Tag: Summer

Preparing the Garden Spot

It has been some time since writing on Flat Creek Rolling, but here goes…

I have nothing in the ground to call a food garden.  We have plenty of things to call garden. They have flowers and such growing in other spots, some have already bloomed and died off like they are supposed to do.

However, back to our garden spot.  It had been covered in tall weeds and grass.  I mowed it down, rode it down with the mower on Wednesday (6/6/18).

This morning (Saturday June 9) I went and tilled a small spot at the lowest part of the old garden.  My thinking is, that when the creek has risen out of the banks the time or two since we moved in here, the water, as it lowered left better soil for growing things.

I may be too late in planting anything.  I am going to plant some beets, carrots, and things such as that, but we need some rain. The ground, this morning, was really too dry for tilling, but it got tilled anyway.

I am going to try, and we will see what happens.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Nevers

Have you ever thought about all the “Nevers” you ever said?  You know, “I would never do that.”  or “I would never have that” or maybe another one or two.

I think about that once in a while.  Here are some of my “Nevers”…

The first thing I can think of is that I can remember a day when I said, “I would never pay to watch television in my own home.”

The second thing I can remember saying is that “I would never have a computer in my home.”

The third thing I can remember is “I would never have  a ‘Smart Phone'”.

On those things I can say I have done all of those now.

When we moved to the State of California we lived in a remote location, no air TV available, so the only television we could get was by cable; I paid for television.  So after that, I guess it just became the normal thing for me to do. “Never?”

In the earlier part of this 21st century I was doing our Church bulletin for every Sunday on an old electric typewriter until a good church member brought me a computer he was not using at home, and showed me how to use the word processor on the thing, and I have had a computer ever since that day.  “Never?”

Just this past Summer my wife and I went on a trip (vacation of sorts) to Kentucky to see The Ark Encounter.  It was while we were traveling I realized how much better it could be using one of them GPS systems, and Smart phones have the ability, so by the time we returned home I was convinced to get a Smart phone.  Now I have one of those.  “Never?”

There are probably many other nevers I have said, for good or for bad.  I have gotten to a place where I think a little more before I say never.  One is when I see what other people can do in wickedness…  I like to think, “I would never do that”; but then I think…

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

 

An Obituary

I received the following in an email.  Think about it.

An Obituary printed in the London Times…..Absolutely Dead Brilliant!!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his
birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be
remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

– Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
– Why the early bird gets the worm;
– Life isn’t always fair;
– And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more
than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in
charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from
school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding
an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job
that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent
to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform
parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar
in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her
lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death,
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;r
– I Know My Rights
– I Want It Now
– Someone Else Is To Blame
– I’m A Victim
– Pay me for Doing Nothing

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do
nothing

Too Much Snow

I have never made any secret of the fact that I am a Spring and Summer man.  I do not like Winter at all.  I can appreciate it, and its purpose and lesson in life.  I can even thank God who made it for making it, if for no other reason that it helps me appreciate Spring and Summer that much more.

This Winter season has been a great one, with no snow here in our valley, except for last night and today.  I measured at around 7 a.m. and we had 7 inches at out back door.  It is about the prettiest site you will ever see.  The brown of Winter is covered.  The leafless trees are trimmed with snow.  It makes beautiful scenery.

Though it is beautiful; beauty is not everything.  The warmth and comfort of Spring and Summer are certainly great.

As I titled it, “Too Much Snow”.  It is.  So stay warm, stay in, thank the Lord for those who keep our roads and streets clear; and the utility people who must get out in it to keep our electricity powering our homes and businesses.

From the snowy banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

Early Autumn Days

We are now three days into Autumn of the year.  It is wonderful having cooler temps; even though I am a Summer type guy.  Summer heat starts getting to me nowadays.  These 40 – 50 degree mornings are wonderful; though I do need to wear a light jacket.

It is a wonderful thing getting up in plenty of time each morning to read the Bible, spend time with God in prayer and hearing Him too through  His Word.  Then going out on the School Bus and watching the sun rise in the Eastern sky as I head east down highway 76.

At this time I do not see it rising as I am heading down 76, but later as I am picking up some of the passengers.

It is a glorious thing to watch the sun rise and know the One who gives it to us.

Have a wonderful, marvelous Fall day.

Having one on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Second Anniversary

Just to get right to the point.  Today marks the second anniversary of my wife Madge and I moving into our new home.  We are still enjoying the home with which the Lord of all has blessed us.  The Creek is still rolling by, though this past Summer with the extreme high temps, and the drought caused it to drop considerably; and with recent rainfall it has now risen much above drought conditions.

The other day I went and cut some cedar logs for the “legs” for a back porch on the house.  I am planning on building a porch which measures 8 feet by 8 feet.  That will give us a fairly large porch in the back in order to have more room for the door the swing open, and to sit out back on the porch; if we choose to do so.

Thank you LORD for Your many blessings; and today for our home.

-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

Rain in November

When I awoke yesterday morning it was raining, and I got up, dressed and went and let the dogs out before it began to pour down.  This morning I awoke to thunder, about 2:45, got up, dressed and by the time I went to let the dogs out of the pen it was pouring.  I was practically soaked just stepping out the door.

I did have sense enough this morning to put my coat on which turns water a bit.  The front of my jeans was soaked by the time I returned to the house.  I am thankful it has been so warm of the mornings.  Yesterday morning I think it was 52 degrees, and this morning it was 58 degrees.  That is getting pretty near late Spring or early Summer, late Summer temps.

The dogs go and find shelter soon as I let them out I suppose.  I did not watch where they went, or where they go.

I think the weather is supposed to get cooler by tomorrow.  Hey!  That is the time of year we are in.  Let us not be surprised when it snows.  NO! NO! NO!  I don’t want snow.  It will come though.  At least somewhere it will come.

It is amazing as I look out my office window; the grass is still green, and looks really green with the rain fall.  Blessed be the name of the LORD who blesses us with all these benefits.

Flat Creek is rising from this rainfall.  I can see it better looking out the back window now.

-Tim

November Twenty Eleven

That is right.  It is now November and several days into it as a matter of fact.  The month of Thanksgiving, though, my prayer is that we are thankful every day; not just one day a year.  To whom should we be thankful?  The Pilgrims who came to this country?  The Indians/Native Americans who aided the Pilgrims? or should we be thankful to the Creator who has given us all things to enjoy and blessed us immensely?

That last one, of course.

It is a great thing to get up every morning and know that the Lord GOD who has made all things, has also given me strength to arise from bed with a beating heart, air to breathe, and feet and legs on which to stand.  Thank YOU Lord for all these things and so much more.

November is also the month weather is iffy.  In the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri it is kind of like Forrest Gump’s phrase, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get”.  The weather around here is like that box of chocolates.  Of course it is like that year round; but especially this time of year.  It can be cold one day, warm up that evening, and be cold again the next day with spitting snow, or ice; or maybe just the reverse.

I am thankful for the seasons around here; though, I do especially like Spring and Summer.  The best part about Winter is that from the first day of the Winter solstice the daylight hours begin to lengthen.  That means to me, that Spring is on the way.

Do not forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed; unless you want to stay up until 2 a.m. and do it.  If you forget it will not be a big loss; you will be early the next morning for wherever you are going; and that hopefully will be to worship the Lord with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

By the way;  the puppies are growing, and they will be two weeks old tomorrow (November 06). From the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Frost on the Grass…

Wednesday morning when I arose from bed there was frost on the grass, on the cars, the trees, and the temp was 30 degrees outside.  It was not a heavy frost, but frost none the less.  We have had frost every morning since then.  And there is this morning as well.

I mowed the backyard yesterday afternoon.  It was needing it, the grass was still very green, however the tomato plants were wilted, so I pulled them, and dug the soil of our small raised garden we had on the East side of our house.  It never had much in it except tomatoes and onions.  Neither one did very well; though the tomato plants nearly diminished during the heat of the Summer, and grasshoppers demolished the green of the plants, they did come back when we got some rain.  The tomato plants were doing real well, just small tomatoes, and they should have been larger.

Just to let anyone interested to know; I am still writing in my journal; and almost every day.  I think I have missed one day since I first began on August 30.

I rejoice in knowing that the Creator of all that is is also my Lord and Savior.  Praise Him.

-Tim

Being blessed with more Rain

Today is the last day of Summer.  At least according to the calendar hanging on my wall.  Friday the 23rd is the first day of Autumn.  That seems to be a little later than usual to me.  It seems to usually fall on the 21st or so; but not in 2011 I guess.

It is raining again.  Thank the Lord of all grace and mercy and love.  It is wonderful how He loves us all.  It seems to me that rain is a reminder of His love, grace and mercy and our need.

It will not be long and we will all be longing for those warm, even hot Summer days; at least I know I will.  I must admit some of these past Summer days were extremely hot; but that is Summer.

It is great to be alive.  It is great to have family and friends whom I love and who loves me.  It is even greater still to know that there is a God in Heaven who also lives within me, because He loves me and cares for every need.  All because of the gift of His Son Jesus – His death on the cross, burial and resurrection; and knowing that one day soon He will return.  O,  What a day that will be…

Thanks for the rain.

-Tim

What a Difference

It must be that we live in a low valley, and next to the Creek.  It must be what makes the temp here cooler than say, like in Cassville.  According to AccuWeather the temp in Cassville was 51 when I got online this morning; our thermometer right now at 4:47 a.m. reads 38 degrees.  BRRRRRRRR.

My that is going to feel brisk and cool this morning after just a few days go temps at 100 and above.  It will be nice for a change.  We do, however, still need some rain.  Especially since we moved our dirt mound yesterday.  As the wind was blowing we could see little dirt devils taking the dirt away.

We filled holes and low spots in the yard; what used to be a pasture, now our yard is beginning to look like a yard, but now has dirt spots which need some seed and grass growing.  It will not grow, though without water.

I thank my friend Dennis for bringing his skid steer and taking all his Labor Day to labor in moving all that dirt.

I thank GOD my Lord and Master for every good and righteous and perfect gift.

Cool on the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Maybe the heat is gone

It has been over 100 degrees at my house for the past three or four days.  One day, Wednesday I think it was 109, and miserable.  Now though according to forecast maybe the heat is starting to go South for a while.  I like the heat of Summer, but the body and the earth can only endure so much of it you know.

Yesterday I did almost nothing.  We had Men’s Breakfast at church, and only four of us were there.  We had great fellowship and enjoyed the time and good food.  In the late afternoon we attended a surprise Birthday party for a niece (Sarah Kay), and celebrated her 30 years of living in this world.  She and her husband David have become a lovely Christian couple and have a wonderful family of 5 children.  My sister Judy invited us all to come, and we were served hamburgers cooked on the grill, along with hot dogs, and even had turkey burgers; though I did not even try any of that.

We had a great time.  It was a little warm outside.  James told us that when they arrived there the temp was about 98 degrees.  I am glad we had plenty of shade to be under.

I really hope and pray that all the heat will not be gone.  Without it we would all die in short order.

From the banks of Flat Creek, I am praying that all who read this blog will be right with the Lord and attend worship services in your local church today.

-Tim

Summer is Ended…

No Summer has not officially ended; it does have another month or so for the sun to continue its downward trek to the South toward the Autumnal equinox and then to Winter Solstice.  Summer is ended as far as the education or our children and grand children are concerned; at least in many School Districts of Southwest Missouri.

As I typed in the title of this post I thought that sounds like a verse from the Bible; I looked and it is found in the writings of the prophet Jeremiah chapter 8 and verse 20;

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (KJV)

No, children you are not saved from the coming of school, classes, math, reading, literature, Social Studies or what ever it’s called nowadays.  No, teachers you are not saved from the hustle and bustle, disrespect, sometimes disagreeable, and angry children.

The Summer is ended for vacation.  Its time to fill the minds of the children with the desire to learn.  Even to learn how to learn.  I think we adults sometimes forget that we all need to learn how to learn.  That must start in childhood.  From the newborn on through adulthood.  As you can tell by my writing; I am still learning; at least I hope so.

Summer is ended… for school students across Southwest Missouri and other parts of the Country; and the grass is growing, greening, and cooler weather is coming.

From the banks of Flat Creek with my rambling; I pray all the teachers, Administrators, bus drivers, maintenance workers, cooks and all have a great, safe, and wonderful new school year.

-Tim

Started Mowing

Yeah!  I mowed a few rounds around the front yard yesterday afternoon.  There are some green sprigs of grass springing up and starting to make the yard look more like it needs mowing; however, I guess it doesn’t need it bad enough to make a showing.

I could tell where I had mowed if I took careful attention to watch carefully as those wheels turned.  So I decided to ride the mower up to the cemetery and mow it.  It hadn’t been mowed since June or so, and still wasn’t too high; because it has been so dry.  I could see where I had mowed though.  I didn’t do any trim work, just the mowing.

When I came back; before I put  the mower away; I had to find a couple of screws to hold the forward/reverse plate in place.  They had vibrated out I guess.  Back in good working order now.  Ready for when the grass is green and growing steadily again; at least until the season is over, and the season of Autumn tells it to stop growing.

So no I didn’t finish mowing the yard.  It will be there when the grass gets a little thicker, a little taller, and maybe a little cooler

Watching the grass grow along the banks of Flat Creek.  All things are in the hands of the LORD.

-Tim

Maybe It was Mowing the Dirt

I wrote a post the other day that I title “After Mowing”.  I spoke of mowing dirt and the heat.  It has been hot; there is certainly no denying that, but I choose to be thankful for it, rather than complain about it.  I mean think of the alternative – it could be below zero, and without the heat of the sun to warm us there would be no life at all.

The other night while I was sleeping I had a dream of snow and slick roads.  I guess that was a way of reminding me of last February.  I must admit I don’t do much outdoor work when it is hot like this.  It probably wouldn’t be too wise for someone who has had stents placed in their heart to do so; at least too aggressively.

I did go out yesterday afternoon to move a mound of dirt which was out in the yard from the septic lateral, which I had to mow around.  It was just a small mound.  I took my pick and shovel to it and had it moved in short order, but in that 100 degree sun it made short work of me too.  I thank God for those guy and gals who are out in it doing road work, building houses, farm work, and all other legitimate work.  No matter what your age may be; working out in that sun’s heat will zap your body of needed nutrients and strength.  Take care of yourselves.  Drink lots of water; no caffeine or alcohol; these will harm you rather than help you.

Maybe it was mowing that dirt that caused me to dream of cool weather and snow.  I know it is a coming.

Watching the sunrise along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

The Heat is On

“It sure is hot!” or “It feels like a blast furnace.” or “It’s like stepping into an oven out there.”  How many times have you heard these phrases or something similar?  Probably several, if you live in the South, Midwest or Northeast parts of the USA.

Remember last February.  Temps on one day around Cassville, Mo fell in some places to about -30 degrees.  Yesterday [July 21, 2011], at my house, the temp was +110.  That would be a plus of 140 degrees from that day in February.

The heat is on, for sure, and the grass is no longer green; with the exception of a few places.  I mowed my front yard last evening, and it seemed that I was mowing dust; but the front yard looks much better.

It is hot outside, and when the morning temps are in the mid seventies, that doesn’t look like a cooling for the day ahead.  I much prefer the 110 to that of 30 below zero.  I am also very thankful for the heat of the sun.  Without it we would all freeze in a matter of minutes. Though none of us want to be roasted or baked alive.

GOD is so good to us.  He is full of mercy and grace.  He placed this planet in just the right location for life, especially human life; and there is no place like it in the universe.

There is no place like living along the banks of Flat Creek.  No place.

Enjoy the heat for the next few days.  Absorb the rays of  the sun.  Let it warm you.  You will need it in a few months.

LORD, we do ask for rain for growth and nourishment of crops, and filling the rivers and streams in our area.  Thank YOU Almighty GOD.

-Tim

A Nice Little Shower

As I write this morning a little rain shower is bringing some much needed water to our soil, grass and garden.  It’s probably not a whole lot as of yet, but much appreciated.

The clouds are keeping things cool for a while longer.  The sun has risen, but is out of view behind the clouds.  Looking at the grass it almost looks greener already.  Of course, that means mowing will be coming up soon. Of course I haven’t mowed my yard in nearly a month; and it needs it.  It looks scraggly and dusty.

Yesterday afternoon our outdoor thermometer was showing 126 degrees with the sunlight hitting it; and when you were in the sun it felt every bit of it too.

I still like Summer.  Its heat can be deadly if we don’t take precautions such as drinking a lot of water, not overdoing ourselves in outdoor activities – whether it’s work or play.  What ever you do never leave your children or any disabled person in the car.  It gets hot enough inside a car to bake cookies.  I saw a news report where a man did just that in Springfield, MO. yesterday afternoon.

Thank the LORD for the rain shower we’re getting now; and for the ones to come.

We need them on the banks of Flat Creek, and every where else.

-Tim

Joyful, Joyful

A hymn of praise to our God and King…

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;  Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above.  Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away;  Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

Have a great day and worship the King at your local church.

-Tim