tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53055737743726698922024-03-13T01:20:33.978-05:00My Dashing and Bold AdventureFinding joy in this journey called lifeLavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-80913730131151518702017-12-03T23:23:00.000-06:002017-12-03T23:23:16.180-06:00I sit here, my lap top on top of my lap, my fingers resting on the keys, and something is stirring in my soul.<br />
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If you are a blood bought born again follower of Jesus Christ, you may know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, feel free to contact me because we need to talk.<br />
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I search for the word to explain the sensation. It's as if the Holy Spirit of the living God sometimes settles down for a little nap in the back corner of my soul. I don't believe God sleeps, and I don't believe that part of Himself that he sends to dwell in the hearts of his children sleeps, but sometimes He is very still, very quiet,<br />
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Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-92103335144949366672014-03-25T00:16:00.000-05:002017-12-03T23:04:22.894-06:00Overwhelmed and searching--Grief and healingThe door creaks. The cobwebs entangle. The dust chokes.<br />
<i>"Helloooooooo? Anybody home?" </i><br />
<br />
I don't know why I picked today to visit my own abandoned blog. Could it be that I feel overwhelmed and could it be that I thought my old blog would be a place I could hide? Mmmm, could be. As long as I'm hiding out here, I can avoid all the housework and sewing projects that are screaming at me. Or maybe I came here searching for something? Or someone? Some days I feel like I have misplaced my purpose, and my brain. And myself.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I think that's it. I'm feeling<i> overwhelmed</i> AND I'm <i>searching</i>. Have you ever been overwhelmed? Have you ever been on a search?<br />
<br />
I love the definitions provided by Dictionary.com<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/overwhelm" target="_blank">o·ver·whelm</a></b> [oh-ver-hwelm, -welm] verb (used with object)<br />
1. to overcome completely in mind or feeling: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2. to overpower or overcome, especially with superior forces; destroy; crush: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
3. to cover or bury beneath a mass of something, as floodwaters, debris, or an avalanche; submerge</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
4. to load, heap, treat, or address with an overpowering or excessive amount of anything:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
5. to overthrow.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/search?s=t" target="_blank"><b>search</b> </a> [surch]verb (used with object)<br />
1. to go or look through (a place, area, etc.) carefully in order to find something missing or lost: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2. to look at or examine (a person, <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/object">object</a>, etc.) carefully in order to find something concealed:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
3. to explore or examine in order to discover.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
4. to look at, read, or examine (a record, writing, collection, repository, etc.) for information:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
5. to look at or beneath the superficial aspects of to discover a motive, reaction, feeling, basic truth,etc.<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> (my favorite)</i></span></blockquote>
Let's back up a minute. Or several months.<br />
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My last post here was in June, 2013. I mentioned a new day that was dawning. Daily life for hubby and me changed because of his shift in careers. That type of change, like a <strike>pebble</strike> boulder pitched in a lake, creates a wake that reaches far into the future. My life will be forever different, like it or not. That change brought me grief. Downright, honest to goodness, tear producing grief. I felt a little silly about that, but what can I say? If you have followed this blog, I think you have a pretty good idea how much I enjoyed <i>My Dashing and Bold Adventure</i>. The end of that life's chapter made me sad. There. I admit it! (Does such public honesty make you squirm? It does me! I'm squirming over here, just so you know.) That sadness, sometimes, is <i>overwhelming</i>. <br />
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When I wrote that last post, I thought I was starting to get a grip on the<i> new day</i> that was coming up over the horizon of my personal timeline.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is possible to be sad about something that you've lost and at the same time be confident that the new thing that comes to fill the void is part of<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11" target="_blank"> God's plan for you</a>--your hope and your future. </span></blockquote>
I thought I had a pretty good idea what to expect and how to deal with it.<br />
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<b>Little did I know...</b><br />
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For the last several years my father complained of pains in his chest (and various other places) and and an <i>overwhelming</i> tiredness or weakness. For the last several years, visits to the doctor were futile. On July 4, 2013, my father was hospitalized because of his pain and weakness. Finally, a diagnosis! <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/myelodysplastic/Patient/page1" target="_blank">MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome)</a><br />
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The months that immediately followed seem now to be a blur. Because my parents lived a three hour drive from here (where dad received treatment), my home became their home one week out of every month, with more visits in between, while dad took chemotherapy treatments and blood transfusions. Yes, a new day was coming--an unexpected day, one that I had no idea how to handle.<br />
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Five chemo treatments and a several units of blood failed to produce the positive results for which we had all hoped. On November 21, 2013, dad decided to start home hospice care in my home. Thirty days later Daddy traded his weak, exhausted body of flesh and the temporal things of this earth for a new, unfathomable life to be lived, eternally, in the presence of the LORD! Daddy's <b><i>ultimate new day</i></b><i> </i>has come<i>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Those six months of offering hospitality and care to my parents I will cherish as long as I live.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even sad memories become sweet when love abounds.</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan3_YCEcv8ltyJ9fLihlFhvkURmuJuqkIS2GFUVIdBKy4PFBC3CHOcrc_jkKc3UqhWhqz9Ds7thx6LJg9pGN0bFvRM0LEE9BPEci8FTIY8W8MS3TVjBD58SLERMA_6hO1gaMNDzFBg0c/s1600/Rebecca+and+grandparents100_8076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan3_YCEcv8ltyJ9fLihlFhvkURmuJuqkIS2GFUVIdBKy4PFBC3CHOcrc_jkKc3UqhWhqz9Ds7thx6LJg9pGN0bFvRM0LEE9BPEci8FTIY8W8MS3TVjBD58SLERMA_6hO1gaMNDzFBg0c/s1600/Rebecca+and+grandparents100_8076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest daughter and my precious parents. </td></tr>
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Deep down I always saw myself as a daddy's girl. I still do. Though my mother is alive and we have a good relationship, my father's passing left me feeling somewhat orphaned. Not every day, but some days, that orphan feeling is<i> overwhelming</i>.<br />
<br />
A few other things have taken place in the recent months that have not touched me directly but have been devastating or at least life changing for other people I know and love. I've shared and felt their grief in the private corner of my soul where I go to hide and cry and petition my God. It's all been...I hate to wear out one word, but...<i>OVERWHELMING</i>! (Feel free to go back up and read the definitions again. Every single one applies.)<br />
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Like that avalanche in #3 above, this whole <i>overwhelmed </i>thing has gotten out of control. It has rolled over my emotional, knocked down my mental, crashed into my physical, and is headed straight for my spiritual with destruction as its intent. It's got to be stopped! How do you stop an overwhelmation? (Yes that's a real word because I just invented it.)<br />
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Thus the<i> search</i> begins.<br />
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I've avoided this blog, my memories of how life was, because it made me sad. I've been running ahead of the avalanche, refusing to look back because I can't stand the pain, and I'm sick of tears and snot. I think I've been trying to bring about some sort of <i><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/closure?s=t" target="_blank">closure</a></i>. So here I am, in <i>search </i>of an air hole from under everything that suffocates and <i>overwhelms</i> me at the moment (including the piles of laundry and layers of dirt in my house). I'm trying to face the avalanche head on. I'm <i>searching </i>for myself, that <strike>old woman</strike> girl who loves to look at life from a quirky angle. I'm searching for a better place than where I am now. I'm searching for a way to REALLY deal with that<i> new day</i> that popped up over the horizon.<br />
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God's Word promises that if we seek, we will find. Do you want to know what I'm finding? (Say yes because it's profound and you really do want to know.) I'm finding stuff that makes me laugh. Again. I'm finding a personality that is a unique crafting of the hand of God. I'm finding a God who deeply loves me and forgives me and cares for me and entertains me and guides me and protects me and provides for me... (Forgive me if this sounds narcissistic. It's not about me, it's about my GOD!)<br />
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<b> I am not finding<i> closure</i>, and I'm glad. All of the days of my life past are such an important part of who I am now, and merely stepping stones to where I am going. To shut those memories up, to close them off because they may sting my heart, or make me cry, is like saying they count for nothing and had no purpose. But, instead, I am finding<i> healing. </i>Unlike <i>closure,</i> which shuts a door and moves you on down the road of life but never really frees you to live, <i><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/healing" target="_blank">healing</a> </i>restores, makes whole, cures, reconciles,-- it frees you up to LIVE, not just continue on with life. I pray you understand the difference because it's HUGE! </b><br />
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I'm not saying I will never again cry over the memories of my Daddy. And I'm sure if I flip back through the pages of this blog again in days to come, I may still be weepy when I remember those fun times. But, I can be free from the overwhelming grief that tries to completely bury me. I can look forward <b>and </b>look<b> </b>back with joy because of God's grace and healing power.<i><b> </b></i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>There is a new hopeful day dawning, and I am certain of that because there is evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness in days past. He has already proved Himself. </b></i><i style="text-align: center;"><b>All I needed to do was look back and see.</b></i></blockquote>
If you are reading this and you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope you will read some old posts and find the God who gives relief, healing and life.<br />
Then, if you would like, check out my other blog <a href="http://newdaydawning.weebly.com/" target="_blank">New Day Dawning </a>here. (Click on the blog link. It's kind of new and trying to grow. Your visit will help it out!) I would feel so blessed.<br />
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Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-89236478025410685332013-06-07T12:59:00.000-05:002017-12-03T22:52:52.220-06:00A New Day Dawning<br />
Hello sweet friends, family, faithful readers, and whoever else might happen to stop by! I have left you hanging around, wondering where I've been and what I've been up to.<br />
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What's that you say? Oh. Well. Yes, I understand. You have had better things to do over the past year than to wonder about my adventures, and then wait around for me to write about them. That's okay. After all, I know it's not all about me. You have your own adventures to live out! But since you are here, let me catch you up, okay? I'll try to keep it brief.<br />
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The last adventure I told you about was a year ago and we were in Hobbs, NM. I ran the holding tank over, remember? Well, we moved on...<br />
<br />
We came home, then... Honestly the memory of most months since then kind of swirl around in my head like water going down the bathtub drain. I do remember that we had a very short deployment to New Orleans--I'm talking only ten days--and then we were in the Gulf Shores / Mobile, AL area for a few days while hubby took some more training. (Quick! Someone put in the stopper before the last memory goes glug glug into the septic tank!) I think we had one more trip after that, or in between that, but to save my neck (and the last of the bubble bath) I can't remember for sure. If we did, obviously it was very short and totally uneventful. If we didn't, well, maybe it was a dream I can't recall.<br />
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I just remember that we were home by the end of September, and home is where we remain. (I'll explain why in a minute.)<br />
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The holiday season was a little low key for us but still enjoyable. We had the joy of one granddaughter here for Christmas along with short visits from other extended family. <br />
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I started the new year off right by almost severing the end of my finger while making mashed potatoes with my smoothie blender. (Don't ask.) I guess that was pretty Bold, huh? And I did go Dashing off to the urgent care clinic to get it sewed up.<br />
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And don't worry. It looks much better now. I have major nerve damage, but the scar is minimal and it still works!<br />
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Shortly after the first of the year, our daughter, <a href="http://tntgoodwin-tricia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patricia</a> and her family moved from Hawaii back to the mainland and spent a few weeks here with us while in transition. What a blessing that was! Another daughter, <a href="http://kcmannlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kaleena</a>, and granddaughter came up from Houston for a couple of weeks as well, so our house was FULL of little girls and everything that goes with them--toys, hair bows, giggles, tears, teething tantrums, hugs and kisses, ear infections, and smiles... We all had SO much fun. Part of our fun was due to the blizzard that kept us cooped up for a couple of days but gave the little Honolulu Honies some grand drifts to climb!<br />
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After all the sweet little granddaughters left, taking most of my heart with them, I spent a few days trying to clean house and wiping tears from my own eyes. Then, I started trying to find a job. (Please don't make me talk about it. Doing so makes my head hurt and my stomach churn. I'm still unemployed, by the way.)<br />
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God gave us a new granddaughter,Charlotte, near the end of April. We've not had the chance to see her yet and every day my arms ache to squeeze her. I check her mom's Facebook page every day in hopes of seeing a new picture. Some days I find one and I sit and stare for a while.<br />
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Now summer is upon us, and life seems neither Dashing nor Bold and certainly not too adventurous. So, pretty much, you are up to date. Oh yeah, the explanation as to why we are at home--to stay.<br />
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The insurance industry has been changing over the years. The company hubby worked for has been changing. Our expenses have increased due to inflation and the crazy price of fuel. The rate of pay has gone the opposite direction. Deployments have gotten shorter and much MUCH less profitable. Taking a deployment call has become a game of roulette, never knowing if we would make money or if we would have to use the credit card to get home. The stress of simply trying to survive and stay in business has a way of sucking the life right out of a person.<br />
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So, when the contractor hubby works for "between storms" made a new offer--one that required long term commitment but came with a company truck, more responsibility and authority, a company phone, business cards, etc. we felt like we couldn't refuse.<br />
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I can't begin to tell you how sad we are when we let our minds think about life without the adventures of being on the road. Seeing new places, meeting new people, just the two of us...It was a lifestyle we had grown to love. I still want to cry when I recall the wonderful times we've had. <br />
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But, God's timing is perfect and we have peace about our decision. It's a new chapter, a new season. A new day is dawning.<br />
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That's why I've been away from here for so long--because I've been trying to figure out how to turn this blog about my travels and adventures into something else, and still make it something you would like to read. I'm open to suggestions. This morning I have been setting up a new blog at a different hosting site. It's not ready to publish yet, but stay tuned--something new is coming and I'll give you a link to it when it is ready. (I don't intend to make you wait another year.)<br />
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I'm having trouble coming up with content. I want my new blog to accomplish something. There are enough pointless and meaningless words out there on the web, I don't need to add to them. Some of the things I'd like for my new blog to do: glorify God, grow disciples, and entertain.What do you want to read? If you have been a follower here for a while, or even if you are new and like anything you've read, please let me know. What type of posts have you enjoyed the most? I'll be looking for your responses. Please, don't make me wait a year! ;-)<br />
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Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-36904744370120060402013-05-15T12:02:00.001-05:002017-12-03T22:58:10.714-06:00Bad blogger--am I still a blogger?<br />
Have you wondered why my blog has been neglected for so long? I want to give you an explanation, but first I'll have to think up a good one. I am in the mood to write today. It's been almost a (I hate to say it) a YEAR since I posted here. I'm hanging my head.<br />
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I do WANT and PLAN to make it back here today to write. But please don't consider my wants and plans to be a promise.<br />
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Like I said, I'm in the mood, but I've got so much stuff to do! Ugh! I need to make a dessert for our small group meeting tonight. I think it may be Italian cream cake. But I have to go to the store for nuts. Maybe I could do a cherry pie without making a trip.<br />
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I have so much catching up to do here...it may take days and days. So, while I'm mixing up the dessert, I'll be composing in my head. Then, maybe I can make it back here to type. I'll try.<br />
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Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-32637427363338292992012-06-28T21:57:00.001-05:002017-12-03T23:15:08.365-06:00Compassion--Don't ask. Just DON'T ASK!My phone rang the familiar Stuck on You ringtone. I knew it was hubby on the other end and I knew what his first words to me would be. "What'r ya doin'?" He has asked me that question every time he has called me for over thirty years. He is so dependable. I love that man. But sometimes, when he asks me that question, I want to tell him, "Don't ask. Just DON'T ASK!"<br />
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At first I thought about making up some good story, but I try to make it a practice not to lie to the man I love, and I knew I'd have to come clean about my activity eventually. So, "I'm sitting down resting."<br />
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No big deal, right? But then I had to explain why I needed to sit down and rest. Ohhh, I did not want to do that!<br />
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It really all started the night before when I took one of those ease your pain PM pills. I slept like a dead log and even overslept a few minutes. A text message got me out of bed and I jumped into the day full steam ahead.<br />
Well, not really. I kind of stumbled into the day with a head full of furry cobwebs. You see, when I packed all my junk back into the camper (those are details I haven't mention here in my blog that I may have to do as a flash-back post) I packed the coffee beans, the grinder, and the white mocha creamer, but failed to put in the french press. Consequently, all day long I fought the effects of the little blue pill that made me rest so well the night before. So what happened later was not my fault. Really. Sort of...not...anyway...<br />
<br />
When you live in an RV you have this thing called a holding tank. We've got three of them in our rig. One catches the water drained from the kitchen sink. One catches the water from the shower and bathroom sink. These two are called gray water tanks. And the third tank catches the water from the toilet and is known as the black water tank. (ewww) I don't want to get too <strike>boring</strike> technical here, but just so you will understand--we leave the valves on the two gray water tanks open all the time we are camped so they consistently drain into the campground sewer system. We allow the black water tank to hold the...well...the...STUFF...until it gets pretty full, then we empty it by pulling a little handle thingy which opens a valve. Then SWOOSH, most of the STUFF goes down a big hose and into the sewer system. Some STUFF will lag behind and has to be rinsed out. No big deal. There's a little dohicky where you attach a garden hose, and when you turn on the water, it runs into the tank.<br />
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The procedure goes like this: Attach hose to the dohicky. Open valve. STUFF starts to drain. Turn on water faucet, wait for STUFF draining from tank to...well...look less like STUFF and more like light brown water. (There's a section of the drain hose that is clear so you can see without smelling. Pretty cool.) Close valve and allow water to continue to fill holding tank until you hear a squeely noise (air being pushed up around the seal in the toilet) that lets you know the tank is full. This usually takes a while, especially when you are staying at a place where the water pressure is low. You can do other things while you wait like fold clothes, sweep the floor, talk on the phone, look at cool stuff on Pinterest, read blogs, etc. When you hear the squeely noise, DASH back outside, (try not to fall down the steps in your haste or whack your head on the bedroom slide as you run round the corner) open the valve, SWOOSH, turn off water, wait for tank to finish draining, close valve, remove hose from dohicky, and you're done.<br />
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It's a simple routine that works well. Pretty well...except when...<br />
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Hey! Is it MY fault that the water pressure was SO low that it took the tank SO long to fill that I totally forgot about it? And it really wasn't MY fault that my head was full of fuzzy cobwebs because I had taken a pill and hadn't had any coffee for a whole WEEK so it was easy to forget that I had left water running! And it sure wasn't my fault that this one time, for reasons unknown, the toilet didn't make it's usual squeely noise when the tank got full! Maybe I shouldn't have been so focused on folding clothes and sweeping floors (that part about reading blogs, talking on the phone, and checking out Pinterest was just examples of what one COULD do, if she wanted to, while she waited) that I didn't recognize the sound of water splashing from the toilet rim to the floor at the very first drop, but I was trying to do a good job! Okay?<br />
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After my guardian angel pulled some fuzzy web out of my ear and I realized what the splashing noise was, I rushed to the bathroom and found the toilet trying to imitate the falls of the great Niagara. The water pressure had miraculously increase several gallons per minute. That black water tank was clean now!<br />
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I'm sorry I didn't take pictures for you to see. It was something to behold!<br />
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Back to why I needed to sit down to rest. When the toilet overflows, its contents makes its way into the heater duct work and through slight openings in the floor around the plumbing and into the "basement" of the RV. The basement is full of things like lawn chairs, fishing waders, bird feeders, you name it. Emptying all that out and cleaning up the flood made me tired. Very hot and tired.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty out, vacuum out,...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeYWDcQPJNm7J5zMfyFV4aibHIcovbfhakp1JUtAducs7Mk4iO80X3VXPtukCBZ79WMR2jDwJbvfjBKq0toL2D54A1Pg8AksvmwyZONaa63MlyR7_mv_wyjjpYRBPEqj8cWdHb5IqN3U/s1600/airing+out3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeYWDcQPJNm7J5zMfyFV4aibHIcovbfhakp1JUtAducs7Mk4iO80X3VXPtukCBZ79WMR2jDwJbvfjBKq0toL2D54A1Pg8AksvmwyZONaa63MlyR7_mv_wyjjpYRBPEqj8cWdHb5IqN3U/s400/airing+out3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and let the hot wind blow through!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTQ3mK1vea0rWanJv67Zf_4XAPhDKYPJh2NDPeVl1FwLc8ltYd_dX0Vr6HsJifS7qPjPVE8rxCX9xxzhRI-8HvqT-rAqHYMfod5013QoX8o7DJzuQuEVHjQJICg1bvLTTjRgs_SqBtvQ/s1600/cap+clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTQ3mK1vea0rWanJv67Zf_4XAPhDKYPJh2NDPeVl1FwLc8ltYd_dX0Vr6HsJifS7qPjPVE8rxCX9xxzhRI-8HvqT-rAqHYMfod5013QoX8o7DJzuQuEVHjQJICg1bvLTTjRgs_SqBtvQ/s640/cap+clean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After I explained why I was sitting and resting, hubby was silent for a moment. Then, "So I guess I'll have to replace the floor in the bathroom when we get home."<br />
<br />
I was silent for a briefer moment, then I started trying to break the world's record for how many times a woman can apologize for a single offense.<br />
<br />
Hubby seemed less upset with me than I thought he should be, especially since he was sitting outside in 102 degree temperature waiting for a tow truck to come get his broken down pickup. When he got home that evening, he remarked, "The time I did that, water came out the vent pipe on the roof."<br />
<br />
Did I tell you how much I love that man? He didn't tell me it was all okay, (I kind of wish he would have) but he didn't yell or scold me either. He had clemency for me. Though he didn't know it, and he might not have meant to, or maybe he did, he reminded me why sometimes we have trials, bad days, and tough times.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV </blockquote>
May we remember to show compassion and comfort with the comfort we have received.<br />
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<br />
Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-3623977630786850802012-06-26T21:44:00.001-05:002017-12-03T23:27:50.755-06:00Self-discovery #2Posting two days in a row? Somebody, get me a cold rag for my forehead!<br />
<br />
I really am going to get around to telling you what I've been up to lately--one of these days--but be warned, it will be old news. Today, I need, and I mean <b>NEED </b>some help. I need help from people who know me well or are very perceptive. If you are related to me, have worked with me, have served beside me in church, or watched me work and serve from a distance, or have had deep enough conversations with me to feel like you know me well, I need your input. And if you know me only through my blog and want to chime in, you also are welcomed to do so.<br />
<br />
Do you remember that I am on a self-discovery journey? I first mentioned it back in January. Then I told you about <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5305573774372669892#editor/target=post;postID=7371923362501228561">my first discovery</a>: I'd make a good pet. Now today, I think I've made another discovery, but I need confirmation. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
I've been participating in an online Bible study by <a href="http://reneeswope.com/">Renee Swope</a> called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=a+confident+heart" style="text-decoration: underline;">A Confident Heart</a>. It has been a blessing to me, and I recommend it to any woman who is going through a bit, or a bunch, of negative and discouraging days filled with doubts and fears. I'm behind on my lessons (naturally) and have been trying to play catch up. Today I am working on about three chapters because I have read ahead in the book farther than the extra assignments I've completed. Yeah, I'm a mess. Anyway, one of the "extras" I did today was a Spiritual Gift Assessment.<br />
<br />
I've been a Christian for a bunch of years. And for the majority of those years, I've been very active in an organized body of believers aka a church. I've done a little bit of just about everything there is for a church member to do. I've served in almost every kind of ministry and worn many different hats. But one thing I don't recall doing is taking a Spiritual Gift Assessment to determine where I should be serving and what I should be doing. I've heard about them and looked at other people's results and read over assessment question, but I don't recall taking one myself. (Maybe I have and my memory is kaput.)<br />
<br />
Now let me say that I think God can, and does, give us the gifts we need to do the jobs placed before us. And I believe that sometimes He gifts us with temporary strengths, abilities, and power to accomplish His work. He has the right and the ability to give and take away gifts as He sees fit. But I also believe that there are certain areas, or gifts, that He has given each of us that remain consistently dominate throughout our Christian lives. It's the way He wired us at the time of our rebirth. (I'm not talking personality types here. I've done one of those tests and decided I'm schitzo, so I don't want to talk about that at the moment.) *grin*<br />
<br />
The assessment I took today has 96 statements preceded by an instructional paragraph that includes this sentence. <i>"Respond to each statement below according to who you are, not who you would like to be or think you ought to be." </i> *furrowed brow* (hmm...Maybe that's why I failed the personality test.)<br />
<br />
I'm going to share my assessment results with you (it's almost like letting you look through my dresser drawers) and this is where I need your help. I want to make sure I responded to the statements according to who I <b>am</b> and not who I <b>want</b> to be or who I think I <b>should</b> be. So, if you don't agree with the results based on what you know about me, speak up! If you do agree, it's okay to say so as well. So here goes. I will list the gifts in order of how I scored, highest to lowest.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Tied<b> Teaching</b> and <b>Wisdom</b> (I do have a lot of gray hair for my less than 50 years but I'm not so sure about the wisdom part.)</li>
<li><b>Discernment</b></li>
<li>Tied<b> Knowledge</b> and <b>Faith</b></li>
<li><b>Exhortation</b></li>
<li>Tied<b> Administration/Ruling</b> and <b>Mercy</b> (Now that's an interesting mix.)</li>
<li><b>Pastor</b></li>
<li><b>Helps/Serving/Ministering</b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Evangelism</b></li>
<li><b>Giving</b> (Now isn't that sad? I'm embarrassed.)</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
Here is an explanation of my top three. If you would like to see explanations of the rest, then you can check out the assessment for yourself. (<a href="http://reneeswope.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Spiritual-Gifts-Test.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>) Scroll on down past the 96 statements to find the explanations.<br />
<br />
<b>Wisdom</b> This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers particular Christians with a supernatural understanding of God's Word and the will to apply it to life situations. See I Corinthians 12:8,James 3:13-17.<br />
<br />
<b> Teaching</b> This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables particular Christians to communicate and clarify the details and truths of God's Word for others to learn.See Romans 12:7, Ephesians 4:11<br />
<br />
<b>Discernmen</b>t This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to know without a doubt whether a statement or behavior is of God, Satan, or man. See I Corinthians 12:10,Acts 5:3-6, Acts 16:16-18, I John 4:1<br />
<br />
I am serious about this self-discovery thing, and you have no idea how much I would like feedback here. Consider it help with vital research. If you all think that I've really missed the mark and that I don't have a clue who I really am, at least you know who I <b>want</b> to be!<br />
<br />
Please leave your comments. You don't have to have any kind of an account, just sign in as anonymous (if you don't already have a listed id), but let me know who you are if you don't mind. If you know someone who knows me, please pass a link to this blog post on to them. Thank you so much!<br />
<br />
Now if I can get over feeling like I just hung my unmentionables out on the line to dry in Time Square, I'll work on a blog post about what I've been up to lately. Maybe.</div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-63125359853946131062012-06-25T16:22:00.000-05:002012-06-26T22:42:58.450-05:00RedeemedI'm so far behind on posting, it almost seems pointless to try to continue on. Most of my readers have stopped reading, and I fear that all my "followers" have wondered on down the road without me. So I ask myself, and my audience of chirping crickets, should I continue to try to blog or should I just hit the big ol' delete button and call it quits? (This is not the first time I've struggled with this thought.)<br />
Hmm. When I started this blog I didn't care if anyone read it or not, and I didn't understand the term "followers" as it related to my writing. I started blogging just so I would have a place and a reason to write, and it was an assignment in a course I was taking at the time. Now I'm more informed and it is very easy to get bummed out because somehow, what I now know makes me see myself as a bit of a failure. I think I can relate to Adam and Eve after they gained knowledge of good and evil. They were completely happy, naked, hanging out in the garden, chatting with God... Then BOOM! All of a sudden, when they ate the fruit from the knowledge tree, things changed, and they were ashamed. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203&version=NIV">(You can read the story for yourself here.)</a> Sometimes what you know <b>can</b> hurt you. Yeah, you can call me Eve.<br />
<br />
The good news is, the God they were hanging and chatting with is a redeeming God who, believe it or not, had<i> never ending</i>, <i>more than enough</i>, <i>blow your mind</i> mercy, and He dumped it all over them. And guess what? I hang out and chat with the same God, so I think I'll give Him my blog and let Him redeem it. (Sorry delete button, not now, not yet.) And I'll return to the reason I began: I want a place and reason to write.<br />
<br />
Just for kicks, I looked up the word <b>redeem</b>. I already know what it means but sometimes I can get a fresh outlook on life just by studying words--what they mean and what they don't mean.<br />
<br />
Mostly it means to buy something back that was lost, pay a ransom for something, regain possession of, or to liberate. I like that one. If my blog is liberated by God, then it doesn't have to be bound up by followers, web crawlers, search engines, reader stats, etc. <span style="background-color: white;">I continued to search and found an antonym for redeem. What it DOES NOT mean: </span><b style="background-color: white;"><i>abandon</i></b><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
<br />
Did you just get goosebumps? I did.<br />
<br />
Let's savor that for a moment in the shade of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When someone (or something) is redeemed, they (or it) cannot be abandoned. Eve messed up big time. She totally failed in obedience. What she did changed the relationship between man and God forever. In blog terms she had only one follower, Adam, and he participated in her sick and destructive meme--trying to be as smart as God--when he should have known better. Together they just about destroyed the whole human race. <span style="background-color: white;">No more posting, no more readers, no more comments, just crickets--so to speak.</span><br />
<br />
Shame had them hiding in the bushes when God found them. He never stopped checking in or stopping by to see what they were up to. He followed them even when they stopped following Him. That's what a redeemer does. He does <b>not</b> abandon. God pulled them from their hiding places, clothed them with fine furs, & made a way for them, and us, to get things right again. Jesus--<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:16&version=NIV">the new meme</a>.<br />
<br />
So, I continue to try to write here from time to time and I guess I will continue to come up short of readers, followers, comments, hits--all those measuring sticks that make a blog a "success." But no matter how low my stat numbers fall or how big of a mess or a mistake I make, I know God won't abandon me because I have been redeemed. I will not be ashamed.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Afterthought:</h4>
When I sat down here to write a post, I had no intention on writing about redemption. I was going to try to tell you what I have been doing since the last time I posted anything. (Like you really want to know. Ha!) But that's what happens when God refuses to abandon us and regains possession of us and our stuff. He changes our thoughts and intentions and actions to bring attention and praise...and followers...to himself.<br />
<br />
Do you have a redemption story? Please share it. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-91629863361702313362012-04-14T17:33:00.001-05:002012-04-14T18:48:26.444-05:00The ultimate bucket list<br />
The past month has flown by! The last time I posted we were in Michigan. That assignment was short lived. In fact only about a week after that post, we were finished and on the road again. The storm event didn't pay well, and with fuel costing way over $4.00 a gallon, we couldn't afford to do much sightseeing, but we did take the last two days to poke around Detroit just a tiny bit.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
We visited <a href="http://www.hfmgv.org/museum/index.aspx">The Henry Ford</a>. I recommend the museum, especially if you have kids, boys in particular, and especially if those boys are interested in planes, trains, cars, ... pretty much anything with an engine or having to do with industry. It is a wonderful field trip covering the industrial revolution. The F-150 assembly plant was interesting as well. I think my hubby enjoyed it more than I, but that's okay. It was his day. Mine would follow.</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX68_3CB0caz-5lluFhAuM-Wc434EwjmaG0d6gHzXm6cKYegVY2PbA3I573EjbJQGmAhqIYoayGdo6BPrGLmGsD96Neg_-1hSfy9HwPg7Ezcu7VddWn4kuYBtEVLOdILY98IXdowwDHKY/s1600/Rick&WeinerMobile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX68_3CB0caz-5lluFhAuM-Wc434EwjmaG0d6gHzXm6cKYegVY2PbA3I573EjbJQGmAhqIYoayGdo6BPrGLmGsD96Neg_-1hSfy9HwPg7Ezcu7VddWn4kuYBtEVLOdILY98IXdowwDHKY/s320/Rick&WeinerMobile.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I HAD to take hubby's picture after we ate hot dogs at the Wienermobile Cafe inside the museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The next day was my day to do something I really wanted to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I guess the concept of a bucket list has been around for a long time, maybe since the beginning of time. I think it was made more popular though by the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Bucket-List-Jack-Nicholson/dp/B000YAF4MA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334428273&sr=8-2"> 2007 movie</a> starting Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is about two guys who make a list of all the things they want to do before they kick the bucket, and then set out to do them. If you haven't see it, you should. I think the idea of making a bucket list and accomplishing each of those things must be growing in popularity. I even found <a href="http://bucketlist.org/">a website</a>, another social media place, completely devoted to just that. It's called, no doubt, <a href="http://bucketlist./">Bucketlist.</a></div>
<br />
I don't have a formal bucket list. I've never actually sat down and written out a list of things I want to accomplish before I die. But I do have one, of sorts, tucked away in one of the back corners of my mind. I think I've mentioned here before that one of the things on that mental list is that I want to put my feet into all the major bodies of water surrounding the good ol' US of A.<br />
<br />
So, since we were so close, hubby was kind enough to drive me to the edge of Lake Erie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53p8vaq_iY9q7tsUrtiwt-4tGG6leI6776bmZ-Js2-DAUGZxoF_rtfwQdH1IfsvoOphqjMDYmjrz5X3lJdpeSdEAVG0cekmg0pLHoGdUiVhx94Fl4Snsv4tEH5piMW-qDwRFSHcFn7jY/s1600/feet+in+Lake+Erie2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53p8vaq_iY9q7tsUrtiwt-4tGG6leI6776bmZ-Js2-DAUGZxoF_rtfwQdH1IfsvoOphqjMDYmjrz5X3lJdpeSdEAVG0cekmg0pLHoGdUiVhx94Fl4Snsv4tEH5piMW-qDwRFSHcFn7jY/s320/feet+in+Lake+Erie2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's my feet in the water of Lake Erie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LOQZFZm9qdmD330NsHAoQV-O8Z1YDQqyKk9YH9G2j3jK6EI7ne2Q9lx6QxpQDaru4ai2YPciJOf-EkHsbg3UfZ_zfzdCGLDxR2TFYWEXCxR6TnV8E-uiFn41RZeOIyGFYzxk7ZE_JL0/s1600/framedLP+in+Lake+Erie2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LOQZFZm9qdmD330NsHAoQV-O8Z1YDQqyKk9YH9G2j3jK6EI7ne2Q9lx6QxpQDaru4ai2YPciJOf-EkHsbg3UfZ_zfzdCGLDxR2TFYWEXCxR6TnV8E-uiFn41RZeOIyGFYzxk7ZE_JL0/s400/framedLP+in+Lake+Erie2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though we experienced record heat for Michigan many of the days we were there, it was a cool, windy, and dreary day when we had opportunity to go to the lake. Naturally.<br />
I know you are asking...Was the water cold? YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM BUTTON IT WAS! It took only a few seconds for my brain to register, "Girl, you are crazy!" And just a couple of seconds later my feet started hurting. And then the sensation went a little past <i>hurt </i>into a bone deep <i>OWWEEE!</i> It's strange how quickly sharp cold pains can rush up your legs and force you to decide that, "Okay, I've been here long enough to put a big check mark on that bucket list!"<br />
So now I've checked off:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Atlantic Ocean</li>
<li>Pacific Ocean</li>
<li>Gulf of Mexico</li>
<li>Lake Michigan</li>
<li>Lake Ontario</li>
<li>Lake Erie</li>
</ul>
When I look at that photo and see how much gray hair is on that head, it makes me think maybe I should start writing my bucket list down--before I get REALLY old and forget what it is that I want to do before I die. It's obvious from those gray locks that I am running out of time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have decided there are a few problems with the whole bucket list idea. First, the longer I live, the more things I think of that I want to add to the list. That could be a good thing, I guess, because it can be motivation to keep on breathing. I can just hear myself telling St. Peter at the gate, "I can't die now! I still have seven things on my bucket list! No wait. Make that eight!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I am going for that feeling of accomplishment, you know, like, "Whew! Glad to have THAT to-do list done!" then constantly adding one more thing to the bottom of the list can get discouraging after a while. When it's time for me to go, I'm sure I'll have to go, ready or not. I would hate to spend eternity disappointed that I failed in getting 100% of my bucket list checked off. But if I keep it short, and I do get it all done <i>before my time,</i> what will I do to entertain myself for the rest of my life?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another thing that is troublesome about a bucket list is that as I accomplish those feats, check off those dreams realized, I am forced to admit and embrace the fact that I am one day closer to the end of my earthly life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's not so bad if you have stuff on your bucket list like, step in dog poo, have a tooth pulled without the use of any pain killers, or get hit by a speeding locomotive. (Make that the last thing on the list.) Those type things can make a person happy to see one more day gone by and be one step closer to the end. But no! We put fun and enjoyable things on that list. At least I do. Things that make me want to keep on living so I can add more stuff to the end of my list! It's a maddening cycle.</div>
<div>
<br />
All this makes me think of what I would call the ultimate bucket list. It belonged to a man named Simeon. As far as I know he had at least one <b>very awesome</b> thing on his list.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Luke 2:25-27 (NLT) </b><br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">25 </span></sup>At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">26 </span></sup>and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
</blockquote>
Wow! Can you imagine?<br />
<br />
God's people were in the clutches and service of the Romans. They longed to be free and to live once again as a nation favored by God. And here is an old man who wanted to see only one thing before he died. He wanted to see the Savior. He wanted to know that God was finally going to come and rescue his people.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Luke 2:27-32 (NLT) </b><br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">27 </span></sup>That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">28 </span></sup>Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">29 </span></sup>“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">30 </span></sup>I have seen your salvation, <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">31 </span></sup>which you have prepared for all people. <br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">32 </span></sup>He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” </blockquote>
With the help of the Holy Spirit, Simeon was able to put a big check mark on his bucket list. He was happy. He was satisfied that there was nothing else to add to the bottom of his list. He was ready to die in peace, knowing what he had eagerly waited for would come to pass even beyond what he had imagined. He knew he had seen God's salvation for ALL people, not just the people of Israel.<br />
<br />
I hope, some how, that the days ordained for me and my ever growing bucket list will work out evenly. But even if they do not, I know I will still be able die in peace because, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to say that I have known God's Salvation. THAT, my friends, is the ultimate bucket list!
<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" /></div>Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-38571537348614816522012-03-17T16:20:00.000-05:002012-03-17T16:20:30.581-05:00Lake Chemung Outdoor ResortOkay, I know you have been waiting to read all about the bold, dashing, adventurous stuff I've been doing. *snicker snicker* I don't want to disappoint you, so please, right this minute, lower your expectations a notch or two, or 36.<br />
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I'll start by telling you a bit about the resort where we are staying. Don't let the term "resort" mislead you down some fantasy filled path. I'm not getting spa treatments every day, and I don't have room service. But I'm not complaining one little bit. <a href="http://writeforhim.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-is-resortorits-all-relative.html">Remember the resort in Ohio a long time ago?</a><br />
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This place is not buried in snow (I give thanks to God for the BEAUTIFUL weather) and it is a pretty nice place. We are here in the off season so I won't judge anybody for calling it a resort. I have a feeling that once all the Snow Birds fly up from Florida, it will be a jumpin' jivin' place. Relative to the extent to which retirees can jump and jive that is. After all, there is a miniature golf course, a shuffleboard deck, horseshoe pits, and a clubhouse. There is a mini grocery store with empty shelves and coolers where I stop in from time to time and wish for a jug of milk. Why, this place even has an indoor pool, which is currently empty and is being used as a place to store lawn mowers! In a couple of months, I'm quite sure it really will be a resort! And I'm quite sure we will probably be moved on by then. *sigh*<br />
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There is a nice lake nearby, and a golf course right next door. I'll bet that is why almost every house has a boat or a golf cart, or both, parked in the driveway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl989i1g8fZCDArUmKSjpSkr7omlDQ1AHXArXSU97x9m04u0CW9YGiOH1raPZbFHX14M2QluNqniIaBf6H1xAt9r9OA6zdrSL-zUvtH_HSVIZ_fElMvxd6v5_3MPtkVp1oSE0o-cf6VyE/s1600/100_6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl989i1g8fZCDArUmKSjpSkr7omlDQ1AHXArXSU97x9m04u0CW9YGiOH1raPZbFHX14M2QluNqniIaBf6H1xAt9r9OA6zdrSL-zUvtH_HSVIZ_fElMvxd6v5_3MPtkVp1oSE0o-cf6VyE/s320/100_6081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See all the tarps covering all the<i> fun-making</i> machines?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZWdEyM5qNljqcCQ9ZLYtsyhy0eyyUSL0Q4Et8XcnjCrgx7ZjM6Wz9u1ZgVMM2DFaQa5hcIUSaxXzInD2vM1uHIfubBkGVb9oKWkP9UY4xqIKKkhW7lAppxuhWmmL1ZdZV1vLqLW3RGg/s1600/100_6082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZWdEyM5qNljqcCQ9ZLYtsyhy0eyyUSL0Q4Et8XcnjCrgx7ZjM6Wz9u1ZgVMM2DFaQa5hcIUSaxXzInD2vM1uHIfubBkGVb9oKWkP9UY4xqIKKkhW7lAppxuhWmmL1ZdZV1vLqLW3RGg/s320/100_6082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder if the people use their carts when they play miniature golf too?</td></tr>
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<br />There is a pond on the property and we were fortunate to get assigned a lot right at the water's edge. One day while on my stroll I took a few pictures. Just random, pointless, or maybe not so pointless, pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXrBmNqpaYfiCeVzgsiw8R_e-PrX_Ah7hLwXewoKwMTKS592HprxPgVKjzBn1vskKbIdJpvzC4x_T3xnlz6ky31ROe-shfoqw7ABFDLvZXzUUajL4DV9iFFVleq3g3dHOf1RGTNT_4fU/s1600/100_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXrBmNqpaYfiCeVzgsiw8R_e-PrX_Ah7hLwXewoKwMTKS592HprxPgVKjzBn1vskKbIdJpvzC4x_T3xnlz6ky31ROe-shfoqw7ABFDLvZXzUUajL4DV9iFFVleq3g3dHOf1RGTNT_4fU/s400/100_6078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was almost mesmerized by the leaves in the pond.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5BiVLJBIjzT3MfXodCeKJGdayhDMSKgKVdstdLvznNHidx6GJ_hvNc-NvLJpSb_EtaTuF3uFHezGR5nIFi9vq1MpaoypE53ype2rlgdzthJm0KIaPuAJe3m1Ql6_Orn1i84X9xcxT5c/s1600/100_6079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5BiVLJBIjzT3MfXodCeKJGdayhDMSKgKVdstdLvznNHidx6GJ_hvNc-NvLJpSb_EtaTuF3uFHezGR5nIFi9vq1MpaoypE53ype2rlgdzthJm0KIaPuAJe3m1Ql6_Orn1i84X9xcxT5c/s400/100_6079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under water and undisturbed, peacefully rotting away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahdygFQ-sLp_OAfB9tjl536gDMxcWbYWelK1-7SJRsixZGKzHRpsBwbxqdigccPVhcAWaksRsrG3DZqyJuqOApEcvaGgo8UpC8QLOT2eBGTfYMJfMAToMx4oV8DRCssi_GvF7NZjnM2I/s1600/100_6080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahdygFQ-sLp_OAfB9tjl536gDMxcWbYWelK1-7SJRsixZGKzHRpsBwbxqdigccPVhcAWaksRsrG3DZqyJuqOApEcvaGgo8UpC8QLOT2eBGTfYMJfMAToMx4oV8DRCssi_GvF7NZjnM2I/s400/100_6080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some float. Some sink. Neither by their own choice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuvadzwxhvzmFAjIEKcoSyMhRzwOdmYLYNXS2YJTtH4kkSLiWkzyLYfl-93qj4zC7ty7WbLDBw0v4i_9tmet2zS9E2dyVReWGG7C3KJF4HOLRwObRhUKprPNwHDq6Nz2S2vDD3Vgj9H4/s1600/100_6063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuvadzwxhvzmFAjIEKcoSyMhRzwOdmYLYNXS2YJTtH4kkSLiWkzyLYfl-93qj4zC7ty7WbLDBw0v4i_9tmet2zS9E2dyVReWGG7C3KJF4HOLRwObRhUKprPNwHDq6Nz2S2vDD3Vgj9H4/s400/100_6063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this would make a cool puzzle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jnd7lvpWNWO3uqBfJYcnUgV4XZVQUOTPTz4bwIAq0lWqtipWVoOPX9-xXOO5fiKHEoPXBZ2C5UG0Ps5V00xD3qx2fSj9xyd9kqpvBnuXnniuwi-oa7KPecmZas3TAOMUM0vxAWefl-g/s1600/100_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jnd7lvpWNWO3uqBfJYcnUgV4XZVQUOTPTz4bwIAq0lWqtipWVoOPX9-xXOO5fiKHEoPXBZ2C5UG0Ps5V00xD3qx2fSj9xyd9kqpvBnuXnniuwi-oa7KPecmZas3TAOMUM0vxAWefl-g/s400/100_6108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are fish in the pond, so when I get tired of beating myself at shuffleboard, I can try some catch and release. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_qrF0ELHXlESdDyHgtfwYQJdi6OtEvq1ZtZQ8DuM2EDgrvDxO-ROqJN1YbI9C0ir5bz4UnpM0JkrXmJWutystkAaK-lB5PcUiBz1mekLf6ACwKn7pYMMhr4ImBObnHL7WMn5fryKLqA/s1600/100_6107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_qrF0ELHXlESdDyHgtfwYQJdi6OtEvq1ZtZQ8DuM2EDgrvDxO-ROqJN1YbI9C0ir5bz4UnpM0JkrXmJWutystkAaK-lB5PcUiBz1mekLf6ACwKn7pYMMhr4ImBObnHL7WMn5fryKLqA/s400/100_6107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one looks like he wants me to take him home.<br /><br />When the wind is calm the pond is like a mirror.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jnd7lvpWNWO3uqBfJYcnUgV4XZVQUOTPTz4bwIAq0lWqtipWVoOPX9-xXOO5fiKHEoPXBZ2C5UG0Ps5V00xD3qx2fSj9xyd9kqpvBnuXnniuwi-oa7KPecmZas3TAOMUM0vxAWefl-g/s1600/100_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYp1GJqDHc3Os7bDIOqg6s3zpnrO_CqqTyHecaZKX5ZgTSbt97Q0wqjha5I0hPndIfYJP1uY14hr7IE1MTXIPYsvMsqV8qzJ_EvjX3LunIXulD5RwhxNjx1loIe5i44ltU7e1c_M5pVQ/s1600/100_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYp1GJqDHc3Os7bDIOqg6s3zpnrO_CqqTyHecaZKX5ZgTSbt97Q0wqjha5I0hPndIfYJP1uY14hr7IE1MTXIPYsvMsqV8qzJ_EvjX3LunIXulD5RwhxNjx1loIe5i44ltU7e1c_M5pVQ/s400/100_6089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios7FuqxElY-X7k2VyIeOpvxRgAJMMGlQjORUFeFoFzz1dwWGIg_V10XxX2J1_0Ik6FQFOXBY3qkLWH3ISxkvgyXuSjaJ6gDn43k4QHd3Ueda9UyekS8kWOWFcGizEurvl8j1UX78n-Ts/s1600/100_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios7FuqxElY-X7k2VyIeOpvxRgAJMMGlQjORUFeFoFzz1dwWGIg_V10XxX2J1_0Ik6FQFOXBY3qkLWH3ISxkvgyXuSjaJ6gDn43k4QHd3Ueda9UyekS8kWOWFcGizEurvl8j1UX78n-Ts/s640/100_6092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which way's up? (Another one with cool puzzle potential.)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11jXStzT08-VLkmssGHlYyaPl_-UJQwCyl_lRT9NnlADH1LWZC0C7AiIYi9ywHYP5a_G1j7kVY3LMBRHYwX5hPymxkiblm8s61XynBhGy7iwsb5cFcldni8nmrU0KmZWnfgA63juc7nI/s1600/100_6084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11jXStzT08-VLkmssGHlYyaPl_-UJQwCyl_lRT9NnlADH1LWZC0C7AiIYi9ywHYP5a_G1j7kVY3LMBRHYwX5hPymxkiblm8s61XynBhGy7iwsb5cFcldni8nmrU0KmZWnfgA63juc7nI/s200/100_6084.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtmK11ysCLpys3z_HR0xYpiQetZCZibOAkH4WEtjbhDBUmanGG_HdywumVIQ3fe0iUo9lgfAVVRFNMPIBkzE-yD0WISVHURblkhRyDiaDIqmWS-C3kuoU-ZsAcjkm8VO3luhu5eLdrxQ/s1600/100_6083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtmK11ysCLpys3z_HR0xYpiQetZCZibOAkH4WEtjbhDBUmanGG_HdywumVIQ3fe0iUo9lgfAVVRFNMPIBkzE-yD0WISVHURblkhRyDiaDIqmWS-C3kuoU-ZsAcjkm8VO3luhu5eLdrxQ/s200/100_6083.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And one day it snowed like crazy, for about ten minutes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCUF4Ewjm_wfrIINkH83adIMM2CBiDfIhp6Tdck_xVyth9bk3_RPkDka5LlrDpVE1HLN2w1kug4r6p01qnps0kVzY7QDXUEHaNY8E8TAXd9EbsN0a8cM8zPyO9viq0TiZD4Sy9T2waPo/s1600/100_6072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCUF4Ewjm_wfrIINkH83adIMM2CBiDfIhp6Tdck_xVyth9bk3_RPkDka5LlrDpVE1HLN2w1kug4r6p01qnps0kVzY7QDXUEHaNY8E8TAXd9EbsN0a8cM8zPyO9viq0TiZD4Sy9T2waPo/s400/100_6072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last look at those amazing leaves. (I would have put this picture up with the rest of them, but I got tired of trying to arrange them all just so. I never can seem to get the photos to stay where I want them. Sorry.)</td></tr>
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So there you have it, my first two weeks in Michigan. I don't know if you can tell or not, but my stress level continues to drop a little each day. I've almost stopped grinding my teeth!<div>
Now my poor hubby is the one with stress. His job is not easy, and I so admire him for what he does. He really is one of my biggest and most heroic heroes!</div>
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I really must rush off now, to another adventure: a trip to the grocery store! <br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" /></div>Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-73240994270600735192012-03-11T17:56:00.000-05:002012-03-11T19:12:26.149-05:00Recovery mode<br />
It is time for another blog post. Past time. Honestly, I've had very little to say that anyone would want to read. Lately I have mumbled a lot about work, and believe me, you don't want to hear about that! The one thing I will say about my job, or any job, is that when it doesn't fit who you are, it can be a miserable place to spend your time. My job fits me about as well as skinny jeans fit a sumo wrestler.<br />
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Hubby was at home, working his "at home" job for five, going on six months. It doesn't pay much so I try to be very thankful for my job that helps fill in the financial gaps. But after a while, (13 months of that bad fit) I started to flip. Seriously! I could hardly recognize myself. It was as if I could feel a little of my person, who I am, being stolen from me every day. I felt like a prisoner in some awful sci-fi experiment having my personality slowly altered by brain sucking aliens. I think I was dying on the inside.<br />
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That's why, when hubby suddenly got a deployment call, I decided to pack a bag and get out of town. I called my manager when I was about a thousand miles from home and told him I wouldn't be coming in to work for a while. That was probably one of the most irresponsible things I have ever done in my whole life. I don't know if I did it because I was trying to avoid mental illness, or if I did it because I've already lost the last marble and should be locked up in a puffy room somewhere. Truth is, I don't really want to know the answer. I'm happy just to wonder.<br />
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Anyway, here I am, on another adventure, in Michigan. (Check out my little map in the side bar. I haven't been able to change that in WAY over a year, and I'm so excited to do so!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGvBH66uiLcDsgj77algicqIv-m7RAQcBwZrpA4wWlXAffJEviOWHDRENVQQCbg6GaH1xSP3ZVS_vGruNZZQRu7AM5fT2pXFuG_3BIyfJ136hnzvUn1ldFJ0FBRYQ1XcT5YPqgnX1O50/s1600/100_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGvBH66uiLcDsgj77algicqIv-m7RAQcBwZrpA4wWlXAffJEviOWHDRENVQQCbg6GaH1xSP3ZVS_vGruNZZQRu7AM5fT2pXFuG_3BIyfJ136hnzvUn1ldFJ0FBRYQ1XcT5YPqgnX1O50/s320/100_6054.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had a good trip with no problems. We did run into a little snow along the way, but it was very little and served as a reminder that in some places, winter is hanging on for a while.<br />
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The new truck (I haven't mentioned the new truck here have I?) performed very well and the camper followed along quite obediently and never blew a tire or anything. I began to feel a little more like myself with every mile. It's been a long time since I got excited over<b> anything</b>. So when this crazy little thing made me smile and made me want to take it's picture, I knew I was entering recovery mode.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDBoWvPloiScFCidOLMKoNNU5C2Q7E0EI-HAw3X8EvJBcDP_MwVAiocaE05Q6TMh3KoW_d-uKuPz9wLH3T7V9mei5tZDs3EmXZuTaqa_r5Y21IZshVkRrlfgTojPlkgjMberc02M9gdA/s1600/folding+spork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDBoWvPloiScFCidOLMKoNNU5C2Q7E0EI-HAw3X8EvJBcDP_MwVAiocaE05Q6TMh3KoW_d-uKuPz9wLH3T7V9mei5tZDs3EmXZuTaqa_r5Y21IZshVkRrlfgTojPlkgjMberc02M9gdA/s200/folding+spork.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But this is no ordinary spork. </span></td></tr>
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It's a spork. (Half spoon, half fork)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXbMQiVNpBZxxf9Fu867YDPOmIwXcq01436zPSN2pIx50GDAedIN6Hqcj9JmbHfYXwD0Gwf8u96BGJ1jqDtmHWFWsx7gNuc4dNXmmr2v-29PQO1qVFGKF4lsvp2U12OKkO_FtvznlOac/s1600/100_6087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXbMQiVNpBZxxf9Fu867YDPOmIwXcq01436zPSN2pIx50GDAedIN6Hqcj9JmbHfYXwD0Gwf8u96BGJ1jqDtmHWFWsx7gNuc4dNXmmr2v-29PQO1qVFGKF4lsvp2U12OKkO_FtvznlOac/s200/100_6087.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a folding spork!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF8hRfc1Iv5G-MDnGcnct3Z_1Ztx7MczuFPrzMrtiXC-Xi5_7VIMAmIHV-LWfLAq9NgnKDE1g_onV4z_ocf48x4X9AJSVjaYI6Ly6J8g5qhyphenhyphen92TdicrkekVFZgKAuBorvZEEPhPs32RE/s1600/100_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF8hRfc1Iv5G-MDnGcnct3Z_1Ztx7MczuFPrzMrtiXC-Xi5_7VIMAmIHV-LWfLAq9NgnKDE1g_onV4z_ocf48x4X9AJSVjaYI6Ly6J8g5qhyphenhyphen92TdicrkekVFZgKAuBorvZEEPhPs32RE/s200/100_6088.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How cool is that?!</span></td></tr>
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There are perks to buying "to go" grapefruit from a truck stop. I know you're jealous. How many of you can say you own a folding spork?<br />
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Now, I'd love to make some deep spiritual point here, you know, like what God taught me through a foldaway plastic eating utensil, but I'm still a bit numb from the personality stealing, brain sucking aliens. And for some reason, I find it hard to hear the voice of the Lord when I am in such a state. I seek Him, but full recovery is going to take a while. I pray that my "adventure" will last long enough for it to happen.</div>
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I appreciate your prayers.<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" /></div>
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</div>Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-73719233625012285612012-01-22T22:34:00.000-06:002012-01-22T22:48:29.029-06:00Self-discovery #1: I'd make someone a great pet.I told you I am on a self-discovery journey. Yesterday I discovered something about myself quite serendipitously. I had to do some heavy thinking in order to burrow through the fodder on the surface to get down to the roots of the <i>Who Am I </i>revelation. I hope my stupid little story and discoveries might help you discover something about yourself as well. If not, I hope to at least leave you amused and wondering what in the world God was thinking when He fashioned me.<br />
<br />
I think I've mentioned that I work at Sears as a large appliance sales associate. That's NOT <b style="font-style: italic;">WHO </b>I am. I hate the job. Don't ask me why I do it. That's a whole different post. But it is important for you to know that I work on commission. If I don't sell, I don't make money. And if I am not pacing the floor in the department of the store, I can't <strike>hound</strike> approach customers, and I can't sell anything. So, success partly depends on simple presence.<br />
<br />
I have a co-worker--I'll withhold his real name just in case he is innocent of my accusations, but I'm quite sure he is not, so we'll just call him <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Pavlov">Pavlov</a>--who loves to get me out of the department and away from any potential customers. He's been successful more than once. The first time he committed such a dastardly deed--shame on him. His repeated offences--well--<b>*</b><br />
<br />
One other thing you need to know about Pavlov: his wife makes some really yummy, and I mean REALLY YUMMY homemade caramels. And he brings these things to work.<br />
<br />
A few evenings ago, Pavlov and I had to "close" together. Anybody ,including Pavlov, that has ever closed up shop with me knows that I don't like to drag my feet. When the front door locks at 9:00 p.m. I want to be ready to walk out the back at 9:01. (If the manager will let me, but it has not happened yet.) Co-workers also know that if they decide to piddle around and not participate in closing duties that I will do them all by myself, just so I can get out of there and hurry home.<br />
<br />
There are several closing duties that can go undone and unnoticed by management, but one that can't is the closing of the cash registers. Obviously.<br />
<br />
When a register closes down, it prints out a closing receipt. If there is no paper, or "tape" in the little printer, the register won't close down, and if the register won't close down, I can't go home. That's why, when Pavlov walked up to me with a helpless and sad look on his face and said, "Lavonda, do you know where there might be some more register tape? I can't find any. ANYWHERE!" I quickly and without thought replied, "Sure. I'll go get some." (Pavlov has worked at Sears over 20 years. Strange that he doesn't know where they keep the new rolls of register tape don't ya think?)<br />
<br />
That little errand took me off the floor for several minutes even though I went at a high trot. When I returned with a half dozen rolls of paper, Pavlov was closing a sale. He grinned as I, out of breath, rushed past him on my way to load a roll into the disabled register and finish up the closing chores.<br />
<br />
After <b>his </b>customers left the store, he pulled a zip lock bag out of his pocket and so sweetly offered me one of his wife's YUMMY caramels. <br />
<br />
Okay, you are probably way ahead of me here, but be patient with me. Self-discovery sometimes take a while.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until I was home, sound asleep in my bed, that revelation, like a bucket of cold water in the face, happened. As I slept, the events of that day replayed on the big screen of my sleeping brain, as did several other instances in which Pavlov had done something to take advantage of <b>WHO</b> I am and then tried to "reward" me with something. Sometimes his wife's YUMMY caramels, sometimes a meaningless compliment, sometimes a useless piece of advice. (The compliments and advice never make my mouth water, but those caramels...)<br />
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Suddenly out of sleep I was yanked when I shouted to myself, "He's treating you like a dog!"<br />
<br />
Yeah, Pavlov has figured out my temperament. He has observed my involuntary reflexes. He gives the command, I obey, and then he offers a reward. --<b>*</b>Shame on me.<br />
<br />
So what have I discovered about myself? Yes, I'd make someone a pretty good pet.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I do what ever I can to help people even when they mistreat me or take advantage of me. (I obey commands.)</li>
<li>I'm slow to recognize when someone is taking advantage of me because I don't take advantage of others. (I come back, wagging my tail after I've been kicked.)</li>
<li>Apparently I like rewards. (especially if the reward is a hunk of homemade caramel)</li>
<li>I don't make a mess in the floor. (But that has nothing to do with this post.)</li>
</ul>
I felt so angry and ashamed that I let this guy treat me like this. I lay there in my bed thinking about what I ought to do the next time Pavlov decides to use <b><i>who</i></b> I am against me. I ought to tell him to go get the paper himself. I ought to make him answer the phone and deal with the angry customer while I sell to the lady who just walked through the door. I ought to get right in Pavlov's face and ...<br />
<br />
Then the Holy Spirit spoke silently yet so certainly, "But that's not <b>WHO</b> you are. You are made in the image of God with a heart bent toward grace. You are a reflection of Jesus Christ, an obedient servant who does what's right, no matter what others do to you. You are filled with, yes, God's Holy Spirit, a helper. And remember those fruits: love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?"<br />
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So what will I do the next time Pavlov does something to get me off the floor or takes a customer from me? I'll probably, as usual, act instinctively, without thought. I will help, serve, minister, and do what is right--with grace and kindness--because that's <b>who</b> I am.<br />
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But when he pulls those caramels out of his pocket and my mouth starts to water, I'm going to firmly say, No! Thank! You! (I'll wait for my reward.)<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-44116136090411170072012-01-17T15:20:00.001-06:002012-01-17T21:43:02.874-06:00The Dumps"THE HOLIDAYS" are over. All of them. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and now even MLK Day, and I didn't blog a word about any of them. We didn't do much celebrating around here. In fact, we hardly noticed that any of the holidays came and went. "Bla" sums it up.<br />
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Now that we are halfway through the month of January, you'd think I'd be all bright eyed and bushy tailed, filled with new resolves, and bubbling over with hope for the year ahead. Strangely though, I am, well, still very much "Bla."<br />
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I'm not sure why I'm down in the dumps and out of such dumps I can't seem to drag myself. I don't believe any one particular thing has put me in this condition. No, it has been a combination of a whole bunch of stuff. As my sweet and pious (and I mean that in a good way) sister put it, "2011 was the year from HELL." And for some unknown reason, there were enough sparks and embers left over to make the start of 2012 seem dark, scary, and smokey at best!<br />
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I know, this doesn't sound like me. I usually try to look on the bright side, right? So someone go head and slap me! Please! (Just don't everybody start ringing my door bell at once, okay?) I'm ready to feel happy about<i> something</i>, get excited about<i> something</i>, celebrate, and sing about <i>something</i> good! Oh HOW I'm ready! Unfortunately, I've not been able to find that<i> something</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm not ungrateful and I don't think I'm having a full blown pity party even though I do have a list of gripes. I know there are a lot of good things in my life. I am very blessed. Part of my dumpiness comes from sharing the hurts, disappointments, and burdens of others, not just my own. <br />
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If you feel like commenting and giving me all the<b> pat</b> answers that <b>should</b> fix my attitude problems, go right ahead. I'll consider that your "slap". (Insert smiley face.)<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But what I really want to know from my readers is:<br />
<b>Honestly Now,</b><br />
<ul>
<li>How do you deal with major disappointment? (especially if you are honest enough to admit that you feel that disappointed came from the hand of God)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Are you ever in the dumps and if so, what puts you there and how do you get out? </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Do you ever see hope in every one's future but yours? How do you deal with that?</li>
</ul>
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<li>Anything else you want to add here?</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
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I really do want 2012 to be a better year. I'm praying for that. I'm praying for hope. Rain. Joy. Encouragement. Answers. Blessings. Vision. Direction. ....And discernment--to know what I should do to be in the middle of God's work and what I should NOT do so as not to get in His way!<br />
Pray with me won't you?<br />
<br />
Maybe I will get back before three more month waste away. You can anticipate a post about a journey of self-discovery <a href="http://richgifts.blogspot.com/">a friend of mine</a> has encouraged me to take. I'll post more about it later because now I need to rush out the door to work. (#1 on my list of gripes).<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-32545100349785608082011-11-07T12:32:00.001-06:002011-11-07T12:35:22.270-06:00Roasted MouseI'm not a good blogger. Period. A good blogger blogs every day, maybe more than once per day. Also, good bloggers usually have a theme or a focused topic for their blogs. I WANT to be a good blogger, but I can't seem to make it happen. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">*sigh*</span></i> I am not consistent in posting, and I obviously have a problem with "theme" except to share my Dashing and Bold life with you. I have come to the conclusion that the reason I'm so bad at regular posting (at least for the past year) is because <i>Dashing and Bold</i> has turned into <i>Dull and Boring</i><br />
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But, I'm here to testify, God is good! He sees me in my sad, bland condition and sends a Dash of adventure. He knows I like a little spice!<br />
<br />
Even though hubby is currently between storms and the RV is parked at our "real house", he still sleeps and showers and sometimes watches TV in it because 1) that is much easier than moving all his stuff in and out every time he has to deploy, 2) the bed in the RV is larger and more comfy than our bed in the house, 3) the TV in the RV is HD and the one in the house is not.<br />
<br />
I spend my nights with him in the big comfy bed, but all my "stuff" is in the house. So, if the neighbors are up and looking out their windows late at night or early in the morning, they might get a glimpse of me hotfooting it back and forth in my housecoat. Oh, let them talk--they probably need a little spice too.<br />
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A few days ago, very early in the morning, I woke with a start. I punched hubby in the shoulder, "Something's burning!" (We live in a state of <b>Fire Alert</b> due to the drought.)<br />
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He popped up and yanked open the window shades to look for smoke. I stumbled out of bed and hurried to the door and poked my head out. No smoke. No fire. Outside the air was fresh. I closed the door, then it hit me.<br />
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The unmistakable aroma of roasting mouse! (I start to gag just thinking about it.)<br />
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Apparently, the fur coat God gave this particular little rodent didn't satisfy it, so it ventured onto our furnace to warm its little feet. Or, perhaps it was just wondering through, hunting for something to chew, and happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when the heater came on. Either way, warm STINKY air blew through the vents, filling our small space.<br />
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Satisfied that our lives were not in danger, I went back to bed and tried to go back to sleep. Every time the heater came on, the horrible smell woke me up. I tried sleeping with my head under the covers, but for some reason, I got the feeling that oxygen doesn't exist between bed sheet. I'm sure there is some scientific proof, but I haven't had time to Google it. Finally I gave up and did my hotfoot thing back to the house.<br />
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<i>My husband is a good man, and I don't mean to be critical. Honestly. But this next part of the story is important.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Naturally I<strike> informed</strike> asked him if, later in the day, he could remove the mouse from the heater so the putrid odor would go away. He spent a few minutes <strike>making excuses</strike> explaining how he would have to take out the VERY HEAVY washing machine, tear into the...remove the...break the...try to open the... And he ended by saying that he thought that the burner part of the heater was a sealed unit and there was no possible way a mouse could get in there.<br />
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Well. Okay then. Hmmm. What WAS that awful smell?<br />
<br />
And he logically reasoned: Surely if it WAS a mouse, the little varmint was "done" by now and the worst of the stink was gone. (I tried not to let him see me roll my eyes.)<br />
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<i>Fast forward to the next evening</i>. I do my hotfoot thing across the yard to the RV to go to bed, temperature drops, heater comes on, and WHOP! The smell of mouse a la cart slaps me in the face.<b> All. Night. Long.</b> It was a very long night.<br />
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Thankfully the stink was so bad, it interrupted hubby's sleep as well. The next day he decided to do what was impossible to do the day before. Get rid of the mouse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILfgVOiXx6PHkQdKTzxyqo6KPHxHYjFSiLvmr-asY03dOTPuyOV2-OMxi6p9ncCIp6-iWs4htW1_YYnWnswjtOYaih2usJJRI5Z6G4U1MjNTqJuldGOwSDUv57WDW0EbhNxRr-OcjBFI/s1600/Roasted+Mouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILfgVOiXx6PHkQdKTzxyqo6KPHxHYjFSiLvmr-asY03dOTPuyOV2-OMxi6p9ncCIp6-iWs4htW1_YYnWnswjtOYaih2usJJRI5Z6G4U1MjNTqJuldGOwSDUv57WDW0EbhNxRr-OcjBFI/s400/Roasted+Mouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The process took only a short time and a small amount of effort.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I should have done it yesterday."<i> --Hubby </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
Unfortunately<i>, </i>all those hours of slow roasting the mouse embedded the stench into the curtains, the furniture, the walls, the glass windows...Okay, maybe not the windows. But I can promise you one thing: it is going to take a whole lot more effort and time to get rid of the stink now than it did to simply get rid of the mouse.<br />
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This furry little fellow is a lot like sin, don't you think? How often do we hold tightly to some sin or vice, knowing it is stinking up our lives, yet refuse to do anything about it? We can always come up with reasons why our stinky little problem is too hard or even impossible to remove. We may even deny that we have sin in our hearts or reason that if we just leave it alone, pretty soon it will just go away.<br />
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God's Word lets us know, without a doubt, that sin has consequences. Here is just one example.<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2024:10-15&version=NIV"> (2 Samuel 24:10-15)</a><br />
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I think I'm going to take a good long look at this photo of my roasted mouse and store it in my memory bank. Then the next time the Holy Spirit taps my heart and tells me something nasty is cooking in there, I'll decide to act quickly and get rid of it, before it permanently stinks up everything and everybody around me. After all, it's not as hard to do as I might think, and I'm sure I should have done it yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lavonda" border="0" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" /></a><br />
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<i>Please feel free to comment or give testimony. </i></div>Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-61200941967107726062011-10-23T15:50:00.001-05:002011-10-23T15:50:21.500-05:00Drought It really has been almost ten months since I've been here. I've not been having a lot of fun and time has not exactly flown. Yet I <b>am</b> a bit bewildered when I look at the calendar. There's been no writing or reading here--blog world, I've missed you! (Do I have blog-world friends left at all?)<br />
<br />
Why have I been away so long? <a href="http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">Drought.</a><br />
<br />
I'm sure you've heard; it has been on the news and in the papers. Texas is in exceptional drought. Even the prickly pear have turned yellow and shriveled.<br />
<br />
It's been a tough year. Since my last post, we've experienced temperatures ranging from -6º F in January with windchill in the -20ºs, to 111º F in June. In Amarillo we've had, if my memory is correct, about 50 days of temperatures that exceeded 100º. Unbelievably high winds through the winter, spring, and most of the summer fanned wild fires that burned millions of acres and destroyed thousands of homes. My own neighborhood was forced to evacuate twice this year because of fires. And still fires are being fought daily across the state.<br />
<br />
In all my life I've never see the land so parched. Crops have failed, ranchers have been forced to sell their herds, lakes and wells have dried up, and cities have restricted water usage. I've literally cried for my beloved state.<br />
<br />
Harsh weather and lack of rain are not the things, necessarily, that have kept me away from this blog. It's been a personal drought: a life draining dryness of my soul. I've had no words or thoughts to share. I feel like an empty well.<br />
<br />
The past several months have not been all bad though. God has blessed hubby and me with two new granddaughters. One was born in July and one is expected to make her arrival in November. Our parents, our children, and our grandchildren were all here for a visit recently. Bills are paid and food is in the refrigerator. God is still on His throne and He is good.<br />
<br />
But there have been some disappointments, struggles, frustrations, and down right dull days. That's life, huh?<br />
Of all the events and daily grind that come to mind, I can't decided which has been most draining and frustrating. The one thing about which I've probably complained the most is my job and the fact that I have to have one. Yes, the bad financial condition of our country has <strike>touched</strike> whacked our lives.<br />
<br />
I think the last time I posted, I was unemployed. Shortly after that post, I went to work at Sears selling (or trying to sell) large appliances. I won't take up space with a bunch of details. All I will say is--BLECH! Don't get me wrong. In this rough economy, I am thankful to have a job when I need one. So many people are not as fortunate. The problem is--I'm not crazy about commissioned sales, and being tied down to a job keeps me from traveling with hubby when he is working. I don't think "sales" is what God created me to do.<br />
<br />
Imagine if you will, hiking up a steep mountain wearing one shoe that is two sizes too large and the other that is two sizes too small. That's me in a commissioned sales position: a total misfit! Though I'm very uncomfortable doing what I do to make a few bucks, I am trying to learn something from the experience. Whatever lesson God has for me, I want to learn it quickly so I can move on and OUT of there, on to bigger, better, and more fulfilling things.<br />
<br />
While I've been stuck at home working for Sears, hubby has had a few deployments, worked hard, and kept the bills paid. (And yes, I've pouted about missing out on the travels and adventures.) He is home now, between storms... Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know what that means. My anxiety meter pegs from time to time. *sigh* Some day I'm going to get a handle on that problem. I hope.<br />
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In the mean time, I'm praying for rain--I don't know about you, but I am way past ready for a long, steady, life restoring rain--and I'm digging a little deeper in the bottom of my dry inner well. I've not hit a spring yet, but I have come across a clod or two of damp dirt. I know, down deep, the Spirit of the living God resides in me and has the ability and desire to gush! I don't understand nor can I explain this season of drought. All I know is, I'm tired of it!<br />
<br />
Dear Lord, let it rain!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-19726274424991205452010-12-29T15:12:00.002-06:002010-12-29T16:02:01.364-06:00Brain Stew and CornbreadOne time when I was a kid, my parents hosted a "<i>Hobo Party</i>." All the attendees dressed in ratty clothes, mussed their hair, and did whatever else they could think to do to fit in with the <i>hobo</i> theme. It was an outdoor affair, in the fall of the year, so a big popping fire provided warmth and ambiance. There were games, a talent contest, conversation, and stew. <br />
<br />
Every person brought a can of something--didn't matter what--and dumped it into one big pot to create <i>Hobo Stew</i>. I think it was a good thing that the darkness of night made it hard to see what we were eating, but surprisingly, the stew's flavor was good. Very good. I don't know if it was because I was a kid and the romance of eating my supper out of a tin can while keeping warm by a big fire overpowered my taste buds, or if the stew was really a culinary masterpiece. Either way, I enjoyed the mess.<br />
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This morning I've tried to collect my thoughts and plan my day. "Get organized" as my mother-in-law would say. It's not going so well. My brain is like one big kettle of hobo stew. Illuminated by a dim flickering of firelight, there is a green bean, a slimy piece of okra, a little round pea, a slice of carrot, some tomato, a bit of potato, something that might resemble meat, and what in the world is that floating there? humm... My efforts to get it all together is working like a giant spoon whirling around in the pot. <br />
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An assortment of circumstances, a bundle of emotions, a pound or two of problems--all dumped together and stirred create <b><i>Brain Stew</i></b>. Here are just a few of my ingredients.<br />
<ul><li>Part-time temporary job unexpectedly cut short two weeks ago--thankful for the cash while it lasted</li>
<li>Car broken down and in the shop--glad I even have a car</li>
<li>No job = strain to pay for repairs--thankful for honest fairly priced mechanic</li>
<li>Need car to hunt for job--<b>should </b>I hunt for a job <b>OR</b></li>
<li>Will deployment come for hubby soon--relieved God knows and holds the future</li>
<li>Wish for skywriting from God--need direction, instruction, and answers</li>
<li>Baby daughter home from Christmas vacation wearing engagement ring--joyous melancholy flood of conflicting emotions</li>
<li>Concern for friends with health and financial issues--thankful for friends</li>
<li>Apprehension about new year--thankful for past blessings</li>
<li>Does the wind HAVE to blow so hard!?!?! (My West Texas readers will understand)</li>
</ul>And the list goes on. My stew pot is full and boiling, almost to the point of overflowing. Before ya know it, I may be forced to stuff cornbread in my ears to catch the drips.<br />
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I've been praying and hoping that God will clear my muddled mind so that my questions and concerns will be answered and His plan for me will be obvious. You might say I want to peer into my cooking vessel and see through distilled water all the way to the bottom of the pot. But that has not come to be. <br />
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I will admit that I'm starting to feel a bit frustrated. Why can't life be simple and easy? Why must there always be an obstacle and a challenge? Why can't everything be as clear as distilled water?<br />
<blockquote>Maybe because Jesus said it wouldn't be easy.<br />
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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>John 16:33 </i></span><br />
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Or maybe it's about character building.<br />
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Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <br />
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But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. <br />
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But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. <br />
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Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">James 1:2-12</span></i><br />
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Or maybe it is because a pot full of clear water and a distilled life can't prove to the world whom we serve. <br />
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We work together with God, and we beg you to make good use of God’s kindness to you. <br />
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In the Scriptures God says, “When the time came, I listened to you, and when you needed help, I came to save you.”<br />
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That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved.<br />
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<b>We don’t want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems. But in everything and in every way we show that we truly are God’s servants. </b>We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times. We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and have gone without sleep or food. But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real. We have spoken the truth, and God’s power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right.<br />
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Whether we were honored or dishonored or praised or cursed, we always told the truth about ourselves. But some people said we did not. We are unknown to others, but well known to you. We seem to be dying, and yet we are still alive. We have been punished, but never killed, and we are always happy, even in times of suffering. Although we are poor, we have made many people rich. And though we own nothing, everything is ours. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Contemporary English Version</span></i></blockquote>Distilled water doesn't have any flavor. So, I guess I'll stop stirring for a while and simply let my brain stew simmer until I can taste the deliciousness of it all.<br />
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Will somebody please pass the cornbread?<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-86159820601632920452010-11-24T11:13:00.001-06:002010-11-28T14:41:43.009-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Yes, I dropped off the grid! I haven't been here--blogging--in almost a month. What happened to me?<br />
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I had to get a J.O.B.<br />
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Yes, we've been here at home for three months now and the money ran out. Hubby is working for a roofing/construction company but it doesn't pay quite enough to cover all our expenses. So, reluctantly, I started the search for work.<br />
<br />
This time of year is a great time to land something quickly. God blessed and I'm now a part-time, temporary, Wal-Mart Associate. What does that mean? It means that from now until Christmas I'll be putting bottles of pills and other "pharmacy" related items on the shelves at Wal-mart. (And I'll be getting exposed to every bug and illness that walks in off the street. *sneeze* *cough cough* *snort*)<br />
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No, it's not your "dream job", but I needed money quickly and in less than an hour of turning in my application, I was called. They hired everybody who showed up for an interview, and, well, there ya go! I don't hate it and I don't love it. I see it as another opportunity to cry out, "God, what in the world are You doing in my life?!?"<br />
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Hubby told me I've had a bad attitude since I started though I've tried to keep my chin up. Mostly I've been so tired, I can hardly put one foot in front of the other. And, yesterday I started getting a sore throat and a terrible headache. Hmmm. Maybe the oncoming sickness made me a little less than Ms. Sunshine? *sigh*<br />
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Today I didn't have to go to work, and I'm popping the Zicam, garlic, Emergen-C packets, and anything else I can think of to get me through the next few days. It is Thanksgiving after all, and I don't want to be a grumpy sick old lady!<br />
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Family members are already on their way to my house for the holiday weekend, and I'm excited to see all of them. I'm very sad that the kids and grandkids who live and serve our country in Hawaii won't be with us. My occasional teary moments over their absence add to the river of snot already flowing because of my cold.<br />
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I would like to take time to list everything I'm thankful for since tomorrow is Thanksgiving day, but that would take a LOT of time. So let me list just a few because I need to rush to the store to do my grocery shopping (Yeah I know it is a little late, but I've been working!) and to buy several boxes of Kleenex!<br />
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<blockquote><ol><li>Always I'm thankful for my wonderful family both immediate and extended. I love all of you!</li>
<li>The wonderful land in which I live. I may not always agree with our elected officials and adopted policies, but it is still the greatest place on the planet to call home.</li>
<li>The fact that God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. With my life always in the middle of some kind of a change it is nice to know there is one solid rock under which I can hide.</li>
<li>Challenging times--sometimes I have to force myself on this one--that make me call on God to rescue me, for I know He is the only one who can.</li>
<li>Eternity that awaits and the blood of Jesus Christ that gives me eternal hope and security.</li>
</ol></blockquote>Now, I'm off to the store...y'all can pray I make it back alive!<br />
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Oh yeah--please pray for deployment to a storm next week! We would SO love that! Thanks.<br />
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May God continue to bless us all and may we all live worthy of His blessings.<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-34466466147608018482010-10-30T13:09:00.000-05:002010-10-30T13:09:30.897-05:00Scraps and hooks and needlesI'm finally back with a little more information about our <i>crocheting and knitting for charity</i> project.<br />
<br />
It's quite simple really. If you are a crafter of yarns, you have a stash of scraps. Some yarns might be better than others for this project, but I don't think it is really going to matter what yarn you use. The charm of the final afghan is the "patchwork" design. Each block, different from the next, is a wonderful representation of the people who work together to construct and give the gift of warmth and comfort.<br />
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Rather than print out patterns and instructions, I'll simply ask you to visit the web site of the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/patterns.html">Warm Up America foundation.</a> (Just click on this link.) Basically, do whatever you would like to do, just as long as you can make it turn out to be seven inches by nine inches.<br />
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There is a tip offered on this page: Cut a 7"x9" cardboard template to use for sizing your blocks. It is a little easier to use than a tape measure or ruler.<br />
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Here is my first block made from some scrap yarn I've had in my closet for many years. It is going to be so good to get rid of it and know that it is going to a good cause.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7pPHxhRwnEnaTyG2vLltftV8DPW5VrIdIPF4JbRSO4ZTEEgVw3fmPiGtq9OqjB9ps3ZydhUUa7Q5bkktZETsv-UDOR3iMX0WdvPYUoLSJgF5tLKU6UlNo6gVkALp07JcI-n64s-yYGI/s1600/100_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7pPHxhRwnEnaTyG2vLltftV8DPW5VrIdIPF4JbRSO4ZTEEgVw3fmPiGtq9OqjB9ps3ZydhUUa7Q5bkktZETsv-UDOR3iMX0WdvPYUoLSJgF5tLKU6UlNo6gVkALp07JcI-n64s-yYGI/s320/100_5272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is just your basic double crochet. I did find it a bit tricky to get the size (7"x9") correct. When I used the hook size the pattern recommended, (G) my block was too large. This particular yarn, though a medium weight, seems a little stiff and on the bulkier side. It is an inexpensive yarn and has a tendency to "untwist" as I work with it. Switching to a smaller hook had me grabbing only one or two plies of the yarn, which was VERY annoying to me. It slowed my progress and I didn't like that either. So...I went back to the G hook and made my foundation chain shorter. (I made fewer chain stitches.) I stitched until my block was as close to 9" as possible. It is not exact, but thankfully knit and crochet blocks, when pieced together, can be scrunched or stretched just a little.<br />
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I'll stitch several of these and then send them to my new friend Carrie who is eager to piece them all together with her blocks and any others that volunteers send her way. She will also be responsible for the donation of the afghan when it is complete.<br />
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Please head over to <a href="http://christianitytransparently.blogspot.com/2010/10/warm-up-america-care-to-join-us.html">Carrie's blog</a> for any other details pertaining to the crochet / knit group. (Knitted blocks can be attached to crocheted blocks and included in the same afghan.) Leave her a comment telling her that you want to participate and she will see to it that you know where you can mail your completed blocks. Thanks so much to Carrie for heading up this project! What a blessing you are.<br />
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As winter begins to creep into our lives, let's put the garden trowels, beach balls, and butterfly nets away--(Okay, so who actually spends their summers catching butterflies? But you know what I mean.) and let's drag out our fabrics and yarns and do something for somebody who might not have life quite as good as we do.<br />
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Two last notes--if you have a favorite charity that could use one of our quilts or afghans, please let me know with a comment here. Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, favorite retirement center, Crisis Pregnancy Center, homeless shelter, .... You tell us where you would like to see our donations go!<br />
And PLEASE join us any way you would like. Donate supplies or finished blocks and ask your friends to join in on the fun! Our groups are very small at the moment but we would love to see them grow!<br />
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Now, off to the sewing machine. Or should I pick up the hook? Decisions decisions decisions!<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-66975280476631613492010-10-27T21:00:00.003-05:002010-10-27T21:55:08.317-05:00DiscombobulatedIt has been a really REALLY long time since I have done a "<i>word</i>" post. So excuse me while I take a little break from the charity projects to post a word for today. I just felt the need.<br />
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Today's word: <b>Discombobulated</b>--to be confused or disconcerted; upset; frustrated.<br />
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Go ahead and look it up. You'll probably find my picture.<br />
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It has been one of those days. Oh don't pretend you don't have them. You want to wash your face so you turn on the water then pour a big blob of detangle hair conditioner in your hand. Ugh. And since that didn't turn out so well, you decide to brush your teeth. *Squirt* There's a long ribbon of toothpaste now on your comb. You say to yourself--<i>I DID already put sugar in my coffee, didn't I? Or did I? </i>You go into the next room and can't remember why you are there. And maybe you should have checked to make sure your T-shirt wasn't on backwards before you walked out the door.<br />
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So maybe I'm the only one whose brain (and life) feels like it has just gone through a spin cycle and then tumbled dry. I know why I'm like this. It's stress. You thought it was because I OD'ed on fabric and yarn lint didn't you? I'm not saying I have my addictions under control, but I can handle my crafts! Okay!?!<br />
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We've been home a good two months now and you know how I get...I told God I wasn't going to get all worried and panicky this time. And I've done better. Really I have. But today was meltdown day!<br />
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The last three days I've spent a good bit of time in prayer. Seeking and sighing, hallowing and hoping, begging, and bargaining, wailing and wallowing. Storms have blown across the country and still, here we sit. Undeployed. Hubby has called the deployment office twice to make sure they know he is ready to go, but he's not been the lucky guy yet. The fact that he is doing a little contracting work on the side helps, but if we could have had a decent living doing that, we wouldn't have started this Dashing and Bold adventure in the first place.<br />
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Today, after I'd been on my knees a while, making sure God knew how frustrated I feel, I walked across the yard and the Spirit told me just to give thanks. So I started thanking God for everything I could see, hear, and feel. At that moment the mail carrier pulled up to my box across the street.<br />
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<i>"It's here,"</i> I heard in my spirit. I knew what "it" was.<br />
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I started not to walk across the street. I thought maybe if I just left "it" in the box...I don't know...maybe someone would come flying down the street too fast, lose control, smash into our mailbox and "it" would be knocked out and blown away.<br />
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After a short mental wrestling match with myself I went ahead and walked to the box. Sure enough, there "it" was. <b>The hospital bill</b>. (I don't think I told you that my daughter spent a couple of nights in the hospital recently.) It's amazing how much a bag of salt water costs these days! Not to mention a nuclear medicine test, X-rays, CT scans, sonograms,...<br />
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My kid is an adult now, but there is no way she can pay a bill like this. And you know what parents do when even their adult child falls apart--they do everything they can to sweep up the pieces. (This particular kid has a knack of falling apart when our broom has lost it bristles.)<br />
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With head hanging low I drug my feet back across the street and up the steps into my RV. I decided to do a little blog hopping to take my mind off my troubles. I brought up one of my favorites that I've not read in a while, and before the page was finished loading, this song gushed from my little speakers like a sudden summer downpour. (Read the words carefully.)<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">MELTDOWN MOMENT!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From discombobulated to meltdown in a matter of a few hours. It's probably a good thing that I cry instead of drink because I tied on a good one! Eventually I was able to dry my face, blow my nose and soon a precious friend from another state started a text conversation. Somewhere in it she reminded me to be thankful in all circumstances. (I think that's what we, on a good spiritual day, call <b><i>confirmation</i></b>.) On a discombobulated meltdown day, it's a reason to grab another Kleenex. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Confirmation is a sweet sweet thing. It's God's way of showing us that He is listening when we pray. And He does care about our struggles. </div><br />
While we were still texting, my daughter called the hospital to discuss her inability to pay the bill. The lady on the other end told her that, because of her low income, she had qualified for one of the hospital's benevolence programs. They just happened to mail the bill the day before they qualified her. (Somebody get me another tissue!)<br />
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I'm kinda dense sometimes and I don't always listen well, especially when I'm so discombobulated. But now I get it! When the Spirit spoke earlier, I<b> heard</b> two totally unrelated sentences. But what He really said was, <i>"Just give thanks <b>(COMMA)</b> it's here."</i><br />
(Excuse me a minute while I wipe the droplets off my granny glasses.)<br />
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We still sit here undeployed and wondering why. Every circumstance in my life is not as I would like. But these trying circumstances will never change who I forever am in Christ. So I give thanks. It never crosses my mind to turn my back on Him. Instead I draw closer to Him in these times. So I pray...<br />
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Give me joy, give me peace, give me the chance to be free. Give me <i>anything</i> that brings You glory. I know there will be days when this life brings me pain, but if that's what it takes...<br />
And I give thanks.<br />
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What a day!<br />
<br />
I just found a gnat in my Kool Aid and the pepper shaker in the microwave! Ugh.<br />
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I think I should go now. My discombobulated ears hear a tub of hot water and lavender bubbles calling. <br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-43224233210929229662010-10-26T00:46:00.000-05:002010-10-26T00:46:37.312-05:00Quilters uniteFor this project you really don't have to know how to quilt. If you know how to sew, just a little bit, it will be easy and fun. It is a "quilt as you go" process. Now that I think about it, you don't even need to know how to sew! Keep reading.<br />
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The goal is for each person to complete as many squares (or steps) as they want to, then send them to me to sew together into the finished quilt. (If any group member is just dying to compile and complete the quilt, I won't fight you for the job.) :) The person that completes the quilt will be responsible for sending it into the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/warmup.html">Warm Up America Foundation</a> or to the organization we decide to donate to. (We can discuss that later.)<br />
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I'm in the middle of making a quilt right now so I took a few pictures that I hope will help explain the process. I must put in a disclaimer here. I did not "invent" or design this method or pattern. My sister taught me how to do it and she saw it in a quilting magazine somewhere. I wish I knew the publication so I could give proper credit. If the designer of this pattern happens upon my blog, please do not sue me for breaking copyright laws. I'm not selling this idea nor am I selling any quilts. <br />
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Now, on with the how-to.<br />
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Naturally this is going to be a scrappy quilt since we are all in different places using different fabrics. "Scrappy" is what makes it so charming, right? (100% cotton works best but if you have some blend scraps and don't want to buy something else, they will work.)<br />
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<i>Please wash, dry, and iron (if needed) your fabric before you begin.</i> First you are going to need to cut your fabric into 4 1/2" squares. For each quilt block you will need <u>two</u> white squares and <u>two</u> squares of other colors. (4 squares in 3 different colors) (With our next quilt we might just try any light and any dark colors, but for this one, let's stick with white as our base, okay?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pbmXoI13AaxJu2AWoricuwlV1LzcozZjZLbqhJlKVc3jrcyi3FkUKGR3zmR5r22hZ2Pb2-ybky2OlyoUiEUzzLSlbmV89FCWTle8vdlpLZo0VRYuaBtvZYAF2oDFITlb7y0aD9AVZYo/s1600/100_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pbmXoI13AaxJu2AWoricuwlV1LzcozZjZLbqhJlKVc3jrcyi3FkUKGR3zmR5r22hZ2Pb2-ybky2OlyoUiEUzzLSlbmV89FCWTle8vdlpLZo0VRYuaBtvZYAF2oDFITlb7y0aD9AVZYo/s320/100_5256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Sew one white square to one colored square. Then sew another white square to one of the <b>other</b> colored squares. Press the seams toward the colored side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyI0iPeyMczZXtTTvdtO67-d0iafIUfyfA3gSSVz6dhzOcJYEReIjAj0I3wBU6ZXGi1-TVS3LL41kQENl9TqGB5x0vFHUVfECFPLw_bwz6HOuiEdSM1Fgu2YlmmysHLpCHxhokLMPv8/s1600/100_5257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyI0iPeyMczZXtTTvdtO67-d0iafIUfyfA3gSSVz6dhzOcJYEReIjAj0I3wBU6ZXGi1-TVS3LL41kQENl9TqGB5x0vFHUVfECFPLw_bwz6HOuiEdSM1Fgu2YlmmysHLpCHxhokLMPv8/s320/100_5257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Now lay your pieces out so the white squares are opposite each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR2WbjUK9ogA95BguqqMaiKd4pO88QIF5ZQuJUzKFpFhsHU3yu0hLckgBfHF-Pmzm3KNh_l1VhFEH1NMDlv-YWRT9aNLzg1IeonPtR-9uVRZISCnzWasIi8RV1sOt3u0nJADzlHu_QuQ/s1600/100_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR2WbjUK9ogA95BguqqMaiKd4pO88QIF5ZQuJUzKFpFhsHU3yu0hLckgBfHF-Pmzm3KNh_l1VhFEH1NMDlv-YWRT9aNLzg1IeonPtR-9uVRZISCnzWasIi8RV1sOt3u0nJADzlHu_QuQ/s320/100_5258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Next, flip one two-square piece over onto the other so right sides are together. (In this photo, the floral print will be on top of the white square that is above it, and its attached white square will be on top of the pink.)(Clear as mud?)<br />
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Now you will sew along one long edge and up both short edges. Make sure that your seams match up along the long edge. If they don't, then when the block is finished it won't look right in the middle. (Hang with me here--it will make sense in a minute.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NRcNPbqYqRQSaMp47PDpO6toMYEpe2mczA2WLpqJwBszrAVBTvcz8XzTCIcA4egxQmRQJPIBaJ6vvHrGYb62wDwzdnpOBiPyxIKOIDYoJBpmO6wcemy6b4J1yIhyWzStAoWbKMGUfBs/s1600/100_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NRcNPbqYqRQSaMp47PDpO6toMYEpe2mczA2WLpqJwBszrAVBTvcz8XzTCIcA4egxQmRQJPIBaJ6vvHrGYb62wDwzdnpOBiPyxIKOIDYoJBpmO6wcemy6b4J1yIhyWzStAoWbKMGUfBs/s320/100_5259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Can you see my seams? Down the left, across the bottom, and up the right side. I have basically formed a rectangular pocket. <br />
<br />
Okay, now comes a little tricky part. Bring the stitched sides together, as shown, and make sure your seams are lying in opposite directions so they are butted. (Turning all seams toward the colored squares will make this easier.) Again, line your seams up perfectly so it will look right when it is finished. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ztkb2OFLz6Yplnr_VpNgpKDOGmyDfYuXssS3nOHGpoc5dIgN8n_VYh-pTr89-5KX5FuKh9DG_hYml2qz0sUHJsv9mKyoBndexwTa-IaSPsBQoBrzuTVBhMcY2CHhYVMsvn2XouNRgI/s1600/100_5260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ztkb2OFLz6Yplnr_VpNgpKDOGmyDfYuXssS3nOHGpoc5dIgN8n_VYh-pTr89-5KX5FuKh9DG_hYml2qz0sUHJsv9mKyoBndexwTa-IaSPsBQoBrzuTVBhMcY2CHhYVMsvn2XouNRgI/s320/100_5260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pin it together so it doesn't shift during stitching.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO38ojYQYi4bWBbO1IFe3N6L5LgRGiVJ-ACQCf_N1ShI_my7fWY1CeSrHpPJ5wCZGp6c4Jep8N4yqaDPyhnrx2KPN7VP-hpFu_vDaMeWEP76ywnF0n5ZI3yT_YlXdSZ3mYhYpX5iBW_Hw/s1600/100_5261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO38ojYQYi4bWBbO1IFe3N6L5LgRGiVJ-ACQCf_N1ShI_my7fWY1CeSrHpPJ5wCZGp6c4Jep8N4yqaDPyhnrx2KPN7VP-hpFu_vDaMeWEP76ywnF0n5ZI3yT_YlXdSZ3mYhYpX5iBW_Hw/s320/100_5261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Beginning at one corner, stitch across to about 1/2" <b>past</b> the center seam. Backstitch. Stitch from the other corner toward the center for about 1/2". Backstitch again. This will leave about a 3" opening for turning. (In this photo, I will not stitch between the two pins on the right--this will be my opening. The rest of it will be stitched up. <br />
<br />
I forgot to photograph the next step, but...trim the corners and turn the block right side out. (Hint: The corners will be on the bias so be careful when turning so you don't stretch them all out of shape. Voice of experience here.) I use a wooden cuticle stick to help turn them. A knitting needle will work too. Using a pin to help pull out the corners on the outside is helpful. Try to get them as sharp as possible without stretching. <br />
<br />
You will press it out flat, making sure that you line up the seams on both sides as closely as possible. It should look like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm-QwpU-XmOaX9fi5xBGd_n9EJjqOL-6eewCImXIy9K6Qwx82wqFz3A1bjp3hBPJlAz_kGHVLW8A_-RTU6WfVwIWhxhET4oz5cTg5y7rUtEWTrV8-Pr4OXQ7Iyr1Hp87-ddIFXoGGXhw/s1600/100_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm-QwpU-XmOaX9fi5xBGd_n9EJjqOL-6eewCImXIy9K6Qwx82wqFz3A1bjp3hBPJlAz_kGHVLW8A_-RTU6WfVwIWhxhET4oz5cTg5y7rUtEWTrV8-Pr4OXQ7Iyr1Hp87-ddIFXoGGXhw/s320/100_5264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>See how nicely the points meet up in the middle? If you don't have your seams lined up and butting good when you sew the "pocket" your points won't match up on the finished block. I like to pin through my seams and the center before I press it to make sure it is square and both sides will be aligned the same. After pressing, your block should measure about 5 5/8". It will look the same on both sides which makes this quilt "reversible."<br />
<br />
Oh, don't forget that opening where we turned it. You need to press that so that it looks like it is stitched. We'll sew it up in a little while.<br />
<br />
Now for the batting. You will need to cut your batting the size of the block. (should be 5 5/8") Fold or roll the batting and insert it into the opening in the block.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH4i4WPXa-lPiidEP187_zxlGy6l1Q_Pu6mSGl5cq9-Ns62MSTZSnNUU40swAImCh94mFSuEE50LZ8e10GFslxF9vssH-OWpUE2acIqvJj2TNkyZ8YXwNsrwBOnJDCZbC14-l5Pt1kjs/s1600/100_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH4i4WPXa-lPiidEP187_zxlGy6l1Q_Pu6mSGl5cq9-Ns62MSTZSnNUU40swAImCh94mFSuEE50LZ8e10GFslxF9vssH-OWpUE2acIqvJj2TNkyZ8YXwNsrwBOnJDCZbC14-l5Pt1kjs/s320/100_5268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Spread the batting to the edges and corners of the block. A pencil eraser or wooden cuticle stick will help in the process. Make sure the batting is smooth, flat, and all the way to the edges of the block.<br />
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Now it is time to hand stitch the opening closed. (I'm hoping you know how to do this. If not, let me know.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NYr1IHOEYkw6NbfeElfLK9EkH3bgMv-jMLX9l1D4Os7KD7K4jHQxjD7uFnNjOW7Ne9Wbdm1TspqfeTQYkBBS5Jrzypq6saCNAoviKHVFSh1SewSz6s1dyDUre7VTY4yiSkru5qY0LII/s1600/100_5265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NYr1IHOEYkw6NbfeElfLK9EkH3bgMv-jMLX9l1D4Os7KD7K4jHQxjD7uFnNjOW7Ne9Wbdm1TspqfeTQYkBBS5Jrzypq6saCNAoviKHVFSh1SewSz6s1dyDUre7VTY4yiSkru5qY0LII/s320/100_5265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once the opening is stitched, the block is ready to be quilted. I chose to do my quilting on the machine because I'm lazy and I want things to get done quickly. And because I've never done any hand quilting and I was not in the mood to try to learn how. If you are really into doing your quilting by hand, then go for it. If you do it on the machine, a walking foot will help keep it all from shifting. You can choose any quilting motif, just make sure some of it goes all the way to the edges to hold the batting in place. I stitched along the seam lines and then parallel to the seams with 5/8" spacing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGHxMUFjQu0vPd97tzmRDNhfB3o-fNsWpOqgwsNdo-GqjSNY6jmeg21ygjy6LN1IAyUN9cICAfgUkS3MgGblupsQbev_BMGcOmxbmfiCP48W05OPEMSA7cP1BIjf2U6mAL23p-PymxCc/s1600/100_5266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGHxMUFjQu0vPd97tzmRDNhfB3o-fNsWpOqgwsNdo-GqjSNY6jmeg21ygjy6LN1IAyUN9cICAfgUkS3MgGblupsQbev_BMGcOmxbmfiCP48W05OPEMSA7cP1BIjf2U6mAL23p-PymxCc/s320/100_5266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Now the block is finished and ready to assemble. You will mail your finished blocks to me. I will combine all the blocks and sew them together by hand to finish the quilt.<br />
In this picture, all my blocks are not quilted but I've placed them just so you can have an idea how the quilt will look when it is finished.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeIcbCSEOrudikT_bpVT-yyA9Xo25_W-N4w1GpOcco9vVCRdiWgA9KQzPT1751rMgivK50efrsK4Oc9Ud9BUJRobC7UMA2UlIKczsZaqQAJB1BP3T99SsdXPwsPBecgpU2DlABmBIfKQ/s1600/100_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeIcbCSEOrudikT_bpVT-yyA9Xo25_W-N4w1GpOcco9vVCRdiWgA9KQzPT1751rMgivK50efrsK4Oc9Ud9BUJRobC7UMA2UlIKczsZaqQAJB1BP3T99SsdXPwsPBecgpU2DlABmBIfKQ/s400/100_5267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>More about batting:</b><br />
I've labored over this in my mind. There are just shy of a gillion different kinds of batting out there. This quilt needs a thin firm batting. 100% cotton would be best. I'm currently using a poly batting because my sister started me on this project and she just happened to have some thin poly scraps on hand. I didn't have enough so I went to the store and couldn't find exactly the same batting so I bought something "close". I then decided I wanted my quilt a little bigger so I needed still more batting and went back to the store...ended up coming home with some batting that was again, "close" but not exactly the same. So, my quilt is going to have three different kinds of batting in it. They each are minutely different in thickness and texture and body.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, it would be best to have one consistent batting in each block. So how can we accomplish that? I think we have two choices. <b>1.)</b> We can decide what we want to use before we begin and make it our "standard". The only problem with that...what if we all can't find the "standard" in our store? Yes, buying it online is an option but shipping charges can sometimes make an otherwise affordable project unaffordable.<br />
<b>2.)</b> Group members can make the blocks but not stuff or quilt them. I (or whoever is responsible for the final assembly) will take care of the batting, quilting, and assembly. <br />
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Let me know if you have any other ideas. <br />
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The greatest thing about this particular method is that any member can do as little or as much as she wants to do. For example, if you want to just purchase some fat quarters and send them to me, great. You are doing your part and will be a blessing! If you want to use up your scraps and cut them into 4 1/2" squares and send me the squares, that will be great to! Cutting the fabric is my least favorite part. ;) See, even if you don't sew--don't even own a sewing machine, you can be a part of this group. You can do what you can right where you are with what you have to change someone's life for the better. If you want to sew the squares together but don't want to mess with the turning....well, you get the idea.<br />
<br />
At this moment, it seems we have a group of two who want to invest a little time and a little money and a lot of fun into the lives of others. If you are reading this and you want to take part, then comment and give me your contact information. If you know someone else who would like to help, PLEASE, spread the word. I'd love to have enough precious quilters to produce at least 4 quilts in a year. (Wouldn't 12 be great? But that might be pushing it.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.davidandpenelope.com/">Penelope</a>, let's get started.<br />
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(If you want to meet Penelope, the other quilter in the group, head on over to <a href="http://www.davidandpenelope.com/">her blog</a>. She has a nice one.)<br />
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Crocheters and knitters, drag out your yarn scraps and watch for my next post. I'll post some pattern instructions and we'll get started!<br />
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Thank you all for your help!<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-87356508297619928352010-10-25T00:20:00.002-05:002010-10-25T00:22:45.639-05:00Let's make a differenceWhat will they say at your funeral? What will be etched on your headstone?<br />
<br />
I'm not being morbid. I'm asking these questions of myself as well. <br />
<br />
I recently celebrated (On second thought, I didn't exactly <b><i style="color: black;">celebrate</i></b>--it was more like <b><i>suffered through</i></b>.) another 40-something birthday. My hair looks a little whiter every day, and at some buffet restaurants the young little girls at the counter give me the senior discount without asking my age. I've got aches and pains that Aleve can't alleviate, and those squirrels that run around in my head get lost on a regular basis. Yeah, I'm aging, and I'm not going to live forever. Well, not on this planet anyway. Death is a natural part of life, and though I don't dwell on it or even think about it often, I do, from time to time, wonder...will I be remembered when I'm gone? If so, what will be my remembrance? What will they say at my funeral?<br />
<br />
Will they say, "She was so<b> DASHING</b> and <b>BOLD</b>?" I hope so! I hope they will say that--and more. Much, much more.<br />
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I've never wanted fame. Most people have a hard time pronouncing my name, so I'm not expecting it to become a household word. What I <b><i>do</i></b> want--is to make a difference. I want to know that someone's life has been changed for the better because I existed. And the more lives that are changed, the better.<br />
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Over the last several months, my spirit has been impressed, almost obsessed, with the desire to give what I have and do what I can to bring about change in the lives of people. I'm not talking about change via the Obama way. I want to do it God's way.<br />
<br />
I'm reading books, praying, seeking God's guidance, and I still don't feel like I've got a definitive plan. I don't see the whole picture and can't say with certainty what God has "called" me to do. But I know one thing for certain. I'm supposed to be doing what I can--today--every day--no matter where I am or what I have to work with, to change another person's life for the better and bring glory to God in the process.<br />
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Where am I today? Camped in my own back yard. (Not much dashing and bold going on here.)<br />
What do I have to work with? (See my last post) My addiction: yarn and fabric, hooks, needles, a sewing machine, a little know-how, and a few broken hours of time.<br />
What can I do with what I have where I am? Have you heard of <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/?q=node/4">Warm Up America</a>?<br />
<br />
Here it is in a nutshell. Knitters and crocheters from all over the country spend a small amount of time and money to knit or crochet a few (or even just one) 7"x9" rectangle. Those individual rectangles are joined together to make warm blankets which can be donated to homeless shelters, The Red Cross, women's shelters, etc. (Click on the link above and read all about it. Then come back here and finish reading.)<br />
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You know, because of my dashing and bold life, it is hard if not impossible for me to be involved in "group" type activities. Weekly or even monthly meetings? I might be here and I might not. Today I can make plans to attend a meeting tomorrow and before the meeting time I could be on the road three states away. Since nothing is impossible for God...<br />
<br />
I see no reason why Dashing and Bold people can't get together on line and through good old fashioned snail mail to form a new Warm Up America group. Do I have any readers who knit, crochet, or quilt and would like to do something very small to bless someone who needs to feel the warmth of a blanket and God's love?<br />
Or maybe some of you don't have a crafting addiction but would like to help by buying yarn or fabric, or by paying for some postage.<br />
<br />
Won't you join me in this little thing? Please know--one person may not be able to do a lot, but a lot of people can do a little. Those little things, when combined and done for the glory of God, can change a life for the better. If you want to get involved, please leave a comment or click on the link in my menu bar to contact me. I'll need to know how to contact you. Let me know how you would like to help and I'll give you more details as our group comes together. (Even though the WUA web site offers only knit and crochet patterns, I have instructions for making individual quilt blocks that can be combined to make a nice quilt, so our group won't be limited to yarn only.)<br />
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I'm looking forward to hearing from you!<br />
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Where are you and what do you have to work with? What will people say at your funeral?<br />
I would like my marker to read--<b><i>She made a difference. </i></b><br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-59712863012232260322010-10-10T17:26:00.000-05:002010-10-10T17:26:57.839-05:00The projectsWhat in the world is <i><b>wrong</b></i> with me?<br />
I'm like a cow on locoweed. <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
I can't stop myself! I can't seem to control myself. I'm doing needles,thread, hooks, yarn, scraps, patterns, how-to books and videos, scissors, paper, pictures, batting, more patterns..., and I'm constantly looking for something new to try--mixing my fixes!<br />
I need HELP! Is there such a thing as <i>Crafters Anonymous?</i><br />
<br />
<i>Hello, my name is Lavonda and I'm an addict</i>--maybe. How do you know when your hobbies are out of control? I think I might be there.<br />
<br />
I've written before about how the changing fall weather always makes me uneasy even though fall is my favorite time of the year. In the fall my anxiety level is high, and I get that intuitive feeling that doom and gloom might be lurking around every corner. This fall is no exception. In fact, as we are "camped" here at home (fair weather is abundant across the country and no hurricanes have managed to make landfall) that uneasy feeling is running rampant and is easily justified. I am, after all, female. And for me, like most females, knowing that money is coming in at a steady and generous pace seems to help calm my fears and chase away the feelings of doom and gloom. (Can I get an AMEN?)<br />
<br />
I know I'm hard to live with sometimes. Everyone is. But when there is no work and no paycheck and I have fall induced Eeyore syndrome, I can be VERY hard to live with. I'm surprised hubby didn't choked me long ago. <br />
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Aware of my fault, I desire to try and change my perspective so that I won't drive my hubby quite so crazy. (I think that was something I decided to do in 2010.) Along with that, lately I have felt a direction to invest myself in the life of someone else. Now I know WHAT I need to do, the only problem is--I don't exactly know HOW to do it. I've been thinking about it...<br />
<br />
I think I've got squirrels running around where most people have brains. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but I don't have just one squirrel--I have a BUNCH. And they are all running in different directions. (This post is proof.) Anyway---<br />
<br />
My efforts to change my perspective and invest myself has thrown me into a crafting frenzy. I have a friend who said I just need a creative outlet. Maybe. Or maybe I'm just crazy. Either way, I have so many projects going at once that I can't decide what to do! The worst part is, all I can think about is starting another one!<br />
<br />
Since we've been home, I've made three sets of scrubs for one of my kids, put together a scrap book for my mom that I should have done a year ago, started a quilt (I've never done any quilting before), crocheted a pomp-a-doodle scarf, and taught myself to knit. (I'm not good at it yet.) I've got a plastic canvas project I want to do for the granddaughters, (borrowed the pattern from my sister) at least a dozen sewing projects that I have fabric and or patterns for, yarn and pattern for a shawl I want to make, a crochet baby blanket in progress, a newly purchased quilt pattern for the second quilt I want to make though I've only begun the first,...I could go on.<br />
<br />
And what about that photo project I started a while back? The one where I take a picture every day and post them all here on my blog. Speaking of blogs, hasn't it been over a month since I posted anything? Someone tell me:<b> do I have a problem?</b><br />
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One thing's for sure. I have been successful in distracting myself from negative thinking. I've kept my little squirrels very busy, and my husband and I are still happily married. So can an addiction be a good thing? Can being out of control help one control what is usually beyond her control?<br />
<br />
What's that you ask? You want my recipe for locoweed tea?<br />
Sure, I'll get one of my squirrels to fetch it for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
p.s. I'll be back later to discuss helping me "invest" in other lives. Right now I've got to go to church. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-23416780019867131772010-09-10T22:20:00.001-05:002010-09-11T00:16:43.000-05:00It's old newsWe're home!<b><i> And have been for weeks now.</i></b> We pulled into the driveway, I got out of the truck and hit the ground running. I've not had a chance to slow down since! It's always nice to be home, but it is always a busy time as we try to catch up on things around the house that need to be done and visit friends and family in the area.<br />
<br />
The other day hubby asked me something about my blog...like when was I going to post something. Well today is finally the day! It's old news and old pictures by now, but someday when I'm dead and <strike>famous</strike> virtually unheard of, and <strike>loved by all</strike> liked by at least a half of a dozen people, and all my blog posts are published into a book, and it is selling on Ebay for <strike>thousands of dollars</strike>, <strike>75</strike> 10 cents a copy, I don't want there to be any important details left out. So suffer with me here, okay?<br />
<br />
After the work was finished in Chicago, we stopped for a week in Edwardsville, IL where hubby worked a dozen claims and I hung out at the RV park (Red Barn Rendezvous). There was no WiFi service. I did have an air card, but sometimes uploading pictures with one of those is more frustration that I can handle. So I pretty much spent my time reading books and goofing off.<br />
<br />
The campground was small and in the middle of a---you guessed it---ANOTHER CORN FIELD! The last three places we've stayed have been surrounded by corn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRphOKkzVyL2zHh3Yi_mps4C14WVOCpQhwKMDB35_dgSoxvGTja6vyZFFDuP5kGku4ra6zMpQTd6H-67DeP31GQ1rgc0w-Sn3v8Qo-VRI6TPpFb7CxsL5HZIUb9KK5ij8MTUKHxsEjQXY/s1600/100_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRphOKkzVyL2zHh3Yi_mps4C14WVOCpQhwKMDB35_dgSoxvGTja6vyZFFDuP5kGku4ra6zMpQTd6H-67DeP31GQ1rgc0w-Sn3v8Qo-VRI6TPpFb7CxsL5HZIUb9KK5ij8MTUKHxsEjQXY/s200/100_5129.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC1tr9whHE4DOG3Ux7LTjlZqH00kJD5hD6I27QKmUhDsgzu0rzJyOWVt9oSSS3DevX7q6257MlC15Sjfa9hkAwXiSoOzUN-dfxLbdAphKMxO575ythaa0x7v_grmYTISc8pblvrMBmug/s1600/100_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC1tr9whHE4DOG3Ux7LTjlZqH00kJD5hD6I27QKmUhDsgzu0rzJyOWVt9oSSS3DevX7q6257MlC15Sjfa9hkAwXiSoOzUN-dfxLbdAphKMxO575ythaa0x7v_grmYTISc8pblvrMBmug/s200/100_5127.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAhkot3P3aEvSZnRRPmEQu74NKDU5iZ3AEB0CCauVzQozo4lr7X8nHxPM5qXSkDVyA0BlF9Kr3Ivb6U5dVP21aa1WcFY0gvgA280ikRaDdxl4UIMa4ZkP3RhpMFMaoUyikn5fHfyHBtw/s1600/100_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAhkot3P3aEvSZnRRPmEQu74NKDU5iZ3AEB0CCauVzQozo4lr7X8nHxPM5qXSkDVyA0BlF9Kr3Ivb6U5dVP21aa1WcFY0gvgA280ikRaDdxl4UIMa4ZkP3RhpMFMaoUyikn5fHfyHBtw/s200/100_5148.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This time I was prepared with some wonderful steroid nose spray and an inhaler I got from the doctor the last time we were home. I survived quite well.<br />
<br />
The campground was nothing special. Small and quiet, no frills, and lots of little critters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO7q9w4hE8pqKVaiL4qH9tn_EgCwgXGYCvEhw-Og3ScEnBfYDOLYwchM6BdowhmvEktWCnWsPrs-vCyI-CoxjccJoPjlo_DkqLiHwwi3tEgHB_aOKHoHWaO_6Vfrs9McyC89y9I-9zXw/s1600/100_5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO7q9w4hE8pqKVaiL4qH9tn_EgCwgXGYCvEhw-Og3ScEnBfYDOLYwchM6BdowhmvEktWCnWsPrs-vCyI-CoxjccJoPjlo_DkqLiHwwi3tEgHB_aOKHoHWaO_6Vfrs9McyC89y9I-9zXw/s320/100_5123.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1oG7fYDB90iXe5ZVyJ8py2duO8azZCy6BUNQ6ghOnxMdhAUkjsGKDn2G1U5JIYcJWw0m43CALRiKvY69X29XnNRzIzuuDuvhyphenhyphenjQeLpmrtlQI6dKUdm8fvwCVtgNOgJfBssAe1VyEdTA/s1600/100_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1oG7fYDB90iXe5ZVyJ8py2duO8azZCy6BUNQ6ghOnxMdhAUkjsGKDn2G1U5JIYcJWw0m43CALRiKvY69X29XnNRzIzuuDuvhyphenhyphenjQeLpmrtlQI6dKUdm8fvwCVtgNOgJfBssAe1VyEdTA/s320/100_5125.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhvgYVIzbfJdF60xQf3cESwlkPV7oWwgnwXnezFgt-BEdmMpWCHDb6JcGmPvPNiMHX9jRCYQGrqBhvb6tt2pl5GLUnNz6G2E5UXrH_2xsCQmnKskc1PCzQhrMJ4YYzNeKiond2SBPS9k/s1600/100_5131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhvgYVIzbfJdF60xQf3cESwlkPV7oWwgnwXnezFgt-BEdmMpWCHDb6JcGmPvPNiMHX9jRCYQGrqBhvb6tt2pl5GLUnNz6G2E5UXrH_2xsCQmnKskc1PCzQhrMJ4YYzNeKiond2SBPS9k/s320/100_5131.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVFulhhOLihuh3xEbyeEVQt2KAQsgyv1Tz5pc2o16CYDOfhqwRaIAZmYWg6gZseHDOayht2XIGwSCV_mwaorX7izrwSeM6XVhl0IIatwEH_jrB8ePakdaZSZOgyuN8UNxQzCsqgijAEc/s1600/100_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVFulhhOLihuh3xEbyeEVQt2KAQsgyv1Tz5pc2o16CYDOfhqwRaIAZmYWg6gZseHDOayht2XIGwSCV_mwaorX7izrwSeM6XVhl0IIatwEH_jrB8ePakdaZSZOgyuN8UNxQzCsqgijAEc/s320/100_5134.JPG" /></a></div> That's not even a fourth of them, but I'll take into considerations that some of you might not get your kicks from looking at pictures of cement yard ornaments, and I'll stop myself from posting all of them. After all, this blog is supposed to be all about Dashing and Bold stuff, right?<br />
<br />
Now that I think about it, a bright yellow elephant is a bit <b>bold</b>, don't you think?<br />
<br />
While we were in Edwardsville, we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. Now that's dashing and bold!<br />
Since we were just a short distance from St. Louis, MO, we spent our special day there.<br />
<br />
We are not beer drinkers, but we did go to the Busch brewery just to see the Budweiser Clydesdales aka The Hitch. That was a mistake. There were a gillion people there and only three horses. The high dollar horses that make up the teams are kept on various ranches, so the only real reason to go to the brewery is to see the beer making process and get the free samples. We did neither.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PH-IFG9ZJCD2IQUV1sEnplefzEQGjPg0W6PcjzzPMi0ZwULwmdcQWGCkx7DER5Uvt0lhO9UC9lLtOaX7mcqoQY3WQAKAxzc2Ajz82Zs_6eQd0UCKe2018noCl-p26kEkAQdADA9Ndpc/s1600/100_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PH-IFG9ZJCD2IQUV1sEnplefzEQGjPg0W6PcjzzPMi0ZwULwmdcQWGCkx7DER5Uvt0lhO9UC9lLtOaX7mcqoQY3WQAKAxzc2Ajz82Zs_6eQd0UCKe2018noCl-p26kEkAQdADA9Ndpc/s320/100_5046.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3u2CTuGHPbdO9r-Jt3hYyydE4l7S-f3FHSY39b0XSrziMT1bH6z7wWnuF8cDfDN33g6gqP2DPpa79V3LuCjE_4PU1X94dIEmRQsAQVCiCAupwTn-fzMwgI6KL2wCeBMpmvtL_8BOEeM/s1600/100_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3u2CTuGHPbdO9r-Jt3hYyydE4l7S-f3FHSY39b0XSrziMT1bH6z7wWnuF8cDfDN33g6gqP2DPpa79V3LuCjE_4PU1X94dIEmRQsAQVCiCAupwTn-fzMwgI6KL2wCeBMpmvtL_8BOEeM/s320/100_5049.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my beloved of 29 years. Does he look like a tourist or what?</div><div style="text-align: left;">After we drove around the "inner-city" looking for some good St. Louis lunch, we went on down to the river and the arch. Heavy rain the night before had the Mississippi River running high.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is <a href="http://www.harryweber.com/photos/captains_return.jpg">"The Captain's Return." </a>It is a monument to explorers Lewis and Clark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_OTQfXCxl_zsk9KFib-NXerhNvmuzqOH2H588OSSQA0PG0nngE-JqPmw_agT9zdt-6LPA5iKhZkbcwaM6B0MhiI2CB6V2lpf8s9QXjrYLdXcBBjqo2PSsVI13ef-CuYZMH0Vtl8WeeM/s1600/100_5052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_OTQfXCxl_zsk9KFib-NXerhNvmuzqOH2H588OSSQA0PG0nngE-JqPmw_agT9zdt-6LPA5iKhZkbcwaM6B0MhiI2CB6V2lpf8s9QXjrYLdXcBBjqo2PSsVI13ef-CuYZMH0Vtl8WeeM/s320/100_5052.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know which is Lewis and which is Clark, but if the river had been this high the day they returned to the area in 1806, history books might read differently. (click on the link above to see what the monument looks like when it's not drowning in the river.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQMpMXJ87VskrbAt-BiFajqxPY1w1HDRXEme_AWuhPXnFugVQStoAbbxXXCRsxrH7mdDqReHUwgZUj61tEER2xScauR6c1MOacG8qikgLKRAxWK6RxMOASWQCa7eztrMW_CeRjmF9Jcg/s1600/100_5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQMpMXJ87VskrbAt-BiFajqxPY1w1HDRXEme_AWuhPXnFugVQStoAbbxXXCRsxrH7mdDqReHUwgZUj61tEER2xScauR6c1MOacG8qikgLKRAxWK6RxMOASWQCa7eztrMW_CeRjmF9Jcg/s320/100_5053.JPG" /></a></div>Have you visited the arch? The Gateway to the West? It was soooo cool!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincczaE4ll7rnXGOgGsViimpfXUwZJSMnPU14mQz8zNpNbXU7QoLCPuzWfqbComK-82gf6_KxKphAiUFen5uTeHxgU4It3nu5xC3ble8gjI4wKf4yTlbB3nlmBxO7t1-14mOeLcigNjD0/s1600/100_5050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincczaE4ll7rnXGOgGsViimpfXUwZJSMnPU14mQz8zNpNbXU7QoLCPuzWfqbComK-82gf6_KxKphAiUFen5uTeHxgU4It3nu5xC3ble8gjI4wKf4yTlbB3nlmBxO7t1-14mOeLcigNjD0/s320/100_5050.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmhGjy7EBBPY7-XfgAMLf-W-RKLjRor0SNx0tUgFvqEiy6mfDgNNn0RGUAQsjioPgg9b15NIYXHjEb5taN96rBVodXamdw6CzfYGPaO82oB_v5YdznBQc-g-D0LlMJ2T8eO1wD9p_wKc/s1600/100_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmhGjy7EBBPY7-XfgAMLf-W-RKLjRor0SNx0tUgFvqEiy6mfDgNNn0RGUAQsjioPgg9b15NIYXHjEb5taN96rBVodXamdw6CzfYGPaO82oB_v5YdznBQc-g-D0LlMJ2T8eO1wD9p_wKc/s320/100_5051.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAecBFHWHgIh383oIbjiPW8tmAiKykoznv-B3Ln7p-aN7S-bPOZnxhFSIbp6yc7Qtz7UvLFwEV7VzRJ6JPsa4WXylSIQ1yWKN35IPnj1lYnI4P170N5ZU0RVsFEvMNKzPKITNBR4sufkU/s1600/100_5055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAecBFHWHgIh383oIbjiPW8tmAiKykoznv-B3Ln7p-aN7S-bPOZnxhFSIbp6yc7Qtz7UvLFwEV7VzRJ6JPsa4WXylSIQ1yWKN35IPnj1lYnI4P170N5ZU0RVsFEvMNKzPKITNBR4sufkU/s320/100_5055.JPG" /></a></div>From the river you have to climb all these stairs to get to the arch. I counted them just so I could tell you how many there are--then I forgot. I think there were 64, but if you want to be sure, you will have to go and count them yourself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVWxFyiSLybfg6VR_kW3plcb91fjMPKvCncVVXqsTxWtBhDDGUHf0lxFxgDM7rvGcvKX7Xc-Z-CCyz4N1VJJO4uCHd2ceyftgsfdy-BrXduzbukXitLgqXHJ_iq5aEl6M8mDo4j7MEsQ/s1600/100_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVWxFyiSLybfg6VR_kW3plcb91fjMPKvCncVVXqsTxWtBhDDGUHf0lxFxgDM7rvGcvKX7Xc-Z-CCyz4N1VJJO4uCHd2ceyftgsfdy-BrXduzbukXitLgqXHJ_iq5aEl6M8mDo4j7MEsQ/s320/100_5076.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKpwbUQELZwIJ9IacOm9nn2v21f4yWaWxe2bK6cMaEctLvawBrgv5me6IPRK7anJyM_inS_FlvYSmY_WHu5F0tsmY1e64f_-gMvu20iw6jS6VRXJl8eZFY91QqiYqwTskxI1ddaLB4As/s1600/100_5083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKpwbUQELZwIJ9IacOm9nn2v21f4yWaWxe2bK6cMaEctLvawBrgv5me6IPRK7anJyM_inS_FlvYSmY_WHu5F0tsmY1e64f_-gMvu20iw6jS6VRXJl8eZFY91QqiYqwTskxI1ddaLB4As/s320/100_5083.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhF811Yc6kMK2b60xZpQWqS319eryTHqa-N8xRvW00Q8dhSUC7GP0HfdPghxe7IXqWU36VgUzoPIICMzveUeGtST2XYEhJLAzQCvBOrt9xNTvRwtiwIfGriTsmsaicFAZyucZ0j811C4/s1600/100_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhF811Yc6kMK2b60xZpQWqS319eryTHqa-N8xRvW00Q8dhSUC7GP0HfdPghxe7IXqWU36VgUzoPIICMzveUeGtST2XYEhJLAzQCvBOrt9xNTvRwtiwIfGriTsmsaicFAZyucZ0j811C4/s320/100_5079.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qk5GEs0Ux5r3c6RuW96r0na-XIP2qfFsZiMBtqlAX1ctTH5Ob4N4yAaAElS0I05Kmq2LRlAWW51sr8kgAvZ3a8OwKsBUBpISFH56rw_ywegXV5rbUHvgufz2mT-ITuYaYew8stJaHDM/s1600/100_5091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qk5GEs0Ux5r3c6RuW96r0na-XIP2qfFsZiMBtqlAX1ctTH5Ob4N4yAaAElS0I05Kmq2LRlAWW51sr8kgAvZ3a8OwKsBUBpISFH56rw_ywegXV5rbUHvgufz2mT-ITuYaYew8stJaHDM/s320/100_5091.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yvBpuPbttRysFPQn5E7vskUCTQfMpkfhPohYeD0X2-uqlQj4TBAV0S7t9Y4NgmrD3s-l9H8gc-46yHXvW613wP0LLcbd4OC__WpbD5JLeiR2duLl7Rsac0bRuhlAD6wiEMrZM3XFz9Q/s1600/100_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yvBpuPbttRysFPQn5E7vskUCTQfMpkfhPohYeD0X2-uqlQj4TBAV0S7t9Y4NgmrD3s-l9H8gc-46yHXvW613wP0LLcbd4OC__WpbD5JLeiR2duLl7Rsac0bRuhlAD6wiEMrZM3XFz9Q/s320/100_5080.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8RECXtgCzB_TsDShUFpahyphenhyphenbqqNTyElqEqXohnHFU2ptHb9cSbVLyIEEM6XcDOf523jlvpTwBfg4I0Hsj1TaAbtrelB9bWtzxIe94O97yP0DgGOStguh1Sn1n1FSEZt7ypYTOz_sdk40/s1600/100_5093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8RECXtgCzB_TsDShUFpahyphenhyphenbqqNTyElqEqXohnHFU2ptHb9cSbVLyIEEM6XcDOf523jlvpTwBfg4I0Hsj1TaAbtrelB9bWtzxIe94O97yP0DgGOStguh1Sn1n1FSEZt7ypYTOz_sdk40/s320/100_5093.JPG" /></a></div>I could have spent hours and hours taking pictures from different angles as the sun and clouds changed the look of the giant monument.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXCo5Rw3GH701qvTg91MXZ1vbIOzM6S0vtNGGa7X79dngeDjjstZ2Li3VbK3kCtxR8Gf8EpfLLvDq4GsUBeUfheIlyM5KrWbqr5bjfBwI6Vl9pXyY-1v-vYLytxK83KGg1flQUrnWTmA/s1600/100_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXCo5Rw3GH701qvTg91MXZ1vbIOzM6S0vtNGGa7X79dngeDjjstZ2Li3VbK3kCtxR8Gf8EpfLLvDq4GsUBeUfheIlyM5KrWbqr5bjfBwI6Vl9pXyY-1v-vYLytxK83KGg1flQUrnWTmA/s640/100_5088.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>We took a ride in the tiny "pod" elevator to the top. Can you see the little windows way up at the top?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhrnmyaEun4sWqezcp9XtdKMx9_Vpt1WwtryEd_t5VtEXCX2XHgo7dSsMqcpbgnZromZ-MX9vBoY-4KPwS_TpYssjUAdRlo-nuE3ZsbeN2gOZT08TYrh3Hzu8NFZ0-X1d3FnW_7Zpmlg/s1600/100_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhrnmyaEun4sWqezcp9XtdKMx9_Vpt1WwtryEd_t5VtEXCX2XHgo7dSsMqcpbgnZromZ-MX9vBoY-4KPwS_TpYssjUAdRlo-nuE3ZsbeN2gOZT08TYrh3Hzu8NFZ0-X1d3FnW_7Zpmlg/s320/100_5069.JPG" /></a></div>That's where, from 630 feet above the ground, we looked out over St. Louis. What a view!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LVKIgX7NvzPhlyOC3IdT10psBHqmXXLKtPsI_hZt3kHNo4llwnbA0OqjstUNBUj2tYRh4tDVa10hPoaTXofE1fBEKnzAv7wjvHZkZboPSFMWOFjYzXZhiwEFV1Mranz9A4NhWti2RpA/s1600/100_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LVKIgX7NvzPhlyOC3IdT10psBHqmXXLKtPsI_hZt3kHNo4llwnbA0OqjstUNBUj2tYRh4tDVa10hPoaTXofE1fBEKnzAv7wjvHZkZboPSFMWOFjYzXZhiwEFV1Mranz9A4NhWti2RpA/s320/100_5063.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-od_4p4KBy2gYc_ZdjyVH4GpZa_7vpLK0VmgHYE-BqIG7K4o1qsvDuqj3TpCtfQ3ej1z42wBemNTRA67J4FxsJYJeum4CpSpUWzZUm7ODvbC4KEF68bZIlXRtzpp2xdShsrs3d7vktZo/s1600/100_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-od_4p4KBy2gYc_ZdjyVH4GpZa_7vpLK0VmgHYE-BqIG7K4o1qsvDuqj3TpCtfQ3ej1z42wBemNTRA67J4FxsJYJeum4CpSpUWzZUm7ODvbC4KEF68bZIlXRtzpp2xdShsrs3d7vktZo/s320/100_5060.JPG" /></a></div>I zoomed in on Busch Stadium. The Cardinals were playing the Chicago Cubs. I thought that was a little <i>dashing</i> since we had been caught in game day traffic in Chicago just a few days earlier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CrcYQgUKSl_pfoLmOg8_Itd1gAguHPQXIiNOq_ESWl_lV1UcxIChZBVlWkLW0IwSIqMEITyLOQTvzWhyphenhyphenWnQSQ_Y5DQdLYUHfAJbhE5jD6f_N6qJhqc360GDj5J8u1yu97katbddPKTI/s1600/100_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CrcYQgUKSl_pfoLmOg8_Itd1gAguHPQXIiNOq_ESWl_lV1UcxIChZBVlWkLW0IwSIqMEITyLOQTvzWhyphenhyphenWnQSQ_Y5DQdLYUHfAJbhE5jD6f_N6qJhqc360GDj5J8u1yu97katbddPKTI/s320/100_5068.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the view out of the opposing windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoVaBz_AAAVpH6FnXhrnficg7kERfQMiDkX9xSRaIzEAJDO3kMPOXijwTzlZNtUeVPCP82wopC9xUXT8RAcjjGter0g0BeBZmboxnuUeIQ956zPclCZhMJNDI1LrwSdBLO1HZ1wsTO38/s1600/100_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoVaBz_AAAVpH6FnXhrnficg7kERfQMiDkX9xSRaIzEAJDO3kMPOXijwTzlZNtUeVPCP82wopC9xUXT8RAcjjGter0g0BeBZmboxnuUeIQ956zPclCZhMJNDI1LrwSdBLO1HZ1wsTO38/s320/100_5066.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mighty muddy Mississippi River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidImr7e1ppow8ayCYeVdQQwhK6DOiv7aPRi0uugwohuiNdKFcVEqPk_yhNnT7LaxfLuXYyIpRaUZUGE88nSkqXxpLfNkUOQ3VhznsL58XI7hs_BDwd4dA5hq1XQqOIVby7X5av43aftU8/s1600/100_5100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidImr7e1ppow8ayCYeVdQQwhK6DOiv7aPRi0uugwohuiNdKFcVEqPk_yhNnT7LaxfLuXYyIpRaUZUGE88nSkqXxpLfNkUOQ3VhznsL58XI7hs_BDwd4dA5hq1XQqOIVby7X5av43aftU8/s400/100_5100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here is the Tom Sawyer. We had dinner on this boat as we cruised up and down the Mississippi in the moonlight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwysFTJiPrttWHMi0OMqeYf6J1OKv0jkr80dDTi2imhjULe4UnPdfvC6LHf3UHGEwm8IG13ziQKGpmhKtUo31gcNhi53g4r8NADwntGqZbTxTpg7Q0devwuVqZMAVMTuWJOxU-DgCBTs/s1600/100_5106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwysFTJiPrttWHMi0OMqeYf6J1OKv0jkr80dDTi2imhjULe4UnPdfvC6LHf3UHGEwm8IG13ziQKGpmhKtUo31gcNhi53g4r8NADwntGqZbTxTpg7Q0devwuVqZMAVMTuWJOxU-DgCBTs/s400/100_5106.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfj83pbUCO0qqJO_u22eiEae6_X2LqO-Io80AwH01UrJIk0851jfKJKqAPcjYRl_lBax60gJrupTDiBotZfq3h4E2owqwxBonvCk-_SHHvcXDvPADlr6l1mo69Bu35mzJZkorDDR1sAs/s1600/100_5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfj83pbUCO0qqJO_u22eiEae6_X2LqO-Io80AwH01UrJIk0851jfKJKqAPcjYRl_lBax60gJrupTDiBotZfq3h4E2owqwxBonvCk-_SHHvcXDvPADlr6l1mo69Bu35mzJZkorDDR1sAs/s400/100_5113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here's looking forward to tomorrow, our next adventure, and the next 29 years with the love of my life!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiGXGSCQghvlVrAFxTlsb6V83HyTh4ZM0dW9O1MOZzjr5fYz6wMIbR4palMnIQyfH6gsgzdevxI4SIiPyH63I1e3rfSSrNxuFfbASZoHOqMP-uZTdUhjQq8zpfZ8PDoUOmSQ1Smsj0w4/s1600/100_5102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiGXGSCQghvlVrAFxTlsb6V83HyTh4ZM0dW9O1MOZzjr5fYz6wMIbR4palMnIQyfH6gsgzdevxI4SIiPyH63I1e3rfSSrNxuFfbASZoHOqMP-uZTdUhjQq8zpfZ8PDoUOmSQ1Smsj0w4/s320/100_5102.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-16930166372205338212010-09-10T17:23:00.002-05:002010-09-10T17:43:40.032-05:00Book Review--Outlive Your Life by Max LucadoHave you ever labored in prayer over God’s plan for your life? What great thing would He have you do? Do you want to impact your world for God’s kingdom? It might be simpler that you ever imagined. <br />
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In Outlive Your Life You Were Made To Make A Difference, Max Lucado shows us how the first-century church, a group of ordinary, unsophisticated, uneducated people, lived out the teachings of Jesus Christ and changed the world forever. In 2010 God still uses the ordinary, common man who is willing to extend a helping hand and loving heart to a dying world.<br />
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This book not only inspires the reader to step up and reach out, but it also offers practical ideas and advice on how to take the first steps into simple ministry. It is well organized with each chapter clearly covering a wide range of topics such as breaking out of our shell, simple hospitality, preparing for persecution, humility, loving and helping the needy, and more. All sixteen chapters are stuck together with one strong common bond: “You want your life to matter. You want to live in such a way that the world will be glad you did.” We all want to outlive our lives.<br />
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The back of the book contains discussion questions and ideas for action that makes making a difference super simple right where you are. <br />
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Like most of Lucado’s works, this one is full of great quotable one-sentence thoughts that wake you up like a splash of cold water and comforts your soul at the same time. <br />
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I will recommend this book many times.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com </span><http: booksneeze.com=""> book review <span style="font-size: x-small;">bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 </span><http: 16cfr255_03.html="" cfr="" nara="" waisidx_03="" www.access.gpo.gov=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span><br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" /></http:></http:>Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-46113424110212534852010-08-13T21:44:00.001-05:002010-08-13T22:14:58.037-05:00Chicago and beyondOkay y'all--I've been so busy walking uphill to do the laundry, sewing, and trying to adjust to a REALLY bad hair cut, that I've not spent any time blogging. Who wants to read about the the old worn out washer getting out of balance during every spin cycle? And I'm NOT going to show you the bad hair cut! Ugh! I will show you pictures of my sewing projects...in a minute.<br />
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Life really has been pretty dull these past few weeks. The heat, humidity, and misquotes have kept me from taking a paddle boat ride on the lake or playing a round of mini golf. Hubby and I have taken a bike ride around the park most evenings, and aside from the bug bites, that has been the high point of my days.<br />
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Hubby has had about all of the Chicago traffic and crowded streets he can stand, so it was a very thoughtful thing he did last Sunday--took me into the city to look around a bit.<br />
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</style> Here are all of my pictures. I didn't take very many in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>. Where the streets are narrow and the buildings are tall, VERY tall, it is hard to get far enough away from anything to get a good shot. I saw several people who were...um...how should I say it...kinda <b><i>different</i></b>. Like the three guys <s>prissing</s> walking down the street together, all dress identically in sleeveless pink plaid western shirts, (They can't really be western shirts if the sleeves are missing, but they did have those western yokes.) jeans, black belts, and sad (Chicago version) western straw hats. <i>I don't think they were members of a country western band</i>. I thought about taking pictures of them, but decided against it. <br />
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Yeah, some of the folks here are a little different.<br />
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I also saw at least three different stores, within a three block walk, where hundreds of hand blown and artistic bongs were sold. Not my kind of souvenir.<br />
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I enjoyed riding around downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>. The buildings...the crowds...and the confirmation that I'm a country girl. Chicago is an okay place to visit, but I sure wouldn't want to live there! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0d-ccyRP5SdrQTsewirzEb9ZmvsIleltyQe08TRbxyaQ6iIqzDvfMawFjCFqP4f9HmvIZ7GudYAX_A_-Ovgdnbv6tbslBdozap71nshFF7nNKmyzDDjDFVJiFGy4U4GFGVr2z4KGGThc/s1600/100_5001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0d-ccyRP5SdrQTsewirzEb9ZmvsIleltyQe08TRbxyaQ6iIqzDvfMawFjCFqP4f9HmvIZ7GudYAX_A_-Ovgdnbv6tbslBdozap71nshFF7nNKmyzDDjDFVJiFGy4U4GFGVr2z4KGGThc/s400/100_5001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicago's public library</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmhS4bJTfh6TwlNh78vT_4TWC2mqtpCA6IojjFD7ypfV8i2LO-Ir5op_Z7FRbXM6V3c2i7aiM7880RsPxseW9a3MsGEEscOV4uQM4tLhhUhFQWPiSOJHbvIgyak_Ml3KJCy7y6h_UJkY/s1600/100_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmhS4bJTfh6TwlNh78vT_4TWC2mqtpCA6IojjFD7ypfV8i2LO-Ir5op_Z7FRbXM6V3c2i7aiM7880RsPxseW9a3MsGEEscOV4uQM4tLhhUhFQWPiSOJHbvIgyak_Ml3KJCy7y6h_UJkY/s320/100_4997.JPG" /></a></div>Any sports fans out there? We just happened to drive by Wrigley Field right before the game started. People people people people--Oh my goodness the traffic and people! Cops were directing traffic and pedestrians, or at least they were <b>trying</b>. All those Cubs fans were pretty much walking and driving when and where they wanted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hv3ZRWNi1pxq8hNlwL4cU4jI0d6Ev_JohTYAPyyQkgETIW1TAdgnkWj0PRaztaLbWMBJyU5J1RjS7q7yFa9lLI9lvjY335J9YuutqT77nIDgTj8yryoDAiwE2EzWBLd3a7nIPL3Ze4g/s1600/100_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hv3ZRWNi1pxq8hNlwL4cU4jI0d6Ev_JohTYAPyyQkgETIW1TAdgnkWj0PRaztaLbWMBJyU5J1RjS7q7yFa9lLI9lvjY335J9YuutqT77nIDgTj8yryoDAiwE2EzWBLd3a7nIPL3Ze4g/s400/100_4998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>If you can't get tickets inside the ball park, then maybe you can get a seat atop one of the businesses across the street.<br />
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For you football fans, yes we drove by Soldier Field. I was very impressed. It was pouring rain at the time and because there were a lot of activities going on in that part of town that day, there was no place to park. I didn't get a picture. I'm kinda sad about that because it is a cool looking stadium.<br />
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NASCAR fans, don't feel left out. We also drove by and took a look at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. Seen one speedway you've seen em' all, right? Well, maybe not, but I didn't take any photos there either. Gates were locked and we couldn't get very close. But now hubby can say he's been there. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdM7gPbUdjMwqLEc9v5z_sDp-z8G-XAztTnaYvLf_WeaJJ5o_VIu5FQWq7EGsOMjf9TjPn7bTajlgv3RRPQgqqfqcr5LGk_nhRG0F0dDXarXG6_WcN2UQ9qjGk2YsbPI7EXegU0ZEz1g/s1600/100_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdM7gPbUdjMwqLEc9v5z_sDp-z8G-XAztTnaYvLf_WeaJJ5o_VIu5FQWq7EGsOMjf9TjPn7bTajlgv3RRPQgqqfqcr5LGk_nhRG0F0dDXarXG6_WcN2UQ9qjGk2YsbPI7EXegU0ZEz1g/s400/100_4994.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBebRLgl82N8AzkPFUzFpqAC4zzjXdZKASR2lrbpzMCCXNtdjzm6Z0oW7wO_ytKFyKAba9WEhszJoOpkGIotjiILaWWlgYvdIaCwXxCji9sw8I0NL4kuedqHm89u2A5wndXkHaCH4hcg/s1600/100_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBebRLgl82N8AzkPFUzFpqAC4zzjXdZKASR2lrbpzMCCXNtdjzm6Z0oW7wO_ytKFyKAba9WEhszJoOpkGIotjiILaWWlgYvdIaCwXxCji9sw8I0NL4kuedqHm89u2A5wndXkHaCH4hcg/s400/100_4999.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>Look at all those tall skinny houses! How do people live like that? And like it?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDL4HpyKYVc0SS8g4XYq2Ya-E3br5WN_ZPYT54T6z2Xtiy-4_dfP-7pmDes6XZwnAql3VOhKy-gy4v0-7ABk9TgI9fX4kx4hYUCMyX9AkZTI_rY4okwBspQrDlSsGFUnFXyKPrqV_u2Q/s1600/100_5000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDL4HpyKYVc0SS8g4XYq2Ya-E3br5WN_ZPYT54T6z2Xtiy-4_dfP-7pmDes6XZwnAql3VOhKy-gy4v0-7ABk9TgI9fX4kx4hYUCMyX9AkZTI_rY4okwBspQrDlSsGFUnFXyKPrqV_u2Q/s400/100_5000.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>When buildings are this close together, this country girl starts humming that "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twFs9Vk6F0A">Elbow Room</a>" song.<br />
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My favorite part of the day was the little bit of time we spent at Lake Michigan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0AQanPkczx9UrID1YC7k7uX1dVahMTxTd6STDL2AAryXuEsbG4q-C9A0pysqR9ZYOFZI_SwUQONDxvx6DDRLr88IL26nHyuCOK9RNFUfGvA4Ni7lNsv1ZKd6kRV5sdcOJT2nlJG-bSw/s1600/100_5002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0AQanPkczx9UrID1YC7k7uX1dVahMTxTd6STDL2AAryXuEsbG4q-C9A0pysqR9ZYOFZI_SwUQONDxvx6DDRLr88IL26nHyuCOK9RNFUfGvA4Ni7lNsv1ZKd6kRV5sdcOJT2nlJG-bSw/s320/100_5002.JPG" /></a></div>The sky was cloudless. When I got out of the truck down by the lake, helicopters flew over. How many do you see in this picture? The one in the lower left corner...that's a big ol' dragon fly! I was so proud that I was able to catch all three in the same frame! Whoo hoo!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxM5WEOcvE2XlbUEPPlPL7zcdqt9S1a-YTyJoAGpEsJPqkGcLm24ohDMZdiOnvizDmdR4Yc6IzCV61PTKlw_a4QFRZPCNVnloBKnwbQRvFT1Y6PzfnGUIywq2-RboDxKpRiTl3EltHT4/s1600/100_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxM5WEOcvE2XlbUEPPlPL7zcdqt9S1a-YTyJoAGpEsJPqkGcLm24ohDMZdiOnvizDmdR4Yc6IzCV61PTKlw_a4QFRZPCNVnloBKnwbQRvFT1Y6PzfnGUIywq2-RboDxKpRiTl3EltHT4/s400/100_4993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWHr7oMaIiCuRK_Pvmqqa4KmbdKprnFu-f50R4wmITNTVJU9-Qp1PDfuDcD0K1Xfr_xtT8rpS-UVaCw-o3bkCS-0yg9hPZI3KDfGjl-07gPZSEPTqjpdxW99WzCsmvniPcAr9Vf_eJnY/s1600/100_5012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWHr7oMaIiCuRK_Pvmqqa4KmbdKprnFu-f50R4wmITNTVJU9-Qp1PDfuDcD0K1Xfr_xtT8rpS-UVaCw-o3bkCS-0yg9hPZI3KDfGjl-07gPZSEPTqjpdxW99WzCsmvniPcAr9Vf_eJnY/s400/100_5012.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiDEhfdAw_RDlvM5DqsINnSQzzAzPsMuzG4CxvkeSCgPK06rV1P6dSqIKpL1xT7iwF_jHsDpMU52tpJUQrChwol0mT3Xme-3sHgdT3UQqbeG9RQkIz8ejfhwAM_N8Z5eA0dL6cCZE6Yk/s1600/100_5004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiDEhfdAw_RDlvM5DqsINnSQzzAzPsMuzG4CxvkeSCgPK06rV1P6dSqIKpL1xT7iwF_jHsDpMU52tpJUQrChwol0mT3Xme-3sHgdT3UQqbeG9RQkIz8ejfhwAM_N8Z5eA0dL6cCZE6Yk/s400/100_5004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The water was so blue and so clear! Absolutely beautiful!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fNdOLrIJMc399WWGekqi-RfduBCZnfooDDDe1XOBg_S9_UnaOqj3IrJ_1RPTwFFvExS9p_fxAYpqW0nIhN1vJ5MLRPxWdQ3UEUKEb6FD_xTyXiHM8NxFofVZo_QewaZJe3xGsURk99Y/s1600/100_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fNdOLrIJMc399WWGekqi-RfduBCZnfooDDDe1XOBg_S9_UnaOqj3IrJ_1RPTwFFvExS9p_fxAYpqW0nIhN1vJ5MLRPxWdQ3UEUKEb6FD_xTyXiHM8NxFofVZo_QewaZJe3xGsURk99Y/s400/100_5026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a hot day--so hot the birds were panting.</div><br />
The best part of our lake visit was it enabled me to make progress in completing my <b><i>toe dippin'</i></b> project. What's that? Well, I have a goal. I want to dip my toes in all the major bodies of water that surround this great country. So far I've dipped my toes into the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Ontario, ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-dQafRpbokpCdnrSr1gLoDjhz7KVhCrN4V1gCkgcMv1kOpiMn4IMubK7zEVhY55Fk-ZR9kaUTG4A7YCPYrWB-X8P3LbgmTLTEG_8qcVS9aMTznjM78iJQxFAtCI5TLEvvtwmJmFQK0/s1600/100_5013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-dQafRpbokpCdnrSr1gLoDjhz7KVhCrN4V1gCkgcMv1kOpiMn4IMubK7zEVhY55Fk-ZR9kaUTG4A7YCPYrWB-X8P3LbgmTLTEG_8qcVS9aMTznjM78iJQxFAtCI5TLEvvtwmJmFQK0/s400/100_5013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> and now Lake Michigan. Just three lakes to go! I'm trying to decide if I should add the Alaskan Gulf and the Bering Sea to my list. What do you think? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgE0Bpd4giO1iKFy0EHbRmmmFjH8aaF9ZmxyWdZivtQbLx20t4uxoA_gzcmg7QcREvqrMmZChsMg4gtjLeaShAYleHyTNxCelEstnhyphenhyphenk6T87vKAM5GZdlkbdNPNfgleIwY4X4Cj5zIYI/s1600/100_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgE0Bpd4giO1iKFy0EHbRmmmFjH8aaF9ZmxyWdZivtQbLx20t4uxoA_gzcmg7QcREvqrMmZChsMg4gtjLeaShAYleHyTNxCelEstnhyphenhyphenk6T87vKAM5GZdlkbdNPNfgleIwY4X4Cj5zIYI/s400/100_5023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While wading in the lake, I saw this cute little heart shaped rock. All together now...AWWwwww.<br />
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That about does it for our day in the big city. We did take a few minutes on a different day and checked out the old Joliet prison. It has been in several <a href="http://www.visitjoliet.com/in_the_movies.html">movies</a> over the years. With all the hype you'd think they would offer tours, but driving around the outside is the whole experience. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVROx023E8YuyVn0BXp-Q2VSkEtGnRrKLcUEnnYe6Y0dYrTqOh6UeVodBE-bRxANsAciUn1f24MO19T_eKa9YkFNFl8uaegyUu_hKkNNdIoT8c7AZUq_GcPlOXDosPFroC8u59SrENpg/s1600/100_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVROx023E8YuyVn0BXp-Q2VSkEtGnRrKLcUEnnYe6Y0dYrTqOh6UeVodBE-bRxANsAciUn1f24MO19T_eKa9YkFNFl8uaegyUu_hKkNNdIoT8c7AZUq_GcPlOXDosPFroC8u59SrENpg/s400/100_5043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">There was this sign on the fence though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDrAVUDDiDYeR58e58DenVxeGxFdYK-nw1QS29i5RgVc7FG_5j8M2bS8xRruJUexyPmg1bawP86lpi44qLT5F50ohADizgfrhDWTQK1R7YG5J3xt9QVR3x2bBqSCzplLtnLy_2OwZLHY/s1600/100_5044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDrAVUDDiDYeR58e58DenVxeGxFdYK-nw1QS29i5RgVc7FG_5j8M2bS8xRruJUexyPmg1bawP86lpi44qLT5F50ohADizgfrhDWTQK1R7YG5J3xt9QVR3x2bBqSCzplLtnLy_2OwZLHY/s320/100_5044.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well DUH! I don't know why this made me laugh, but it did.</div>Now we've said goodbye to Chicago and moved on down the road. Ever heard of Edwardsville, IL? Me neither--until now. We will be here a week and then, if we are not redeployed, will be homeward bound.<br />
So, a new campground, a new laundry room, and another page in this adventure. I'll be looking for the dashing and bold!<br />
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Oh yeah! Before I go, I did promise to show you my sewing projects. Do I have any seamstress readers? If so, what are you sewing?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bnze-dzXKCw1SAWLpuFc9wXWne3Lor6T17dhWBQ37-JpnK-diGXG9hkZAm_oVXBK0UqGfmWtPsMA-V1EZyGykKskpZl6iuuvL1XEGl4zz-YT2ZX40bfCxjc7ZTyXSDTtnp90v56Vfmk/s1600/apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bnze-dzXKCw1SAWLpuFc9wXWne3Lor6T17dhWBQ37-JpnK-diGXG9hkZAm_oVXBK0UqGfmWtPsMA-V1EZyGykKskpZl6iuuvL1XEGl4zz-YT2ZX40bfCxjc7ZTyXSDTtnp90v56Vfmk/s320/apron.jpg" /></a></div>This is a "retro" apron I made for <a href="http://writeforhim.blogspot.com/2008/11/want-to-see-something-funny-or-tribute.html">a friend</a>. I had fun making it and was tempted to keep it for myself. (Aren't I awful?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYSLukc03yHD4uYE3j-1kcM7-GFwL_IM2ttrkyrBD3H00y6_-USlh7RMrilTbZ38VKxDBNeGmONFYL5HZ2NmbR59f5byUfzl9lIa7R7eL9cEz-_4-rsvkgi2Q-RCDmEIsqBvmpy6M1nc/s1600/robe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYSLukc03yHD4uYE3j-1kcM7-GFwL_IM2ttrkyrBD3H00y6_-USlh7RMrilTbZ38VKxDBNeGmONFYL5HZ2NmbR59f5byUfzl9lIa7R7eL9cEz-_4-rsvkgi2Q-RCDmEIsqBvmpy6M1nc/s320/robe.jpg" /></a></div>I wanted a new summer robe. If this doesn't wake me up in the mornings I don't know what will! What can I say...Bold isn't it!?!<br />
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<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305573774372669892.post-83689498746773394582010-08-02T23:12:00.000-05:002010-08-02T23:12:11.904-05:00Leisure LakeOne of the biggest challenges in this dashing and bold adventure is finding a place to make a temporary home. You can't park one of these big babies just anywhere. Well, not if you want to live comfortably for an extended period of time. You need to find something better than a Wal-Mart parking lot.<br />
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Can you believe, that in all of Chicagoland, we found only three options? One was affordable--a church camp. It had only 30 amp spaces to offer and we would have to move from space to space to space as different camps began and ended. Since hubby comes home exhausted and often works late into the night on paperwork, the thought of having to break camp and move over a few spaces once a week didn't excite us. And on hot days, when I want to run the AC and the microwave at the same time, 50 amp electrical hook-up comes in handy. There was no laundry facility on site either.<br />
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Our second and third and ONLY other options were pricey! Competitive in price with one another, but pricey. We picked the one that would place us about 45 miles instead of 60 miles from the area where hubby is working. (Can we say <i>commute</i>?) <br />
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<b>Leisure Lake Membership Resort</b>. Sounds all fancy and important doesn't it? Yes, well, you must be a member of one of a few exclusive clubs to stay here. I don't like to brag, but we have been card carrying Good Sam members for quite some time, so they welcomed us with open arms.<br />
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Okay you can stop laughing now. Don't worry, I've not started hobnobbing with the rich and famous. But it just goes to show that an important sounding name doesn't always mean a whole lot.<br />
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When we arrived, and after we presented our <i>membership card, </i>the lady in the office was cordial and efficient in assigning us a space. She asked how long we planned to stay. <i>Oh how many times have we been asked that question? And how many times have we tried to explain that we don't have ANY idea, and WHY we don't have any idea! </i>This lady, like most campground managers, listened to our rambling explanation with a noncomprehending blank stare, then asked again, "And so how long will you be here?"<i> Sheesh!</i><br />
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They always want to know because for some reason the length of your stay has something to do with which site they give you. "I want to put you in a spot where you can be happy," she said.<br />
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I had the urge to tell her, <b><i>Lady, you don't even know me or anything about me. What makes you think you know what will make me happy?</i></b> (I was road-weary.) But y'all can be so proud of me. I held my tongue.<br />
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Unlike the<i> resort</i> where we stayed in Ohio, this place does have the amenities to justify calling itself a resort. Most of these amenities are showing some age, use, and abuse, but there are plenty of things here to keep a body entertained. Tennis courts, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPDYEHg06OMkEVSkbMSTuAug-NpajUwF2xEjD0tL4E6y-l9H0aUkcPfA9U4Ry_5sFJZlkdEccrjEm0BS0jGmc0XNwMRMO8MIckIkdE9oibKb5o2T8hBYW5ib5TeKG8r9Q195lUvjIOpg/s1600/swimming+hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPDYEHg06OMkEVSkbMSTuAug-NpajUwF2xEjD0tL4E6y-l9H0aUkcPfA9U4Ry_5sFJZlkdEccrjEm0BS0jGmc0XNwMRMO8MIckIkdE9oibKb5o2T8hBYW5ib5TeKG8r9Q195lUvjIOpg/s320/swimming+hole.jpg" /></a></div>a swimming hole with a man made beach, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbzZ_4qqh_T3aHB41Gaila7J_50uxxPAgMjnGMNlsTUGHw_7Kw9EEKmYmp6VuBQxuObdhzN2ItElKBEWafqwk5sTnYvTVVWpKqYzgE3ilaSg_vIRgR6bzkDEVtxbpiLTDZLlu6rijrPY/s1600/pool+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbzZ_4qqh_T3aHB41Gaila7J_50uxxPAgMjnGMNlsTUGHw_7Kw9EEKmYmp6VuBQxuObdhzN2ItElKBEWafqwk5sTnYvTVVWpKqYzgE3ilaSg_vIRgR6bzkDEVtxbpiLTDZLlu6rijrPY/s320/pool+side.jpg" /></a></div>a swimming pool with plenty of sunning chairs,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVsdPKtqSx5V5bWSnrdFMx3ra55mzGUnib2QUA4pJpFeHjZ09r4eSOw7GgUdFqpNZZR5UMvV6Xbc7IMTwZV4OK2uhXaUa733GnAwle2DvD9bUU7xelZaDsnrfFxPt0HBU09OkY4lxesg/s1600/club+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVsdPKtqSx5V5bWSnrdFMx3ra55mzGUnib2QUA4pJpFeHjZ09r4eSOw7GgUdFqpNZZR5UMvV6Xbc7IMTwZV4OK2uhXaUa733GnAwle2DvD9bUU7xelZaDsnrfFxPt0HBU09OkY4lxesg/s320/club+house.jpg" /></a></div>a club house that reeks of stale cigarette smoke,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EMnWSzhTGCf1ciNXKsOeP-NMRgu6HCxPwF2q97rFpDyrpEPv1bYr6g1d3y0w8Ffnm4ZQqGhGq3K5MMvQTbA7D47mf2J2z2Q4I94zqV55qlxTGGAy0uv9djb12IQqt96iuthUbH3KsEQ/s1600/100_4975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EMnWSzhTGCf1ciNXKsOeP-NMRgu6HCxPwF2q97rFpDyrpEPv1bYr6g1d3y0w8Ffnm4ZQqGhGq3K5MMvQTbA7D47mf2J2z2Q4I94zqV55qlxTGGAy0uv9djb12IQqt96iuthUbH3KsEQ/s320/100_4975.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and a lake in which you can row a boat or take a paddle boat ride...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfuzAxC9eRJRR8J_W0izGr5tepPqUWUzMC7iEfzGvuLJqq5N_JqZ3Xb0Ex1klTKsjoceriU-IaIaj0u0Ndch5yK9XZZkOYyKbQRV2xGfTpvzA7tAc5aKIR0qftkreMh2NmTzGbzuAwE/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfuzAxC9eRJRR8J_W0izGr5tepPqUWUzMC7iEfzGvuLJqq5N_JqZ3Xb0Ex1klTKsjoceriU-IaIaj0u0Ndch5yK9XZZkOYyKbQRV2xGfTpvzA7tAc5aKIR0qftkreMh2NmTzGbzuAwE/s320/boat.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and catch fish or two.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeiNfya328lTYf1ezfySbX8okhhAz38M7XoIyjAdv9SBSN5bN5ZgDfjZ8Eso9tG0BbMtkYetV7xyEGp4DF6msNakGq24zydQ6HEOHgmQx2ssaI7JnQZJ39vJAbvIa-mwaQk1UPPA0pSs/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeiNfya328lTYf1ezfySbX8okhhAz38M7XoIyjAdv9SBSN5bN5ZgDfjZ8Eso9tG0BbMtkYetV7xyEGp4DF6msNakGq24zydQ6HEOHgmQx2ssaI7JnQZJ39vJAbvIa-mwaQk1UPPA0pSs/s320/fish.jpg" /></a></div>There is even a mini golf course that we can play...for FREE! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpz4nl10sh6RdOwPXvS7zl6ja-czywmytWIP-c1_JnxON4C1j_r2RhRQ2cnJK_ujrSSU0oUiC8d3HjY8CSIkUXN2VzvIEeSOIBpvuUWuAORNPjJqIDloBK_OPhhikihfd07yP3te9SxY/s1600/minigolf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpz4nl10sh6RdOwPXvS7zl6ja-czywmytWIP-c1_JnxON4C1j_r2RhRQ2cnJK_ujrSSU0oUiC8d3HjY8CSIkUXN2VzvIEeSOIBpvuUWuAORNPjJqIDloBK_OPhhikihfd07yP3te9SxY/s320/minigolf1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcaLbgTLLxntjcYAUGoQWU83qxX3eZzgfuVhg5MXVX7G9I7Wk8b2CvFQbs4r4dVkDLkNEwQ1CYTusaIiXsUdvKc8gJYR7b7fYCSK2SQHarbYzIGG8ifc6MwTLRNpCoEJIIp5vvuea2Ew/s1600/minigolf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcaLbgTLLxntjcYAUGoQWU83qxX3eZzgfuVhg5MXVX7G9I7Wk8b2CvFQbs4r4dVkDLkNEwQ1CYTusaIiXsUdvKc8gJYR7b7fYCSK2SQHarbYzIGG8ifc6MwTLRNpCoEJIIp5vvuea2Ew/s320/minigolf2.jpg" /></a></div>I'm feeling sorry for this little squirrel. I can't decide if a frustrated golfer attacked him with a putter, or if he ate one too many golf balls and had some bad indigestion! <br />
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No matter how much leisure there is at a resort, there are always a few things that keep life...well...you know...DASHING AND BOLD.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cXIzgzQB8WXjbRqHQXsd6_zQD1jpCdn_2CximtWq_kjdNEGHK8HQf25gurmw8MdInnEUU9D73k5ddJinbWNxyYmaTw0sYQqPzy064R_tl_j1bgpgvE_rDUbcjPzTX3z6JF-xno1TuOg/s1600/laundry+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cXIzgzQB8WXjbRqHQXsd6_zQD1jpCdn_2CximtWq_kjdNEGHK8HQf25gurmw8MdInnEUU9D73k5ddJinbWNxyYmaTw0sYQqPzy064R_tl_j1bgpgvE_rDUbcjPzTX3z6JF-xno1TuOg/s320/laundry+room.jpg" /></a></div>Like the laundry facility. There are three washers and two dryers to service a campground that has way over 200 camping sites. And these machines are 20 years old if they are a day! I have to walk about 450 paces, uphill both ways, toting heavy bags of clothes...there is no AC...<br />
No, I'm not complaining...I'm just saying...<br />
<br />
Then there is the issue of electricity. We pay an extra dollar per day to have 50 amp service, yet most of the time our voltage meter looks like this. And worse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIduRcnz7YV8xDfF4TtzQcXey40pzsZvCoLDICMMCME8eclpf1Ni0kWdJhoLKKFjbQtqPGf4GKS1WF-NlKQ2tYjUSbGG54sMHzq1IM7JwzeGqKnYwRW8RyD6xql6NrUJSQrtqH0GnNV0/s1600/voltage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIduRcnz7YV8xDfF4TtzQcXey40pzsZvCoLDICMMCME8eclpf1Ni0kWdJhoLKKFjbQtqPGf4GKS1WF-NlKQ2tYjUSbGG54sMHzq1IM7JwzeGqKnYwRW8RyD6xql6NrUJSQrtqH0GnNV0/s320/voltage.jpg" /></a></div>I'm no expert on elctrical power. In fact, I really don't understand anything about it except flip a switch and lights come on, but I DO know that little needles should be in the green. When it isn't, the air conditioner, microwave, and various other appliances do not run at full power.<br />
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On the far side of the park is a big corn field<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tnDZYBdC1kb2t_-2nWnhRFq4s9qu5ua48-2FBdP1EswUyLAoxWg3IC80k2Kh4WjV4Fv6JyOJQOp8dn-cU2vrCPyDxPQjnhvk62fETFb3YXtzivTkP8BU7xpKaMibWOY3YuHaVP-Yzgc/s1600/corn+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tnDZYBdC1kb2t_-2nWnhRFq4s9qu5ua48-2FBdP1EswUyLAoxWg3IC80k2Kh4WjV4Fv6JyOJQOp8dn-cU2vrCPyDxPQjnhvk62fETFb3YXtzivTkP8BU7xpKaMibWOY3YuHaVP-Yzgc/s320/corn+field.jpg" /></a></div>and the lake has plenty of cattails. There is no shortage of allergens even in Chicagoland.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDNHwST7dV0I6W5Otx9Pl88TQbzF-mPYfWnE7VFvC-Y3np419FOiPApmndZVsnNWpZQTjCNz44uZXUjHkYYHTk2Fq_B5ozkMwX3DJq3bHV7LxlzjNa-03z5gRcxRzl8b5CqARa4xN0Hk/s1600/cat+tails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDNHwST7dV0I6W5Otx9Pl88TQbzF-mPYfWnE7VFvC-Y3np419FOiPApmndZVsnNWpZQTjCNz44uZXUjHkYYHTk2Fq_B5ozkMwX3DJq3bHV7LxlzjNa-03z5gRcxRzl8b5CqARa4xN0Hk/s320/cat+tails.jpg" /></a></div>On our side of the resort, opposite the cornfield, is a very busy, very noisy freeway. A nice row of trees block it from view, but if I get too bored, I can count trucks as they roar by.<br />
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I know you've been wondering about the space we were assigned. You know, the one that the lady thought would make us happy.<br />
Have you ever arrived at church late on Easter Sunday and had to sit in the "overflow" section? Yeah, our site is comparable. But it's okay...not much activity in the overflow section and the neighbors aren't too close. But, like from the church overflow pew, the view isn't the best. While many of the sites have a nice view of the lake, we see the RV storage lot out our big window.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslQUBgoTy7ZMpgR7ahDvphgckZ1_BcYHFsdNXM048lZaqa7bBZqL_n5bBFFjuMdcGXLeuD7RaR6CtUqZp8QXlKAiMyJ6N23BdFhLVrw5y3Sc1MEurBnIRc8bz8B6-mZyzUG5TR6vzWfI/s1600/100_4989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslQUBgoTy7ZMpgR7ahDvphgckZ1_BcYHFsdNXM048lZaqa7bBZqL_n5bBFFjuMdcGXLeuD7RaR6CtUqZp8QXlKAiMyJ6N23BdFhLVrw5y3Sc1MEurBnIRc8bz8B6-mZyzUG5TR6vzWfI/s640/100_4989.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A little leisure, a few challenges--it's all good. You want to know why? It's because I am happy, and this resort and our assigned site has NOTHING to do with it.<br />
<blockquote><span class="reftext"></span>I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. <span class="reftext"></span>I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/4-12.htm"><b></b></a></span>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. <span class="reftext"></span><b>I can do everything through him who gives me strength.</b> <i>Philippians 4:10-13.</i> </blockquote><br />
<img alt="Lavonda" src="http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab87/L_Pflug/blog%20graphics/lavonda_sig08.png" title="Lavonda" />Lavonda Pflughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00537591041005129720noreply@blogger.com8