It will soon be May. From where I live, May is only 8 hours and 45 minutes away. Wow. Who could have thought. May, 2007. I remember a May 40 years ago. I was just days from being out of high school with my entire life ahead of me. With no idea what I was going to do. I certainly did not foresee the things that have happened.
Frank Bourbonnais departed this world early yesterday morning, something before 2:20 am, Tulsa time. Frank, as you know if you have read my earlier entry, was my sister's husband of almost 34 years. Or maybe 34. I don't remember what time of the year they were married. They had 4 children, Frank III, Kristina, Josh and Sally. Frank III passed away two or three years before our Dad did. Dad passed away in 2003. Kristina, Josh and Sally are all married now. I know they will miss their dad terribly. Yvonne is left with a grandson she is raising as her own. Alex is now 6 I think. My heart goes out to both of them. I can not image the pain they are carrying.
I know the Newberry family has rallied around and is providing lots of support. I feel terrible not being able to be more supportive. Time and distance brings many difficulties.
"God in heaven, the giver and taker of all things living, we humbly ask for the comfort only you can bring to this family. In you alone do we have hope of life beyond this horizon of life. Only you can bring the courage to us that we may look into the face of death, and say with Paul the Apostle of Christ, 'Oh death, where is thy sting?' Only through you do we see beyond this vail, to a hope eternal and loss free.
"Lift up my sister and hold her to your breast and help her to realize the peace and everlasting comfort of a faith centered on you. Love her more than we can. And give her the courage to face each new day as a day created by you for her.
"In the precious name of Jesus we place her in your arms for keeping. Amen."
4.30.2007
4.29.2007
Sunday April 29, 2007
It is early Sunday morning and I am up because, once again, I over ate. When I get off work late, all I want to do is eat and drink. Georgiann fixed salmon tonight using a new recipe she found on line. It involved cooking the salmon in aluminum foil with asparagus, Honey-Dijon and walnuts. I highly recommend it only not in the portions I had at such a late hour. I am going to give you the source for the recipe without permission. Easier to get forgiveness than permission sometimes. http://www.activeangler.com/. The recipe is called "Honey-Dijon Salmon."
Maybe cutting out the two large pieces of fresh cherry pie would help as well. Or the bowl of Wheaties just a few hours later. Whew. Way too much. Overload on the digestive system.
Today is my sister's birthday. I won't mention here in a public place that she is now 53 years old. I just wouldn't do that. I talked to her briefly last night about 9:15, 8:15 her time in Tulsa. Her husband of almost 34 years is in his last moments of a struggle with lung cancer. He never smoked but was a city fire fighter for 20 years. I think it was 20 years. I have not heard back in 5 hours now and I don't know if Frank is still with us or has crossed over into heaven. And heaven is where he will be I am sure. Not that we can ever know someone else's heart, but from all appearances he has certainly joined the heavenly throng.
So Frank may have gotten the ultimate gift of eternity with the Lord on his wife's birthday. I don't know right now.
Things are progressing with Jill's adoption. You can catch up on all that at jillsexp.blogspot.com . I don't know, Jill, that address does look a little risque' if you don't know the whole meaning. Our friends, Deborah and Randy, have been keeping their blog updated with pictures of Kaili at 5wheelin.blogspot.com. That blog goes back about a year and is a virtual time line of their entire adoption process. Which is what Jill is trying to emulate I believe.
What is so immediately clear to me as I sit here at my computer this next to last day of April 2007 is that lives are still coming into the world as other lives exit. And life goes on. The life cycle brings great joy and great sorrow depending on circumstances. We weep with those that are sad this morning, and rejoice with those that are happy.
God continues to be so good to all of us. It is only we that seem to recognize it or loose sight of that fact at times.
Pictures next time. Blessings.
Maybe cutting out the two large pieces of fresh cherry pie would help as well. Or the bowl of Wheaties just a few hours later. Whew. Way too much. Overload on the digestive system.
Today is my sister's birthday. I won't mention here in a public place that she is now 53 years old. I just wouldn't do that. I talked to her briefly last night about 9:15, 8:15 her time in Tulsa. Her husband of almost 34 years is in his last moments of a struggle with lung cancer. He never smoked but was a city fire fighter for 20 years. I think it was 20 years. I have not heard back in 5 hours now and I don't know if Frank is still with us or has crossed over into heaven. And heaven is where he will be I am sure. Not that we can ever know someone else's heart, but from all appearances he has certainly joined the heavenly throng.
So Frank may have gotten the ultimate gift of eternity with the Lord on his wife's birthday. I don't know right now.
Things are progressing with Jill's adoption. You can catch up on all that at jillsexp.blogspot.com . I don't know, Jill, that address does look a little risque' if you don't know the whole meaning. Our friends, Deborah and Randy, have been keeping their blog updated with pictures of Kaili at 5wheelin.blogspot.com. That blog goes back about a year and is a virtual time line of their entire adoption process. Which is what Jill is trying to emulate I believe.
What is so immediately clear to me as I sit here at my computer this next to last day of April 2007 is that lives are still coming into the world as other lives exit. And life goes on. The life cycle brings great joy and great sorrow depending on circumstances. We weep with those that are sad this morning, and rejoice with those that are happy.
God continues to be so good to all of us. It is only we that seem to recognize it or loose sight of that fact at times.
Pictures next time. Blessings.
4.15.2007
Rainy, Cold Sunday
It was about 44 degrees when we left for church at 9:45 this morning, and steady rain was falling. It was damp and cold, in other words. It is only 50 degrees now, but the rain is down to a light mist.
I have been working in the study since getting home from church. Church was really good for me this morning. I especially like church because I get energy that I wouldn't otherwise get. Seeing friends and talking a few minutes. Joining in some really uplifting music, being encouraged by the speaker. I was really tired this morning and wanting to stay in bed, but came home rejuvenated.
I began working on the bookcases. I have glued them together and will fast them directly to the wall. I first have to add crown mold around the top and I am adding a 3/4" header above the crown. The bookcases will be primed then painted in a Pecan color I had mixed. It is the same color as the bead board and casing along the bottom. The crown on the bookcases will be Pecan as well. The crown on the ceiling will be the red, or wine, or dark blood color as the walls. The textured wallpaper is coming out so good I am very happy. It really looks like leather. Just perfect for a study.
I had a pretty good day at work yesterday. I was on a forklift or another lift we call star wars. I am not real sure what it is supposed to be called. It's just known as star wars there. It is a tall machine you stand to drive. No belts or anything. To transport it you drive it with the forks behind you. Steering is backwards at that point and I am having a heck of a time getting that to become second nature. The forks extend so your reach is lengthened, and I keep forgetting to extend them, and always forget, nearly always, forget to retract them with a load.
Thursday I put in for my first promotion. I would like to get it. I have to wait and see now.
I'll post pictures soon of the study.
I have been working in the study since getting home from church. Church was really good for me this morning. I especially like church because I get energy that I wouldn't otherwise get. Seeing friends and talking a few minutes. Joining in some really uplifting music, being encouraged by the speaker. I was really tired this morning and wanting to stay in bed, but came home rejuvenated.
I began working on the bookcases. I have glued them together and will fast them directly to the wall. I first have to add crown mold around the top and I am adding a 3/4" header above the crown. The bookcases will be primed then painted in a Pecan color I had mixed. It is the same color as the bead board and casing along the bottom. The crown on the bookcases will be Pecan as well. The crown on the ceiling will be the red, or wine, or dark blood color as the walls. The textured wallpaper is coming out so good I am very happy. It really looks like leather. Just perfect for a study.
I had a pretty good day at work yesterday. I was on a forklift or another lift we call star wars. I am not real sure what it is supposed to be called. It's just known as star wars there. It is a tall machine you stand to drive. No belts or anything. To transport it you drive it with the forks behind you. Steering is backwards at that point and I am having a heck of a time getting that to become second nature. The forks extend so your reach is lengthened, and I keep forgetting to extend them, and always forget, nearly always, forget to retract them with a load.
Thursday I put in for my first promotion. I would like to get it. I have to wait and see now.
I'll post pictures soon of the study.
4.11.2007
Setting the record straight
In my Wednesday blog I made a statement about a friend for which I have no knowledge for substantiation. It was an attempt at low humor. I didn't mean to imply I had knowledge of personal nature.
Just in case anyone would question that. I often overstep the bounds in trying to be light and less serious than I am expected to be.
In another part of the same blog, I referenced a place that a friend had gone recently. I think I should not have done that, as well. I am learning that what is mentioned in private is very different than what should be blabbed, or blogged, in public. I struggle to adapt to the new world around me. Having lived transparently, I think others do as well.
My apologies.
Just in case anyone would question that. I often overstep the bounds in trying to be light and less serious than I am expected to be.
In another part of the same blog, I referenced a place that a friend had gone recently. I think I should not have done that, as well. I am learning that what is mentioned in private is very different than what should be blabbed, or blogged, in public. I struggle to adapt to the new world around me. Having lived transparently, I think others do as well.
My apologies.
Rainy Wednesday
Still cold here in the Valley and it is already April 11th. I thought for sure Puxatauny Phil saw his shadow this time around. Still in the mid 40s here. Raining. But no, it is not snow, and for this we should be grateful. Oh I know, not Deborah, but she is on medication for other things as well. Great new pics of Kaili and Deborah and Deborah's mom and dad on her blog, http://5wheelin.blogspot.com/. I'd have to say that Kaili is easily the prettiest Asian baby I have ever seen. And having been in three countries in Asia, I've seen a whopping lot of Asian babies. No, none of my own, thank you very much. A lot of GIs managed to come home with more than they went there. Not me. Nothing live, at least.
Been working on the study today. I am going to paint with what paint I have in just a moment. Both the leather color and the primer on the bookcase (just one for now) and maybe some of the bead board.
As a result of a little miscalculation on my part Monday I have come up with a handyman tip. "Verify shim length does not exceed the depth of cavity into which it is being driven." Yep, made a slight modification in the hall wall just outside the study. Sure made my wife laugh. I was unsure if she was laughing AT me, WITH me, or just the situation. It WAS humorous.
Got a phone call from Barbara this morning. So good to talk with her again. She had been off to see other countries and visit the Galápagos Islands. Twice now, at least that she has been there. I am glad she is able to go. I know I would love to, but not in the plans for now.
See Jill's blog for updates on her adoption process. I am going to have to sit down with Lesa so she can blog about their little one. Jill has tentatively picked a name. I don't know if it is public knowledge yet, so I won't blurt it out.
Blessings.
Been working on the study today. I am going to paint with what paint I have in just a moment. Both the leather color and the primer on the bookcase (just one for now) and maybe some of the bead board.
As a result of a little miscalculation on my part Monday I have come up with a handyman tip. "Verify shim length does not exceed the depth of cavity into which it is being driven." Yep, made a slight modification in the hall wall just outside the study. Sure made my wife laugh. I was unsure if she was laughing AT me, WITH me, or just the situation. It WAS humorous.
Got a phone call from Barbara this morning. So good to talk with her again. She had been off to see other countries and visit the Galápagos Islands. Twice now, at least that she has been there. I am glad she is able to go. I know I would love to, but not in the plans for now.
See Jill's blog for updates on her adoption process. I am going to have to sit down with Lesa so she can blog about their little one. Jill has tentatively picked a name. I don't know if it is public knowledge yet, so I won't blurt it out.
Blessings.
4.09.2007
Holiness
So much on my mind today. I unloaded an entire pickup load of setups after sleeping in terribly late. Working late is taking it's toll on me. Last night I had lots of help, but still worked very hard. I loaded, on my supper break, all of the setups my little truck would carry. Setups are boards, treated and untreated, typically 2X4 to 4X4 in size, 40" to 48" in length, that have a square groove down one side. That groove accepts a steel or plastic band that secures the load of lumber to the setups. The secondary reason for the setups, is so forklift forks can slid beneath the "hack" of lumber and move the lumber.
As you can imagine, we accumulate setups at a steady rate. I took a full bed of them and only got about half of what we currently have. What am I going to do with them? My plans are to make a picket fence out of the pressure treated ones, and no idea what I'll do with the untreated ones. Unless Georgiann wins her case for a painted fence, and than I'll use both treated and untreated.
I am supposed to be working in my office, but wanted to get this off my heart before I muddied the thought process.
Two things came to me via email. The third, via a magazine. My sister's husband, my brother-in-law, brother in Christ, and true friend, is battling cancer. Like the man of principle and righteousness that he his, he is being very practical about setting things in order and talking openly, Frankly actually, no pun intended, about passing from time into eternity.
It is easy for me to talk about that sort of thing for me, but somehow harder to think about it in a loved one or friend. Especially one so close to me in age.
He is on my heart.
The second thing via email was a note about the new coin dollars being released. They do not have the inscription "In God We Trust" on them, apparently (I have not seen one). The email was an encouragement to make our voices known that we didn't appreciate the turn from an open statement on our money about trust in God to no statement.
I don't fault those that would like to fight that, however I would refer them to Jesus words in Mark 12:17 "...render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. " This country long ago gave up trust in God, especially in money matters. It has become a nation of self worth and self sufficiency. So I really don't care what the money says on it, as long as it will buy me the necessary things I need. I understand the bigger picture of the government taking more and more of our Christian identity away, but I also know who the government is. It is us. WE are the government. Of the people, by the people and for the people. I learned that in Jr. high civics. I think. I KNOW I learned it in civics, just no idea whether it was Jr. High or Elementary.
The third thing on my mind today is from an article in the January 2007 issue of Christianity Today. The title is "Reviewing the Fundamentals" and is a short look into issues surrounding Ted Haggard's recent problems. The quote in the article that really has my mind going is this: "The life of holiness is more arduous than the war on terror." Powerful stuff. And right on the mark. Holiness, is something much of the so called Christian world, and evangelical world is struggling to define and live.
I am convinced that Christ called us to Him, to be forgiven, to be purified, and to be secured in holiness. But it is up to us to stay there.
Blessings.
As you can imagine, we accumulate setups at a steady rate. I took a full bed of them and only got about half of what we currently have. What am I going to do with them? My plans are to make a picket fence out of the pressure treated ones, and no idea what I'll do with the untreated ones. Unless Georgiann wins her case for a painted fence, and than I'll use both treated and untreated.
I am supposed to be working in my office, but wanted to get this off my heart before I muddied the thought process.
Two things came to me via email. The third, via a magazine. My sister's husband, my brother-in-law, brother in Christ, and true friend, is battling cancer. Like the man of principle and righteousness that he his, he is being very practical about setting things in order and talking openly, Frankly actually, no pun intended, about passing from time into eternity.
It is easy for me to talk about that sort of thing for me, but somehow harder to think about it in a loved one or friend. Especially one so close to me in age.
He is on my heart.
The second thing via email was a note about the new coin dollars being released. They do not have the inscription "In God We Trust" on them, apparently (I have not seen one). The email was an encouragement to make our voices known that we didn't appreciate the turn from an open statement on our money about trust in God to no statement.
I don't fault those that would like to fight that, however I would refer them to Jesus words in Mark 12:17 "...render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. " This country long ago gave up trust in God, especially in money matters. It has become a nation of self worth and self sufficiency. So I really don't care what the money says on it, as long as it will buy me the necessary things I need. I understand the bigger picture of the government taking more and more of our Christian identity away, but I also know who the government is. It is us. WE are the government. Of the people, by the people and for the people. I learned that in Jr. high civics. I think. I KNOW I learned it in civics, just no idea whether it was Jr. High or Elementary.
The third thing on my mind today is from an article in the January 2007 issue of Christianity Today. The title is "Reviewing the Fundamentals" and is a short look into issues surrounding Ted Haggard's recent problems. The quote in the article that really has my mind going is this: "The life of holiness is more arduous than the war on terror." Powerful stuff. And right on the mark. Holiness, is something much of the so called Christian world, and evangelical world is struggling to define and live.
I am convinced that Christ called us to Him, to be forgiven, to be purified, and to be secured in holiness. But it is up to us to stay there.
Blessings.
4.06.2007
Cross refinement
After more measuring, I have again redesigned my cross. The green in the center is the board on the right, the brown tile is the tile on the right. I will parallel each board segment with a very light wood stain in something like Puritan Pine, cut the outer ring out of a piece of oak plywood and stain it red oak. The blue circle and red dot I have not decided on. Georgiann suggested that I put a narrow spot light in the ceiling to highlight the red dot. Thus, my extra switch in the wall. The board underneath is the beadboard I am using on the walls. It will be painted a sand color with contrasting real sand hand thrown on in long sweeps while the paint or lacquer is still wet. I'm trying to stretch my artistic wings! Passover Friday
For many, this is the day Christ suffered so much for me. I am sure most Christians realize that this is not the actual DAY, but it is a commemorative day. But I'm OK with commemorative days. I am more for being reminded of such days every day. Which is one of the reasons I am putting a cross in my study floor. Each time I enter the room, hopefully I will be reminded of what Christ did for me. I want to do so much more than I am, but I made decisions in life that I am constrained to continue with. Constrained by God, in fact. So while I came late to discover how much my heart is in foreign missions, I will have to be happy in supporting missions as much as I can from where I am.I made some headway on my room today, but alas, overslept and got a late start on the day. Not that anyone cares, but I did get the switches enclosed and the first coat of drywall mud applied.
Talked to two friends between last evening and this afternoon that I haven't communicated with in a while. Both are Christian friends, and yes, both happen to be female. Maybe I was genetically miswired somewhere along the line. Don't know. Anyway, it was so nice speaking with both. I have not heard from my dear friend in Peru lately. Just beginning to worry about her. She often does things that to my comfortable isolated life seems a bit edgy. I hope all is well with her. I need to talk to her about a blog. Oh the stories she could share!!
Just wanted to post. I had in mind to say something thological, but I will save it for later or discared it entirely. Thanks for coming along.
Oh, here is the latest on the cross design. I have tried to follow the Celtic tradition, but simplify it so that I can make it happen. I am not the least bit artistic and this is pushing my envelope of creativity.
4.05.2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Today is the first anniversary of Mom's passing. It was just about 10:00 pm, CDST that she breathed her last breath with me holding her, Yvonne, Phillip and Ruth Ann standing at her side. Peaceful, finally, she slipped from time to eternity. No longer would we see her smile or hear her voice, or have her shake her finger in our direction. Ruth Ellen Newberry Catlett, born March 13, 1928, had slip from her mortal restraints to take on immortality.
Today I worked an opening shift. Made my morning counts on 80# Quickcrete, 4X8 7/16" OSB, 4X8 1/2" drywall and 4X12 11/2" drywall. Checked all reports of out of stock items, then begin to put up freight. Pretty much an uneventful day.
Had dinner with Georgiann and Jill at Applebee's in Waynesboro, remembering on the way to meet them at Applebee's that I still had a Computer Repair class at 6:00 pm. Ate dinner in a hurry, rushed home for my briefcase and made it to class just in time.
I took some pictures yesterday and this evening that I'm going to post here.
This is our Bradford Pear just beginning to loose its blossoms. With temperatures dropping into the mid 20s the next several days, and a slight chance of snow, we will lose all of the blossoms.
This is a shot of our Magnolia tree in the back yard. Pretty blossoms, but doomed as well.
Wiring I am doing in the study.
Here are my fingers just after removing the wrap I am supposed to wear.
Today I worked an opening shift. Made my morning counts on 80# Quickcrete, 4X8 7/16" OSB, 4X8 1/2" drywall and 4X12 11/2" drywall. Checked all reports of out of stock items, then begin to put up freight. Pretty much an uneventful day.
Had dinner with Georgiann and Jill at Applebee's in Waynesboro, remembering on the way to meet them at Applebee's that I still had a Computer Repair class at 6:00 pm. Ate dinner in a hurry, rushed home for my briefcase and made it to class just in time.
I took some pictures yesterday and this evening that I'm going to post here.
This is our Bradford Pear just beginning to loose its blossoms. With temperatures dropping into the mid 20s the next several days, and a slight chance of snow, we will lose all of the blossoms.
This is a shot of our Magnolia tree in the back yard. Pretty blossoms, but doomed as well.
Wiring I am doing in the study.
Here are my fingers just after removing the wrap I am supposed to wear.
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