our hill, make snow angels, throw snowballs and craft a snowman with a stick nose. They brought some family friends from Florida who had never experienced snow, so all the snow legends had their brief moment. I say brief because it was 31 degrees, and the sun blazed. By afternoon, the temperature climbed to 41. This lovely white was mush and mud. Still, a wonderful day in 2021, and one worth remembering.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchNKewRLkDK8bhFmjaa6Qo5Wpm8w9kvHJ-6mt3JZoq3VVROAiaG1U9-YLbBTyU3rAn-A0LT2DctyGrKC2Eu-OM-PCzPL9JJEyunvMTc29IVsEipC1_vjv4V09vdMsjnwm_bPakRMLbsU/s1078/IMG_20210101_094103944_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1078" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchNKewRLkDK8bhFmjaa6Qo5Wpm8w9kvHJ-6mt3JZoq3VVROAiaG1U9-YLbBTyU3rAn-A0LT2DctyGrKC2Eu-OM-PCzPL9JJEyunvMTc29IVsEipC1_vjv4V09vdMsjnwm_bPakRMLbsU/s320/IMG_20210101_094103944_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsnUq1mPXzjhMSn8RyywGo4yfICyoAu42-rds_R8FeBx2Iwbg7AnT3u-SXqArP_jngLU-s6mDpBt1O14So38KVVT6hTN8UxvrOoRYQAJgZdrNi5yQI4V7ihfBRTOR1K0WQu-21Jwsxos/s335/IMG_20210101_100044079_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsnUq1mPXzjhMSn8RyywGo4yfICyoAu42-rds_R8FeBx2Iwbg7AnT3u-SXqArP_jngLU-s6mDpBt1O14So38KVVT6hTN8UxvrOoRYQAJgZdrNi5yQI4V7ihfBRTOR1K0WQu-21Jwsxos/s320/IMG_20210101_100044079_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbTsqdQ2jqi8wD_sckQbPnzXZAiAYQ4x641Yb2Y9BM6KrN410rwOPj-95wldpUSJEYblhBY0ZZLWMIHUAIbITpsKPf1ri50Dzxs3omODPsg2XJAVzoZiDPEXmGsZ9FuvTwcolNEAzLwQ/s1179/IMG_20210101_100200165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbTsqdQ2jqi8wD_sckQbPnzXZAiAYQ4x641Yb2Y9BM6KrN410rwOPj-95wldpUSJEYblhBY0ZZLWMIHUAIbITpsKPf1ri50Dzxs3omODPsg2XJAVzoZiDPEXmGsZ9FuvTwcolNEAzLwQ/s320/IMG_20210101_100200165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PRruo8qG707yQw7c20y0GAe9LMRgyYQLyddu59zbD0rlyYkR3dbqRdbgcSNi_SmNmq_BjxZSVYcdx4o60b00VNk7HNBsrCwvwOJmsy0fBrfDMe6Qmk9Rs_imQYY5aLwxw9hyphenhyphenQE4mG8Y/s1078/IMG_20201213_085820111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1078" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PRruo8qG707yQw7c20y0GAe9LMRgyYQLyddu59zbD0rlyYkR3dbqRdbgcSNi_SmNmq_BjxZSVYcdx4o60b00VNk7HNBsrCwvwOJmsy0fBrfDMe6Qmk9Rs_imQYY5aLwxw9hyphenhyphenQE4mG8Y/w516-h290/IMG_20201213_085820111.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-16555223668808345222020-12-25T05:08:00.004-07:002020-12-25T05:35:14.747-07:00 2020--Pandemic, Panic, and Pandemonium--but now Christmas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrf9lvYwtyyCUtDStOFFd7Uniwvneut7ZlJBc8HhIzW62Se8LAtYRU0OdZV5xEm3l9V_qUoQ3ZfOAnnx5Iv86F6psDCMk1vmYYZKLIc0bN3vyju9NbQlyRbTIO7a9h17T2UjTq4SaGz4/s2040/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1148" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrf9lvYwtyyCUtDStOFFd7Uniwvneut7ZlJBc8HhIzW62Se8LAtYRU0OdZV5xEm3l9V_qUoQ3ZfOAnnx5Iv86F6psDCMk1vmYYZKLIc0bN3vyju9NbQlyRbTIO7a9h17T2UjTq4SaGz4/w321-h570/Christmas.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And everybody gives a huge sigh.
Those of us who have lived through this year don't have to say anything else. Our lives have been shaken, and over and over we have shaken our heads at
unfairness, injustice, and insanity!</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">First, the pandemic—a plague
that stopped normal life in an instant. We quarantined to slow the spread; we
schooled online; we only met with social cohorts. Shops were closed. Even
churches. Everything in our busy lives ground to a halt. Out here in rural Oklahoma,
the word was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">surreal</i>. Months we
practiced this strange social behavior, knowing there were no cases in the
county. Retirement homes, nursing facilities, and hospitals were locked down.
Nobody could go see grandma and grandpa. We walked. We visited national parks.
We gardened and filled our pantries... all as though in a dream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The economy crashed. We were
kept waiting while congress stalled on aid. Politics held us hostage. Tasks
forces sprang up...trying to help but being slandered and rebuffed at every
turn. The crisis turned into anger and insurrection. Race riots, incited and
abetted by political agenda, brought every day another lunacy. There was no peace on earth. F</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">anning the flames, the
screaming media told us what to think while censoring whatever hope we had.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The virus finally hit us in October...
after schools had re-opened and football and volleyball had tried a
comeback. Waves of illness over the plains; Most was mild, a trifling flu. Some was serious and hospitals filled. There was a vaccine ready... oh wait, it couldn't possibly be
ready... until the election was over, then mysteriously, oh yes it's ready; it's within days of being available.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then the election... a huge,
cheating, fiasco. Stopping the count for spikes in the mysterious middle of the night. Dark plots. Obvious injustice. Witnesses and witnesses to a great travesty. Yet their voices went unheard, for justice was not only blind, she refused to even weigh the case. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Some of us got sick with the coronavirus.
I worried as several of my friends struggled to breathe and spent time in the
hospital. Some died. Then I noticed a headache, and a fever, and I tested positive. A strange illness. Nobody's
experience was identical. For over two weeks, I battled fever, cough, weird aches and
exceptional fatigue. I took steroids, a couple of z-packs, hydrated, and took my
vitamins and aspirin, not knowing if it would help. It was wearying, but I survived. I still can't taste the Christmas candy...or the ham or those peanut clusters and pecan pies. Sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thanksgiving—cancelled<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Christmas programs—cancelled<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">No cantata this year.
Everything was scaled down and low key.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">A year of introspection. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Of
stars shining out there in the universe untouched by our sordid situation.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">A year of cancelled plans... but
God's great plan has not been cancelled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">A year of quarantine... but God
isn't held back by regulations. His presence enters even the sick room. He sits
with us when nobody else is allowed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">A year of instability, fraud,
violence, disaster... winds assaulting our foundations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Remember the Rock of Ages.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Christ our King!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's still Christmas.</span></p><br /><p></p>Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-41435519705466325492018-06-14T14:08:00.003-06:002019-05-19T12:40:57.401-06:00The Oldest Phillips Gas Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MLPSXcE5azo5i2XTU52hlNbYH6Yey_EnlO6UMhs4c2_plZhiKYSrKsEEKCrF8E6G3CUw2Lcak4_Ri57lotNvawF03TDUBI3AtWWVRWIQgC1znTGz26e9S42_1kT2Ag-hzZWQBwSy26Y/s1600/IMG_20180613_100631511-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1013" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MLPSXcE5azo5i2XTU52hlNbYH6Yey_EnlO6UMhs4c2_plZhiKYSrKsEEKCrF8E6G3CUw2Lcak4_Ri57lotNvawF03TDUBI3AtWWVRWIQgC1znTGz26e9S42_1kT2Ag-hzZWQBwSy26Y/s400/IMG_20180613_100631511-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Whenever I visit my parents in Texas, I swing by the little town of McLean. Oddly enough, even though it's located right on I-40, it hasn't seemed to profit from the traffic that rushes headlong across the USA--madly to the fast-paced cities of the East and even more madly to the frenetic metropoli of the West. Nope. This little Texas town is s-l-o-w. Although main street is a divided four lane highway, there is no need for traffic lights or even stop signs. Nothing moves.<br />
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Under the blazing summer sun, sits this: the first Phillips petroleum filling station. which opened around 1929 and operated for 50 years. It's like a doll house for size; only teeny model A's or T's (or P's and Q's...however far they got with the alphabet) could have fit here. I had to stop, walk around a bit and take pictures. Not a soul in sight.<br />
I love the high plains of Texas.Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-10709179552382402592016-08-19T17:27:00.002-06:002016-08-19T17:27:34.787-06:00Some Days the Clouds are Everywhere I Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hot, Puffy Clouds<br />
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Fresh-popped and sizzly<br />
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So close<br />
I could juggle them<br />
If I were only a little taller<br />
Or perhaps just closer<br />
to that hazy horizonLilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-83966518871897604012016-08-15T14:12:00.000-06:002016-08-15T14:12:29.659-06:00Olympic Extremes<br />
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Usain Bolt</div>
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His name should be lightning or thunder,<br />
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This dashing Jamaican wonder.<br />
He exhilarates the crowd <br />
Into cheering aloud<br />
As he plows his competitors under.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KPxEWGz_qZPL5km9AFjtsSDrFebxWnN56aNAxQ8ev9W9lJgk9ODtFi8YjfxfCmL_pfqtf1jX91ZF2Wkl4bxvM7dTDT3cODsUDN7DEHhIa7VwnpVszzZyVcHpQqjTmvoWCL_wwIEggyA/s1600/770x390_50_50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KPxEWGz_qZPL5km9AFjtsSDrFebxWnN56aNAxQ8ev9W9lJgk9ODtFi8YjfxfCmL_pfqtf1jX91ZF2Wkl4bxvM7dTDT3cODsUDN7DEHhIa7VwnpVszzZyVcHpQqjTmvoWCL_wwIEggyA/s320/770x390_50_50.jpg" width="320" /></a> Fiji Rugby Team in Prayer<br />
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Though rugby causes many to stumble<br />
The Fijian team did not crumble<br />
At their moment of glory<br />
Their song told the story<br />
And even in honor they were humbleLilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-19722632278396625892016-08-13T15:20:00.001-06:002016-08-13T15:20:19.854-06:00Olympic Shotput...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Her hair was a
little too curly,</div>
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And her figure an out-sized too girly</div>
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But with one glorious swing</div>
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She landed the thing</div>
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And left her competitor surly!</div>
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They say that anything can happen at the Olympics. It looks
like that’s about right. The New Zealand champion had won gold at the last two Olympics
and held a strong lead in the event here until the final swing, when the American threw better
than she had ever done before and won the gold. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuig453xmkudDxb0gF9thbZHvQ2hyphenhyphenlvHi14zVajcKDjUeiya1ZsTE5gkcbouz5BtPIYx3q_VlvrW8PaaaCBuS4bQxQUM0dfYH_Zs4Hs0FrQT24xQsm5piOkIsDm0SlV3uPVXbns0REUY/s1600/gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuig453xmkudDxb0gF9thbZHvQ2hyphenhyphenlvHi14zVajcKDjUeiya1ZsTE5gkcbouz5BtPIYx3q_VlvrW8PaaaCBuS4bQxQUM0dfYH_Zs4Hs0FrQT24xQsm5piOkIsDm0SlV3uPVXbns0REUY/s320/gold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-49118911346243671542016-08-10T11:52:00.001-06:002016-08-11T05:47:29.972-06:00More Limericks 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3pXH2LNmIeeVt88CPp2I3ze_7jH_2O0GLw1nxsuSf1k71leDqa0uNCYjAnqE1doEP0xSzTD2bweBUuRZSBcE43N6w_3NclFsjJHUSr1nZclnzufCBzFpjU1fyjtbgPXJsQT57nKL-rQ/s1600/fencing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3pXH2LNmIeeVt88CPp2I3ze_7jH_2O0GLw1nxsuSf1k71leDqa0uNCYjAnqE1doEP0xSzTD2bweBUuRZSBcE43N6w_3NclFsjJHUSr1nZclnzufCBzFpjU1fyjtbgPXJsQT57nKL-rQ/s200/fencing.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fencing</div>
<br />
In fencing one aims to provoke<br />
With a sudden advance and a poke<br />
If a foil makes a slash<br />
There's a green or red flash<br />
To enlighten the spectator folk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvwS4YZgkppWPXJyjKY57xMk-WED2SmeAodJAF50odZ-CydF9R5t_lkVoRLdh-5CzDrb52IJIubyLV7rV6RkZBfWaQebrd7mIjRGCVw1nK7sa1Xbr99AplZvUJemvdPxIMPzUcjvGYe0/s1600/final+five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvwS4YZgkppWPXJyjKY57xMk-WED2SmeAodJAF50odZ-CydF9R5t_lkVoRLdh-5CzDrb52IJIubyLV7rV6RkZBfWaQebrd7mIjRGCVw1nK7sa1Xbr99AplZvUJemvdPxIMPzUcjvGYe0/s200/final+five.jpg" width="200" /></a> The Final Five</div>
Five gymnasts who staked a gold claim<br />
struck pay dirt with Olympic fame<br />
With smiles on their faces<br />
As they all took their places<br />
They <i>finally</i> gave us their name.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QtTqCsZtLU-L04RxVtPFyX27Xht7gCwprZies1CZSbPIheX6k4umvAuAkS_mZm-mdM02l3jpOPpJ6xrlPhensm81LgXSucNHrVt-jBDbtEBfLJPPPJHZjDIB4kJGcAuDqHbnjmnOYUQ/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QtTqCsZtLU-L04RxVtPFyX27Xht7gCwprZies1CZSbPIheX6k4umvAuAkS_mZm-mdM02l3jpOPpJ6xrlPhensm81LgXSucNHrVt-jBDbtEBfLJPPPJHZjDIB4kJGcAuDqHbnjmnOYUQ/s200/beach.jpg" width="143" /></a><br />
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Beach volleyball just can't decide<br />
How much they should show or should hide<br />
Why can't they wear shorts<br />
Like other team sports<br />
So there won't be so much to deride?<br />
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Here's a little limerick just for those announcers who feel they must fill every second with conversation no matter how inane:</div>
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Those experts for every attraction</div>
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Must detail each minor infraction</div>
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They constantly chatter </div>
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Of things that don't matter</div>
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While I want to be watching the action.<br />
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<a href="http://keepingup-lilibeth.blogspot.com/2016/08/olympic-limericks-oh-not-not-again.html" target="_blank">Yesterday's Limericks </a></div>
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<a href="http://keepingup-lilibeth.blogspot.com/2012/08/gymnastic-limericks.html" target="_blank">Older Olympic Limericks </a></div>
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Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-8682964928790462132016-08-01T18:03:00.003-06:002016-09-03T11:46:15.407-06:00Olympic Limericks. Oh no. Not again. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WcaB4lYnDzu3WSlfX7aYU3X7nn6pEnMRHJeWDrsycj5Vufm0mGpDAD1iFUSvJr_8OvzC9oICWLsR97w-WEVpuJ7vIHjs5YILh15osDp620R8PApQ3IxA8k_JV2vVe4RVyJbDidPAmZE/s1600/china.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZNSgQzS9Z9BTguXtsrMlk4OsxpLbKPZzTkd7vn7xoc4GhYXL-n-mkS8OUGSZuthnbIJAvbfokKdgvq8wPiz7XD1yC5rC45mQQzJOaIYTqG4k6fqU9TdYx3M_tfPMINc7ZMIRX5IQ2bc/s1600/Rio-2016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZNSgQzS9Z9BTguXtsrMlk4OsxpLbKPZzTkd7vn7xoc4GhYXL-n-mkS8OUGSZuthnbIJAvbfokKdgvq8wPiz7XD1yC5rC45mQQzJOaIYTqG4k6fqU9TdYx3M_tfPMINc7ZMIRX5IQ2bc/s400/Rio-2016a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't believe it has been four years since I wrote the last Olympic limericks, but amazingly enough, it has. So it's time for more. Can you bear it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG3dVkQcFZZPPmUxB3tVKF2rOzrnFoXFsIVRWk6l5CIBmJ7BJQwqKlvUX44hQ-0cu8mSJMPpB1Q1Gg7DJN_iJHsLshqd0-vbEIkOBnJt7a6Epfz5qkkifUkoTF8k7F1aIB_yHoAEm9NY/s1600/fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG3dVkQcFZZPPmUxB3tVKF2rOzrnFoXFsIVRWk6l5CIBmJ7BJQwqKlvUX44hQ-0cu8mSJMPpB1Q1Gg7DJN_iJHsLshqd0-vbEIkOBnJt7a6Epfz5qkkifUkoTF8k7F1aIB_yHoAEm9NY/s200/fence.jpg" width="200" /></a>The fans of the world rush pel-mel<br />
"olympics", they boisterously yell.<br />
For these games are the sportiest<br />
These athletes the<i> fortius</i><br />
The<i> altius</i> and the <i>citius</i> as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvIW9ComJ5-iao6MgYYPJDbRVoujnj0cui3p_qKyYMJBYK3wkB0YPpL0gKRhypDopTVudN2uPY81L3snvp3qmo0RX9HVQEs_GmJDNC1tF6FUj1hTK3EWumLu0i-Rr0SmoX9Zc9mf1d0o/s1600/kore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvIW9ComJ5-iao6MgYYPJDbRVoujnj0cui3p_qKyYMJBYK3wkB0YPpL0gKRhypDopTVudN2uPY81L3snvp3qmo0RX9HVQEs_GmJDNC1tF6FUj1hTK3EWumLu0i-Rr0SmoX9Zc9mf1d0o/s200/kore.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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They've all gravitated to Rio<br />
In search of a medallic trio<br />
They crave just a chance<br />
To survive and advance<br />
"The gold? Oh will it be mio? "<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxaM64MOadPUegJiyKho0TlEcv_eGcWlaxuUtjRtPk6fxzrf12P7atPinKkZDbZoib-5Wt86ZGu_IpL9nRpXs3kcHTep8CaQyyHazN__voLa6Hii2Uqas0PNEQ84aFiVIoDV-NcpwmyA/s1600/tonga+guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxaM64MOadPUegJiyKho0TlEcv_eGcWlaxuUtjRtPk6fxzrf12P7atPinKkZDbZoib-5Wt86ZGu_IpL9nRpXs3kcHTep8CaQyyHazN__voLa6Hii2Uqas0PNEQ84aFiVIoDV-NcpwmyA/s320/tonga+guy.jpg" width="203" /></a><br />
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The fasta', the higha', the stronga'<br />
whoever can stay in the longa'<br />
She'll read her own story<br />
He'll shine in his glory<br />
Like the flag-bearing man from the Tonga<br />
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<i>Disclaimer.</i>..These pictures may not all be from the 2016 games.<br />
I'll add more when I have time.<br />
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And limericks. I'll add some more limericks too.<br />
If you aren't patient enough to wait for them, here's a link to some from four years ago. It's surprising how many of the limericks still apply, actually. Oh well. Here's the <a href="http://keepingup-lilibeth.blogspot.com/2012/08/gymnastic-limericks.html" target="_blank">link</a>: <br />
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Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-91722111647319744882016-08-01T18:03:00.002-06:002018-06-06T10:58:50.848-06:00Mount Capulin National Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bHhGT65pVRSMQ5PSZMaEeu4CZWUQ9aG37alQoxyQLnWrs5kHIZMqWcaMlUGqFgMvDNzewi43gszyoRAN61gn7-OWsjX26IRYA5mUEEm_ic3p34K0kamTnusdurYixBFaSzC52pbTHoA/s1600/Capulin+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bHhGT65pVRSMQ5PSZMaEeu4CZWUQ9aG37alQoxyQLnWrs5kHIZMqWcaMlUGqFgMvDNzewi43gszyoRAN61gn7-OWsjX26IRYA5mUEEm_ic3p34K0kamTnusdurYixBFaSzC52pbTHoA/s320/Capulin+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Whenever Turtle and I go driving far away, we like to break up the hours spent in the car with a brief hiking jaunt. Recently, on our way to attend a convention in Denver, and even during our off time there, we discovered and re-visited some our favorite places to hike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLQXdqtay_3OZBd8j484YtE3AlTiSEOskOGK5Woznqg6RhV_J4tlJUUVbP95ZJNS7bYT2A3ZFsQoVGSbI1GEhGUspw40W6LG3GKHVih-tuRFFEoRUSopAeexeYnCzvGOFbCePmWZcbwE/s1600/Capulin+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLQXdqtay_3OZBd8j484YtE3AlTiSEOskOGK5Woznqg6RhV_J4tlJUUVbP95ZJNS7bYT2A3ZFsQoVGSbI1GEhGUspw40W6LG3GKHVih-tuRFFEoRUSopAeexeYnCzvGOFbCePmWZcbwE/s320/Capulin+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mount Capulin, located conveniently on a long dreary stretch of North-Eastern New Mexico about thirty miles east of Raton provides a perfect break. It is only three miles off the main road, and takes just a few minutes to visit. There's a narrow road that circles up the volcano and a parking lot near the rim.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-FHJ3kaCU_LdSk7LI80k641XjAKpAp15Fma4kAB4PIbIu1t_xEPuNOtMZTu-bHXfwJ6sJLOSrXiBD_lixYlzh-s4WWmEqbm4ywV_0rxJGZmbkVTcn8q3WZUfy-FFVZEutDTkeb7hFw/s1600/Capulin+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-FHJ3kaCU_LdSk7LI80k641XjAKpAp15Fma4kAB4PIbIu1t_xEPuNOtMZTu-bHXfwJ6sJLOSrXiBD_lixYlzh-s4WWmEqbm4ywV_0rxJGZmbkVTcn8q3WZUfy-FFVZEutDTkeb7hFw/s320/Capulin+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
From there, we climbed up a path that was about the width of a sidewalk, paved and well studded with gravel bits to prevent slipping. It was a moderate hike, due to lots of climbing sections, but, had we been acclimated to the altitude, we would have called it "easy".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5IFlI1y0NqqvhjMIQ1WCvt12gK3ZG6UuSDNufsboI7-XrkcmFYumw9t8jJXMuj5cNd3G1Chzu9k96RQERET1htB2Gdbas3ws10YyxBbnuG_Lwv3t__PbjournCNpm8Qyi1I5XjSzkmo/s1600/Capulin+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5IFlI1y0NqqvhjMIQ1WCvt12gK3ZG6UuSDNufsboI7-XrkcmFYumw9t8jJXMuj5cNd3G1Chzu9k96RQERET1htB2Gdbas3ws10YyxBbnuG_Lwv3t__PbjournCNpm8Qyi1I5XjSzkmo/s320/Capulin+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Whatever, we called it, the views were worth every bit of the laborious plodding up the slopes. From the rim you can see the interesting shapes of ancient lava flows, and parts of four states: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhI20OwKerPXzsXCONQxzoxHe2_7xq5tBGeap59re9ZZ6u7tVc5sYDeyno47YOFp2W0NfKs67Ws91O_JrfP4VpVRr939pGohd_Scg7UVPHOCOPhyWW0mGPhcscXNBOgILuAzrLxO5_Tk/s1600/Capulin+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhI20OwKerPXzsXCONQxzoxHe2_7xq5tBGeap59re9ZZ6u7tVc5sYDeyno47YOFp2W0NfKs67Ws91O_JrfP4VpVRr939pGohd_Scg7UVPHOCOPhyWW0mGPhcscXNBOgILuAzrLxO5_Tk/s320/Capulin+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The wind blows strongly across the top and it doesn't take long to figure out what direction it usually takes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSLrUlK9KpeeKYvQ4HZ4nJqwouSGmoaXsYJ7iDA-hVyIPDz_tMYQjkPctsn7cLRy13fm1LEU-H_gd1EhMshDIWEnSO2zQMB4W51AcL42pQuzieSo4SvM3QFux9L9schUkSeqnIIydhDI/s1600/Capulin+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSLrUlK9KpeeKYvQ4HZ4nJqwouSGmoaXsYJ7iDA-hVyIPDz_tMYQjkPctsn7cLRy13fm1LEU-H_gd1EhMshDIWEnSO2zQMB4W51AcL42pQuzieSo4SvM3QFux9L9schUkSeqnIIydhDI/s320/Capulin+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are plenty of benches too. Just perfect for those of us who are not used to 8000 ft. altitude and 95 degree heat at the same time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBkwaTs-MnHgJk9ANvdM5PRN-vpcJiAburrL9utd1giqI6Kt_SzD_xUvOcJEnQf7oWp6DfYwABLKT3UVLWbczBJb7JEaOCjtcwBQRnlfuFXWPO5xmsiA55V9YCD1gY8RoNF4bw9WJcjI/s1600/Capulin_Volcano_National_Park_CAVO3452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBkwaTs-MnHgJk9ANvdM5PRN-vpcJiAburrL9utd1giqI6Kt_SzD_xUvOcJEnQf7oWp6DfYwABLKT3UVLWbczBJb7JEaOCjtcwBQRnlfuFXWPO5xmsiA55V9YCD1gY8RoNF4bw9WJcjI/s320/Capulin_Volcano_National_Park_CAVO3452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This picture is the only one I didn't take. It's an areal view and I don't fly. The road curls around the mountain. That spot at the end is the parking lot. From there you can hike down into the volcano or take the trail around the rim.<br />
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It's magnificent!Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-75051144686267424372016-07-02T13:06:00.001-06:002018-06-06T16:49:40.654-06:00Raymond Chandler...and wonderful similes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHfwQZJXYK4LtqaHmfymwKks3JiVeYsSG-rJiW8x2zuAXyQL_TTW__G11BBX7P-F1qvykq3ZbHvK80whgpynGC83GKLcDOtNEXkooDU7shn6W3bRrfvXsMiX_fTa1Jad4Gu2gVnHSMfA/s1600/chandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHfwQZJXYK4LtqaHmfymwKks3JiVeYsSG-rJiW8x2zuAXyQL_TTW__G11BBX7P-F1qvykq3ZbHvK80whgpynGC83GKLcDOtNEXkooDU7shn6W3bRrfvXsMiX_fTa1Jad4Gu2gVnHSMfA/s1600/chandler.jpg" /></a>I have about a dozen favorite mystery writers. None are modern. Many are British. There is one, however, whose novellas make it into the anthologies with regularity. I probably wouldn't make a collection of all his books, but I do like reading some. His detective is American-- a cross between Stout's Archie Godwin and Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade. Philip Marlowe is what they call in detective fiction "hard-boiled". He may bounce or crack, but he doesn't break easily. This summer, while reading a couple of Chandler's books I've been amused by his similes; he sprinkles them like salt, especially when he is introducing a new character. If I were still an English teacher, I think I'd assign a little chunk of his writing and have students find them...just for fun.<br />
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Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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From <u>The Big Sleep </u><br />
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"A few locks of dry, white hair clung to his scalp, like wild flowers fighting for life on a bare rock."<br />
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" The old man licked his lips watching me, over and over again, drawing one lip slowly across the other with a funereal absorption, like an undertaker dry-washing his hands."<br />
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"The General spoke again, slowly, using his strength as carefully as an
out-of-work showgirl uses her last good pair of stockings." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7Ui0xvLEncF_mEriL91mfA-MdhmHm5IoQ5ZU_8eV1NVIpfuG2UQ4mBZSzv8nHLyK85hsyFv7fsNqiKlFE-WHWTCzX4_iLpdoQA4AwCUF382JjuPsi8tjyO9sG8kyl3zuIFWU-RO1Oo0/s1600/An-old-man-thinking-1878633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>"He looked a lot more like a dead man than most dead men look."<br />
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From: <u>The Lady in the Lake </u><br />
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"The little blonde at the PBX cocked a shell-like ear and smiled a small fluffy smile. She looked playful and eager, but not quite sure of herself, like a new kitten in a house where they don't care much about kittens."<br />
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"Grayson put his bony hand out and I shook it. It felt like shaking hands with a towel rack."<br />
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"A wizened waiter with evil eyes and a face like a gnawed bone ..."<br />
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"She put a firm brown hand out and I shook it. Clamping bobbie pins into fat blondes had given her a grip like a pair of iceman's tongs."<br />
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"We shook hands. He had a hand like a wood rasp."<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-10013597194652148802016-05-31T04:00:00.000-06:002016-05-31T04:46:36.100-06:00The Smithsonian---All of Them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are actually 19 museums/centers/zoos/gardens connected with the Smithsonian now. The original building is a visitor center with a concession stand and directions to all the other attractions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tf0wMPE8P01jojkJIqnMawrqw7UuMt6NuXNedEdCpZ5QeG6mEqkEY4O8LeEq8FA34SypTABOfJBtV8RlQrU_mkZVSkcFgLJltc1e_fUpniVpa5_y_u2H71K7cCkmfh1Oi4K8O8xQHzE/s1600/IMAG2524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tf0wMPE8P01jojkJIqnMawrqw7UuMt6NuXNedEdCpZ5QeG6mEqkEY4O8LeEq8FA34SypTABOfJBtV8RlQrU_mkZVSkcFgLJltc1e_fUpniVpa5_y_u2H71K7cCkmfh1Oi4K8O8xQHzE/s400/IMAG2524.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL517ueic1-hJHoy2AJeQ2wgb_xboKoFM4dstWUfT03z_5MgSUpv3IFLpewHKeon07oVN6GRtgau7kh5phMcyjQK6SI-MRW8Y-RLz6CjGzxxCDrHaTPFgG72C90hyUmtlBClroAYveU8/s1600/spirit+of+St.+Louis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> My advice: schedule two days for the Smithsonian. One cannot do justice
to that many free exhibits in one day. More advice: don't try to stay
with someone and look at everything together--nobody in the world has
that many similar interests. We did well to stay in the same museum, and
even though we started exploring with a senior, we soon all went our
separate ways, texting each other to meet at the fountain, main arch,
gift shop or taxidermied whale, whatever the case might have been. That
way we were free to meander to our hearts content.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL517ueic1-hJHoy2AJeQ2wgb_xboKoFM4dstWUfT03z_5MgSUpv3IFLpewHKeon07oVN6GRtgau7kh5phMcyjQK6SI-MRW8Y-RLz6CjGzxxCDrHaTPFgG72C90hyUmtlBClroAYveU8/s1600/spirit+of+St.+Louis.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL517ueic1-hJHoy2AJeQ2wgb_xboKoFM4dstWUfT03z_5MgSUpv3IFLpewHKeon07oVN6GRtgau7kh5phMcyjQK6SI-MRW8Y-RLz6CjGzxxCDrHaTPFgG72C90hyUmtlBClroAYveU8/s320/spirit+of+St.+Louis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spirit of Saint Louis</td></tr>
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It was raining, so
we didn't brave the outside gardens. Instead we opted for the Air and
Space Museum--Turtle wanted to see the "Spirit of St. Louis". Of course there are many more exhibits--both World Wars and the importance of the airplane in them are featured; the Wright Brothers have an entire room. There is a large jet cockpit for children to clamber into, and space stuff all over. Two floors full of stuff to look at and letters to read.<a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank"></a><br />
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We visited the American History Museum where we saw the flag that flew over Ft McHenry
and inspired the Star Spangled Banner; (It was huge (30x34 feet) and would have been even bigger (30x42) if its owners
hadn't spent the best part of one hundred years handing out little
snippets of stripes and chunks of a star for souvenirs. Yes. Really. Ah
well)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjL_-whgtCWWozP7rf686d8FbxF2t7NrwyXYpTsvgNM6oKWZ1r0ALqndxKapWaUldxoob_4W3O3q0J2RTbCrhL5edNW-XdkriznVA_AxtVvZH0sU6fcrGwWTG5qygiTXzEEDuOgLVv1Y/s1600/aquamarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjL_-whgtCWWozP7rf686d8FbxF2t7NrwyXYpTsvgNM6oKWZ1r0ALqndxKapWaUldxoob_4W3O3q0J2RTbCrhL5edNW-XdkriznVA_AxtVvZH0sU6fcrGwWTG5qygiTXzEEDuOgLVv1Y/s320/aquamarine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South-American Aqua-marine</td></tr>
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the Natural History Museum which
has a lovely collection of gems, including the Hope diamond; <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0OayTjrro_jHGO0MalefDKTYp6bYQZV6wFMeBNxKRoRBgob9Rim4zHnt7g10mBTIvzrUNiItrKYSDfUCAswi_5jplx_Wosz8mPEs7xOAOtgS4rtWDlr6RJESoW2CReh0ua3KrLymB90/s1600/Hope2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0OayTjrro_jHGO0MalefDKTYp6bYQZV6wFMeBNxKRoRBgob9Rim4zHnt7g10mBTIvzrUNiItrKYSDfUCAswi_5jplx_Wosz8mPEs7xOAOtgS4rtWDlr6RJESoW2CReh0ua3KrLymB90/s200/Hope2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Diamond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m6-2a428ocXZ5cS737ie_09yIT1DNF8Ungn9UnV6RAC7m1nqQvrW7W44CHKs2jLiAbxqxU7tiLZ-am7AglaFqS-MecmmdZ2atuYHttgZH7qt4DreypGgjKQSqgA-GIzPVJV0I2U0JkM/s1600/Marie+Antoinette%2527s+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m6-2a428ocXZ5cS737ie_09yIT1DNF8Ungn9UnV6RAC7m1nqQvrW7W44CHKs2jLiAbxqxU7tiLZ-am7AglaFqS-MecmmdZ2atuYHttgZH7qt4DreypGgjKQSqgA-GIzPVJV0I2U0JkM/s200/Marie+Antoinette%2527s+Earrings.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie Antoinette's Earrings </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DBWDD0nJz3YxMMmsvvRfuHvFSJnaaWj0X7jyiC4XKPZxhhpwFU8Va8PaaofOXA2YNuWwBxEwoQ4eruaj-SIPxpyATgC5J2au0p3gE-d0K1ehyphenhyphenV1zOkr1KHO01wQALpRL_vOVdLN_Iig/s1600/IMAG0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DBWDD0nJz3YxMMmsvvRfuHvFSJnaaWj0X7jyiC4XKPZxhhpwFU8Va8PaaofOXA2YNuWwBxEwoQ4eruaj-SIPxpyATgC5J2au0p3gE-d0K1ehyphenhyphenV1zOkr1KHO01wQALpRL_vOVdLN_Iig/s320/IMAG0087.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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and the
Natural Gallery of Art, where I could have stayed all day. It seemed like every room I walked into contained at least one painting I've seen many times before in a book--a literature book--or in a slide show about great art. There were paintings by El Greco, Copley, Monet, Manet, Vermeer, Hals, Van Gogh, Renoir--Amazing. Of course I
took pictures...and they are not good at all, due to lighting issues
inside, so I went to the web site and found them all.
<a href="http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection.html" target="_blank">National Gallery of Art</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlnMHa6I9vRNpQ3ujNVyIzJzWjS9EKdraU7a3uxDC48979SR-9pxgtY9mOPtYDTUQGmrjQXQosLllQIpE9Rvt_MUiJaL060r1tKHJdbZ6AA_ctABQT7brB8h0GOZVcZwXmhAEkkyTM8U/s1600/Renoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlnMHa6I9vRNpQ3ujNVyIzJzWjS9EKdraU7a3uxDC48979SR-9pxgtY9mOPtYDTUQGmrjQXQosLllQIpE9Rvt_MUiJaL060r1tKHJdbZ6AA_ctABQT7brB8h0GOZVcZwXmhAEkkyTM8U/s320/Renoir.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierre Auguste Renoir</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self Portrait-Rembrandt van Rijn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFhom9M6Bc8ogUIOD620U9V2MBTAhm4pLMgQC5ZhUSi98UBLrVf1Z8kFiaQYoN5dJPhyphenhyphenzFGgM1Q7kT0_mzuYc8qg3tFvVxp35EfnmLeqKUGa4zj4gGmKyXnFs9Ygwg7ipbmeny3gSJJY/s1600/Seurat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFhom9M6Bc8ogUIOD620U9V2MBTAhm4pLMgQC5ZhUSi98UBLrVf1Z8kFiaQYoN5dJPhyphenhyphenzFGgM1Q7kT0_mzuYc8qg3tFvVxp35EfnmLeqKUGa4zj4gGmKyXnFs9Ygwg7ipbmeny3gSJJY/s320/Seurat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georges Seurat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE2edvbIxDRMCwF8ZxWXIQn9sFH6TdYy8bNtjdksugTXsXkGUMV2OQ9hC7DifgRVw5zxjWwpLnr6vcWTul8UzaJXNWVWv61UWXQ8jsaX21NeBLhC7OfXJG1SnWGn8cStpgEzhjOyM3Y0/s1600/Frans+Hals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE2edvbIxDRMCwF8ZxWXIQn9sFH6TdYy8bNtjdksugTXsXkGUMV2OQ9hC7DifgRVw5zxjWwpLnr6vcWTul8UzaJXNWVWv61UWXQ8jsaX21NeBLhC7OfXJG1SnWGn8cStpgEzhjOyM3Y0/s320/Frans+Hals.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frans Hals</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYtKYbruv06OsovW8PcKW7Yet1c5LQYCrdXxh0ulMdslhhnaqd49_DQ1q6GMUQrKDgt11sEl42dKWvj3TvWlefGOclauIHuUNY1ZbCMkk1M5UN-AInfWNRkhbBBoCFPAdjb16NKKKQPI/s1600/Cassatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYtKYbruv06OsovW8PcKW7Yet1c5LQYCrdXxh0ulMdslhhnaqd49_DQ1q6GMUQrKDgt11sEl42dKWvj3TvWlefGOclauIHuUNY1ZbCMkk1M5UN-AInfWNRkhbBBoCFPAdjb16NKKKQPI/s320/Cassatt.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Cassatt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Greco</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent van Gogh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcbUMdGyQAM0jiktofXDx86NNH3Xegq0KgUWtjJO3RpWBbIqcAyGghp6RvxJxNFODbNy-t1p0xrqjxfXSCpv5CZgZUY01TjlLKvExsLtRkNHfRAXvRUSmp2ow91cveM_PMuNwDwEblf0/s1600/Vermeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcbUMdGyQAM0jiktofXDx86NNH3Xegq0KgUWtjJO3RpWBbIqcAyGghp6RvxJxNFODbNy-t1p0xrqjxfXSCpv5CZgZUY01TjlLKvExsLtRkNHfRAXvRUSmp2ow91cveM_PMuNwDwEblf0/s320/Vermeer.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Vermeer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv5NGcTv3qJ7oj08WKeo_guASierIhgOCZKp0G-OLk3Bytp52EmpeibYihZMJJCaCRzOJsSMTFlPaBcR-CmPt41bXNwQcId_KRGFbMaxeUKIWvNvPsOKrb9eKoQx8UzWOvBShIMf2SJA/s1600/Vista+from+a+Grotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv5NGcTv3qJ7oj08WKeo_guASierIhgOCZKp0G-OLk3Bytp52EmpeibYihZMJJCaCRzOJsSMTFlPaBcR-CmPt41bXNwQcId_KRGFbMaxeUKIWvNvPsOKrb9eKoQx8UzWOvBShIMf2SJA/s320/Vista+from+a+Grotto.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vista from a Grotto-1630's-David Teniers<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Singleton Copley</td></tr>
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What's missing, of course, is the background decor and the proper
understanding of the size of the sculptures and photos. Many of the old
paintings were large enough to take up an entire wall. So here's the
most valuable lesson I've learned: go to the web sites ahead of
time and study about the museums. There is information on every museum
including which metro stop is closest. That's what I call a good source
of information. <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Link</a> and one I should have used before my trip to DC. This picture sums up my chagrin over it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edouard Manet</td></tr>
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-12630698729992383942016-05-30T04:05:00.000-06:002016-06-03T20:27:49.757-06:00Arlington<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6Nl0CGbLFN0nB9M_wCPT8Xr_y3DE0DK3_RDoUYW9uYiGhgOoZrGJBXWp6B-OTWUIVW5HiwD2D1vhIkdNiCuDfb_ePcoCtD7jYDdTn5mt2MXPv5uYqlPSwgXBBfUZY4w9VFHyKg_LP0o/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6Nl0CGbLFN0nB9M_wCPT8Xr_y3DE0DK3_RDoUYW9uYiGhgOoZrGJBXWp6B-OTWUIVW5HiwD2D1vhIkdNiCuDfb_ePcoCtD7jYDdTn5mt2MXPv5uYqlPSwgXBBfUZY4w9VFHyKg_LP0o/s320/IMG_1744.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEGyTuHHEHyAHSY2bInLUJ2y7ejRRZWNTZKBhtmwhMHTwtiuNLz3rbcx5-za86JcbKVcb55GZ0KbIpyuEHLW_IfuNjMZMshoSRaSWhnjMQ0TblyMFW4nGNdacBKg4NHrrTl6viH5YWg4/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEGyTuHHEHyAHSY2bInLUJ2y7ejRRZWNTZKBhtmwhMHTwtiuNLz3rbcx5-za86JcbKVcb55GZ0KbIpyuEHLW_IfuNjMZMshoSRaSWhnjMQ0TblyMFW4nGNdacBKg4NHrrTl6viH5YWg4/s320/IMG_1740.JPG" width="320" /></a>On Memorial day, it's only fitting that I talk about Arlington National Cemetery. I had always envisioned it in the suburbs, but there it was in Downtown DC. just across the Potomac River. From atop the hill at Arlington, I could see the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.Well, that's stretching it a bit, because the day was drizzling rain and a mist lay over the mall, but I could see parts of them. I also saw a building that looked uncommonly like the Pentagon. It was all so close--certainly within walking range, and if you are going to properly see Arlington, you are going to have to walk. The land is hilly and the paths curve, following the natural contours of the land. After entering the magnificent gated entrance, as you climb up the street within, you are immediately overwhelmed by the rows of white tombstones carved and decorated very simply with crosses, or an occasional star of David.<br />
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More than 300,000 veterans are buried in this quiet place and the sidewalks and streets were crowded with people, yet even with all the visitors it seemed quiet. We attended the "changing of the guard" at the tomb of the unknown soldier and watched as a family--a young mother and her children-- placed a wreath in another solemn ceremony. There were about two hundred people watching. Nobody made a noise. The silence felt like sympathy and solidarity.<br />
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On our way to the top of the hill, we passed old tombstones, graves from those who were buried shortly after the land was acquired--bought from the son of Robert E. Lee, whose wife was a grandchild to George Washington. (The famous names in the history of these places!)<br />
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At the top of the hill was a lovely, old home, not marble or granite, but lovely nonetheless. Behind it was a flower garden and an ancient tree. Both had seen times of joy under cool, misty skies like this one, and times of fear and panic. Just before the civil war, Robert E. Lee sent word from Virginia and his family fled to join him there before the Union soldiers could take over the hill--the vantage point overlooking the city, and a very likely target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QF7hMOuYOV4k2l9k3_wh4_6kLhOEeVEmrRHFlQB8Yz1Iq4d6azt4ouGdFdyuKqxMtbOUZkIVBCXmrDleNRNrgbNFn5GryIi5_vtkxNQFyXdPX8zs9JBSo0QGJqmDBaZEbEtgkdzuYDM/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QF7hMOuYOV4k2l9k3_wh4_6kLhOEeVEmrRHFlQB8Yz1Iq4d6azt4ouGdFdyuKqxMtbOUZkIVBCXmrDleNRNrgbNFn5GryIi5_vtkxNQFyXdPX8zs9JBSo0QGJqmDBaZEbEtgkdzuYDM/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="240" /></a> When I visited Arlington, in early May, white peonies were blooming in the garden, and irises--yellow as sunshine, purple as the night. It seemed very much like a garden for children, and for long-skirted ladies with baskets hooked over their arms. A place of tranquility, of rest. No panic today, as if the soldiers sleeping all over the green lawns had bought this safety for the house on the hill.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-40429332917698369442016-05-29T06:06:00.001-06:002016-08-01T20:25:38.200-06:00Other Wars; Other Warriors: Korea and Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> The Vietnam Memorial</b><br />
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I remember when the Vietnam memorial was being built--A long v-shaped wall of black polished stone with names and names: those who had perished in the conflict. There it was, just like I had seen it in countless pictures, with, occasionally, a newly placed bouquet of flowers, and children making a pencil rubbing of what I supposed was their own family name.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy3bLE_Ild2VHVvULhxBiZzRabH1fBOTVgDrVgCoEYzV82BhLuttX9sSPXlVYy6API8qe4jHx_hyphenhyphenvUiwjFtsN3pIGpR4GItctRPDIWny-XKEayItRcESnqU2LVIr8k30hJ_fWfbzduxI/s1600/the-vietnam-womens-memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy3bLE_Ild2VHVvULhxBiZzRabH1fBOTVgDrVgCoEYzV82BhLuttX9sSPXlVYy6API8qe4jHx_hyphenhyphenvUiwjFtsN3pIGpR4GItctRPDIWny-XKEayItRcESnqU2LVIr8k30hJ_fWfbzduxI/s400/the-vietnam-womens-memorial.jpg" width="400" /></a>Since the original wall was dedicated two statues have been added: One of three solders, standing and looking at the names on the wall, and one of three women soldiers tending to the wounds of an injured comrade. <br />
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<b>The Korean Conflict</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgDuBCcsLMuQtiND46-cA0Bi5_liRsitvHoLrEMcP2DdwOyyA4dCfuVI_Kv2_VLnF94JorLDa1d_plyRE9rGsw4tiicA5QeBAJ7qR1BLSZhCQytTGwTZOmx_Z7v5vjoBNAGYTG6YXRXw/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgDuBCcsLMuQtiND46-cA0Bi5_liRsitvHoLrEMcP2DdwOyyA4dCfuVI_Kv2_VLnF94JorLDa1d_plyRE9rGsw4tiicA5QeBAJ7qR1BLSZhCQytTGwTZOmx_Z7v5vjoBNAGYTG6YXRXw/s400/IMG_1800.JPG" width="400" /></a>For me, one of the most moving of the memorials in DC was the one depicting the Korean War. Not because I have any family connection or any thing like that. No. It was seeing all the Korean tourists there. They seemed to make up over half of those who were visiting that day. It seemed to me that quietly they paid an unspoken tribute. They read the plaques in silence, looked into the pool, and posed for pictures in front of the 19 huge statues of soldiers who wearily plod through a terraced field to arrive at a tree-shaded arbor. Beside the soldiers runs another black, polished wall, like the one at the Vietnam memorial, but this one has no names--just faces. They look out at you as you pass, so full of hope and life and duty, and valor and weariness, fear and resolution. They seem to mingle with the reflections of those walking by and join in their lives, so to speak, as well they might. For there are many who live and walk the earth who owe their lives to those faces in the wall. The reflecting wall also reflects the nineteen soldier statues, turning them into thirty eight with their parallel images, which is an ironic way of symbolizing the 38th parallel.<br />
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I don't speak Korean, but I wondered what the visitors were saying and thinking. Perhaps they understand better what was achieved in their country by that hurried coalition of peacekeeping countries who fought alongside them to attain the border--an uneasy front against invaders. While we sometimes call it a war of truces or a half won war, they still feel gratitude for the fact they have had years of freedom, albeit in the shadow of their neighbor to the north, one of the harshest totalitarian states in the world today.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-301336762273315722016-05-28T08:23:00.005-06:002016-05-30T06:30:30.082-06:00War Memorials...More than Giant Tombstones: World War II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial there is a large fountain surrounded by 17 foot pillars--one for each state and territory--and two 43 foot arches--one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic theaters of World War II action. It honors the 16 million who served and those who supported the war effort.. There is also a field of 4,000 gold
stars honoring the more than 400,000 who died. It is grand and lofty and could be only that, but a series of bronze
sculpture panels embedded in the walls gives it a softer appeal--depicting ordinary Americans, both here and abroad, as they gave of their lives, and sometimes gave their lives. Each one shows a recognizable job--like pilot or gunner--or an event--like the Normandy landing. They are windows into the war.<br />
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I captured a few of them with my phone camera. The last ones are darker, because they were on the other side of the memorial and were getting less sun in the evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkuEea2wtCXcd5VjUsoS8Hb-hWrSEHibF60WtGQLowj93GYqJ2QqNQqQTyVcozBkOvTBYw23_ew95QEAsGyN-1Q5q_rHNblB9iWhXn0LEQ9F3deNkKPD9sJUH2l8o21esS_ivUSzYQNg/s1600/IMAG2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkuEea2wtCXcd5VjUsoS8Hb-hWrSEHibF60WtGQLowj93GYqJ2QqNQqQTyVcozBkOvTBYw23_ew95QEAsGyN-1Q5q_rHNblB9iWhXn0LEQ9F3deNkKPD9sJUH2l8o21esS_ivUSzYQNg/s400/IMAG2330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Turtle wanted me to take his picture near the Arkansas column. That's his home state, and he wanted to recognize that they served in this momentous conflict. Thus, in some small way we honored his father, a wartime airplane mechanic who spent his service in the islands and the rest of his life touched by the difficult things he saw and endured there. It was fitting that WWII Veterans get a memorial, and a little sad that so few are now alive to see it.<br />
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<span id="goog_1136175007"></span><span id="goog_1136175008"></span><br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-80335256273941659722016-05-27T04:44:00.001-06:002016-05-27T04:53:44.471-06:00The Metro...and Transit Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOgHSS9oT5hpBZKSW8Li9FwzXE5tMRIGwFoyZO14MM8saa2cqYtYn1fYHesfZKqvrB_aLeau_Ti0zyoARMI0Z74gkJkQ6VRt87er68XI5l-eUFXtK1LzEBsBabSO0Ipk0jqkAi8V0ex0/s1600/IMAG2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOgHSS9oT5hpBZKSW8Li9FwzXE5tMRIGwFoyZO14MM8saa2cqYtYn1fYHesfZKqvrB_aLeau_Ti0zyoARMI0Z74gkJkQ6VRt87er68XI5l-eUFXtK1LzEBsBabSO0Ipk0jqkAi8V0ex0/s320/IMAG2197.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMFyaduW1LibIUnC6uMiL-ImprBwlN1vr4jWi5WLyaHfrcM-FwLOlduPQ0PBPS3GClUEDFODX3EuhHYT6EPR6nJdEHXJZneiGIVtLoXGZKkDN15GcNdn2gq8IUaBZ978aiVMzww9MWNg/s1600/IMAG2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMFyaduW1LibIUnC6uMiL-ImprBwlN1vr4jWi5WLyaHfrcM-FwLOlduPQ0PBPS3GClUEDFODX3EuhHYT6EPR6nJdEHXJZneiGIVtLoXGZKkDN15GcNdn2gq8IUaBZ978aiVMzww9MWNg/s320/IMAG2212.jpg" width="320" /></a>Forget driving in downtown D.C. Leave that for the locals, the buses, and the Ubers. If you are able to walk, get to a metro station. They are fast and don't get caught in the traffic tangles. Better yet, invest in a good map before you go or check it out online, so you can choose lodgings within walking distance of the train station. I know it's a little confusing at first for those of us from the mid-western plains, but after a couple of days, you will be swiping your card without hesitation, and figuring out that the first few cars are usually the least crowded, so you should walk forward instead of waiting with the clump of commuters at the middle.<br />
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There is some underground riding and walking to do, but most of the line is above ground and well thought out. This station had a lot of vegetation and we were even able to watch as two groundhogs went about their day, ignoring us completely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6x1Z63nIfUKRg9KvyWko8KPvXa_TjqXKckjF4wzIn6t0D75Yqa6xJ-Rcqq1qqEnmSMLzI84Aw4Zesn3pNHJX83h4IxdpdlGlgVnQovncZnpX9TnrXJfOirvO6AVhVieeZS7mWU07mJc/s1600/IMAG2199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6x1Z63nIfUKRg9KvyWko8KPvXa_TjqXKckjF4wzIn6t0D75Yqa6xJ-Rcqq1qqEnmSMLzI84Aw4Zesn3pNHJX83h4IxdpdlGlgVnQovncZnpX9TnrXJfOirvO6AVhVieeZS7mWU07mJc/s320/IMAG2199.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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So North, South, East, and West are harder to understand, and that's one
thing that tourists have to puzzle over, but since this station was the
end of the line, it was no biggie. We just had to step on the train and
it took us downtown. Every car had a large map, and the station names
were clear.<br />
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Of course everyone knew we were tourists. Who else would snap pictures on the metro, or stand and hang onto a pole when there were seats available? <br />
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And one had to be fast. Stops are brief and unforgiving. If you miss the train, you have to wait for the next. However, they are usually well-spaced, especially during rush hours. Signs in the stations count down the minutes and there are covered places to wait should it be raining.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJOabylojdQOatJmD9JuRGtVj2O64N_1rDRJbZvWqS79AFWmTAZGy2o0JLGR5uLM8DPIi1eUlUD2mi9VKodTy6M9jhhe9uyn13z93EgvnlBcv7B43xNu0EnWAWlwfxOoei8iSPSYQ9no/s1600/IMAG2375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJOabylojdQOatJmD9JuRGtVj2O64N_1rDRJbZvWqS79AFWmTAZGy2o0JLGR5uLM8DPIi1eUlUD2mi9VKodTy6M9jhhe9uyn13z93EgvnlBcv7B43xNu0EnWAWlwfxOoei8iSPSYQ9no/s320/IMAG2375.jpg" width="178" /></a><br />
So unless you love to engage city traffic and drive around forever looking for a parking spot, don't drive in DC. If the trains look daunting, take a tour bus, because parking is impossible in the center of town. (It costs fifteen dollars a day to park at the train station parking lots and garages, but that's still better than buying a tank of gas a day so you can drive around all day and wish you were enjoying the sights) If you are close enough to walk to the station, you can save even that fee. I don't know if that's possible....since we stayed in Maryland and had to drive about an hour every day just to get to the stations...but if I go again, I'll set that as a priority. After all, walking is a stress-reliever, and that brings us to the next topic: Walking Shoes<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-62797992564913813152016-05-26T14:00:00.001-06:002016-05-26T19:14:46.712-06:00Washington DCI've just returned from a week-long visit to the most historically moving place in the nation--the capital, Washington, District of Colombia, and I have to say one thing: Every American should go visit that city. Of course it would help if those Americans have had a course in our history and seen and studied great works of art. It would also help if those Americans looked at maps and previewed all the places to see, then saw them on days I wasn't visiting them. But, if you appreciate great works and great words and great people and if you understand what it means that people who lived before you sacrificed their entire lives to build a nation we now enjoy; If you want to feel the enormity of that: visit DC. The buildings and monuments alone merit that. Here are a few pictures of the highlights. I'll post specifics in upcoming days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Dp_qEgKfiXJJ7hPOuL5TOf3ZMJKw9_zDCumv9ZO1r_GNPqHvlksT0aDJPvsl24QWgCv07M3f8MbZ7e2Apt3VF2pmBYYADB8dk8qSPVMJl5olbZVlD6WltW-wtf4uSTZbT2KI1GKcOI/s1600/IMAG2194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Dp_qEgKfiXJJ7hPOuL5TOf3ZMJKw9_zDCumv9ZO1r_GNPqHvlksT0aDJPvsl24QWgCv07M3f8MbZ7e2Apt3VF2pmBYYADB8dk8qSPVMJl5olbZVlD6WltW-wtf4uSTZbT2KI1GKcOI/s320/IMAG2194.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Metro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Very Young Hero Indeed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overwhelming Architecture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the WWII Monument Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Walking through Beautiful Places</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorials that Overwhelm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dazzle at the White House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnZp-2e3NeQ8OXEjYmDCjxVtLpAurzD6ckqotcq1-t-QQ4THFXoRREFgZlsXm8UtyW_oW_NjSc0LVH0A_RhEyPZ0Y5qod022vWrd_JwTzQJfwY4OTt4HEdI4UrshLnFj7eMbNiGizyU0/s1600/IMAG2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnZp-2e3NeQ8OXEjYmDCjxVtLpAurzD6ckqotcq1-t-QQ4THFXoRREFgZlsXm8UtyW_oW_NjSc0LVH0A_RhEyPZ0Y5qod022vWrd_JwTzQJfwY4OTt4HEdI4UrshLnFj7eMbNiGizyU0/s320/IMAG2413.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures of People You Recognize</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFroI-Updo3B51vEffrmf3gecv8P_zMB2hPmd4JRW4z79ClAxlU008gRsd_E0jXp9EQKalNEhlQj1d4XyN_ETt7Br8KUEGNDEMa7AeRDSbXhwpoW8Maqx2lzyrbaYqIeGJmBittS7tnsE/s1600/IMAG2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFroI-Updo3B51vEffrmf3gecv8P_zMB2hPmd4JRW4z79ClAxlU008gRsd_E0jXp9EQKalNEhlQj1d4XyN_ETt7Br8KUEGNDEMa7AeRDSbXhwpoW8Maqx2lzyrbaYqIeGJmBittS7tnsE/s320/IMAG2446.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tributes to Heroes from Every State</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABvnxdBudxmK5lNmSGk7A6B4KSd9X-T4mvVJwnfurllxnt-xSkxH1HRkgoZqYU68LlvQcdNEmkOns0Nr8Whb_WpjmO61ThcgvVOFiWbVv1ohdzAx_T8zSsWHjHmzJ0-nD-w0aQHZQQ5Q/s1600/IMAG2472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABvnxdBudxmK5lNmSGk7A6B4KSd9X-T4mvVJwnfurllxnt-xSkxH1HRkgoZqYU68LlvQcdNEmkOns0Nr8Whb_WpjmO61ThcgvVOFiWbVv1ohdzAx_T8zSsWHjHmzJ0-nD-w0aQHZQQ5Q/s320/IMAG2472.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audacious, Gaudy Art that made me Smile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTV5H-yeP-Wfay5e_ztrsIVT6DQMHDkFuy2o2UvQHZt1Wa0eoLf6EbIaGz5pVBLF1xE2RK2rYelfzzmfseSeoY5ud5jS08ZnwBZMub6l_BKkv3i9H2Aaj-o65HJS0p9Jv73TVnVq-RWwQ/s1600/IMAG2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTV5H-yeP-Wfay5e_ztrsIVT6DQMHDkFuy2o2UvQHZt1Wa0eoLf6EbIaGz5pVBLF1xE2RK2rYelfzzmfseSeoY5ud5jS08ZnwBZMub6l_BKkv3i9H2Aaj-o65HJS0p9Jv73TVnVq-RWwQ/s320/IMAG2523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Original Smithsonian</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9USHh36P7ekkzZJeH2HKdZOhspo5aQFhOsjjPIByAsVWwXtERU-I0CR-lMJbLenkFtiP_RksaizlFj4KyiS9fTZWCt79Gf7a4n3OJ5YOvAePfv2KNO4W_13KWhLxGcliQmgCVKaUJNS0/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9USHh36P7ekkzZJeH2HKdZOhspo5aQFhOsjjPIByAsVWwXtERU-I0CR-lMJbLenkFtiP_RksaizlFj4KyiS9fTZWCt79Gf7a4n3OJ5YOvAePfv2KNO4W_13KWhLxGcliQmgCVKaUJNS0/s320/IMG_1745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arlington</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwaCaEi3IcM-kXdCy52rnzQVZMS24WXWnnniNfZvFjnf4PSuh7e1rHvYlDnA3Wrfx2tfE32DaZgRcGJ6S-ioAuIXy6SnpXqm5qTMtQ3ZzVZGXyttvLu0DMYnmnRiIUYTkW_Sn7zj-pMY/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwaCaEi3IcM-kXdCy52rnzQVZMS24WXWnnniNfZvFjnf4PSuh7e1rHvYlDnA3Wrfx2tfE32DaZgRcGJ6S-ioAuIXy6SnpXqm5qTMtQ3ZzVZGXyttvLu0DMYnmnRiIUYTkW_Sn7zj-pMY/s320/IMG_1771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jefferson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkAWe_9_H3dfD4Mk1g-I9FimbZ51IUGRUIRw2SpefhEsbkTzGx3UPredWKJ6XEn2vOgzP6t-zn-40eWnBpKpkxBkLmF02KZdrYQy4rgSaK2tCrnAkvglrYvlq0pB-JEnaYVlMDcYhyYw/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkAWe_9_H3dfD4Mk1g-I9FimbZ51IUGRUIRw2SpefhEsbkTzGx3UPredWKJ6XEn2vOgzP6t-zn-40eWnBpKpkxBkLmF02KZdrYQy4rgSaK2tCrnAkvglrYvlq0pB-JEnaYVlMDcYhyYw/s320/IMG_1800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean War Memorial</td></tr>
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I could have spent another few weeks there and not seen it all. It's pretty amazing. In general, what impressed me was the accessibility of it -- lots of security checks, but no tickets or fees for any of the memorials, museums, federal buildings or parks. I walked in and saw my own constitution...yes, the original document, and I walked out through the front doors of the White House and onto that very lawn we see in the news. I saw the flag that flew over Fort McHenry, the Spirit of Saint Lewis, and the Hope Diamond. I spoke with Senator James Lankford from our state of Oklahoma and stood in the spot where John Quincy Adams once had a desk, and I'm just an ordinary American with no special honor, talent, or finances. That's what made this trip so special. Ordinary Americans have access to America.<br />
<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-69382485367846047402016-04-19T18:50:00.001-06:002018-05-20T05:44:19.077-06:00 When I visited Edison at Easter, they had just set up a new swings and slide set in his other grandmother's back yard. Several of the children were taking advantage of it. Later, when I got home and looked at the pictures, I saw this one and made the comment that the slide seemed a bit tame...maybe time for a baby brother or sister. Still, he seems to like it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9OiWBI7fWWk-wte5jtOGgtKZDc3Oz1FbWtHCvZKQ4v2jSRL9pC2PcaMiB2Uc5v7SUC9buFvaaJW-OCw2i3uaA5vH82A7o2phLlNUlS-PDY6J5HDp4rXl06FtQUJxLMmDUWEJinGvV1E/s1600/Tame+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9OiWBI7fWWk-wte5jtOGgtKZDc3Oz1FbWtHCvZKQ4v2jSRL9pC2PcaMiB2Uc5v7SUC9buFvaaJW-OCw2i3uaA5vH82A7o2phLlNUlS-PDY6J5HDp4rXl06FtQUJxLMmDUWEJinGvV1E/s400/Tame+slide.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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The incident did make me a bit hesitant to show his parents the pictures I took the last time he was here. We went to the new "kid proof" park and then to a hidden park behind the half-pipe area over by the old girl scout hut where the city transferred all the old playground equipment so they could build the new stuff. It's still over there, and kids still love it, but by today's standards it's highly risky.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-58361250270094894752016-01-23T18:12:00.001-07:002016-01-27T13:32:36.284-07:00Sighs and Goodbyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most of the time I'm happy with my job; I love my students and I feel like I'm teaching them what is good and true. I can't speak for all of them, but in some of those lives, I make a difference. Most of the time.</div>
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Every now and then--actually on very rare occasions--I wonder what might have been if I had gone into the medical research field as I originally wanted. Would I have been able to make a difference there? Would anything I could have discovered in serology, have given hope to my close friends who have died of cancer? Last week we lost a dear lady from our church to cancer. This week we are waiting for the call from family in Arkansas, the call that a family member has finally passed away. </div>
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This is Lorene. After my husband's mother died, when we were still a young family, my father-in-law remarried. Lorene stepped into a family with two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five little grandchildren. She became our "Mom" and has been a member of the family for thirty years, loving us and listening, praying for us and praising our work, an encouraging presence and helping hand.</div>
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Little by little we found out about her life, years spent taking care of siblings after her own mother died--siblings who still rely on her for wisdom and help. She bore three sons and also took in foster children for years, remaining close to some, adopting one, and helping to raise grandchildren who needed her. Her first husband died of a heart attack; the second was killed in an automobile when a logging truck slid into his path, and the third (my husband's dad)finally succumbed to Parkinson's disease several years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b9qFDWKyzItI2SblRF8Z7mkxxH409JxGpJPy5rau3cxp2PzSxfa1nImJuCxmM6QMNQ5r3nmJS5_HzM39JO3f_TTI2hOEsyVJqWVUjKf7G9NqMWay1eCL3tkvgdtBSKPS2Vbonvh2e3Y/s1600/Lorene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b9qFDWKyzItI2SblRF8Z7mkxxH409JxGpJPy5rau3cxp2PzSxfa1nImJuCxmM6QMNQ5r3nmJS5_HzM39JO3f_TTI2hOEsyVJqWVUjKf7G9NqMWay1eCL3tkvgdtBSKPS2Vbonvh2e3Y/s320/Lorene.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIMU2eZfo0dbQl3OuFWBOIbJaDi9pOm_6FGVhjaSbEySQXhEpLen0A7BPLlx4z0dsAYj0K458nNqKd7ub-CL82tZs_2nK65r7kHfxc2_7DOLZL2I0D7brf2Vj-4zZm-hHB2Aqzq4oLck/s1600/Lorene+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIMU2eZfo0dbQl3OuFWBOIbJaDi9pOm_6FGVhjaSbEySQXhEpLen0A7BPLlx4z0dsAYj0K458nNqKd7ub-CL82tZs_2nK65r7kHfxc2_7DOLZL2I0D7brf2Vj-4zZm-hHB2Aqzq4oLck/s400/Lorene+2.jpg" width="221" /></a>Since then she has lived in a tiny apartment, looking after neighbors, and working for home health as one who sat with the elderly. Even into her 80's, she was sitting with the elderly and those who were ill. She kept a busy schedule, staying in touch with all her many family members, teaching a Sunday School class every week, leading an interdenominational Bible study on Tuesdays, and taking the many calls from friends, answering, advising, praying...<br />
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Now her phone is silent. They've asked us not to call. She is sleeping. Always sleeping. And doesn't want many visitors because she's too sick to see anyone. Not herself anymore...but occasionally she opens her eyes and smiles as she recognizes a grandchild, a daughter, or an old, old friend.</div>
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This summer she was diagnosed with cancer. They operated, but didn't give her much hope. Chemo was not an option. She took it with grace. "I'm ready to go," she said. "Pray that the Lord will take me home quickly." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yR1DEmXM9Sahm9Jmw7nyZGvpfjgfZhiF_dklvOXvfJID9OqvF7kam00wpn4RIqHhyTynvKV6dJhIQ29jtidIaI6CGHimNKZYHvFtD7P2RYqN1_aaBuAbXMU-5B_SZrok_Kt6vS2gkFE/s1600/Lorene+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yR1DEmXM9Sahm9Jmw7nyZGvpfjgfZhiF_dklvOXvfJID9OqvF7kam00wpn4RIqHhyTynvKV6dJhIQ29jtidIaI6CGHimNKZYHvFtD7P2RYqN1_aaBuAbXMU-5B_SZrok_Kt6vS2gkFE/s320/Lorene+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And things have moved rather quickly. I know. People get old. They die. We can't expect anyone to live in perfect health forever, but when I look at these pictures, it makes me angry. Why so much cancer in the world? Is there anything I might have discovered to help? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8kthXhHMdMxO4TwwW6qXLOOjIzfkIL8woQYBMdiTnrr_mTmksywCr0DAZ5nvAvZqXDlZYI9nhmWwCsKiLVFhcKIRfE5YaL0U4L_IDffDeFom1U0VI7MTd9jiCw4XBURyHRRKDSoPVYk/s1600/Lorene+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8kthXhHMdMxO4TwwW6qXLOOjIzfkIL8woQYBMdiTnrr_mTmksywCr0DAZ5nvAvZqXDlZYI9nhmWwCsKiLVFhcKIRfE5YaL0U4L_IDffDeFom1U0VI7MTd9jiCw4XBURyHRRKDSoPVYk/s1600/Lorene+4.jpg" /></a></div>
Maybe not. Sigh. Probably not. What could I have done that all those medical scientists haven't done? Enough. I should be thankful for the years we had. At least my children and grandchildren got to know this wonderful lady. My prayer is that we will all see her again some day, when we, too, have passed into a world unmarred by death.Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-4371928908653110292015-05-23T13:27:00.000-06:002015-05-23T13:27:07.195-06:00Meals on Wheels...and my newest pet peeve<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jfBKquEDwSbEDv9VwTJtfX1_SrRvBJyM2VoGMWG_81wyfJUAYKlJBfnxX5O4IpfmcI1EmK3NhpaH-ZwBwO_DxMMEelnGR6XbdKKQcUaQYIKX3kBWUb_vB0TMA_BdyN-0UTp5FbalVKw/s1600/meals-on-wheels.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jfBKquEDwSbEDv9VwTJtfX1_SrRvBJyM2VoGMWG_81wyfJUAYKlJBfnxX5O4IpfmcI1EmK3NhpaH-ZwBwO_DxMMEelnGR6XbdKKQcUaQYIKX3kBWUb_vB0TMA_BdyN-0UTp5FbalVKw/s200/meals-on-wheels.gif" width="200" /></a>No. No. It's not about delivering the meals.<br />
I don't really mind.<br />
It's about those people who...well maybe I'd better explain.<br />
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The senior citizens' center cooks a hot meal in the middle of every weekday. They do their best to keep the price down so people on a fixed income can still afford the pleasure of eating out. Lots of older people in our community don't get out much. Being able to meet with their friends at the center for a time of food, fellowship, and dominoes, keeps them feeling a part of the community and the human race in general.<br />
For those people too sick, too feeble, or too handicapped to make that once a day trip there exists: "Meals on Wheels".<br />
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Local churches volunteer to go pick up the meals and deliver them to each customer's front door. <br />
I helped Turtle deliver meals last week.<br />
It was fun.<br />
It was rewarding.<br />
However it was also frustrating. You see...<br />
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I didn't mind delivering to the old, the feeble, the sick, the blind, the paranoid. They need it and I was happy to be their servant.<br />
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What I did mind was delivering on "brisket day", when everybody decided to take advantage of the wonderful menu and order meals. I don't pretend to speak for the cooks and those running the service from the grocery end; I hope they broke even. What I minded was delivering meals to those local businesses whose employees decided to eat brisket. There were forty deliveries that day. I was in the car for an hour and a half--all stop and go traffic. The fortunate patrons on the south end of town enjoyed hot meals. Those at the other end not only had to wait extra time for their food, but they had to heat it up in the microwave when it finally got there--or eat it cold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUYL_qCUUs7rtknSi5mRIRNpw9PyuQJRTaa1v5x5eBsnXMTJqV957NhSN2643a2NZDCW5xfzqQfWCbyq4LJTPpK2-y6lp4YGoKLNnPAAMFlf4YgVC-M9WOpjgIUBTiijsKTk8Pg9cG9E/s1600/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUYL_qCUUs7rtknSi5mRIRNpw9PyuQJRTaa1v5x5eBsnXMTJqV957NhSN2643a2NZDCW5xfzqQfWCbyq4LJTPpK2-y6lp4YGoKLNnPAAMFlf4YgVC-M9WOpjgIUBTiijsKTk8Pg9cG9E/s320/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls.jpg" width="320" /></a>The time was mine. The gas was mine. I don't begrudge my charity to those who need it, but when I delivered four meals to the local newspaper office, and saw that there were four able-bodied workers who could have driven the three blocks to pick up their own food, it upset me, especially when I had to wait for one of them to finish her phone conversation so she could bring her check for the food. We delivered to several businesses and to the local jail. Meanwhile, a blind lady in the north part of town waited patiently for her lunch; I'm sure it was cold when we finally got it to her.<br />
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We got home late, tired, and in a bad mood...well I speak for myself.<br />
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Turtle was pleasantly oblivious to the injustice of it all.<br />
Next time I'm going to start at the north end of town. I'm going to deliver to all those who need it.<br />
Then I'm going to take the cold brisket and warm salad to all the business people. So there.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-78602036944236311302015-05-23T12:07:00.000-06:002015-05-23T12:07:23.310-06:00More Misty Moistiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1716668054"></span><span id="goog_1716668055"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsv4Gz0xz40r3ZxccBMNVN4_0XT-EIipWL3q2BsP5TQ2s-_Ydk_zNfMUq51tBU3olIw9f3a7Q8T7VSxJfDoALBvev6jaxVXyNwz0d_gKODoTzvAni0MY00ouGkJ9wy0Pd1AEJ8x97YI8/s1600/IMAG0011_BURST002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsv4Gz0xz40r3ZxccBMNVN4_0XT-EIipWL3q2BsP5TQ2s-_Ydk_zNfMUq51tBU3olIw9f3a7Q8T7VSxJfDoALBvev6jaxVXyNwz0d_gKODoTzvAni0MY00ouGkJ9wy0Pd1AEJ8x97YI8/s320/IMAG0011_BURST002.jpg" width="178" /></a><br />
I've never seen a more misty moisty May than the one we are having now. It's so humid outside the window panes are cloudy, and for Western Oklahoma, that's surreal. Drip drip drip...day after day. On my walk today, I took lots of pictures of this little town in the fog and not the sunshine and wind which is the norm. Just a few years ago we were caught in a severe drought, so this is welcome water. Yes, the crops are probably gone...but the lakes are almost back to normal. We will survive it...and meanwhile I'm loving these perfect temperatures and cozy reading hours.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWfFszJZaHseWeUwyojOqPp8oGKFeG7cAB6MbY52MehFHe1r70qGJyBzPCrGFHr6G_L6rRBNM6kpsEWYhy0wAQjdhEgUc1v10FCksC6atO92szGu_7UzLilDMl4mYctpYQYSSFSkt7qs/s1600/IMAG0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWfFszJZaHseWeUwyojOqPp8oGKFeG7cAB6MbY52MehFHe1r70qGJyBzPCrGFHr6G_L6rRBNM6kpsEWYhy0wAQjdhEgUc1v10FCksC6atO92szGu_7UzLilDMl4mYctpYQYSSFSkt7qs/s320/IMAG0067.jpg" width="178" /></a> Here's the grain elevator, rising into the mists and fading on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfNNA0DKi4psEZ9qbyFcRkoqkxeMsOe1bgpGNUyXP4BpIp_Kul1h1TfsyYOsPbXEXmvaVIGt1xe21z0b6qGPuJR-9RTkMraI8QfphgiTfhPEoNOxcapcMoDpR0TleE9wpecKA4Lw6sOA/s1600/IMAG0019_BURST002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfNNA0DKi4psEZ9qbyFcRkoqkxeMsOe1bgpGNUyXP4BpIp_Kul1h1TfsyYOsPbXEXmvaVIGt1xe21z0b6qGPuJR-9RTkMraI8QfphgiTfhPEoNOxcapcMoDpR0TleE9wpecKA4Lw6sOA/s320/IMAG0019_BURST002.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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All the little dingy, murky wadis have become creeks with fast running water. Several days ago, we looked out our front door toward the end of the street and saw this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sAWY5oHLLA2o7KqeOfcBmvbTokJeO62ST32q9Ukg1GrBg25ox6fJcbE0PSI1co-rfe0Y_UvCVlp5_D7stZpmCOwNAIuJ_ZMChle4Sk3mMq16XPACXLIsSqogTZA9LbXy_KHgInE8vg0/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sAWY5oHLLA2o7KqeOfcBmvbTokJeO62ST32q9Ukg1GrBg25ox6fJcbE0PSI1co-rfe0Y_UvCVlp5_D7stZpmCOwNAIuJ_ZMChle4Sk3mMq16XPACXLIsSqogTZA9LbXy_KHgInE8vg0/s320/IMG_1386.JPG" width="320" /></a>That's the creek that runs under a small bridge at the end of our street. It barricaded the driveways of the two houses next to ours but didn't come close to our yard. It's a good thing too. We might have been house bound--or sitting on the roof waiting for a helicopter...well that's unheard of in this part of the world. <br />
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Here's that creek several blocks on down the road...<br />
just raging by and headed for the local park.<br />
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Where it has a tendency to back up onto the lawn. We're still thrilled at this point. Our ground was dry even at twelve feet down. This will help.<br />
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This morning in the drizzle there was no fear of flooding--that's all rushed away and the town is hushed and happy. On artists' row the houses smile in their wet, faded paint. No need to work on a yard today, or fix a roof.<br />
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The lawns and trees are loving it.<br />
The tallest buildings just letting it drape their heads in a soporific cloud of blur.<br />
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And I am too.<br />
I think I'll go ride my stationary bike and watch another episode of Nero Wolfe.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-69154017345483703152015-05-18T16:58:00.002-06:002015-05-18T17:01:21.690-06:00Family Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We managed to assemble the entire clan for a couple of days in May. Our three grown children, spouses of two of them and the three grandchildren.<br />
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The youngest is delighted with his lot in life. Being the center of attention is fun...although this morning he asked me if he could "go somewhere more fun...like the park." Hence seven of them are down there now...so I'm blogging in the quiet time.<br />
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Clay is home for a visit from far away Texas. It isn't often that she gets off this many days in a row from her job, so it's a mini vacation.<br />
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The boys did a lot of running and chasing, soccer and what have ya. Blaze looks older, but he is really just two and a half.<br />
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But when Blaze took his nap, quiet games prevailed. Zaya occupied himself with the construction of a transmogrifier--a la Calvin and Hobbs.<br />
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Although I think this cautionary label was given a corollary by his Dad<br />
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Mimsy listened to an Anne of Green Gables book checked out from our local library. They have a great selection of audio books.<br />
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and little Mister "Keep the World Spinning Loudly" recharged his battery with a nap. That stuffed animal on his lap is an opossum. He named it George-George.Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-44202933350379359072015-05-10T19:39:00.002-06:002015-05-10T19:39:51.745-06:00Mothers' DayFacebook has been responsible for lots of trends. Today it seemed to be the trend to pose with your mom. I downloaded and loved lots of pictures. My own children couldn't be here this week, but I've plans to see them in the near future. I couldn't see my mom either, but I love her well and will be seeing her soon. Anyway--here are a few of my favorite shared photos of the day.<br />
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And finally, a picture of my own momma holding me.<br />
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Isn't she beautiful. She is younger in this picture than my youngest child is today!<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-63747257321408670962015-05-09T08:42:00.002-06:002015-05-09T08:42:19.450-06:00Summer has been really misty so far...all two days of it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so I know it's not officially summer, but when school's out, that's summer for me. I have so much I want to accomplish this summer, and none of it involves curriculum or instruction. (Well, we do have VBS but that's a different type of instruction and the curriculum is already written). I plan to work on my health; lose the fifteen pounds that have crept up on me and filled my jeans to a level of uncomfortable snugness; eat lots of fruits and vegetables to make up for and undo the damage caused by months of meat and potatoes; walk two miles every day--except Sundays, when I'll allow myself a nap; and work out with the Wii Fit program. <br />
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Hey! It's a start. I've kept that resolve mightily for two whole days, initiating the program anyway--except for the Wii fit stuff. (What's holding me back is the initial report and scolding I know I'll get from the fit-and-trim and also never-aging virtual coach.)<br />
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These pictures are from our morning walk. No, I'm not using the royal plural; My daughter Carina and my two older grandkids, Zaya and Mim, are here with me for a few days while my son-in-law scopes out their future job and home in far-away Florida.<br />
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As you can see from the pictures I've taken, it's pretty soggy around town and the mist was lovely. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73V2XKFBjKjWIBhtoG9Jfh6DCaM6gaa_VuPqAokPC4vBlI8nHlUiIecu4Q1RWTE5lwXxCUrV-M7d4Iza-AJuF12WeqGusNKEPu07K9l3bCWmeHc9ksJwQOP7k2qmAxTmCxze36gmOhUk/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73V2XKFBjKjWIBhtoG9Jfh6DCaM6gaa_VuPqAokPC4vBlI8nHlUiIecu4Q1RWTE5lwXxCUrV-M7d4Iza-AJuF12WeqGusNKEPu07K9l3bCWmeHc9ksJwQOP7k2qmAxTmCxze36gmOhUk/s320/IMG_1241.JPG" width="320" /></a>We tried to get our walk in before the rain, and would have managed it, but for our taking an evasive detour into the post office, forced upon us by the rather too-friendly overtures of a lion-sized, shaggy, white dog. I say "white" presuming there was white under all that red mud. He wanted to leap upon us and was not in the least obedient to "Go home" commands. When he finally got tired of waiting for us to exit the post office and transferred his undying loyalty to a guy on a bicycle, we retraced our steps and made it home by a different route just in time to welcome the first tentative drops of warm rain.<br />
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As you can see, although this is Oklahoma and not the "Deep South", there are pockets of Confederate loyalty--maybe a shrine for ancestors. Robert E. Lee would be touched.<br />
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And in a nearby field grazes "Traveler" I'm sure, looking majestic in the fog.<br />
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Something about a horse is very beautiful. I never can resist pictures of them. I have folders full of pictures like this...and I don't even ride horses.<br />
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And of course, grandchildren. I never can resist grandchildren pictures either.<br />
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<br />Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218904713666570182.post-12564362666075702852015-05-08T16:13:00.002-06:002015-05-08T16:13:45.496-06:00After Seven Years of Drought...What is this water-stuff?I think we can safely say the drought is over. After three weeks of intermittent storms--hail, thunder, tornadoes and what have ya, the ponds are full, the streets are running, the lakes are recovering and the citizens rejoice. It's almost wonderful.<br />
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Oklahoma red water in the creek.<br />
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Back yard run-offs...<br />
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Only if you've endured a drought, will you understand posting pictures of wet pavement and puddles, however muddy.<br />
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This little calf hardly knows how to handle the wet grass.<br />
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Of course the wheat is probably ruined and the peonies are hanging down
their heads forlornly.<br />
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Some of the wheat was hailed to shreds last week. This field didn't look so bad. Hopefully, it will recover and dry out for a good harvest. It seems like farmers never get what they need out here.<br />
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Such is life on the western plains.Lilibethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031218249072893776noreply@blogger.com0