Where Were You?

Where Were You

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day?

--Alan Jackson

Terrific Tuesdays

A little humor for you all on this Terrific Tuesday brought to you by Christian comedian Tim Hawkins! Just think back to when you were growing up. I remember these things well as if they happened yesterday!

Just wondering--does anyone over 40 ever remember sliding through those stupid swings that had the bars in front that were supposed to hold very young children in? Traumatic, huh?! Enjoy! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Take You Back

Take You Back

The reason why I stand
The answer lies in You
You hung to make me strong
Though my praise was few
When I fall I bring Your name down
But I have found in You
A heart that bleeds forgiveness
replacing all these thoughts of painful memories
But I know that Your response will always be:

I`ll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I`ll take you back always
Even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I`ll take you back.

You satisfy this cry
Of what I`m looking for
And I`ll take all I can
And lay it down before
The throne of endless grace now
That radiates what`s true
I`m in the only place that
erases all these faults
That have overtaken me
But I know that Your response will always be:

I`ll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I`ll take you back always
Even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I`ll take you back.

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I`m pierced by this gift of Your love
I will always bring an offering
I can never thank You enough

You take me back always
Even when my fight is over now
Even when my fight is over now
You take me back always
Even when my pain is coming through
Even when my pain is coming through
You take me back.

--Jeremy Camp

Heat Wave!!!

Here in the upper midwest, we're experiencing extreme heat. While 92F may not sound scorching to anyone living in dryer climates, when high temps are combined with high humidity, the heat index can easily rise up and over 100F. This could lead to heat related illnesses such as heat stroke in both humans and animals.

Stay in air conditioned buildings, drink plenty of fluids, and if you must be outside, wear a hat and stay in the shade.

Check up on elderly neighbors, and families with young children. A day like this is not good for gardening or running around outside!

Outdoor dogs (and cats!) should have plenty of shade and water to access throughout the day.

For wild animals, consider leaving shallow dishes of water in shady areas, or hanging an extra hummingbird feeder out for hot, hungry hummers.

--LKR

Sunday's Song--Jesus Messiah

Jesus Messiah

He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

All I hope is in You
All I hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The Light of the world

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all.

--Chris Tomlin

Soldiers Surprising Their Loved Ones

Enjoy!!! And don't forget to keep praying for the men and women who serve our country, and their families!!! --LKR

Tigertail Beach, Second Time Aound!

While on Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, was on my agenda. These photos are taken on my second trek up to this sanctuary.

Fishing!

I just love these birds!

Pelican

A protected Sea Turtle nest

There are over 60 species of shorebirds that either migrate to or are residents of Tigerail Beach.

Beautiful Tigertail Beach

A fish for Junior!

Click to find the fuzzy chick!

If you ever find yourself on or near Marco Island, this is an excellent place to visit! --LKR

Before I Eat

Enjoy! --LKR

What Led to the Declaration of American Independence

"For numerous years the commercial policy of Great Britain, in her dealings with the American Colonies, was narrow and selfish, and its effects influenced the whole social compact here. The colonists felt the injustice of many laws, but their want of representation in the National Legislature, and their inherent political weakness, obliged them to submit. It wasn't until the wars with the French and Indians that the colonists began to unite their once disjointed settlements.

The enactment of the Stamp Act in 1765, and the events that followed, made it clear in the minds of the colonists that even common justice would be denied them by the Home Government. The colonists saw plainly that the King and Parliament were resolved to turn a deaf ear to all petitions and remonstrances that were based upon the righteous assumption that "taxation and equitable representation are one and inseparable."

On the 5th of September, 1774, delegates from various colonies assembled in Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia. Their deliberations were orderly but firm. Loyalty to the crown, notwithstanding its oppressions, was a leading theme in their debates. Not a word was whispered of dismemberment and independence. They humbly petitioned the King, remonstrated with Parliament, and appealed to their brethren in Great Britain for justice. Their petitions and remonstrances were in vain. New oppressions were laid upon them, and the blood of American citizens was shed by British soldiery at Lexington and Concord.

Another Congress assembled in May, 1775, organized a temporary general government, made provisions for an army, and appointed Washington commander-in-chief. And yet they talked not of independence. They armed in defense of rights, bestowed by the British Constitution, and they were still willing to lay them down, and avow their loyalty, when those rights should be respected. Their petitions were unheeded and their remonstrances were insultingly answered. Their demands for justice were met by swarms of armed mercenaries, purchased by the British Government of petty German princes, and sent hither to butcher British subjects for asserting the rights of British subjects.

Hope for reconciliation faded away at the opening of 1776. In June of that year, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, offered a resolution in the General Congress, declaring all allegiance of the colonies to the British crown. This bold proposition was soon after followed by the appointment of a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The draft was made by Jefferson, and after a few verbal alterations by Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, it was submitted to Congress on the 28th of June. It was laid upon a table until the first of July, when it was taken up in committee of the whole, and after several amendments were made, nine States voted for Independence. Maryland and Pennsylvania refused their concurrence; but conventions of the people having been called, majorities were obtained, and on the fourth of July, votes from all the Colonies were procured in its favor and the thirteen united Colonies were declared free and independent States.

The Declaration was signed on that day, only by John Hancock, the President of Congress, and with his name alone, it was first sent forth to the world. It was ordered to be engrossed upon the Journals of Congress, and on the 2nd day of August following, it was signed by all but one of the 56 signers whose names are appended to it. That one was Matthew Thornton, who, on taking his seat in November, asked and obtained the privilege of signing it.

The signing of that instrument was a solemn act, and required great firmness and patriotism in those who committed it. It was treason against the home government, yet perfect allegiance to the law of right. It subjected those who signed it to the danger of an ignominious death, yet it entitled them to the profound reverence of a disenthralled people. But neither firmness nor patriotism was wanting in that August assembly. And their own sound judgment and discretion, their own purity of purpose and integrity of conduct, were fortified and strengthen by the voice of the people in popular assemblies, embodied in written instructions for the guidance of their representatives.

Such were the men unto whose keeping, as instruments of Providence the destinies of American were for the time entrusted. And it is a matter of just pride to the American people, that not one of that noble band who periled life, fortune, and honor, in the cause of freedom, ever fell from his high estate into moral degradation, or dimmed, by word or deed, the brightness of that effulgence which halos the DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE."

--Excerpts from ~B.J. Lossing 1848

For Your Entertainment...

Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did! --LKR

Eagle Research

Ever wonder how little birdies are banded when living high up in a nest? This clip shows how! It also explains what they did with the eaglets I had in an earlier post, and why they do it. Interesting! --LKR

Best Buds!

Suryia the orangutan and her best bud, Roscoe! Enjoy! --LKR

Soaring Like Eagles!

Like good company, the Blue Angels never seem to stick around long enough, so I set out to see them one last time.

On the way to higher ground, an eagle flew into view. It wasn't exactly soaring at the time because it was being chased by two smaller birds..., but, oh, the freedom to be able to fly.... !The words to Steve Miller's song came to mind:

"...I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free... ."

The Angels did circle around my destination (a lofty parking garage), and even soared directly above me, a few times. But it just wasn't quite the same as being at the show. Don't get me wrong, I was absolutely thrilled to see them any way I could!This audience endured two brief thunderstorms, but most of the show was under partly cloudy skies and thankfully otherwise dry.

I hope the Blue Angels will be free to fly here, again, in the very near future!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Once to Every Man and Nation

Once to Every Man and Nation

Once to every man and nation,
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with false-hood,
For the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision,
Offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever,
'Twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;

Then it is the brave man chooses,
While the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue,
Of the faith they had denied.

Though the cause of evil prosper,
Yet the truth alone is strong:
Though her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong,

Yet that scaffold sways the future,
AND, BEHIND THE DIM UNKNOWN,
STANDETH GOD WITHIN THE SHADOW,
KEEPING WATCH ABOVE HIS OWN.

--James Russell Lowell

Chippewa Valley Air Show

The Chippewa Valley Air Show was, as expected, awesome!

Thanks to the Boy Scouts for undertaking such an enormous event!The Golden Knights started off the show while the Star Spangled Banner was sung.

Comedy and aerobaticsFat Albert--he is one big bird!

Viper West taking off--way cool!The Blue Angels finished off the show!We sat--and stood--in almost four hours of cold, drizzling rain. Thankfully, we donned rain gear and, um, chair covers! (Someone left their umbrella in the van!) At least we weren't rained out like the first show was two years ago!

We're already looking forward to the next time this show's in town! --LKR

Air Show Reception

It was a real pleasure meeting the men and women who put on the air show!

Thanks to the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, Vipers (West), the very important "No Names" (as they called themselves), Chippewa Valley area Boy Scouts, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, and many others who helped get this show back to Western Wisconsin! You all rock!!! --LKR

They're Here!!!

For two years, I've patiently waited for the return of my beloved blue and gold birds. So imagine my frustration when I could hear them loudly calling to me, but not being able to see them!

Okay, so I'm not talking about my brightly colored bluebirds or goldfinches. I'm referring to the Navy's awesome Blue Angels that are once again gracing us with their presence here in the Chippewa Valley.

My hubby, not trusting me to keep my eyes on the road if I were searching for them on my own, offered to take me into town to see them flying overhead. The above are the Blue Angels flying over the west side of Eau Claire.We were also rewarded with a sighting of Fat Albert on the northeast side of Eau Claire. The Airshow is this Saturday and Sunday at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. Tickets can still be purchased at the gate for $25. We can't wait to see them!!! --LKR

Raccoon in the Road!

Look at this little darling! Poor little girl was seen in the middle of the road, late one night, and then cowering in a damp ditch the next. I'm happy to say I've learned this three week old little sweetheart now is in good hands (literally!), and getting the proper nutrition, shelter, and love any coon would crave! --LKR

Excuse Me???

A Song For Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day, Ladies!

This is Anita Renfroe singing "I'm the Mom" to the tune of William Tell's Overture. It's been around for several years, but I recently found a version with the words below. and thought I would share it with you all. Enjoy! --LKR

Frost and Snow Flurries!!!

Unbelievable, but on the 8th day of May, we were anticipating 1-3" of snow!!! Fortunately we only got flurries!!!

Unfortunately, frost hit our hostas..., but they should grow new leaves. I'm not sure which is worse, having the frost get to them, or the deer! --LKR

National Day of Prayer

Tom Olson performed patriotic songs before and after prayer

A group of about 100 met at the flag poleDan Anderson was one of several pastors who led us in prayer

We also broke into small groups to pray for our nation

Heal Our Land

Forgive oh Lord - and heal our land
And give us eyes to seek Your face - and hearts to understand
That You alone - make all things new
And the blessing of the land we love - are really gifts from You

If My people - Will humbly pray
And seek My face and turn away - From all their wicked ways
Then I will hear them - And move My hand
And freely then will I forgive - and I will heal their land.

Unite our hearts - in one accord
And make us hungry for Your peace - and burdened for the poor
And grant us hope - that we might see
The future for the land we love - our life, our liberty

If my people - Will humbly pray
And seek My face and turn away - From all their wicked ways
Then I will hear them - And move My hand
And freely then will I forgive - And I will heal their land
And I will heal their land
Heal their land

--Michael Card

Sunday's Song--Fairest Lord Jesus

Fairest Lord Jesus

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is Fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
And all the Twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations
Son of God and Son of Man
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forever more be Thine.

--Anon, 1677

A Rainy Soccer Day

Wild horses couldn't have dragged me out of the safety and shelter of my van! Instead, I cowardly pulled into a parking space nearest to the field my son was playing on.

Futile attempts were made in digitally documenting the 1 1/2 hour game that, by the way, continued in a downpour of much needed rain. Had the sun been shining, I would have carried my weary carcass to the soccer field and cheered both teams on at this early morning game. I honestly love watching kids play soccer! The above image is the best shot I got from this morning, which was made as the storm subsided. (Raindrops blurred many goal shots of younger teams playing, and my son's team was too far for a decent, recognizable image!) Those brave souls! --LKR

Bald Eagle Nest Cam

This won't be up all year long, but it's worth sharing! Come back often to watch this live viewing of a bald eagle's nest in central New Jersey.

After the eaglets have fledged, reading the observations of others in these comments will remain. You may also want to check out this post on the research done with eagles like these.

Enjoy!!! --LKR

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Thank Your Military!!!

Thanks to all the selfless men and women--and their families!--who serve and have served this country, protecting our freedoms! May God bless you all!!! --LKR

Letters to God

Simply hearing the theme song to "Lassie" has made me misty eyed since early childhood, and since then I avoid watching any tear jerker movies, especially if they involve children or animals.

But I am so very glad hubby and I went to see "Letters to God" at Carmike Cinemas at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire! We actually went to see it twice, and enjoyed it even more the second time around!

Should you go to see this entertaining movie, and I encourage you to do so, be prepared to laugh as well as cry. It's appealing to all ages, and a great flick to bring the whole family to see.

"Letters to God" is also a hope inspired movie. Several cancer survivors were part of this movie's production, and they make sure to fill you with hope at the very end. And, "hope is contagious", as the movie claims! --LKR

Brookfield Zoo

We just love Brookfield Zoo! We were members when we lived in Illinois, and came here often. It has changed a lot in the last four years with an added merry-go-round and playground, but the animals are still very well cared for and happy, so it's always a pleasure to come visit!

A seal happily swimming

I had to see the elephants. Though they're not my favorite animal, I love to see their huge smiles!

I wonder what he's squawking about!

We also saw penguins swimming with large fish in another exhibit in the Living Coast.

This giant starfish is part of the Living Coast exhibit. My sister and I, both beach bums, used to rescue small starfish; various crabs, including horseshoe crabs; sea horses (though they were usually in pretty rough shape if they washed up on shore); and other sea creatures after high tide. I don't know about any of you, but if I ever saw a starfish this big, I would have freaked!!!

Some sort of monitor

A beautiful bird

An interesting birdIsn't he sweet?!

Socrates (left) flirting with a female camel. A sign told us he is too young to breed and therefore has to be separated from the others 'til he's older.

A lovely couple!

This beautiful tiger put on a show for us all, playing with his toys in--and out--of the water.

I really miss not living close to this zoo. Hopefully the next time we're in the Chicago area, we'll be able to visit here, again! --LKR