Waco, TX. Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk. Cameron Park Zoo. Sports Hall of Fame. Crafts Village. Mayborn Museum. Wetlands. Mammoth Site. Texas Ranger Museum. Gunfighting. NY World's Fair. First Land Rover.

 

For “Travel Tuesday” let’s visit Waco, TX, which is in the Texas Prairies and Lakes Region of TX.

“The Texas Prairies and Lakes Region offers a wide variety of destinations & attractions, from the fast-paced cosmopolitan excitement of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with the best in shopping, dining & entertainment, to the beautiful lakes & laid-back country lifestyles found throughout the region. Discover the Excitement of the Texas Prairies & Lakes.”

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“Welcome to Waco - the home of Texas hospitality. Located on I-35 between Dallas and Austin, Waco is famous for its taste of Texas history and hospitality. Waco's wide variety of museums and attractions offer a unique, relaxing getaway from the big city hustle and bustle.”

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SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk

“Built in 1870 as a model for the Brooklyn Bridge, this famous Waco landmark provided cattle and cowboys following the Chisholm Trail the only span across the Brazos River.

Waco’s Historic Suspension Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. The bridge was originally built for cattle drives crossing the Chisholm Trail while today it stands as an icon of Waco history. Located in the center of downtown Waco, the surrounding parks are where many community festivals and free events take place including the 4th on the Brazos celebration and Brazos Nights concerts in the summer.

The bridge is flanked by two great Waco parks — Indian Spring Park on the west side, and Martin Luther King, Jr. park on the east side.  Enjoy free summer concerts in Indian Spring Park.  Indian Spring Park was named after the natural waters that drew the Waco Indians to establish their village. The Wacos were drawn to to the shallow limestone crossing at the Brazos and the shelter of the chalk outcroppings that characterize the cliffs of Cameron Park.

The Riverwalk trail on the west side of the river extends from Baylor University, past the Historic Suspension Bridge and continues to McLennan Community College via Cameron Park. The trail within Cameron Park is soft surfaced while the rest of the trail is concrete and ADA accessible. The Riverwalk crosses over Herring Avenue in Cameron Park and loops back along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Franklin Avenue. The Riverwalk on the east bank of the river allows visitors to either walk or jog while taking in the beautiful scenery.  Stroll the Riverwalk all year long! IH-35 exit 335B, University Parks Dr. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive between Franklin and Washington Avenues.”

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DR PEPPER MUSEUM AND FREE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE

“The 1906 "Home of Dr Pepper" with exhibits, memorabilia and a working turn-of-the-century soda fountain featuring floats and shakes. Mon.-Sat. 10am-4:15pm, Sun. noon-4:15pm. Extended hours during peak months. Last ticket sold at 4:15 pm. Adults $7, Seniors $5, Students $4. 300 S. 5th St., IH-35 Exit 335A, (254) 757-1025; www.drpeppermuseum.com.”

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TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME

“Learn about the Texas athletes who have distinguished themselves both on & off the field and arenas.  Without a doubt, Texans are passionate about their sports and sports heroes! From little leaguers with big dreams to the veterans of Friday night football games, this interactive museum has something for everyone. The Tom Landry Theater shows great football plays from the past as well as the near-present. Portions of the Hall of Fame are dedicated to tennis, basketball and football with a special Southwest Conference Gallery. Come see the best of Texas sports and relive the exciting white-knuckled moments again.

Open Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. noon-5pm. Adults $7, Seniors $6, Students $3, , Free for children 5 and under. Group rates available. 1108 S. University Parks Dr., IH-35 Exit 335B, (254) 756-1633, www.tshof.org.

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CAMERON PARK

“The Cameron Park trail system offers miles of twisting, multi-use trails in beautiful Cameron Park. The trail takes you through the 100-foot bluffs that overlook the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. If you prefer a slower pace, you can stroll along the River Trail and the bamboo filled California 56. The trail also features handcrafted bridges, varying terrain and breathtaking views, allowing for countless outdoor adventures for people of all ages.  416 acres of woods, walking and biking trails, scenic riverside picnic areas, Miss Nellie's Pretty Place (wild flower preserve) and a children's playground for the physically challenged. One of the biggest and best municipal parks in the nation, Cameron Park’s history and lore date back to the Huaco Indians who lived and hunted on its cliffs and shores. Today, it is a gathering place for locals and tourists who seek both adventure and solitude.”

Open 6 am - midnight. Free admission, tours available. University Parks Dr. adjacent to Brazos River, IH-35 exit 335B, (254) 750-8080.”

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CAMERON PARK ZOO

“Take a walk on the wild side and visit Waco’s award-winning zoo. Located on 52 acres adjacent to the Brazos River, Cameron Park Zoo showcases lush grasses and natural shelters which provide an at-home feel for species from around the globe. Visitors will be able to see over 1,700 animals representing 300 species living as they would in their natural habitat.
Within the zoo, you will see tortoises from the Galapagos Islands and birds from Africa. Laugh at the gibbons as they play together on their own island of fun or watch the lion cubs as they eat, drink and play in their kingdom.
Inside the Asian Forest exhibit, you will be given an up close and personal experience with the mighty Sumatran tigers, as well as the critically endangered orangutans and Komodo dragon.
The popular “Brazos River Country” exhibit will take you on a Texas-size journey – beginning from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caprock region of West Texas. While on your excursion
discover the variety of wildlife, culture, and history along the
Brazos River’s 840-mile passage through Texas.
In the summer there are splash pads, shaded walkways and misters. No matter which season, this is one great destination with Sumatran tigers, lions, herpetarium, tiny Dik-Dik Antelopes, the Brazos River Country Exhibit, the new Asian Forest expansion and much more.

Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. 11 am-5 pm. Adults $9, Seniors $8, Children (4-12) $6. Free for children 3 and under, fully accessible to the physically challenged. (254) 750-8400, www.cameronparkzoo.com "

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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

“ Chartered in 1845 under the Republic of Texas, Baylor is the largest Baptist university in the world.  From humble beginnings in Independence, Texas, more than 150 years ago, Baylor University has grown to become one of the premier universities in the world, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and guided by our Christian heritage. Independence was just the beginning of Baylor's journey, and many students, alumni, leaders and friends have left their unmistakable marks on this great institution as it is always expanding its horizons and meeting the new challenges of every generation to light the ways of time.

1301 S. University Parks Dr.  For tours call (254) 710-2407 or 800-BAYLORU. www.baylor.edu "

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ARMSTRONG BROWNING LIBRARY

“ World's largest collection of materials relating to Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, housed in an imposing library with 62 stained glass windows depicting the poetry of the Brownings. Also an extensive Wedgwood china collection on display. Open weekdays 9 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm. Admission free. Group tours available by appointment. 710 Speight, (254) 710-3566. www.browninglibrary.org.”

 

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THE MAYBORN MUSEUM COMPLEX

“The Mayborn Museum Complex contains various exhibits including The Crossroads of Texas Natural History, the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village containing wood frame buildings from the 19th century, sixteen themed Discovery Rooms that provide visitors with hands-on, interactive learning activities, and the Baylor Exhibit featuring the history of the university from 1845 to present.

This museum complex is designed to engage the entire family and encourage a unique museum experience. From the 17 hands-on discovery rooms in the Jeanes Discovery Center for children to the walk-in dioramas in the Natural Science and Cultural History Museum and the nine wood framed buildings at the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, there are hours of interesting and fun things to experience. The whole family will enjoy exploration stations showcasing geology, paleontology, archeology and natural history. In the summer, some of the best and brightest traveling exhibits in the country come to the Mayborn. We invite you to engage, explore and enjoy!

Mon. - Wed., Fri. and Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Thur. 10 am - 8 pm, Sun. 1 pm - 5 pm. Adults $6, Seniors (65 and older) $5, Children (18 months - 12 years) $4. 300 S. University-Parks, Waco, TX 76706, (254) 710-1110. www.maybornmuseum.com "

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LAKE WACO WETLANDS

“Lake Waco allows visitors to go boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated lake also has an area for fishing and birding, as well as biking and walking trails.”  LAKE WACO  254-756-5359  www.corpslakes.us/waco

“The Lake Waco Wetlands is a 180-acre wetland, located at the upper end of Lake Waco along the North Bosque River. It provides habitat to numerous aquatic plants, insects, reptiles, mammals, amphibians as well as many migratory birds. Some of the most popular features to the wetlands are the nursery area and bird watching.  To date, the local Audubon Society has documented over 130 different species of birds.” 

Hours: 8am-4pm Monday - Friday, 8am-Noon alternating Saturdays. Closed on Saturdays that feature special events. 1752 Eichelberger Crossing Rd., (254) 848-9654,  www.lakewacowetlands.com "

 

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HOMESTEAD HERITAGE TRADITIONAL CRAFTS VILLAGE

“Enjoy an afternoon at Homestead Heritage
Traditional Crafts Village. This 510-acre Christian
agricultural settlement, located a few miles outside
Waco, allows visitors to enjoy a simple change of pace
and an agrarian atmosphere. Inside the 200-year old restored barn is a showcase of the work of the village’s craftspeople and includes pottery, quilts, beeswax candles, natural soaps, and needlework. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Homestead, one of the only locally sourced, organic restaurants in the Heart of Texas– and be sure to leave room for dessert!”   608 Dry Creek Rd.  254-754-9600
www.homesteadheritage.com  Monday –Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM

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WACO MAMMOTH SITE

“Hailed as “the nation’s first and only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths,” the Waco Mammoth Site is one of the most unique destinations in Texas. Every year, thousands of visitors experience the history of these mighty creatures at the dig shelter that is located among 100 acres of wooded parkland. Excavation began when the site was discovered in 1978 and to date the remains of 24 mammoths, a camel, the tooth of a juvenile saber-tooth cat as well as unidentified animals have been found. This is an experience your family won’t soon forget.”

6220 Steinbeck Bend Rd.  254-750-7946  www.wacomammoth.com
Tuesday – Friday 11 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
$7 adults, $6 seniors, $6 veterans, $6 students age 13-18 or with valid college ID, $5 children (4-12), 3 and under free

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TEXAS RANGER HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

“Learn about the Texas Rangers and their role in the settlement of Texas. The museum includes an extensive collection of weapons and a replica of an 1837 Texas Ranger fort, plus a James Michener exhibit about the writing of his book about Texas.

One of the most popular attractions in the state, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is the official State Hall of Fame for the Texas Rangers. History buffs, gun collectors and those enchanted by the Wild West and Ranger lore will love it here. Dating back to Spanish and Mexican origins, the museum’s 12,000 irreplaceable artifacts include badges, firearms, tack and personal gear. On display as well are weapons and possessions of notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to the 30 brave Texas Rangers who gave their lives in the line of duty and others who served with great distinction.
The Tobin and Anne Armstrong Texas Ranger Research Center is the official library of the Texas Rangers. It contains artifacts and materials related to Texas and the American West, law enforcement, Southern Plains Indian history, and firearms history and technology. Visitors can research genealogies as well as historical accounts of life as a Texas Ranger.

Baby Boomer visitors will enjoy the Lone Ranger (and Tonto) collection. See Western art and Native American artifacts. Enjoy a picnic at Fort Fisher Park on the Brazos River.”

100 Texas Ranger Trail. 254-750-8631  877-750-8631
www.texasranger.org  Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM, last guest admitted at 4:30 PM  $7 adults, $6 seniors adults and military, $3 children 6-12, 5 and under free  Group and school rates are available.

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Rangers have rules about gun fighting:

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There are many Historic Homes. For more information call the Historic Waco Foundation, (254) 753-5166.

There is so much more to know about Waco, TX: http://wacohistoryproject.org/DidYouKnow.htm

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On This Day:

New York World's Fair opens, Apr 30, 1939:

“On April 30, 1939, the New York World's Fair opens in New York City. The opening ceremony, which featured speeches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and New York Governor Herbert Lehman, ushered in the first day of television broadcasting in New York.

Spanning 1,200 acres at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, the fairground was marked by two imposing structures--the "Perisphere" and the "Trylon"--and exhibited such new technology as FM radio, robotics, fluorescent lighting, and a crude fax machine. Norman Bel Geddes designed a Futurama ride for General Motors, and users were transported through an idealized city of the future. Sixty-three nations participated in the fair, which enjoyed large crowds before the outbreak of World War II interrupted many of its scheduled events.”

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Original Land Rover debuts at auto show, Apr 30, 1948:

“The Land Rover, a British-made all-terrain vehicle that will earn a reputation for its use in exotic locales, debuts at an auto show in Amsterdam on April 30, 1948.

The first Land Rover, known as the Series 1, was the brainchild of Maurice Wilks, the head designer for the British car company Rover, of which his brother Spencer Wilks was the managing director. Maurice Wilks used an old American-made Willys-Overland Jeep to do work at his farm in England. However, the Jeep was plagued by mechanical problems and Wilks decided to design a more reliable vehicle. He intended it to be used for farm work and be more versatile than a tractor. The resulting Land Rover, known as the Series 1, had a boxy, utilitarian design, four-wheel drive and a canvas roof. Such features as passenger seat cushions, doors, a heater and spare tires were initially considered extras and cost more. The rugged Land Rover was well-received by the public and ended up being used not just for agricultural work, but by police forces, military organizations, aid workers in remote places and travelers on expeditions where road conditions were poor or non-existent. In 1976, the 1 millionth Land Rover rolled off the assembly line in Solihull, Birmingham, England.

In 1970, the Range Rover, a more comfortable, luxurious version of the Land Rover, launched. The Discovery, a less expensive version of the Range Rover made its public debut in 1989; it was marketed to a younger, less conservative audience than Range Rover buyers. By that time, the company had experienced ownership changes: In 1967, Rover became part of Leyland Motors (later called British Leyland). British Aerospace later acquired Land Rover. In 1994, BMW acquired the Land Rover business. Next, in 2000, the Ford Motor Company purchased Land Rover for $2.7 billion. In 2008, Ford, which was experiencing a sales slump due to the worldwide economic crisis, sold Land Rover, along with another British-based brand, Jaguar, to Tata Motors of India for some $2.3 billion.”

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Yesterday:

Ray came over and clipped the hedge that borders the road in my back yard.  Then he helped Jay and me with the roof over my front porch. 

Because we couldn’t cantilever the roof extension like we wanted to, we put the tall post back in the fence that goes to the back yard, as it will help hold everything up. This was one of the posts from the original RVport.  Now it is attached to the house.

It wasn’t hot or cold and a lovely day.

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A Special Service Dog. Ellen Helps Animals. Dog Bites? Toxins Harming Sea Mammals. ‘Trained’ Tama! Why Do We Love Cats? How to Feed Your Cat. Baby Seals. Primate Lab. Gulf Dolphins. Joan of Arc. Vietnam War Ends. William Weds Kate.

 

For “Mammal Monday”:

Adorable Dog and Teen Swimmer Have a Life Saving Friendship

“Dakota is one special Labradoodle. Day after day, he hangs out at the pool with the swim team. However, he isn't their mascot. He is actually a service dog that is there to keep his owner, Ben Ownby, safe.  Ben is a freshman at Churchill High School that has Type 1 diabetes. That means he must manually inject insulin seven to eight times a day. He can't even use monitors that would be attached his body because he is allergic to adhesives.

That's why Ben has Dakota. The dog can detect Ben's blood sugar levels and know when he is in danger. When they're high, Dakota tugs on a bracelet and when they are low, Dakota will jump on top of Ben.”  More at: http://www.godvine.com/read/swimmer-dog-155.html

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Share This Video to Help Animals

“Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States, was here to discuss new and important legislation about animals that you need to hear. He and Ellen asked for you to share this video to help raise money for animals.”

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Six Tips for Dog Owners to Prevent Biting

“Children are the victims in over 60 percent of all dog bites. They are also the group for whom bites are most often fatal.

As a general rule, State Farm doesn't refuse insurance based on dog breed. The insurer believes a dog's propensity to bite is based on several factors including heredity, obedience training, socialization, health, and the behavior of the bite victim.  The company warns that under the right circumstances, any dog might bite.”     More at:  http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/08/18/preventing-dog-bites.aspx    and: http://www.doggonesafe.com/dog_bite_prevention

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New Diseases, Toxins Harming Marine Life

A sea otter eats a clam in Monterey Bay, California.

“Dolphins and other marine mammals weakened by pollution, scientists say.

The dead sea otters arrived at Melissa Miller's Santa Cruz, California, lab with bright-yellow eyes and gums, their livers destroyed.   One by one, Miller, a marine-wildlife veterinarian, eliminated the potential causes of death until "the last thing I was left with seemed so implausible that I thought I was going crazy."  The otters had been poisoned by a "nasty toxin" called microcystin, which is produced by cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Such toxins can appear when human sewage and fertilizers run into lakes and rivers, adding nutrients that spur the growth of algae "superblooms," Miller said.

But sea otters stick to the ocean, never entering the polluted lakes and rivers where these blooms occur.  "I said, OK, we have to figure out how the otters are getting into this," said Miller, of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of California, Davis.  Miller's sleuthing led her to California's Pinto Lake (map), a water body about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the ocean and so prone to superblooms that Miller said "it'll blow your mind—it looks like fluorescent green paint."  Sure enough, she found that Pinto Lake eventually drains into the Pacific Ocean—close to where the dead otters were found in 2007.

An algae bloom in Pinto Lake, California. Photograph courtesy Robert Ketley

Later experiments revealed the algae's toxins can live for long periods of time in shellfish—otters' main diet. Toxins from the polluted lake were traveling downstream into the ocean, Miller concluded, where they were getting into shellfish and killing otters.”  More at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/04/130412-diseases-health-animals-science-environment-oceans/

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Tama: Station Master Extraordinaire

“Kishi station in Kinokawa is at the end of the line – the Kishigawa line in Japan.  Financial troubles and a lack of passengers almost shut the station down.  Then, a whimsical informal station manager made friends with the stray cats in the area.  One of them was a friendly little calico named Tama.

In January of 2007, the title of station master was officially conferred on Tama, and she became the first of the feline persuasion to become an executive of a railroad corporation.  Tama rocketed the little town of Kinokawa to stardom.  Now, Kisha station is a destination for hundreds who want to see the adorable celebrity in her home station, which has been remodeled just for her. Watch the video: http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/article/Tama-Station-Master-Extraordinaire402

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Why Do We Love Cats So Much?

“Humans have been obsessed with cats basically since the beginning of time. Egyptians thought they warded off evil and, in the Middle Ages, they were considered evil themselves. Today... we think they're hilarious. So, why do we love cats so much?”  Read all about it here: http://www.bestsociologyprograms.com/love/

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How to Feed Your Cat What She Wants - and Needs

“A recent study on nutrition and pet cats shows your kitty has the ability to select and combine different types of foods to meet his daily nutritional requirement for protein, fat and carbohydrates.  The study was conducted at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in collaboration with scientists from two universities. It was rather elaborate, involving three phases within four separate experiments, six different types of wet and dry commercial cat foods, and 18 domestic cats.

The study cats consistently selected combinations of food that provided about 52 percent protein, 36 percent fat, and 12 percent carbohydrates. These proportions are in line with the results of a 2011 study that represents the most extensive analysis of macronutrient regulation ever conducted on a carnivore.

One of the Waltham scientists recommends cat owners offer a combination of wet and dry foods so their pets can mix their own diet and sample different foods. We agree dietary variety is good, but recommend other types of foods in place of dry kibble, which doesn’t provide the moisture cats require.

We also recommend portion-controlled meals, typically a morning and evening meal, rather than free feeding, since most house cats will overeat given the opportunity.”  Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/02/27/cats-select-best-foods.aspx

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Court Dismisses Fur Industry Attempt to Overturn EU Ban on Cruel Seal Products

Humane Society International applauds ruling

The European General Court's ruling only ratifies the EU's brave stance against the shameful and dying Canadian sealing industry. Katie Carrus/The HSUS

MONTREAL — “The European General Court has wisely decided to uphold the European Union’s ban on commercial trade in seal products. The court rejected a spurious attempt by the sealing and fur trade industries and some Inuit representatives to undermine the ban, which plays a key role in curbing the cruel global trade.

“We are thrilled that the European General Court has rejected this shameful attempt by the commercial sealing industry to overturn the EU ban on seal product trade,” said Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International/Canada. “Hundreds of thousands of baby seals have survived the seal hunt in recent years because Europeans have said no to the products of this cruel slaughter. Eighty-six percent of Canadians support the EU’s right to ban seal products, and the sealing industry’s constant efforts to force their products onto an unwilling international market is a true embarrassment to Canada.”” More at: http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/news/releases/2013/04/eu_general_court_upholds_seal_ban_042513.html

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Harvard Medical School Plans to Close Primate Research Lab

Tom Landers/Globe

“Harvard University announced on Wednesday that it would shut down its primate research center. The facility has been cited for animal welfare violations in recent years, but the university said the closing stemmed from a tough economic climate and shifting strategies.

About 2,000 monkeys at a Harvard Medical School research center will be moved to other laboratories around the country as the school shuts down the troubled center, an official with the National Institutes of Health said Wednesday.

April D. Truitt, executive director of the Primate Rescue Center, a private sanctuary in Nicholasville, KY., that is home to more than 50 monkeys and apes, said she was “a little skeptical” of Harvard’s claim that the closing had nothing to do with the animal-welfare violations. If the school wanted to put some or all of the monkeys in private sanctuaries, she said, there was plenty of room at facilities around the country. “It’s just a question of money,” she said.”  More at:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/science/earth/harvard-medical-school-to-close-primate-research-center.html

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Dolphin Deaths in the Gulf Three Years After Oil Spill

“In August 2011, scientists did a comprehensive examination of a 16-year-old male bottlenose dolphin. This dolphin — dubbed Y12 for research purposes — was found near Grand Isle, a Louisiana barrier island that was hit hard during the Gulf oil disaster.  Like many of the 31 other dolphins examined in a recent study, Y12 was found to be severely ill: underweight, anemic and with signs of liver and lung disease. The dolphins’ symptoms were consistent with those seen in other mammals exposed to oil; researchers feared many of the dolphins studied were so ill they would not survive.  Seven months later, Y12’s emaciated carcass washed up on the beach at Grand Isle.

More than 650 dolphins have been found stranded in the oil spill area since the Gulf oil disaster began. This is more than four times the historical average.

More at: http://blog.nwf.org/2013/04/dolphin-deaths-in-the-gulf-three-years-after-oil-spill/

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On This Day:

Joan of Arc relieves Orleans, Apr 29, 1429:

“During the Hundred Years' War, the 17-year-old French peasant Joan of Arc leads a French force in relieving the city of Orleans, besieged by the English since October.

During the next five weeks, Joan led French forces into a number of stunning victories over the English, and Reims, the traditional city of coronation, was captured in July. Later that month, Charles VII was crowned king of France, with Joan of Arc kneeling at his feet.

In May 1430, while leading another military expedition against the English occupiers of France, Bourguignon soldiers captured Joan and sold her to the English, who tried her for heresy. She was tried as a heretic and witch, convicted, and on May 30, 1431, burned at the stake at Rouen. In 1920, Joan of Arc, already one of the great heroes of French history, was recognized as a Christian saint by the Roman Catholic Church.”

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Operation Frequent Wind begins, Apr 29, 1975:

“Operation Frequent Wind, the largest helicopter evacuation on record, begins removing the last Americans from Saigon.

The North Vietnamese had launched their final offensive in March 1975 and the South Vietnamese forces had fallen back before their rapid advance, losing Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Qui Nhon, Tuy Hoa, Nha Trang, and Xuan Loc in quick succession. With the North Vietnamese attacking the outskirts of Saigon, U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin ordered the commencement of Frequent Wind.

In 19 hours, 81 helicopters carried more than 1,000 Americans and almost 6,000 Vietnamese to aircraft carriers offshore. Cpl. Charles McMahon, Jr. and Lance Cpl. Darwin Judge, USMC, were the last U.S. military personnel killed in action in Vietnam, when shrapnel from a North Vietnamese rocket struck them as they were guarding Tan Son Nhut Airbase during the evacuation. At 7:53 a.m. on April 30, the last helicopter lifted off the rook of the embassy and headed out to sea. Later that morning, North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace. North Vietnamese Col. Bui Tin accepted the surrender from Gen. Duong Van Minh, who had taken over from Tran Van Huong (who only spent one day in power after President Nguyen Van Thieu fled). The Vietnam War was over.”

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Apr 29, 2011:

Britain's Prince William weds Kate Middleton

“On this day in 2011, Great Britain’s Prince William marries his longtime girlfriend Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London. Some 1,900 guests attended the ceremony, while another 1 million spectators lined the streets of London and an estimated 2 billion people around the world watched on television.”

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Yesterday:

My daughter, Wendy slept in my bed as it is a memory foam, and she wanted to try it out.  She said that it was great, as she didn’t wake up with a back ache like she usually does.  I slept on the couch, and I'll never do that again. It is fine for taking a nap, but not wide enough for all night.  I didn’t get much sleep. Until I get my Grooming Room made into a second bedroom, any time there needs to be an extra bed, it will be the airbed that is stored in my attic.  It’s time to find it and check it out for leaks.

After our coffee, Wendy took off to visit the patient in the hospital, and then go to their lake house at Somerville.

Pierre, the poodle visiting my neighbors across the street, was coming for me to groom him, so I got ready for that.  Poor Pierre, I told them that he had something really wrong with his left ear last time I groomed him, and now it is getting very serious. He can’t stand to be touched any where near that side of his head and it has even affected his left eye now. 

He wasn’t mean about it, but he kept on whining and shaking his head, and it was very difficult to groom him.  I called his ‘Mom’, so she came over to try to help me, and now she says that she will have her vet look at it.  Why would anyone let their beloved pet go through that for so long?

Jay came up here and worked on one of two 12’ x 6’ driveway gates that he is making for someone.  I have the work tables and tools for doing that here, but we don’t know how he will get it to the site.

The weather was mild and not too hot, so Jay screwed a temporary piece of plywood over the hole at the top side of my screen porch.  That hole will be covered up when we get the extension over my front porch done.   Now, Gumdrop can go out there on the nice days.

Time and Chance in Boston. Prophets True or False? Slave to the Lender. Syria’s Chemical Weapons. Nagging Wives. Christ's Second Coming: What Are the Signs. Mussolini. Muhammad Ali.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Time and Chance in Boston

“How can we begin to understand an event like the Boston bombings?”

 

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/time-and-chance-boston

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“Prophets sure have given God a bad name—false prophets, that is! Even Jesus warned against imposters coming in His name and deceiving many.
On the other hand, God has used human instruments to be His messengers to foretell coming events. Through His prophets God has already foretold that big events, ones that will affect your life, are looming on the horizon—in both the near and long term.
This is information you need to know. But don’t you first have to be able to know who’s legit—who represents God and who doesn’t? Read this week’s featured section on prophets—you’ll find it very insightful!”

Prophets True or False?

Artist's conception of the prophet Isaiah warning King Hezekiah.

“Was Nostradamus a true prophet? How can you tell a true prophet from a false prophet? What does God have to say about true and false prophets?

There are true prophets and there are also false prophets. Jesus and the apostles warned that there would be false prophets throughout the ages who would not be authorized by God to speak to mankind. Religious deception is prophesied to be especially intense at the end of this age. One test to determine whether someone is a true or false prophet is to carefully examine this person’s words compared to the truth of the Bible.

There is only one supreme Authority in the universe who speaks to humankind and whose word is truly reliable. As the author of the book of Hebrews explains, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2 ). A true prophet of God is a person specifically appointed to convey God’s messages to nations and individuals.

Through these messengers, God desired to give us understanding regarding the very purpose of life. He also gave us a great deal of information about future events. Satan also has his messengers, who are false prophets. Satan is called the archdeceiver, a liar and the father of lies. Read further to learn more about what God has to say about true and false prophets.”  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/prophets/

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Slave to the Lender

“Credit is an easy way to buy what you want now. Used wisely, credit can be an effective tool; but without restraint, it can make you a slave to the lender.

Don't become a slave to the lender.

The importance and usefulness of credit in our modern life is evident. The value of a good credit rating is emphasized by the prevalence of credit reporting and credit protection products and companies. A poor credit rating can be a rude awakening for someone trying to buy a house—or even applying for a job!

A culture of credit

For the average family, a major purchase such as a new automobile or a home would not be possible without the ability to borrow money on credit and pay it back over time. Many businesses must also occasionally borrow money to upgrade facilities or purchase equipment. Without sufficient capital on hand, credit becomes an important means to keeping a business growing and profitable.

These are important uses of credit in our society today. And used wisely, it allows a family or a company to take advantage of opportunities that would otherwise be lost. Gains in business and equity for a family are all positive outcomes of credit used wisely.

Not all credit is created equal

There are also other forms of credit that often do not result in such a positive outcome for families. Revolving credit accounts such as gas or store cards or general credit cards like MasterCard or Visa, make up a great deal of the credit available to the average consumer today. Used wisely, this type of credit can also be beneficial, but it can also encumber a family in a credit trap. The Bible warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, New International Version).

Most people don’t like to talk about credit card debt, but recent statistics reveal that approximately 80 percent of the U.S. consumer market owes credit card debt—the average amount of debt being a staggering $15,799. And with an average APR interest rate of 12.35 percent (as of early 2013) this becomes a terrible financial hole for most families to climb out of!

Part of the problem is that credit has been so easy to acquire. College or even high school students who don’t yet have a stable income can often obtain a credit card with a lower credit limit. The card gives one a feeling of power and the illusion of prosperity. With the power of plastic in hand, he or she can purchase many things right now, rather than waiting and saving up to have the cash on hand. The minimum monthly payment is so small that surely it won’t be a problem to pay, it seems.  And so yet another family falls victim to the credit trap—becoming a slave to the lender!

Financial wisdom from the Scriptures

Believe it or not, the Bible really does have quite a bit to say about managing personal finances. Let’s consider just a few of the principles that we can apply to our own lives to help us avoid being a slave to the lender.”     More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/finances/slave-to-the-lender/

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Syria’s Chemical Weapons

“Escalating violence in Syria leaves the U.S. and other Western countries facing a dilemma of bad options. Will punishing al-Assad mean supporting al-Qaeda?

This week, American, British and Israeli officials have accused the Syrian regime of using chemical weapons against its own people.  BBC reported April 25, “US intelligence agencies believe ‘with varying degrees of confidence’ that Syria has used chemical weapons against rebels. …

“US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters in Abu Dhabi that the use of sarin ‘violates every convention of warfare.’ …

“US Secretary of State John Kerry said there had been two instances of chemical weapons use in Syria.

“The UK Foreign Office echoed the US claims, saying it had ‘limited but persuasive information from various sources’ of chemical weapons use in Syria. …

“‘Material from inside Syria tested positive for sarin,’ a Foreign Office spokesman said” (BBC, “US Has ‘Some Confidence’ Syria Used Chemical Weapons”).

U.S. President Barack Obama had warned Syria in December that using chemical weapons would bring consequences. So now that the red line has been crossed, will the United States follow through?  Not so fast.”  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/syrias-chemical-weapons/  By Mike Bennett - April 26, 2013

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Mark Driscoll, Megachurch Leader, Says Nagging Wives Like Water Torture

An outspoken evangelical leader preached a potentially controversial sermon this weekend, saying "nagging wives" are like water torture.

Mark Driscol, pastor of the Mars Hill Church in Seattle, made the comments Sunday during a sermon based on a Bible passage from Ephesians, which reads in part:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

While the passage does not mean men are smarter than women, Driscoll explains, he says it does mean the "wife sets a pattern for others to respect her husband." “If the wife disrespects the husband in front of his coworkers, will they respect the husband? No," Driscoll said. "No. Women who publicly disrespect their husbands, they encourage others to disrespect their husbands. And this doesn’t mean you don’t disagree with your husband but you do so respectfully, privately.”

Women who are quarrelsome, who are nags, they are not submitting in accordance to the Bible, Driscoll says.”  More and video at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/25/mark-driscoll-nagging-wives-torture-megachurch_n_3157069.html

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The sermon on WGN TV this morning:

Christ's Second Coming: What Are the Signs.

 

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-program/jesus-christ/christs-second-coming-what-are-signs

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On This Day:

Mussolini is executed, Apr 28, 1945:

“On this day in 1945, "Il Duce," Benito Mussolini, and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by Italian partisans who had captured the couple as they attempted to flee to Switzerland.

The 61-year-old deposed former dictator of Italy was established by his German allies as the figurehead of a puppet government in northern Italy during the German occupation toward the close of the war.

He and his mistress made it to the Swiss border, only to discover that the guards had crossed over to the partisan side. Knowing they would not let him pass, he disguised himself in a Luftwaffe coat and helmet, hoping to slip into Austria with some German soldiers. His subterfuge proved incompetent, and he and Petacci were discovered by partisans and shot, their bodies then transported by truck to Milan, where they were hung upside down and displayed publicly for revilement by the masses.”

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Muhammad Ali refuses Army induction, Apr 28, 1967:

“On April 28, 1967, boxing champion Muhammad Ali refuses to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision to forgo military service."

On April 28, 1967, with the United States at war in Vietnam, Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces, saying “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed and returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” and lost after 15 rounds, the first loss of his professional boxing career.  On June 28 of that same year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction for evading the draft.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to get Jay for morning church in Conroe.

During the time when we pray for people who are having troubles, it came to light that one of the ladies in the congregation was at Boston during the bombings.  She is OK, but still bandaged up.  Then the elder asked the Praise Team to lead everyone in a special hymn called “Have you Counted the Cost?”, which was very soul searching.  We both enjoyed the sermon called “Excellence for the Gospel”, about “What does it take to be a Christian.”

We hurried home as my daughter was arriving.   Wendy and I had a nice evening, and she spent the night.  It was a great day.

Mayflower,AR. Environmental Devastation Reversed. Bad MS Drug. Marathon medals on eBay. Faberge Egg Found. Deepwater Horizon Three Years Later. Turtle Genes. Tsunami Debris. Kepler's Miscalculation. Shores of Tripoli.

 

For “Summary Saturday”, News, Some New, Some Old:

Mayflower, meet Exxon: When oil spilled in an Arkansas town

(Reuters) - “Warren Andrews had just finished putting up balloons for his stepdaughter's 18th birthday party at their suburban home in Mayflower, Arkansas, when his wife came inside and said something was wrong.

 

After stepping out of his house, and taking one glance, he immediately dialed 911.  "I don't know what's going on, but I've got a river of oil coming down the street at me," Andrews told the operator.

Five minutes later, the slick of noxious black crude spewing from a ruptured Exxon Mobil pipeline was eight feet wide, six inches deep and growing fast.”From: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/11/us-exxon-spill-mayflower-insight-idUSBRE93A0PI20130411

and: “UPDATE 3-Exxon pipeline leaks thousands of barrels of Canadian oil in Arkansas” at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/31/exxon-pipeline-spill-idUSL2N0CN00D20130331

and:  “Exxon Mobil pipeline leaks ‘a few thousand’ barrels of crude oil in Arkansas” at: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-31/business/38170820_1_keystone-xl-pipeline-oil-sands-crude

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Apr-13 Update Fingerprinting Lake for Exxon Tarsands Oil Contamination in Mayflower

“Fingerprinting the water beneath the surface of the water for Exxon tar sands oil in Lake Conway, Mayflower Arkansas with donated OPFLEX technology as endorsed and approved by BP in the Gulf of Mexico.”

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From me:  Haven’t we had enough oil spills?

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Can Large-Scale Environmental Devastation Really Be Reversed?

“Our soil and water are becoming increasingly contaminated and infertile on a global scale due to poor farming practices, ignorance and greed.

The barren Loess Plateau in North-Central China became a model of how whole ecosystems can be restored through sustainable agricultural practices.

Similar ecosystem restoration in South America, Africa and the Middle East have illustrated how formerly devastated lands and villages can be transformed into vistas of lush, thriving vegetation.

Man-made ecological damage has manifested itself in more ways than on farms and forests. Greed and power have been the basis for such travesties as genetically modified crops, BPA, melamine and plastic contamination, slash-and-burn” farming and monocropping have caused untold damage that won’t be remedied without people being informed and empowered to make a change.

You can make a change in your own back yard.”

'What Happens When Humans Don’t Understand How Ecosystems Function?'

This same trend in Jordan prompted the government to take action. Working with civil engineers and scientists, Liu sectioned off areas to allow the land to rest for three years. In an amazingly short time, grass began to appear. A plant species last recorded in the 1800s and thought to be extinct emerged on its own.

“Grasses develop perennial root systems that spread, encouraging microbial communities living and growing in this microclimate that’s created,” Liu explained. “Then you won’t have direct sunlight hitting, and UV radiation sterilizing this microbiological habitat. Then, everything will change – you’ll have a cumulative situation where there’s always vegetation, organic matter and biodiversity.

“You can see the relationship between hydrology and vegetation and biological life. That’s the basis of the air and the natural water system. It’s how the atmosphere and the hydrological cycle were created and how they were constantly renewed. …If we emulate those and don’t disturb them, we can live in the Garden of Eden.”

Greening the Desert – Can This Be Replicated in Other Parts of the World?

"Desertification is a fancy word for land that is turning to desert," begins Allan Savory in this quietly powerful talk. And terrifyingly, it's happening to about two-thirds of the world's grasslands, accelerating climate change and causing traditional grazing societies to descend into social chaos. Savory has devoted his life to stopping it. He now believes -- and his work so far shows -- that a surprising factor can protect grasslands and even reclaim degraded land that was once desert."

Complete article with more videos at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/04/20/ecosystem-restoration.aspx

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Ingredient in New MS Drug Linked to Serious Brain Disease

Reports found four psoriasis patients who took similar drug developed rare but sometimes deadly condition.

WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2013 (HealthDay News) — “The active ingredient in a drug that's expected to become a popular treatment for multiple sclerosis has been linked to four European cases of a rare but sometimes fatal brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

The ingredient, dimethyl fumarate, is used in a drug called Fumaderm that was approved in Germany in 1994 to treat the skin condition psoriasis. It is also in a different but closely related medication called Tecfidera, which was just approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in March for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is known as a fumaric acid ester, which is commonly used as a food additive and has been used to treat psoriasis in Germany for 30 years.

According to reports published in the April 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, however, four patients who were taking Fumaderm to treat their psoriasis developed PML.”  More at: http://www.ivillage.com/ingredient-new-ms-drug-linked-serious-brain-disease/4-a-534294

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Sale of Boston Marathon medals on EBay angers manufacturer

“There are some people who will try to find a way to make monetary gain from a tragedy. The aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings is no different. At the time of this posting, seven people are selling their 2013 Boston Marathon medals on EBay, with various pitches to entice people to buy. This has caused outrage in some who feel these sellers are trying cash in on the tragedy of the bombings last week.

One seller lists his medal with a pitch that includes: "2013 Official Boston Marathon Finishers Medal given only to qualified runners who finished before the bombing took place."”  More at: http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-boston-marathon-medals-ebay-20130422,0,3077869.story

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Stolen Egg Found: $1.3 Million Faberge Style Object Found Near Swiss Border.

“Don't you hate it when you just can't remember the last place you left your $1.3 million egg? A stolen egg encrusted with hundreds of jewels was recently recovered near the Swiss border, after being missing for four years.

The bejeweled ovum was burgled in 2009 from a Kuwait import-export firm based in Geneva, and its location has remained unknown ever since. But last Thursday, a suspicious looking BMW was pulled over during a routine roadblock near the border between Switzerland and France, and the egg was found inside the car, according to International Business Times. Two men in the vehicle were promptly arrested, along with a third man trailing behind in a Jaguar.

"Under questioning the three men unconvincingly claimed they had found the jeweled work of art lying on the ground, or had bought it cheaply in a flea-market," police told the Associated Foreign Press.”  More at:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/17/stolen-egg-found-13-million-bejeweled-accessory-found-near-swiss-border_n_3099364.html

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“How Did They Let This Happen?” Reflections on the Deepwater Horizon Disaster Three Years Later

“Many of us remember the images from the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that left 11 people dead. The disaster opened a gushing wellhead that emptied 5,000 barrels of oil per day into the ocean off the coast of Louisiana. I worked as a teacher in Louisiana as these events unfolded, and for me, what happened eight days later was as poignant as the news on that first terrible night because it happened in my classroom.

On April 28, 2010, the world watched as clean-up crews set the Gulf of Mexico’s waters ablaze—the latest attempt to control the vast oil slick. The disaster became the topic for discussion among my 7th grade students in Jefferson Parish, less than 100 miles from the smoldering oil rig. The local news had just reported that oil would be washing ashore within hours.

My students were scared. They sought assurance and answers. They wanted to know why it was happening. The BP oil spill was more than an ecological disaster happening offshore; the impacts were real and they were quickly hitting home.  One student heard from his father, a commercial fisherman, that “all of the oysters and fish were going to die and there was going to be no more seafood.”

As students pictured the oil washing ashore and destroying beaches, many feared that their parents would lose their jobs in the tourism-based economy that the Gulf Coast relied upon. They talked about the places they had visited and loved—Jean Lafitte down the road, the beaches of Alabama and Gulf Islands. “Will we be able to go this summer?”

They turned to me and asked, “How did they let this happen?”

Being an English teacher, this would have been a great opportunity for me to invoke the lessons of The Lorax and provide a literary analogy. But I just told them to hold on to how they felt in that moment and not forget it.

This was just the beginning of a nightmare that went on to last 87 days. Over 210 million gallons of oil later, gulf ecosystems have been permanently changed. As we mark the three-year anniversary, the restoration continues. We still do not know the long-term consequences of the BP oil spill and how it will affect the landscape and aquatic life for years to come. A recent National Wildlife Federation report states the remnants of oil and dispersants continue to plague dolphins, sea turtles, and coral, which are dying at an abnormally high rate.

Three years later, more oil rigs are drilling in the Gulf of Mexico than before the BP oil spill. In the past year, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has issued 112 new drilling permits for wells deeper than 500 feet—more than each of the two years prior to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Have we forgotten the lesson from three years ago? I at least hope that my students have not.”  From: http://www.parkadvocate.org/how-did-they-let-this-happen-reflections-on-the-deepwater-horizon-disaster-three-years-later/

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Turtle genes may aid human health

“The western painted turtle might offer clues about stroke and heart attack recovery, researchers say.

Researchers have decoded the DNA of the western painted turtle in the hopes that a greater understanding of these reptiles could one day improve treatment for people who suffer a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers identified 19 genes in the turtles' brain and 23 in the heart that are activated in situations with low oxygen. These genes also occur in humans. The study authors said their findings might lead to treatments to repair tissue damage due to oxygen deprivation associated with cardiovascular emergencies.”  More at: http://www.health24.com/Medical/Genetics/News/Turtle-genes-may-aid-human-health-20130418

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Barnacle-Covered Boat Confirmed As 1st Debris From Japan Tsunami To Reach California

CRESCENT CITY,  Del Norte County (CBS/AP) — “Federal officials say a fishing boat that washed ashore in Northern California is the first debris to reach the state that’s been confirmed as having come from the Japanese tsunami.

The Del Norte Triplicate reports that the 20-foot vessel belongs to the marine sciences program at Takata High School in the town of Rikuzentakata in the Iwate prefecture. It washed ashore in Crescent City on April 7.”  More at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/confirmed-japanese-tsunami-debris-calif-19049976

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On This Day:

Universe is created, according to Kepler, Apr 27, 4977 B.C.:

“On this day in 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus' theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

In 1609, Kepler published the first two of his three laws of planetary motion, which held that planets move around the sun in ellipses, not circles (as had been widely believed up to that time), and that planets speed up as they approach the sun and slow down as they move away. In 1619, he produced his third law, which used mathematic principles to relate the time a planet takes to orbit the sun to the average distance of the planet from the sun.

Kepler's research was slow to gain widespread traction during his lifetime, but it later served as a key influence on the English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and his law of gravitational force. Additionally, Kepler did important work in the fields of optics, including demonstrating how the human eye works, and math. He died on November 15, 1630, in Regensberg, Germany. As for Kepler's calculation about the universe's birthday, scientists in the 20th century developed the Big Bang theory, which showed that his calculations were off by about 13.7 billion years.”

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To the shores of Tripoli, Apr 27, 1805:

“After marching 500 miles from Egypt, U.S. agent William Eaton leads a small force of U.S. Marines and Berber mercenaries against the Tripolitan port city of Derna. The Marines and Berbers were on a mission to depose Yusuf Karamanli, the ruling pasha of Tripoli, who had seized power from his brother, Hamet Karamanli, a pasha who was sympathetic to the United States.

In April 1805, a major American victory came during the Derna campaign, which was undertaken by U.S. land forces in North Africa. Supported by the heavy guns of the USS Argus and the USS Hornet, Marines and Arab mercenaries under William Eaton captured Derna and deposed Yusuf Karamanli. Lieutenant Presley O' Bannon, commanding the Marines, performed so heroically in the battle that Hamet Karamanli presented him with an elaborately designed sword that now serves as the pattern for the swords carried by Marine officers. The phrase "to the shores of Tripoli," from the official song of the U.S. Marine Corps, also has its origins in the Derna campaign.”

“From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Shores of Tripoli;
We will fight our country's battles, In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom, And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze, From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place, Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands, And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job-- The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life, And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy, Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded, By United States Marines.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to get Jay, and had our walk down there.

Jay and I worked on the extension of my roof over the front porch. It’s slow going, up and own ladders constantly.  I could rent a scaffold from a man down the street, but we can’t work on it every day.  Also, I don’t know how I would haul it.  I can see I am going to have to buy tires and tags for my utility trailer.  I still can’t let Gummie-cat out on the screen porch as we haven’t got any of the new roof on yet, so there is still a gap. 

My daughter called to say that the patient, my ex and her step-dad, is now off the ventilator.  Also, as the traffic would be too bad coming through Houston on a Friday afternoon, she wouldn’t be here until today.