Today ...

[JohnL]

I was reminded today the difference between Methodist and Mennonite. Not in a good way.

A Methodist neighbor stopped in on Sunday, and was lamenting the difference. But in a favorable way for Mennonites.

Yes, image is much more important then community for Methodists.

Yep. The UMCs around here treat church like a country club and image is very important to them.
Two local Methodist churches pulled out of UMC though. One became Wesleyan and I think the other one just went independent or hasn’t decided yet. It was over that liberal stance on homosexuality that UMC permitted.
The two churches don’t seem to have changed much yet but it’s only been a few years. They are preaching from the Bible on marriage again.

[temporal1]

Today ..
My son’s birthday .. an ideal day here, temps 76F-50F, sunny, westerly winds 3-7mph, humidity 65% at the moment.
The night he was born was in an awful heat wave, that night was hot with a lightning storm. The sky was so dark with lightning flashes. Not much rain, no wind. It was striking. pun observed. https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d& ... 26-01.1.18

i saw him briefly over the weekend, he never looked better. (i didn’t ask him if he’s getting enough to eat!)
he’s been biking, trail riding, AND he added an ex bike for when trail riding isn’t possible. he said it’s helped his trail riding.

i don’t allow myself to imagine his trail riding.
i’m thankful he doesn’t ride on roads-streets.

i sent him home to Michigan with a cooler full of food for them.

* * * * * * *

My grdaughter .. first day back to school. Senior year.
She told me last night she has to be there at 7am.

i scolded her.
she assured me she wanted to! - i scolded her again.

i told her i did that, too, “because i wanted to” .. but, looking back, i don’t recommend it.

.. i’m a bit euphoric today. happy for my family.

[Robert]

Second day of having a Garage Sale. I really can't stand doing it, but the wife committed and none of the chiltrens followed through, so I am stuck helping.

[JohnL]

Second day of having a Garage Sale. I really can't stand doing it, but the wife committed and none of the chiltrens followed through, so I am stuck helping.

Your new theme song for yard sales.

[temporal1]

Second day of having a Garage Sale. I really can't stand doing it, but the wife committed and none of the chiltrens followed through, so I am stuck helping.

Your new theme song for yard sales.

We weren’t much for having garage sales, the last one i remember, our daughter must have been about 5-6?
We bought a dozen donuts, set her at a table in front, she sold out, we bought more!
If i recall, her sales ended near noon, customers disappeared, i don’t recall selling anything else.

i commend your wife’s ambition. and you for helping.

[Robert]

Second day of having a Garage Sale. I really can't stand doing it, but the wife committed and none of the chiltrens followed through, so I am stuck helping.

Your new theme song for yard sales.

We sold about $500 of stuff. She sold a few of the pieces of furniture she paints. Had an open house at the same time and had about 6-8 people come look at the house too. I don't think any are going to buy, but at least some interest.

[JohnL]

Second day of having a Garage Sale. I really can't stand doing it, but the wife committed and none of the chiltrens followed through, so I am stuck helping.

Your new theme song for yard sales.

We sold about $500 of stuff. She sold a few of the pieces of furniture she paints. Had an open house at the same time and had about 6-8 people come look at the house too. I don't think any are going to buy, but at least some interest.

I’m glad it worked out. Some chores are really aggravating. Kind of like scrubbing the grates on my grill. The results are worth it but the greasy mess makes it a real chore.

[temporal1]

you’re selling another house?

Same house from last November. Still has not sold. Market is really down right now.

[temporal1]

Today: Cooper’s Hawk Drama! “Wild America”
Pretty sure they’re Cooper’s.

Just now, BIG fight between Cooper’s Hawks (plural, a few) and at least one squirrel.
Outside my window, close, one hawk flew into my glass patio door (still not repaired) my failure.

i’ve OCCASIONALLY spotted 1 hawk on a nearby tree branch, Nothing like this. Squirrels are around.

i have no idea who started it, or who won.
i wouldn’t mind fewer squirrels.

Cooper's Hawk: a Reckless Predator! NARRATED / 4min


i don’t have bird feeders now. Neighbors have many!
i understand Cooper’s use bird feeders for prey. i’m pretty sure they’re guilty.

[temporal1]

Also today ..
behind me in line at a grocer, a frantic young mother with 2 young ones, holding a good sized decorated cake, not enough hands! the line could have been quicker, but not bad .. i had a few things, not a lot.

she was about to leave, i urged her to get in front of me. she did, was appreciative.
the kids were lively, but not bad! smiling and laughing.

i said, “i wish i had your problems!” .. that seemed to help. we chatted, i told her about my epic visit to a grocer with my 2 yr old grdaughter, she was pretty wild, laughing and skipping through the aisles, i must have called her name several times, cause ..
a few days later we returned. as soon as the doors opened, the cashiers greeted her, called out her name!

i don’t think we had anymore visits to match the first.
but she loved skipping in grocery aisles for years later. her mother was so impatient. i kinda loved it. it’s joy.

once i asked a cashier if other children skip thru the aisles? he said a few do.

she’s 17 now. i miss those old days. humming and skipping all the time.

the young mother got everything done. the cake intact. the bag of ice. and seemed to relax with the kids.
really. they were fine.