BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

Wow, Kentucky was really steaming for a few days there. I was able to walk early, but it was still sweltering to walk with the dogs. I'm glad I could do it in the morning, and in the shade of the trees growing near the road. Thankfully, yesterday, we had a cold front blow through and it is again pleasant and beautiful. I could sit out here under the deck enjoying the bluebirds and some good books, but I have a busy day ahead.

I was so happy yesterday to see the women's soccer team beat France. Abby Wambach made another fabulous shot, with her head, into the net of the opponent. It was again, awesome. Looking forward to seeing the match with Japan for the finals of the World Cup Soccer. I was also pleased to read about the UK football team and how they are really excited about their Thursday Night Lights workouts. Sounds like a great idea. I hope this team can really bond and do some special things this season.

I've been reading the most awesome books that my periodontist lent me. The are about Angelic encounters with everyday Christians. I'm taking the second of these books back to his office today, and, hopefully, he'll let me borrow another.

As I read today's UpperRoom story today, I was sidetracked by the scripture reading. The story was about serving, which I believe to be an essential part of the Christian experience. However, when I read the suggested scripture reading of Peter 4:8-11, I was led to back up and read the entire chapter. It really spoke to me. As I hit upon verse 8, I was reminded of what a loving God we have. It states "Above, all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." The love that God has for us led him to allowing His only son to die on the cross for us, when we were yet sinners. And, isn't that a description of us today? We are all still sinners, we always will be, but our sins are forgiven because of what our God led His son to do for us.

Our main job while we are in our earthly lives is to love one another. I am always so uplifted when I am reminded time and time again that God put us here for one main purpose, to love one another. And, yes, if we are doing that, a lot of the other stuff simply fades into the background. As Peter stated, "love covers over a multitude of sins".

My doggies are fighting for position in the chair next to me and I have a lot to get accomplished today, so I'm going to have to leave my comfy spot here under the deck listening to birds and enjoying this beautiful day. I hope you are enjoying your day. Stay safe, luv, Susan

NASCAR Trucks and Other Things

Maybe you heard about Kentucky getting it's first NASCAR race this past Saturday. After ten years of hold-ups and legal hassles, the inaugural Spring Cup race was finally held at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta Kentucky. I thought this would be something really positive for our state's economy and I know there are lots of NASCAR fans within the borders of the Commonwealth. Even though I don't, personally, watch entire races, I can get swept up in the excitement and anticipation of such an event. As I had already made plans to meet my sister and her Sunday School class downtown Lexington at the Kentucky Theater for the one thirty showing of To Kill A Mocking Bird, I decided to try to get downtown early so I could see the parade of NASCAR race-car tractor trailer haulers. I managed to get parked in front of Rupp Arena and didn't see anything heading down main as of yet, so I was able to go inside and pick up something to bring out for lunch. I thought it would be nice to eat lunch outdoors while the trucks paraded by the arena. I had been at the 4th of July Parade just days earlier and it took forever to start and then forever to finish that parade. I thought I had just enough time to get back out to Main Street for this parade.

While I was waiting inside Rupp Arena for my grilled chicken salad, I turned around to see truck after truck zipping down main street, one right after another. I couldn't believe that they would be trying to set some sort of race-car hauler speed record, so I grabbed my salad from the cashier and ran towards the door. As I marveled at the Go Daddy truck, the Bass Pro Shops truck and several others that I could easily identify, it was apparent that the parade was quickly coming to an end. As I approached the glass door, held politely by a nice young man, I asked if that was the end, to which he responded, " Yep, that's the pace car, that's it." I ran out the door to see the back sides of the parade of trucks as it careened down East Main heading towards Newtown Pike. I'm just thankful for the expanse of large windows that surround the arena. Otherwise, I wouldn't have seen a thing. At least I could see the trucks, as they flew by, through them.

I sat down outside the arena and enjoyed my salad watching the usual, run of the mill downtown Lexington traffic. It was a beautiful day, after all. I wanted to feed the meter for three hours because I was heading to a movie. I was horrified to realize that it only takes up to a two hour limit. Okay, I could move my car and be out the $2.35 in change, or I could somehow figure out how to get back and feed the meter. Being the cheapskate I am, I headed on to the Theater. I think it must be about a quarter mile or so to get there, and it was rather muggy. It turned out to be a great day for a movie because while we were in the theater, storms began to gather. I really enjoyed the movie. I don't think you can see a better movie than To Kill A Mockingbird on the big screen with Gregory Peck.

Not only did I enjoy the trucks, the movie, the chicken salad, my sister and her class at the theater, but I even got in an extra mile or so of walking/running thanks to feeding that durn meter. It was a really good day.

I'm not usually a soccer fan, but when the United States is involved in World Cup Soccer, I'm in. I was reading the paper Sunday, when I saw that the women were playing Brazil. I ran up to watch and was not enjoying the latter parts of this particular match. It seemed one official was really sticking it to the USA team and due to her penalizing them, they were playing one player short. The commentator, a former USA soccer player kept saying they're still in it, so I kept watching. It was totally unbelievable when one last ditch effort from a platinum blonde USA player managed to kick the ball clear across the field and to Abby Wambach who headed the ball right into the net. Goooooaaaaaaaallll!!! That tied it up and the girls won the match by outscoring the Brazilian team in the penalty kick phase 5-4. It was pandemonium. It was fun to watch. I think they play France tomorrow.

I read an amazing story in the paper today about a UK male cheerleader who was teaching gymnastics on the fourth or fifth floor of a building in Rhode Island, his home. Following one of his tumbling passes,he accidentally landed hard against a door that was nailed shut. Apparently, it had been nailed shut because it led simply to the outdoors. Got that? Anyway, he went through the door and managed to get his wits about him and tucked into a ball, just like when he does flips and looked for the ground and actually landed on his feet. He had multiple injuries, but is recovering. Amazing!

The doggies and I are enjoying our summer immensely. Our walks are still enjoyable, just a lot stickier. Last night I saw twin fawns playing up the road and this morning I saw them in the woods with their mom. I don't know why, but seeing deer just doesn't get old for me. The bluebirds continue to fly around the yard as well. I'm also enjoying the hummingbirds but am always saddened when a male manages to crash into some of our tall windows. They are so very tiny.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer. Lots of fun things planned. Hoping to have a cookout with my classmates from high school. Our next reunion for the 40 Year mark won't be until 2014, but we decided a cookout this year would be fun.

I hope you're enjoying your summer. The word for Central Kentucky this week has been "sweltering". I heard on the news tonight that the hottest place in the country was Owensboro, Kentucky. We reached upper nineties, they got 123 according to the NBC Nightly News. I hope my friends in Henderson managed to stay inside and in air conditioning.

You also stay cool and safe and enjoy this special time of the year. luv, Susan

FEELS LIKE MAINE

I don't think the weather could be any better than it was yesterday and this morning in Central Kentucky. We are having the most wonderful cool mornings and evenings and the rest of the day is sunny and pleasant. We can think back on these days this coming January and February. Walks have been especially enjoyable. I've even been able to get Taffy out for her walks after the other four go on their walks, because it remains comfortably cool. I've had wonderful opportunities to meet and talk with neighbors on these walks and also enjoy all the latest critters and wildflowers along the way.

Some of my neighbors and I have been recently discussing flower gardens, trees and such. We're even beginning to share some of our flowers. I'll be a real gardener before you know it. As soon as I manage the time, I've got some more planting to do. I'm currently trying to either find or grow a Mimosa tree. My neighbor, Dawn, has been successful growing one from seed. If I could, I'd like to find a small tree to plant. I don't think we'll be here long enough to wait the necessary amount of years to enjoy one that has to start from seed. I am, however, growing a cherry tree that way. It's currently in the fridge, per the instructions with the Cherry Tree Kit that Christina brought me back from Washington, D.C.

As always prior to the Fourth of July, I've been watching Wimbledon. Unfortunately, no Americans are left in either the men's or women's competition. Mardy Fish was the last American and he got beat by the defending champ, Raphael Nadal. England would sure enjoy it if Andy Murray, the lone Brit, could pull off the needed upsets and win the title. They've been desperate to win this ultimate British Open of tennis so to speak for so very long. In the past, it was always nice seeing one of the Williams sisters or Andre Agassi, or another American, win the tournament during the Fourth of July weekend. Rather fitting, I thought. But, not this year, I'm afraid. Although, I guess I need to check out how the Bryant Brothers are doing in doubles.

I enjoyed today's UpperRoom reading today. Reading in Colossians is always inspiring and uplifting for me. I'm somewhat amused because I just went to a health food store Tuesday evening to hear a holistic food speaker discuss how we could get more energy from the foods we eat. I'm always wanting to know how to be energized. It was a very informative presentation. This morning's peach smoothie with chia seeds is delicious, in fact. However, this mornings Bible reading reminded me that God gives us energy to accomplish His purposes for our lives. I can attest to this because when I am doing something that I feel like God is leading me to do, I actually feel energized and enthusiastic about getting it accomplished. Colossians 1:29 in Paul's writings expresses, "...I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me". It is an awesome experience when we feel His energy, also referred to as His Holy Spirit, working through us.

I know I have a lot planned for today, so I'm gonna get going. I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days wherever you are. Take care and have a great day. Stay safe, luv, Susan

Long, Leisurely Summer Days

Today has been near picture perfect for an early Summer day. I've been enjoying Wimbledon tennis and doggie-time indoors and my walks and bluebirds outdoors. Before going in last night, I could observe three of the baby bluebirds all cuddled up together on a branch of a tree that is very near our deck. Mama and Daddy Bluebird are always nearby. I'm glad they have managed to get them into the trees in our yard. That makes possibly nine children to this couple. They have also begun on their third brood as Mama is spending a lot of time around and in the bird box.

We had a storm hit Louisville last night in Central Kentucky. I heard about it before I went to Bible study, because we thought it would be coming this way. However, as we left the church, we were commenting on how beautiful it was, didn't see a storm anywhere on our horizon. When I watched the eleven o'clock news I was surprised to see all the damage done to Louisville, more specifically, Churchill Downs. Thankfully, there were no deaths or injuries to man nor horse, even though nine of the barns on the backside were destroyed or nearly so. Horses were running loose on the track and simulcast racing was cancelled for today. Pictures of a tornado have been on TV and in the newspaper. Again, we were lucky to have dodged another bullet here in the Lexington/Georgetown area.

My morning walks today included seeing many deer. I think they are getting used to having me walk by them now. Most times, they simply look up from where they are grazing or eating leaves and just watch until I pass by. When they are in the road or right by it, they will pause and take their time before heading into the nearest cover of woods or high grass. I was even given the opportunity this morning to see five baby swallows sitting on a wire. I wasn't sure what kind of species the babies were until Mama Swallow decided to swoop menacingly over my head. She then lit on the wire protectively above them. It's amazing how many baby birds you can hear and see this time of year when you take the time to watch and listen for them.

I wanted to say something about today's UpperRoom, but I see it's already time to get ready for my lunch date, so that will have to wait. I remember enjoying it, as usual, and flipping around in my Bible to read the verses that were highlighted. I know it had to do with being Holy because God is Holy. It reminds me of that comment about doing what someone says, not what they do. When God's people didn't want to always do what he said, He knew it would be more powerful to let the people do what He did. That's why he came to earth as a newborn. As this baby grew, he showed us the example of God's word through his life. So, in essence, through Jesus God is telling us to do, not just as he says, but as he does. We can be Holy, like God. We can do that by living our lives as our one and only role model did. Jesus Christ lived a Holy life. Let us go and do likewise.

I hope you're having a beautiful summer day. Stay safe, luv, Susan

BLUEBIRD BLESSINGS

I feel like I have died and passed on to Bluebird heaven. Honestly, I don't think I have ever been able to enjoy Bluebirds like I have this spring. Around late March or early April I spotted what appeared to be babies in one of the trees just about twenty feet from my deck. As these bluebird babies have grown into juveniles, they have been practicing their flying skills from tree to tree in the yard, very easy to spot as they zip around. They look more and more like adults now, but they fly like teenagers, once two of them nearly knocked into my head as they drag raced down the driveway. Really, I actually had to duck. And as reckless as their flying can be on occasion , at dusk, you can usually find them all snuggling closely together on a branch up in one of the leafier trees in the yard.

As these juveniles have grown, the parents' attention turned back to the bluebird box. As each week went by, I figured they were going through the courtship, the egg laying, the egg sitting, the hatching and finally, the unending feeding of the small featherless baby birds. Again, weeks went by, until I estimated it was time for the growing babies to leave the box. After three weeks, they are getting fat, fluffy and probably spilling out of the nest in the box. Mom and Dad can barely keep up with the unending feedings and removing the fecal sacs from the box. Being a Bluebird parent is definitely a full-time job.

I was expecting to see the mom and dad start feeding them from the peg outside the box. I'm used to seeing the babies stick their heads out and receive their yummy insects and worms from their "driveby window", so to speak. Then, I'd expect to see their heads pop out, looking for mom and dad and their next meal. Well, that didn't happen at all. Instead, Mom and Dad Bluebird got very agitated one evening last weekend. They were making all sorts of noise on branches just above the box. Mark and I were sitting under the deck observing all this flurry of activity. Pudge wandered down to see what all the commotion was about and this merely increased the parents' agitation. So, we put all the dogs inside to be safe. Not two minutes later, the babies started literally spilling out of the box, one right after the other. Mark saw the first and alerted me, as I was reading a book. I looked up to see four fall from the opening in the box and land in the grass below.

I could not believe that there had been five babies in the box! I also could not believe the parents' had prematurely coaxed them out, as they, apparently couldn't yet even fly a short distance. Past experiences have always included babies flying right from the box to the nearest tree. So, now there were five little fluffy grey baby bluebirds hopping all over our yard beneath their box. We watched as they fell off a rock wall and onto the grass below. Eventually, the parents corralled them, through swooping and chirping, into one part of the front yard. Next thing I know, I see five little grey tufts of fluff hopping up the driveway hill. As dusk settled, and darkness fell, I could only pray that God would protect this little family from all the predators that are capable of snacking on baby birds on the ground.

Well, I am happy to report, that after days of seeing the babies in various parts of the yard, mostly on the ground, but always clustered close together, they are finally up in the trees. This morning I watched Dad Bluebird feeding one of the growing babies on the fence wire across the street. After the feeding, he flew directly over the babies head, practically knocking him off the wire as an encouragement to have him fly behind him up to a safer, higher wire over the horse pasture. When I sit quietly under our deck, I can witness all sorts of feedings and flybys. Yep, I think I'm in bluebird heaven.

I've been taking note of the changes going on in the horse pasture concerning the horses as well. There have been four this past year or so. Recently, someone came and got one of them and took him away. In the last two days, one has injured it's back leg and has it wrapped. Now, I was told that one of them had gotten tangled up with the fence somehow and was hurt. So, this morning, as we took our first walk by the pasture, I noticed that only one horse remains in the enclosure and he is visibly wounded on his front. The other two have been moved further past the farrier's home and up a hill. They whinnied to me as we walked by. The injured horse has been entertaining us, galloping back and forth as he gets the dogs all stirred up. I guess he's bored and missing his two friends.

Today, the news has reported that it is Prince William's 29th birthday. Next year, Dustin and the Prince will be celebrating the big 30. You may remember my mentioning before that when Dustin's birth announcement was in the local Rhode Island paper we received, the front page was headlined with the birth of Prince William to Charles and Diana. I enjoy noting the comparisons between this version of the Prince and the pauper, so to speak, even though I'm sure that they will never meet. Christina always dreamed of marrying a prince, but she gave that up years ago as well. I'm content to let my children take their time and hopefully, make wise decisions all their adult lives.

Well, for the first day of Summer, this is starting out to be a perfect season. Finally, the weather has lined up with it's season of the year. I will just be sad that whereas the days have been getting longer and longer, they now will peak with the longest day, possibly today, and now get shorter and shorter. Sigh. I'm going to enjoy this season of Summer while it's here.

I hope you're having a great first day of summer. Stay safe, luv, Susan

P.S. Mark told me why the Mom and Dad Bluebird had probably been so agitated that day when they coaxed the babies prematurely from the box. He killed a four foot snake just an hour or so after the five left their nest. It was sunning itself on a rock just ten feet or so beneath the box. No wonder they were agitated and wanting their babies out!! I thank God for my Bluebird Blessings.

SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS

Spring weather is back! It is wonderful! Mornings are cool, abundant sunshine warms the afternoon, cool breezes are refreshingly pleasing and evenings are so very pleasant. How can anyone not want to be outdoors, especially out here in the country. Even the wildlife is loving it, I see deer all times of the day. Yesterday I even saw the little deer next door walking across the horse pasture with her one fawn, no, make that her two twin fawns. How cute!! She tried to turn around when she saw me and the dogs coming, but her two little fawns just continued across the pasture and crossed the road in front of us. She followed suit, as they all jumped into the brush in our neighbor's yard and disappeared. Wow, what a start to a walk. We saw numerous deer and even a turkey in the woods. Glad that I saw him first, because he really scared the dogs when he took flight as we passed him. Today is another beautiful morning and I look forward to getting back outside soon.

In the meantime, I hear that they're getting ready for a news conference with Anthony Weiner, who has finally decided to resign his Congressional seat. I think the American public has it's fill of all this juvenile behavior from it's politicians. The man evidentally needs to get some sort of help for his narcissistic and exhibitionist tendencies. Then, he needs to work on his marriage. I hope she forgives him and is also able to work on their marriage. I hope things work out for them both. I kept looking at this guy thinking he looked so familiar. I think I finally know who he resembles. Put short curly blonde hair on him and you have the spitting image of Eddie Haskell. Remember Eddie from Leave It To Beaver? I practically expect him to especially apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver during his news conference today. Maybe it's just me that sees the resemblance.

I've been really enjoying my UpperRoom readings of late. Yesterday's highlighted Bible devotional was about Jesus and Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha is so busy with all the preparations for company, yet Mary is reclined at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teachings. Martha tells Jesus how unfair this is for her sister to leave her doing all the work, yet Jesus tells her that Mary has made the correct decision and it will not be taken from her. I absolutely love that story. I used to feel guilty if I had dishes to wash, clothes to launder or a house to clean and the only thing I really wanted to do was read or relax. Now, I know that it is okay when we choose spending time with God over doing worldly tasks. Reading my Bible and the UpperRoom, enjoying a book about Biblical based stories or studies, even taking my walks and enjoying nature all are what I consider to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. The housework can wait a while, the laundry can be put off and the dishes will get done at a later hour. My time is better spent with God.

Yesterday's highlighted Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, which states,"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things( what we eat, drink and wear ) will be given to you as well. God will take care of our needs when we are faithful and put Him and His kingdom in our lives first. This really works in my life.

The UpperRoom story also was fun reading. The writer was weeding her garden and noticed all these little plants she had not sowed. They turned out to be pumpkins from the compost soil. I, too, have had some volunteer plants from my compost soil around some azaleas. Mine, however, are not pumpkin, but probably germinated seeds from either watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe. I think I also recognize a tomato plant. I may have to replant them in the vegetable garden where, I believe, a little chipmunk has eaten many of the seeds Mark planted for zucchini, yellow squash or cucumbers. At this point, they all look alike, so I don't know which ones are so thinned out.

And, as you may have presumed, I was absolutely delighted by the six game Championship win of the Dallas Mavericks. The team's faith in God was expressed by Jason Terry, who had an awesome game. Thank you, God, for lifting up your believers through sports.

Well, I am going to try to get outdoors before it gets hot this afternoon. I've got clothes to launder and hang out on the line. Have a great day and I'll get back to reporting on the Bluebird population in my yard next time. luv, Susan

OH, DEER

I've been reminded recently that you must be careful of what you wish for. Last week I was thinking, during one of my morning walks, that I hadn't seen any little fawns yet this year. Previous years I'd even got the opportunities to take pictures of twin fawns in my back yard. Yet, this year, even though seeing many deer, I hadn't yet spied one of those little spotted creatures with it's mama. It was, in fact, the very next morning when I saw a mama deer and her little baby walking across my neighbors driveway as I was about to complete my morning walk. I was delighted to get a glimpse of them as they bounded off into the woods and whispered a thanks to God for finally seeing this woodland baby.

The next morning, as I was again walking early, I passed by an area that is rather heavily wooded, yet has a wooded plank fence along the roadway. I had already made it to my turnaround point and was heading back in the direction of home when I glanced over to my left side along the road. There was a little tiny baby fawn curled up next to the fence just a couple feet from the road. Wow, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought it best not to stop, hoping mama deer was close by. My two dogs neither saw nor smelled the little deer and we just kept heading for home. As is my routine, I took my second two dogs and headed out again, hoping that by now, the mama deer would have the little fawn relocated to a safer, more secluded area. However, as we passed this stretch of road , there it was, just all curled up and watching us as we passed by. Again, my dogs didn't notice this small newborn by the road, just mere feet from the edge of the pavement.

As we continued toward our turnaround spot, I remembered that previously I had noticed a small deer that was eating leaves ahead of us next to the road and it had bounded off into the woods as it saw us headed that direction. So, I'm thinking, that must have been this baby's mama. So, this time, as we're heading back toward the baby again, I see this small deer coming across a neighbor's yard. I noticed it actually looked a bit frantic, and when it spotted us, it again bounded off into the woods. Just as it disappeared, I could hear it making the familiar warning sounds that deer make, presumably telling the nearby baby to stay still. As we passed it the last time on our way home, it was remaining quiet and still, just watching us once more as we passed. Just before moving completely out of sight, I stopped to chat with a neighbor and while we were talking, the local trash truck drove right by where the little fawn was nestled. We practically held our breath as this huge truck passed on by.

It was difficult to not think about this helpless little creature and want to go and scoop it up, but I knew best to let mama take care of it and get it out of harm's way. The next morning, it was gone and I was thankful to not see any evidence of it ever having been there. I was especially grateful two mornings later when I spotted both mama and baby crossing a horse pasture just a short distance from that previous spot. Surprisingly, the plank fence was too high for her to leap over, so she did something like a limbo move and crawled under the fence, baby stepped gingerly through the planks and they bounded off into the safety of the woods. Again, I whispered a little thanks to God for the opportunity to witness such beauty.

Well, it's time for my walk. I hope to check in soon to give the update on the ever growing bluebird family in my yard. Have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan