Godly Neighbors

As we approached our "home space" for our stay in Jackson, Ohio, I noticed a killdeer doing the injured bird distraction. Thinking there might be a nest close I cautiously looked for it in the gravel of our parking space and, sure enough....
...I found it without stepping on it!

With some guidance from me as I stood by the nest, George was able to back in without disturbing it and now we are blessed with the opportunity to observe the little family up close from our window!

The changing of the guard.

After a close encounter with a park maintenance golf cart, we did a bit of protective work of our own. I think I scared the poor guy on the cart, hurrying out the door waving my hands saying, "Stop, Stop!" But when I showed him the nest, he got off the cart and built a little rock wall to mark it. Later George got out our emergency triangle marker to add further warning.

As I've watched these two parents care for their family the last few days, I have been humbled by their devotion. When the temperature climbed to 96 degrees they were there, standing over the nest and repositioning to shield the eggs as the sun's angle changed. And then came a windblown, thundering storm and a down pouring of rain and hail. Through it all, there he/she sat, snuggled down over those eggs, drenched and unmoving! And I was reminded (thank you, Spirit) of a Scripture passage: Isaiah 25:4 says,

"For you have been a stronghold for the poor,
a stronghold to the needy in his time of distress,
a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat

for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,
like heat in a dry place."

Thank you, God, for the revelation of your love for your children through our killdeer neighbors.

Campground Diversion

Last weekend we stayed at a campground that hosted a Ragnarok event. They put up a tent city on the hills at the back of the campground and we were able to go in Sunday evening and look around as they were setting up. I thought it was a Renaissance Fair, but although there were similarities, it was something quite different. Their website has some pictures of the battles and such. I went to the park office and they were printing out extra copies of directions to the local emergency room. They said that someone needs medical care at least once a day! We saw an ambulance going out before we left, so it must be pretty intense. Here are a few shots that I took.

And a couple items on Merchant's Row that took my eye.


Not to worry; I didn't purchase them. Tempting but....... ! Actually, that leather hooded cape could be quite nice in rainy Oregon.

I "Caught" One, Too!

Seeing Jon's dragonfly photo reminded me that I had one in my camera. Not an especially good one, but it was very much point and shoot. It landed on George's fishing pole, which speaks of the amount of fish action taking place. He surprised me the other day by saying, "I've decided that I don't like fishing." Me, "Really?!!!!" George, "Yeah, I don't really like fishing. I just like catching." And RV park ponds just don't do it for catching, unless you're happy with an occasional puny perch.

Good Times with the Flora Family

We were blessed to be able to spend ten days in Ohio and had the opportunity to share some good family times with Robert and Sue and their extended family. Thanks, All, for the memories!
My internet connection was weak there, so instead of several smaller posts, I just waited until we were at a location where I had a better connection.

OUR FAVORITE RV PARK

Mike and Kaye's house from the road

The house from the back

"The Barn", the close end of which is three stories of living quarters! And I had the luxury of using the clothes line. The road in the foreground leads to the house.

AN EVENING AT ROBERT & SUE'S

Two little beauties, Courtney & Kelsie

And oh my, the chicken. Robert hasn't lost his touch! And to that Sue added homemade crescent rolls with made-that-day strawberry jam, gourmet potatoes, a fresh green salad and for dessert, homemade (of course!) chocolate malt ice cream. Wow.

FUN & GAMES

Playing 'Corn Hole' at Jesse and Leah's

George on the 4 wheeler

Jensen on the 4 wheeler. Mercy, he went fast!

A home run hit by Jensen.

Meet Elle's friend,Cecil, the dachshund that changed my opinion of the breed. He's such a sweetie and has some funny quirks, like running to the TV and barking when certain commercials come on. Anyway, he loves to ride, so George took him (twice in one day!) to the end of the driveway and back. One happy dog. Make that two happy dogs.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

George checking "his beans". I think he misses gardening. He and Mike made the climbing fence, George went to the local hardware store, got the seed and planted them. They sprouted so fast! He checked them morning and evening, just like at home. I'm not sure what Elle is doing but she does like to stay close to George.

Kaye running the weeding tiller. Love those bare feet!

Mike's dead sycamore branch bird feeder that sprouted leaves.

A outdoor summer meal. Fun and yummy.

I'm not sure Jensen would call this an enjoyable outdoor activity, but we sure appreciated it!

AND SOME OUTDOOR BEAUTY

Sue's Flowers

Ripening Mulberries

Scary Storm Clouds

And a Rising Full Moon

Thank you, God, for all of the above.

Ohio Reunion

We had a real treat this evening! It actually worked out to meet Aaron as his team passed through about 40 miles south of Michael's, in Hamilton, Ohio. I was glad Joy had posted the CPR Blog this morning. I recognized the car, going the opposite direction, as we were almost to our meeting place. We followed them to the race time station and then shared a meal with Aaron and his traveling companions. Sure good to see you, Aaron! Sorry about the smudge on your face; I didn't realize the truck window was up. Safe traveling.

A Labradoodle Do

Jim grooming Sophie turns into a new 'do' for George.
Mike: That pile of hair looks like a toupee laying on the floor.
George: Is it my color?
Mike: Kaye, do we have any double stick tape?
George: So, how do I look as a redhead?
Elle: You smell like a dog, but I still love you.

Niagra Falls, God, and Man

Friday, June 6th, was sunny and warm in New York which turned out to be a good thing considering we got wet! Our first stop was the Vista Plaza at the State of New York Power Station and I was surprised to discover this engraved in a concrete monument off to the side:

"O LORD, OUR LORD, HOW ADMIRABLE IS THY NAME IN ALL THE EARTH, THOU WHO HAS EXALTED THY MAJESTY ABOVE THE HEAVENS. WHEN I SEE THY HEAVENS, THE WORK OF THY FINGERS, THE MOON AND THE STARS WHICH THOU HAST ESTABLISHED, WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM? THOU HAST GIVEN HIM POWER OVER THE WORKS OF THY HANDS, THOU HAST PLACED ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET."
From Psalm 8

With this in the back of my mind we went to view one of the marvelous works of His hands.

These first two views promptly reminded me of our family's Deschutes River white water rafting trip a few years ago; not a happy memory for this scardy-cat. Laugh, kids, laugh!

Next we went to the observation tower and saw the awesome view of both falls. And way down there were the Maid of the Mist tour boats that take you into Horseshoe Falls. Hmmm...looks fun. Let's go.

We rode in the front, right in the middle.
George in his Blue Bag.

Most of American Falls

Oh dear, it's starting to get loud now!

To the left, Horseshoe Falls

Straight ahead, Horseshoe Falls (louder and getting wetter!)
To the right, Horseshoe Falls

The water in front of the boat.

OK, now we are getting drenched; time to get the camera under my Blue Bag! The roar is so loud you have to yell to make yourself heard to someone standing right next to you.

Back on land and now in our Yellow Bags, we get a close up look at American Falls from below.

George on the Hurricane Deck

A perfect goodbye to the handiwork of God called Niagara Falls

And then, riding the trolley back to the RV, reflecting on being given the privilege to see the power and beauty displayed here, my eyes were drawn to this piece of litter under the foot of the person sitting in front of me.
Whoa.
A reminder of the grandest display of Power and Beauty ever given to mankind, discarded and trampled underfoot.
Something to think about .