A horse, of course!

Happy end of February!  For the time being, the fields are nearly clear of the abundant snowfall that both human and animal had to plow through during these past winter months.  This time of year, weather can be fickle as it tricks you into thinking that early spring has arrived.  And then you get a blast of winter air as a reminder that the season has not yet relinquished its grip.   The horses enjoy days when temperatures become slightly warmer, as we all do.  They run at a steady gallop in freedom of movement instead of being constrained by winter snow and crusty ice upon their hooves.   I was able to get a few shots of their approach behind the hay truck, their stomachs eager for a meal of delicious dry grass and alfalfa.

Horses tell us when it is time to quit feeding them.  It occurs when you see them in open fields, grazing on green grass erupting with the advent of spring. They suddenly lose taste for dry hay, preferring the fresh taste of new pasture growth.  Since it is still too early for this to happen, the horses remain eager to follow the hay truck for their daily meal.  It is a delight to watch the horse exhibiting energy, grace and power through beauty of motion.

If a horse could only talk!  Actually, they do in a language that only horse whisperers understand.  I refer you to a post that I wrote some years ago, if you'd care to check it out at http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-magic-of-horse-camera-ray-hunt.html

For today's post, I'll keep it simple and fun, referring you to Mr. Ed.  Taking a trip down memory lane, Mr. Ed was a popular television show in the 1960's.  Why?... it was about a talking horse, of course!  Check out this You Tube video with the nostalgic theme-song of Mr. Ed with lyrics following....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_PZPpWTRTU

A horse is a horse, of course, of course,

And no one can talk to a horse of course

That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed.

Go right to the source and ask the horse

He'll give you the answer that you'll endorse.

He's always on a steady course.

Talk to Mr. Ed.

People yakkity yak a streak and waste your time of day

But Mister Ed will never speak unless he has something to say. 

A horse is a horse, of course, of course

And this one'll talk 'til his voice is hoarse.

You never heard of a talking horse?

Well listen to this.

I am Mister Ed.

Lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston

I hope you will take time out and visit me again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, March 13.... until then, here is a great quote by Buck Brannaman that is worth pondering on, "The cool thing about horses, they don't have prejudice.  They don't care if you are tall or thin, dark or light, or if you are rich or poor.  They don't care about that.  They care about how you make them feel."

Farewell to Gussy - a Star!

We have read that DOG spelled backwards is GOD - in fact there are books and poems written as to why.  One outstanding theme is that a dog loves unconditionally.  A dog will accept you as you are and forgiveness is built into their nature.  

Today's post is about a special dog who made a difference in many lives.  Gussy was a rescue dog that wandered into my friend's life needing a home, food and lots of love.  Shelli provided all three and so began a ten year relationship that brought comfort, joy and companionship between human and canine.  We can all identify with a heart bond that can develop with a special critter that God brings into our lives.  Gussy happened to be one covered in fur, a wagging tail and slobbery kisses.

Gussy was a gentle dog, both large in stature and in heart.  As time went on, Gussy was introduced to Valley View Care Facility and was an instant hit with both residents and caregivers alike.  His gentle and affectionate manner even won the hearts of a few residents who claimed they didn't like dogs.  He quickly became the "star" of Valley View.
 

Gussy and Shelli became quite a team in their visits at the care facility.  Residents would love to pet Gussy and wanted him by their side just for the furry company that he could give.  They also loved Shelli as she took time with them for conversation as they both made the rounds to say hello.  Below are a few nostalgic photos of Doris while she was alive and living at Valley View.  My mother-in-law had a lot of fun with Gussy and was eager for her turn in special dog attention, both to give and to get in interaction.  Doris enjoyed being pulled around the facility as Gussy took her for a walk in her wheel chair.  Gussy gave special memories, some that I was able to capture through the lens of a camera.

The above photos were taken last December at a recent Valley View Christmas party for the residents.  Of course, Gussy had to have his photo taken with Santa and his elves and his devoted friend, Shelli.  We knew this would be the last Christmas for Gussy.  He battled cancer just as a human and Shelli became caregiver to her beloved companion.  Extra months were added to his life because of her loving care as they both bravely fought for an extension in quality of life before it was time for him to go.

We discover as we interact with all kinds of critters in varied shapes and sizes, that they become more than animal to us.  They enter our lives giving us their trust and faithfulness and we are better off for the experience.  They quietly comfort us in times of distress, an innate knowing that their human friend is troubled.  They welcome a human touch, a word of praise, a walk or a ride - anything that involves being together is joyful in the exchange of friendship. 

It hurts to lose such a 4-legged companion. We will miss you Gussy.  But there is comfort in knowing that God has a special place for our beloved pets that await us on the other side.  I can imagine that He has quite a menagerie but Heaven has room to hold them all.

In closing, I encourage you to check out this Youtube video entitled "GoD And DoG" by Wendy J Francisco, appropriate to end this post with... click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

See you at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, February 27.....

Cabin Fever?

January has come and now the month is almost gone.  It came with a blast of winter weather having both the beauty and inconvenience of layered snow and cold temperatures in Eastern Oregon.  Folks were digging out and also digging in to combat heavy snow on the outside and keeping the house warm on the inside.  It was a time when you left water taps open to avoid pipes freezing and turned up the house thermostat.  Stacked firewood was put to the test to feed wood stoves in many homes  for a cozy warmth.  It was a time when a person thought twice about going anywhere because of the snow and ice hazards on the road.  It was a time for cabin fever! 

What exactly is cabin fever??  It is a term used to describe feelings of restlessness, boredom, impatience brought on by being stuck indoors for an extended period.  Most of us have experienced cabin fever at one time or another.  However, I was able to grab my camera, put on a heavy jacket and boots and take a short walk.  My goal was to look for a photo opportunity as a cabin fever therapy!!  I'd like to share a few pictures with you....

The below photo was taken of a herd of elk that had gathered on a distant hillside.  The snow and cold had driven them to a lower elevation in search of feed.  Yes, tough weather on animals as well.  I had to use the camera zoom for a closer view since they were some distance away, causing a little loss in picture clarity, but I was happy for the camera shot anyway.

This is one of my favorite photos of Jim as he is fights the elements in daily feeding chores, which is a normal winter occurrence.  Anyone with livestock knows that it is part of the job to keep animals fed and well throughout the winter season.....

As we move into February with warmer temperatures and a promise of Spring to come, 2017 rolls along unfolding days with its surprises as well as the familiar in our life's journey.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, February 13, I leave you with an interesting quote by Steve Southerland... "I believe in process.  I believe in four seasons.  I believe that winter's tough, but spring's coming.  I believe that there's a growing season.  And I think that you realize that in life, you grow.  You get better."

 

Legacy of Carrie Young

I wanted to use this post to write about two sisters who have made a difference in the community in which I live.  It is a true story based on one who died and one who is living and a resulting legacy....

Carrie Young was only 32 years of age when her life was cut short in an auto accident in 1993.  Out of this tragedy, her sister Lucie Immoos, began a movement to honor the memory of her beloved sister.  A legacy began as the Carrie Young Memorial took shape, expanding through the years into a blessing of success - for the elderly and for the community.

Carrie Young  (July 13, 1961 - September 15, 1993)

Carrie's career was in health services, working for the local hospital and nursing home in Grant County particularly dealing in Alzheimer care.  In Lucie's words... "Carrie specialized in Alzheimer's and dearly loved the patients that she tended to each and every day.  After Carrie's death my family learned that she had been buying Christmas gifts for the patients that had no family or little money.  I wanted to do something to keep my sister's memory alive."

Lucie turned the loss of her sister into a legacy in the gift of giving to the senior community.  The small acts of kindness that Carrie demonstrated by her own giving to those patients who had very little has continued on.  With help from family and friends, Lucie began a project to raise money for the needy in the elderly community that range from residents in nursing facilities to helping seniors in their own homes.  A memorial benefit auction began at a grass root level with the very first year raising $175.  Now in its 23rd year, county participation has grown and last month, the Carrie Young Memorial raised $28,000.

Funds are obtained through a silent auction with baskets made up of donations from local businesses, family and friends.  The baskets are beautifully arranged with a variety of items, distinct in personality, appealing in a variety of choices to bid on.  The tables are set in a holiday mood with Christmas lights adding atmosphere to the large display of multiple baskets for auction.  The crowd of folks attending enjoy looking, socializing and having fun bidding on their favorite basket(s).  A spaghetti feed is held in conjunction with the auction, largely attended with rave reviews. 

The money collected is used to aid seniors throughout Grant County, including four care centers.  A wide range of needs are taken care of through the monies raised.  Gift certificates are arranged to handle heating oil or electric bills, groceries and delivery of firewood, just to name a few of the memorial's outreach.  There is even a wish list that Santa delivers in an array of brightly wrapped Christmas presents to facility residents.  They receive their own special bag containing items from their individual wish list.

Held the first Friday of December, the Carrie Young Memorial has blossomed and blessed both seniors and community alike.  It's essence hinged on the simple action of one young woman, Carrie Young, who gave out of her own heart and money to those she cared for and has now passed on through the heart of her sister, Lucie.  The old saying "it takes a village to raise a child" can apply to this benefit memorial.  Many helping hands have been involved to make this project happen and with a grateful heart, Lucie is thankful to all those who have made it possible....   businesses for their donations, shopping crew, high school students who wrapped gifts, the creativity of local talent in making such beautiful baskets and bows, the kitchen crew who fed and cleaned up after everyone, the local Elks Lodge, making their building available.  And Lucie would like to THANK YOU GRANT COUNTY for your generosity in coming out to this event and being a part of a community effort in the gift of giving for our seniors. 

If you have not attended the Carrie Young Memorial, make a date on your calendar for the next benefit in December.  That's just eleven months away!  Not far off, the way time quickly passes by and you will not be disappointed by attending.  I have enjoyed myself immensely - it's a lot of fun and I'm always impressed by the giving of this wonderful community towards any worthy cause.


See you next time at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, January 30th.  Until then, I leave you with a worthy quote by Lao Tzu... "Kindness in words creates confidence.  Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.  Kindness in giving creates love."

A New Day in a New Year

As the tradition goes in New Year Resolutions, many are made and many are broken in the concept of "new and resolution".  What is that exactly?  Several definitions of  new is original and fresh.  Resolution simply stated is an expression of intention.  Another way of saying could be "a fresh purpose or goal".  I personally don't do new year resolutions as it can be a setup for failure.  Expectations can run high often short circuited with varying outcomes that run from procrastination to sincere commitment to indifference. 

One thing to remember is that every day can be a fresh day, when we are given the luxury to begin anew.  Problems may still exist in its many forms but we are promised with new beginnings to offset the challenges and changes we face in our life's journey. 

These are just a few of many scriptures relating to new beginnings:  Lamentations 3:22-23...  "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Isaiah 43:18-19..."Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

As I post today's blog entry, my first in 2017, I am reminded that we do not have a guarantee of tomorrow. However, our today has constant aspiration and inspiration to access and utilize in the unfolding of new moments. I close with this great quote by Hal Borland as a reminder that the....
 

Blessings in 2017 ....  Come! Visit me at The Turn-Up Patch next time on Monday, January 19.
 
 

Christmas Reflection on Visible and Invisible

My friends, family and followers of The Turn-Up Patch....    Several years ago, I wrote this post and felt that this reflective message was worth repeating as we approach Christmas and the closure of 2016.  Christmas can be a time of celebration but for some, it can also be a time of sadness, depending on personal circumstances.  One profound event has and will remain a solid force despite circumstance and that is the movement of Light in the form of Jesus - the Visible and the Invisible....

The Visible - The Invisible - And Christmas

I begin this post with threads of thought that eventually leads to a pivotal event we celebrate known as Christmas.  The birth of Christ has impacted and influenced the world and its humanity that began nearly 2000 years ago.  I'd like to mesh Christmas and weave within, the dynamics we have of infrared and color, filter and illumination, the visible and the invisible.  As this occurs in our natural world, so it is spiritually.

There are complicated definitions of visible and invisible light.  Simply said, the visible light is an electromagnetic wave that the human eye can see.  It runs along a spectrum from short wavelengths of violet to longer wavelengths of red, which gives us color perceptible to our eyes.  There is another kind of light that we can't see.  This is infrared light and is a thousand times wider than that of visible light, but it is invisible to our eyes.

In photography, for an effect or artistic component, an infrared filter can be used either on the camera or in photo editing.  This filter blocks all visible light and can produce a dramatic look in transforming the subject matter in the exclusion of color to an infrared image.  The camera subject is illuminated  by infrared light and the every day scene becomes extraordinary in the absence of color.

Color -  visible light

Infrared - invisible light

 

Illumination!   A source of light that can brighten and make clear.  All of us have had an 'aha' moment when one has a sudden insight in awareness or comprehension in understanding.  It can also be called an 'epiphany', which is any moment of great and unexpected insight or intuitiveness.  Belief is also a component of illumination -  it is the Holy Spirit filter to see into the invisible that thrusts us beyond the visible color of  human knowing.  For some, the aha or epiphany moment can lead to belief; for others, belief can be the catalyst to revelation that occurs along the way in the walk of faith.

We are just a few days short from an event that changed the course of humanity - the birth of illuminating Light that came in human form - Jesus, the Son of God, the Light of the world.    We honor the mystery, significance and magic that Christmas brings and are humbled by the fact that God, the Father of Lights, so loved the world...

You can also view at this link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb1AsyltkpA


from The Turn-Up Patch to each and all ~

                                           Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas! 

 

 

Until we meet again in the New Year on Monday, January 2.....

What Really Matters

Hard to believe that we are in the final month of 2016.  As many people have wondered.... where did the year go??   The endeavor to 'catch-up' is lost in the 'way-behind' category.  To live in the moment is blurred by the constant having to do.  Many of us are consoled by the fact that we are still able to do but appreciation is lost in the piling up of busyness in preparation for whatever lies ahead demanding attention.  The below quote is quite significant when a person stops to consider what is important in a moment of time....

We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving last month.... a time to remember and to thank our God for the many blessings we enjoy in these United States.  A time to reflect on what really matters.  It was Abraham Lincoln who set in motion an annual National Day of Thanksgiving in 1863 and proclaimed it to be....  'a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.'  Our 16th President goes on to say that it is... "announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord... But we have forgotten God.  We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of own...  It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people..."

Words that were spoken by President Lincoln cited spiritual ailments in his day that ring true today in the 21st century. Oh, that the human condition would evolve as quickly as the advancement of knowledge.... perhaps, time would then have a wonderful way of showing what really matters.

 Join me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, December 19th....