In Case Of Emergency

The Toyota scare, as well as having a new driver in the family prompted this post.

Yes, like the cartoon suggests, texting while driving could cut your life--as well as some one else's--short. Ditto with drinking and driving. But you already knew that, right?

Drive Defensively

The best advice my mom gave me when I was learning to drive was to drive defensively. Instead of having other drivers watch out for you, keep your own eyes on the road at all times. Watch out for potential problems--deer, objects falling off the back of trucks, a motorist who can't stay in his lane, slower moving traffic up ahead, new drivers on the road. The list is endless. When you are alert, you can help prevent many accidents from ever taking place.

Accelerator Stuck

I was in my early 20's when the gas pedal stuck on my '73 Ford Mustang. Learning what to do was never taught in Driver's Ed. Thankfully, regaining my composure helped find a logical solution.

Here's what you do if your car's accelerator gets stuck and the engine is revving and you keep going faster:

* Don't panic

* Floor the breaks and ride them

* Throw the car into neutral

* Pull over to the side of the road

* Turn the car off

You could also just turn your car off and steer your vehicle to the side of the road, but be aware that you will loose power steering. The steering wheel will feel stiff, so you'll need to use some muscle to move off of the road.

Of course you need to be mindful of traffic. If you're on a highway, turning on your safety hazards will alert other drivers that there is something wrong and to beware.

Live Wire

Unfortunately, I've had this happen to me, too.

If you notice an overhead wire on the road, or if one should fall on top of your vehicle while you are driving:

* Stay inside your car and continue to drive away from the wire

* If your car's engine stalls out, stay in your vehicle

* Call 911, or ask someone else to call them or the local electric company

* Warn other well-meaning people not to touch the vehicle or the wire

And remember: even a wire that's not dancing or "snaking" around can still be a deadly live wire.

Car Dies

A friend of mine was driving several of us through Pennsylvania on I-80 when the car's engine stopped with no warning. After trying several times to unsuccessfully re-start the car, he coasted us safely over to the side of the highway.

If this should happen to you, try the above, or just pull over to the shoulder of the road and call for help. If you are in the middle of traffic, putting your hazards on will alert other motorists that you are not going to be going the speed limit.

Tornado

A car, truck, or van is an extremely dangerous place to be in a tornado.

If a tornado is visible and still off in the distance, you may be able to drive away from it by moving out of its path. Drive at right angles from the position of the tornado's location.

If it's too close, as quickly and as safely as possible, park the car at the side of the road. Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building.

If you are out in the country and surrounded by fields, run to low ground away from cars, power lines, or trees. Lie flat and face-down. Protect the back of your head and neck with your arms.

Never ever seek shelter under a bridge. Think "wind tunnel".

Fall Into Deep Water

God forbid this should ever happen to anyone, but if your car goes off the road or a bridge and into water:

* If you act quickly, you should either open the door right away before it starts to sink, or open a window and escape. You will only have a few seconds to open the door.

* If you can't do either, make sure the doors are unlocked and the key is still in the ignition.

* Calmly wait until you car is completely submerged and wait for the pressure to be equalized.

* Open the door, and follow the air bubbles up.

The below video demonstrates the acronymn, POGO, which stands for:
Pop seatbelt
Open window
Get
Out

How To Escape a Car Sinking in Deep Water on Howcast

It's always good to know what to do in case of such emergencies. But, above all, remind yourself to stay calm in any situation and you will be able to think things through. --LKR

Greg Gilbertson Air Tapping

Greg was awesome! We saw him last night at CVBC playing for a Hope for Haiti event and had such an enjoyable evening being entertained!!! :-) I would have asked him about this air tap technique, but we left right after the event instead of sticking around to mingle. --LKR

Arkiyana, Awesome Artist

Having had experience as a student teacher with middle school aged children, I'm always very impressed with young talent. Arkiyana Kramarik is an amazing, self-taught, child prodigy. She does much more than paint and draw! Enjoy! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Love Lifted Me

Love Lifted Me


I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore.
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry
From the waters lifted me
Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I'll cling.
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true,
Merits my soul's best song.
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

Souls in danger look above,
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love,
Out of the angry waves.
But the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

Talented, Twirling Bear

Tim Tebow, Humble Servant

Rescued Dog Becomes Rescuer

Click on the below for a heart warming story:

Dog rescued from abusive home becomes the rescuer

Innovative Feline

I've never, ever, ever seen a kitty drink like this!!! Enjoy!

Rumble In The Jungle 2010

It was a beautiful, sunshiny day. One would never have guessed it was -4F at 9:00 am!!! Thankfully, it warmed up a tad bit more before the races began at 10:45.

The Swiss Miss Rumble in the Jungle was held at Lowes Creek County Park in Eau Claire, WI. This was the fourth annual race, which is now held in memory of Tim Dusick, the race's founder. Paula (Tim's widow), along with Mark and Emily Blaskey, have been keeping Tim's dream alive. Rumble in the Jungle is now a qualifying event for the 2010 Snowshoe Nationals.

First up were the children's race. Trax of the Eau Claire Express, Fazoli's Tomato, as well as a kind-hearted Turtle joined in on the fun. The 5K race began! The 10K started shortly thereafter. Racers began filtering through down the Ridgeline Trail, headed toward Skull.

Racers--and walkers--along Fence. The finish line was near at hand!!!Three lads clad in kilts

Kelly Mortenson of St. Paul, MN with fellow recipient Andrea Mueller of Edgar, WI each won as the overall male and female of the 10K Swiss Miss Rumble in the Jungle snowshoe race.

In the dead of winter, this is a very welcomed event! --LKR

Boxing Cats

Too cute! Enjoy!

Dawn's Early Light

I cannot tell you how strongly I dislike the dark days of winter, nor of how totally thrilled I was at 6:58 this morning to actually see the dawn of a new day!!!

It's amazing what a difference a day makes. Yesterday at this very same time, it was still pitch black out. (We're out in the country and thankfully don't have any of those pesky street lights!) My children normally drag themselves out of bed...and out to the bus stop all before the crack of dawn. What fun--or how safe--is that?

I'm not a morning person, but actually beginning to see light earlier in the morning does make it easier to to get up and at 'em! --LKR

Sunday's Song--I Surrender All

I Surrender All

All to Jesus I surrender;
all to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
in His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender;
humbly at His feet I bow,
worldly pleasures all forsaken;
take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;
make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
fill me with Thy love and power;
truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
fill me with Thy love and power;
let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;
now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His name!

I surrender all, I surrender all,
all to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

--J.W. Van Deventer, 1896

Farewells and New Beginnings

Goodbye 2009, and hello 2010!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!

Snowy Big Falls

It was a bright and lovely day, today, but very cold, as well. So why did hubby and I venture out into the cold? To see the beautiful sights at Big Falls! One section of the fallsA hole in the ice

No picnicking today!!!A fallen log

These sights, and many more, were worth the trek through the woods! --LKR

Rescued Raccoons

Young Raccoons Saved from Pepsi Machine @ Yahoo! Video

Merry Christmas!!!

What Child Is This

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

--William Chatterton Dix, 1865

Twelve Days of Christmas

Straight No Chaser is a truly talented group of young men! Enjoy! --LKR

Holiday Humor

I love the Muppets, and I love this piece. Enjoy! --LKR

Cool Moon

At 5am on his way out the door to work, hubby ran back in the house. "Wanna see something cool?" he whispered. "Take a look outside!"

It was awesome, worth crawling out from under warm blankets and into the freezing air. Hubby was talking about the ring around the moon you see here.

I don't have a wide angle for the camera that does super in low-light, and forget the tripod. As it was, by the time I grabbed my camera, the scene had changed. Thought it still was worth sharing. --LKR

Happy Thanksgiving!

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy answered, "No ma'am, they're dead."

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Ode To Forgetfulness

Hum. This has been happening to me since middle school. I wonder what that means? Many thanks to Mack Dryden for his humor! Enjoy! --LKR

Einstein Entertains...

Now only if my sister's bird would ever perform in front of an audience... . Enjoy!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--How Deep The Father's Love To Us

How Deep The Father's Love To Us

How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life,
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

--Stuart Townend

A Wonderfully Warm Day

Wow, what a difference from last Friday! Today has been wonderfully warm--in the 50's--with the sun peaking in and out all afternoon. It's been very windy, though, with gusts up to 28mph! A perfect day for wrapping up yard work before we get any more snow, and enjoying being out in the warm, fresh air without a jacket! --LKR

Another H1N1 Vaccine Warning

Here's yet another video warning us against the dangers of the H1N1 vaccine. Lots of people have been getting the swine flu in our area and are recovering just fine, so don't believe the hype!

Here We Go Again...

What started out as rain turned into heavy, wet snow by noon.Reports of cars in ditches were abundant, as were of branches snapping under the burdening pressure of a winter come too soon.By 6:30, plows rumbled through our country subdivision, ridding our road of a slushy mess. What will tomorrow bring? --LKR

It Had To Be Snakes

On a walk with my neighbor, we counted over a dozen baby snakes all over the road. Dead. Talk about depressing! The sight was reminiscent of a warm spring day after a shower where you'd expect to see earth worms all over the pavement. They all had come out to bask in the sun and move about in the warm 60 degrees before the cold weather sets in. We saw two live babies in the woods on trails, and I gently scooted them off to safety. Unfortunately, a beautiful smooth green snake we found was half dead. Thankfully, this little hognose snake did not get run over when earlier, I pulled our van into the driveway! --LKR

Vaccination Complications

I'm not posting this to spread hysteria. Desiree Jennings wanted to share her story of what can happen even with the ordinary flu shot, and I'm just helping her do so. Dystonia is a rare neurological disorder that was triggered from this vaccine.

The swine flu vaccination contains 25,000 times the amount of thimerosal, a known neurotoxin, than would even be considered toxic in food and water. This vaccine can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome, another neurological disorder. As I cautioned in a recent post, if you have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other neurological illnesses, you especially should steer clear from this vaccine. --LKR

Early Morning Sky

Shortly after the bus picked the kids up for school, dawn started breaking. Thought this was worth sharing with you all. --LKR

Prayers, Please

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This is a bit of a tear jerker but worth it. Please pray for Zach and his family. Thanks! --LKR

Yesterday...

The snow kept coming down, yesterday, so I ventured out into the woods to check it out.

The trails were both mud and snowFall color everywhere!!! This year, at least in our neck of the woods, fall has been less than spectacular. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of leaves that haven't even begun to change color. And lately, we're having temps in the 30's which is unseasonably cold for this time of year! While this may not harm the trees, it's dampened many a hope for a warmer autumn! --LKR

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow???

We woke up, and the kids ran out into this to wait for the bus, this morning!!! It's only October 12th, and we've already had snow twice in the past two days!!! Thankfully this will melt--once the snow stops flying--before the day is over! --LKR

Swine Flu

We all need to stop worrying and stressing out about the swine flu. Stress lowers our immune system which weakens our bodies, making us more susceptible to illnesses. Laughter, on the other hand, is the best medicine, so go rent some funny movies, read some good-humored books, or hang around with fun friends. Oh, and don't forget to eat healthy foods and take vitamin D.

Here's to a less stressful flu season!!! --LKR

Snow!!!

Most of this white stuff had melted by the time I got this picture, but here's what we woke up to this morning. I am so not ready for snow or winter! It's 29F as of 9am... . --LKR

Swine Flu And Vitamin D

There are a lot of doctors out there trying to spread the word about the use of vitamin D as a safe, natural alternative we all can use. Even if you already have the flu, it's never too late to start using it, and actually is recommended at higher doses.
Eat healthy, stay away from processed and junk foods, take good quality natural supplements like thymus, and you're on your way to strengthening your immune system and having a healthier life! --LKR

Swine Flu Vaccine

This doctor is not alone having angst over this vaccine. Many other doctors, do, too, as do other people as shown in the second clip who have carefully looked into this.

If you have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other neurological illnesses, you especially should steer clear from this vaccine. [Yes, fibromyalgia is neurological, while chronic myofascial pain syndrome, often diagnosed as fibromyalgia but often occuring with it, is muscular.]

This flu shot contains a known neurotoxin, and contains 25,000 times the amount that would be considered toxic in water or food levels!!!

There are much safer things you can do to avoid the flu! Be smart, not scared! --LKR

Air Bud For Real!

Thought this was too cute!

Slam Dunk Dog @ Yahoo! Video

Graceful Lippizaner Stallions

These Lippizaner Stallions are awesome! Recently, 12 of these handsome boys were boarded at Trinity Equestrian Center right outside of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for two days, enjoying the hospitality and fun that only Trinity can offer!

The history in this is fascinating, as well. Enjoy!!! --LKR

(The long version, followed by a short version if you don't have the time or are not as interested in it's history):

~First Frost~

Ugh! It came too soon!!! I guess it always does! ~Frost!~ Next thing you know, the snow will be flying!!! --LKR

Cold Front Blowing In...

The sick and twisted side of me laughed each time one of my three children ran out the door to wait at the bus stop.

"Burrrr!"

"Ah! It's COLD out there!"

"Ugh!"

If they weren't totally awake before they reached for the door knob at 6:44 am, they sure were by the time they stepped out through the door!

Don't worry, I had my moment too while running out to bring poochie back inside. "Ahhhh!" I shrieked as unexpected freezing pellet raindrops blew at me horizontally in the fiercely blowing wind.

How I long for warmer days after this cold front blows through, but I don't think we'll get it. If only we could migrate along with the birds and butterflies to warmer winter dwellings!!! --LKR

Need A Laugh?

Need a laugh? Watch this short clip!

Retracing Steps For A Worthy Cause

This is a baby hognose snake playing dead. Two hours earlier, my friend and I found him in the middle of a narrow bike path. Something compelled me to go back and check for it. You know how it is when you get that nagging feeling. So after picking my son up from soccer two hours later, we drove on over to Lowes Creek County Park. Carefully, I retraced my steps.

The snake was almost in the same spot I had left him after moving him off of the narrow pine trail. I could tell now it had been bleeding as I carefully placed his tiny body onto a paper towel and brought him back to the van.

Sadly, every year we find several young snakes that have perished in their youth. Thankfully, this one has a fighting chance! --LKR

Update: This morning, he's all curled up and looks pretty normal. White Pine Wildlife Rehab Center is still going to take him in.

Update 9/26/09: White Pine called to tell us the snake didn't make it. :-{

Raspberries

Got bit up big time by mosquitoes while bees of all sorts flew all about us. But it was well worth it! These sweet, juicy, delectable berries were devoured in no time at all!

Soon, frost will be ruining any remaining, ripening fruit. I'm just hoping for a good loooong Indian summer to make up for the lack of usual warmth we normally have in June, July, and August! --LKR

Why Did They...?

A few days ago, in the middle of the road, a pancaked turkey lay sprawled out, feathers fanned out which covered up what must have been a gory scene beneath. The next day, a tiny snapping turtle lay at the side of the road, flattened.

Why did they cross that road? What made them do it? Obviously, the grass was not greener on the other side of the road--for either of them, at least!

Later, while walking with my neighbor that same afternoon, I spied two little wooly bears as they took off in a mad crawl across the hot, black pavement. Since these were not yet road kill..., I scooped them up and brought them home. Since then, these two have been eating my yard out of dandelion leaves--there just aren't that many left to pick due to the lack of rain in our area. Everything, including weeds, are drying up!

Maybe it was a lack or food, curiousity, or the search for a winter home that caused these critters to trek over treacherous turf. Who'll ever know? They aren't telling! --LKR

Quiche, Anyone?

It's been ages since I've made quiche, and since I couldn't think of anything else to make, decided on this for dinner. Okay, so maybe it was the two giant zucchinis and three tomatoes that needed to be used up that helped necessitate this meal.

Duplicating a dish I've made isn't easy since I improvise, often using recipes only as guidelines. By the way, this is a crustless version, so it is gluten-free.

Let's see, the zucchinis, tomatoes, and onion were sauteed; side pork (cooked) was "crumbled"; cheddar, havarti, and muenster were added to milk and eggs and mixed together. Oh, yes, some basil and oregano were also tossed in. Normally I like to use fresh herbs, but our basil is recovering from when we were away on our (2,827 mile) "road trip", and we haven't had oregano in our garden since we've lived here. Guess this was the only part of the recipe I actually followed: Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.

The kids were fighting over who would get the largest pieces. None of them asked what they were eating until after all crumbs were consumed. The smiles quickly turned to shock and disbelief. I'm not exactly sure what they've heard about quiche, before, but it must not have measured up! --LKR

What Day Is It?

090909

I love dates like this!!! --LKR

Health Care Reform

Early Mornings, Once Again!

It's that time of the year, once again. Back to (very early) mornings! I'm not a morning person, so this can be quite an ordeal. Fortunately, the sun is up by the time the bus arrives at the beginning (and end) of the school year. Not true for the rest of the year!

The bus was early, today, which was expected since they are only picking up middle schoolers. Tomorrow, high schoolers will be joining them on their early morning journey.

One nice thing about getting up before dawn is the chance to witness beauty in early morning light.

Dew, mist, and fog are awesome, too!

There's something really cool about dew that can't quite compare with rain. If the kids didn't have to get up so early, this is something I would have missed! --LKR

Manasquan

Never before had we ever found sand dollars at the Jersey shore. The regulars at Manasquan all agreed. The tides, quite literally, have changed. Riptides are more frequent and more powerful than they were when we were growing up. Unfortunately, that's what happens when you try to change the "landscape" of the sea.

Little clams that had washed ashore that I revived in water before releasing.

A little girl caught an interesting fish and showed it to us.

Sand crab!

We used to body surf. Not any more! --LKR