Monthly Archives: July 2015

Don’t try this — Ever

Posted on by
Will someone tell him this is not an air race

Will someone tell him this is not an air race?

Austin didn’t win
At the end he spun up high
Don’t try this at home

At the end of a rain delayed Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, a freak accident sent 25-year-old Austin Dillon flying inverted over two rows of cars.  That phase of his terrifying ride came to an end at the catch fence.  His car went from 180 MPH to full stop in about two car lengths.  The car fell back on the track and slid to the side.  The ride wasn’t over.  An out of control car came spinning his way.   Another hit sent the demolished vehicle into another spin.

Shock and near panic followed.  Crew members ran to Austin’s aid.  He climbed out and waved at the crowd.  Austin suffered a bruised tail bone and arm.  Some spectators were also injured.

Can you believe he finished seventh?  He did.

This is not why I watch NASCAR races.  I like to see the ballet of a well executed pit stop.  Or a clean, smart pass.  It’s good to see a different strategy develop and bring the driver and car to victory lane.

I suppose it’s like water polo or hockey, if you don’t understand the rules and strategies, it can be very confusing.

Life is like that too.

Independence Day

Posted on by

Today, we observe a federal holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.  All over this land people will be celebration our nation’s 239th birthday party.  How great is that?

Do take time to review the reasons for this day and why our forefathers approved the Declaration of Independence 239 years ago today.  You can review the document here.

Yesterday, something seemed different.  I was walking down the driveway toward the mailbox, but my usual escort, the killdeer, was nowhere to be seen.  What’s going on?

They've hatched!

They’ve hatched!

The day before, four eggs filled the leaf-lined depression (center frame).  They must have hatched.  Hooray!

The chicks have come out of their shells and are now learning about independence.  I see young people who are going through a process of learning about it too.  It’s a beautiful thing, but it’s neither easy nor cheap.

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians (5:1) wrote: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  He goes on to warn them not to abuse their freedom.  Those are words to live by.  Consider reading that fifth chapter of Galatians.

Finally, I hope you are celebrating Independence Day and not In Dependence Day.

A Flair For Flowers

Posted on by

While I was mowing yesterday, Sylvia was weeding in the flower beds.  She worked until dark.  She had been out there the day before and is back at it again today.

Sylvia has been working hard

Sylvia has been working hard

Note to self:  Don’t get between Sylvia and her goal.

Isn't it beautiful?

Isn’t it beautiful?

While she was doing that, I spent a few minutes pulling weeds in the garden.  There were a lot of baby maple trees.  I hope I got them all.  Also, I discovered some purslane.  I harvested some for our evening meal.  We steamed it this time and drizzled a little bit of salad dressing on it.  Yum!  Next time, I’ll use raw leaves and tender stems in a salad. :food:

 

What’s For Lunch?

Posted on by

It’s damp and chilly today.  Let’s check the garden.

Swiss chard

Swiss chard

My parents always grew this in their garden–Sylvia’s too.  We continue the tradition.  My mom liked hers lightly boiled with vinegar and a touch of salt.  That’s okay, but the tender leaves also add nice color and flavor to a garden salad.  Gotta love this versatile vegetable.

I looked to see if the zucchini would be fruiting in the near future.  It’s mostly male blossoms, and they don’t produce that delightful summer staple.

Dreaming of zucchini

Dreaming of zucchini

I did see one female blossom.  The first harvest can’t be far away.  Shortly after that, the great give-away begins.  You know how it is with zucchini.