Promise of summer coming

Even if there is only 3 seconds more daylight today than there was yesterday, it is a hint of the promise of summer coming!

Tracking Santa this Christmas

I thought you should know!

Word from the snowy north

Beth reorts: " This is what I was doing last week while waiting for the electricity to come back on at home. I think this is in my contract under "other duties as assigned."

Christmas list, anyone?

Weather, precipitation, and your geography

The weather people on our TV stations are in a frenzy about rain. First reports were calling for rain today. Now, it's 80% chance for tomorrow. Kinda cool here today in the 60's. No rain here yet.

But, if you are in Placerville, the weather people are saying 100% chance of snow tomorrow with a high of 32. It's only 31 in Akron with 30% chance of snow tomorrow.

I got some leaves racked off our roofs and a few branches trimmed off of trees today. Cindi has Christmas music playing. Must be December.

A couple weekends ago

WB-1384, originally uploaded by waccwow.

At Biola with WACC.

in memoriam

Ashley

circa 1996 - October 13, 2009

Saturday Sweetness for My Soul

This morning, I was going through a box of accumulated stuff and came across a letter. This letter, postmarked April 7, 1950, didn't even have zip codes in the addresses! Shocking! First class postage: 6 cents.

The return address evidenced my mom was unmarried at the time she wrote the letter. The letter was to my grandparents, my father's parents. My mom mailed this letter 7 days after my dad proposed. Do the math, and yes, my dad proposed on April Fool's Day 1950, but that is another story.

Today, I had the privilege of reading my mom's delight as expressed to her future in-laws about being in love with my dad. I was so happy to read this note, and not even sure how it came my way.

Dick & Jane, at ages 84 & 85, just celebrated their 59th anniversary in August. They are a blessing and example.

It was so touching and fun to take a look back in time today. I am so blessed by their marriage to this day. They still delight in the companionship. They always told and showed me a good marriage is a lot of work, and it is worth it.

So, I am also reminded of the gift a hand-written expression of value can be to generations to come. In this modern rushed life, I hope everyone remembers to write those meaningful notes to those you love. Tangible notes make intangible past moments, times, and relationships real and eternal. I want to cheer everyone on for taking time to write and document your love, joy, and value of moments, memories, and meaningful people.

Lessons from My Dogs

I love my dogs. I am so happy to have two. They enrich my life, grow my capacity to look out for someone else, provide good company, listen to me, show unconditional positive regard, lower my blood pressure, release stress, make me laugh, show me sensitivity, and help me live longer. In addition to all that, here are the lessons I've learned and why I admire them and their authentic, honest lives:

10 Lessons My Dogs Taught Me

1. Work hard to get things done.
2. Know how to get what you need.
3. Please the good people.
4. Enjoy praise from good people.
5. Drink enough water.
6. Get enough exercise so you don't cause trouble.
7. Exercise is fun.
8. Get enough rest.
9. Be intentional about hanging out with people you love while you can.
10. Laugh with your tail. Well, maybe 'show it when you are happy' would be more suitable.

Oh, and they don't need to own much to be happy. I like that, too.

Brianna tries out

Brianna tried out for the Nutcracker in Sacramento. She will be a cook. She was very excited to be picked for the part.

SoCal Fire pictures

It's a big, bad fire! Biggest fire in CA history, I've heard.

September 2, 2009

Angeles National Forest, in the hills outside of Los Angeles currently has several wildfires tearing through it, the largest of which - named the Station Fire - has so far burned over 140,000 acres, destroyed nearly 100 structures, and claimed the lives of two firefighters whose vehicle fell from a road into a steep canyon. Evacuation orders are in place for thousands in communities around the city, and residents of Los Angeles itself are contending with thick smoke and ash hanging in the air, causing air quality to drop to unhealthful levels in many parts. Currently, the Station Fire is estimated to be 22% contained, and favorable weather appears to be aiding the efforts of the firefighters.