DOOBIE REPORT

Would the world ever have been
made if its maker had been
afraid of making trouble? Making
life means making trouble.
from:Pygmalion
by: Bernard Shaw

So Im enjoying my new 'pet' project. The intention being that a certain Doobie is happy here. Frivolous though it may seem, I'm enjoying making another corner of the yard a little brighter. Doobie deserves an appealing abode.
Bri and I staked out the perfect corner before he/she even arrived. (can I just say how vexatious it is not to know the gender of this critter!!! It becomes so tedious to write about.) The corner needed some sprucing up.
Remember this first photo of the corner???


Now there's a beautiful and tasty hibiscus growing there. And I planted some clover seeds which should be sprouting soon.


Next:
I'd like to plant some clump grass that can be nibbled and have Bri build me a turtle house before winter hits. (yes, winter will return and take away these 112 degree days)

Also: The Builder and I need to figure out some kind of make-shift green house setup, so that I can grow squash plants-for their blooms, and ice plant and other yummy tortoise treats all through the winter. Any ideas?? Who knew a reptile would motivate so???

TODAYS PHOTO

Look who came hiking with us at Fitness Ridge!!! It was so fun to share the trail with Sharon, bright and early this morning. She was able to see first hand why I love my job so much!! Shes a trooper!!! I hope she'll join me again sometime!!!

A Week In Review

This uninspired play on words
had the effect of a stone thrown
into a country pond...All the
frogs fell silent.
from: Les Miserables
By: Victor Hugo

There was less hiking this week. I took some days off. I've missed it in a way-but I've enjoyed a little extra sleep in the mornings. 1-2 hrs makes a whole lot of difference. I've been able to listen to Art Bell on the radio, two nights in a row!! Ewww...I love a good extra-terrestrial ghost story late at night!!

Our delightful visitors from Arizona have been fun; Because surgery on an old, worn-out hip went well!!

The 3rd time is a charm with the new STAR TREK movie!! Its practically a perfect film!!

Activities work is back on line at church. We're planning a 24th of July picnic up in the mountains!! Where its cooler!!

FINALLY!!! Good news for dear cousin Lynley!! There's been an email notification that shes been 'unofficially' accepted to grad school at U.S.U.!!! Logan, here she comes!!!!

Doobie the Tortoise loves to eat!! He/She loves to gobble up squash blooms, honeysuckle flowers, and spinach, chard and ice plant!! Grape leaves are a favorite too.

Lachlan and Logan love grandmas and grandpa's swimming pool. (so do their parents.)

Rob hates waiting. He hates the unknown. He has my lack of patience.

The Builder loves to mow and keep his lawn. The green stuff is a sourse of pride and joy and satisfaction for him.

I didnt eat pizza all week!!

Acne stinks!!! It leaves me feeling powerless and frustrated. I can only imagine how Bri-dog feels!! Isnt there something out there that really works!!! Beside the dreaded, awful Acutaine!!!

I basked in the glow of Annas delight at being in college and in dating and studying up a storm.

Sister missionaries are the best!!! (the boys arent bad either) We had two of them speak to us in church on Sunday!! The gospel is true!!

I went for more than a week not realizing that the air conditioning doesnt work at the sleeping end of the house. Doesn't bother me!! I prefer a fan over the freon cooled air!!

Im priming my Builder for a road trip in a couple of weeks. Going north for a visit and a stint at Lagoon is in the cards!!!

Im enjoying thinking about Bri-dog in Alaska. He must be having a marvelous time.

Does this photo remind you of anyone?
I know that if my sweet mother-in-law could figure out how to make a comment, she'd be the first one up saying that this could be a pic of our sweet and dosey Joe!! That boy of ours could sleep anywhere!! And he did!! On top of bookcases, flopped over footstools, under beds, and on the bottom stair!! What a guy!! He always makes us smile, just like this photo does...found at Awkward Family Photos.
We all have remarkable family members with sleep stories to tell...please share!!!

We rose up betimes, for sleep
weighs lightly on the hopeful
as well as on the anxious.
from: Swiss Family Robinson
by: Johann D. Wyss

So Brian headed out this morning, with my folks to the wilds of Alaska!!! Man was he excited!! (man oh man am I jealous!) Their destination is Juneau, where they'll get on a fancy cruise liner tomorrow and cruise the inlets and bays of that rugged, glorious country.
There are a few things I know Brain is looking forward to doing while he visits-
food, food and more food. Cooler, possibly downright cold weather. Taking lots of pictures. He took his sketchbooks too...inspiration for great art!!! Whale watching. Hopefully some fishing. Maybe a helicopter ride over a glacier? One on one time with the ever generous grandparents. Possibly some job hunting for the future?
Any way you look at it...HES GOING TO HAVE A MARVELOUS, MEMORABLE TIME!!
I guess we''ll see him in 10 days!!!

And if you'll allow me to digress a little....
On the way back from Vegas this morning, we stopped at the incredibly busy MickeyD's in Mesquite, and grabbed a bit of breakfast. I just have to say that the 'master chiefs' in the back kitchens at headquarters are genius!!! I had my first taste of a McGriddle Sausage sandwich(I dont do eggs)...and it was divine!! yes sir reee....Divine!!! (Sssshhh....Dont tell Anna and have her ruin it for me. I dont want to know whats in it!!! ) GENIUS I say!!!

WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH!!!

I read this talk this week. It has stayed with me.
My blog is floundering right now, due mostly to my floundering with the change of course my empty, quiet, boring life has become. Im feeling very sorry for myself- which is ridiculous!! Im feeling my blog- ie. my life needs new direction. I need to fill every corner of my life with richer, fuller experiences. In a way, thats what I've always been attempting to accomplish. I so enjoy sharing what I've learned in watching movies, reading books, meeting new people, and living life!!
A quote from the article;
"There are those who always speak of themselves; they are either insecure or proud. There are those who always speak of others; they are usually boring. There are those who speak of stirring ideas, compelling books and inspiring doctrine; these are the few who make their mark in this world."
I dont seek agrandizement, and I strive not to bore, though I know I do at times. All I seek to do is inspire and share with loved ones what I've learned and am learning. This school of life is an interesting one!! It brings so much joy. We are constantly bombarded with bad, troubling, sometimes sickening news...all the time!!! There isnt an equal part of 'good news' to be shared with each other. This has been my attempt- to choose the better part of what this glorious earth experience gives us, and share it with you!
As I continue to gather coral dust between my aging toes, I may have some new goals for the blog.
I will-
*take time to write more thought provoking, inspiring posts. Which means honing my skills with greater effort.
*surround myself with better books and inspiring music. (Brigham Young had an interesting thought on music: "There is no music in hell, for all good music belongs in heaven." It would be punishment enough to go to hell and not hear a note of music for all eternity.) interesting.......
* find the happy medium between 'caring for my physical appearence' and CARING too much for my physcial appearence. This may appear to be a very random goal that doesnt belong with the others, but I have learned from reading this article that being 'sloppy and casual' can be a real detractor to greater spiritual well-being.again... interesting.... (you can read about Elder Callister's encounter with Audrey Hepburn in the above link)

I will close these "Sunday thoughts" with the same quote that finishes out the article-

"Let us ...show to the world tht we have talent and taste, and prove to the heavens that our minds are set on beauty and true excellence, so that we can become worthy to enjoy the society of angels." -Brigham Young

God bless us!!

HOW THE 4TH SHOULD BE SPENT

a pregnant momma in heaven!!

a sunset celebration in Bloomington

our community now has a new flagpole and flag and a welcome sign

23 Eagle Scouts contributed much time and effort to beautify our community...we thank them!!

Old Glory never ceases to impress!!

flowers in the backyard

nothing is complete without a Popsicle!!

poolside with the boys!!!

cool and happy boys!!!

If you dont know the past, then you
will not have a future. If ye dont
know where your people have been,
then ye wont know where your people
are going.
from: Education of Little Tree
by: Forrest Carter

I have another recommendation.
But let me say up front, that Im so glad I read the book first. Not because the movie butchered the book, but because it prepared me for the tale.
This is a faithful retelling of Boyne's novel.
ITs a bittersweet and haunting story centered in the Holocaust. It may not be perfect, but it will leave you moved and thinking.
Its a ideal book or movie to lead into discussions on a whole variety of topics.
ie:brainwashing, innocence, naivete, social conscience, etc,etc, etc

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS

No man for any considerable period
can wear one face to himself and
another to the multitude, with out
finally getting bewildered as to
which may be true.
from: The Scarlet Letter
by: Nathaniel Hawthorne

Ahhh, the joys and escapades of missionary work. The flu in Chile has kept these two's wings cut a bit. We are glad to hear that recovery is complete and that they are back out on the streets doing what they want to be doing!!
I know they know who they are and what they are doing!!
What a blessing!!!

Another Wish Comes True

If more of us valued food and cheer
and songs above hoarded gold, it
would be a merrier world.
from: The Hobbit
by: J.R.R. Tolkien

I'd like you to meet DOOBIE!
We are now the proud owners of a juvenile African Tortoise. He/She is 2 years old.

Becoming the caregiver of a tortoise has been #43 on my list of things to do before I die! ( flying in an F16 is #3) Owning a tortoise seems like a very reasonable desire dont ya think?? I think its gunna be groovy having him/her as part of the family.

I've enjoyed doing some research about this gentle reptile.

The greatest difficulty thus far is not knowing what to call it...is it a HE or SHE??? We just wont know what it is until its about 8 yrs old!!!


This little guy is a FAST grower and a FAST mover. He/she can easily be grow to the impressive weight of 100-200 lbs!! He can also slip from our sight in no time, if we look away. Hes a speedy critter and an escape artist!!

According to the statics, we will probably have to amend the will as well. He/she will outlive us all s0 one of the grandkids will need to inherit him. She/he could easily live to be 100 yrs old.

This guy is strictly vegan, so lunch meat and burgers and bugs are not included in his diet. He's a grazer and eats grasses, flowers and veggies; with fruit being only a rare treat.

She/he wont be hibernating in the winter. So we'll have to keep him warm when it gets cold outside...just like me!!!

"L" thinks he's the bomb!!!

SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS

"Why, in this," she replied, "when we were rich, my
husband and I had so many cares that we had no time
to talk to one another, or to think of our souls, or
to pray to God...we had visitors, and had to consider
what food to set before them, and what presents to
give them, lest they should speak ill of us. When they
left we had to look after our laborers, who were always
trying to shirk work and get the best food, while we
wanted to get all we could out of them. So we sinned.
Then we were in fear lest a wolf should kill a foal or a
calf, or thieves steal our horses. We lay awake at night
worring lest the ewes should overlie their lambs, and we
got up again and again to see that all was well. One thing
attended to, another care would spring up...And besides
that, my old man and I used to disagree. He would say we
must do so and so, and I would differ fromm him; and then
we disputed--sinning again. So we passed from one trouble
to another; from one sin to another, and found no happiness."
from: Elias
by: Leo Tolstoy

There is much to be said for simplifying. Whether it is 'compelled' simplifying, because the economy tanked or other external forces came into play...or that simplifying is coming via a gradual process or state of mind!!!

"PEACE AND SIMPLICITY" - My now swan song!!!

Plus:
Im remembering what my mom and dad have said-

"money never was happiness"

amen!!!!

LOOKING FORWARD

Dont you just love summer and summertime movies!!???
This one looks to be one worth waiting for!!

(The Proposal was kind of a disappointment.The 'winch' factor was too great on this one!!)

Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or
tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive.
from: Chocolat
by: Joanne Harris

23 yrs ago...in the distant land of Oregon, a lovely, gentle child was placed in our care....

I LOVED this little birth announcement that my Builder just whipped up all those years ago...to tell our friends and family that we had a little girl to love and cherish!! (we were growing hydroponic lettuce in a commercial greenhouse while living in So. Oregon ...thus the 'seedling' pun.)

Angelic girls are a gift and a blessing!!
These two always have been!!

Anna at 6 yrs old

Now just look at her!! My heart swells with joy and gratitude for this sweet blessing in our lives. May you find all the happiness and fulfillment that you so richly deserve my love!
Happy, Happy Birthday!!! (We wish we could be there to eat cake and party!!!!...dont you think Chili's Restaurant would be fun???)

SWEET ANTICIPATION!!!

My fledgling Builder-ie Bri-dog- has constructed me the most perfect habitat for my much anticipated, newest resident here at our home!! Thank you sweet man!!
I bet you cant guess what will reside here in a few days???!!
IM SO EXCITED!!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Discussion Anyone!?

WOW!!!
How does that captivating music video leave you feeling?
What do YOU think it was all about??? Any impressions you'd like to share??
Please ring in on this one with me OK?

The Dixie Chicks are mega-talented ladies!! Who would dare to discount this?!? Even though I still find great fault in their political sentiments, I cant ignore their talent. But I confess that I still cant bring myself to "support" them by spending a dime buying their music. I can still listen and admire greatly cant I??!!!

A Weekend of Memories

Though she could hear the steady
tattoo of rainfall on the rooftop,
her gaze met the white face of the
full moon, peering round-mouthed
through her her window. "Wake
up, Old man, I've heard the
moonshower brings good fortune
to everyone it touches!!
from: The Rainbabies
by: Laura Krauss Melmed

There was so much to enjoy about this trip!!
I loved taking pictures, though I can see already that I didnt take enough!
I loved the girly talk about boys,boys, boys.
I loved watching the beehive of activity that a Temple is. There was a constant flow of people coming and going all day long.
I loved the green canyon walks!! Many of which were walking distance from Annas front door!!
We now know that Zoey has A.D.D.!! but only in a good way. She's a strange and adorable pooch!!
I loved strolling around on campus again. My beloved Library no longer stands-but a brand-new, ultra modern one replaces it. I have indeed left a piece of my heart with that lovely university.
I so enjoyed the gentle, cool breezes through the leaves as we napped on Old Main Hill.(many a make-out session has been had on that hill...I'll leave it at that)
I Loved the rushing Logan River and canals with their cold, clear waters. They rejuvenate ones spirits and have me recall way younger years when there would have been nothing to hold me back from kicking off my shoes and rolling up my jeans and plunging in, in hopes of discovering a turtle or toad or wishing I had a inner tube to lounge in. My tomboy instincts are the strongest around streams and creeks I suppose.
I loved attending the Temple with my daughter.
I loved hiding love notes like easter eggs, all over Anna house for her to discover as she lives there.
I loved that we had rain and thunderstorms and then clear skys!!
I loved that I had my fill of pizza and shared it with loved one and friends.
I love that Anna has good neighbors that watch out for her and keep her safe.
....My only disappointment????
I didnt get a slice of homemade bread slathered in honey butter from the Student Union building.


I missed my Builder and Brian and Lynley.
I missed the internet.
I really missed my bed.
And I kinda missed the red rock, but so enjoyed the lushness of the north!
And I must say, Im going to missed my beloved Michael Jackson. The news of his death made me quite sad.

This was one mighty fine road trip!!

SUNDAY MUSINGS

There is not a home from which missionaries come
that will not be enriched and blessed because of their service in
the cause of the Lord. What a wonderful thing this great program is.
How grateful every father and mother ought to be who has a
missionary in the field.What a wonderful service it is.
quote by Gordan B. Hinckley

Elder Joe-Hiroshima, Japan

I know that our young men are under a great obligation to qualify themselves through education to full positions of responsibility in the world. Their time is precious. But I do not hesitate to promise that the time spent in faithful and devoted service as a missionary declaring the Master will only add to their qualifications for positions of responsibility in the future. Regardless of the vocation they choose to pursue, they will be better qualified in their powers of expression, in their habits of industry, in the value they place on training, in the intregity of their lives, and in their recognition of a higher source of strength and power than that which lies with their native capacity.
quote by Gordan B Hinckley

MyBuilder as Elder in 1975

Elder Clarks first Temple visit

Heavenly Father already knows where they're going, when and why. He already has people stationed all along the way to take good care of them, to be theri mentors and friends. Rest assured tht where your sons, daughters, or parents are called is not a "dartboard" decision. A call to represent Jesus Christ is not a haphazard thing, because each missionary is needed and important.

Elder Robs farewell

The Lord has no better place to get acquainted with you than when you serve Him in the mission field. When you are serving your mission, He will send you on errands to act in His name. He will give you experience with the power of the Holy Ghost. He will authorize you to teach, to convert, and then to perform the sacred ordinances of salvation in His name. He will come to know you. He will come to know that He can trust you and can rely on you.
Elder M. Russel Ballard

Sister Anna-Houston Temple

"A mission helps a missionary become who he really it, who she really is."
quote by Mary Ellen Edmunds

...its ok to grab for something or
somebody that's being swept away from
you. She'd tell us to hold on tight
because we're all meant to be to-
gether. We're all meant to need each
other.
from: Missing May
by: Cynthia Rylant

Its not going to be the trip to the beach that I've been dreaming about of late...but, the next best thing has come into play for me!! Im heading north for a few days, while my men here at home head up to Zions for scout camp!!! Im going to spend some girly time with my daughter in the far regions of Northern Utah!! I am missing her more than my independent self would sometimes like to admit. Im excited to take on another road trip, and to have her beautiful face as the destination!!
See Ya On the Flip Side!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS MORNING!!??

May all your trails be crooked,
winding, lonesome, dangerous,
leading to the most amazing view...
where something strange and more
beautiful and more full of wonder
than your deepest dreams waits for you.
from:Desert Solitaire
by:Edward Abbey

I got up this morning expecting it to be like any other morning really. Im the first one up at 5:15 AM; I dress in my hiking attire which is a bright florescent green shirt, shorts and my marvelous Keens. I cant eat that early in the morning, so I check my email real quick and then head out the door. This morning I climbed into the truck and found that My Builder had been a sly one...there on the seat was a present with a card, just waiting for me to discover!! Awww...how sweet is that!!!!
He went shopping for me at one of my favorite places-COLDWATER CREEK-and choose a beautiful white blouse for my wearing pleasure!! Awwwwww....so, so spoiled am I!!
As I was driving through sleepy, peaceful St George my phone rings, vibrates really- and it was my Builder again, wishing me a happy birthday.
All this before 6:00 AM!!!
At work, Im handed a 50.00 gift certificate for the Spa, and every one wished me a heartfelt happy birthday too. Then we were given our assignments and we headed out to the trails. This morning we had 6 guests hiking with us. We had the 101 hike which was to be Anasazi Ridge. A beautiful hike indeed!!
If I didnt think that this day was going to be a good one, this mornings hike firmly confirmed to me that its going to be a GREAT day!!
When we only had about a half an hour left to hike, we took our guest down to where the Anasazi petroglyphs are located on the side of the hill. Its a treat to descend into the shady side of the hill to 'hunt' for the petroglyphs that are scattered throughout all the nooks and crannies on the sandstone rocks. Its kind of like a scavenger hunt. As we billy-goated our way along, we spotted a gentleman perched on a rock ahead of us. He was a local resident and it soon became wildly apparent that we were going to have a wonderful experience with the petroglyphs!!! His name was Ray Urbaniak and he has written a book about these remarkable Indian writings. And...he was at this particular spot this morning because it is still considered the summer solstice and he was waiting for the sun to appear between the cracks in the rock. He then proceed to educate us a little about what it was that was going to happen in a few short minutes. The guest were game to slow down and stop and watch and learn, so we all found perches, and listened. Ray has a twinkle in his eye and a passion for what he knows and sees in these beautiful Indian writings. He was so very happy to share with us wealth of knowledge.
Try and visualize this with me. We have "Tube Man and Owl Man and the spiral sun sign etched on this sandstone rock before us. I have walked past these quys for years now. I have always appreciated them for their uniqueness and for their clarity and for the history they represent.




But.....I didnt know!!! I didnt know anything!!! And now I do,(at least a little more) and I can hardly explain the awe and wonder I feel now. These figures were drawn with such care and precision and forethought, that my mind has been boggled once again. I kind of get chills when I think about it now. The sun came through that little crack above our heads, as it rose in the east above the red rocks of Snow Canyon, and shone down on these "men", these stick figures so to speak, and fell with exactness as a line through their fingers and toes and then moved said 'energy' on to the next figure above it. It was poetical and marvelous to witness. Then the light was gone. Then it came back, and had shifted the perfect distance so that the light began to move up the body again, but this time it went right through the center of their bodies!!!

(the white line you see going through "tube mans' hand is not etching. IT IS SUNLIGHT!!)

We couldnt allow ourselves to stay for the whole show (I love my job too much to screw up too much) but Ray told us it would happen again a third time and the ray of light would appear again and move up the left side of the figures, bisecting the left hands and carrying energy to each figure and to what they represent!! magical!!! How about that!!!???
Oh but wait!!!
THere's more!
As I was leaving the Spa this morning, and heading for the truck, I spotted another good omen. Right out the back door were some road runners!! Now, you may not realize this, but spotting a road runner around here is a big deal. They are an elusive bird. They make themselves scarce around these parts. Its considered good karma or mojo if you happen to spot one on your trail or anywhere near by. This morning...what do I spy...but TWO of them. It became apparent that they were, shall I say, distracted, when I saw them. They were in the midst of doing some danc'in and wiggl'in and mak'in the most unusual clicking sounds I've ever heard. I sure I was witnessing an elaborate kind of courtship dance!!! As soon as I got the camera out and attempted to snap some shots, they became distracted and scampered across the parking lot...so even though the pictures are disappointing... can I say that my glorious morning has been anything but disappointing!!!
Its good luck to spot a road runner!! I had TWO sightings!!!!

And.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!
Im grateful to this marvelous world in which we live and to many who share it with me!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

me at 18 yrs

"Over the years, my body has not gotten firmer. Just the opposite in fact. But when I feel fattest and flabbiest and most repulsive, I try to remember that gravity speaks; also, that no one needs that plastic-body perfection from women of age and substance. Also, that I do not live in my thighs or in my droopy butt. I live in joy and motion and cover-ups. I live in the nourishment of food and the sun and the warmth of the people who love me!!!"

Well said dear Anne Lamott!! LOve, lOVe LOvE this lady/author!! Love everything shes ever written!! And I havent read it all yet!! 50 is going to be GREAT!!! I just know it!!!

I constantly see old people flushed and
excited by the prospect of some
anticipated pleasure which altogether
fails to ruffle the tranquility of
their serene grandchildren.
from: Woman In White
by: Wilkie Collins

GREAT DADS!!

Tegus, I'll not find a better man than
you, not on the steppes, not in any city
or in all the wilds of the Eight Realms.
You're better than seven years of food.
You're better than windows. You're even
better than the sky.
from: Book of a Thousand Days
by: Shannon Hale

Dad with his fabulous "man-childs"
Bob, Mark, Brent and Scott

"He was all questions. But small boy expect their fathers to be walking lexicons, to do two jobs at once, to give replies as they are working, whether laying stones or building models...

My grandpa Sharp (2nd from the left)
Stan, Cecil,Frank, John
D, Mur or Anna, Gramps, and Beth

...digging up a shrub, or planting flower beds...Boys have a right to ask their fathers questions....Fathers are the powers that be,

Daddy Joe, Natalie and Logan!!!

and with their power and might must shelter, guard, and hold and teach and love...All men with sons must learn to do these things....

Dad and Mom and ME!!!! (1yr)

...Too soon, too soon, a small son grows and leaves his father's side to test his manhood's wings."
by:Roy Z. Kemp

"Gramps" or John C Sharp--baby Bump--my dad

My Builder

Grandfather-Paul Burnham

Brother Joe and first born-joshua

My grandpa Vern and Grandma Ida Clemenson

Rob and baby L

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families
in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the
necessities of life and protection for their families.
Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their
children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and
mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.
from: The Family:A Proclamation to the World
by: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

With death, Marriage is one of life's two greatest adventures...
I would keep it and adventure- an adventure in happiness.
-Frances Starr

Happy Anniversary to the man of my dreams!!
Thank you for all the best years of my life!!!

THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!!

The flaxen cords have been caressing
you for years. They have been wrapping
themselves around your thoughts, your
feelings, your memories, your desires.
Having indulged them- having even been
flattered by them-you have offered
another the reins of your heart.
from:The Peacegiver
by:James Ferrell

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona. She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:
I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when hewill rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.
Signed,
Janet Contreras of Arizona

AMEN!!!

Go HERE if you'd like to sign the petition!!! Be patient, its 'crashing' often because of the high volume of activity.

A MAN HUNT IN SCOTLAND!!!

You can have extensive farming and
intensive farming; well, I am going to
have intensive living after this. Im
going to enjoy every second, and Im
going to KNOW Im enjoying it while
Im enjoying it.
from: Daddy-Long-Legs
by:Jean Webster

I'd like you to meet someone!!

This is Flora and she's a guest at the Ridge for the next few weeks.
Shes a dream guest.
She has a smile that will light up any room.
She has taken to our program- "hiking is fun!!!"
She loves life!!
She is full of youthful exuberance!!
And....she may be my newest hero!!! (Make a little room Lynley!!)
You just gotta love women who takes their destiny into their own hands in hopes of making dreams and wishes come true!!
First I have Lynley, my sweet cousin, who left the southern comfort of her home and her family and friends. She left the lush greenness and humidity of the south for our hot, dry, red rock tundra, without nary a soul of acquaintance!! (except us)
And now I've spent some time with sweet Flora, and heard her story.
Its worth sharing.
Here we have a 30something girl who had an epiphany of sorts. She has come to realize that sitting in a high rise office for 62 hours a week, just wasnt getting her what she wants the most.
And what does she want the most you ask????
TRUE LOVE AND FAMILY!!!
Eastern Canada has been her home, and the man of her dreams didnt manifest himself there...so she has decided to go where her "ideal" man may be. Shes doing her best to stack the cards in her favor.
Flora will soon be casting off to distant lands, where the men are red-headed, freckled,and tall and handsome!! This dear woman has quit her job- bought a one-way ticket to the bonny land of Scotland where she has already landed a waitressing job-"what better way to actually meet people!?"
She's taking a month to be with us at the Ridge, "to kick her butt into shape and to do some "me" time." She signed up for a significant duration of intense physical activity...for herself!! I think shes already learned to love hiking!!
So I suppose....
Im not ashamed to admit that I'm am a little envious. The adventures of youth havent lost their appeal. Traveling, change, and the unknown are all things that have appealed to me!! This beautiful young lady has the world at her feet. Shes taking control, and not resolved to just complaining about what's not right in her life. Shes got Girl Power, and is doing something about it!! I feel certain that all of my 'girly' readers will be wishing her the very best in her new adventure. Some of us will even be jealous....
YOU GO DEAR GIRL!!!
May the red-heads stand up and take notice!!!

Stay tuned for the 'Adventures of Lynley' as well!!

(I'll need to be sure to recommend THIS movie to Flora before she goes!! And this fabulously entertaining PBS mini-series called Monarch of the Glen!!! So fun!!)

Do you have a favorite red-head?

May You Have a Weekend of Dimension!!!

The best thing for being sad
is to learn something.
from: Once and Future King
by: T.H. White

(I bet Tank has never seen exercise balls before??!!)

Wednesday brought a bonus!!
We guides were treated to lecture after our hike; presented by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management)
It was very informative!!
It was a LOT of fun!!
These knowledgeable docents highlighted the intriguing critters of this area.
The star of the show was my personal favorite of our desert...the Mohave Tortoise!!
Meet:
Tater-Tot &
Tank

Sure, there was a King Snake and a Gila Monster too!!
But Tank stole the show.

they estimate that Tank is about 50years old and Tater-Tot is 5years old

apples are his favorite treat!!

and I learned some new fun things....

(first you need to understand that we have been well conditioned around here. We have become downright fearful of a chance encounter with a tortoise on a trail!! Not because the darling tortoise is vicious or preditory, but because the tortoise is thought to be on the endangered species list. Which turns out really isnt the case. They are really only on the threatened list.
We have been literally brainwashed into thinking that any encounter with the tortoise is practically illegal!!!)
Most of what we have been indoctrinated in is mostly urban legend!
They are protected to be sure. And probably for good cause! There just arent enough of these grand creatures roaming the coral sands of our area!!
And so..... the REAl reason why we dont mess with the tortoise????
We dont want to scare the liv'in pee out of them...literally!!
As you can imagine, water is a scarcity around here. When a tortoise finds water, they have to make it last. And they can, for up to 3 months, in its bladder!! Imagine!!!
And if a giant human approaches a helpless tortoise,it becomes frightened, and wets!!! And then it has no water in reserve. Thats a BAD thing for a DESERT tortoise!! They need every drop of moisture they can get!!
Now I understand why we should give them a their space!! ah ha!!!


Did you know that Gila Monsters have venom!!?? Enough to cause REAL damage to ones epidermis if you get bitten!! They talked about the possibility of loosing an arm if you are bitten there!!! ugh!!!!And man do they bite!! And they dont let go!!! Oh my, those powerful jaws!!!I guess they're kind-of beautiful in a prehistoric kind of way?

King snakes are our friends!!
They eat rattlesnakes!!(among other things) BLESS THEM!!!

Tread gently Everyone

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

(Photo of the Washington Ballet channeling The Beatles by Cade Martin. Via The English Muse)and CupofJo