Sunday's Song

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but nought changeth thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render: O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
--Walter Chalmers Smith

A Strange Summer, So Far...

This has been a really strange summer, to say the least. The locals agree. If it hasn't been wet and rainy, it's been cool and windy. Today's high was only 68 degrees!!! We haven't had to use the air conditioning at all, so far!

Trees bloomed and leafed out later than normal, this spring, but the melodious croaking of frogs seemed to be on time, in spite of the late April snowfalls. --Yes, that's plural!!!

It was also shocking not to see our lilacs swarming with several species of butterflies, especially the emigrating red admiral and American painted lady. Our sweet smelling mock orange bush, also a butterfly magnet, has surprisingly drawn very little outside of the various bees.

But, the flowers are blooming, the grass is once again green, and in spite of the drop in butterfly sitings, I'm finding eggs on their specific host plants. To see photos of butterflies, moths, and caterpillars, check out the posts on my leps blog at: http://lezasleps.blogspot.com/ --LKR

Sunday's Song

God of Our Fathers

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

--Daniel C. Roberts, 1876

><><><><><><><

En Español en el honor para nuestro estudiante español:

Señor Jehová

Señor Jehová, Omnipotente Dios,
Tú que los astros riges con poder,
Oye clemente nuestra humilde voz,
Nuestra canción hoy dígnate atender.

Eterno Padre, nuestro corazón,
A Ti profesa un inefable amor;
Hazte presente en tu pueblo hoy;
Tiéndenos pues, Tu brazo protector.

A nuestra patria da tu bendición;
Enséñanos Tus leyes a guardar;
Alumbra la conciencia y la razón;
Domina siempre Tú en todo hogar.

Defiéndenos del enemigo cruel;
Concede a nuestras faltas corrección;
Nuestro servicio sea siempre fiel;
Rodéanos de tu gran protección.

--Daniel C. Roberts, 1876

Empty Nest Syndrome

Isn't he sweet? Hannah found him hiding in tall grass by a small lilac bush in our yard. Elizabeth was still out mowing the lawn, so hopefully she didn't accidentally hurt any of its siblings!

We watched as the mother bird called this and another sibling to the safety of a nearby bush and hop up a few branches from the ground. I only hope it was high enough to keep them safe!
Hannah ran to notify one neighbor who has a sweet, huggable hunting cat about the babies. Later, another neighbor's adorable mini dachshund was found wandering around in our yard close to where the babies were hiding. Harley loves to eat baby birds and bird eggs! NOAA Weather Radio had also issued severe thunderstorm warnings for our area, this evening. To make matters worse, we also have a lot of hungry crows that frequent our yard. It's hazardous living in a sin-cursed world! --LKR

Sunday's Song

To God be the Glory

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.
--Frances J. Crosby (1875)

Sunday's Song

Praise Him Praise Him

Praise Him praise Him Jesus our blessed Redeemer
Sing oh earth His wonderful love proclaim
Hail Him hail Him highest archangels in glory
Strength and honor give to his holy name

Like a shepherd Jesus will guard his children
In His arms He carries them all day long
Praise Him praise Him tell of His excellent greatness
Praise Him praise Him ever in joyful song

Praise Him praise Him Jesus our blessed Redeemer
For our sins He suffered and bled and died
He our rock our hope of eternal salvation
Hail Him hail Him Jesus the crucified

Sound His praises Jesus who bore our sorrows
Love unbounded wonderful deep and strong
Praise Him praise Him tell of His excellent greatness
Praise Him praise Him ever in joyful song.

Black Bear Scares

Misconceptions are not facts, which can breed unnecessary fear and panic. Take the case of black bear sightings. People panic, but in reality, shouldn't necessarily be afraid.

Black bears are not generally dangerous to humans, but that doesn't mean I'm going to send my kids out to go play with them, either! Their staple foods are basically vegetation, nuts, berries, grubs, and salmon, but occasionally will feast on small animals. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.

Habitat destruction is the main reason we see them in our neighborhoods. Highways, malls, new housing developments, etc, have made them more visible in our towns and even cities.

Black bears aren't prolific breeders like rabbits. Females are about four or five years old before they are ready to start a family, and once they give birth, spend a few years raising them. During this time, they do not produce any more young. There are more sitings of bears not because there are so many more of them, but rather that they are more accustomed to humans and have less space to spend in the wild.

Many people are afraid that if bears stop fearing people, they will be more prone to attack. This is quite the opposite, according to numerous studies.

Years ago, a friend told us of a friend of his that encountered a black bear in the woods. The man was afraid he couldn't out run it, so decided to "play dead". The concerned bear cautiously approached and gently shook him, apparently trying to revive him. When the bear began making soft, sad sounds, he decided to play along and slowly "woke up". Our friend told us that the two began to playfully pat each other! Obviously, the man lived to tell about it--over and over again!

Bears are also easily scared. A neighbor told us of the time one was spotted by their back door. The husband opened the door and quietly said, "Boo". They were amazed--and amused--that this was enough to send the bear scampering off!

Simply put, bears that are afraid of being attacked may themselves attack. Experts advise people to speak softly to identify yourself, and slowly back away. This will let the bear know you mean them no harm.

Those that growl or otherwise try to scare people off often are doing so to protect their cubs, or have found food they don't want to leave.

We need to be informed. For more facts on bears, check out these sites:

http://www.bear.org/website/Bears-Humans/

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/black_bear.php

--LKR

Memorial Poppy

This beautiful poem was written in 1915 by Major John McCrae who served in the Canadian Army as a surgeon. It is a tribute to all who sacrificed their lives in war for peace.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

A woman named Moina Belle Michael later replied with her own poem, We Shall Keep the Faith. Moina was also responsible for the conception of the Memorial Poppy. Through her hard work and diligence, red poppies became the national emblem of remembrance for those who had not returned home from war.

We Shall Keep the Faith

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

Thanks to all of our veterans for serving our country, enabling liberty and freedom for all!

--LKR

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

This is the newest circle located at the south side of Eau Claire. Click to enlarge the picture, and you will see little flags placed here for Memorial Day.

(The tire tracks you see are evidence of drunk drivers who either tried to drive over the circle or didn't see the circle--they get stuck and have to call for help. Honestly.)

Sunday's Song

My Country 'Tis of Thee

My country 'tis of Thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, Thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our father's God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!
--Samuel Francis Smith

Henry Vilas Zoo & Ducks in the Dells

This is the last half of the fourth grade field trip down to Madison and the Dells...

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin

This land was donated by the Vilas family in 1904 as a public park, and the first animal exhibits were constructed in 1911. The zoo was named in memory of their young son, Henry, who died from diabetic complications. It remains, along with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, one of the few free zoos in the nation.

Swans

Isn't he cute? At Turtle back Zoo in West Orange, NJ, and Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL, peacocks roam around free.Buffalo and green leaves
I don't know which excited me more after the long winter we just had!
Pink flamingos contrasting nicely against the purple weedsNot sure if these are crocs or gatorsAn emu
Years ago, friends of ours tried to raise these odd looking birds. It didn't last!Inside the Tropical Rainforest Aviary

The Original Wisconsin Ducks in the Dells

The Original Wisconsin Ducks have toured visitors around the Dells for more than 57 years. Previously, these 7.5 ton amphibious vehicles proved to be valuable during World War II due to their versatility on both land and water. This is possible by changing the Duck’s tire pressure right from the captain’s seat!!!

If you've seen the new Indiana Jones film, you've seen a Duck! These vehicles are as at home on land as they are on water.

Each Duck is 31 feet long by 8 feet wide, and does not have power steering!On land...

...and into the water! Quack quack quack!!!There were a lot of really cool looking sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River.
This deer wasn't the least bit frightened of the noisy Duck! Our witty driver and guide stopped so we could all take pictures.Back on land, squeezing through Red Bird Gorge... ...and through the woods!
This was a really fun way to end the day!
--LKR

Sunday's Song

Sometimes Alleluia

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord

Oh let us lift our voices,
Look toward the sky and start to sing
Oh let us now return His love,
Just let our voices ring
Oh let us feel His presence,
Let the sound of praises fill the air
Oh let us sing the song of Jesus' love,
To people everywhere.

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord

Oh let our joy be unconfined,
Let us sing with freedom unrestrained
Let's take this feeling that we're feeling now,
Outside these walls and let it rain.
Oh let the Spirit overflow,
As we are filled from head to toe.
We love you Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
And we want this world to know.

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord.
--Chuck Girard

Woodland Wonders

Let's take a quite walk through the woods, shall we?

--LKR

Orioles at Our Feeder!

A friend told me they were in town, but I couldn't wait to see them with my own eyes. As I groggily sat at the table, this morning, a brightly orange-breasted beauty flew toward the patio door, making a perfect landing on our hummingbird feeder.

Jubilation broke out as I excitedly grabbed my camera and snapped a few safe shots of this blessed event. Watching for this oriole's periodic visits throughout the day, I was rewarded by the presence of a drabber female vying for a sip of some nectar.

This aggressive male wouldn't let her near it! Apparently, he's a lousy suitor. He could take a few courting lessons from a cardinal who lovingly feeds his mate! --LKR

Sunday's Song

Blessèd Assurance

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
--Fanny Crosby, 1873

They're Back in Town!

My friend Wynde and I were finishing up on a leisurely lunch when we spotted a beautiful male ruby- throated hummingbird at our feeder. I had set out nectar shortly before we had that last fling of wintry weather that dumped upon us a significant amount of snow.

Then, while out on a walk, we saw around 10 cabbage white butterflies. Checkered whites and mustard whites also fly in our northern climate. White family butterflies over-winter in the pupae stage and are one of the first to emerge, come spring.

Several spring azures, tiny blue butterflies, flitted along the country roadsides around our feet. The first generation of this early emerging butterfly are darker blue in appearance than successive generations.

Why the picture of dandelions, you ask? They are among the few early flowering perennials that are essential for bees and butterflies which bloom before lilacs and mock orange bush, both magnets for these and other hungry insects. --LKR

Sunday's Song

Be Unto Your Name

We are a moment,
You are forever.
Lord of the ages
God before time

We are a vapor,
You are Eternal
Love everlasting
Reigning on high

Lord you are holy, holy
Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

We are the broken
You are the Healer
Jesus, Redeemer,
Mighty to save

You are the love song
We'll sing forever
Bowing before You
Blessing Your name.

For you are holy, holy
Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

Holy, holy Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name.

--Gary Sadler and Lynn DeShazo

Festval of Nations

On Wednesday, close to noon, I found myself frying and flipping a gluten-free adaptation of Palacsinta (Pa-la-cheen-ta), a Hungarian version of the French Crepe. They taste best nice and warm, you know! The fourth graders at my youngest daughter's school were hosting a Festival of Nations, and it was to begin at 1 that afternoon.

Since I am a full-blooded Hungarian (but born in the states!), Hannah decided to do Hungary for her presentation. Treasured embroidery (hímés) I've never let out of my possession before were entrusted with my 10 year old who treated them with respect.

My Dad's cousin in Hungary had embroidered and sent both me and my sister beautiful pillow cases, doilies, and runners as wedding gifts. Years earlier, a former neighbor brought back small decorative embroidered photo albums from Hungary as souvenirs for us, as well. These are what Hannah displayed.

Hannah's neighbor (at the event) and friend, Phil, who is 50 percent Syrian, did Syria. It was really interesting! You read of Syria and Damascus in the Bible, but I never realized how close it really is to eastern Europe, namely Hungary! The other interesting tidbit I learned about this country was it's flag. The green star on the left represents Syria, and the one on the right, Egypt.

Another really interesting and colorful display was Hannah's friend Shanzay's. She did hers on Pakistan. Shanzay wore a beautiful Pakistani costume, and had some interesting props from her country.

Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Sweden, and several other countries were also represented by the students. Ethnic foods were served at many of these stations, adding to the lure of this event which was open to families and friends, as well as to the students and staff at the school.

There were lots of really interesting exhibits the students presented, each with engaging and unique personal stories they asked if they could share. My only regret was that I was not able to hear them all! --LKR

Do Your Exercises!!!

These are my youngest daughter's x-rays. Can you see the difference? In less than one year, the curvature of Hannah's back went from 11 to 15 degrees! While this still isn't too bad, it has the potential to get much worse. As a 10 year old, she'll be going through another growth spurt, soon, which could make things even more dramatic--and traumatic--very quickly.

As you would expect, a young child doesn't always take things seriously enough. (Adults don't always, either!) However, when Hannah saw this, no sooner had we walked through the door, she was on her balance ball, exercising. She did not want her scoliosis to get worse.

Recently, two friends' children went in for surgery to correct this. When I was growing up, another friend's sister showed me the brace she wore under her clothes. It looked awfully uncomfortable, but was worth it, she said. Another friend refused to ever do anything, and is severely deformed.

My sister was fortunate, and her scoliosis never got worse. Perhaps it was that she was athletic and had strengthened and stretched the right muscles.

Scoliosis is treatable, and the earlier it is detected, the better chances for exercises and chiropractic manipulations to correct the problem relatively easily. If you've been given exercises, please do them!!! And if you're at the point where either a brace or surgery is needed, seriously consider it. Your whole body will thank you! --LKR

Crystal Cave

Welcome to...

Crystal Cave!!!

These photos were taken at today's awesome field trip to Crystal Cave in Spring Valley, WI. This was my third trip there, and I think it was the best one ever! We had an excellent guide who was super with the kids and his knowledge about this cave. Chris is only 17 years old and is homeschooled. He told me he was so thrilled for the opportunity to have this job, which the adults I spoke with agreed suit him quite well!

Descending down into the cave... .
It's over 70 feet deep, and is the safest place to be during an earthquake, something that has me perplexed... . Anyone know why this is true???

Two little bats hanging outCute little faces!A different species of bat!

Cool shapeStalactites and Stalagmites
A way to remember which is which:
stalactites hang on tight to the ceiling,
and stalagmites might possibly reach the ceiling of the cave
You can also see what's called a bacon formation on the top right side of this picture.Cool, huh???
Soda Straws

Can you see them dripping?

I was told this is one of the most photographed formations in the cave.
A fossil on the cave's floor in one of the roomsThis is actually the underside of an old mud puddle!!!
The Refrigerator
Can you see the hanging carrot (top left center), the soda bottle, and two glasses next to it??? There are also two straws, but they are harder to point out.
Use your imagination, and you can see more!
The Wishing Room
A section of a wishing wall
No, I didn't post any pics of the famous Charlie. You need to see it for yourself, and hear the story that goes along with it! Honestly, if you are ever in Eau Claire or the Twin City area, this cave is worth the trip!
--LKR