Fifteen Years After 9/11. What Makes a Hero? Heroic 9/11 Dogs. Update.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Fifteen Years after 9/11, What to Remember.

“While memories of September 11 elicit a flood of emotions, the lessons of that historic day should never be forgotten.

America attacked: Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m. in New York City (Sept. 11, 2001).

Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

One Nation

As workers and inhabitants made their way back to Manhattan after September 11, the smell of rubble and melted plastic mingled with the stench of decaying bodies. The horror of that day lingered, but something else did as well. New Yorkers felt increased camaraderie after surviving the disaster, often asking each other, “Where were you on 9/11?” Strangers would recount their stories to one another.

Hints of a feeling of togetherness began on September 11 itself. In Washington Square Park, a few began holding hands, with passersby quietly joining. People from varied backgrounds soon added to the number, and the circle quickly grew. It was consoling to know they were not alone.

A similar feeling of solidarity swept the country, starting with candlelight vigils and memorial services in states across the union. It was seen in a sea of waving American flags, then in pins, T-shirts and bumper stickers.

The entire nation shared a unified sense of purpose. They backed the president almost unanimously. A Gallup poll showed 90 percent approved of his performance on September 21-22, including 89 percent of Democrats.

In the face of losing the freedoms and prosperity they had long enjoyed, Americans better appreciated them, and were prepared to work hard to ensure their continued existence. Those in New York City volunteered for clean up at Ground Zero. Elsewhere, individuals began volunteering, both for 9/11-related charities and local causes. Thousands returned to the churches of their childhood, trying to make sense of what happened. By some estimates, nearly half of adults attended a religious service the Sunday following 9/11. Charitable donations went up as well, with Americans giving about $2.8 billion to help those affected by the terror attacks.

What to Remember

The September 11 memorial that now stands where the towers once did is designed to help visitors never forget that historic day. Entering the site, they must follow a path that leads to a museum pavilion dedicated to the unforgettable day, with the nation’s tallest building towering in front of them.

In addition, waterfalls drop into two square pools set into the footprints of where the twin towers once stood. The pools are ringed with bronze plates carrying the names of attack victims. Trees line the entire memorial.

With each anniversary of September 11, we call to mind the events of that day. We remember the horror we felt as the towers crashed, the sadness of mourning loved ones, and the renewed appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy.

But just remembering the event is not enough. America must learn lessons. It will take a period of hardship to alert the United States to what is blocking God from blessing it.

September 11 was the front edge of a time of trouble soon to overtake America. This coming period of continuous calamity will be one that future generations will truly never forget.

Those who learn the lessons from what is occurring now, and from that historic and tragic September day, can escape—if they remember God is the only source of blessings and learn to obey Him by living His Way now.”

Excerpts from: https://realtruth.org/articles/110907-002.html

For a fuller picture of what is foretold to occur, read America and Britain in Prophecy.

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What Makes a Hero?

Reflections on the tragedy of 9/11, and the heroes who gave all they could.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/cxahPUFL1eI

Transcript

[Darris McNeely] “Have you ever asked the question or had a discussion, what makes a hero? I’ve discussed this with close friends many times through the years, as we look at either stories or real-life people that we come in contact with, and defining a hero – always an interesting discussion.

The fifteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America are upon us here in 2016. And there is always a great deal of reflection, it seems every year, on the anniversary of 9/11, when nearly 3000 Americans lost their lives in New York, in Washington, and in Pennsylvania. Fifteen years on, people still remember people who – and the stories of individuals who died, who didn’t make it out of either the twin towers in New York City or the Pentagon or the airplane that went down in Shanksville, PA, and as I’ve read many stories about people and the situations that came up on that day, I never cease to be amazed and just touched by the stories of human bravery, of people who were ordinary people – people who could have gotten out of the twin towers, from their offices, and yet they stayed behind and went multiple times up and down stairwells to get their coworkers out, to get those who were in their charge out, and then didn’t make it out themselves.

I’ve talked to people who have – who lost neighbors and close friends. I’ve been to the memorial there in New York City, and as many as you have. And every time we are confronted with the anniversary of 9/11, and again, a story of human bravery, it touches us, it reminds us that we live in a very dangerous world, and all of us probably wonder are we any safer for the trillions of dollars that have been spent on safety for the American homeland.

But bringing it back to the personal level – what makes a hero? It’s a very good question to think about for all of us, as we remember those who did die on 9/11, and life goes on, asking ourselves what might we do? What is it that we do in our everyday lives? Are we honest? Do we live with integrity? Do we have care and concern? Do we have love for one another? Would we lay down our life for another person? Those are all big questions, and none of us really know what we might do when an emergency comes. But coming back to the anniversary of this significant event that still resonates in the psyche of Americans fifteen years later, is a moment for us all to think about what makes a hero.” From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/what-makes-a-hero

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Remembering Heroic 9/11 Dogs

“On that day, 10,000 emergency workers sprang into action. Among those, 300 were humble dogs. Dogs trained for search and rescue, dogs trained to sniff bombs, and dogs trained to help comfort and heal — they dutifully set about the task of helping out their human friends.”

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Update:

A bit more work has been done in the guest house.  All the sheetrock on the new wall between the new bathroom and kitchen is up now, and there isn’t much more taping and floating to be done, but it won’t be finished just yet.  Roy had his hernia surgery last Friday so he is supposed to take it easy for a while.  We put soundproofing in the bathroom walls as it is close to the kitchen and living room.

My two SPCA foster cats, Nala and Midi (Midnight Lee) are still on display in the Cat Habitat at Conroe Petco looking for ‘'furever” homes.  For a month or so, there are four cats in the Habitat in four separate cages, and once a day an SPCA volunteer goes there to take care of them.  Sometimes one or two will be adopted, and if not they just go back to their foster homes.  My cats have been there for over 3 weeks now, and I miss them terribly, but I haven’t wanted to unsettle Nala by going to see them.  I am surprised that she is finally eating and seems to be enjoying all the attention there, as she was always so clingy to me.  I would like to see her in a permanent home before my time comes.  Midi adapts to new things like the Habitat very well, he’s been there several times, but I doubt if he will be adopted as he is black and 11 years old.

For the church potluck I made Roasted Veggies with red, white and blue potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and also a steamed kale in yogurt sauce salad.  I heard that steaming kale makes it taste better.

The Bible readings were Deut. 26:1-20:8, Isa.60:1-22, Matt. 13:1-23, and the Teaching was “Anchor”.  Our hope is a steadfast anchor for us to have eternal hope.  The sun was really scorching when I got there, but by the time we had eaten our potluck lunch, the rain had come and it was a cooler day.

Harlequin Duck. Bird Nests. New Wings. Kirtland's Warbler. Hooded Mergansers. Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Emptying the Skies. BirdNote: Blackbird, by Paul McCartney. First Super Bowl.

 

For "Winged Wednesday":

Cold-weather Clown: Harlequin Duck

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"The Harlequin Duck borrows its name from the Italian comedic character, the harlequin, who wears brightly colored clothes. "Lords and Ladies" is another nickname, again because of the vivid coloration of the males. These ducks gives distinctly unduck-like squeaks when interacting, the source of yet another local name: Sea Mouse.
Although the male’s coloration is stunning, females and immature birds are more subdued, or cryptically colored, for protection against predators.
George Wallace, ABC’s Vice President of Oceans and Islands, remembers: “I saw these birds every day when I was a salmon fishing guide in Alaska. I was always amazed at the ability of these birds to literally outrun a skiff up a river running eight miles per hour. It’s really a lovely sight to see a female with a string of tiny fluff-ball chicks sprinting over the surface of water and then diving for cover under a fallen log.”

The eastern North American population was in decline but is slowly recovering. It is listed as threatened in Maine and is considered a species of special concern in Canada and the western United States."
How do Harlequin Ducks resemble colorful corks? Read more>>

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17 bizarre and beautiful bird nests

"From tiny hummingbird nests to massive weaver nests that encompass entire treetops, take a photographic tour of these birds' impressive creations.

Bird nests come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from burrows in the ground to tiny cups perched high in tree branches. We've rounded up photos of some of the most fascinating nests on the planet, as well as a few unusual places for a bird to build a home."

Black-capped social weaver nests hang from an acacia tree.  (Photo: Wild Horizon/Getty Images)

More at:  http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/17-bizarre-and-beautiful-bird-nests

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Hawk receives new wings at Raptor Center

ST. PAUL, Minn. - "A young red-tailed hawk flew into a window near downtown St. Paul and suffered trauma to the head and damage to her left wing.  Lori Arent, clinic manager said, "She ended up breaking the tips off many of these outer feathers which really now inhibits her ability to fly." 

Arent clipped the damaged feathers and grafted the healthy new ones using bamboo sticks and epoxy glue. Arent expects the bird to be healthy enough for release as early as next week. "If we weren't able to do this process for this bird it would be here probably until next August or September," Arent said."  More in video:

And more: http://www.kare11.com/news/article/1044329/391/Hawk-receives-new-wings-at-Raptor-Center

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Kirtland's Warbler: Mississippi Flyway Stand-out Species

"Over the last three weeks, BirdNote has highlighted special birds in each of the North American flyways: Wood Thrush in the Atlantic, Whooping Crane in the Central, and Calliope Hummingbird in the Pacific Flyway.

Which special bird did BirdNote select for our fourth, and final, installment?

The Mississippi Flyway Standout Species: Kirtland's Warbler

Kirtland's Warbler © Laura Gooch

The Kirtland's Warbler is one of the rarest birds in North America.  The reason? Its breeding range is limited to a few locations in the Mississippi flyway, in very specific habitat, in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario.

Kirtland's Warblers are picky about their nest sites. They require locations under jack pines that are more than five years old – but not more than 15 years old. And the sites must be in well-drained, sandy soil. Consequently, the Kirtland's Warbler has one of the smallest breeding ranges of any bird in North America.

Historically, forest fires benefited Kirtland's Warblers by clearing out older trees, causing cones to release seeds, and enriching the soil for young jack pines to grow.  But fire suppression and an influx of Brown-headed Cowbirds, which lay their eggs in the nests of other songbirds, nearly drove the Kirtland's Warbler to extinction. Only 167 singing males were found during a survey in 1987.

Fortunately, conservation efforts that began in the 1950's are paying off. Today, people come from all over the world to see Kirtland's Warblers in their native habitat in Michigan. Thankfully, as of 2012, there are over 2,000 singing males to welcome them!"

Listen to BirdNote shows about the Kirtland's Warbler:

Counting Kirtland's Warblers
Birds and Climate Change -  Places for Birds to Go   Kingdom of Rarities - With Eric Dinerstein

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Hooded Mergansers - Getting Frisky

"It's winter, but many species of ducks are already preparing for spring.

Nearly all ducks are seasonally monogamous, forming pair bonds with new partners every year. Go to your local pond, lake, or beach during the winter, and you may be lucky enough to see male mergansers, goldeneyes, or Buffleheads, displaying to attract the attention of females. If a female likes what she sees, the two will remain together until they mate the following spring. For migratory species, this requires flying together for hundreds -- or even thousands -- of miles back to their breeding grounds."  More and many pictures at: http://birdnote.org/blog/2014/01/hooded-mergansers-getting-frisky

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Spoon-billed Sandpiper: Hatch.

"...The first moments of life at a windswept Spoon-billed Sandpiper nest. Video includes commentary by the Cornell Lab’s Gerrit Vyn. Filmed July 7, 2011, near Meinypilgyno, Chukotka, Russia."

Watch the first ever footage of this critically endangered species nesting:

From me: I didn't realize how endangered and special these birds are.  The chicks wander around feeding themselves as soon as they come out of the egg.

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Emptying the Skies: Important Film about Songbirds in the Mediterranean

“Emptying the Skies,” a film inspired by a New Yorker article penned by award-winning novelist and ABC Board member Jonathan Franzen. The film follows an intrepid group of bird-lovers who risk life and limb to disrupt the poaching of millions of songbirds trapped to be served as illegal delicacies at restaurants. The bird-lovers free as many birds as possible."

Video about this at: http://bcove.me/f5ef835w

Much more at: http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/emptyingtheskies.html

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BirdNote: Blackbird, by Paul McCartney

 

Upcoming Shows

Great Gray Owl SUNDAY Photographing The Great Gray Owl Featuring Paul Bannick LISTEN NOW ►

Donald and Daisy MONDAY Donald Duck - The Duck in the Sailor Suit by Bob Sundstrom  LISTEN NOW ►

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet TUESDAY Winter Sounds Of the Lower Rio Grande by Bob Sundstrom   LISTEN NOW ►

Eurasian Blackbird WEDNESDAY Paul McCartney's Blackbird  Written by Ellen Blackstone LISTEN NOW ►

Cerulean Warbler THURSDAY Recording Cerulean Warblers Featuring Charlotte Goedsche, Audubon North Carolina LISTEN NOW ►

Spoon-billed Sandpiper FRIDAY Photographing Spoon-billed Sandpipers in South Korea Featuring Adam Sedgley and Gerrit Vyn, Cornell Lab of Ornithology LISTEN NOW ►

Feathers of a Brown Pelican SATURDAY How Feathers Insulate by Frances Wood LISTEN NOW ►

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On This Day:

Packers face Chiefs in first Super Bowl, Jan 15, 1967:

"On this day in 1967, at the Los Angeles Coliseum, the Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the first-ever world championship game of American football.

In that historic first game--played before a non-sell-out crowd of 61,946 people--Green Bay scored three touchdowns in the second half to defeat Kansas City 35-10. Led by MVP quarterback Bart Starr, the Packers benefited from Max McGee's stellar receiving and a key interception by safety Willie Wood. For their win, each member of the Packers collected $15,000: the largest single-game share in the history of team sports.

Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial American holiday, complete with parties, betting pools and excessive consumption of food and drink. On average, 80 to 90 million people are tuned into the game on TV at any given moment, while some 130-140 million watch at least some part of the game. The commercials shown during the game have become an attraction in themselves, with TV networks charging as much as $2.5 million for a 30-second spot and companies making more expensive, high-concept ads each year."

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Yesterday:

Ray came over and we watered all my aloe vera plants.  The shut-off for the outside faucets had to be turned on to do that, and then turned off again as it supposed to freeze again on Friday night.  It takes two people to hold the two large patio doors, which are the temporary green house, that are leaning horizontally against the storeroom wall. It is working a lot better than expected.

Then while Ray washed my van, I weeded and raked the front flower bed.  Some of the bushes had frozen and looked scruffy, so I cut them back.  They will grow again in the Spring.

One of our SPCA foster moms sent a pleading email for me to take some of her foster kittens off her hands, as she had too many.  Our fosters parents aren't supposed to foster more than 12 animals.  Even that many is difficult to take care of properly. Please spay and neuter your pets! 

As I agreed to take some, she offered to send me pictures so that I could choose.  I said, 'I don't care what they look like, it's the personality that counts, just like people!'  They should be arriving in the next few days.

Mineral Wells, TX. Crazy Woman Well. Crazy Water Hotel. Baker Hotel. Red Cross Gets Nobel Peace Prize.

 

For "Travel Tuesday", Let's visit Mineral Wells, TX, in the Panhandle Plains region.

"The Texas Panhandle Plains region offers visitors a wide variety of experiences from the breathtakingly beautiful canyon lands, to the Old West heritage that is still evident today. You can visit the birthplace of Buddy Holly and many other famous artists, explore a wide variety of museums & exhibits, or simply enjoy the wide open skies that have attracted visitors for generations. Discover the adventure of the Texas Panhandle Plains."

Mineral Wells, TX.

"Mineral Wells is located in Palo Pinto and Parker counties just 45 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas."

"In 1877 James A. Lynch and his family settle in a Valley 48 miles west of Fort Worth. Tired of hauling water from the nearby Brazos River, Mr. Lynch had a well dug on his property. The water had a funny taste and at first was believed to be poison. Mrs. Lynch continued to drink the water and found it did not harm her, in fact, the water seemed to cure her rheumatism. The word spread and many came to see if they could also receive a cure.

The third well dug was made famous from the fact that a woman who suffered epilepsy drank the water daily. Legend says that after she drank the water she was cured and they named the well the Crazy Woman Well, later just the Crazy Well.

The town was originally named Ednaville but after the waters began to draw people, the town was renamed Mineral Wells.

The Crazy Water Hotel was built where the Crazy Well is. After the first hotel burnt down, the Collins brothers from Fort Worth, Texas rebuilt the Crazy Hotel and planned to market the water.
Meanwhile a group of citizens in Mineral Wells didn't like the fact that outsiders were going to make a profit from their waters. They raised money to build their own hotel. That's when they got T. B. Baker to build the Baker Hotel.

Mineral Wells was a victim of its own publicity. In the late 1930s, the newly created Federal Drug Administration was quick to order Mineral Wells to stop saying that the water would cure pretty much everything. Then penicillin and other medicines were invented that really did cure a lot of illnesses. By the 1940s, the spa phenomenon was pretty much over."

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"Mineral Wells is most famous for its Baker Hotel.

Since March 1945, the southern wall of Deutsches Weintor ("German Wine Gate") in Schweigen-Rechtenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, bears the Graffito: "Jere Gills Min. Wells 3-45" and a map of Texas with a star, marking the position of Mineral Wells. The German Wine Gate is the start of the 1935 established German Wine Route.

Salts from the mineral springs were marketed by Carr Collins, Sr. as Crazy Crystals in the 1930s as having curative powers, but their sale was then suppressed by the Food and Drug Administration.

This town is also commemorated in the eponymous Tom Russell song, including specific references to the Crazy Water Hotel.

It’s a town built on a special Texas kind of “CRAZY” and makes for one CRAZY-fun Texas day trip.

While you wouldn’t know it today, in the early 1900′s, Mineral Wells was an international tourist destination.  Millions came from all over the United States to sip on the city’s famous mineral water that pumped up from the ground.  In the days before modern medicine, folks believed this funny-tasting mineral water could cure anything.  And so they came to Mineral Wells in droves to be cured of whatever ailed them.  Nowadays, all the wells are closed except for ONE – the Famous Mineral Water Co.  Stop by to sit in an old pavilion and get a taste of Mineral Wells culture back in its heyday.

Other artifacts of Mineral Wells’ boom era are all around town.  Don’t miss seeing the Baker Hotel, the Crazy Water Hotel, or the many other sites around town.  Word of warning, many of these are closed so don’t expect to go inside.

Other points of interest in Mineral Wells include the National Vietnam War Museum and the Laumdronat  (not misspelled) – a working laundromat and washing machine museum.  See: http://www.travelersguide360.com/index.php/laumdronat-washing-machine-museum-laundromat-mineral-wells-texas-16697/

Outdoor enthusiasts should head to Mineral Wells State Park, to fish, hike, bike the Mineral Wells Trailway, or rock climb in Penitentiary Hollow.  Kids will love diggin’ up bones at the Mineral Wells Fossil Park.

As far as food goes, my favorite options lie all around Mineral Wells.  Eat country cookin’ with a side of Lebanese food at Dee’s Hometown Diner in Cool, TX.  Or head to Strawn, TX for a Chicken Fried Steak as big as the STATE at Mary’s Cafe.  BB-Q trippers might want to check out Hashknife on the Chisholm which is north in Peadenville.

 

 

 

The Bucket List: 11 things to do in Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County Before It's Too Late

• Play golf at The Cliffs Resort, one of the most challenging courses in Texas, and on the well-known bent grass greens at Holiday Hills Country Club.  (888) 335-8882 or (940) 325-9442.
• Eat a chicken fried steak at Mary's Café in Strawn. (254) 672-5741.
• Explore Clark Gardens Botanical Park, a 35-acre oasis of Texas native and native adaptable plants. (940) 682-4856.
• Canoe the Brazos River. Call Rochelle's Canoe at (940) 659-3341.

  

• Hunt for fossils at the Mineral Wells Fossil Park. (940) 325-2557.

Mineral Wells Fossil Park

• Belly-up for a glass of Crazy Water No. 4 at the Famous Mineral Water Company. (940) 325-8870.
• Drive Farm-to-Market Road 4 between Palo Pinto and Santo for the views.
• Honor our veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Camp Holloway Memorial Wall. (940) 664-3918.
• Jump in for a swim or rent a boat at Possum Kingdom Lake, one of Texas' clearest and most scenic lakes. (940) 779-2424.
• Scale the heights of Penitentiary Hollow, North Texas' premier rock climbing destination. (940) 328-1171.
• Hike the trails at Possum Kingdom and the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway. (940) 779-2321 or (940) 328-1171.

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Harkening back to Mineral Wells heyday, Crazy Water folks open Crazy Water Bath House

"Famous Water Company, the bottlers of Crazy Water in Mineral Wells, have opened the Crazy Water Bath House to offer visitors a similar soaking experience to the one that attracted hordes to “take the waters” back in Mineral Wells’ heyday as a health resort.

After a year’s trial with one bath, the company opened a bathhouse on its property, featuring overnight guest rooms and four private baths. Treatments start at $30 for a 40-minute tub rental, $45 for a microbubble tub rental, and $85 for a basic treatment, which includes a microbubble soak, a hot towel wrap, and a massage.

“We basically have just taken from how they did things in the late 1800s and early 1900s and re-created it, so people can get that therapeutic absorption of the water,” says Carol Elder, Famous Water owner. “People have good health results when they take it internally, and we want to give everyone the benefit of being able to soak in it as well.”

The baths use Crazy Water No. 3, containing the second-highest mineral content in the company’s line of four water products. Soakers can fill the tub to a temperature of their liking. Carol says the massage treatments use only organic products to help maintain the natural experience provided by the mineral water.

“Usually people with arthritic problems do pretty good with the baths, and it’s also a good way to get mineral absorption in your skin and detoxify,” she says. “The bicarbonate soda in the water helps draw out toxins in the body.”"  From: http://blog.texashighways.com/?p=3210

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Moseying Mineral Wells...

"Hello! Today we are off to Mineral Wells. What a surprise this sleepy little town turned out to be. When I first decided to go today, I really planned on just passing through. What I found, kept me there for most of the day, and wanting to go back for more.

Abandoned some years ago, the Baker has its share of legends and ghost stories. Just ask son-in-law Joey who grew up in Mineral Wells. He told me the story of Mr. Baker and his mistress and how, a few years ago, they discovered a hidden passage leading from his room to her room. And a secret whiskey cabinet that held his own personal collection.

Then, there is the “ghost story” – legend has it that there was a ring left in her room, and for those brave enough to try to pick it up, it will get hot in your hand and doors will start slamming.  Mr. Baker’s cigar smoke can be smelled floating in the room. Hold the ring, and you will get an eerie feeling of something “bad” about to happen. Try to leave the room and the ring gets hotter and the feelings stronger. As far as he knows – it’s still there. I guess so, I know that I am not going to be the one to try and leave with it! There are other ghost stories as well, one of a little girl named “Dizzy”, and they must be true, a film crew from Canada even came down once to try and film them."  Complete article at: http://www.texasoutside.com/twg/3.html

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On This Day:

Red Cross is awarded Nobel Peace Prize, Dec 10, 1917:

"After three years of war, during which there had been no Nobel Peace Prize awarded, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the 1917 prize to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In their nominations, both Renault and the Swiss lauded the Red Cross for its establishment of the International Prisoner-of-War Agency, which worked to provide relief to soldiers captured by enemy forces and provide communication between the prisoners and their families. They also praised its efforts to transport wounded soldiers to their home countries via neutral Switzerland.

Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers worked in Geneva and in the field during the war, directing inquiries to military commandants and hospital officials alike in order to find information about prisoners and the wounded and sending more than 800,000 communiqués to soldiers families by June 1917.

This was not the first time, nor the last, that the Red Cross would be honored by the Nobel Committee for its humanitarian work. Its founder, Henry Dunant of Switzerland, was awarded the first-ever peace prize in 1901; the Red Cross organization would go on to claim the prize twice more by the end of the century, in 1944 and 1963."

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Yesterday:

Mindi was going to pick her dogs up Sunday evening, but they called to say that they were having trouble getting a flight out of Vegas, and it would be more like 1.00AM.  I happened to wake up about then, so I watched TV for a while, but when they didn't call to say that they were getting near my house, I went back to sleep.  When I woke up again at 5.00 something, there was a message that they would pick the dogs up later in the morning.

Just after I was dressed and had fed the critters, all dickens broke loose.  A young man from down the street was waving and raving like a lunatic in the middle of the road, bleeding from his wrist. What was a concern was that the young man is HIV positive.  His wheelchaired roommate was desperately trying to get away from him.  She was crying and had blood spatters on her, so I got her safely in my house.  Ray was outside on the phone to 911, when the young man pushed his way into Ray's house, and was arguing with Shay. They have all known each other for years.   The young man even upset Ray's really, really heavy log coffee table.

Ray got him out of there just as two police cars drove up.  The young man went for one of the cops, so they pushed him on the ground and hog-tied him.  When the ambulance arrived, they treated his cut wrist while he was laying face down on the ground, but he was still hollering and trying to fight anyone who came near him.  Then a big fire truck came, another police car, then a "square bear" (Police SUV); all this manpower for one young man. 

The ambulance was here for ages, so gawkers had gathered which infuriated the young man even more, and he was hurling obscenities at them.  After a long time they loaded him up in the ambulance and took off.  The police stayed to get statements from those involved.  I heard that they were going to keep him on a suicide watch for 72 hours, then I sure hope he gets some psychiatric help.

Mindi didn't arrive to pick up her four live doggies, and one dead, until about 2.00PM.  We talked for a while, both with teary eyes.  I had carefully wrapped the little white cardboard casket in pretty white patterned plastic, and taped a rose on the outside.  Mindi put that in her trunk, and loaded up the rest of the dogs in her car.

My foster cats could finally go back into the Grooming Room, their favorite place, and investigate the new smells which had accumulated in there the last few days.

Crisis in Egypt. How We Talk? A Way That Seems Right. Evolution's Leap of Faith. Jerusalem Captured. VBS About Paul’s Trip to Athens.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Crisis in Egypt

“Hundreds are injured and killed in the streets of Egypt as this crisis continues to unfold. Is there any hope for a better future in Egypt?

The Middle East continues to see the turmoil this summer, and Egypt in particular is undergoing another crisis. Just last week the military intervened and removed President Morsi, the newly elected president who was part of the Muslim Brotherhood. Millions of people have been rioting and demonstrating in the streets. And just this week 51 people were killed and over 400 injured as a result of what's been taking place.

Why is Egypt important? It is the largest Arab nation that has the largest standing army and Egypt is a key player in the whole Middle Eastern situation. And it is a key nation that is mentioned in Bible prophecy.

I've been looking back over some of those prophecies as I've been looking at the headlines of what's been taking place in Egypt lately. And if you're wanting to find a message of hope and understanding beyond today and today's situation there, there is a prophecy in Isaiah chapter 19 that I think helps us to understand not only a hope, but why Egypt is important to God. Egypt is an Arab state. It is a Muslim nation. But Egypt is important to the God of Abraham. And this particular prophecy zeroes in on that. Beginning in verse 19 it says, "In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt and a pillar to the Lord at its border”.

This is talking about the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. This is not talking about the Muslim god or any other god. It's talking about a specific God and this prophecy is saying there will be an altar to them.

And it will be a sign for a witness to the Lord it goes on to say as people come to know God. And then in verse 21 it says, "Then the Lord will be known to Egypt and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and will make sacrifice and offerings. Yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it," verse 21 Isaiah 19:19-21 See All...

That's the message of hope beyond what we see today in the headlines, beyond the suffering that's taking place because of misrule. That's why Egypt is important, not because of just what is happening in headlines today and what that means even for Bible prophecy, but for the hope that God's word holds out for that country, that nation specifically and a very encouraging and comforting prophecy such as this.”   Video at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/news-and-prophecy/crisis-egypt

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What does the Bible say about how we talk?

1. Don't use God's name lightly.

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7; also Deuteronomy 5:11).

2. Replace filthy and foolish talk and coarse jokes with thankfulness.

"…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:4).

3. Remember we will give account for every word we speak.

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37).

It’s pretty clear when God says, “You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:15, 16). We also might hear the oft-used quote, “Honesty is the best policy.” Here’s another one: “Love truthfulness and honesty. These are sacred treasures.” A character in Shakespeare’s Hamlet says, “To thine own self be true ... thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Can you be trusted? Let’s be of good character.  Let’s strive to be like Paul, worthy of imitation: “Therefore I urge you to imitate me. I am sending to you Timothy. … He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:16, 17 NIV).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. - Proverbs 12:19
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. - Proverbs 12:22
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. - Proverbs 15:4

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Proverbs: A Way That Seems Right

Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.

“"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death," (Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
See All...).

When an individual or a group, even a nation, thinks their ways are pure according to their own standards, they may convince many that their deeds are just. Yet when evaluated by God's Word, they are absolutely wrong.

Appearances can be deceiving. Immoral behavior, though made acceptable by clever arguments and popular persuasion, is still a sin when it breaks the law of God.

By which standard do you measure yourself? God's standard or the world's?”  From: http://www.ucg.org/character/proverbs-way-seems-right/   

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The sermon on WGN TV this morning:

Evolution's Leap of Faith

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-program/science/evolutions-leap-faith

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On This Day:

 

Jerusalem captured in First Crusade, Jul 14, 1099:

“During the First Crusade, Christian knights from Europe capture Jerusalem after seven weeks of siege and begin massacring the city's Muslim and Jewish population.

Beginning in the 11th century, Christians in Jerusalem were increasingly persecuted by the city's Islamic rulers, especially when control of the holy city passed from the relatively tolerant Egyptians to the Seljuk Turks in 1071. Late in the century, Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comenus, also threatened by the Seljuk Turks, appealed to the West for aid. In 1095, Pope Urban II publicly called for a crusade to aid Eastern Christians and recover the holy lands. The response by Western Europeans was immediate.

The first crusaders were actually undisciplined hordes of French and German peasants who met with little success. One group, known as the "People's Crusade," reached as far as Constantinople before being annihilated by the Turks. In 1096, the main crusading force, featuring some 4,000 mounted knights and 25,000 infantry, began to move east. Led by Raymond of Toulouse, Godfrey of Bouillon, Robert of Flanders, and Bohemond of Otranto, the army of Christian knights crossed into Asia Minor in 1097.

In June, the crusaders captured the Turkish-held city of Nicaea and then defeated a massive army of Seljuk Turks at Dorylaeum. From there, they marched on to Antioch, located on the Orontes River below Mount Silpius, and began a difficult six-month siege during which they repulsed several attacks by Turkish relief armies. Finally, early in the morning of June 3, 1098, Bohemond persuaded a Turkish traitor to open Antioch's Bridge Gate, and the knights poured into the city. In an orgy of killing, the Christians massacred thousands of enemy soldiers and citizens, and all but the city's fortified citadel was taken. Later in the month, a large Turkish army arrived to attempt to regain the city, but they too were defeated, and the Antioch citadel surrendered to the Europeans.

After resting and reorganizing for six months, the crusaders set off for their ultimate goal, Jerusalem. Their numbers were now reduced to some 1,200 cavalry and 12,000 foot soldiers. On June 7, 1099, the Christian army reached the holy city, and finding it heavily fortified, began building three enormous siege towers. By the night of July 13, the towers were complete, and the Christians began fighting their way across Jerusalem's walls. On July 14, Godfrey's men were the first to penetrate the defenses, and the Gate of Saint Stephen was opened. The rest of the knights and soldiers then poured in, the city was captured, and tens of thousands of its occupants were slaughtered.

The crusaders had achieved their aims, and Jerusalem was in Christian hands, but an Egyptian army marched on the holy city a few weeks later to challenge their claim. The Egyptians' defeat by the outnumbered Christians in August ended Muslim resistance to the Europeans for the time being, and five small Christian states were set up in the region under the rule of the leaders of the crusade.”

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Yesterday:

Jay called to say that he couldn’t go to church, as he was going somewhere with his mother.  I asked him if it was more important than going to church, and he said “Yes, more important”.  My first thought was, I hope she is taking him to a rehab.  I found out later, that she was just throwing him out, AGAIN.  (Each time, is the last time!)

I took care of all the animals and leisurely dressed ready to go early for Bible Study at the church.

When I walked in, I wished I had my camera with me. The whole building had been decorated in Grecian style as they had just finished Vacation Bible School about Paul’s trip to Athens.  The volunteers had done a superb job. 

One busy mother, Sonya, had painted a stone pathway on large pieces of construction paper, taped them down, and it made a long path from the sanctuary to the dining room.  It must have taken her ages. 

In the sanctuary, there were Easy-ups for tents, draped in yard goods, and columns painted on paper and placed on the walls. 

The stage had a great big cardboard scene with the sea in the background, a boat, and small hills and houses in the foreground.  Many of the congregation were dressed up in their Grecian garb from the VBS. 

Karen, the VBS program Director, introduced the different ‘Oikos’, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oikos) Rome, Corinth, Antioch, Ephesus, and Traos groups, and they sang their special songs from the VBS last week.  This VBS was for the kids and adults and they all enjoyed it just as much. 

One of the elders dressed as Dionysius, said a prayer.  The pastor, dressed as Paul, gave a short sermon about Paul’s trip after he left Athens and went to Corinth from Acts 18.

There were a couple of interesting videos made by participants of the VBS.

The dining hall was decorated in the same theme.  Easy-Ups draped in fabric made a Grecian food market, and Grecian clad ladies served food behind the counter. 

There was an abundance of food, and everyone had a special time yesterday.

10 Naughtiest Pets in America. Naughty Dog? Jesse's Back! Nature's Late Show. Politics of Cat Litter. Scardey Cats. Bond With Your Cat. "Get Involved". Franklin Flies Kite. Paul Newman 2nd At Le Mans.

 

For “Mammal Monday”:

The 10 Naughtiest Pets in America

An ASPCA survey names the top 10 most rascally pets.

“According to the ASPCA survey, Labrador Retrievers are the very naughtiest of pets. This is due in part to their huge popularity. Like goldens, labs are a mouthy breed, which is what usually gets them in trouble……

(Read article for the other breeds)

Boxers wound up in the number 10 spot for getting into things they shouldn’t.

"Boxers are spirited and need daily exercise," said Tina Wismer, medical director for the ASPCA's Poison Control Center. "A tired dog is a good dog. Tired dogs do not get into trouble by eating things they shouldn’t."

More at: http://news.discovery.com/animals/pets/top-10-naughtiest-pets-130214.htm

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What Are the Characteristics of a Naughty Dog?

“1. Charisma. No, really. Charisma is persuading everyone that you’re doing what they want you to, even though you’re not. I’d say all dogs have some charisma but some have more than others or, maybe, some know how to work it better than others (and thus get away with more.)

2. Desire to Please. Naughty dogs are performing for us. They want us to approve of their misbehaving.

3. Willingness to Disobey. As in, “I know you just said to get my head out of the trash, but I’m going to grab that chicken bone in there and then run around the apartment taunting you with it” sort of behavior.

4. Sense of (Canine) Humor. Yes, dogs laugh with their tails. And, yes, dogs somehow understand that, when we laugh, it’s a good thing. They like to make us laugh. They just do.

5. A Sense of (Human) Humor. Whether a dog is funny and, therefore, naughty instead of annoying or frustrating depends on our perception of their behavior. If you laugh and engage with your dog when he steals the toilet plunger for the umpteenth time, he’ll keep on stealing it and you’ll keep on having pictures of your dog and a toilet plunger to post on Facebook. Which brings us to...

Why Are Some Dogs Naughty?

1. To Get Attention. This is the main reason dogs are naughty, which shows that naughtiness is a rather special phenomenon between humans and canines. You will not see dogs behaving this way when alone with other dogs.

2. To Prove a Point. They don’t look at it this way, but you’ll find that if your dog keeps doing the same naughty thing over and over, he’s probably trying to tell you something such as “I’m stealing the toilet plunger because I really need to get outside to play fetch.”

3. To Cheer You Up. Not all dogs have this wild ability to empathize with humans but many do. Both of my pit bulls have this ability -- Hudson sticks close to me when I’m depressed, but Falstaff plays the clown and does naughty things to cheer me up. I can’t explain it, but it’s really cool.

So, what separates “naughty” from just plain “bad?” We all know there is no such thing as a Bad Dog, though the number of dogs dressed up as devils for Halloween would suggest otherwise. Mostly whether a dog’s behavior is naughty or is a matter of degrees.

The Difference Between “Naughty” and “In the Dog House”

1. Degree of Destruction. If you heard something in the other room and went to investigate and your dog had destroyed the a $10 Target pillow, oh well. If you come home to a destroyed couch, different thing.

2. Degree of Inconvenience. If your dog borrows your toothbrush, you can chew a piece of gum until you get another. If your dog is being rambunctious and shuts and locks you out of the house, not so easy.

3. Degree of Danger. For you and your dog. A dog that breaks away and tries to get you to chase him across a busy street is not amusing, nor is he “naughty.” Any behavior that compromises safety must be stopped.

What to Do With a Naughty Dog?

So, you’ve ended up with a naughty dog breed, either by choice or chance -- how do you manage this mischievous mutt? Do you even want to control his naughtiness, or do you derive pleasure out of his antics? It’s up to you. You decide whether you want to encourage this behavior or discourage it. If you laugh at and draw attention to a naughty dog, he will continue this behavior. If you ignore and/or gently correct a naughty dog, he will learn to stop.

But don’t underestimate the joys of a naughty dog -- as Samuel Butler said: “The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."”  More at: http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/10-naughtiest-dog-breeds

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I like this dog - Earns his Keep !!!!!

“Jesse’s owner is 21 years old and had never trained a dog before and they live in Litchfield Park near Phoenix!”

“Presenting, Useful Dog Tricks 3!! Whoever said tricks can't be useful?   Jesse's back, and this time he tackles chores that most humans wouldn't find enjoyable; complete with his award-winning smile. He also finds new ways to help out around the house; including vacuuming, dusting, cleaning up puddles, as well as being a well-rounded member of the community by helping clean up garbage at our local park.  All taught with positive reinforcement.”

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Mother Nature's Late Show

When day becomes night, a new cast of animals appears on the backyard stage; here are some tips that will help you enjoy them

“WHEN THE SUN goes down and songbirds disappear into cover to roost, you might think that backyard wildlife watching is finished for the day. But the truth is that when darkness sets in, there is merely a change of characters on the backyard stage. The diurnal wildlife goes undercover and the nocturnal animals appear.

Because it’s dark, it may be more difficult to see the new cast of wild animals, but they are there and you don’t need owl vision to watch them.

How to enjoy wildlife at night in your own backyard:

Here:  http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Outdoors/Archives/2005/Wildlife-Watching.aspx

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The Politics of Litter

Why you should NOT...
- toilet train a cat
- use an automated or self-cleaning litter box
- be obsessive about cleaning your cat's litter box

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How To Make Your Cat Not Afraid of Strangers

“Jackson Galaxy of Animal Planet's "My Cat From Hell" shares his strategy for helping cats not be scardey cats. If your cat gets all scared and shy and stressed out when strangers come over, here's expert advice from The Cat Daddy.”

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How to Bond With Your Cat

“You see it all the time. The family pet favors one member of the family over the other and jealousy sets in. Jackson talks about how and why cats bond with specific people and what you can do to gain your cat's affection.”

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Jackson Galaxy - "Get Involved"

“8 million dirty, scared, and disorientated pets enter shelters each year – and the photos taken are what people see when looking to adopt.

Our mission is to provide shelter staff and volunteers with the resources to successfully groom and photograph shelter pets, helping give them the second chance they deserve.”

Help us save lives, one picture saves:

“In the United States, approximately three to four million pets are euthanized in animal shelters each year – help us make that zero.”   Read more at http://www.onepicturesaves.com/#gY63i7f1vmrCPECo.99

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On This Day:

Franklin flies kite during thunderstorm, Jun 10, 1752: 

“On this day in 1752, Benjamin Franklin flies a kite during a thunderstorm and collects a charge in a Leyden jar when the kite is struck by lightning, enabling him to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning. Franklin became interested in electricity in the mid-1740s, a time when much was still unknown on the topic, and spent almost a decade conducting electrical experiments. He coined a number of terms used today, including battery, conductor and electrician. He also invented the lightning rod, used to protect buildings and ships.

Most significantly, Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States and had a career as a statesman that spanned four decades. He served as a legislator in Pennsylvania as well as a diplomat in England and France. He is the only politician to have signed all four documents fundamental to the creation of the U.S.: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris (1783), which established peace with Great Britain, and the U.S. Constitution (1787).

Franklin died at age 84 on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia. He remains one of the leading figures in U.S. history.”

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Paul Newman finishes second in 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jun 10, 1979:

“Paul Newman, the blue-eyed movie star-turned-race car driver, accomplishes the greatest feat of his racing career on this day in 1979, roaring into second place in the 47th 24 Hours of Le Mans, the famous endurance race held annually in Le Mans, France.

Newman emerged as one of Hollywood's top leading men in the 1960s, with acclaimed performances in such films as "The Hustler" (1961), "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969). Also in 1969, he starred in "Winning" as a struggling race car driver who must redeem his career and win the heart of the woman he loves--played by Newman's real-life wife, Joanne Woodward--at the Indianapolis 500. To prepare for the movie, Newman attended racing school, and he performed many of the high-speed racing scenes in the movie himself, without a stunt double. In 1972, Newman began his own racing career, winning his first Sports Club Car of America (SCCA) race driving a Lotus Elan. He soon moved up to a series of Datsun racing sedans and won four SCCA national championships from 1979 to 1986.

After the race, The New York Times quoted the 54-year-old Newman as saying he might not race at Le Mans again: "I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for this. And my racing here places an unfortunate emphasis on the team. It takes it away from the people who really do the work." In fact, he continued racing into his eighties, making his last start at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway in 2006. He also found success as a race car owner, forming a team with Carl Haas that became one of the most enduring in Indy car racing. Newman died in September 2008 at the age of 83.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to get Jay, and had our walk down there.  When we returned here, Jay set up the sawhorses and was going to make slanted cedar boards for the top of the screen porch, to match the bottom.  Then we found out that some of the front screen wire had recently been punctured, and it would all have to be rescreened before we could go any further.

I took Jay home, and then Ray and I cleaned off the screen porch which had become a mess during the recent rains while the roof was off.  We moved all the pots of aloe off the trays, drained the plants of the excess rain-water, cleaned the trays and shelves, swept the floor and put everything back.  We also took down the rest of the clear vinyl that we have been using to winterize the screen porch, while the shelves weren’t in the way.  I’d like to find a better way to winterize the porch.  Several of the pots of aloe had become overgrown and top-heavy, so we re-potted them into larger pots. 

Jay had been nagging me to make the screen porch table smaller, but there is no way that would work.  He should realize that the porch is also a potting shed, and that’s why there is a plant sink out there! 

Then the rains came again, but this time it only got wet on one end of the screen porch, as that isn’t quite finished yet.

The rains have made the privet hedge in the back yard grow, so we will have to attack it today. 

Amarillo. Palo Duro Canyon. Route 66. Amarillo By Morning. Is This The Way to Amarillo? Texas History. Emperor of China. Release of U.S. POWs. Mardi Gras.

 

For “Travel Tuesday”:

Question: “What is the place in Texas with the coldest temperature during winter?”

Answer: “Amarillo is the place in Texas with the coldest temperature during winter. January usually has an average temperature of 35.8 F.”

“Amarillo is in the The Texas Panhandle Plains region which offers visitors a wide variety of experiences from the breathtakingly beautiful canyon lands, to the Old West heritage that is still evident today. You can visit the birthplace of Buddy Holly and many other famous artists, explore a wide variety of museums & exhibits, or simply enjoy the wide open skies that have attracted visitors for generations. Discover the adventure of the Texas Panhandle Plains.”

Internationally-famous outdoor musical TEXAS!

Amarillo, Step Into The Real Texas

“Howdy! We're glad you stopped by to visit Amarillo, Texas. We're the place where you can "Step into the Real Texas." From canyons to cowboys, big steaks to big spaces, everything Texas is famous for is right here. We're easy to find and once you're here, you'll want to stay an extra day or two.

Amarillo is in the center of the Texas Panhandle, a 26-county area that is bordered by New Mexico and Oklahoma. Here, the southern plains meet the desert. Founded in 1887 at the intersection of two railroads, today the city is the intersection of Interstates 40 and 27.

The Amarillo area is a major destination for Old West enthusiasts from all over the globe. The lure of the Old West also draws thousands every year to attractions like the internationally-famous outdoor musical "TEXAS."

Big Texan Steak Ranch

Think Amarillo and you think steak. No place sums up Texas, Amarillo and steak better than the Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the 72 oz. steak. Eat it and all the trimmings (salad, bread, potato and shrimp cocktail) in an hour and its free! 35,000 have tried; 5,500 have succeeded.

 

The area's most famous bumper crop, located south of Interstate 40 just a few miles west of town, the Cadillac Ranch attracts visitors from around the world. The 10 Cadillacs buried nose down celebrate America's love affair with the automobile.

Amarillo is the largest Texas city on Route 66. Now, a stretch of the old highway, along Sixth Ave. between Georgia and Western Sts., has been revived into a stretch of antique shops, restaurants and cafes.

It's hard to describe the grandeur and variety of the Amarillo landscape. From 1000-foot deep Palo Duro Canyon and the wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle to the whimsy of the world-famous Cadillac Ranch and those magnificent Amarillo sunsets, it's all here.”

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Arts & Cultural
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Amarillo Little Theatre
Amarillo Opera
Amarillo Public Library
Amarillo Symphony
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
The Galleries at Sunset Center
The Lone Star Ballet

Museums
Amarillo Railroad Museum
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
AMoA-Amarillo Museum of Art
Don Harrington Discovery Center
Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Texas Air and Space Museum
Texas Pharmacy Museum
The RV Museum @ Jack Sisemore Traveland

 

“Welcome to the RV Museum at Jack Sisemore Traveland. The Sisemore’s began collecting and restoring unusual vintage RV’s over 25 years ago and have built a museum to house their collection. These include the Flexible Bus from the movie RV, the first Itasca motor home ever built, and the oldest Fleetwood in existence. And many other RV’s from the 1930's through the 1970's.  Step back in time, reminisce and enjoy the progression of the RV industry from its inception till now.”

“Texas Air and Space Museum, Not just for aviation fans! The museum honors Amarillo's and the Texas Panhandle's history of flight. Featured are extensive documents, newspaper articles, exhibits and photos dating back to the beginning of English Field Airport.

Visitors can get close to a Grumman Gulfstream II NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft (flown by astronaut and Amarillo native Rick Husband), a North American P-51 Mustang (on loan), a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (on loan), a de Havilland C-7A Caribou and the Beercat-- a locally built biplane-class aircraft flown by Texas Panhandle pilot Bobby Speed at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV.”

More at: http://www.visitamarillotx.com/index.cfm

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“Big steaks, big canyons, or a big connection to ancestors from the days gone by. To make big memories, visit Amarillo

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“Short aerial video (shot from airplane) of Amarillo, Texas and the Palo Duro Canyon.”

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Historic Route 66 Through Amarillo

“On June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act which initiated the construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highways across America. As a result, many small towns that had once thrived along the famed east-west Route 66 were bypassed by the new high-speed interstate highway system. Faced with financial ruin, these small towns struggled to survive.

In this travel video, I take a drive along a brief section of eastbound Historic Route 66 (Business 40) through Amarillo, Texas. The road continues on into downtown Amarillo on the west side of town.”

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George Strait - Amarillo By Morning

 

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Is This The Way to Amarillo?

“Troops in the Royal Dragoon Guards shot a home video at their Al Faw base of their version of the video sung by Tony Christie and mimed by Peter Kay.”

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I hope you enjoyed your visit to Amarillo, TX.

Texas History, for large and small kids.

Song: Newsboys Something Beautiful

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Last emperor of China abdicates, Feb 12, 1912:

“On February 12, 1912, Hsian-T'ung, the last emperor of China, is forced to abdicate following Sun Yat-sen's republican revolution. A provisional government was established in his place, ending 267 years of Manchu rule in China and 2,000 years of imperial rule. The former emperor, only six years old, was allowed to keep up his residence in Beijing's Forbidden City, and he took the name of Henry Pu Yi.

Pu Yi was enthroned as emperor in 1908 after his uncle, the Kuang-hsu emperor, died. He reigned under a regency and underwent training to prepare him for his coming rule. However, in October 1911, his dynasty fell to Sun Yat-sen's revolution, and four months later he abdicated. The new Chinese government granted him a large government pension and permitted him to live in the imperial palace until 1924, when he was forced into exile.

After 1925, he lived in Japanese-occupied Tianjin, and in 1932 Japan created the puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria under his rule. In 1934, Henry Pu Yi was enthroned as K'ang Te, emperor of Manchukuo. Despite guerrilla resistance against his puppet regime, he held the emperor's title until 1945, when he was captured by Soviet troops.

In 1946, Pu Yi testified before the Tokyo war crimes tribunal that he had been an unwilling tool of the Japanese and not, as they claimed, an instrument of Manchurian self-determination. Manchuria and the Rehe province were returned to China, and in 1950 Pu Yi was handed over to the Chinese communists. He was imprisoned at Shenyang until 1959, when Chinese leader Mao Zedong granted him amnesty. After his release, he worked in a mechanical repair shop in Peking.”

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Release of U.S. POWs begins, Feb 12, 1973:

“The release of U.S. POWs begins in Hanoi as part of the Paris peace settlement. The return of U.S. POWs began when North Vietnam released 142 of 591 U.S. prisoners at Hanoi's Gia Lam Airport. Part of what was called Operation Homecoming, the first 20 POWs arrived to a hero's welcome at Travis Air Force Base in California on February 14. Operation Homecoming was completed on March 29, 1973, when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released and returned to the United States.”

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Mardi Gras - Modern Idolatry?

“The strange revelries of modern culture have their roots in ancient rites and religion.”

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/mardi-gras-modern-idolatry

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Yesterday:

After I got back from taking the check for the water bill 4 miles into town to avoid the late charges, Ray came over.  We had some items that needed to be glued together. When the contractors installed some of my kitchen cabinets they chose ones were ready made, but they are covered in thick white vinyl.  Not my choice at all.  On the top edge of one lower cabinet doors the vinyl had come loose, and it was starting to crease.   I ironed the creases out with a cool iron, and Ray glued the vinyl back on with E-6000, and we left it to cure with pipe clamps on it.

While we had the glue out, Ray and I glued up the lining on a bag, and clamped it.   Then we packed up my old chandelier in a box with bubble wrap, along with it’s special glass globes and bulbs. That should keep it safe until it gets sold.

It was probably premature, as we could still have some cold weather, but we took down one of the winter vinyl panels on the screen porch.  It was a gamble as I have hundreds of aloe plants wintering on the porch. The days have been so nice, and it was great to get the fresh air in there again.  Arlo and Miss Priss really thought it was great, too.

Then Jay called, I could tell he was a bit tipsy.  He wanted me to go down there and pick up their paper recycling and two pieces of pie for Ray and me.  Misty and I had our walk down there.  Jay wanted me to bring him back here to stop him from sitting on his mother’s porch drinking and watching TV, as his boss was coming to pick him up at midday.  Pitiful!  But he did put the wall panel back up in my garage, before his boss came.

Ray went to orientation to volunteer at the cat habitat, as Kenya, our SPCA boss would be there tending to it from 5.30-730.  As we didn’t want Arlo to get too imprinted here, he rode with Ray. He settled back in with his litter mates in the habitat.  He wasn’t teaching Miss Priss not to bite, anyway.  Priss and I miss him, but it had to be.  I miss my Bobbiecat and Prime, so Kenya is trying to find me an old cat who can be mine, and we can be together for the rest of our days.