Summer and Smoke

August has been definitely hot in Eastern Oregon along with smoke that has drifted in and out of the valley; a result of so many wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.  Not only fires in Oregon but California and Washington as well as smoke from multiple forest fires occurring in British Columbia, Canada.  A tragic waste in the devastation of nature, properties and lives..... and its not over with yet.  We welcome fall with its cooler temperatures and perhaps some rain.  Many places will rejoice in the advent of winter that will squelch embers with falling snow and blanket charred remains from devouring fire.

Meanwhile, we anticipate fall days ahead that will end stifling heat and bring a type of calmness to the land that only the season of fall can do.  I was able to get a few pictures of the horses that were on the hill that seemed oblivious to smoke but very interested in our two dogs as if to say, "what kind of creature is this??"

The photo below shows a smoke obscured valley, hills and town.  There have been days when the smoke was thicker than this picture shows and you kept house windows shut to keep the smell from entering the home.  We sympathize with those who have suffered loss in other areas of Oregon and elsewhere.  Grant County had its own experience with devastating fires three years ago that consumed forests and homes.  The wilderness fires left black twisted remains of trees that we still view today and residents who lost homes went on to either rebuild or relocate.  It makes us all nervous having had this community experience since smoke is an all too familiar sight jarring memories of a few short years ago.
 

There have been clear days to remind us to enjoy the beauty - whether it is a sunset, a sunrise, a storm cloud, or a simple butterfly.....

God bless you all dear readers and we'll meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 10th...

The Gift of Nola Ochs

In February of 2013, I wrote a story on "Belief and Nola Ochs" that bears repeating.  I would like to complete this story with an epitaph about this remarkable woman.  Nola passed away in December of 2016 at the age of 105 years young.  I state the word "young" since she lived her life not paying attention to what a birthday number says you should be.  Her gift or legacy that she leaves behind is a living definition of the quote, hope springs eternal.  She refused to believe an erroneous logic that says... you are too old.  Instead, she went on with her faith in God and in her dream to achieve her goal in higher education.  She made the Guinness World Records with the distinction of being the oldest college graduate in the world.
This video was made when she received her degree at 96 years of age and did achieve a Master's Degree in 2010.  Several of her statements in this video stand out to me.... "it is never too late to pursue your dream" and "the Lord willing".  I encourage you to watch this video and listen to Nola and her inspiring message.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hf7FQ38GKk

Belief and Nola Ochs 

An email article was sent to me recently regarding an 87 year old woman called Rose who went on to college and received a degree.  It is an inspiring and uplifting story that tells of one woman's quest to receive a college education.  In the process, she gains the respect and admiration of fellow students who applauded her spunk and wisdom.   Since I was curious to find out if the article about Rose was true or not,  I went on line to find out more about "Rose".  This is what I discovered in the process....  the story was written by Dan Clark who is a motivational speaker and the Rose story appeared in 28 different books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul.  I found no indication if Mr. Clark ever had the personal experience of meeting Rose in college and to be personally impacted to write about her.   Either way, the Rose story needs to be told since it speaks of the human spirit and how, if driven by a purpose and challenge will make the way for success in achieving that goal, despite age or background.  The below photo was attached to the story circulated on the internet about Rose.

Nola Ochs

I made another discovery when researching the article... the above photo is not Rose. This image with the “Rose" story is actually a snapshot of  Nola Ochs, who is a real-life inspiration. In 2007, she became the Guinness record holder as the world’s oldest college graduate at the age of 95 with a 3.7 GPA.   Nola graduated from Fort Hays State University with a General Studies Degree with an emphasis in History.  She also graduated with her 21-year old granddaughter, Alexandra Ochs. 

2007 College Graduate at age 95

Nola went on to pursue her master's degree in liberal studies from Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2007.  She received her Master's Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in History in May of  2010, making her the oldest recipient to earn her master's at age 98.

2010 Master's Degree at age 98

After receiving her Master's Degree, Nola applied for and got the position of Graduate Teaching Assistant in the History Department at Fort Hays State University.  She served in this capacity until the end of the first semester of 2011 and continued as a  History M.A. student at the University.  She celebrated her 100th birthday at the Fort Hays State University basketball game on November 15, 2011. At age 100, she began working on her genealogy project and is currently writing a book.  Ms. Ochs states that she has a good start on the book, which is about her life experiences, and will title the book,  "Nola Remembers".

Some of Nola's quotes:
-  I'm very gratified to have attained the distinction as the world's oldest graduate.  I would like to encourage people to keep on learning.  Our education is never complete.
-  I don't dwell on my age.  It might limit what I can do.  As long as I have my mind and health, it's just a number.
-  I give thanks every day for each new day that the Lord allows me to live and enjoy life to the fullest.
-  Most everyone has an inner desire....something they would like to do.  Maybe it seems impossible, but it isn't.  Today, there are so many options.  People will help you do almost anything if you want to do it badly enough.  The desire has to be intense, but I would encourage people to search their desires, to pick out one, and then get out and do it!
-  I've led a long, interesting life.  We went through the dust storms.  We had some difficult times in our marriage financially.  But it's been the Lord's will that I've lived this long life and I thank Him kindly for it.

I bring this true story to you in today's post about Nola Ochs as an example of what belief can do to fulfill a personal desire.  Believing is a force which encompasses the beginning of a desire and stirs it up towards an outcome.   To believe is to have faith, confidence and trust, which springs from an inward conviction and results in achievement.   Simply stated:
- We can each say, "I believe in You" to our Father of Lights and it will make a difference in our daily living, because.... HE CAN!
- We can each say, "I believe in you" to one another to make a difference in his or her daily living because.... YOU CAN!
- We can each say, "I believe in you" to ourselves to make a difference in our own inner being because.... I CAN! 

Nola lived out these three dynamics towards her goal - her core belief in her Lord, other people believing in her, and personally believing in herself that she could and would make a dream come true.


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, August 27th...


 
https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/02/belief-and-nola-ochs.html

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...