2 Chronicles

I have been reading 2 Chronicles recently and was struck by the story outlined in 2 Chronicles 10 - 12.  It is the story of Rehoboam, who succeeded Solomon as king.  Of particular interest was 2 Chronicles 10:8, 10:15,  and 10:16-19.

When I read this all I could think of was our current political situation.  We have a President who has surrounded himself with "young men who had grown up with him"  (see the czars).  Although others with more experience (i.e., elders) have advised that during a recession it is not a good idea to raise taxes or institute programs that will further burden tax payers, our President has gone forward with the advice of the "young men."  Our country is now burdened with new health care taxes, about to have "cap and trade" taxes implemented, and our national debt continues to rise at an unheard of rate.

The story in Chronicles, however, indicates that when the king refused to listen to them, the "Israelites went home."  I am not sure we can wait for November to "go home."

"The lesson of history is rarely learned by the actors themselves." ~James A. Garfield

January 2, 2010

I keep a task list on Outlook and use it for all types of activities that I need to consider.  Included on my list are housekeeping chores, exercise routines, job hunting activities, bill paying requirements, and blogging.  These are all recurring tasks and I have set them up so when they are accomplished (i.e., "checked off") they will pop-up on the "to do" list the appropriate number of days, weeks, or months later.

Today the "Blog" task indicates it should be done on January 2, 2010.  I guess I am a little behind on this activity.  Although some tasks get "checked off" even when they are not done, blogging is not one of those.  Therefore, I will need to be more dedicated if I am to "catch up."  Don't be surprised, therefore, if (from time to time) I feel compelled to "double blog" on some days.  Then again, I might not.  After all, this is a "soft task" which really doesn't have to be done, but falls into the area of a goal.

My use of the task list allows me to feel accomplishments on a daily basis.  Perhaps that is part of my personality - one that needs to be fed with making a difference, or at least setting goals and reaching them. 

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." ~Les Brown

Yard "Rats"

Dare I mention that "they" are back.  I had not seen any deer in the yard for several weeks (I am just guessing, but the weather hasn't been exactly "spring-like").  I spent several hours (that's not new) yesterday "trimming" down the green stuff that passes as "grass" around the house.  The swamp on the other side of the driveway, however, remains untouched by mower blades.  In any event, about 7 PM last evening my first, young buck of the season arrived to nibble the short stuff. 

My only words of advice to him are be careful of where you "hang" out.   If Don is down in the fall (with his lethal hunting gear), you could join the others in his living room.  So much for "poke 'em young."   As for the "yard rats" - my current concern is not them but the raccoons.  The little "darlin's" knocked down my two hummingbird feeders (AGAIN).  I will take a page from my neighbor and bring the feeders in at dusk each day.

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes." ~e.e. cummings

Summer in May and early June

So what's a cat to do when the temperatures are in the low 90s and match the humidity?  Lounge around on top of the kitchen cabinets (cozying up to your favorite basket that you sometimes use as a bed).  At least that is Black Beauty's idea of the best solution to such a day. 


That is until it is late afternoon (you know, "mad dogs and Englishmen..."), and then you opt to head to the deck with a couple of your buddies.  Black Beauty and Blondie sharing the shade with the "walk on" (BK). 

It is cooler in the shade, particularly since the "fud giver" doesn't like to turn on the air conditioning.  So, we lay around on the deck for part of the afternoon. 

At other times, however, there is enough energy to search for mice.  BK and Black Beauty are the best "hunter" of yard rodents.  BK of course eats his "captees."  Black Beauty can be counted on to capture at least one rodent every three times she heads out.  In fact, just last week she showed Buddy her "find."

Now Bud (better known by his "given name - Basement Budweiser) isn't known as the sharpest tool in the shed.  However, on this particular occasion (last week) he finally showed his worth and captured his very first yard rodent.  Bud, I am so proud of you!    However, pride does have a limit - you cannot bring your captives into the house. 

Today the humidity (from the air) has taken a dive.  Just as well, because we have sufficient water in the roadside ditches and standing in the yards to make up for the lack of atmospheric moisture.

"Summer has set in with its usual severity." ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Exodus?

Granted, we've had a LOT of RAIN lately, but ... .

Last night, just as I was ready to get into bed, Blondie (of all the kitties) decided to get rather active.  I rounded the corner in time to see her chasing some sort of "shadow" around the sitting area.  I assumed it was a mouse that I would find in the morning (or perhaps - choice two - a bug that she would ultimately throw up).

The rain came early today - before noon.  I realized the windows were cracked open about a foot and, after puddles were formed on the wood ledges, decided to shut them and dry the ledges.  Imagine my surprise to find a small frog without a foot on one of the windows in the "recreation area" Blondie had been utilizing the evening before.

"Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the Lord says:  Let my people go, so that they may worship me.  If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs." -  Exodus 8: 2-3