Marvel of Moon & Mars

It was a thrill to be a part of the July 27th Blood Moon and Mars experience.  Here in Grant County, we had a supermoon minus the red color.  However, it was super brilliant with no clouds or smoke to obscure. We, in the Americas, were not privileged to witness the eclipse of the moon or blood moon as viewed in other parts of the globe. There is no need to go into all the scientific information as to why the moon turns red and to the occurrence of the eclipse itself.  You can check out this data yourself on the information highway on the internet.

In simplicity, there were beautiful moments to capture on camera as the moon rose from behind the surrounding hills and made its ascent into the heavens.  That's how it appeared to this earthling.  The lighting gives each photo a distinct personality because of time-lapse between each shot.

Characteristic of the moon, the above shot shows more definition on the surface in colored markings.  Even though we did not see the red hued or blood moon as it is called, it was still a wondrous moon to gaze upon. What was equally or more exciting than the moon, was the visible planet of Mars that appeared below the moon.  This is the closest approach to earth in 15 years, the last was in 2003.

In the above picture, you can see Mars by the tiny red orb towards the bottom right as you look at the photograph.  It appeared as a brilliant star to the naked eye but as I used the zoom on my camera, the red color became more apparent.  Since the zoom range is limited on my camera, the planet itself is limited in size.  But I was still happy to actually capture Mars in my photo. The next closest approach will be on October 6, 2020 and the next super-close opposition will be in September 2035.  Way into the distant future, Earth and Mars will have another record-breaking meetup in the year 2287 (according to experts), when the two will be about 34,760 million miles apart.

I won't be around for that event but I fancy being with the Creator of all these celestial wonders and as scripture says, when that time comes, I shall fully know and not just in part...(1 Corinthians13:9,10).  In the meantime, I salute my heavenly Father for all the marvels He has made and what a Marvel He Is!! - "How great Thou art"


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for our next visit on Monday, August 13th...

Makings of a Miracle

Much of the world waited and watched the drama unfold of 12 soccer boys and their coach who found themselves in peril and awaiting rescue against impossible odds.  Such an incredible story that ended up in joyful news of all who were brought to safety due to the expertise, resilience, resolve and focus of the rescue teams.  What was equally incredible was the thousands in prayer and energy of thought in unification with our God to "bring them out of darkness into the light".   It did not matter about culture, politics, religion or status - all peoples came together to pull in hope and compassion for the release of these ones held prisoner in a Thailand cave by nature's rains.  This story ended well with credit given to the "Power of Love".  Quote.... "This mission was successful because we had power.  The power of love.  Everybody sent it to the 13."

As time goes on, more will be found out regarding the particulars of this rescue - how the combined efforts of the soccer team, the rescue teams and entwined faith became the makings of a miracle.  

With permission of Fr Julian Cassar, I present a post that he wrote on Tuesday, July 10 about this momentous happening.  You can check out his blog "Dun Giljlan's Blog" at http://dungiljan.blogspot.com/
Dun Giljlan is Maltese for Father Julian, a familiar and favored priest who ministered in various parishes in Eastern and Central Oregon as well as in New York before retiring to his homeland of Malta.   Check out his blog for daily inspirational and interesting posts.

 

Courage, Safety, and Heroism

The past two weeks have been dominated by the search-and-rescue efforts by a large number of heroes, divers, paramedics and Navy seal members to bring the 12 Thai soccer boys and their coach to safety. Today we give tribute to the number of rescue workers who sacrificed their lives and their time and families to bring these boys to safety after a technically difficult rescue effort. It is unfortunate that our news is constantly dominated by evil stories of mass shootings, terrorism, hijackings and other tragedies. So it is imperative that we emphasize and applaud the heroism and selfless generosity of these rescue workers who have gathered in Thailand from around the globe to hopefully save these boys. As they now rest comfortably in a hospital, being quarantined for a few extra days, and recovering from their ordeal, we pray today in thanksgiving for the collective effort the world has shown towards this incredible story. 

I am sure movie script-writers are already planning for a blockbuster movie on this heroic rescue effort, but due credit should be given today to the innumerable number of heroes who helped in saving these soccer boys, in time before the monsoon rains arrive. And we thank God for keeping the rains to a minimum of 20 mm, as the average at this time is usually over 100 mm. Let us pray, and thank God for such a happy, positive outcome to this story. Let us also not forget the Thai Navy sea diver who lost his life last week in the process of helping the children out of the cave.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for our next visit on Monday, July 30th.... 

A Colt for Ellise

A new addition arrived yesterday, on July 1st.  It's been a long anticipated arrival with much pampering done to a favorite mare about to foal.  She's had colts before, so she knew the routine.  This particular mare has a calm disposition and a kind eye as you can tell in the photo below.  Check out those lovely gray eyelashes and natural dark eyeliner!

The last month has been a twice daily check hoping she'd foal before long.  She remained content to eat her grain and pasture grass, as if to say..."what's your hurry".  Her belly continued to grow.  Her movements slowed down during this past week, limited by heaviness in a bulging stomach.

The last few days, the mare began showing signs of going into her foaling time.  Upon checking her at 3:00 yesterday morning, we discovered she had a healthy stud colt by her side.  Finally!  Later on, she brought her baby close by the house to show him off as a proud mother would do and even posed for a picture.  The mare still looks pregnant!  Not really - she ate well during her pregnancy with special grain and hay to keep her healthy for this big event.

What makes this colt special is that he is promised to a young girl who is turning into quite a horsewoman even in her childhood years.  Already he has a future with this little gal who has big plans for both of them to bond not only in relationship but as a team that can only be experienced between horse and rider.  A big 'Yay' for Ellise and her dreams with this beautiful colt.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks, on Monday, July 18th.    A thought for you.....


Since we are rolling into July, enjoy this week in celebration of July 4th, Independence Day.  Let us not take our freedoms for granted.  This is a sobering quote from Abraham Lincoln - "America will never be destroyed from the outside.  If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

Creativity in a Hillsboro Park

About a month ago, I wrote a post regarding a local art show that we held in the John Day area.  Paintings, sculptures, photography, books were among the displays of talent.  Sometimes life presents opportunities where you discover artists and artistic work that know no boundaries.  One such case was a recent discovery made at the Orenco Woods Nature Park in Hillsboro, Oregon.  In a corner of the park was a small grove of trees and upon closer inspection, distinct forms appeared in a whimsical style of odd faces.  They were sculptures made from saplings of trees and molded in a facial form that could resemble an ET alien!  But that is only through personal perspective.  I'm sure that was not the artist's intent but rather a place for visitors to roam through the structures and check out the park through the sculpture formation.

This placard explains more about the artist and his work.........

Patrick Dougherty has created many forms of stick work across the United States.  To view some of his art and find out more about him, his website is.... www.stickwork.net

I took a few photos of his wooden creations to share them with you.  You just never know what you will find in a park....

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 2nd.  God bless all your comings and goings during the next few weeks.  

The Chain Tree

I noticed this beautiful tree in all its May glory in blossom, as I was driving through a local street.  I stopped to admire it and took several photos.   I have since found out that it is called a Chain Tree, probably because of its cascading yellow blossoms.

This small tree grows about 10 to 15 feet high and its blossoms range from 6 to 10 inches long in a cascade from its branches.  These beautiful blossoms are short lived and last only for several weeks usually in May.  A gorgeous tree and deserves an admiring view.....

I determined that this was a tree to plant in my yard.... UNTIL....  I discovered a lethal fact about this wondrous tree.  All parts of this plant are poisonous due to its main toxin called cytisine.  Although mortality is rare, symptoms may cause distress with intense sleepiness, vomiting, convulsive movements, coma, severe diarrhea.  Caution is advised in using these plants in places where children, dogs and livestock can be in contact with the seedpods or foilage, both in handling or ingestion.

As I surveyed my yard, I noticed that I had some yellow going on in the yard that had its own beauty and safety too...   Yes, my springtime flower that pops up everywhere - to some, its a disgusting nuisance for a lawn.  To others, it has a beauty all its own and allowed to grow alongside the blades of green in a yard.

Enjoy your summer days that brings God's abundance of color through so many creations that remain hidden during our winter season.  It is amazing how nature comes back to life and does not disappoint year after year.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, June 18th...

The Value of Community Art Showing

Talent abounds within our rural area of Grant County.   Artistic abilities shown through a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, or authoring a book, often are hidden until a venue brings attention to such creations.  One such venue was recently held in our area through an annual art show. This particular event provides artists within the community to exhibit their creations to the public. Their inspiration of heart is expressed through varied mediums and subject matter.

The Community Art Show is now in its 12th year.  I took photos of individual works displayed and wanted to share some with you today.   Because of limited space, I cannot show them all but wanted to give you, my readers, a sampling of art shown by our local artisans.  

Carrie Bellinger, Artist

Kathy Rogers, Artist

Patricia Ross, Artist

We were privileged this year to display bronze sculptures created by Hans Magden, as shown below.

This beautiful wood sculpture of a Bighorn Sheep was carved by Ken Justice.....

It was tough to choose among the beautiful creations displayed at the art show to put in my blog.  All were worthy of recognition.  These few selections highlight the manifold talents that exist in our rural community.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for my next posting on Monday, June 4th.  Until then, here is a quote by Julia Cameron.... "Creativity is a spiritual issue.  Any progress is made by leaps of faith, some small and some large"....

A Day in the Life of a Cat

Hi to my readers and blogger friends....

Two weeks have zipped by and I am sitting at my computer composing a blog that is already a day late from the scheduled post.  It's been a busy two weeks and I am hitting a blank wall as to what to write.  I do so admire those bloggers who write a daily blog that is always substantive and never seem to run out of material. 

Instead of something profound or informative, I have decided to share some recent photos of my cat.  Don't laugh!!  She is the furry critter that became my rescue cat and to whom this blog is named after...Turnup and thus, 'The Turn-Up Patch'.  Five years ago, when she became a part of the Clark household, she is still alive and well and is always a comfort as a valued friend.

Yes, she is a little on the lazy side or maybe she just knows how to relax.  Here is a little saying called "Busy, Busy".....
                                    It's 8 a.m. and time to nap
                                    It's 10 a.m. and time to relax
                                    It's 12 p.m. and time to doze off
                                    It's 3 p.m. and time to zonk out
                                    It's 6 p.m. and time to slumber
                                    It's 9 p.m. and time to snooze
                                    It's 12 a.m. and time to sleep
                                    It's 4 a.m. and time to jump on sleeping human friends....

Pretty typical!  Anyone who has a cat as a beloved pet understands.
 

See you in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, May 21st.