Is it Done, Are we through?

Wow, this has been a winter to remember and for some still going. This is the type of winter that can make people give up and move south, even some of those who moved here to get out of the heat of the south. Its been brutal and the south has already experienced the tragic Lion of spring.

But I see hope in the sky of the harshness of winter being gone. Yes, its still winter and in the 30s but when you experienced average temperatures in single or negative digits, that is a heat wave.

IMG_20190222_161621_1 — Wonderful blue sky today

So now that it is beginning to thaw, the dangers of melt occur. Living on the upper Mississippi River, it catches the melt and swells the river well out of it’s bank causing flood damage and further north of us around other rivers and tributaries that flow into the Mississippi, it is still snowing, creating more to melt. I think for us, it is done but are already under a flood watch. We may see the flurrying or even the less than an incher come though but the heavy stuff I think is done. I think last total I saw was just over 56″ for the season which was only 1/2 inch short of an all time record for this area. It started snowing mid January and didn’t quit until last week, with temps dropping often into the negatives, the worst being -34 and that day we had wind chill of -51. I always thought it odd how dirty snow gets as it is melting, some is totally black.

IMG_20190309_125548 — Oh look, another pothole, small but still…

As we ready ourselves to move into another season, and I know some of you are looking for relief from the heat, let us remember that there is usually always a silver lining somewhere. Sometime you just have to look harder for it. Or maybe you are that silver lining that someone desperately needs. Remember to be the spark of sanity in an major chaotic situation and be kind.

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Funny Dog Memes

Bordering on the humorous to the ridiculous I submit the silliness of my dog’s favorite sleep position. She has 2 speeds…on guard or sleep and sleep is definitely more interesting.

She truly is a mistreated animal. Hmmm. She is currently pacing as she knows something is up. It’s Friday night, and Friday night is eat out night. They are not going anywhere but mom still has on her shoes. Something is definitely up. So she waits and watches.

In about 10 minutes, as we just got the notice that the food delivery is on it way, there will be total chaos and loud barking as a stranger has pulled in front of the house. We run from window to window telling the world “Danger Danger!!”

Then when the food gets inside the reality of “Food – whats for me, can I have some, can I can I can I.” So goes the life of living with a dog. A life I would be miserable without. There is just something special of sharing your home with fur babies. Even with the mishaps that inevitably go with it. The joy they bring far out weight the mishaps.

So I remind you as with all of my post to be kind. But this time I lean it toward out fur babies. Without their devotion to us, we would not have that extra dose of love handed to us with no questions asked.

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Our Firm Foundations

The foundations of anything is what holds it in place, whether it be philosophical or literal. Today we are talking literal, like the foundation of a building. How important is that and putting that foundation in correctly keeps the building from falling down. Still I am talking of another foundation – our foundation – our feet. Have you ever thought how important our toes are and how they keep us from falling over, although some days the toes can’t even correct my error in judgement of just how far over I can reach.

As most of you know I had surgery on my left foot in August of last year and then the right foot in November. Too many years on a concrete manufacturing floor with steel toed shoes combined with a possible birth defect of misalignment of the metatarsal bone going to the big toe that didn’t help the situation. So last week when I went back for a check up and the Dr was not happy with the foot movement(or lack thereof) for the right foot. The big toe was practically frozen in place and the ankle will bend down but does not come past the standing 90 degrees. So those of you who run will totally understand the need for the mechanics of the foot to move correctly to maintain balance. Where as now, I still walk like a penguin.

detail_foot — Yea, my foot wont bend like this

Today we started physical therapy. It seems my ham string is also frozen as my calf muscle will hardly support me pulling the toes upward while standing on the floor. The right foot is better but we are working on both, plus daily exercises at home. I know how very important the nerves are as well but never thought they had anything to do with my brain telling my toe to move. How very complex our bodies are and how wonderfully beautiful they are as well. My goal was to be walking by spring with my camera – well the snow cover is still too much for that but next week we are supposed to be seasonal temps of the 40s. Wow, what a heat wave. Looking at 6-8 weeks of therapy so maybe by Easter I will be less penguin-ish. So my friends who run, run a few step for me. This has been a long healing haul but I am still hopeful this will take care of a lot of walking issues.

In closing I am reminded of the beauty I see still around me as well of the sadness and I am reminded of just how lucky I am. So as we see those who also struggling let us remember to always be kind. Your kind gesture may be the only kind thing that one person sees that day.

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A Tuesday Funny

There are things that we see from to time that inspire us, make us feel small, scare us or just make us laugh at the absurdity of it all. That is what this post is about. If we don’t laugh from time to time, we become an old stick in the mud. So I challenge you today to relax and be absurd along with me. I saw this the other day and it made me laugh out loud at its ridiculousness but also its grain of truth.

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Share the love in laughter with those who need it and watch it brighten their day.

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Winter Ramblings

I don’t know about any of you but I am DONE with winter this year. I haven’t felt much like writing, am tired of being cold and am so tired of snow and ice EVERYWHERE. Yesterday, the 4th of March was the coldest March 4th on record for this area…ever.Ugh! And it has really taken a toll on our roads. Coming from the south where you don’t have these -34 degree days, it is so much easier to maintain the roads. Of course when it does snow there, everyone looks at each other and says “What do we do now? Oh yea, empty the stores of bread and milk.” But they do them same if a hurricane is coming. Guess its the go to norm.

A lot of the roads here are concrete, which in these bitter temps get brittle, then we throw salt on them that eats the concrete as well as your car, then we run a snow plow on them scrapping up anything that dare be loose. And don’t get me started on the parking lots.

The older roads are cobblestone which in my book is a fancy word for brick. The road in front of my house is cobblestone. One of the oldest roads in town and one of the few not paved over. There is not a single pot hole. You have a few ‘waves’ but if you don’t drive like a typical teenager, they are fine. But saying that, it does amaze me how fast even adults drive on this road. 1 – its a neighborhood, 2- its cobblestone. I can hear you coming 2 blocks away with your tires running across those bricks.

I also find it interesting that to pave over the brick they use asphalt. Don’t know if that is an economical option or the only option for cobblestone. But as the asphalt break up, the cobblestone shows through in seeming good condition. So it make me wonder and ramble on through my frozen winter thoughts.

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Today it warmed up to 18 degrees but a wind of 24 mph gives you feel a very cold wind chill. The formula for figuring wind chill is a little beyond my desire to really know what it is. Take my word for it, its cold. But I wanted out so out I went. I stopped at the bridge park and it is still a sheet of ice but the geese were there nibbling at what little grass they could find. Then a beautiful bald eagle flew by and settled in one of the oak trees near the water’s edge of the park. I wanted to get closer to get a better picture but it was too icy.

IMG_20190305_131713 — Eagle is the dark spot, middle outer limb on middle tree. The white ground is ice.

When it gets warm I will get some good shots of the eagles as they live all along the rivers in this area. Meantime, enjoy the geese. They were so interesting to watch as they would be up on only one leg while keeping the other leg warm then switch legs or just sit down to keep the wind off their kegs.

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According to the current forecast, this past Monday should be the last negative temperature day for the season. Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the mid 20s. That will feel like a heat wave compared to what the last 7 weeks have been like. And hopefully by the weekend, the polar vortex will have moved on and give us more seasonal temps.

So as we dream of warmer days that may be coming within a couple weeks, let’s remember to share our warm thoughts with others and to be kind.

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Undying Love

Again I have been inspired by a photograph from Heaven’s Sunshine. Irene Tron takes wonderful pictures of nature which I have used several times to write about. Her photo called Holding On amazed me as the petals of one flower seem to wrap themselves around a fellow flower as it died. It spoke of the fellowship we should all have in taking care of each other as we go through the trials of life. If you have not visited Irene’s blog, I suggest it. It is a good read and has wonderful photography.

MY DEAREST, MY DARLING

My dearest, my darling, I will always love thee

When remembering the beauty we both loved to see.

The swaying of the wind as it moved through our lives

Through good times and bad, we managed to survive.

I wrap my fingers tightly around your growing limp hand

In hopes to keep you from falling down to cold hard sand.

I reach back in memory of all that we had and share

Thinking those who don’t know us may not even care.

Remember this my darling as you are taken away from me

You are my dearest my darling, I will always love thee.

-Anita Neal-

And as always I close in reminders to always show your kind side. The kindness you share may be the only kindness felt by the one recipient.

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God is Everywhere if You Look

Part of my duties as church secretary is to keep the main bulletin board current. With permission, I squared a small section on one end to create an Encouragement corner where I post encouraging quotes and pictures I find or scriptures that get quoted against beautiful photographs. I think it is important to lift up the inside of the church as well as the out reach and lifting up of those not in the church. I ran across this little bit of science that I thought interesting. Some of you may already know of this and some may not think much of it but I thought most interesting and decided to write about it today. In my opinion, God shows us all through nature as well as in science that he does indeed exist. You just have to look and believe.

Below is a picture of the molecular structure of Laminin. Look familiar?

Laminin

Laminin is a protein that is part of the extracellular matrix in humans and animals. The extracellular matrix (ECM) lies outside of cells and provides support and attachment for cells inside organs (along with many other functions). Laminin has “arms” that associate with other laminin molecules to form sheets and bind to cells. Laminin and other ECM proteins essentially “glue” the cells (such as those lining the stomach and intestines) to a foundation of connective tissue. This keeps the cells in place and allows them to function properly. The structure of laminin is very important for its function (as is true for all proteins).

I am reminded of the phrases we use when apprehensive about a situation referring it to “my gut instincts”. There has been quite a bit of research linking gut, heart and brain responses to situations. If I remember correctly, ancient expression of love came from the gut, not the heart. All of this boils down to, for me anyway, is that God is in you, all around you and always there for you. You just have to be aware and let Him love you only as He can. His love for you goes beyond our understanding.

If you are a parent, you understand the love of a child. God’s love for us is exponentially greater. Let His love radiate from you, through you and around you. And as you feel it share it with others. But even on days when you don’t feel it, if you try to share His love and kindness to others, it will flip around and come back to you. So always try to be kind.

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Fog Symbolizes Life

Last week Debbie Smyth of Traveling with Intent posted a picture called Trees in black and white that inspired me so I borrowed it and wrote this poem comparing the scariness of fog to the scary uncertain things of life. We can’t always see where we are going but we can always be assured that God is with us so be encouraged. In the old testament, Moses remind the people that God is always with you. Deuteronomy 31:6 says “Be strong and courageous. Do not afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” In the new testament, Paul also reminds us of God always be there for us. Hebrews 13:5b says “because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” So rest assured knowing His love for you.

trees, Deb Smyth — Trees Shrouded in Fog

Eerie Quiet Fog

What is it about the eerie fog that mystifies us so

Moving quietly through the trees in the valley far below.

It snakes stealthy through forest engulfing each tree

Overtaking the land which once was thought free.

The coldness of winter brings a new kind of fog

Surrounding each limb and crossing each log.

Mystery overtakes them as we can no longer see

The coming together as one – quiet fog and tree.

In walking through fog, the light whisper you will hear

Is the trees reassurance, you there is nothing to fear.

If deep winter chill turns the clinging fog to ice

The crystal on limbs can make the tinkling sound nice.

But if the winds pick up shaking limbs all around,

The tinkling becomes cracking as limbs fall to the ground.

But a saving sun at last shows through, melting away the fog

Leaving only a dampness to linger around the trees and log.

The longer days of sunshine bring a warmth of hope to stay

As trees remember to wake and take in this bright new day.

The lessons we can learn when watching the fog and the tree

Remind us of God’s loving hand as he forever guides you and me.

Anita Neal

As you remember His great love for you, be a reminder to others of His love love for them. Always Be Kind.

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Encouraging Word for the Night

I believe that all of us from time to time need to hear encouraging words or a receive a gentle hug to help us face the battles of this life. So I send you this cyber hug and include some encouraging words in hope that your spirit is lifted a bit to help with today’s woes or the winter blues. Remember God never puts more on us that we can stand. The burdens may be heavy but He promises to be by our side to help us carry them. Lean on Him and He will hold your hand or carry you through.

Remember sometimes when we are hurting, if you get out of our own way and help others, our hurts are temporarily relieved and our actions are strengthen by God to help us get through our own issues easier. So I encourage you to press on in helping when you can and to always be kind.

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Pets = Stress Relief…at my house

I saw this definition on adogslove.com and thought it very appropriate for my house and a good source of my stress relief.

“Canine Paralysis – The condition of a person’s inability to move due to a dog being in their lap.”

rough 1 — Partial paralysis – only holding down left leg under plaid blanket

sofa — Full on ‘You ain’t going nowhere’ paralysis

They make us laugh, cuddly us when we are sad, sit with us when we are quiet and understand us better than anyone else. There is just something special that our pets do for us, whether is be a dog or a cat. For me, I prefer dogs, they seem to be more in tune with what I need.

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I found several pictures on Pinterest that I have saved as they touch my heart strings and I thought I would share. Its Friday, after a cold icy week, and we all need some warmth. And even if it is not icy where you are, puppy love is always a comforting warmth.

I don’t go to shelters when its time for a new love without abundant support as I would bring them all home.

And one last one…

I could post picture after picture after picture but I think you get the idea and my love for dogs. And if a dog can be that devoted to its person, think how much more God is devoted to you. Both are His creations and both deserve abundant love…as God gives. So I remind you to carry the devoted love of a dog to those strangers you meet on a daily basis and be kind.