Apple Seeds -
Living near an Army base, and having lived here the majority of my life, I am constantly aware of the military presence. We lost our family farm to the expansion of the army reservation. Not the best of memories but one I came to terms with a long time ago. I consider that our sacrifice, just like veterans have made their sacrifices. Well, not just like but in a parallel fashion.
I've seen the military experience take so much from veterans.... limbs, life style, lives. For us, our farm and childhood home. But I've seen the military experience give back so much..... protecting us of course, but building exemplar individuals of young people, giving us all a tremendous sense of pride and patriotism, not to mention the important part they play in the local economy here in our community.
I believe so strongly that we have a tremendous responsibility to select the best leaders we can to lead and utilize our military men and women in the best possible way, and not put them in harm's way for unjust causes. If I am ever critical of decisions we have made, it is because I love and respect our military men and women and want them led in the best way possible. Not an easy task, I know!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Straddlin' the fence.... as usual
The pressures to "believe as I believe" are being hurled at us from all sides. Gives me pause to wonder, Just what DO I believe.
The unhappy conservatives are so full of hate. They want their freedom to make it or die, at any cost. Less government, less interference. Now I can buy that. Let me compete, go for it, maybe become a rich woman on my own. Don't tell ME what to do.
But wait, why is it under that system the rich got rich and the rest of us got.... unemployed? Or foreclosed on? As much as I want to be free to fail, I don't want to fail because I was handed a loaded deck. I've been lucky. I have a job. But what if I didn't have one and couldn't find one. Don't tell me that letting the big corporations have free rein will create more jobs when I'm unemployed. I don't see any proof that that works.
Still, I know that hand outs do not a self reliant people make. And someone has to pay for them, they just don't fall off trees.
Can you see where I'm going here? We're damned if we do and damned if we don't.
All of that aside, I don't see how being hateful and disrespectful is getting us anywhere! What ever happened to the old fashioned Christian value of love thy neighbor!
Oh my!
The unhappy conservatives are so full of hate. They want their freedom to make it or die, at any cost. Less government, less interference. Now I can buy that. Let me compete, go for it, maybe become a rich woman on my own. Don't tell ME what to do.
But wait, why is it under that system the rich got rich and the rest of us got.... unemployed? Or foreclosed on? As much as I want to be free to fail, I don't want to fail because I was handed a loaded deck. I've been lucky. I have a job. But what if I didn't have one and couldn't find one. Don't tell me that letting the big corporations have free rein will create more jobs when I'm unemployed. I don't see any proof that that works.
Still, I know that hand outs do not a self reliant people make. And someone has to pay for them, they just don't fall off trees.
Can you see where I'm going here? We're damned if we do and damned if we don't.
All of that aside, I don't see how being hateful and disrespectful is getting us anywhere! What ever happened to the old fashioned Christian value of love thy neighbor!
Oh my!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Some random thoughts
Apple Seeds
I haven't blogged in so long, its been ages and ages.
I guess I can blame it on getting hooked on Facebook. I find it fun to communicate with a lot of folks on a daily or more often basis without getting too deep into things.
But today I want to make a few comments that may be too much for good old casual facebook commentary.
Fact is, I question whether I should even put my neck out but I feel a need to get a few things off my chest or out in the open or something.... Guess I can always delete them if I feel I should.
Some observations -
At the time of 9-11, I remember a woman being interviewed with some others. Her husband or boyfriend was missing and presumed possibly killed in the towers. As far as I could tell from later findings, I believe he had died. I think he was a waiter or something in a restaurant up high.
Now remember, we did not yet know who had done this horrible thing. Her comment was that if he was dead, she was fairly certain that he would say that he did not want others to die because he was killed. That such would not avenge or requite his death. I was so surprised that this woman could be so together at this time of unbelievable sorrow to think that thru and utter such a thought.
I also thought that there was no way such a thing would not happen. It seemed to me our need to defend coupled with an eye for an eye mentality would explode and indeed it did.
Once we determined that the perpetrator was centered in bin Laden we went after him. But for reasons I didn't understand (or more correctly think I do understand) we went after him not where he might be, but in another country.
Now, after what, ten years, and how many lives, we finally have killed the s.o.b. I do not mourn his life. But I do mourn the many who have died because of him on and since 9-11. And I mourn all those who have yet to loose their lives because of him.
Should we hav gone after him? Of course we should have. If a varmit raids the chicken house or the lamb pen, you don't just leave it to continue its horrible habit. But could there have been a less destructive way to have gone after him? I have to wonder.
I do not intend to disrespect our military men and women with these thoughts. They continue to give their most and sacrifice their best to protect me. But I have to wonder if the direction they were sent was the most prudent.
I wonder what that woman who lost her man in 9-11 now thinks?
I haven't blogged in so long, its been ages and ages.
I guess I can blame it on getting hooked on Facebook. I find it fun to communicate with a lot of folks on a daily or more often basis without getting too deep into things.
But today I want to make a few comments that may be too much for good old casual facebook commentary.
Fact is, I question whether I should even put my neck out but I feel a need to get a few things off my chest or out in the open or something.... Guess I can always delete them if I feel I should.
Some observations -
At the time of 9-11, I remember a woman being interviewed with some others. Her husband or boyfriend was missing and presumed possibly killed in the towers. As far as I could tell from later findings, I believe he had died. I think he was a waiter or something in a restaurant up high.
Now remember, we did not yet know who had done this horrible thing. Her comment was that if he was dead, she was fairly certain that he would say that he did not want others to die because he was killed. That such would not avenge or requite his death. I was so surprised that this woman could be so together at this time of unbelievable sorrow to think that thru and utter such a thought.
I also thought that there was no way such a thing would not happen. It seemed to me our need to defend coupled with an eye for an eye mentality would explode and indeed it did.
Once we determined that the perpetrator was centered in bin Laden we went after him. But for reasons I didn't understand (or more correctly think I do understand) we went after him not where he might be, but in another country.
Now, after what, ten years, and how many lives, we finally have killed the s.o.b. I do not mourn his life. But I do mourn the many who have died because of him on and since 9-11. And I mourn all those who have yet to loose their lives because of him.
Should we hav gone after him? Of course we should have. If a varmit raids the chicken house or the lamb pen, you don't just leave it to continue its horrible habit. But could there have been a less destructive way to have gone after him? I have to wonder.
I do not intend to disrespect our military men and women with these thoughts. They continue to give their most and sacrifice their best to protect me. But I have to wonder if the direction they were sent was the most prudent.
I wonder what that woman who lost her man in 9-11 now thinks?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Easter means project viewing
I got to visit the youngest daughter and crew for Easter. We went to her in-laws for dinner. Its always wonderful! Makes me feel guilty that I don't manage to have family gatherings like that!
Besides good food and good company, I got to see the boys' animal projects, at least some of them. Brody loves his goats. Coy gets involved too but not as much as his big brother, at least not yet.
We also visited the pig pen. It was hot and those little porkers were complaining about it mid afternoon. Got a shot of Brody trying to persuade one of them to go get on the scales. Behaved like a typical woman about that!
Fair time will be fun this year, that's for sure!
Besides good food and good company, I got to see the boys' animal projects, at least some of them. Brody loves his goats. Coy gets involved too but not as much as his big brother, at least not yet.
We also visited the pig pen. It was hot and those little porkers were complaining about it mid afternoon. Got a shot of Brody trying to persuade one of them to go get on the scales. Behaved like a typical woman about that!
Fair time will be fun this year, that's for sure!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday services at our church are my favorite service all year long, I think even more than Christmas Eve. That one is so special but full of twinkling lights and lots of music and people dressed up, at least some of us. Lots to catch the eye, ear and mind!
But Maundy Thursday is so simple, so focused and without distractions! Our pastor does it alone even to playing the keyboard for the singing. Two hymns, gospel scripture about the last supper, prayer and simple communion. Broken loaf and the goblet of wine on the table at the front of our little sanctuary. Everyone goes forward when they want, alone or with a family member, breaks the bread and dips into the wine. No music, just silence! Time to really think about what it all represents without any disruption.
I took the photo as I was leaving the parking lot! Really caught the radiance of the moment I think!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The ABC's of Me
The ABC's of Me.
I'm a sucker for these things. Someone was playing tag with it among bloggers and I just couldn't resist.
A- Age: Satchel Page said something about how old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? Well, some days I think not so old, other days I think ancient! Age is a state of mind but its certainly affected by the hard facts of aging.
B- Bed size: Queen.
C- Chore you hate: Washing - dishes, clothes, just about anything.
D- Dog's name: None now, Tuff was my favorite.
E- Essential food/item: Potatoes. I love them, and they love me, all of me. My waste, my hips, my butt, my.....
F- Favorite color: Purple today, Go Cats! Beat OSU!
G- Gold or silver: Silver, or white Gold
H- Height: Like I'm vertically challenged and horizontally extended but I get along.
I- I am: old enough to know better, but it doesn't stop me.
J- Job: handler of numbers, keyboards, computer stuff.
K- Kids: Two
L- Living arrangements: Nice walk-out basement apartment secluded in the country yet close to town.
M-Mom's name: Elsie Mae. My bro nicknamed her Lamela Camela for LC. Get it?
N- Nickname: Was Sarge way back when, now maybe Grams?
O- Overnight hospital stay.....Having children, everything else so far has been outpatient.
P- Pet peeve: I cannot tolerate intolerant people! (I've always loved this oxymoron statement. Its right on.)
Q- Quote from a movie: sort of a paraphrase. I think George C. Scott asked Faye Dunaway's character, if you had your pick would you have the organ that goes out or the one that goes in. Her reply, Both! Then I wouldn't need a man for anything! Movie - Oklahoma Crude.
R- Right or left handed: Right.
S- Siblings: 2, the twins
T- Time you wake up: Between 5 and 6, the time I get up that is. And its not really by choice.
U- Unique thing about your car: Its mine.
V- Vegetable you hate: Can't think of one. I'm not real fond of squash but I'll eat it. And brussel sprouts are my favorite!
W- Ways you run late: Waiting for whoever I'm going with. I seem to travel with a lot of run-late folks.
X- X-rays you've had: Can't remember them all. Chest, neck, teeth, who knows. But no appendages that I can remember.
Y- Yummy food you make: Sweet and sour pork.
Z- Zoo favorite: Oh, that member of the giraffe family, okapi I think its called. Absolutely beautiful!
That;s the ABC of me! Think I should work on some of these, see if they can be more interesting! Or rather I can be more interesting.
I'm a sucker for these things. Someone was playing tag with it among bloggers and I just couldn't resist.
A- Age: Satchel Page said something about how old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? Well, some days I think not so old, other days I think ancient! Age is a state of mind but its certainly affected by the hard facts of aging.
B- Bed size: Queen.
C- Chore you hate: Washing - dishes, clothes, just about anything.
D- Dog's name: None now, Tuff was my favorite.
E- Essential food/item: Potatoes. I love them, and they love me, all of me. My waste, my hips, my butt, my.....
F- Favorite color: Purple today, Go Cats! Beat OSU!
G- Gold or silver: Silver, or white Gold
H- Height: Like I'm vertically challenged and horizontally extended but I get along.
I- I am: old enough to know better, but it doesn't stop me.
J- Job: handler of numbers, keyboards, computer stuff.
K- Kids: Two
L- Living arrangements: Nice walk-out basement apartment secluded in the country yet close to town.
M-Mom's name: Elsie Mae. My bro nicknamed her Lamela Camela for LC. Get it?
N- Nickname: Was Sarge way back when, now maybe Grams?
O- Overnight hospital stay.....Having children, everything else so far has been outpatient.
P- Pet peeve: I cannot tolerate intolerant people! (I've always loved this oxymoron statement. Its right on.)
Q- Quote from a movie: sort of a paraphrase. I think George C. Scott asked Faye Dunaway's character, if you had your pick would you have the organ that goes out or the one that goes in. Her reply, Both! Then I wouldn't need a man for anything! Movie - Oklahoma Crude.
R- Right or left handed: Right.
S- Siblings: 2, the twins
T- Time you wake up: Between 5 and 6, the time I get up that is. And its not really by choice.
U- Unique thing about your car: Its mine.
V- Vegetable you hate: Can't think of one. I'm not real fond of squash but I'll eat it. And brussel sprouts are my favorite!
W- Ways you run late: Waiting for whoever I'm going with. I seem to travel with a lot of run-late folks.
X- X-rays you've had: Can't remember them all. Chest, neck, teeth, who knows. But no appendages that I can remember.
Y- Yummy food you make: Sweet and sour pork.
Z- Zoo favorite: Oh, that member of the giraffe family, okapi I think its called. Absolutely beautiful!
That;s the ABC of me! Think I should work on some of these, see if they can be more interesting! Or rather I can be more interesting.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Keats Lions Club
Lions President Joyce Troyer presents Lion Darrell Westervelt with his lavaliere for being a 25-year member.
I belong to the Keats Lions Club. We are small but mighty, at least in terms of boosting our own little community. We have supported the building of the local park and its improvements — a nice shelter house, a fitness trail, playground equipment, a basketball court, flagpole and flower gardens, trees, benches, you name it, if we haven't done it, we've been giving our encouragement and support to those who did.
Other things we support are scholarships for local high school seniors to get them off to higher education, funds for the KSDS service dog program at Washington Kansas, a community Christmas dinner co-hosted with the Keats Methodist Church, local highway cleanup along with the Wildcat 4-Hers. We provide the 4-Hers with recognition of their annual achievement winners. The annual Easter egg hunt will be coming up soon. Our annual consignment auction at the beginning of June raises funds to be used for community activities including a fall festival the 4th Sunday of September.
Not bad for a little group of 16 members! And we have a lot of fun doing it!
I belong to the Keats Lions Club. We are small but mighty, at least in terms of boosting our own little community. We have supported the building of the local park and its improvements — a nice shelter house, a fitness trail, playground equipment, a basketball court, flagpole and flower gardens, trees, benches, you name it, if we haven't done it, we've been giving our encouragement and support to those who did.
Other things we support are scholarships for local high school seniors to get them off to higher education, funds for the KSDS service dog program at Washington Kansas, a community Christmas dinner co-hosted with the Keats Methodist Church, local highway cleanup along with the Wildcat 4-Hers. We provide the 4-Hers with recognition of their annual achievement winners. The annual Easter egg hunt will be coming up soon. Our annual consignment auction at the beginning of June raises funds to be used for community activities including a fall festival the 4th Sunday of September.
Not bad for a little group of 16 members! And we have a lot of fun doing it!
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