Making Good Use of the Snow

Let the fun begin!!!

Sunday's Song

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

--Reginald Herber, 1826

Educating Entertainers Eating Aphids

I know many of you are not fond of these little beetles, let alone any bug in your homes, but to me, they are a mixed blessing. Call me nuts, but I rescue them before they accidentally go down the drain when searching for water, turn off lights when they fly into them at night, etc.

Why do I welcome them? They:

1) feast on the aphids that are unavoidably brought in on plants at the end of summer

2) are bright, colorful, and alive!!!

3) provide entertainment (while doing dishes, etc)

4 & 5) bring back memories of the real Ladybugs that were plentiful in my youth that would overwinter, lay eggs, and their alligator-looking larvae were an introduction to metamorphosis=education

Soon, they will disappear as warmer weather approaches, but until then, I'm enjoying their antics. And am relocating them to a newly bought plant that's covered in aphids! --LKR

Sunday's Song

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

--Philip P. Bliss

Let's Go for a Ride!

This trip starts out at the DMV, right by the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. It is on the extreme north of Eau Claire, a truly beautiful area once you work your way out of the industrial section.

The trip to the DMV was a successful one, in many ways:

1) I was in and out of there in 45 minutes!!! NJ must be worse, by now, but in IL, one year, I stood--and sat--in line for three hours at the DMV in Villa Park!!!

2) Even though I had to have a picture taken for the renewal of my license, this has been the second time in a row I've actually really liked my headshot!!! Only in WI!!! Sorry to NJ and IL... .
Hummm--I wonder if the woman who takes these shots would like to volunteer on our school's yearbook staff! We could always use more help, and I'm looking for people to fill in for those of us who will be leaving once our children graduate on to middle school!

3) This new license is good for eight years, provided we don't do something silly, like change our address!!! I'm loving it!!!

This used to be Moulton's Skate America up until a year or two ago. It's still a popular place for kids to spend the afternoon!

When I'm up this way, I like to take a detour over and around the airport to take in the views. We won't go too far, as it's a "long" trip home, and my camera accidentally got set to a wrong setting.

It was an overcast and cloudy day, but still beautiful. These are scenes of where the Chippewa River cuts into the landscape. I was fortunate enough to witness a plane coming in for landing over the river. It's always a thrill!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

A Better Way

I'm not alone, I really believe
You never go, You never leave
Here and now, You always stay
“I love you” could not be said a better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A Man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And “I love you” could not be said
A better way

I am forgiven, I clearly see
It's why You came to do all you did for me
Trading Earth with Heaven, You took my place
“I love you” could not be said
A better way

Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender, with passion obey
“I love you” could not be said
A better way.
- Jason Germain

Sienna

Hi, Mister Poochie, here!

Today, I'll tell you about my little buddy, Sienna, I will. Sienna is my sibling Hannah's little red stuffed bear. Together, they are doing a geography project for school, they are.

You can help by participating in one of two ways, you can: 1) if you see them personally, you can sign Sienna's book of travels, or 2) you can sign their blog under "comments". Just click on: http://siennastraveljournal.blogspot.com/

The class needs to know where you live or lived, where you work, what you do, and interesting places you've traveled, they do. They will be charting it at school on maps sometime later in the spring, although Mom thought it might be fun to leave the blog up indefinitely, she does. She used to homeschool my siblings, she did, and says it's "still in her".

The picture above is of me and Sienna, today. Mom had given me a big yummy yummy chewy chewy boney bone, and I asked Sienna if she would like to nibble on it with me. Sienna doesn't eat as much as my kitty sister Rocky does when we share things, she doesn't! Mom says I always eat things quickly even without any help!
--Mister Poochie

...A Night Without a Day

Did anyone see the lunar eclipse, last night? We did--at least part of it! Here are two pics from the event.

"A day without a night and a night without a day" is a quote taken from one of my hubby's favorite movies, Lady Hawk. --LKR

Let's Go for a Ride!

These pics were taken yesterday on our way home from church. We've had a lot of snow dumped on us, this winter, with at least 13" on the ground, presently. Weeeeell, we just got some more! I don't know about anyone else, but I'm praying for an early spring--just like I do every year!!! But I will enjoy the beauty only winter can bring.

This is on 93, right by the I-94 ramp

Ken Vance Motors is right by Action City and the new water park that's being built

Is that a plow??? Yup, and its also spreading sand!!! Yeay! We're saved!!!

Deerfield Road, AKA II

The corner of Deerfield Road and Lowes Creek Road with the kinda new 4-way stop signs

This is where I pick Milkweed in the summer months for our hungry Monarch caterpillars

I love living out in the country!!! "Country roads, take me home, to the place, where I beloooong..."

This is the non-functioning farm I fell in love with when we were house hunting.

It's all very lovely but,

Think Spring!!!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

My Jesus, I Love Thee

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now

--William R. Featherston

What Is Love?

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." --John 15:13

Y Y Y

"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails." --1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Y Y Y

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." --John 15:12

Y Y Y

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." --1 John 4:10

Y Y Y

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." --John 3:16-17

Y Y Y

"Yea, I (the LORD, or Jehovah) have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." --Jeremiah 31:3

Y Y Y

Espanol: "Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo *unigénito, para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna." --Juan 3:16

Francais: "Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu'il a donné son Fils unique, afin que quiconque croit en lui ne périsse point, mais qu'il ait la vie éternelle." --Jean 3:16

Magyar: "Mert úgy szerette Isten e világot, hogy az õ egyszülött Fiát adta, hogy valaki hiszen õ benne, el ne vesszen, hanem örök élete legyen." Janos 3:16

Y Y Y Happy Valentine's Day! Y Y Y

Various translations were taken from: http://bibleresources.bible.com/bible_kjv.php

--LKR

Sunday's Song

One There Is Above All Others

One there is above all others,
Oh, how He loves!
His is love beyond a brother's,
Oh, how He loves!
Earthly friends may fail or leave us,
One day soothe, the next day grieve us;
But this Friend will ne'er deceive us:
Oh, how He loves!

'Tis eternal life to know Him,
Oh, how He loves!
Think, oh,think how much we owe Him,
Oh, how He loves!
With His precious blood He bought us,
In the wilderness He sought us,
To His flock He safely brought us:
Oh, how He loves!

Blessed Jesus! would you know Him?
Oh, how He loves!
Give yourselves entirely to Him,
Oh, how He loves!
Think no longer of the morrow,
From the past new courage borrow,
Jesus carries all your sorrow:
Oh, how He loves!

All your sins shall be forgiven,
Oh, how He loves!
Backward shall your foes be driven,
Oh, how He loves!
Best of blessings He'll provide you,
Nought but good shall e'er betide you,
Safe to glory He will guide you:
Oh, how He loves!

XLII Reflections

Wow, 17 to 14! What a close game! We were all glued to our seats--and the screen--that whole fourth quarter!

I must admit, however, even though my team was playing--and won!--this year's XLII Super Bowl game, I watched it in it's entirety mainly for the commercials. For that very reason, both my oldest and I took our potty breaks and "ran errands" during the game!

Having majored in Art in High School and taken an Advertising Art class in College (for my Photo Tech degree) many moons ago helped develop my appreciation for such things. To boot, my super tough professor who worked on Fifth Ave in NYC, drilled into us what made for good advertising. The element of surprise was always good, and how you presented it was imperative.

Our favorites were:
* Fed Ex (giant carrier pigeons--a new reason to fear birds!)
* Bridgestone Tires (the screaming squirrel, animals, insect (loved it!), and lady passenger (my reaction to this type of situation to a "T"!))
* Budweiser (dalmatian training the horse for next year's team)
* Coke (the balloon characters clambering and scrambling for the bottle and Charlie Brown getting something good, for once!)

Others I enjoyed were:
* Bud Light (where the poor, flying man "living his dream" gets sucked into a plane's engine only to have another passenger ask, "Rough flight?")
* Bridgestone Tires (with Alice Cooper (so that's what he's been up to!) and Richard Simmons, my fitness guru during my college years (he hasn't changed a bit!))
* Coke (I hate politics, but liked this political one, for some reason)

As far as the game went, I found it to be exciting, like when a Giants player caught the ball on his helmet! (Sorry--don't remember who caught that one.) And with that close of a game, when the Giant's scored in the fourth quarter, our poor poochie leaped out of his fur with the deafening roar made in our family room! (He's not used to hearing all five of us shout all at once at the top of our lungs--he doesn't go to soccer games!)

Congrats to Plaxico Burress for that final touch down (yes, the Lord did allow him to play, and for a good reason!!!), Eli Manning for his admirable leadership, and to all the Giants and Giant's fans out there! And condolences to the Patriots and their fans who played a super season! --LKR

Sunday's Song

I Stand Amazed

(My Savior's Love)

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner, condemned, unclean


O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!


For me it was in the garden
He prayed: "Not My will, but Thine."
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine


In pity angels beheld Him
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night

He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
And suffered and died alone


When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me

--Charles H. Gabriel

Frigid Arctic Air Blows in...

Mom calls me a Kissy Boy because I kiss kiss kiss everything. Boxes. Toys. My kitty sister Rocky. Mom. Siblings. Windows. And doors.

This morning, as Mom was getting ready to take me out into the white fluffy fun stuff gone slippery, I kissed the heavy inside door, I did. I then kissed the outside door. I had to pull pull pull 'til my tongue finally came back to me. Mom kissed, cuddled, and fussed over me, and now I don't quite remember how I felt before my tongue wouldn't come back. I love to cuddle, I do, I do!

We went outside and both slid on the white fluffy fun stuff gone slippery. I quickly did what I needed to do, and asked if we could go back inside, I did. Mom said it was -39F with the windchill, whatever that means. I'll just say it was really cold out there, even for me in my winter fur coat, it was!

Before we went in, I almost ate my sibling William's snowman, I did. He made the eyes and mouth with my din-din, he did. I think he would have told me it was a big no-no, I do.

My siblings are home, again, today. It's not the weekend or a snow day, Mom said, she did. Today's a cold day. It sure is, I say! --Mister Poochie

Snowmen, Icemen!

After the kids came home, today, we shooed them outside to play. It was a beautiful afternoon, and warm, not too typical this time of the year in our neck of the woods.

NOAA weather radio was predicting freezing rain, sleet, and then snow late this evening and tomorrow. An anticipated snow day was in the forecast!

Elizabeth with snowfriend

William and his creation (not quite finished, here)

Hannah still working on hers

William's finished masterpiece made with dog food and carrot


Tuesday MorningWhat we woke up to--lots of snow flying...

And icemen!!!
And, yes, a snow day!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

There Is A Redeemer

There is a Redeemer,
Jesus, God's own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One,

Jesus my Redeemer,
Name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Oh, for sinners slain.

Thank you oh my Father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.

When I stand in Glory,
I will see His face,
And there I'll serve my King forever,
In that Holy Place.

Thank you oh my Father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.

There is a Redeemer,
Jesus, God's own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One,

Thank you oh my Father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.
.
--Keith Green

I Can See Clearly, Now

It was long overdue. Not from a fish's perspective, perhaps, as fish benefit from plant overgrowth. Aquatic greenery adds oxygen, as well as stabilizes mulm--fish waste, plant debris, and other organic stuff that's not totally decomposed that eventually falls down to the bottom.

This equates to getting away with less cleanings, and not having to replace the oxygenating filter system's motor that burned out after a power outage. Yes, you got me on this one--the evaporated water was not replenished as often as it should have been, either!

But it had irked my hubby that he could no longer see any of the fish in our tank. "What's the point in having a fish tank if you can't see the fish?" was his question to me.

Okay, even our huge, lemon-yellow Angelfish? Well, "Angel" (as the kids remember naming him, three and a half years ago) did like to hide among the jungle and tangle of leaves in the back of his abode. But, hubby was correct, it was time to totally empty and clean the aquarium, gravel and all. And, yes--thin out the aquatic vegetation so we could actually see all the fish, not just the "Big Lemon", my name for Angel!

If you've ever done a thorough cleaning of even a small tank, I'm sure you're already cringing. Ours isn't huge by any means, but I find that even lifting an empty 29 gallon aquarium is not only awkward but heavy!!! Lifting and carrying it 16 feet was not really my choice.

It was hubby who decided to rearrange our living room, and for a good reason, I might add. He 'd be bringing home the beautiful solid maple desk he made years ago in shop at Mosinee High School from his Mom's. It would take it's position of prominence in our place of dwelling.

So, this would be a two-fold project, and the effort would be well worth it!


I think Angel's happier, now, even though he can't hide as well. He can see me, better, and has been begging for food more often! Angel has an enormous appetite! Thanks to him, we've never had an infestation of snails!

Oh. Did I mention that our Neon Cardinal and Zebra Danio are missing??? --LKR

Oh, Deer, Oh, Deer, Oh Deer!

Aren't they sweet? I saw four of these deer, and my son William saw five. In the past, there have been at least five that congregate in the back of Salem Baptist Church which is right off of Clairemont Ave, a very busy road in Eau Claire, WI. They are regular attenders! --LKR

Go Giants!!!

It all started when we got home from a luncheon held at church. Hubby became glued to the tube down in our family room. After 16 years of marriage, I finally figured out that you don't just watch your team play, you also watch who they might be playing in the Super Bowl. In earlier years, Hubby was held captive by the radio, making frequent calls to his die hard, fanatical, Packer-loving parents.

There was no use in trying to make anything formal out of dining, tonight, so, the kids and I snacked our way through the rest of the afternoon and into dinner. What else where we to do?

Throughout the afternoon, one child or another would search and find me, excitedly reporting the plays and giving updates on the score. My son was jubilant when the Packers were winning, the girls when the Giants scored.

I did want to watch at least part of the game since my team was also playing--against my Hubby's. Hearing it was the end of the game and they were tied, I raced downstairs to watch the finale. When Lawrence Tynes missed the field goal, I had to leave. It was just too much. I couldn't watch it one minute more. Simply watching them play on that frigid field gave me frostbite, made my muscles cramp, and teeth chatter. Dampened spirits of looming defeat added to my discomfort.

I did come back after the kids told me my team had won. The above picture was the replay of the winning field goal.

Go Giants!!!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

Jesus, All for Jesus

Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.

All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.

For it's only in Your will that I am free,
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Copyright © 1990 Word Music

Let's Go for a Ride!

Several of you wanted to know what the area around us is like. Well, I thought you might like to go for a ride! These were taken while I was driving..., so they are not as clear, clean, or straight as they could be.

We're in a subdivision out in the country. This is the (non-functioning) farm right down the street.

Lowes Creek Road

My beloved Lowes Creek County Park

Another non-functioning farm. This one used to have Llamas. Unfortunately, that was long before we ever moved here!

This is a new development in town near South Middle School. Several are for sale. Any takers?

--LKR

Hunger Strike???

Q: How do you tell if a snake is sleeping? A: You can't! They sleep with their eyes open!

Actually, if the scaled creature is all curled up and looks comfy and cozy, chances are he is asleep. However, when they are "lounging" over rocks and branches, your guess is as good as mine!

Our little fox snake still has his wild instincts and goes into semi-hibernation from fall to spring. This is the second season of winter we've had Jake, so I was familiar with it. Early on, he gets rather urgent in his slitherings, more than likely looking for a suitable place to do some serious snoozing.

My real quandary is this: How often do I feed him? I feel like an awful mother when he rejects food I've offered. So, he's not hungry, but I still worry--did he eat enough the last time I fed him??? Well, he obviously thinks so, but you know us moms. You can imagine the scenario:

"What?! You're going to be sleeping for how long, and that's all you ate?! Eat! Here's a fuzzy! If you don't eat that, I'll get you a smaller-sized portion. Oh, here's a pinkie for you anyway, just in case! Now, eat! Pleeeeese eat?"

A very knowledgeable man from a local pet shop came to my rescue, telling me I had an ideal situation. He wished domesticated snakes wouldn't loose that God-given instinct. "They eat less, and as a result, grow slower so you don't have to buy them a larger home as often," Jim told me.

Actually, I wouldn't mind that, but at least I now know for certain that eating even a little about once a month or so is normal. It's always nice to have something other than "huntches" to go on, you know? Especially when you have a critter whose well-being depends upon you!

There are choices. Jake can be kept warmer with a light added to make him think it's not wintertime. He can be kept the way he is, thinking he's in a warmer state like Kentucky or Kansas. Or, his quarters could be made darker and cooler to sleep away the winter blues and blahs.

Which would you choose? --LKR

Sunday's Song

Everlasting God

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

--CHRIS TOMLIN

"Early" Morning Frozen Tundra Scenes

Okay, this post is for those of you who wanted to see early morning pictures of our snow. Admit it, you're one of them! Just don't get your hopes up, too high--it was -2F at around 9am and I was not too keen on trudging through foot high virgin snow to get to areas that would have been of more interest!

Yup, this is me. I'm more than a little fuzzy, flat, and dark in the mornings, especially during the winter months.


Yes, it's what you think. One of my dearest cherubs decided to help unfreeze Poochies' chain--last night!!! The dreaded back-up plan: find leash and walk dog though yard--Ugh!

So, Poochie and I romped--if you could even call it that!--in an un-trampled section of snow for maybe, oh, I'd say two minutes before he flopped onto his side, stretching his frozen little toesies up out of the freezing snow.

No, he's not a wimp, but it's funny to see a big, "tough" German Shepherd doing that! (Fifi the Toy Poodle would get immediate sympathy. But laughter comes first with the larger dogs!)

Don't let this picture fool you--the town piled most of the snow in our driveway, just like they do with yours!

I'll end with a sunnier shot!

Think Spring!
(I've had enough winter. How 'bout you?)

--LKR

Greetings from the Frozen Tundra!

A very Happy and Healthy New Year to you all from the frozen tundra! As you can tell, we are not lacking for snow up here in north western Wisconsin! It was an absolutely gorgeous sunny first day of the year, here!

I had wanted to get an early morning shot of the golden sun sparkling on the snow, but we're not puppy sitting, anymore. That would have been my motivation for not only getting up, but out in the early morning cold!

I'm very fortunate--my patient poochie not only waits for me to warm up to the idea of braving the cold, but to actually doing it! He's soooo good!

The kids go back to school, tomorrow, and have mixed feelings. None of them--nor either of us, for that matter!--wants to get up early! My hubby starts teaching at CVTC next week.

Here's hoping you all are having a good start to the new year! --LKR