Apparently, you can run out of room on a blog, so here is the rest of the wild weekend post. Sorry they are out of order here.
DD finished at the track meet, and we headed home. Once we got out of the city, we stopped for drinks. I got an ice cream cone as well, and had a heck of a time eating it in the truck. It was really big, and melty, and a mess. It was really good though. We finally arrived home, but it sure was a long drive. The road just kept going and going forever.
We finally arrive home, and visit with college kid before heading to bed. Wake up early Sunday for church. I really don't want to go-my head and back hurt- but I'm serving, so I need to be there. We take two cars, so dh can get there early to teach his class. I head in a little later, when dd is ready.
We have a nice time at Mass, then pile into the truck to go eat lunch. Then the plan was for dh to take dd to do some shopping, and me to take the boys home. Except after we put gas in the van, it goes haywire on me. I can't steer it, the battery light is on, and it is overheating. One of the belts had come off, and the van is completely undriveable. I will stop right here, and give thanks to God for this. I almost took the van on our trip to the convention and track meet. Almost. Then dh and I discussed it, and decided the truck was more reliable. Thank You Jesus!
It was Sunday, and nothing is open, so we had to leave it (with permission) and will deal with it this week. At least we are all home, and we do have one working vehicle. Now you have my crazy, wild weekend. I have glossed over it a bit, left out all the traffic jams we sat through, and things like that, but you still have a pretty good idea of how things went. Hope your weekend was great.
God Bless,
Chela
Sunday, April 29, 2012
What a Weekend
This weekend has been crazy and busy from start to finish. It's been run run run, with no break. For the most part, it's been fun, just so busy. Okay, enough of that; here's my weekend.
Friday I got youngest out the door, then was in my room before taking ds to school. As usual, I looked out my window to make sure that all was well with the pool. There was a splotch of dirt in the deep end that shouldn't have been there. I looked again, and it had a tail. I yelled for ds to come in, and he concluded that it was a possum. Blech, in the deep end, on the bottom of the pool.
I dug the hole for him in the yard, and fished the poor guy out with the pool net. I've held these at the zoo, so it's hard to deal with a dead one. On the other hand, I've also been bitten by them, so I'm not too heartbroken. I attempt to get the thing out of the net, but am having a hard time. I feel the 10' pool pole hit something. Oh my gosh, I forgot about the overhead power line! By the grace of God I was not electrocuted. Finish up what I am doing, and give thanks to God for sparing my life. I can't believe I was so careless, but thankful to my Savior for watching over me always.
Half day for the kids, and I'm watching my friend's kids after school. Finally send them home around 4. They didn't want to leave, even after their parents were back. They enjoy playing video games with my kids. There's a bit of an age difference, (mine are older) but it doesn't seem to be a problem at all. They've been fast friends for years. It seemed at one point that my friend would forever be in the land of sippy cups and potty training. Then one day, her kids just grew up on us. Now she's dealing with driver's licenses, and puberty. I guess it happens to the best of us.
DD had an FFA Convention Thursday-Saturday two hours away from here. She was receiving a state degree, a high honor for the organization. She also had a track meet two hours further north from the FFA event. On Saturday. She could work this out if we could figure how to get her from activity A to activity B. After much discussion, it was decided that I would go up Friday, spend the night in the hotel, see her get her degree on Saturday morning, then run her up to the track meet. Then we'd be home Saturday evening.
It worked out really well when college kid called and announced he'd be home Friday night, and stay the weekend. I had planned on my friend keeping the boys, but this would be even better. I left around 5:30 Friday night, and made it safely to the hotel. I was rooming with some friends of the family, and we had a nice time visiting. Up early Saturday to be at the convention by 8am. DD received her award, and we booked out of there. I was kind of surprised to see daylight when we walked outside, the area we were in was completely dark except for the stage. I kept thinking it was at night.
We hit a huge traffic jam on the way to the track meet, and were going nowhere for about 30 minutes. I was so worried dd would be late. It didn't help much when we made it to the school, and saw pole vault poles up in the air. Oh dear, this might not be good. It turned out to be the boys' pole vault event, and dd still had 90 minutes to spare. Thank You Father!
The meet was held at a Christian school, and it was just beautiful. Set up like a college campus, beautiful buildings, beautiful track and football field. They had this verse written on one of the walls: "No matter what happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus." Philippians 1:27 I like that verse.
DD's event was finally called, and she got 7 feet. She wasn't really happy with herself, felt that she could have done better, (she's gotten 8') but she gave it her best, and that is what matters. I'm really proud of her. I think one contributing factor was plain exhaustion. She had been at the convention for three days, rooming with three friends of hers, I know she didn't sleep. That's all she did in the car, and once we got home. Maybe if she'd been fresh, she could have done better. But she gave it her all, and I'm proud. (I can't say anything anyway, my fat butt surely wouldn't have made it seven inches, even with a pole.)
Friday I got youngest out the door, then was in my room before taking ds to school. As usual, I looked out my window to make sure that all was well with the pool. There was a splotch of dirt in the deep end that shouldn't have been there. I looked again, and it had a tail. I yelled for ds to come in, and he concluded that it was a possum. Blech, in the deep end, on the bottom of the pool.
I dug the hole for him in the yard, and fished the poor guy out with the pool net. I've held these at the zoo, so it's hard to deal with a dead one. On the other hand, I've also been bitten by them, so I'm not too heartbroken. I attempt to get the thing out of the net, but am having a hard time. I feel the 10' pool pole hit something. Oh my gosh, I forgot about the overhead power line! By the grace of God I was not electrocuted. Finish up what I am doing, and give thanks to God for sparing my life. I can't believe I was so careless, but thankful to my Savior for watching over me always.
Half day for the kids, and I'm watching my friend's kids after school. Finally send them home around 4. They didn't want to leave, even after their parents were back. They enjoy playing video games with my kids. There's a bit of an age difference, (mine are older) but it doesn't seem to be a problem at all. They've been fast friends for years. It seemed at one point that my friend would forever be in the land of sippy cups and potty training. Then one day, her kids just grew up on us. Now she's dealing with driver's licenses, and puberty. I guess it happens to the best of us.
DD had an FFA Convention Thursday-Saturday two hours away from here. She was receiving a state degree, a high honor for the organization. She also had a track meet two hours further north from the FFA event. On Saturday. She could work this out if we could figure how to get her from activity A to activity B. After much discussion, it was decided that I would go up Friday, spend the night in the hotel, see her get her degree on Saturday morning, then run her up to the track meet. Then we'd be home Saturday evening.
It worked out really well when college kid called and announced he'd be home Friday night, and stay the weekend. I had planned on my friend keeping the boys, but this would be even better. I left around 5:30 Friday night, and made it safely to the hotel. I was rooming with some friends of the family, and we had a nice time visiting. Up early Saturday to be at the convention by 8am. DD received her award, and we booked out of there. I was kind of surprised to see daylight when we walked outside, the area we were in was completely dark except for the stage. I kept thinking it was at night.
We hit a huge traffic jam on the way to the track meet, and were going nowhere for about 30 minutes. I was so worried dd would be late. It didn't help much when we made it to the school, and saw pole vault poles up in the air. Oh dear, this might not be good. It turned out to be the boys' pole vault event, and dd still had 90 minutes to spare. Thank You Father!
The meet was held at a Christian school, and it was just beautiful. Set up like a college campus, beautiful buildings, beautiful track and football field. They had this verse written on one of the walls: "No matter what happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus." Philippians 1:27 I like that verse.
DD's event was finally called, and she got 7 feet. She wasn't really happy with herself, felt that she could have done better, (she's gotten 8') but she gave it her best, and that is what matters. I'm really proud of her. I think one contributing factor was plain exhaustion. She had been at the convention for three days, rooming with three friends of hers, I know she didn't sleep. That's all she did in the car, and once we got home. Maybe if she'd been fresh, she could have done better. But she gave it her all, and I'm proud. (I can't say anything anyway, my fat butt surely wouldn't have made it seven inches, even with a pole.)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
wake up, wake up!
It's Saturday morning, and I'm in bed, asleep. My under the bed monster Julie Bug, is on my pillow, and decides it's time to get up. Stage is set, here is what happens:
Pat pat with a paw on my shoulder.
Me: Hmm..what's up, bug (Julie's nickname)
Bug: It's time to get up
Me: I don't have to get up yet, Julie. It's only 6:30am.
Julie: Yes you do, Mom, you always get up this early.
Pat pat with paw
Me: what?
Julie: It's time to get up, you're going to be late.
Me: not on Saturdays, Bug. I get to sleep in some. I don't have to be at the zoo until 10am. I can sleep until 8 today.
Pat pat with paw on shoulder
Me: Let me sleep, I don't have to get up yet!
Julie: You need to get up! Quit ignoring me, and get out of bed for goodness sakes!
Me: Ouch! Why did you bite my head?
Julie: You weren't listening to me. I'm not letting you oversleep.
Me: Have you ever heard of the POUND Julie?
Julie: Sorry mom, night.
Pat pat with a paw on my shoulder.
Me: Hmm..what's up, bug (Julie's nickname)
Bug: It's time to get up
Me: I don't have to get up yet, Julie. It's only 6:30am.
Julie: Yes you do, Mom, you always get up this early.
Pat pat with paw
Me: what?
Julie: It's time to get up, you're going to be late.
Me: not on Saturdays, Bug. I get to sleep in some. I don't have to be at the zoo until 10am. I can sleep until 8 today.
Pat pat with paw on shoulder
Me: Let me sleep, I don't have to get up yet!
Julie: You need to get up! Quit ignoring me, and get out of bed for goodness sakes!
Me: Ouch! Why did you bite my head?
Julie: You weren't listening to me. I'm not letting you oversleep.
Me: Have you ever heard of the POUND Julie?
Julie: Sorry mom, night.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A View of a Zoo
Saturday was our zoo's Native American Festival. Ds and I signed up to work wherever they needed us, and spent the day manning a booth with biofacts and live animals. This tends to be the most popular booth at events such as these.
We were near the main arena where they held the entertainment-Native American dancers, musicians, etc. A tent blocked most of our view, but we got to see some of the action. The costumes were so rich, and elaborate. Some jingled and jangled as the wearers walked around. The headdresses of feathers were something to behold. I really wish I had gotten pictures, but was too busy working at the time to think about it.
There were several vendors set up under white tents, selling Native American jewelry, bows and arrows for the kids, arrowheads, and annoying little water whistles. They sounded like birds, and every single kid at the festival had one. LOL Thank goodness none of the whistles made their way to my house.
Our booth had a lot of biofacts-animal parts-for people to see. We had several bird wings, skulls of some native predators, an otter pelt, and turtle shells and skulls. People were most impressed by "Pete". He's our Reticulated Python skin, that was harvested after the snake died about 20 years ago. He used to live at Chehaw on exhibit, and was 21 feet long.
We had tree frogs, an opposum, corn snake, and a box turtle in the live category. We noticed a trend in the visitors at the event. If we were just hanging around the booth with no animals, we'd have no visitors. If we pulled out an animal, (especially the snake) we'd have a steady stream of people.
Ds and I had our box turtle U-Haul out for a while, talking about his hinge, that allows him to close up shop if things get frightening. He has gorgeous coloration, so that helps his draw as well. Unfortunately, U-Haul is a busy little guy, so we opted to put him back after he had visited some.
A while later, a visitor comes up, and informs us that our turtle is making a break for it! U-Haul had gotten out of his carrier, and was hauling shell to parts unknown. Praise God for the visitors that noticed him. After that, we placed water bottles on top of his carrier, and checked him frequently.
You meet all types of people at events such as these, especially when there are thousands of visitors coming your way. Children are usually my favorite. They are innocent, curious, and usually love the live animals. I love how their faces light up when they see someone with a critter.
The adults though-well I have to love them too. Like I said, you meet all types. Most are polite and curious, and at least listen to what you have to say. Some are familiar with the animals you are talking about, and share their stories with you. I enjoy that. Some people however...
One young lady came up to our booth, and loudly declared, "Oh my gosh, you murdered all of these animals!" Yes, we're a zoo, and we randomly murder animals for their parts to display to our visitors.
I calmly informed her that we're a zoo, and we love animals. All of the biofacts we are displaying came from animals that died of natural causes. In fact, I told her, the bobcat skull is a bone clone. It was handmade, and isn't even real. She then tells me she loves animals, especially turtles, and was going to go off (make an even bigger scene) if we had harmed the turtles whose shells were were displaying. Sigh.
At this point I was really done with her altogether. It had been a long day, I was tired and hungry, and just didn't care anymore. I kept my composure with her though. When she informed me that she picks up turtles in the road, and throws them in the back of her truck to relocate, I told her she is probably signing their death sentence. It's perfectly fine to move them on across the road, but you don't want to relocate if you can help it. They know where all the shelters, ponds, blackberries, etc are in their territories. If you move them, they are completely lost.
Sometime later, a young boy came by, maybe 9 or 10, and was asking me about the biofacts. As docents, we try to get our visitors thinking, instead of just throwing the names of things out there. So instead of saying, "That's a possum skull", we might say, "It's a nocturnal animal that likes to get into your trash can."
I had been doing that with this young man, and he had guessed one of the wings correctly. Here is the conversation that ensued:
Boy: I must have gotten it right because of my high IQ. Take a guess at how high my IQ is.
Me: It's been a long day, and I am done with guessing. Just tell me.
Boy: It's 119, and that's really good for someone my age.
Just a little self-absorbed there. Just a guess, but he is probably an only child.
I did talk to two gentlemen out of the many many visitors that really stuck with me. The first was an older man, and we started talking about the wings and feathers on display. We talked for a long time about everything, and the conversation flowed so easily. I could have listened to him all day. His father was a farmer, and would plow his fields with mules. The stories this man has to tell...
The second man was an Aztec dancer at the event. We were admiring the 21 foot python skin, and started talking about animals ending up as roadkill. He said that he picks up snakes (especially the venomous ones) after they are hit, and takes them home. He skins them, and throws them on an anthill. Then, after they are cleaned, he uses the bones for medicine. Hey, who am I to judge? At least the animal isn't going to waste. I hope he remembers the adage I taught my kids: A gun is never empty, and a snake is never dead. Yeah, a dead snake can still bite and inject venom into you for a while after death. To be safe, I'd wait two hours before handling. A lot of people don't know this.
It was a good day overall. We rolled and unrolled Pete countless times, chased the box turtle everywhere, talked and talked and talked some more. At the end of the day, I couldn't even speak right. It happens when I get overtired. It was really interesting, and the Native American culture is not something I am exposed to everyday, so it was really neat. We spent 8 hours there, and saw probably well over a thousand people.
God Bless,
Chela
We were near the main arena where they held the entertainment-Native American dancers, musicians, etc. A tent blocked most of our view, but we got to see some of the action. The costumes were so rich, and elaborate. Some jingled and jangled as the wearers walked around. The headdresses of feathers were something to behold. I really wish I had gotten pictures, but was too busy working at the time to think about it.
There were several vendors set up under white tents, selling Native American jewelry, bows and arrows for the kids, arrowheads, and annoying little water whistles. They sounded like birds, and every single kid at the festival had one. LOL Thank goodness none of the whistles made their way to my house.
Our booth had a lot of biofacts-animal parts-for people to see. We had several bird wings, skulls of some native predators, an otter pelt, and turtle shells and skulls. People were most impressed by "Pete". He's our Reticulated Python skin, that was harvested after the snake died about 20 years ago. He used to live at Chehaw on exhibit, and was 21 feet long.
We had tree frogs, an opposum, corn snake, and a box turtle in the live category. We noticed a trend in the visitors at the event. If we were just hanging around the booth with no animals, we'd have no visitors. If we pulled out an animal, (especially the snake) we'd have a steady stream of people.
Ds and I had our box turtle U-Haul out for a while, talking about his hinge, that allows him to close up shop if things get frightening. He has gorgeous coloration, so that helps his draw as well. Unfortunately, U-Haul is a busy little guy, so we opted to put him back after he had visited some.
A while later, a visitor comes up, and informs us that our turtle is making a break for it! U-Haul had gotten out of his carrier, and was hauling shell to parts unknown. Praise God for the visitors that noticed him. After that, we placed water bottles on top of his carrier, and checked him frequently.
You meet all types of people at events such as these, especially when there are thousands of visitors coming your way. Children are usually my favorite. They are innocent, curious, and usually love the live animals. I love how their faces light up when they see someone with a critter.
The adults though-well I have to love them too. Like I said, you meet all types. Most are polite and curious, and at least listen to what you have to say. Some are familiar with the animals you are talking about, and share their stories with you. I enjoy that. Some people however...
One young lady came up to our booth, and loudly declared, "Oh my gosh, you murdered all of these animals!" Yes, we're a zoo, and we randomly murder animals for their parts to display to our visitors.
I calmly informed her that we're a zoo, and we love animals. All of the biofacts we are displaying came from animals that died of natural causes. In fact, I told her, the bobcat skull is a bone clone. It was handmade, and isn't even real. She then tells me she loves animals, especially turtles, and was going to go off (make an even bigger scene) if we had harmed the turtles whose shells were were displaying. Sigh.
At this point I was really done with her altogether. It had been a long day, I was tired and hungry, and just didn't care anymore. I kept my composure with her though. When she informed me that she picks up turtles in the road, and throws them in the back of her truck to relocate, I told her she is probably signing their death sentence. It's perfectly fine to move them on across the road, but you don't want to relocate if you can help it. They know where all the shelters, ponds, blackberries, etc are in their territories. If you move them, they are completely lost.
Sometime later, a young boy came by, maybe 9 or 10, and was asking me about the biofacts. As docents, we try to get our visitors thinking, instead of just throwing the names of things out there. So instead of saying, "That's a possum skull", we might say, "It's a nocturnal animal that likes to get into your trash can."
I had been doing that with this young man, and he had guessed one of the wings correctly. Here is the conversation that ensued:
Boy: I must have gotten it right because of my high IQ. Take a guess at how high my IQ is.
Me: It's been a long day, and I am done with guessing. Just tell me.
Boy: It's 119, and that's really good for someone my age.
Just a little self-absorbed there. Just a guess, but he is probably an only child.
I did talk to two gentlemen out of the many many visitors that really stuck with me. The first was an older man, and we started talking about the wings and feathers on display. We talked for a long time about everything, and the conversation flowed so easily. I could have listened to him all day. His father was a farmer, and would plow his fields with mules. The stories this man has to tell...
The second man was an Aztec dancer at the event. We were admiring the 21 foot python skin, and started talking about animals ending up as roadkill. He said that he picks up snakes (especially the venomous ones) after they are hit, and takes them home. He skins them, and throws them on an anthill. Then, after they are cleaned, he uses the bones for medicine. Hey, who am I to judge? At least the animal isn't going to waste. I hope he remembers the adage I taught my kids: A gun is never empty, and a snake is never dead. Yeah, a dead snake can still bite and inject venom into you for a while after death. To be safe, I'd wait two hours before handling. A lot of people don't know this.
It was a good day overall. We rolled and unrolled Pete countless times, chased the box turtle everywhere, talked and talked and talked some more. At the end of the day, I couldn't even speak right. It happens when I get overtired. It was really interesting, and the Native American culture is not something I am exposed to everyday, so it was really neat. We spent 8 hours there, and saw probably well over a thousand people.
God Bless,
Chela
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday
This is a post by my daughter:
Today marks the day my Savior died for you and me. It was on this day the people He was dying to save continued to beat him and taunt him even while he was on the way to the cross and while he was on it. 3 nails were drove into his hands and feet on a cross . . . He suffered the death of a criminal even though he was perfect. Jesus knew this was the last moments of his beautiful sacrifice and that he would dine again shortly with his Father in Heaven. This is the price our loving Savior paid for us to join them in heaven. ♥ #GoodFriday
Today marks the day my Savior died for you and me. It was on this day the people He was dying to save continued to beat him and taunt him even while he was on the way to the cross and while he was on it. 3 nails were drove into his hands and feet on a cross . . . He suffered the death of a criminal even though he was perfect. Jesus knew this was the last moments of his beautiful sacrifice and that he would dine again shortly with his Father in Heaven. This is the price our loving Savior paid for us to join them in heaven. ♥ #GoodFriday
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