Dust is Flying

I spent part of my day working down by the Creek.  First I took the chainsaw and cut away some brush, then I began taking out old barbed wire and fence.  The barbed wire needed out for a walkway down to the Creek, and Timothy has already started some steps down; we just needed the wire moved.

This afternoon I took my riding lawn mower down and did some mini brushhoggin.  It is some what amazing how tough that old mower is.  As I was cutting small brush and weeds with that mower, there were places dust billowed up and around me covering me in it, getting in my nose and eyes.  I mentioned in my last post here how dry things are here.  We do need rain.

Anyway a piece of the old fence is down.  The way to the Creek is open now, and more easily accessible.  There is still much clearing to do.  I have a little bit of jungle left along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Planting Rose Bushes

Now, I do not know if “Rose bushes” is the proper description of what we were planting or not, but that is what my wife and I did on the fifteenth of this month.

I do not believe I have ever seen the soil so dry as it was.  I dug down to nearly a foot deep, and usually in May the soil is a bit sticky with moisture, but it was not on Tuesday.  It was dry, and in much need of rain.  Anyway we got the rose bushes planted; and where my wife wanted them.

We are struggling to keep some of our trees going.  With dogs chewing some of them off; then I come along and cut them off to get a clean cut.  One I have done this with was coming back really well, then I look at it one afternoon and the pup or something had dug it up, practically destroying it.  There was still a sprig of hope in the ground, so I filled the hole in, watered it and it still has a green sprig popping its way upward.

The Rose of Sharon shrubs I panted are doing very well.  Looking forward to when they will begin to flower.  I do not expect they will this Summer, maybe next year though.

It is pretty neat watching something you have planted grow upwards toward their Creator.

-Tim

A Pathway

For most of what this Spring has brought us I have been working to clear a path through weeds and brush to have Flat Creek in our backyard a bit more accessible.  It will also give a clearer view from our back window and door of the Creek.

We wanted to make it easier to get to the Creek for swimming for the grand kids and for ourselves; and maybe even easier fishing access.  There are fish in Flat Creek.  Some pretty good sized ones.  We have Carp, Suckers, Bass, Perch, even a lot of “Rock Bass” .

It was warm around this place yesterday.  According to our thermometer it got up to 97 degrees.  It was 99 on Friday (May 04).  That swimming sounds pretty good when temps get that hot.

Anyway the path is getting clearer, a little at a time.  The next thing we will need to do is move the barbed wire fence.  We will not remove it but move to another location not far away.

Since this is Sunday let me remind you to be in your church this morning to worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  He is worthy of worship and praise.

-Tim

The Fifth Month

The month of May is in full swing.  I mean we cannot go back now, can we.  Who would want to?  Right?  The weather is beautiful.  Morning temps around here are in the low sixties.   This morning it was 62 degrees at 3 a.m.

The previous two mornings it was 61 degrees when I got up.  I can live with those kind of early morning temps.  Not only were the temperatures great, but we received early morning showers; yesterday morning’s being with thunderstorms; loud and windy with lightening and thunder.

It would be idea for rain to fall during the night hours, however, we just cannot make those kind of plans.  At least I cannot.  There are probably some scientist who are working on doing such things as controlling the weather, but…

I will leave that thought with you.

We only have twelve more days of school left, then we are out for Summer break.  Looking forward to it.

-Tim

Eagle Call

I was out this morning watering my new trees, and shrubs.  As I was pulling the hose around the house I heard and eagle call just over my head.  It was probably just about one hundred feet above.

I saw one last Saturday as I was mowing the yard.  The reason I mention it is that this time of year with this kind of weather they have usually moved on, and they are not often seen around here.

I know that it is probably not likely, but this eagle seemed as though he called out to me, “I am here.  Watch me soar above” and I did for a moment until I could see him no more.  There are some things about the eagle that reminds me of the Creator.  He needs to constantly remind me, “I Am here.  Watch Me soar over your fears, heartaches and problems; and rest in the shelter of My wings”.   Thank YOU Lord.

-Tim

The Bite of Frost

When I came into the Living Room this morning the temp was 31 degrees outside.  I just went out a little while ago and looked and there is frost on the ground and on our cars.  We are not yet passed the time of frost, though I think some around had felt there would be no more.

Some have planted tomato plants and other plants in jeopardy to frost.  I do not believe it is a hard frost though, and maybe this frost is only in low lying areas such as where we are.

I did notice that the Cassville temp is at 40 degrees.  No danger there of frost.

-Tim

In the Ground and Growing

At least I pray they are growing.  I am speaking of trees and shrubs I have planted on our near vacant acreage.  It has been pasture land for many years; until we moved our home onto it a year and one half ago.  We just got around to getting some trees planted.

Some of them look as though they will be fine, and take off in a growth spurt.  The trees are called “hybrid poplars” and are expected to grow speedily, and do not have a very long life span either.  But I wanted something that would provide shade in a few years for a few years.  I planted eleven of them, three Colorado Blue Spruce trees and a dozen Rose of Sharon shrubs.

I completed mowing the yard again today.  It had not been mowed in a couple of weeks, and you could really tell it.  It looks wonderful now.

I thought they were gone for the season, but while I was mowing the backyard a Bald eagle flew near the tree tops over Flat Creek.

-Tim

 

Easter Weekend

This past Easter weekend was a big event around our house; here along the Flat Creek, as it flows by.  Most of our kids and grandkids were around most of the time, and for a few hours all were around.

We had a cook out Friday evening with barbequed hamburgers on the grill, with hickory charcoal, and oak wood.  My were those burgers really delicious.

Madge and I ordered some trees, plants, flowers, and/or shrubs a while back, and they were delivered by our wonderful United States Postal Service.

I had an annual checkup with my cardiologist yesterday, and I am a research patient as well.  They are trying out Plavix on me.  I have taken it for a year now, and for a year I will be on a pill provided by the doctor’s office, Plavix or Placebo; none of us know.  For a year I do not have to purchase the pills, they are provided.  I also do not have to pay a co-pay, and they pay me when I visit the doctor.  Now, that is different.

Anyway, when we arrived back home yesterday afternoon I began planting trees.  They are just small seedlings, about 2 feet in length, maybe a little less.  I wore myself out, but I did get nine of them planted.  I have two more Poplars to plant, then three Blue Spruces, and 12 Rose of Sharons.  We will eventually have some shade around here.

Last Thursday evening I mowed our front yard, then I mowed the back yard on Saturday.  My it sure is looking good around here.  The old rider I am using is hanging in there.  I did break the bead on the left front tire Saturday doing some finish up mowing around the road.  I hit a hidden stump.  It will be simple enough to fix, unless I punctured the tire; I do not think I did though.

We got some rain this morning.  My how things green up after a rain.  The sun is shining now, and it is so gorgeous out.

Sunday morning was great for worshiping the Lord of the Universe, who died was buried, and rose bodily from the grave.  What a wonderful and glorious Creator.

-Tim

Bird Song

During the later morning hours, sitting in my office  preparing for Sunday morning in our church; I heard a clunk at my office window.  Seeing how we had four of our grand children present, and they were outside, my first thought was that one of the smaller ones threw something and hit the window.  However, when I looked out the window I saw our dogs gathered around something on the ground, they were sniffing at it, and blocking my view of whatever it was.

I went outside and looked. It was a small bird.  It was still alive.  It’s eyes were blinking, and I could see the movement of its breast by its breathing.  I picked up the little bird, and held in my hands.  After a few minutes the bird sat up, got on its feet, still stunned.

I took it and showed it to my grand kids.  They were thrilled wanting to touch it, and pet it.  He/She just sat there in my hand.  One time flying under the trampoline.  I retrieved her/him, and she continued to sit on my hand for a while longer.  In just a little while she flew away; flying very low to the ground, finding a resting place, and perching herself on a limb; sat there for a while.  I did notice later that she was gone.  I supposed she had finally came to her senses and flew away.

This morning, as I was in the office doing my blog writing, there was a bird that came singing at my window.  My thoughts were that this bird thought she would sing a song for me praising the LORD for His goodness; and letting me know she was fine.

When I hear birds singing; I believe they are singing praises to the King of kings, the LORD of hosts, and that is what God has made them for.  He made us for worship too.  However, it seems that we are the only part that fails to do so.

Listen to the birds sing.  Listen to the Bird Song.

Along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Yard Mowing Has Began Again

There are some who do not like it.  The greening of the grass in the pastures, fields, and of course; our lawns or “yards” as I am prone to call them.  Myself, it seems like something I thoroughly enjoy doing; that is as long as I  have no problem with the lawn mower.

I have almost three acres to mow; so I use a rider.  Last Spring and Summer I had to use a 20 inch push mower for a while, and it about wore me out.  I had mowed it a couple of times with the push mower when I found out I needed some stentz in my heart.  It was a work, a miracle of God, that I had not had a heart attack.

After I had my two weeks off from work, driving the School Bus, and resting around, I was glad to return and to mowing the yard.

This Spring I have an old rider, praying for a new Cub Cadet with a 50 inch cut, a lawn tractor. Something like that would, most likely, last the rest of my life; and even have some life left to pass on to one of my kids.

At any rate for the second time I mowed the front yard last evening after I returned home from bus driving, and getting more gas for the mower.  It astounds me to pay over 20 dollars for five gallons of gas.  Mowing the yard is not going to be a cheap endeavor this cutting season.  I have jokingly said, and have heard others say, “I need to take out a bank loan to fill the tank on my car”.  Have you heard that or said that before.

Thank the good Lord we have the fuel to use.  It is a blessing to us.  Thank Him also that He gives us the means to buy it.

Yes!  Yard mowing has began again.  What a blessing it is.

The truth of the matter is I will be mowing the backyard today, along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

The Weather

Don’t you just love it?  When will it end?

My answer?  When it is over.

-Tim

The First Day

It is the first day of Spring, and it is raining.  It is supposed to rain inches and  inches, getting rivers and streams over their banks.

Those who have planted their gardens will receive much needed water for them to grow wonderful veggies, potatoes, and it will be quite necessary for the farmers as well.

Have a great first day of Spring.  Enjoy the rain, be thankful for it.  Be thankful to our Creator for giving it.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Putting in a Garden

In the past few years we have attempted to do some gardening, but without much success.  This year our son Timothy and wife Sarah have done much work on getting the garden spot ready for planting.  They spent all day this past Saturday [March 10] harrowing, plowing, tilling, and other things too.  I spent part of that time burning a brush pile; and part of the afternoon doing a little bit to help.

I was worn out.  I am fairly certain that Timothy and Sarah were worn out physically too.

It is amazing the temperatures we are having now.  Trees are budding.  The Bradford Pears are in blossom and leaves have come out too.  It seems so early.  There is an old weather proverb that says, “Thunder in February; there will be frost in May.”   Well, there was thunder in February.  We will see if there is frost in May.  Frost will be a death knell for many plants unless they are protected.

It will be interesting watching how the Lord will bless our crops this year.

On the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

New Front Porch

For over a year now we have had manufactured steps at our front door with no porch.  Of course we still have some of those steps at our two back accesses to the house; one at our laundry door, and one at our patio door.  No!  We do not have a rear deck built yet; but it is in the plans.

We are only endeavoring to do these builds without adding more to our debt.

The front porch is now built and paid for; the only part of the house that is paid for.  It is great and we offer our praise to the Creator who has blessed us with the means to receive it and to care for it.

It will be great to have the porch to set in our outdoor chairs on the days of nice weather; to watch, listen and learn from God the things He has made in creation.

On the banks of Flat Creek, and it is still rolling right along.

-Tim

First Accumulating Snowfall this Winter

I was really hoping for no snow accumulation this Winter; especially during the work, school week.  I was looking forward to getting out of school on May 16, but now that is not going to happen; it could be a day or two later now.  A day or two will not hurt.

It is best when that snow fall starts accumulating that the buses stay off the road.  It is safer for the students on the bus, the drivers, and for the schools.  I was thankful that they called me plenty early this morning to inform me by their automated School Reach system.  It is a system which notifies all the drivers, students and teachers at the same time; or near it anyway.  I received my call at 4:35 a.m.  I usually leave around 5:25 when I am riding with another driver into the bus garage.

This is our first measurable snowfall for 2012 Winter.  It is the first school day cancelled due to weather; and I  hope the last.  But who knows about tomorrow.

The snow sure is pretty, covering all the ugly of the  yard, and putting some niceties to the forms of trees.  I still do not like Winter, cold or snow, but I can enjoy it; and be thankful and appreciative of it.

Just sit back, if you can, stay warm and praise the Lord for His beauty.

-Tim

Coldest Day This Winter

When I got up this morning it was 3 degrees outside.  I am thankful that it was not that cold inside.  Whew!  What a mess that would be.  It has dropped a bit since then, though.  It is now 1 degree, and it says “falling”.

This is exactly why Winter is not my favorite time of year.  I like heat.  It seems when I am cold that I cannot get warm enough.  It may be all that blood pressure medicine or some medicine I take; but really I have never been real fond of the cold weather.

Winter is part of the seasons of earth, and I can readily, willingly and thankfully accept that.  I am ready for Spring and Summer.  Please no more of these extreme cold temps.

Thank the LORD for the heat; and the part the cold plays in our world.

-Tim

Yesterday’s Vote

Yesterday February 07, 2012, was a voting day in Missouri.  In Barry County we had to items on the agenda.  One was for Presidential candidates, choosing whether you wanted a Democrat ballot, or Republican ballot.  I am not particularly fond of either party right now; but I did choose the Republican ballot and voted for Rick Santorum.

Another thing on our ballot was for a 911 tax.  It recently failed.  That was back in November by a very slim margin.  I think the leaders of our 911 system have stuck it to the people of the area,  saying they needed the funding, when they have operated since that time without a hitch.  Many agencies need to learn to cut back on foolishness in spending.  That is true in Barry County too.  My vote on this initiative was “No!” for the tax.  However, it passed; and I understand by a 2 to 1 margin.  The majority has spoken; now we all will pay for it.  Now they will probably come back in a couple to five years and ask for more.

Let’s get real though.  In our present economy is it the right thing to do to increase taxes?  Never.  The idea would be to promote economic growth; and with that tax revenues will increase.  So much for stimulating the economy.  Remember Winston Churchill’s quote;

“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” — Winston Churchill

Enough said here along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

 

Think About This before Voting…

I received this on an email group I am on.

Think About This Before You Vote …

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. — John Adams

If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. — Mark Twain

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. — Mark Twain

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. — Winston Churchill

Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. — James Bovard

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. — P.J. O’Rourke

Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. — Frederic Bastiat

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you!– Pericles (430 B.C.)

No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. — Mark Twain

Talk is cheap…except when Congress does it. — Anonymous

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. –Mark Twain

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. — Edward Langley

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. — Aesop

Some pretty wise thoughts.

-Tim

Are You Washed in the Blood?

ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?

1.  Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2.  Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

3.  When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright, and be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

4.  Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,  And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;  There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

refrain

Are you washed in the blood,  In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?  Are your garments spotless?  Are they white as snow?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1929

-posted by Tim a. Blankenship, along the banks of Flat Creek.

“Fairest Lord Jesus”

Fairest Lord Jesus

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

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

3.  Fair is the sunshine, Fairer still the moonlight  And all the twinkling, starry host;  Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer  Than all the angels heaven can boast.  A-MEN.

From the German, Seventeenth Century

From Schlesische Volkslieder, 1842

Arr. by Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship