He's a Jolly Good Fellow!

Scary looking, isn't he? That's what I thought when I almost stepped on him with bare feet while out in our yard! Out of desperation, I called 911 when I realized it was too late to call the nature center for an ID on this creature. We have lots of young children in our neighborhood, and I wanted to make sure it wasn't an exotic snake escapee!

He didn't seem threatening at all when he deflated his head and body. He and I soon came to realize neither one of us was going to hurt the other. Later, he let me follow him to his underground den in our yard.

Satisfied I knew where he hung his hat when he wasn't out hunting, I ran back inside. Looking him up on the internet, the kids and I learned that he's a harmless eastern hognose snake, so named for his upturned nose.
We learned these snakes are one of the best animal actors around. If puffing up its body doesn't scare you and he continues to feel threatened, he may strike at you--with his mouth closed. In spite of his appearance, this snake's species is known to be the least likely to bite! While working out in my gardens, I've often felt a "tap" at one of my legs and now wonder if we've ever encountered each other before!
Another trick he will perform is to roll over onto his back and play dead. He'll open his mouth and hang his forked tongue out to try and convince you of his death. The dead giveaway (pun intended!) is if you pick up his limp body and place him on his belly, he'll roll onto his back, again!
This beneficial fellow has rid of us mice, moles, and sadly frogs, toads, and crickets. They may also eat birds, bird eggs, smaller snakes, and dead animals. He has become an honored guest taking up residence in our yard. --LKR

Keepin' Cool!

Sunday's Song--Faith Of Our Fathers

Happy Father's Day!!!

Faith Of Our Fathers

Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

--Frederick W. Faber, 1849

Artistic Elephant

Animals are amazing, as is their Creator!

School's Out!!! Part Two

This is our time at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

The past few times we've been here, they've all spent most of their time on the bottom floor playing with light and weather-related hands-on activities.

Eldest child doing a non-museum techie thing--texting!!!

Not many people were there, so it was easier for the kids to do what they wanted to do, and much easier to find them!!!

A creative way of advertising for the movie coming out, later this month! We came to see the Titanic, but saw the Grand Canyon, again, which was worth it!

Spherical Lens--you look through it with a friend--or sibling--and observe the magnification.

This is my son magnified. Step away from the sphere, and images turn upside down.

The cherubs sometimes drag their feet about the hour long trip, but once there, it's hard to drag them away! --LKR

School's Out!!! Part One

Yesterday was the first day of summer vacation for our three cherubs. We celebrated by visiting Willow River State Park, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and friends in Bloomington. This was our relaxing time at the falls:

My youngest found several of these caterpillars that had fallen into the water and asked if I'd rescue them. About a dozen were scooped out of pools of water and revived.

Two of these Mourning Cloak butterflies greeted us, but my (older) camera wasn't quick enough to capture them fluttering around until one finally landed.

A Garter snake was sunning itself on the side of the path, but quickly slithered away when it became the center of attention! --LKR

Mr. Bluebird

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Sigh. Mr. Bluebird sees his reflection in our patio door and keeps banging into the glass while his lovely wife admirably looks on. This, more than likely, is the same couple that likes to feed their young on our deck. The last time I saw him by the window, Mister Poochie and Kitten Poo were watching him go at it. I think he saw them 'cuz after that, he stopped slamming into his reflection.

Hopefully he continues to refrain from this potentially destructive practice!!! --LKR

Yeay! Summer!!!

I love it! Summer and nature once again influence advertising:

These "Monarchs" were spotted on a window at Caribou Coffee. Enjoy! --LKR

Hanging Out In The Rain

Well, last night, my oldest daughter and I were coming up with songs she could use for an English project to show rhythms, rhymes, and patterns (or lack of!). One song we both came up with was "Stand in the Rain" by Superchick. So this morning when I found myself still listening to this song in my head..., while watching the hummingbirds braving the rain out our patio door..., I just had to post!!!

This is the first in the almost five years we've lived here that our hummers have learned to "play nice" and actually share. I'm glad we've (finally!) "accomplished" comradery!!! --LKR

Freedom For All

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone! And many thanks to those of you who have served to defend the freedoms of our country!

Every Memorial Day, my Mom would bring my sister and me up town for the Memorial Day service held on the corner lot of the public library in Chatham, NJ. Both of my parents were immigrants from Hungary, and so appreciated the freedoms they now enjoyed in the states. Mom came over at the age of seven with her mother; Dad in his late twenties after serving in WWII.

There were many memories both my parents shared of how life was in Hungary. One phrase my Dad repeated often describing society in his native country was: "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine also," adding, "You don't know how fortunate you are to be living in a country like this. Never forget that." Dad would also relay how the poor stayed poor while the rich stayed rich. And if the authorities didn't like you, for whatever the reason, false accusations could be charged against you without further questioning in your defense made.

Though Dad apprenticed as a tailor, he miraculously passed a virtually impassable test to work for the Hungarian National Railroad the third time he took it. This meant he also moved up a notch in the social realm, something that was seldom accomplished. Jealousy and hatred by a couple commanders clashed with admiration and praise from many others.

This, I fear, is what we are heading for with the change sought after by this new administration. Our veterans have sacrificed their lives for the original, authentic American dream held so dear by our Founding Fathers and the many individuals that sought, and are still seeking, to escape dictating, controlling societies.

After being injured and finding himself in Paris, Dad never saw his parents, family, or homeland again. Tearfully, through letters, his parents urged their only child never to attempt to return home. They all feared for his life if he ever set foot into the country since he had been employed by the government, and the political climate had changed.

Again I will express gratitude to those who have--and will--continue to defend the authentic American dream! May God bless America! --LKR

Sunday's Song--We Live

Yesterday, we visited a friend of mine who is in hospice in Kenosha. Julie is only in her early 50’s.

When we got back to Eau Claire, my oldest daughter heard that a classmate in her culinary class had died in a freak accident. He was only 15!!!

Another really good friend who was like a mother to me and my sister while growing up is taking the last breaths of her life. Her children and grandchildren will not be the only ones missing her when she's gone.

But none of us really knows when our time here on Earth will be over, do we? If we did, I'm sure we'd all do things differently!

Life’s too short. Too short to hold grudges. Too short to hold back on the things we really want to do with our lives. Too short to put off making the right choices when we can do them right now.

In the Psalms, Moses asks the Lord to, “Teach us to number our days.” Here's a song that may help put life in perspective.The video has been made by a school for a project, using some footage from Superchick's website. --LKR

Sunday's Song--Pass It On

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

--Kurt Kaiser

A Way Of Escape!

Aren't they adorable? Ever since I knew these creatures existed, I've wanted one--or two!--for a pet. My daughter and I stopped in at Petco and were delighted to find 12 very friendly, playful ferrets! They climbed up our arms as a means of escape, but they enjoyed being held, too! --LKR

Cat & Deer Video

Not Quite Full...

I was out testing my camera when I captured this shot. It's not quite a full moon, but pretty close. The date for this month's full moon, according to Moon Phase, is Saturday, May 9th. --LKR

Please, Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Okay, so has this picture of my back yard made you very glad I'm not your neighbor? Well, I'll have you know that my yard is incredibly popular with the insect population! Various bees, butterflies, and ants are flocking on over for a feast. Yup, so that means these dandelions will be pollinated and their seeds viable. ...Um, a note to my neighbors: I will make every effort to get these flowers picked before they go to seed!!! --LKR

The Long Anticipation Has Finally Ended!

I've been waiting for this day to come since they last appeared at our feeders. This made for a very long winter! But, finally, as I was sitting near the window cuddling a kitty, a beautiful male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird flew up to our feeder!!! It was 12:26 pm. Our feeders have been up for three whole weeks. Just in case. :-)

Reported the siting to Journey North. I always forget, but this is our location: Latitude: 44.74 Longitude: -91.51

--LKR

White Wisconsin Deer

This report was fascinating! I'd love to get the book "White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest"! Jeff Richter spent a decade photographing them, and John Bates did the research and writing. A larger population of white deer reside in the Boulder Junction, Wisconsin area where they were photographed for this book.

I've seen elsewhere that people claim that a true albino deer has pink eyes..., but there are many forms of albinism. Very interesting! --LKR

Happy Resurrection Day!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!!! An oldie but a goodie by Don Francisco:



He's Alive

The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
A voice began to call
I hurried to the window
And looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet

There was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told us where she'd been
She said they've moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone's been rolled away
Now His body isn't there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
How or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Something strange had happened there
But just what I did't know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify him
Then I saw him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
'Cuz when at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same

Suddenly the air was filled
With strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
Love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had
Just melted into peace

He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive! He's alive!
He's alive! He's alive!

--Don Francisco

Sunday's Song--Jesus Is Alive!

Jesus Is Alive!

Hallelujah!
Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
He's alive! He's alive!

He's the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is He
The curse of sin is broken
And we have perfect liberty
The Lamb of God is risen
He's alive, He's alive!

Jesus is alive!

--Ron Kenoly

End of the Beginning

I was taking a trip on a plane the other day, just wishin’ that I could get out.
When the man next to me saw the book in my hand and asked me what it was about.
So I settled back in my seat. "A best-seller," I said, "a hist’ry and a myst’ry in one."
Then I opened up the book and began to read from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John...

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered ‘round Him underneath the stars singing praises to the great I AM.

He walked on the water, healed The lame, and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though He never ever did a single thing wrong, the angry crowd chose Him.
And then He walked down the road and died on the cross and
that was the end...of the beginning."

"That’s not a new book, that’s a Bible," he said, "And I’ve heard it all before.
I’ve tried religion, it’s shame and guilt, and I don’t need it anymore.
It’s superstition, made-up tales, just to help the weak to survive."
"Let me read it again," I said, "But listen closely, This is gonna change your life."

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered ‘round Him underneath the stars singing praises to the great I AM.

He walked on the water, healed the lame, and made the blind to see again. And for the first time
here on earth we learned that God could be a friend. And though He never ever did a single thing
wrong, the angry crowd chose Him. And then He walked down the road and died on the cross and
that was the end...of the beginning."

"The end of the beginning?" he said with a smile. "What more
could there be? He’s dead. You said they hung Him, put nails in
His hands and a crown of thorns on His head." I said, "I’ll read it
again, but this time there’s more.

And I believe that this is true: His death wasn’t the end but the beginning of life that’s completed in you.
Don’t you see, He did all this for you..."

"He was born of a virgin one holy night in the little town of
Bethlehem. All the angels singing praises to the great I AM.
He walked on the water, healed the lame, and made the blind to see.
And for the first time here on earth, did you know that God could be a friend?
And thought He never ever did a single thing wrong, He was the one the crowd chose.
And then He walked and He died, but three days later, three days later, three days later...
He rose! Three days later He rose!

You see, He came, He lived, and He died, but that was the end of the beginning.

--David Phelps

Scuba Kitty and Feline Demonstrating Proper Etiquette!

Sunday's Song--All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Ye prophets who our freedom won,
Ye searchers, great and small,
By whom the work of truth is done,
Now crown Him Lord of all;
By whom the work of truth is done,
Now crown Him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all;
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Edward Perronet, 1779

The Interview with God

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Rain, A Rainbow, and...Snow???

Riding home from swimming lessons with the kids, yesterday afternoon, was fun. We had all run--or walked quickly--through the rain to get to our van, and were close to being soaked. (it was a long walk!) As we were driving, the sky began to brighten. I urged the kids to search for a rainbow. "Where?" they asked? "Opposite the sun," I told them.

Turning onto our street, I instructed them to look toward our neighbor's house in the back yard. My son hopped out of the van and started searching the sky. "Over there!" he cried. Sure enough, one was beginning to form. All four of us watched as the rainbow became more vibrant right before our very eyes. I don't know about you, but I never tire from witnessing this phenomena, nor of remembering why the Lord put them there!

As my youngest daughter and I headed for the house, I turned around in time to see the raindrops glistening in the sunshine. It looked like a thousand little sparkling diamonds, and thankfully I still had my camera in hand to capture the moment before this disappeared!

Then this morning, Hubby broke the news that we had gotten snow over the wee hours of morning. My oldest daughter came in to say that it was still snowing before she and her brother headed out the door before 7AM. Monday, donned in tee shirts, refusing to wear their winter jackets, they stood waiting at the bus stop in 22F!!! They sure didn't do that this morning!!! --LKR

A Violet!!!

Sure, yesterday was officially the beginning of spring. And yes, many states such as New Jersey, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all had snow falling from the sky on that promising day.

This morning, I took a few shots of the snow that had yet to melt. But what I discovered shortly after noon was really surprising.

A beautiful violet was in full bloom!!! I'd been lamenting that not a single crocus or daffodil has poked through the ground, but here was this cheery little flowery face looking up to greet me!!! Oh, what a beautiful day it's been! --LKR

Adventures in Mud, Muck, and Slush

Hi, it's me, Mister Poochie! What a beautiful day we had, today! It was in the 60's, it was!

Ice and the white fluffy fun stuff were melting fast. Yesterday, too, was warm! Hurray!

We did not have a really long walk, today, oh, no. Mud and slippery slush kept us from going too far. For cyclists, too!

I helped Mom up this one, I did!

Some trails we had to cross over... .

Mom caught me picking up on scents, she did!

We didn't take this path, oh no!

Nor go down this trail, for sure!

Mom sunk deep into mud right here, she did!

This path is called Bump. I wanted to explore, but Mom said, "No, we go home."

I got to play wild dog on the way back, I did! I lead Mom off trails and into fields where we ran and Mom laughed.

I found a "leave it" running through the grass, I did. Mom wouldn't let me make nice. These are holes where the "leave it" live and travel. We had fun! --Mister Poochie