tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365101272024-03-13T06:36:34.694-07:00Life & TimesRaves and rants and random thoughts all terribly unprofound.Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-15745744076440301802011-05-04T02:04:00.001-07:002011-05-04T02:18:48.521-07:00Happy birthday<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey0KkAW4vx4/TcEWlKgsgJI/AAAAAAAABQw/OHX7x89XSfs/s1600/IMG_7549-760207.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey0KkAW4vx4/TcEWlKgsgJI/AAAAAAAABQw/OHX7x89XSfs/s160/IMG_7549-760207.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602784239158067346" /></a></p>Happy Birthday, Grace, Ruth, Esther & Kevin. Sunday was a beautiful day--it reached 60 for the first time this year. It was a good celebration with Mike and Sarah and their two boys, Jack and Sam. Zach stopped by to see how you've grown. Other neighbor kids, aka party crashers, Josiah, Asher, Pearl, Rose and Marcus, fathers Luke & Reed wished you happy birthday as well. Well all enjoyed strawberry frosted chocolate cupcakes and strawberry lemonade, while you enjoyed your extra special treats of worms, apples, bread & corn. Sponge Bob's happy bday sign decorated your coop. Thank you for all your fresh eggs. Today I'm thankful that I adopted you one year ago. You girls have blossomed into a perfect May Day celebration.Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-61869340309085270872011-04-06T15:11:00.000-07:002011-04-07T03:16:40.908-07:00Wordless Wednesday<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0pDGoA2mWA/TZzmRH8dePI/AAAAAAAABQo/dKDaCoTjU3w/s1600/photo-795559.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0pDGoA2mWA/TZzmRH8dePI/AAAAAAAABQo/dKDaCoTjU3w/s160/photo-795559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592598019152115954" /></a></p>If you have nothing good to say....say nothing. That's the rule, right? Well, today is such a day. The sun managed to sneak out for a quick moment on this 36 degree day in between hail and thunder showers. This flowering cherry tree really is a sight to behold. (I stole the whole wordless Wednesday from my friend...of corse, I gotta work on talking less...)Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-17172192318554622512011-03-17T16:07:00.000-07:002011-03-17T16:08:04.270-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="380" height="290" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jgFU5Ak88-k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-76393561305776848292011-03-08T22:29:00.000-08:002011-03-08T22:35:03.849-08:00Bare with me<div style="text-align: justify;">But this is funny. First, you might have to pause the music player. Then start the video.... but watch the cat. It's a great combo. :D Sometimes, ya just gotta be silly. It could be my imagination, but I think the cat is in tempo.</div><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="440" height="290" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IdRo2NJJcUU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><p><a href="http://www.99desi.com/"><img src="http://www.99desi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Dancing-Cat.gif" alt="Dancing Cat" /></a></p>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-61018489191168547242011-03-06T22:56:00.000-08:002011-03-06T23:00:33.823-08:00New band<div style="text-align: justify;">My friend, Charity, is in a band called "the Head and the Heart". They opened for Dave Matthews at McHall Hall for his Christmas benefit concert. They were a hit and continued on tour with him for a couple weeks. Last Friday, I heard them on the radio on 107 The End. Here, for your enjoyment is their very first video...</div><br /><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:625469" width="512" height="319" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"flashVars="configParams=vid%3D625469%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A625469" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed><div style="margin:0px;padding:4px;width:500px;text-align:center;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/the_head_and_the_heart/artist.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">The Head and The Heart</a> - <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Music</a> - <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/video/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">More Music Videos</a></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-17494913394622727062011-03-01T03:02:00.001-08:002011-03-01T03:02:16.771-08:00My Review of Custom Messenger Bag<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home?utm_source=powerreviews&utm_term=product">Originally submitted at Timbuk2</a></p><div><p style="margin-top:0">Customize your own Messenger</p></div><a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home?utm_source=powerreviews&utm_term=product" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">Custom Messenger Bag</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">The Good Stuff</strong></p><div>By <strong>Razmond</strong> from <strong>Seattle, WA</strong> on <strong><abbr title="201131T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">3/1/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images_merchants/stars/10911_stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -144px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">4</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Attractive, Well crafted, High Quality, Original, Durable , Lightweight , Customized, Comfortable , Roomy </p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Strap length a bit short, Only Black Thread</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>School, Beach, Day Trips, Office, Extended trips , Computer, Picnics, Commuting, Airplane travel </p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Practical, Comfort-Oriented, Quirky, Particular</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">The process is enjoyable. Being jealous of my older Timbuk2 bag, my friend told me about the Groupon special, suggesting I buy another one. I caved and we both began the selection process. Good times. I was thankful of the memory of the ever patient gal in the SF store that helped me 4-5 years ago, work out the details. I was able to share some of the same insights with my friend helping with his design. <br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>Can I just say, "thank you" for bringing white back into the palette!<br><br>Although I submitted my order before my friend, (surprisingly, I was more decisive having been through the process before) he received his a day before me. No big deal...just interesting.<br><br>White. So pristine and pure white. Really like it! My original bag had to settle for the tan/linen color which has worn well. But the white...The white is perfect. Unfortunately, quite possibly the worst con of all.... The black thread. Seams from the back for the velcro shows through to the front. Not so very happy about that. In fact, it almost creases on the sew lines (there are 3). This is not to be confused with the hem lines/stitching colors together. My dislike is for the heavy duty stitching for the velro on the flap shows through to the front of the bag in both the white and orange areas. I know, I'm picky...but this was the very first thing I noticed when opening the package. I was a little let down. <br><br>The bag is virtually perfect otherwise. My friend got the computer section and the new bumpy pad is so thin, I have a hard time believing it's as durable as my thicker, foam, corduroy sleeve. Thinner allows more interior space, but less protection.<br><br>I opted for the white trim and blue interior. There are pockets gallore. A favorite feature is the red, key chain leash. <br><br>My request from my first bag remains after receiving my second...Could you, would you, please make the strap just a bit longer??? Yes, I'm built like a football player. Empty, it's easy to put on...full, comfort becomes more challenging. <br><br>Overall, a Most Excellent bag. It was a real treat to purchase my first bag, and just as exciting to purchase my second and to share the fun with a friend. My original, well used bag still looks brand new even after traversing the continent. <br><br>Thank you for offering such a superior and durable product.</p><div class="prCustomerPics"><p style="margin-top:1em" class="prCaption">Volleyball Beach Picnic Bag</p><a href="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/00/36/22200945_160832_raw.jpg"><img height="23" width="100" alt="thumbnail" src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/00/36/22200945_160832_thumbnail.jpg"></a><p><strong>Tags: </strong>Made with Product, Picture of Product, Using Product</p></div><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-84407568172808474762011-02-15T20:11:00.001-08:002011-02-15T21:08:40.928-08:00Valentino<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3h8Ye5DeiO8/TVtXOXftE-I/AAAAAAAABQQ/4030FzhahDw/s1600/photo1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3h8Ye5DeiO8/TVtXOXftE-I/AAAAAAAABQQ/4030FzhahDw/s320/photo1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574144868137898978" border="0" /></a>Valentino... sounds slightly more interesting than Valentines....the stupidest day of the year. Although I traditionally wear black on the day, this year, I choked and wore red...Not because I am in love...on the contrary, my favorite dream girl crush got engaged last week. Sure, I'm happy for her, but selfishly sad for me. Was there ever any chance? I pretend to think so. Dear Lord, this life you have given me, is it forever meant to be solo?<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Perhaps I wore red to hide my aloneness? Maybe it was to be "festive" for the guys I cook for...and they obviously could care less what I wear as long as meals are out on time and taste half way decent. For some reason, in all the pretending and anticipation of the day, I searched stores and malls for heart shaped cookie cutters, determined to go the extra mile and make them something special.<br /><br />The competition...I mean, the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">inspiration </span></span>came from my friend <a href="http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/hearts-and-healing.html">Mandy and her blog</a>. She is one amazing woman! Her inspiration came from her little heart baby, Evie, who had open heart surgery at 10 days old. This strong little girl has survived painful operations and s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMtkzc0HrM/TVtWKxV1HwI/AAAAAAAABPw/DyEs_mYII9I/s1600/photo3.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMtkzc0HrM/TVtWKxV1HwI/AAAAAAAABPw/DyEs_mYII9I/s200/photo3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574143706844700418" border="0" /></a>urgeries.... but you'd never know it. At three years old now, she's a rough and tumble kinda girl, who loves bows in her hair and being the baby of the family. Additionally, she is absolutely beautiful. (You really should <a href="http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/">follow their blog</a>...amazing story, great family, give-a-ways too.) The whole family is for that matter. And not just on the outside, they are all quality souls. Mandy, the super amazing mom, wife, parent, sister, friend, is super creative (ignore her modesty), for she is so very talented. And radiant. And thoughtful. See, she made all her heart cookies for the nurses who looked after her daughter three years ago. Of course, they are perfect. Everyone who see's her photos exclaim, "Who is this lady? How can she...? How did she....? Are you kidding me....? Those are phenomenal!!! And she's the mother of how many? Six? Are you serious!??!?! That's definitely the typical reaction. These photos are of my creations. <br /><br />My cookie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSpIKAsWHvU/TVtWivHUjrI/AAAAAAAABP4/ARCFo-vDQUk/s1600/photo2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSpIKAsWHvU/TVtWivHUjrI/AAAAAAAABP4/ARCFo-vDQUk/s200/photo2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574144118563835570" border="0" /></a>s, not so phenomenal, but delicious just the same. Mandy was kind enough to share the recipe with me. (give me a holler if you'd like to try these for St. Patrick's day or something--they really are delicious!) I tripled and made about 12 doz, 4" hearts. I still have dough left over. She also gave me a recipe for Royal Icing. I used the royal for the trim and some detail work, while using a sugar icing to flood the cookies. After a few hours of work, I began receiving compliments on my work. Really the first time for everything...so I was pleased to some degree. They don't compare to the fine details that Mandy made, but again, the guys I serve really don't care what they look like, just that I give them dessert now and then. I was a little edgy on v-day as well which probably robbed me of some of the joy and serving them graciously. I dunno. The dinner came out well: baked ravioli with sauteed garlic mushroom marinara, caesar salad, sourdough baguettes. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. One fella commented on how clever it was that I made it a "red" dinner for v-day. I smiled and said thank you and confessed it was totally by accident.<br /><br />The day wasn't a total loss. Played some video games with housemates, watched the stormy weather pelt rain at the windows and wind gusts bend trees, then grabbed my favorite blanket, wrapped up and lounged in my undies as we watched Black Hawk Down.<br /><br />Today, I found <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/10/giant-cockroach-valentine/">this link</a>, which is ironically funny to me.<br /><br />PS--photos were taken with my iPhone 3gs (pre-flash generation) and untouched...<br /></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-83201334329412050562011-01-26T00:12:00.000-08:002011-01-26T00:21:43.026-08:00Family, Community, Heart and Music<div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="500" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yLu73iGs-Ws" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />The best part is that she's really more excited to give out hugs/love than more toys. Total sweetness!<br /></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-49239092955961278082011-01-12T02:23:00.000-08:002011-01-12T02:23:54.183-08:001/11/11I woke up today having dreamed that I was an astronaut. I don't dream very often...so that was kind of special. I quickly went back to sleep and thought I could hang on to it... but then I realize I wasn't really sleeping... only pretending so that I could go back to my cool dream. <br /><br />Tonight, my friend, Jackson, joined me for dinner. It snowed a couple inches during that time, so we detoured our way home to a great big parking lot. This was purely for educational purposes to see how my 4runner handles in snow both in and out of four-wheel drive. Good times followed by McDonalds soft serve ice cream cone. I may have to post a couple other videos just so that you can experience the full effect...<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sSfB-A_TuWQ?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-41067077868353199062010-12-28T21:40:00.000-08:002010-12-29T22:49:07.105-08:00Good morning, Prosperity<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TRrKKgpV8TI/AAAAAAAABPI/WZdWjMSC4aE/s1600/photo-721292.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TRrKKgpV8TI/AAAAAAAABPI/WZdWjMSC4aE/s160/photo-721292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555975372225769778" /></a></p>Prosperity South Carolina, that is. A terrific view first thing in the morning after falling asleep starring at the stars. A real room with a view. A real room in a home filled with love. It's a treat and privilege to visit my friends, play with their kids, help with home construction, share drinks, bonfires and smores...all things blessed by the Lord above.Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-75660752771628775462010-12-25T11:34:00.000-08:002010-12-25T11:39:06.087-08:00A big welcome to Theo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TRZIDtsGRvI/AAAAAAAABPA/igfBK3iHOWg/s1600/Theo%2B1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TRZIDtsGRvI/AAAAAAAABPA/igfBK3iHOWg/s400/Theo%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554706419049449202" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My friends, Zach and Amanda just gave birth to their first child on 12/21. Everyone is doing well... May the Lord continue to bless this family, protect them, and may Theo come to know you as his friend and Savior.<br /><br />More photos may be seen <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/zachgerig/Theo#">here on picasa</a>. </div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-90929901807398662002010-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:002010-12-13T19:21:09.702-08:00Times change, but the story remains the same<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-67131455497788949752010-11-29T00:36:00.000-08:002010-11-29T00:37:42.712-08:00Where's .......<div style="text-align: justify;">Raymond? Can you find me? Hint: I'm not in the stands. This was today's pointless fun. <br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NfZqvrFtYD8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NfZqvrFtYD8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-81429463831767562952010-10-29T13:33:00.001-07:002010-10-30T10:28:39.770-07:00Esther...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TMsvqxovXuI/AAAAAAAABNQ/UUjtxCYPRnk/s1600/photo-726667.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TMsvqxovXuI/AAAAAAAABNQ/UUjtxCYPRnk/s160/photo-726667.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533568979080011490" /></a></p>Miss Esther can't make up her mind. Since the sun is making an appearance today, I am hangin' out with the girls, giving them some "free-range" time. While 3 are busy sunning themselves, Esther paces around in circles unable to decide which box she wants to lay in today. She's even checked out the top space by the water jug (didn't even know they could get up there). I swept and cleaned their coop yesterday and added fresh wood shavings and something new, straw. Maybe that's throwing her off? I was afraid the boxes would be too small, but where there's an egg to lay, there's a way. (?) lol<br /><br />I have a hunch Kevin is starting to lay as well. So exciting. They are small eggs at the moment, and just brown. I can hardly wait for what's to come.Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-32056996575862494222010-10-28T22:10:00.001-07:002010-10-28T22:10:41.119-07:002 Eggs today!<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>And one funny video<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6nshKhqyqU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6nshKhqyqU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-52665740048061469112010-10-17T18:00:00.001-07:002010-10-18T00:20:44.286-07:00This is October?<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLucQtV2KKI/AAAAAAAABEA/eZCsXnaoFJ8/s1600/photo-749516.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLucQtV2KKI/AAAAAAAABEA/eZCsXnaoFJ8/s160/photo-749516.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529184778390481058" border="0" /></a></p>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-87736824281801818212010-10-14T23:46:00.001-07:002010-10-15T00:03:20.955-07:00C'mon chickens!!!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf7XvpDj5I/AAAAAAAABDg/2nGaHuXg-yk/s1600/photo%2818%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf7XvpDj5I/AAAAAAAABDg/2nGaHuXg-yk/s200/photo%2818%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528163452964802450" border="0" /></a>It's all about the girls these days. Grace, Ruth, Esther & Kevin should be laying eggs by my calculations....alas, disappointed anticipation leaves my mornings wondering what I've done wrong, what could I be doing better...what's wrong with these silly things!??? They seem happy and active. Kevin played with my shoelace today until she untied it. Grace bounded and fluttered from her sunbathing when I tossed out bread crumbs. I even called the folks out at the Grange yesterday to inquire what could be wrong. "I have four different types. Shouldn't one of them be laying by now? I got them on May 1, and they were almost a week old." Fifteen minutes with one lady offered me nothing more than perhaps a different brand of food. She patched me <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf7gA-g-MI/AAAAAAAABDo/2W7NfqIBfq0/s1600/photo%2819%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf7gA-g-MI/AAAAAAAABDo/2W7NfqIBfq0/s200/photo%2819%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528163595057166530" border="0" /></a>through to Susan, the chicken pro, and she delivered the most disappointing news of all. "There is a lot of wrong information on the net," she begins, "and in my experience, having raised chickens all my life, I've never had one lay at 5-6 months. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf8OeGtqlI/AAAAAAAABD4/vkiqGHQeOP8/s1600/photo%2820%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TLf8OeGtqlI/AAAAAAAABD4/vkiqGHQeOP8/s200/photo%2820%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528164393150163538" border="0" /></a>It takes a while. I wouldn't expect eggs until early spring..." Ugh. My hopes sank. Seriously? I've been gloomy gus since the call, but today, while the girls were out, the lingered longer at my feet than they usually do. I've given up hope trying to pet them. Their teenage adolescence of don't-touch-me is lingering on. They were so close, I tried. Kevin, of course, pretends that she doesn't like it, but is always right on top of me...sometimes, literally. I patted at the others... but Esther! Esther did this squat/fan wings out thing that apparently they do when they are close to laying. I was so thrilled... I chased her down and petted her again to make sure she wasn't pretending. Same reaction. So. Today I have hope that these hypothetical eggs will come....<br /><br /></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-5699085202899232952010-09-16T01:39:00.000-07:002010-09-16T01:47:51.931-07:00Hope Unseen<div style="text-align: justify;">Check out my friends amazing story and interview! New book just released. Be inspired and encouraged and give praise to the Lord above. <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://video.foxnews.com/v/embed.js?id=4339099&w=466&h=263"></script><noscript>Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a></noscript></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-53056390181367009372010-09-13T20:43:00.001-07:002010-09-13T21:12:12.630-07:00Spontaneity<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TI7veSzDAxI/AAAAAAAAA_I/jBbkERE08DU/s1600/IMG_2512-733442.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/TI7veSzDAxI/AAAAAAAAA_I/jBbkERE08DU/s160/IMG_2512-733442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516609897296495378" /></a></p>(typing on my phone) It struck me tonight as it has the last couple days, that it's been a while since I last blogged slash vented. No news is good news? Well, I don't particularly want to be "that" guy, so here I am typing in the dark from my friends east coast apartment. They've been quite generous with their home and especially in squeezing me in between their travels. I am their first house guest since they've relocated from the west coast...and I've tried to be good. Erik and I were housemates for a couple years and he is one whom I trust. It's been good to get more acquainted with his petite wife. Although DC is not where they want "home" to be, they are making the most of it and have found a great little starter church which has helped them find some new friends. Tonight, after a delicious fajita with home made tortillas dinner, Erik helped me realize/see something in a new way. "Ever feel like the world is against you?" I asked. And he stated rather profoundly that the world is against us. The ground is cursed. We will sweat from our brow as we labor in vain....the Lord is for us and in His strength we have hope and perseverance to be examples of Him. Basically, I don't need to point out how rotten the day to day grind is with it's henderances, but instead glory in the days that are less troublesome and difficult. Welcome to the sinful world. Remember the promises of peace that lay ahead. Isn't it interesting that a spontaneous little trip could reveal more than I expected?Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-49342514017911713042010-09-09T03:14:00.000-07:002010-09-09T03:21:51.051-07:00Hope Unseen<div style="text-align: justify;">The youngest of seven and quickly becoming a good friend of mine, hails from a great family. One of his brothers, Scotty, who was injured during the war, has written a book to be released in two weeks (Sept 18). It will be sold everywhere. The complete story is <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6837505n&tag=related;photovideo">here</a></span>. (I can't figure out how to make the link show up directly.) I have met Scotty and am very impressed by his independence. Please tell your friends to check out this story and his book, <span style="font-style:italic;">Hope Unseen</span>, by Captain Scott Smiley.</div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-9070654408698904842010-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:002010-09-08T01:20:45.923-07:00Must watch both<div style="text-align: justify;">Pause the music player on the right and watch these two videos. They have both brought me laughter... and a few dance moves. <br /><br /><object width="470" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vcpx8O82KLM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vcpx8O82KLM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="470" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qIoG4PlEPtY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qIoG4PlEPtY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />And then there is the cover of the remix... impressive<br /><br /><object width="470" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DgOBtHDUel4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DgOBtHDUel4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="385"></embed></object></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-55679389175168548142010-08-27T00:22:00.001-07:002010-08-27T09:37:34.594-07:00Jailed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THfpugPEr2I/AAAAAAAAA-o/4-llaQ05-cs/s1600/jailed.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THfpugPEr2I/AAAAAAAAA-o/4-llaQ05-cs/s320/jailed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510129654247501666" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Cute they may be, but adolescence led them to bad behavior. Constant corralling interrupted my gardening aka mental processing time. The girls pushed the scope of their free range. Numerous warnings unheeded. The moment their toes hit the sidewalk the race began. While I may not be faster than the four of them, I am a tad smarter. Once in the house, I screened them in and returned to my garden glancing over my shoulder catching them standing at the door yearning to be released. A rather pathetic attempt, but picture worthy nonetheless. </div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-27727850944075338662010-08-23T02:12:00.000-07:002010-08-23T02:39:06.304-07:00Is it weird.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THJBiq4PcMI/AAAAAAAAA9k/G1lmZGla8zg/s1600/grace+kevin+sunbathe.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THJBiq4PcMI/AAAAAAAAA9k/G1lmZGla8zg/s320/grace+kevin+sunbathe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508537358109077698" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">..... that my chickens like BBQ chicken? I've been experimenting with different foods trying to get them to eat table scraps...for some reason, I thought they liked it, but so far they have only liked watermelon. Today, as the sun peaked out from some ominous clouds, I sat on the dry lawn and ate BBQ chicken leftovers. Peeling it off the bone, I thought, "It's stringy like worms... maybe they'll like it?" Ruth got the first taste and the others eventually stole it from her. They were fighting over something that they didn't even know if they liked it or not. Silly. "They really didn't eat that much," I thought as I picked up chicken bits around the yard. Maybe they just don't like my cooking? (it was a little on the dry side).<br /><br />Above, Grace (the blond) and Kevin plop down to soak up some rays. I wonder if I look as ridiculous while sunbathing myself?<br /><br />The cumulus clouds were <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THI-fIQ3WoI/AAAAAAAAA9U/2vi4mVJKmaI/s1600/blackberries+2010.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7ciFBxqye7U/THI-fIQ3WoI/AAAAAAAAA9U/2vi4mVJKmaI/s400/blackberries+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508533998742624898" border="0" /></a>threatening, but I rallied myself to go pick some blackberries. The sky was beautiful as the sun set. Some sunsets are just better than others and tonight was no exception. Meandering through the field I thought of the verse in Matthew 16 that says, "<span style="font-style: italic;">He (Jesus) replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times</span>." I think it's cool that the saying we have today "Pink sky at night, sailors delight, pink sky in the morn', sailors be warned" seems to have originated 2000 years ago. <br /><br />The moon is virtually full. The air cooling from a surprisingly warm afternoon. One gallon of blackberries washed and stowed for winter.<br /><br /></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-967298623315444602010-08-20T10:27:00.000-07:002010-08-20T10:38:38.999-07:00There are....<div style="text-align: justify;">....much bigger things in life. When life sometimes becomes so serious, I try to remind myself of God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that is "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." This verse combined with knowing there are far more challenging stories out there, help keep me thankful for the things I have and takes my focus off the things I do not have. <br /><br />Here is a story of my brave friends who are persevering and learning grace.</div><br /><br /><object height="288" width="470"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=100982999" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=100982999" AllowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" height="288" wmode="transparent" width="470"></embed></object>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36510127.post-49678838563443186432010-08-17T20:06:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:11:10.712-07:00So....<div style="text-align: justify;">....I'm not alone??? If far more attractive people are struggling with singleness.... then I'm screwed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's a <a href="http://spiritualklutz.blogspot.com/2010/08/singleness-suffering-and-christian-hope.html">story </a>of one friend.</div></div>Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242578801853010637noreply@blogger.com3