Rainbow Chaser

We certainly have had April showers this month, although it could be described as downpours driven by high winds rather than a simple shower.  The weather, however, created some beautiful rainbows and this work of God's art never ceases to amaze me.  Several days ago after a heavy rain, the sun broke out through the clouds to prism a beautiful rainbow arc stretching over highway 26.  I was thankful to have my camera with me when the rainbow appeared.  I drove my car to the side of the road to capture this scene of rainbow colors falling upon the hills.  It was exciting to me to be able to take this photo in a setting with Canyon Mountain and grazing cattle, creating this scene of country peace. These pictures give you an idea of the scenic beauty we have, particularly in the spring when the fields and hills are so green.  A rainbow only compliments the rural setting.

The photo below shows the other side of the rainbow, which splashed it's color on open fields on the opposite side of the highway.  The rainbow was too close for me to take a photo of it's perfect arc over the countryside.  Again, I managed to find a turnout where I could park my car and take photos of this sight that can all too quickly disappear due to atmosphere changes and cloud movements. 

Continuing on to my friend's house, I was happy to see the still visible rainbow extending to the area where she lives, dropping its color on nearby ground.  Instead of a storm chaser, I felt like a rainbow chaser as it remained until I reached my destination only to fade from view.

It is interesting to note that the arc or curve of a rainbow is actually a full circle - only the horizon cuts it off.  I was able to find the below photo on the internet to use as an illustration of what a full circle rainbow looks like...

In astronomy, the earth, moon and planets are all in sphere or circle shape in our ever increasing knowledge of the universe.  Whenever I see a circle, I think of the Almighty God who states that He is the "I AM" - the Beginning and the End; the Alpha and Omega; the First and the Last; Everlasting to Everlasting.  He is COMPLETE.  An interesting definition of complete is UNBROKEN.  Here are a few other meanings of complete... entire, absolute - whole or perfect - without defect or blemish - faultless, unimpaired; lacking nothing. 

Pretty Amazing!  He loves us, faulty in our humanity, with a faultless love in His Divinity.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch where we'll meet again on Monday, May 8...  I leave you with a rainbow quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which simply says:  "God's illumined promise".

 

Kuaui Albatross - Part 3

This will be the last post on Kuaui, often referred to as "The Garden Island".  Today we visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge located on the north shore of Kuaui.  Here in Eastern Oregon, we think of wildlife as deer, elk and predators such as the coyotes and cougars.  The protected wildlife at Kilauea are varieties of  Hawaiian seabirds, the monk seal, green sea turtle and humpback whale.  The refuge was established in 1985 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is marked by a large lighthouse.....

Among the Hawaiian seabirds, is the Laysan Albatross.  I was fortunate enough to experience a fly-by from one of these large birds and managed to get an overhead shot as the albatross circled by the lighthouse.  One notable fact about the albatross are their extreme long wings that enable them to soar or glide in flight.    They can travel hundreds of miles per day with barely a wing-beat.

There is a figurative meaning to albatross, which is something that hinders or handicaps and defined as guilt or a burden.  The origin using this bird as such a symbol comes from 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Coleridge written in 1798.  It represents a burden or source of distress that impairs effective action, thus the saying... an albatross around one's neck.  This beautiful seabird doesn't deserve such a reputation of  negativity due to a poem and superstition.

There is a proven course of action based on the Word of God in Matthew 11:30... "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light".  The yoke of Christ placed around your neck lifts and frees burdens and guilt, giving rest to the weary, resulting in freedom and peace.  Quite a contrast to the symbolic albatross that is a yoke of heaviness and bondage, resulting in fear and captivity.

And now it is time to say 'A hui hou - goodbye until we meet again'  in yet another place of God's scenic beauty in Kuaui....

Meet me again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, April 24th.  Until then, 'Ke Akua pu a hui hou - God bless you and see you later'.

Kauai Adventure - Part 2

In this post, we visit the west side of Kauai where visitors can view the Waimea Canyon, often referred to as 'The Grand Canyon of the Pacific".  After traveling on a narrow, windy road, we stopped at a viewpoint and gazed out on this spectacular piece of scenery.  It is considered a geological wonder in Hawaii, being 14 miles wide and more than 3600 feet deep.  Waimea is Hawaiian for reddish water because of the canyon's red volcanic soil.  I took many photos of this  colorful and awesome canyon but could only choose a few to show you, again due to limited space. I was impressed at the diversity of the island from beaches and palm trees to craggy mountain terrain.

Continuing north beyond Waimea Canyon, is another sight beautiful to behold.  From the Kalalua Lookout, you are treated to a vision of sea, sky, clouds and cliffs.  It appeared as if the clouds were dancing on the ocean waters, since the deep blue that you see in the photo is not the sky but the actual sea.  The horizontal line distinguished between the clouds is the separation between water and sky.

It was breath-taking to say the least.  I can only lift my eyes beyond the horizon and appreciate the God who is All and in all in His beauty of color, form and living nature.  Romans 1:20 says it quite well...."For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so they are without excuse."


Come!  I invite you to visit me again at The Turn-Up Patch in another two weeks, on Monday, April 10th....

Kauai Adventure - Part 1

We recently had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, and was introduced to the island of Kauai.  Thanks to the internet and google, you can find out much about Kauai but I will give you just a few of the many interesting facts about this beautiful island: 
                         - It is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, some 6,000,000 years old
                         - It is of volcanic origin
                         - Nicknamed the "Garden Isle"
                         - It is the 4th largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago being 562.3 square miles
Since this was my first visit; to see it is to believe it!  All those interesting facts come alive and I was amazed at the tropical scenery and mesmerized by the surrounding ocean waters.  Being a "landlubber", which means having no experience with the sea, the ocean can be intimidating.  Personally, I prefer to have my feet planted solidly on the ground, so you won't find me in the water or on a boat.  But you can find me with my camera happily taking photographs trying to capture the wild motion of waves crashing upon the seashore.  A still photograph can highlight the beauty of water turbulence but it takes a video or an on-sight experience to capture the moving sight and sound in revelation of the full force of nature in ocean waters.
 

Beach at Poipu, located in the south end of Kauai

It is awesome to stand on the shore and watch the power and expansiveness of the sea.  I am reminded of Psalm 93 which speaks of the majesty of the Lord.  Verse 4 states ... "More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea.  The LORD on high is mighty"....

One of the phenomenons on the island is known as Spouting Horn Beach located near Poipu.  This particular stretch of beach has a lava shelf with existing blowholes.  The ocean rushes under the shelf and up through the hole with a force sending water shooting into the air.  The following photos illustrates this effect.  If you look closely in the second photo, you will see part of a rainbow that sometimes appears when the sunlight is shining through the water in just the right refractory way.  You can also watch a video clip that does justice to Spouting Horn along with the sound of a second hole that only emits wind and creates a type of moaning sound..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKn9TEigfcY 
 

Two weeks from now on Monday, March 27, we will explore the west side of the island and visit Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.  Kauai - a small island that is a wonder in diverse scenery and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit and share my discoveries with you.  Blog space permits me to share just a few photos of the many that I took but sometimes it takes just a few to tell a story.

Until then,  here is a beautiful quote to think on by Mother Teresa... "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.  But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."

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."