I love little baby ducks...Old pick up trucks...Not so much...

I had some time off this last weekend finishing up my vacation time before it runs out. Of course Tabithia wants to clean up the farm every chance we get. This small piece of land contains years of accumulation of her grandfather. He still operates his horse...uh...well...He just has some horses back there. Sometimes as many as ten. I think we are a little below that now. It is amazing there is room for that many horses with all of that junk. We have burned termite colonies that were once stacks of boards. We have loaded trailers with heaps of metal to be recycled and I think raised over $1000 for whatever cause it is going for. I think it is cause he needs some money. That brings me to my title. There are old truck beds and one complete smashed in old truck. Why? Why do old(er) people find the need to head up, hoard up mountains of worthless stuff? I know one man's trash is another's treasure. I see no value in much of this. I do not like these old pick up trucks and don't know how we will ever get them loaded and gone.

As for the little baby duck, I have one. After years of having ducks, finally one hatched a baby. It is the cutest little thing. Mama duck is protective, too. She has been less than friendly to me. She never heard that old adage about biting the hand that feeds you. She is guarding it very well. We had another one over the weekend that did not make it. This one is very healthy looking and does well with the others, too. I am so proud and I took the best picture of it yesterday. I will have to post that some other time. You will love it also. I also forgot my jump drive with Puerto Rico pics. That will have to wait as well. Today you just get me. Isn't that enough?

That is really all I have at this time. I can remember saying that when I started preaching and have heard others say it. That is all I have. Usually that was when it was so short that you would not believe it was over. No, really, that is it. That's funny. I had not thought about that in a while. I never do that anymore. I think they said my message itself was only 20 minutes Sunday. Tabithia, who accuses me of longwindedness, said it was just right. I was just so sick. Really I was done though and then we formed a prayer line in which the whole congregation passed through. There were more people there than it seemed. The line just kept coming. Prayer lines are really a lot of work. I learned that at the General Assembly. My voice is usually always gone by the time we are half way. Good times! I would rather loose my voice in Church (some people would not understand that at all) than at a football game. I don't even understand football. Am I un-American? I grew up a small school where we did not have football. We consolidated to a school that had it but the interest was never there.

The merry rambler has said too much. I gotta go!

A Little PR...

Notice anything strange?

No Prejudice...

One thing I truly loved about Puerto Rico was something that was said by a tour guide. According to Mr. Sunshine (Sunshine Tours--he really had that type personality very positive. he was quite the tree-hugger though, very new age--paints with all the colors of the wind sort of thing--back to the story) there is no prejudice in Puerto Rico. One of the most degrading and divisive practices of society to me is prejudice. I cannot hate on the basis of color or culture or for an other reason. How can there be a Great Speckled Bird if there were no different tones of people? I heard someone try to blame our nation's problems on the influx of different nationalities. Last time I looked in the mirror I was clearly a cracker, not Native American. So I am, and so was the other person, a transplant. We came in on a boat! Maybe I just have wild melting pot ideas. I can see the All Nations Flag proudly waving in all parts of the world regardless of skin color.

Aside from talking to the trees, Mr. Sunshine had it right and so does Puerto Rico. Really I saw no hint of prejudice while there. There are Spanish, English, Spanglish, black, white, Hispanic and some all combined in one. It is such mixture that it is nearly impossible to separate one from the other. As for the talking to trees...I do feel like you can venture out into God's creation and revel in the beauty of it and worship the Mastermind behind it all. I also feel it does deserve respect. One must be careful treading through the Garden of God. We were sent to dress and keep. What an easy task that was preAdamic curse--no weeds! The diverse flora and fawna from one location to the next amazes me. Our imagination could not have contrived such complexity. His ways and thoughts are truly higher than ours. While I respect nature, I would rather hug people than trees.

Is this not the most different post I have ever come up with? Maybe it is the result of spring being in full bloom or maybe the fact that my garden is broken and near ready for planting. I don't know. I do love creation, but I love the Creator even more.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" Psalm 139:14

Here's One More...

Where Have I Been?

It has been forever since my last post. I have never even gotten my pics from vacation up. We had a wonderful time in sunny Puerto Rico. I guess I should say mostly sunny, because it rained like crazy on us the last day. That was cool though, we had done all that we had set out to do. It was not as user friendly as Hawaii. It was very unique and you had the feeling that it was absolutely ancient. I have post a few pics to kind of let you see what it was like. Yes, Sis Tammi, I love US territories. Tabithia and I are considering passports for Christmas.

In Puerto Rico we hiked a rainforest, we sailed out to an off shore island on a catamaran (can you say seasick?) and we toured Old San Juan. In Old San Juan we went in and explored over 400 year old forts that American ships bombarded in conquest of the island. I mentioned that PR was not very user friendly. One thind about it thou, it was very hands on. There were no restrictions in the forts, you could go where you wanted, even in the guard lookouts that over hang the walls. It was the same in the rainforest. You could get off the path in the stream. People swim in the falls. I was able to get some very good pictures (over 700) We walked and were so active. We are in very good shape. Or we were.

It was very beautiful and comparable to the cost of living where I live. I think we need a PR mission church. I don't speak Spanish. What a shame. I am about out of time and will tell more later!

Finally, after two days of trying to post a picture...wahoo!!!! I did it. Now, all of this to say that I am going to be gone for a few days starting Sunday. If the picture does not say it, we are going to Puerto Rico!!!!!!! I think it will be amazing!!!! Can't wait! Feel free to post your envious comments. Just remember that jealosy is as cruel as the grave.

I Remember Dark Calvary...

May God bless each of you

as we reverently celebrate and worship

our Saviour and His life changing sacrifice.

The horror of those last hours grips our hearts with pain,

yet the glory of His resurrection dispels the gloom

of not only the events of those days but also our own dark hours.

At times when there seems to be no hope,

He is our HOPE.

One Sick Puppy...

Cabin fever has finally broken! I have been out in the yard with the yet cool, moist soil filtering through (and mainly sticking to) my hands. My black lagoon of a pond I started last year is now shaping up. I about have it figured out and cleaned out of the fishy smelling, water-logged leaves. I was elbow deep and did not care. Augh, life is good again. Spring is such a wonderful time. Our trees are preparing for a vivid show that is just at curtain time. Winter is nice in its own way but I like the others much more. We seldom get snow here so it is just a cold, windy, barren time of year that leaves you under house arrest.

Last weekend was the exception to that. It snowed and snowed all day long on Friday. It was one of those windy, driving snows that you can't really get god pictures of during the storm. I had to work that night so by the time I got off the next day there were limited good photo ops. I managed to get a few. Sorry, I don't have them on me now. I will try to post some later.

I have a busy couple of weeks here with our Easter activities. I have some much work to be doing. Not to mention the yard beckons. I hope to get a garden in the ground this year. I bought a couple of those little green houses from Wal-Mart which have been a good start to my tomatoes and peppers among other things.

Now, as for sick a puppy. My little 82 pound yellow lad, Carlie Noel, has not been feeling well for a little while. She would have days where she was better then days where she was worse. I have put off taking her to the vet hoping she would get better. I thought of putting her on the international prayer list. Well, I loader her up to go. This was no easy process in itself. She, when she suspects trouble, will lay flat to the ground and go completely limp making it impossible to raise her slightly overweight body from the ground. I finally got her picked up and carried her to the car. She road in the front seat like a very good girl. She was scared. Once there she would not get out either. I had to carry her in. Once there her blood test revealed she has heart worms. Her x-rays revealed she has an enlarged heart. Poor girl. Right now she is on some meds to clear her lungs and make her feel better. Treatment will follow. I don't know if Carlie believes in divine healing so I need everyone believing with me. She really does not feel well and is not her normal obnoxious self.

That is about it for now. I am waiting on the travel agent to get my information to me. Lord willing, we are going to Puerto Rico!!!!

Snow and Sixty Degrees...

Those two hardly seem to go together, but here in Arkansas that is clearly the case. I have always heard about the Natural State, "If you don't like the weather, don't worry it will change." And change it does. The weekend was glorious, a little windy, but for early March, it was great! I worked of course and went home to sleep. How absurd. I slept through the best weather of the year. i just told myself there would be more. The winds of change blew and blew until cold front passed through on Monday night. What should happen on Tuesday...you guessed it...SNOW. I use that term very liberally. We call the small dusting we received snow. The frost on the ground this morning was more impressive.

Have I just become the blogger meteorologist or what? Have I gotten so old that all I talk of is the weather? I will explain that in one phrase...CABIN FEVER!!!!! I have it so bad. I am ready to return to the yard for therapy. There is something about sinking your hands into the earth. In the quiet moments of yard labors are found peace, meditation and poison ivy. Oh...wait that doesn't belong! It really is peaceful, tranquil. I think on so many things. It is taking Gods creation and showcasing it in a way that brings Him glory. This year, Lord willing, it is supplementing the supper table. I am so excited and cannot wait. I have things growing at my backdoor already. But I cannot do anything because it is too cold!!!!!

Am I the only one with this problem? AUGH!!!!!! Today the temperature is back in the 50's. So we rebound very quickly until we have another chance for snow this weekend. Eventually the epic battle between warm and cold will end and it will be so humid we can barely stand it. I can't wait!

That is your weather report (or rather mine). The SON always shines here though!

Has It Been a Week Already...

My how time passes so quickly. Life seems to go at such a hurried pace. Nonessential time grabbers get kicked to the curb. I dare say that it will not be blogging. This is therapy. I am in some need of therapy right now. Yesterday was the big day at the orthodontist student's office. I have a mouth full of metal. Well, not quite full as we have not started my lower teeth yet. That will truly be a fun day. I laid back for well over an hour as I was fitted for this beautiful piece of art in my mouth. Really it does not hurt, too bad. The spacers that were in were far worse. This morning I do feel the tension of all of it. Enough whining...what else do I have to talk about.

I had a very old lady making passes at me last night. All of this while I was starting her iv. I reminded her of that. I have seen many dirty old men but very few dirty old women. She had mentioned being healed at Church before mixed in with many innuendos. What kind of water was in that well (sweet, bitter)? She was truly a mess. She told me she wanted to die laughing. I was okay with that idea for her just not while she was on my table. I have had another patient tell me before, "You must be that hot Xray tech I am supposed to get a phone number from for my sister." I was completely dumbfounded. No one had ever asked for my number before. In the health care industry you see all kinds and never quite know what to expect. I have been accused of trying to kill people, I have been accused of shrinking a patient's head. I have been verbally abused. Mostly, though, I have had many opportunities to be a blessing and to be blessed. I have prayed with some. I have hugged and been hugged. There just never seems to be a dull moment.

I have returned patients to the ER with tazer drawing police in front and behind. I have been scanning one moment and initiating CPR the next. I have had to clean up nearly every kind of mess a human can make. Other times I have felt so personally involved that one would think my family was on the table. I have worked in sterile fields elbow to elbow with radiologists and scanned under the watchful eye of surgeons. I have come a long way from the chicken I was when I started.

Is this a commercial for me or what? Hey, it is my blog and I can ramble as I please. I am about rambled out. Blah!

I do like this media for communicating, though. It is the one place I can come and not have a lisp. I discovered last night that I can't whistle. I can make some noise but no tune is appreciable. Some don't appreciate a whistled tune anyway. I was good though. Perhaps in two years if I have not forgotten how. Perhaps.

Nearly Spring...

Aaaawww! It is just nearly springtime here, although today's artic blast would disprove that statement. It is very cold and windy. We actually had a freezing rain advisory earlier. It never materialized here. yesterday I went to Memphis to the orthodonist. Wait, let me clarify that statement. It was actually the orthodonist student. I have been accepted as a test patient for a nice fee in the University of Tennessee School of Orthodontics. For the next two years I will be undergoing severe torture to align my teeth. the main reason for my participation is my retained primary tooth. I still have a baby tooth. My dentist told me that is is likely that is would fall out someday...funny to me it has made it 31 years+. Anyway, my permanent tooth is in the gums still. The plan is to wire me up align my teeth, correct my bite and yes pull this tooth down into place with a gold chain. Of all colors for this chain to be it is a gold chain. I will have bling, gold for ornament in my mouth. This should be interesting.

What I feel is more interesting is the fact that students will be in my mouth doing all kinds of stuff...students. I either have such a high level of faith or stupidity. I am really not sure which. I just keep telling myself that I am someone's grade and they will pay close attention to detail. It is either pass or fail. But really whether they make an A or a C they are a doctor just the same. I hope my student is a straight A. We get assigned an intern/resident whatever they are called. I go back next week and start getting my brackets. I have spacers in right now that I think are spliting my teeth wide open. I am such a baby, I know. I am really too old for this.

The real problem is going to be the fact that they are going to pull my retained primary canine tooth. I will be a snaggle tooth for a while. I don't know what I will do about that. Oh me! I am not vain but I am becoming less and less through this experience. Humility...what a hard lesson to pick up sometimes.

I guess this experience does give me something to blog about. Perhaps I should post pics of my progress. Hmmm! Time will tell...

Lost and Found

Okay. I interpretted the lack of comments posted that I could skip a post during my busy time. I do apologize. It has been very crazy, somehow. Looking back I don't see it, but heading through the storm it was evident. last Tuesday was Tabithia's birthday. She says it is 25 but I have to differ on that. Anyway. We went to Memphis for her accupuncture appointment, did a few other things while there then we headed home, almost. We went straight on to Jonesboro to the Dillard's clearance outlet then the mall. By the time we got home, Memphis had been hit by a bad storm with tornadoes and the like. Then we were in the middle of the storms ourselves.

This seems a bit too informational. It has just been crazy around here. District convention was this past weekend. I went to Pocahontas right after work for that. It went very well I think. Conventions get hard since I changed schedules. I kind of have to be choosy about what I attend or take vacation. I am not as young as I used to be (while I am not as old as others I know *snickers*). I just don't rebound from sleeplessness as well. I changed my work schedule to weekends so that I could conduct revivals. The only service I have to miss now is SS. I make it to everything else. I am still informational. DULL!!!

This is why I haven't posted. I am boring. Very boring! Blah!!!!! Blah!!!! Blah!!!!!

Okay, lost and found time...Mushu, the sweet and sour putty tat is at it again. The other day I was holding him next to my face and he gently wrapped his paws around me to return the love. Then he grabbed both sides of my face like a field mouse. Oh, but the attack was not over yet. he then proceeded to open those vicious fangs wide and closed in on the left cheek. I was just like, "Not the face!! Not the face!!" That was when I came to my senses. It all happened so fast. I threw him to the floor and got myself clear. Well, that was pretty well all of that. That just lets you know a little about his demeanor. He is at times very sweet and at others without warning, very sour. Saturday when I came home from the convention, I went straight to bed. Tabithia worked until 8:30pm. Everyone is getting their tax refunds so they are all going crazy getting their hair "did." Mushu ran out of the garage when she pulled in. He was not home when I left that night, the next afternoon after Church, the next night when we came home from Church, the next morning, then after 48 hours missing, he shows back up, dirty and I think with some scratches here and there. Stinking tomcat! I was very glad to see the little sweet and sour booger. He was home at last. Last night I took him in the house and was petting on him until he had the flattus issue. Augh!!! It was so bad. That cat!!!! He is good though!

60 mph Plus...

On Tuesday we had 60 mph plus straight-line winds sweeping across our area that toppled utility poles, tossed big trucks line mere toys and snapped large trees like twigs. At my house the only damage was a few things blown around. Oh, yeah, the basketball goal was blown on top of a small fence. Very minor damage, thank God. Other had roof damage and trees on homes. We went out to eat while a friend of ours was in surgery. It was over 60 degrees. When we left the restaraunt it was cold.

I was thinking that is just how life comes out you. It comes roaring at over 60 mph and is subject to change at any time. Last week I was sick and could not wait to be off after Monday. Not so. I was awakened on Tueday by the hospital. One of our tech's father had a heart attack. She was off Tuesday and Wednesday. I worked both of those. Then on Thursday I attended the funeral of my childhood friend and cousin, Angela. She was only 31 with a 1 year old baby. Here one moment and gone the next. It is so sad. Friday I had to go to the orthodonist in Memphis and then back to work again that night. I don't remember the week before. I just know having the day off yesterday was wonderful. It felt good to get out of the rat race for just a little bit. I had a much slower pace yesterday. No 60 mph plus for me.

I don't plan on that today either but that can all change with little notice. We are under a winter weather advisory but I really thin we got cheated as there are only puddles outside today. I had hoped to get up this morning and photo a blizzard. I have some pictures I would like to post. perhaps tomorrow. If not then maybe next week.

Friday already...

Most people love to see Friday come rolling around. Hmmm...I guess I have to view it a little differently. Friday is the first day of my work week which consists mainly of only three days. I really don't go to work until 10:30 tonight. So I just barely even work Friday, but I have to dread it all day. I don't dislike my job. It is a really good job. The Xray program produces around 40 new techs each year and the number of available positions is very limited. So I am very blessed to have a job at all. Especially one where I am full-time and still only work three days. But I would still rather be home!

Enough of that boring stuff. Let me move on to other boring things. My poor dog has been under the weather for the last little while. I forced some medicine down her throat (she does not believe in divine healing). Actually I never had to force her. She swallows her food whole as well as anything else that she might think tastes good. She is on the mend though. Usually she is very energetic and quite annoying. For days she was lethargic and otherwise sick. But, thank God, she is just about annoying again. She is very pretty but not much going on upstairs.

In other news, our Children's Church is going west! Yes, in search of straight and narrow pass. It is absolutely wild (west). It is the great adventure (Stephen Curtis Chapman). I plan to use this theme for a while if all goes well. Ye haw! I will let you know how that goes. The biggest challenge has been getting the time to go set up a wild west adventure classroom. There are just not enough hours in the day. I wonder if Wal-Mart sells spare time. That would be great. I probably could not afford it, though. I am going o go down there in a minute.

I am so boring today. I really am. When you have a day like this you should just post pictures!

Hmmmm...

What to post...hmmmm...Well, I am definitely not in a very serious mood but then again I am a Sanguine. Am I ever in a serious mood? I don't think so. That seriousness will kill you. After all, studies do show that stress is major factor in premature death. Yes, get that down in the heart of you all of your stressers. In the wise words of Barney Fife, "Nip it, nip it, nip it!"

The other day some one informed us that when you google Trumann, AR (on the image setting) my blog comes right up. That is kind of like being one of the most noticeable things you see when you drive into town. It is kind of like being the spokesperson for the fine town of Trumann (displays parade Grand Marshall wave). I really should receive some compensation for being one of the most notable figures of Trumann (online). I could say many things at this juncture to insult the fine community in which I live, but no, I am the online Grand Marshall. (waves again). It really is not a bad place. Give me modern conveniences such as running water, electricity (I'm saying, "Really, I need these things.") Wal-Mart. Yes, I am all about Wal-Mart. It is an Arkansas company. Don't nobody betta say nothin bad about my Wal-Mart. There are people in other parts of the country that are so anti-Wal-Mart. Get over it. I would not complain it Wal-Mart wanted to build a Supercenter next door to me. I could walk over there. Think of all the gas I would save.

This really is some rambling. That is what I am known for in Trumann and beyond. TTYL!

What Goes Up, Must Come Down...

Oh, yes. All of those beautiful, twinkling lights that were displayed in previous post, part of the probably over 2 million lights that tripled our normal electric bill, have to come down. It was all fun while it lasted, but now it is such a enormous chore. The grove inside seems to be mostly stripped of its glittered ornaments with a fine shimmer on nearly everything in the house. This is the messiest time of the year. The artificial needles are strewn from room to room. Boxes are stacked up as if the inhabitants will seek a new residence elsewhere. Wouldn't that be the easy thing? Just move out to a non-Christmas decorated house and live out the rest of the year. With my sickness I would probably have both places filled with the wonder and amazement of the season. I have to count every time I try figure out how many trees we have. Well, I bought three more this year, really more than that if you count some other little things. Hobby Lobby was 80% off the other day. Just let me say that if I had paid full price my bounty would have been over $600. What a bargain! Doesn't that always seem to justify it? This is a very un-Christmas time of year. No one really wants to talk about it. They are all very tired of it by now. So yes, what goes up, all the decorations and lights and trees, it all must come down. Then it will be carried load after load into the attic. What goes up into the attic must come down as well. I look forward to the next Christmas season, Lord willing, in which all of the many boxes come down once again and spill their contents into an otherwise very dark winter setting. I am ready again for the triple electric bill. That is the best time.

Post #1

Wow! It is hard to believe 2008 has arrived so quickly. It seems that I have worked so much lately and had so little time to blog. I am very proud to have set a new record for myself...107 blogs last year. That is nearly an entry every three days. That is not too bad. Besides that who would want to read anymore of this meaningless garbage. I really do ramble...much like I am doing now.

It has been a whirlwind of activity over the past few days. Part of that cyclonic behavior has been scurrying around the Christmas merchandise clearance like a rat after a piece of cheese. As soon as I make it through the door of the stores I feel like it is a dead heat to get to where the goods are before anyone else. I don't run, but do walk very fast. I am sure i look like a junkie trying to get one last fix. I don't know how much has been spent. I even bought some from orientaltrading.com. Perhaps one of my prior posts was wrong. I am not so much a Christmas addict as and after-Christmas sale addict. I think I need therapy.

Have you ever noticed how many New Years we have in the Church. There of course is January 1st. Then we have District Conventions in which people come back talking about this they want to...Then is is not long until Youth Convention...Regional Convention...General Assembly...Minister's Convention. So many come back from all of these events saying this year I want/hope/pray to do better. It is so often the same ones who so quickly fall back into the same unchanged behavior. How many New Years with the same resolution must we have? The only thing we have not picked up on is Chinese New Year and that is only a matter of time. This is the year of the rat by the way (whatever that means). Enough of that soap box.

I am actually waiting on Hobby Lobby to open so that I can give them a call to determine the % off today. I think I have rambled enough for today. maybe next year I will not be so out of control with after-Christ clearance. Check with me again after District Conventions.

Happy New Year!

Check This Out

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1650331125

Alas, Here They Are...

Merry Chistmas...

Tree of Christmas Future...

Tree of Christmas Past...

The Office Tree...

My Favorite Nativity Set...

The Stockings Were Hung...

The Reason for the Season Atop Hawaiian Sand...

In the Living Room...

One of the Living Room Trees...

Snow in Arkansas?

Ta Da...

My Name Is...

Apparently I am really Alicia Smith. I know it is crazy. I keep getting this message on my answering machine, "This message is for (different, unmatching computer voice) Alicia Smith. If you continue to listen you are acknowledging that you are Alicia Smith. I kept on listening because, hey, it is my house, my phone number and my answering machine. I must be Alicia Smith and I must owe someone some money. They are relentless. I am having and identity crisis apparently. I don't know who I am any more. I think I am one person and my answering machine tells me I am another. It is shocking! All my life I have apparently lived a lie...or I am getting these really obnoxious phone call about something and someone i know nothing about. Alicia Smith is right up there with Hazel McPherson. That was the previous name that people called looking for. Listen up world, I don't know who they are and I don't have your money. Okay! 870-483-5077 is the Mullins residence and it might just be that you owe me some cash! Hazel and Alicia if you are out there you need to pay up and update your contact information or you are going to owe me some cash, too.

Isn't it crazy, the phone calls we get. How dare they act like I am not supposed to listen to what is recorded on my answering machine. That is just rude. Anyone else get annoying calls like that. I screen any calls that I suspect may be telemarketers, etc.

Now, as for the Christmas display at the Mullins residence...drumroll please...it is DONE. I made the deadline. I surely did. It is all finished. Now I have to go out after dark and see if I can capture it. I know I have pledged pictures. I will have to get some on here. I will have to get some taken. It has been crazy to say the least. Anyway. It is all DONE! If I believed in dancing I would have to do little jig right now.

It is surprising that I can get anything doen having to be Alicia Smith's secretary. From what these people say I might out to look for a new job, cause she don't pay.

If you are Alicia Smith (or am I) or Hazel McPherson, or if you know them it is not my intent to out them for poor payement of bills. I do not mean to be insulting (or do I) and please feel free to use my phone number anyime (I wouldn't reccomend it). Now if I start getting a lot of calls from telemarketers lets say in the TX, TN, or WA areas I will be very suspicious. I know at least it will not be loan sharks trying to collect. Pictures soon. Soon can be difined so many ways. A day can be as 1000 years and 1000 years as a day. That is a very vague term. There are times that vagueness can keep you truthful. This is one such time. Soon...

The Deadline Approaches...

Yes, the deadline for all of the mania to be at its peak is quickly approaching. So much needs to be done and if it is not finished by Dec 1st...well, it is just not finished. Augh!!!! That sounds scary indeed. I have today and tomorrow or at least portions of those days. It kind of feels like one of those timed tests in school where they say, "Time!" and pencils must go down. I never liked those tests.

The inside is basically done. The outside seems untouched. The roof is all done but that is about where I have gotten to. The pool is still open. My, my my! It just seems there is so much to do and I am here blogging about it. Oh well. What is worse is that I have to work tonight and tomorrow night. So that means I will have to get naps on both days to enable me to stay up all night. That kind of cuts into my time...I know...STOP WHINING!!!!!

Very well then. All is well. I will persevere and live to procrastinate again. I will unless I fall from the roof. It is done, but there is one more thing I would like to go up there for. I can't wait to get it all done and photographed! Is there a support group for people like me? Hopeless addicts! Well, I gotta go untangle some lights. See ya!

Rehab...

My name is Jason and I...am a Christmas addict. I am such an addict, in fact, that there are some 15-16 trees in our home all fully decorated. I have hung well over a thousand ornaments and there seem to some left over. Oh, my. Perhaps I need help. The inside of our Christmas grove is now at or near completion. The outside is a totally different story. I put in several hours on the roof on Thursday in the cold. I am only partially there. I am sure it is to the disappointment of my season fans that expect it to be finished already. There really are many that drive by to see the display. I could have done some today but we were among the crazed, sleep deprived people who were out and about before 4 am.

Yes, that is correct. There were many others out there as well. These folks are devoted. We braved thick crowds, hot tempers. Our battery died on us before 5 am. Who do you call at that time of the day? Thankfully there was a man that responded as I dragged the booster cables out. That is what the season is all about, after all. Peace on earth, goodwill to me and all. He told us to have a blessed day. I thanked him for all of his help. A blessed but but bushed day. I slept the afternoon away to catch up, I normally have to take a nap to get ready to work all night any way.

It was a trully blessed holiday and thus far a blessed weekend. I pray the remainder of it is the same. I am so excited that it is on now. Christmas is on! The music plays from every speaker, the smells permeate the air, augh...yes, thre air. It has that cool, crisp feeling (30 degrees here, feels like 23). It is finally time. My addiction is okay. Now, I am like everyone else and not the person who has a tree up in October. Just a little while to be "normal." Is there such a thing?

DISCLAIMER: I am unable to spellcheck from the terminal I am at. Forgiver me for any miskeys, etc.

Happy Thanksgiving...

What a busy day this will be. Tomorrow we will be so fat with overindulgence. But today is the planning, working, cleaning, etc day before. I am such a procrastinator. I really am. But it is raining today so that means I am stuck inside with nothing else to do. Let me just take a moment to wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving. I must get busy!

Oh That Cat...

As if it were not enough that the grandparents outgrew our home it now seems that the devilish feline who stays in our garage has decided that he should lay out all night, too. Wasn't that a long sentence and a very long story. He is of course a tom cat. He seems to have this needless desire to roam and roam defending his territory and of course hunting rodents.

I think the rodent part is great. We did not have any cats last year and the attic and garage were filled with mice. I purchased some "Shake-Away" online for $10. This product is scented like the...um...well...urine of a mouse's natural predators. One of which they had listed on the label was a bobcat. Now tell me how a city mouse knows what bobcat...um...well...urine smells like. I don't exactly live in town but not too far from it. There are no bobcats (that I have ever seen). But, the stuff seemed to work so I am not knocking it.

There is one ferocious light orange tomcat. You may have seen the picture I posted of him taking a nap by a mouse he had caught. This morning after Mushu did not come home, I went out looking for him. I just knew I would find him dead on the side of the road. I know that is how you mom and dads feel out there. There he was, not on the side of the road, rather he was in some tall grass at the edge of the field with his bum all up in the air shaking from side to side. he was getting ready to lunge on some unsuspecting animal. I allowed it and controlled my already brewing anger and went back inside. Moments later, Tabithia looked out and Mushu the Mischievous had once again brought his prey inside. I hate that. Were it dead, no big deal. This was a live rodent who was eager to escape its sadistic captor. He released the beast only enough to make it feel it was free, then would pounce on him. This went on only briefly when I heard a lot of pawing noise. Once again the cat lost a mouse in the junk in the garage. Augh!!!! Last year I had mice because there was no cat. This year I have a cat that brings them in and gives them a home. Is there "Shake-Away" for tomcats!

I had to go out and finish the job once again. I left him with the intact mouse which he later disemboweled. That is a beautiful feel good story. I know. I was so mad at him for being out all night. I provide him with a good home and he just lays out where ever in the cold. Kids these days have no respect, nor do cats. I could not help but pet and love on him though, especially when he starts that purring thing. He is so going to the vet for a little procedure though. Soon, very soon.

Empty Nest...

It is always sad when they grow up and leave your once busy halls silent, lonely. Sad it is indeed. Okay maybe our figurative children have not left us, but Tabithia's grandparents have returned to their repaired/cleaned house after the fire. After a week and three days I guess I will again be responsible for my own dishes...terrible! I guess I will probably have to start folding laundry again...fooey! Life is so unfair. You raise them up right, teach them, train them and they leave you. This is just so hard to cope with.

We all knew the day would come that their house would be inhabitable again. The day would come when they would not come in late at night. They just didn't come home. All of this after we worked so hard to clean up a mess we had created getting ready for them. All of the Christmas trees have sprouted from the floor (no I do not live in a dirt floor house, albeit I do live in Arkansas. My neighbor's house was supposed to be dirt floor, they are tearing it down so I sneaked a peek, no dirt floor.) There were enough needles to think we had real trees. There are two in the living room, one each in the four bedrooms, one in the kitchen, one table top in each of the three baths. There are others awaiting placement. It is like a forest really. Our trees in the living room are HIS and HERS. It is a little friendly competition. I will try to post some pictures once the elves come and finish it all. Wouldn't that be great!

Well, I must get off here and get something accomplished. There are no elves and no grandparents gonna do anything around my place today. I need to adopt some homeless elderly people. Must be able to cook, clean and put dishes away in the proper spot (that is another story). Anyone that flies with an umbrella need not apply. I find that a little creepy with or without a spoonful of sugar.

Overdue...

What a retched word! When it comes to bills it is particularly uncomfortable. We seldom ever experience that unless there has been some gross oversight (or misplaced bill). I am really over due to shed my joyful presence over blogville like glorious morning sun as it casts its first golden rays dispelling the darkness that was. So here I am. Feel better? Nyak!

A lot has transpired since last post. Last Friday, Tabithia's grandparents house caught fire. That was an intense moment when I received the phone call. It was disheartening to imagine plumes of smoke chased by the intense heat of years of memories engulfed in flames. I am so poetic today. What is up with that? I went over there and to my pleasure and surprise, no obvious flames. The fire department was on the scene and never had to sop down anything with their hoses. It began at the electrical meter and was primarily contained there. Someone was outside at the neighbors and caught it early. I fear that her grandparents who could scarcely hear a summer's thunderstorm would ever have a clue as to what was occurring. Everyone and virtually everything was safe. There was very minimal damage even from smoke.

For the past week, though, the house has been powerless, and thus the grandparents have moved in with us, only at night. They sleep at our house. They are so afraid that they will inconvenience us. They don't like to use our water. I actually like the dish washing situation. I despise to wash dishes. I don't even like to load them in the dishwasher. Blah! Well, Christine, her grandmother, is all about washing dishes. It is pretty nice actually.

Revival...What can I say? God has really blessed me as well as those there. Wednesday night was an awkward night for me. I did not feel I had the liberty needed. It was not any one's fault but perhaps my own. We had nine present the first night. Last night I believe we were up to about 11. It is a very small work and I am glad o be of service to them. The pastor apologizes unnecessarily because I am not discouraged. The Lord gave me a wonderful liberty last night. I was amazed by God's ability. I started and finished with the same intensity without any throat problems or loss of voice. Lately, I grow raspy by the end. My voice is nearly always gone by the end of the night anyway. the message was entitled, Isolation. I began talking about super staph and was able to put a plug in for hand washing, then on to the Levitical terms of isolation discussed in chapter 15, straight on to the woman with the issue of blood. We do not have to feel isolated. Our High Priest is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, whether physical, spiritual, emotional, mental...We just have to press through and reach out reach out in faith. only three members including the pastor have been there and four family members of one of the song leader. I am looking forward to tonight.

I should be wrapping this up. I still have to cook for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. I will have no time tomorrow. I need to let the dogs out. I need to change the ducks' water. I need to take a nap not to mention finish studying for tonight's message and have my things ready for work. What am I doing on here? See Ya!!

The Lighter Side...

Being a Sanguine and all i prefer the lighter side of life. The same applies to the four letters that represent my personal make up that I posted a couple of times ago. I can't remember all of that alphabet stuff. I know the CPMA, WMB, VLB...That is really all the alphabet I can handle, not to mention all of the abbreviations I use at work. Really though, I like to type out some of the big words anyway. There is just something about typing out cholecystectomy. I can do that word so fast. Love it. See there I am on a lighter subject today although I am so stressed. Why should I be stressed, really I don't know. I am in revival next week for three days. I look forward to that. I also have so much yard work to do. I have bought all kinds of shrubs and bulbs that need to be planted. I also have things I need to move. Now is the time, if I only had the time. On the inside, boxes are already flying open and Christmas has found its way into our house again. The mantle is done with stockings in place. Yes, I know if Becki is reading this she will strip a gear. Some people, me being one of them, skip right over the beautiful season of Autumn. I have had that lecture before. We have a fall display int he kitchen, although not for long.

I have a couple of prayer request before I close this out. The first of course is the revival next Wednesday through Friday. It is a smaller Church and I pray hey are truly revived and encouraged. I do not want just a series of meetings, I want the presence of God. My second request is for me. My neck is hurting me so badly as well as my shoulder. I cannot raise my arm up very high. I had the hardest time shaving. My neck messes up a few times a year while my should either could be a result of my neck or a condition that I have in my shoulder as well. Please remember these requests.

The Real Deal...

On this day when everyone (perhaps not everyone) dons a mask and pretends to be that which they are not, I just have to ask what makes this day so different from any other. It seems as though people are always masquerading as that which they are not. I want to be real and genuine. I am pretty transparent most of the time. That is not always a good thing. I work really hard to live peaceably with all men. When I say say I want to be real, I think I mean I want everyone else to be also. I never want to misrepresent what and who I am. I don't fell I do that. I don't brag about abilities. I treat them the same as dependents, I have zero. You may be wondering where all of this came from. Well, I sure can't say because there just might be someone lurking in the shadows. (I know you are out there.) That is fun isn't it?

I am reminded of that little song, "I Just Wanna Be a Sheep." I learned really quick that a hypocrite is just not hip with it. Proverbs 25:14 states, "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." There are many just blowing in the wind. Can people tel the difference? When they come in need of a shower they can.

This subject is a bit more serious than my normal jesting. My blog is a representation of me. It is real. This is what I am like...zany, unpredictable. It is typical Sanguine jargon. No motives here. No charades. What you see is what you get. Now there are those times when I might not be in the best of moods that i just don't post. That could be a lot of days out of the week. Really it's not. I am me, take it or leave it. For real!

At Wit's End...

Hmmm. Really I am not at my wit's end. I am not especially stressed. It has been a busy crazy week and the weekend now looms before me. When you only work three days a week those days that you work become exceptionally dreadful. That is not bothering me at this point though. That comes a little later in the day. I worked a whopping our hours yesterday but it was just as well. I had to go to that Safety Fai thing anyway. I think I blogged about that yesterday. I attended a very lengthy but interesting lecture on personalities last night. It is much deeper than the four (choleric, sanguine...). My sanguine personality prevents me from thinking any harder to come up with the other two. Sorry if I did not list you. Oh, well...this system has 16 personalities. It is the Meyers-Briggs system (MBTI). Again I don't remember what all of that means (the TI part). The speaker said that there were people in the nearly every community that could score your. It is not a test it is merely an instrument. So, I am going to find an online test which he advised against and see just what kind of person I am.

There really is something to personalities. We are all so different. When you couple personality with psychosis then it really gets interesting and you have most of my overnight patients in the CT department. They really are a different breed, most of them. Some people are ligitimately ill. Others are ill in a different way if you know what I mean.

O kay I took a little break here and you never knew it. I am possibly a INFP. Here's what that means. You let me know if it is a match.

"Usually gentle and kind, they are intense and passionate about their values and deeply held beliefs, which they share with trusted friends. Because of their discreet manner, their enthusiasm may not be apparent. They are sensitive to others' pain, restlessness or general discomfort and strive to find happiness, balance and wholeness for themselves in order to help others find joy, satisfaction and plenitude. They are deeply empathetic."

"They live life in an intently personal fashion, acting on the belief that each person is unique and that social norms are to be respected only if they do not hinder personal development or expression. They strive to adhere to their own high personal moral standards and are particularly sensitive to inconsistencies in their environment between what is being said and what is being done. Empty promises of adhering to something they value – such as environmental causes or human rights - set off an inner alarm and they may transform themselves into modern day Joan of Arcs."

"They are quietly persistent in raising awareness of cherished causes and often fight for the underdog in quiet or not-so-quiet ways. In a team, they will raise issues of integrity, authenticity, and good or bad, and may to opt out if the team refuses to address the questions raised. "

"They are usually tolerant and open-minded, insightful, flexible and understanding. They live for the understanding of others and feel deeply grateful when someone takes the time to get to know them personally. They have good listening skills, are genuinely concerned, insightful, and usually avid readers. At their best, they inspire others to be themselves."

I did not read all of it yet but some of it seems right. I say that is my possible personality because to know for sure I need to pay the $35 and take the whole test of 93 questions. For now i am an INFP. What are you?

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words...

I am not so naive to think that I can just put up a bunch of pictures and expect not to give some of amazingly witty commentary at some point. Really, I am not that full of myself. IT just sounded good at the moment. Thanks to all of those who have had a limited Hawaiian vacation by looking at my snapshots. I have enjoyed all of your comments. Some of those places are so pretty it would be hard to take a bad photo. I have many more pics that I would like to post soon that bring more wow factor.

Sis. Becky, I took with me 2, 2 GB, memory cards and another camera with I think a 1 or 2 GB SD card. I took over 2000 pictures. It really did not seem like I was missing out taking pictures all of the time. That was really what I wanted to do. There were pictures to be had everywhere and I wanted them. It was really like inexpensive souvenirs. I have a lot of them. Some good...some not so good.

It has been a busy week here. I have made the trip to Memphis twice. I have to go to work here in just a couple of hours...only for 4 hours though. That seems hardly worth it. I was going to have to go up there anyway. We are having the "Safety Fair." It is a booth to booth set up of hospital procedures. If you miss it, you have to take a stack of tests that is a whole lot less enjoyable. So I must go. Tonight I have to go hear a lecture for continuing education credit. So, this day pretty well stinks.

There was talk of going on another trip next week...Las Vegas. I know what you are thinking..."Why would a Christian go to sin city?" I care nothing about Las Vegas, but it is a short trip from the grand canyon. The H&R Block Convention is there and a friend of ours is a franchisee. We often travel with him and get discounts. This time it seems we have wait too long to book our tickets and they have gone up too much. So, I think we stay home this time, unless rates drop which I doubt. So no Grand Canyon for me. I should have really liked to have photographed that. Wow!

I think I have rambled quite enough and failed to deliver on the witty part. So, I just give you commentary today. Perhaps tomorrow I will bring the wit.

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

More Hawaii...

Say that three times fast. You must pronounce every vowel.

Wait a Minute...

It worked! "A 15 minute call could save you 15% on your car insurance." It looks like he just just jump up and talk to you.

Bummer...

I have tried for days to upload more pics from the land of Aloha. The Internet where I am is not fully cooperating. It pretty well stinks. I have nearly had a stroke trying this many times. It is nearly more than I can bear. I would love to be able to post some more but instead I am left only to describe with words. I will not even attempt that.

Having been home only a week now feels like months since we left that sunny (and rainy) land. I know that seems like a contradiction. It rained somewhere on that island everyday we were there. We are still eating on fresh pineapples straight from the red earth. Their soil is bright red but you wouldn't know that because I can't get the pictures up. There is so much iron from all of the volcanic activity. No volcanoes where we were, only extinct ones.

Life is back to normal here in the real world. We had a revival over the weekend with Sis Carter (Bro Lanny Carter's wife). I really enjoyed her ministry. She has such a take charge authority about her. Not like a coup attempt on your Church, but more like a "means business" approach. She does not compromise with the devil. I really admired her in your face altar work, too. She did not back down and at the same time was not over the top. She is very humble in spite of the description I have given here. I actually never knew she was a minister. In fact I had never really heard her say much in all of the times she was here on official business. She said a lot this past weekend and it was all good.

Well, I gotta get around. I need to cook something today to eat this weekend. Hmmm. I dunno! I will figure it out. Talk to you all next week, Lord willing!

Hawaii...

Hawaii...

Hawaii...

Hawaii...

Hawaii...

Hawaii...

Home Again...

Well (that is a pretty deep subject), I am home at last. I have some really great pictures (about 2000) but they are all on my computer at home. I would like to say that I will get them on soon but we are having a revival this weekend and I am back to work tonight. It will probably be Tuesday before I can get anything up.

We barely made it home. Our flight that we were supposed to board on Sunday night was cancelled. So Northworst airlines put us up in a nice motel. It sounds exciting to be stranded in Hawaii for an extra day. Not so much! We were near a maze of overpasses and airports. It is one of the least scenic places of the island.

I do not want the negative experience trying to leave and three days spent in airports to make it sound like we did not enjoy our vacation. It was wonderful. Picturesque sunsets, helicopter rides, snorkeling, rock collecting, beach combing, an attempt at surfing (that did not go well). There is just too much to tell and it would be too much to read. My pictures will tell the story if I ever get them on here. I have had much to do since coming home. My grass was knee deep....It was all worth it though. Wow! We had some wonderful food...purple sweet potatoes, taro bread, poi (not so good), Kahlua pork, coconut pudding, fresh, fresh, fresh pineapple. I think pineapple goes with everything now. They do say that eating it after a big meal aids in digestion. Put some pineapple on the table at the next Church pot luck you have.

It was all so great. I shall tell more when time permits. To be continued...

Cat and Mouse Game

Last Wednesday, I had the garage (also known as Mushu's room) door open while the cat wandered around outside. It was about time to let the dogs out so I went out to see where Mushu was so that I could secure him. The cat and dogs have not met face to face yet and may never. The dogs love a chase and it is eminent that Mushu would give one. To my surprise I did not have to yell for Mushu to come in. He was there and acting very odd. Perhaps Ii should say acting odd for him. He typically is just a wee bit different. I had an old broken gourd laying in the floor. I kept it for seeds since it could not make a birdhouse. By the way if anyone would like such seeds I would be more than happy to send some. Back to the story. He began to move the gourd around becoming more aggressive with it as if there were something inside. The rougher he got, sticking his paws inside the holes, the more the gourd began to fall apart piece by piece. This disintegration began to reveal a very large mouse trying to escape Mushu inside the gourd. I immediately put the garage on lock down. The rodent could not escape. Mushu worked with the gourd until he could free the wretched little beast. He tossed it around a bit letting it run away. I have some places in there that could harbor such a fugitive if not carefully attended. I had to pull him out with a pair of pliers multiple times. There was something wrong with his back legs. He dragged them around. I rather suspect my feline had brought him to the house after much torture somewhere else. He has really become quite the hunter. he has killed at least two birds. Sadly it is the birds I have lured in with feed. I feel so guilty. There were times that Mushu was almost asleep and the rodent still alive. I thought there is no way that mouse was going to be loose in my garage. It looked like Mushu was praying, "Thank you, Lord, for this food that I am bout to receive. It probably took and hour for him to finish the job. He almost let him go at one point. He did not eat the mouse. I disposed of him before it got that far. He did not seem interested anyway. I treated him to a can of food.

Y'all, I will not be blogging after today for over a week. I will be in Hawaii!! God bless you all. I am sure I will have plenty of pictures when I get back. I hope the Cat and Mouse game will be enough until then.