The Eagle Factor

My first eagle photos taken just last month!  I was thrilled to end 2013 with such pictures.   They are around but either I am in the right place without my camera or the wrong place with my camera... in other words, it is a matter of timing, sighting and "shooting".  These great birds happened to be close by and within range of the zoom of my camera.  The eagles didn't stay long; just time enough for a quick look around before flying off.  I wasn't able to get a photo of them in flight since I was enjoying watching them and not thinking about the camera.   The below shots may not be the best of eagle pictures that you see, but they are my first that I share with you my dear friends and readers.

As I looked at the surrounding scene where the eagles perched,  the tree branches look so dead and devoid of life with a few dried leaves still attached.  A stark setting but in its simplicity,  I am reminded of the power of life contained within these trees unseen to the naked eye. They surprise us each spring as the branches burst forth with amazing fullness of green in proud foliage of life.

Eagles are symbolic of so many noble defining moments, which we as humans can display, such as.... bravery, beauty, freedom, honor, courage, determination, grace, pride, strength.  As situations unfold before us, God has equipped us with wings of eagles that we can soar and rise above the storms of life. We just need to become spiritually aware that we were meant to fly.  Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles."  This is easier said than done sometimes when we are embroiled in a struggling situation, which can or cannot be of our own making.  

Some interesting facts about the eagle that can illustrate a spiritual lesson in trust and rejuvenation:
-  Learning to trust... an eaglet learns to trust the nudgings of its parents when it is time to fly.  The eaglet doesn't know it has this ability to fly until it first tumbles from the nest and spreads its wings.
    How often do we struggle in trust towards our Father God. When we fear rather than trust, we are unable to spread our wings to rise above circumstance and experience freedom.
-  Rejuvenation... an eagle molts and loses its feathers periodically throughout the year... a little here and a little there; just enough to require nature's maintenance to renew and repair the eagle for continued strength and ability for its preservation and flight.  
    It is necessary for us, as God's children, to become quiet and allow the healing power of God to renew and repair our hearts and minds that have become worn from adversity. 

I discovered this video showing what it is like to fly like an eagle and how it must feel to be airborne in flight above earth's landscape.  Enjoy being with the movement of this magnificent bird as it is in flight near the French Alps, Chamonix.   A small video camera was cleverly attached to the eagle to give us this amazing viewing pleasure.  Many thanks to Srachi - Flying Eagle Point of View.  Chip Ivory presents it with music "Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band.  Part of the lyrics say, "Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'  into the future...."

"I want to fly like an eagle

To the sea

Fly like an eagle

Let my spirit carry me

I want to fly like an eagle

Till I'm free...."

You can also watch the clip at this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miItc6JMTTA

There is a similar post on eagles which I wrote on December 31, 2012 which gives additional information on the eagle.  At that time, I hadn't had the opportunity to take any photos of eagles until these two showed up last month.  You can also read this particular post, "Fly Like an Eagle" at this link: 
http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2012/12/fly-like-eagle.html

Can you tell that I think eagles are amazing??  Can you tell that I think Isaiah 40:31 is amazing??


We'll meet again at "The Turn-Up Patch" on February 3......  see you then!

The Megaload

What is a megaload?  Since our area has been introduced to a megaload, the following facts are given to help understand the "what, where and why" of such a megaload.
- It is a gigantic shipment of massive equipment that is heading for the tar sands oil region of Northern Alberta, Canada.  There are three such megaloads which will travel through Eastern Oregon as part of the route to the Alberta destination.  At the time of this post, two megaloads came through our area at separate times during December.  
- The equipment carried is called an "evaporator" and used in the extraction and processing of the tar sands into crude oil.  The first megaload that traveled through is 22 feet wide, 376 feet long and weighs 901,000 pounds. The equipment is made in Portland, Oregon, shipped to the Port of Umatilla, where it begins transport across Eastern Oregon, Idaho, Montana and into Alberta.
-  The industrial transporter, Omega Morgan out of Hillsboro, Oregon, mostly travels at night between the hours of 8:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. to avoid traffic problems and in compliance with ODOT.  Traveling speed is only 35 miles per hour in ideal weather and road conditions; often it crawls at 8 to 12 miles per hour.
-  Eastern Oregon was chosen after previous megaloads faced opposition through the Nez Perce Reservation and a federally designated scenic river corridor on U.S. Highway 12 in Idaho.
-  The new route through the John Day Valley has also been met with environmental protesters resulting in arrests made due to disorderly conduct.

1st Megaload - (click on photos for larger view)

2nd Megaload

The second megaload came through Mt. Vernon on the evening of December 30th.  There has been a lot of "buzz" about these megaloads making a turn in its approach from Highway 395 onto the intersection to Highway 26.  Mt. Vernon is a small community of about 500 and the cross intersection is tiny for such a mega turn.  Since it was determined that the load couldn't negotiate a left turn onto the highway in Mt. Vernon, the load negotiated a tight right turn, then reversed course on nearby private land to head east on Highway 26.  "We have to turn right to go left," Omega Morgan explained.

I was told the expected time that the megaload would be coming through Mt. Vernon, so I grabbed my camera to take some shots of this epic event.  Here are a few photos shown for your spine tingling excitement of seeing a megaload making a right hand turn at an intersection where the stop sign pole had to be removed to make more room.  A string of Christmas lights adorned the load to add festivity for the occasion.

Approach from Hwy 395

  Mt. Vernon Intersection where Hwys 395 & 26 meet

Spectators watching the tight turn

Making the turn

Success!

Continued travel on Hwy 26

An excellent news article can be found on the following link.  It also has a map showing the route up into Alberta.  If you click on the map, it entails the route in full detail into Lethbridge, Alberta.  However, the map doesn't show that the route continues on into the upper northern region, destination at the tar sands near Fort McMurray.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/12/22/2941009/megaload-could-be-in-southwest.html 
Other recent Megaload news links:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/12/13/2926527/megaload-traveling-megaslowly.html
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/megaload-attracts-mega-looky-loos-near-pine/article_ae74c5ba-71ab-11e3-911c-0019bb2963f4.html

Hmmmmm!  How can megaloads be equated over to our personal lives???  Let's take a look at a few illustrations:
- We can take on megaloads of worry and cares that slow us down in our journey in life. We weren't really meant to carry megaloads; this alone is to be borne by the Almighty God.  You'll notice the name "Mighty Matt" on the industrial truck, first photo on the top; no little half-ton truck displayed here carrying such a load.  That would incur a breakdown fast!  
- Worries seem to compound themselves during the night causing lost sleep and anxiety of heart and mind.  Never take burdens to bed, as they only increase as they unravel in darkness.   
- Your path in life can be slowed to a crawl trying to carry a load that was not meant for you to bear in your own strength.  Wisdom can be clouded, wrong choices made and back roads taken for a long and wearing journey with a faded destination.

The Bible says in Matthew 11:28 to 29... "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Join me in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on January 20!  As we live out our days throughout this new year of  2014, let us not try to carry megaloads of cares, troubles and worries.  Instead, cast it to the "Mighty Matt",  which is in this case, the power of God well able to carry the load and help us arrive at our destination, most often peace.

So Great a Love....

As we settle down and take a deep breath from all the activity involved in the celebration of Christmas - the shopping, gift decisions, decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, sending greeting cards, anticipation of family gatherings, school, church and community events to attend; just to name a few.  It's time to say STOP and look beyond the seemingly endless list of doing, become quiet and tap into that spiritual silence where you find His Presence.  Allow His Peace to wash away the deadline of the "have to do list" by absorbing Him in reminder of so great a love, that He gave His only begotten Son. 

Jesus, the Christ!

... He came as the ultimate gift

... to give the ultimate sacrifice

... to become the ultimate Savior

I'd like to share a profound quote by St. Augustine which is worth reflecting on:
"He was created of a mother whom He created.  He was carried by hands that He formed.  He cried in the manger in wordless infancy.  He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute."

I hope you will take time out to watch the following music clip.  May you experience peace as you breathe in the words of the following song by Selah, "The Rose of Bethlehem".  Lowell Alexander wrote the lyrics with video clip by emmysue20.  You can also view at:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmjIcpIzHxo

 I invite you to check on my post entitled "The Infinite Holding Infinity" that was written on December 24, 2012, which includes "The Star" Christmas presentation.  You can locate it in the archives in the right column of this format or click on the below link:http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-infinite-holding-infinity.html 

From The Turn-Up Patch, MERRY CHRISTMAS  to all my faithful readers.  May you catch the Light of Christmas this season and experience God's brilliance in the warmth of His Love throughout all the seasons of your life.  See you in the new year of 2014 on January 6.

Life Lessons from Geese

I have taken many photographs of geese that fly into our area in the spring and predictably leave in the fall.  Grabbing my camera at the first sound of geese, I run to visible points to take pictures of these marvelous birds which make their descent onto the fields in our back pasture.  I look forward to the noisy honking of these migrating geese as they make their announcement that Spring has arrived in Grant County.  With the passing of the fall season, fields have become vacant of geese; another realization that winter is upon us.  We do have a few that stay and brave the winter season.   The photo below is one that I took several years ago.  These two geese are together throughout all the seasons on the ranch.  How do I know that they are the same two??  An educated guess, since they appear to be the only apparent pair who are in constant companionship throughout the year.

In my research on geese, I discovered that they mate for life and stay together throughout the year.  A goose can go into mourning at a loss of a mate and will often stay by himself for a while.  Eventually, they will find a new mate and begin anew. 
  
It is interesting to watch them fly in their characteristic V-formation, usually accompanied by their honking....
          Why fly in a V form?   Their wings create an uplift current for the bird immediately following.  It is an instinctive systematic design to increase strength and stability.  By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if a bird flew alone.  If one flies out of formation, it struggles with strength and speed and becomes weak in stamina.  It doesn't take long for the goose to find it's way back and integrate itself into formation for an easier flight.

          Why do they make a honking noise while in flight?  It was most interesting to find out that geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.  Also, when a lead goose gets tired, the bird has no problem in rotating to the back of the flock to let another goose take the lead point.
          What happens to the wounded or sick?   When wounded or sick, a goose flies out of formation and is accompanied by two other geese that stay with the bird until that goose is able to fly again or until he dies.  In either case, upon recovery or death, they launch out on their own or join another formation to catch up with their own group.
          What is migrant and what is resident?   Migration is moving from one region to another and geese are on the move from October through March and are known as migrating geese.  The flight range can be 2,000 - 3,000 miles.  Then there is the resident goose, which stays in the same region.  Their flight range is 100 - 200 miles but typically stay within a smaller radius.  I love this fact about the resident goose:  Resident geese can fly long distances such as their migratory cousins but they generally learn that it is not necessary.   Hmmmmm!  Maybe we could learn something about that.

People can learn a lot about improving their own human behavior in studying the attributes of geese.  Not only can we learn about depth of commitment but also the depths of encouragement, support, alliance and cohesion.  As humans, we are part of a greater whole, forming our circles of families and friends in expansion of community; regional and global.  We are also spiritual beings formed with the intent of our heavenly Father......          
                      ... to rise above our circumstance
                      ... to follow in the current of His leading "up-lift" for an easier flight
                      ... to have commitment in relationship towards our Lord and significant others
                      ... to have time proven friends who stay by your side, adding a deep richness
                          in the physical and spiritual experience of life                                          
I'm sure you could think of many more ways to use in analogy that we have with this winged creation of God. The above are just a few in reflection.

I put together the following PhotoShow entitled "Wings of Freedom",  with various photographs taken of geese throughout the past few years. They co-habit the pasture with horses, an occasional dog (who pays no attention to the geese) and other forms of birds.  However, they did take objection to a two-legged critter (meaning me) if I tried to approach them in their territory.  So I stayed my distance and thanks to the invention of "zoom", was able to get a few close up shots.  Some pictures show a little hillside scenery in this beautiful valley where the geese return every year.  The photos of a species of geese, called "snow geese" were taken in Burns, Oregon.  They are all white with black tipped wings.....

I came across this saying...  "The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white.  Neither need you do anything but be yourself." - Lao Tzu    Now there's a statement that gives some food for thought!

See you at the Turn-Up Patch for my next post on December 23.  Since we are in the advent of Christmas, let it be less about shopping and more about a defining moment when God entered our realm to take on human form, which forever changes the dynamics of destiny.

Leaves & Laughter

As predicted, Autumn arrived and visited our area in the glorious array of color that only the season of Fall can bring.   God's handiwork in creation is to be admired, as we are treated to golden leaves with touches of orange and red among forest trees and countryside shrubs.  Since we are nearing the end of fall, declared by trees naked of leaves, the landscape now resembles twigs and branches devoid of color and form.  Spring and summer have had their way giving blossoms of color and richness of green to delight our human world in the vision of nature in beauty and smell.

The above photo was taken several years ago at a friend's house while raking an abundance of fall leaves.  Work turned into play, resulting in a fun shot of being engulfed by such a pile!  It's also great to take a walk through such leaves and listen to the crunching sounds beneath your feet.  Aahh!  We all need to take time out to be kids at heart in a much too often serious world.

Laughter is good for the soul.  Scripture says in Proverbs 17:22 - "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones."   Have you ever sat and listened to the laughter of a child or children??  It is so contagious, you find yourself laughing along with them.  It is a melody of gladness which makes one want to join in the experience of lighthearted moments in the world of a child.  I posted this 20 second sound clip of a baby's laughter just in case you haven't heard an innocent's laughter in a while; I hope it brings you a smile.  You can also hear it at:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5KBCu3Wre4

 

If the season of Autumn had sound, I'm sure we'd hear a crescendo in the rise of colors from muted green to sun tipped yellows, blazing orange and heated reds.  If we listened close enough, perhaps we could hear the laughter of leaves playing in the wind or riding the breeze as they float or soar through currents of air in a final act of cycle.  The tree, barren as it looks, continues on with life flowing inwardly, invisible to the human eye, yet ready to produce its wonder of foliage upon the advent of Spring. 

We are treated to the changing season of Fall and only need to drive a short distance before we are in the forested hills surrounding the John Day Valley.  The Tamarack tree is prevalent among the evergreens as they burst forth in their lacy beauty of yellow, which distinguishes them from the ordinary.  You can make a scenic drive from John Day to Baker City, about 80 miles in distance, to enjoy the brilliant autumn splash of the tamarack dotting the forest countryside.

Since I have compiled a number of Autumn photos that I took during the past few years, I chose some to put in a PhotoShow entitled "Autumn Glory" for viewing.  Most were taken in Grant County and around the "neighborhood" in the John Day Valley.  The neighborhood consists of Dayville, Mt. Vernon, John Day and Prairie City, all situated on Highway 26, which continues into the woodland towards Baker City.  This country is also known as "High Desert".... which I've never understood since desert means to me, sand dunes and the odd sagebrush.  It is beautiful country here, often referred to as God's Country.  For those of you who have not traveled to Eastern Oregon, you can catch a glimpse of this part of the country and get an idea of the scenery here.  Since the population count is low, there are definitely more trees than people!

You can also view at this link:   http://www.photoshow.com/watch/nN6NT9Yb

 In closing, I wish you all a BLESSED & HAPPY THANKSGIVING.  Remember to discover humor and along with it, do smile often, laugh hard and delight yourself in the little things in life, such as autumn leaves.

Tune in for my next post on December 9 at The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then, here is a quote from Paulo Coelho:  "When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.  When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too."

Veterans Day Honor

November 11 of each year is a day set aside to honor all American veterans to ensure that they know the deep appreciation of sacrifices made in the noble protection of freedom.  As I began to write this post in salute to our veterans, I realize within myself that I have no idea of the personal experience belonging solely to the veteran.  They are a unique class of men and women who bear the identity of "veteran", which bonds them for life.  Strangers shake hands on the street, in the community, in the market place, greeting each other with respect in the discovery of mutual military service.   Our lives intermingle with these ones who know a sacrifice and a passion for their country that so many of us take for granted.  In my personal life, my husband served as a US Marine; my brother-in-law, a Navy Seal; and my uncle, in the Air Force.

Photo credit to Raymond Malkiewicz

The photo above says so much in respect.  Perhaps he knew the depth of cost and paid the price in the journey of his life in military service, as so many others have.   Perhaps by struggling to stand up from his wheelchair and brace himself for strength, could he acknowledge with his body, a standing salute.  Perhaps a sense of pride for the American flag,  and to the Republic for which it stands, and all the military flags, symbolizing patriotic duty.  Perhaps a remembrance of lost family member in the casualty of war.  As these ones pass before him in military formation, perhaps he speaks a whisper in his heart that says "God be with them".

I am adding a few more photos to this post that I took this morning at the Memorial service in our valley town of John Day, held in honor of those men and women who have served in our country's military.  The first photo is of Robert Riddell, who served in World War II as a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps, as it was known in that day.  He is now 93 years of age and came to acknowledge and show respect for the veteran.

I came across this article written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, M.M. (Maryknoll Missionaries) USMC, born 1923 - died 2002.   His words say it all......

WHAT IS A VET?
Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.
Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.
Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem.
You can't tell a vet just by looking.
 
What is a vet?
He is  the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.
He is  the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.
She (or he)  is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.
He is  the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL.
He is  the drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.
He is  the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.
He is  the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.
He is  the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.
He is  the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.
He is  an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.
He is  a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.
So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.
Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".   

It's the soldier, not the reporter,
Who gave us our freedom of the press.
It's the soldier, not the poet,
Who gave us our freedom of speech.
It's the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who gave us our freedom to demonstrate.
It's the soldier, Who salutes the flag,
....  Who serves others with respect for the flag,
....  And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
....  Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Father Denis Edward O'Brien M.M./USMC 

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In closing, the following clip is a fitting tribute to our veterans across the land who have tasted a slice of life which only they can understand in bitter/sweet experience.  They are Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard and includes the National Guard, as well.  They have been both warrior and peace keeper in investing of themselves to guard and to insure the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this land of liberty, called America.

 Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) - US Marines;  

Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win - US Air Force

Semper Paratus (Always Ready) - US Coast Guard

Non sibi sed patraiae (Not for Self but Country) - US Navy

This We'll Defend - US Army 

Always Ready, Always There - US National Guard

T H A N K   Y O U !

The video is presented by msouders37 on YouTube and is entitled "This is Still the Land of the Free" and  performed by Tussing Elementary 3rd Grade - 2011 Michael Souders (BMI/CCLI)

You can also view this video at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcTj7uM-dJA


Join me on November 25, for our next meeting at The Turn-Up Patch.

Centennial, Scarecrows & Dayville, Oregon

I'd like to introduce you to a fun little town in the midst of our beautiful John Day Valley in Eastern Oregon, called Dayville.   It is one of four cities or towns which lies along US Route 26 in Grant County and is distinct in its western history and style. It is a town with a lot of heart and colorful locals where humor can abound.  One such display of humor is this sign, which welcomes you to Dayville as you approach from the west or the east side of Highway 26......

A few facts about Dayville:
-  It is the 17,583rd largest city in the United States as of 2012, according to the "Biggest US Cities" website. The locals will find humor in that since it has a population of 147 in the latest consensus statistics.
-  It lies 125 miles east of Bend and 233 miles from Portland, Oregon.  It also is located about 17 miles east of the Shoe Tree  that I wrote about in my post, "Highway 26, a Shoe Tree & Voyage".
-  Located 9 miles from the John Day Fossil Beds, it is the Eastern gate to this area and the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, which is full of ancient dinosaur history.
-  It was first a stage stop on a military road in the late 1800's and many old buildings remain today.

Dayville is currently hosting a Centennial, since the town was incorporated as a city in 1913.  As unique as the town is, they celebrate in exclusive style; one such being "The Scarecrow Contest" that is currently happening and a Kickoff for their Fall Festival.   Throughout the town, you are greeted with an unusual sight of a lineup of individual creations of scarecrows on poles or fences for this Harvest season.  Since the weather was beautiful and while all the scarecrows were still in tact, I grabbed my camera for a photo shoot and headed for Dayville. I was not disappointed at the array of scarecrow personalities stationed on both sides of the street in a whimsical fashion display.

"I'm just as cute"... signed, the cat!

In traditional country style, the Centennial Fall Kickoff also included a contest for homemade baked goods and a decorated pumpkin contest.  Along with a silent auction, potluck dinner and hayrides, they held a dance in their community hall.  These folks know how to do good ol' country fun.   

Another word for scarecrow is strawman.  There were plenty of strawmen (and even a few straw-women) on the street for all to admire. Children, teens, adults and community merchants enthusiastically created these "works of art" for all to enjoy - even to a headless horseman.  Since there was such a variety,  I complied them into a PhotoShow along with some Dayville scenery and buildings.  So, my dear readers, sit back and relax while you watch this fun video along with toe-tapping music by Janelle Donovan, called "Apple Tree". You can click on the icon for large located on the bottom photoshow bar for full screen of the video.  More detail in the photographs show up in the full screen view. 
You can also watch it at this link:  http://www.photoshow.com/watch/EE9dI9zJ

I found out that Dayville is also doing a '100 ACTS OF KINDNESS' in honor of their Centennial as a community effort.  Now what a great idea is that!  This noble endeavor, launched with their Fall Festival Kickoff, will be ongoing throughout July 4th, 2014.  There are many adjectives describing the word kind, but basically an act of kindness means to do good towards others.  This should be an action that we all demonstrate in our daily lives but for a town to celebrate kindness as a centennial banner is exceptional.  

A big  SALUTE  to Dayville!


Come, visit me again two weeks from now at the Turn-Up Patch on November 11...  see you then!