Drinkin' from my saucer

The Ark made it successfully to a sunny day, finally! Phewie! Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a wonderful place and suits us'ns just fine! The KOCH BEARS are great hosts and it's always a welcomed sight to see family. I wanna grow up and be like them.. always have, always will.

If you haven't been here, it's a lovely and peaceful reservoir and during this time of year, it's rather low, of course but the scenery is dramatically d with boulders and leveled shoreline.. The campground is quiet and replete with a resident owl, lots of birds, mountain lion, bobcat and raccoons.
I'm unsure as to the elevation but I'd guess between 1500 and 2500 ft. max.

The Bears and I squeezed into the ARK to celebrate not only being together but Millie's 5th bday. We all had pumpkin pie and ice cream. .Isaac nearly dove head first into the ice cream - He loves a good party.  I watched a DVD last night that the Bears loaned me - "Paulie" - About a talking conure and little girl. I don't know if it was supposed to happen, but I got teary-eyed several times and had some great laughs. Picture me laying on my bed wih my laptop on my knees - Isaac sat on my chest and spent half the time watching the DVD and half watching me. WHen I'd laugh, so would he... THAT in itself was prety funny. Anyway, it's a cute movie and I recommend it for a light evening of entertainment.. Isaac liked it.


We attended the Trinity Presbyterian Church today, one of the Koch's fav fellowships and I can see why. The worship was excellent, the message powerful and the coffee and donuts worth the drive. No, really... One of the benefits of being on the road is getting to meet Believers from all around the country and experiencing worship together. IT is a 'sweet aroma' as the Scripture says. I know God just loves it when we gather. I hope your Sunday was just as great. Don't know how it could be - We had Subway sandwiches, great fellowship and watched the birds, the sunshine shimmer on the lake and just enjoyed the pure beauty of the day and being together. I'm drinkin' from my saucer 'cause my cup overflowed...http://www.mamarocks.com/drinking_from_my_saucer.htm   

Two nights here is not enough but that's how it goes. I'll be pulling up the anchor tomorrow morning and heading closer to our destination where the report is that it is about 80-90 F! Not sure I'll go all the way but we'll give it a good try.

Check out this online radio station http://www.ktlf.org/showplayer.htm  Keeping The Lord First (KTLF) 
Great easy listening Christian music with few interruptions.
Pastor said "Man knows how many seeds are in an apple but only GOD knows how many apples are in the seeds."

God is good, He is good all the time.
Blessed.
Sooz

Time doesn't fly when you are freezing!

Well now... I spent most of the week at the Deaver's Ranch in north Redding and though their hearts are warm and welcoming, as of Tuesday, the weather turned and it's been so cold, so wet that I had to flee today. I'm one of those late snowbirds, I guess but I am seeing others on the road so I don't feel too stoopid. I was waiting on THE CHECK, you know, like senior citizens do - but couldn't hold out any longer. Off we go on the next leg of our adventure.

Tonight the ARK is off I5 near the 12 Lodi turnoff and it looks promising for us to go to Millerton Lakes, east of Fresno for two nights and spend precious time with our Bears (Anne and Bernie Koch). Loooong time extended family. They are campground hosts and live in their RV den..Then off to Mohave Valley Monday.

All did well today, kitties in respective places and dogs eager to hit the highway. No leaks. Nothing new broke. I'll write a story about Jason Deaver that touched my heart but I ain't writin' tonight because I'm pooped. Had a meal with my papa at Woodland. He's very sweet and it was good to hug him goodbye. We will probably meet up in Las Vegas would be my guess. He loves to travel.

So, goodnight for now. I'm a heat seeking missile on cruise control.
The LORD bless,,,
Snoozen

Happy full moon to you!

Traditions. Hmmm. Not many in my life. As a family, we didn't use the phrase "We always....." because the "We always..." wouldn't be filled in with good, happy, all American things during my childhood. Since I am rewriting the script, I can fill in my own blanks. 
I always take two poopy bags with me when I go out on a walk with the dawgs. Smart thinking, Waller.
I always rip the CPAP (sleep apnea) machine off my schnozzola after a minimum of four hours of having it velcroed to my face straps.Ugh!I am struggling with that one!
I always have a good laugh with Patty Anne Regalia. A light of my life!
I always love to hug a good and fine friend or family, real or extended, adopted or blood. . Anywhere, anytime, any country. Bring it on! Even from a certain black Lab named "Millie Waller"....
I (almost) always order either BLT or French Dip sandwiches, as did my birth parents, so it's genetic?
I always love the smell of a horse. (I originally accidentally typed in 'hearse'.. watch it, Waller!)
I always look forward to singing with the Bears (Anne and Bernie 'Bear' Koch) "Happy Full Moon to you" even when we are miles apart (and ONCE when we were together and walked up Ski Village Dr in Mt Shasta!) and toasting, whatever happens to be onboard at the time! Tonight they are at Beale AFB and I am at the R Ranch in frigid weather with that crisp autumn moon rising over the ridge, shrouded in scant clouds, having broken free from the rain we experienced earlier. It's a special time between us, one that I relish and it touches me deeply. A monthly celebration of a nonchanging natural event and a relationship that just grows more deeply by the decade.  I has risen over Mt Shasta, high ridges in Washington, in the Outback Down Under..we are never far apart at that moment. Even if we can't call. "Cheers, Bears, here's to ya. 1,2,3", we say. That means  'I love you.' I know you love me and that makes all the difference in my night, especially during them lonely times. I always know that when I encounter a Bear, it will be a time of spiritual uplifting, of iron sharpening iron.

Way back in 1979, I lived with them and found out that quickly that evening meals is a precious chunk of time during which we would come to the table with things to share about what God is doing , what we are questioning, what we are challenged with. Oft times the three of us would sit until 9 pmish  (their girls would be studying for high school) but we would be mulling over spiritual matters. That's the Bears for ya. Loving, listening, caring.
So, wrap that all up in a sweet package tonight and toast the full moon, the Bears, the adventure we are on for the sake of Christ.
I will always toast the rising of the full moon and all it resembles for me,for us, for here, for eternity. Cheers, Bears. 1,2,3...
WallerBear

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

The Klamath River mosies (sp?) along peacefully, rarely changing it's flow levels. The shallow current is truly hypnotic and it would be easy to just watch it go by all day and do nothing.  It makes for good pondering, if you catch my drift. LOL!  At least I didn't snore, falling asleep at the shore. Sorry, LORD it's not that I am uninterested in the daily reading, it's just that.. well, it was warm, quiet and lulled me to just close my eyes for a sec. ~

Our days consist of very little. Reading both Scripture and leisure materials, catching up on some filing, going up to the Lodge and watching some sports on TV with whomever happens to be around, working out some, walking the dogs two, three times a day with ONE MANDATORY LAB SWIM per day.... Yesterday she thought I threw something in the river because she couldn't find the piece of shredded rag anywhere else so off she goes, floating down the river! I saw this bobbing black head out there in the fastest part of the current! I hope my lifesaving skills will not be necessary. You didn't know that about me, did you? Yes. By some act of God back in 1977 or so, I was certified while attending CSU Chico. My instructor tried to drown me as I brought her to the surface and relaxed my grip for a nano-second. Then we both went under... Sue Porter was her name. I think it was Lt. Col. Sue Porter or something like that. She was built like a brick.. I wasn't. End of story. Somehow I passed. Felt like passing out. I drank half the Olympic size pool to save her and get my five credits. One thing I can say about myself - I am determined.

So, the trees here are vibrant with reds, oranges and yellows. Some already fallen leaves sound like applause as they blow away in the refreshing wind that came up yesterday noon. Dried out and crackling. Ah, the seasons change as do our lives. I meet folks here from Long Beach, CA and they have a reunion of lifeguards, CHPS, firefighters..all public servants. Nice folk. They skedaddle before the flakes fly, aas will I. I think. I'm scheduled for departure around the 30th - 1st of Nov. I saw the forecast and it called for snow showers next week about Weds. I must have Post Traumatic Snow Disorder because I felt myself bristling immediately. I'll peel out rubber in the middle of the night if I must! Anything but snow, anything... Anything? Well, almost. I have my moral limits. I must say my barometric finger is hot so I know that something is up.

Last night Ms B (Bev Day) made the trek up here to wine and dine me at the Fish Hook Cafe just up the road a piece. Great quaint cafe. Danielle (Danny) has been there for years and informed us of the NO on Measure G scuffle. It opposing the removal of several upstream dams that produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding of the area where I am contentedly sleeping every night. It will wipe out the R Ranch Klamath and Cottonwood area., many homes and businesses that people work hard for the money..No compensation at this point. Just destroy the dams and let 'er rip... It will provide jobs for awhile - Like all of us can run heavy equipment? Yeah, right... There is some kind of argument about the fish and how happy or unhappy they will be. All I know is that I am lovin' it up here. It's peaceful and serene. You are most welcomed as a guest. It'll be ten years before they pull the plug. Measure G is just a public opinion poll and has no real weight. The County Board of Supers is opposing it.  We got an earful from Danny. I can see why. Anywho, patronize the Fish Hook. It's charming. Right on the river. I've heard the 2 fer NY steak is great.They Bar B i right there. I had a decadent grilled ham and cheese and a hefty glass of Merlot, topped off with a little ice cream Sunday. Ms B had a burger and was licking her fingers, if that is any indication. Gotta love the simpler things in life.

We (Mill n' Moe and I) are hoping to do a little hiking this afternoon and I may go shooting at the range and see if I can hit some clay pigeons for the first time in my life. I'm a decent shot, nicknamed "Annie Oakley' more than once. That's another two stories for ya. We'll see what happens here. It's not windy today so that is advantageous. Laundry duties call, too but I may wait until it rains and I HAVE to be inside. I raisd homing pigeons once. Didn't know that about me, did ya? That's another story, too. Guess I have some writing to do.

BOOK recommendation: 'Saved By Her Enemy' by Rafraf Barrak, a  translator in Iraq and Don Teague, an NBC Correspondent. Eye opening to the plight of translators in Iraq. It's encouraging to see what God can do with well intentioned people to help one soul. Praise God....

That's it for now. Taking it pretty easy for the first time in eons. Wish you were here..If it's warm where you are, wish I was there. It's not too cold here today but somethin' a comin'....
From us to you, wags and whistles, purrs and prayers.
Sooz and crew
"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15

Cats ahoy! Cows off the starboard side...

One might wonder what the three felines do when we are rollin' down the highways and biways. Well, we've added my Cinco (Stinko) cat to our collection. She was staying at my house to see if she would get along with the renter's cats since I didn't think she would get along in a smaller space with my two kitties, Cuatro and Kikipeepee. As we took off from the NIle Farm in Mt Shasta, I put all three in the loo and closed the door. I knew Cuatro would go in her usual spot, inside the kitty litter igloo. Typically, Kiki usually just sleeps on the bed but I didn't want to take any chances.

When I stopped to check on them, she was watching out the window at every stop to see where we were. The new addition, Cinco (Amelia Earhart is her aka since she loves heights) managed to squeeze into the tiniest compartment behind the toilet. This is the place #4 found when we hit the highway during our first expedition so I blocked it off with a hardback Jim Harriet book - You would know him as the veterinarian who treated animals in Scotland and wrote 'All Creatures Great and Small." Well, I could rename it "All Kitties Great and Small" because Cinco squeezed in there! I saw her get out with no more effort than Houdini look-alikes as they do on these talent shows, bending and twisting in abnormal ways that people should be locked up for doing. The problem is you can't lock them up. Same goes for the cat. So, she has to be kept under strict scrutiny and I have to double check the doors and windows when I go in and out.

Several years ago when I adopted Cuatro (my black feline), she had been at the shelter for about 5 -6 months and was so accustomed to living in the small cage that she was in my bedroom for two weeks before she volunteered to come out. It was then about ten days in the house before going out and NOW LOOK AT HER! World traveler! She is about ten years old and enjoying the trips. She's doing great. She's not really ken on giong out thoough she did a few times at Nile's. It's much more safef in the ARK and she gets three squares a day with a little tuna thrown in on special occasions. SHe sleeps under the covers on my bed during the day. Watch where you sit because that slight lump may easily be her!

My youngest cat, #5 is learning the ropes. She does however wants out at night and I might just let her out at the R Ranch. After being at the Nile Farm, I'm fairly certain she won't run off but she gets the itch and last night she kept plucking at the blinds hoping I would let her out at the emergency exit above my head! Ugh! We had words. Then she has he gall to sleep all day... Ho hum!

Gotta tell you about Moe and Millie's favorite cow ! If you are a local, you know all about Moo Donna, the metallic replica of a cow. She is just alongside of Interstate 5 in a field and is in the act of mooing with her head upwards and pointing towards the freeway. She's been there for years and is always dressed up for some occasion or festivity. My dogs always see her a few miles off and in starts the tail wagging, peering through the front windshield, whining and soon howling-type noises that are saved for specifically one special bovine. They watch her out the back window until she is out of sight and I confess, I wave at her and often call my sista Michelle in Colorado so we can share the moment. And no, I am not eccentric.

Well, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and if NFL players can wear pink shoes, and gloves etc. then our Moo Donna can wear pink socks and a bonnet, too. I had seen her a few days earlier and made a mental note to get a photo next trip. Well, all of us are in the ARK and I wanted a photo so I slowed the ARK down to a stop behind another car who had the same idea. I am not only 30 feet long with the ARK alone but also, let's add on the Beehind Runner and tow hitch so...about 45' total.. No cars coming so it's a good time to take a photo and Moe and Mill are ecstatic to get this close to their cow! Let's do it.

I had the camera ready and with all the excitement two tail waggers could muster, I got a shot or two of the silly cow and flipped off my flashers, put on the blinker and headed out slowly only I momentarily forgot just how wide we can be and (thank God the other car had fled the scene) we headed straight for one of those posts that stick up on the freeway, probably to keep people like me ON THE ROAD - Well, we flattened it, I'm sure. I won't tell you what word I said but I told Isaac not to repeat it. I got off at Easy Street and checked for any damages - Remember the ARK is a 1992 model and probably good and sturdy - It already had some pretty good dings on it, as does the Beehind Runner but I was most interested in making sure nothing was leaking (my favorite word) be it oil, radiator fluid or air out of a tire or two or three. Both vehicles looked sound and just as roughed up as before the post met it's Maker. Now I could say "Thank You, LORD!" I keep them guardian angels busy, don't I? ARK ANGELS... That's what they are. Get it?

So, we finally made it to the lovely R Ranch in Hornbrook. Now you know why it takes us all afternoon (that was after getting another new battery for the Ark at Les Schwab Tire where I get frequent flyer miles, stopping at Raley's, Easy Street and Moo Donna.) to go just about 50 miles up the road. We'll stay here for a bit and relax... Come on up. We'll leave the light on for ya. The only thing moving is the river. You are safe with us.... when we are all fast asleep.
1 Cor 15:10 "But by the grace of God, I am what I am; and His grace toward me was not in vain.."

Oct 18th... Monday 12 15 am

Sorry for not writing more often and I am sure you are waiting with baited breath! Hmmm. I have a few stories rolling about in my head and I am just looking for quiet time to write when an ancient cat isn't sitting on the keyboard or something isn't leaking, setting off an alarm, shutting off or having to go outside to go 'potties'... Tonight my parrot "isaac D'BByrd" and I wento outside to hoot with owls. He's never heard it and gave it one good try. Nothing came in to mate so I'm not sure he has the touch..
Oh, the responsibilities of Ms Noah. Far reaching indeed.

Just a quick note to let you know I am heading NORTH again (Lord's will) and not south. Sista Patty Anne's father in the Bay area took sick and is in a bad way so my trip to Santa Rosa is nixed. OK, two weeks to do what? Might as well go north to the R Ranch (50  miles north) and recoup, regroup and sit and watch the river go by. I've got some photography work to organize and some old journals to dust off and read and ponder.

I'll head down to the AZ desert around Oct 30th and will expect to arrive the 5th of Nov, taking it leisurely and gracefully.. Snails' pace. God bless some family who are purchasing a PASSPORT AMERICA guide and membership for me that will cut my overnight fees in half! This give me great freedom to do a bit more with less.. God just keeps pouring it out. The spigot is open. Please ask His blessings on them for their generosity.

Sept 11 th - We remember.

It's takn me all day and now it's nearly midnight but now I pause and hope you might join me to remember not only the horrors of that day but also the brave men and women who were invloved- THere were so many stories that any one by iself is astonishing. It was a day for evil to ramp it up but so did our God! The help, love, courage, sacrifices that poured out and STILL pour out is a refection of His victory over sin and death. take heart. HE wins.

Well, really, really good news! It didn't rain today! First day that the clouds broke in 8 days and something called "sunshine' tickled out to meet us! Good thing. We watched Kristen play in a softball tourney from 9 am to 3:30 pm! She did a fantastic job and Moe 'n Millie enjoyed watching her! It was their first ever softball game. Quite exciting, especially if you are a Labrador Retriever! I was proud of Miller for not going out on the field. SHe is growing up, a little. Maybe! More softball tomorrow, too! Fun being with the Scarbroughs today at a family outing.

My beloved cousins (Teresa and Jerry) whisked me off to drive up to the Mt Rainer Lodge commonly known as "Paradise". We were up there late in the day and after having a bite to eat on Elbe (Yes, LB!) where the nearest toilet is a mile down the road, we ventured up the mountain. The fog was playing with us along the way so I got a few fine shots in, mostly of the twilight and sliver of moon over the Cascades. It was lovely. The lodge is spectacular with high beam ceilings, roaring fires in the fireplaces at each end and warm apple cinnamon muffins to drive for. I especially enjoyed the time with Jerr and Teresa and love them so much. Can't wait to see their adult children - Two incredible people (Christian and Gabrielle, hubby Carey)
God is good.
All the time.

And I am a dawg trainer??

Well, yes and no. The dawgs, particularly mine, seem to train me pretty well., too. It's a two way street. They also know exactly when to cause complete havoc and when to lay low. They are really great pooches and wonderful, just wonderful companions. Truth is - I'd be so lonely without them.

Last Wednesday I was headed to church for the $2.50 fried chicken dinner. I knew Michelle Stock was cooking and though I have rarely made the famous weekly dinners over the years due to working late, I was determined to get there on time and not walk in late only to find I'd missed 'a good one.' as people usually report, wiping their smiling faces with napkins..Quarter past the hour and you could be sadly outta luck. (S.O.L.)

I'm driving eastbound along the somewhat busy Lassen Lane, en route to church and just west of the cemetery when I see two very happy dogs running side by side westbound with that look of absolute freedom and contentment! Tongues hanging out, tails a waggin', lollygagging along in traffic. Cars were honking and slowing and I knew instinctively what to do. I glance at my watch. 4:50 pm. Not now! Southern fried chicken in ten minutes!

Oh well, follow the Golden Rule, Waller! I pulled over to the shoulder of the road but hurriedly so as I don't want the dogs to go past me in their galloping. I'm somewhat out in the road still but manage to set the emergency brake, tell my two dogs to 'stay' and I quickly jumped out and sweet talked the two scoundrels to come to me. I act like we are long lost friends..Fortunately, they obey and I have both hands on their collars - One is a 50 lb.female blue meryl Australian Shepherd and her running mate is a 90 pound Golden Retriever. They each have tags on and I am mindful not only of the mashed potatoes that await my fork but also that the veterinary clinic closes in about 8 minutes, as does the Siskiyou County Animal Control office. I need to know to whom these lovely creatures belong to and fast! There is no animal control officer to pick them up and well, the ARK is rather full. IS this how Noah did it? Remember our theme song "Three furry cats, two silly dogs and a parrot in an RV.."

So, picture this. My two dogs (Millie 'n Moe) are barking and whining and wanting to push past me to get out of the 4 Runner (Beehind Runner) and play. Miller Waller is a 58 lb black Labrador Retriever whom I loving call 'Millie Jordan' because she is a super athlete like Michael Jordan. Mighty Moe is a 17 lb funny looking terrier with that "I just woke up' look and seal brown eyes that are irresistible. People I know  from the community are driving by, honking and waving and probably thinking "Oh there she goes again! Gone to the dogs!" and I'm admonishing my two to 'GIT IN THAT FRONT SEAT AND STAY! STAY!" while trying to look at the license numbers of one of the five tags the two guest appearance dogs are wearing. My dogs are up front, in back, up front, in back... I'm barking commands at them while sweet talking the newbies..

The two honored guests are not really interested in getting into the car of a stranger - It's pure pandemonium. I finally get the vet clinic (where I used to work) on the cell phone and put the phone on speaker and lay it on the seat while reaching for the leashes which are between the front seats, looped around seat belts and such... I shmooshed the grime off of the tag with a hard press between my thumb and forefinger. These dogs have been around! I needed to see the ID number to locate the owner's records. Meanwhile "GIT IN THE FRONT AND STAY!"  Now I am trying to get the Aussie into the back seat (I SAID 'GIT IN THE FRONT MILLER, MOE!") and she reluctantly got in and needless to say, my two beloved pups are ecstatic. Meanwhile,  the Golden Boy will only get his paws in like a 90 lb baby... Hey, Lady! Could you lift me up, please?  Uh, no. Big baby..Just jump in!! Get your big butt up there!
He's not going for it so...No amount of encouragement nor cajoling on my part is going to convince him to jump up. OK, it's a high platform but hey, if I can do it....

 Now the nervous Aussie jumps out past me, jerking my arm pretty hard- citizens pass and wave or stare.... Ugh! Jackie finally gives me the phone number of the owner while we verify the descriptions of the two escapees and I think I have it memorized and hang up but a few more bad thoughts go through my head and I can't recall it exactly..I don't want to miss the 5 pm closing time of the clinic so I strap a leash around one of the dogs outside of the SUV (MILLER,MOE! GET UP THERE!) fumble around for some paper and pen and GIT BACK UP FRONT! call Jackie back. She is gracious and gives me the number again, probably thinking I am a dim-wit BACK UP FRONT YOU TWO! Sweet Jesus, help me! It's gotta be 4:59ish...

I called the owner and ask her if she is missing two dogs and she says "No. Why?"  Well, I'm staring at an Aussie and Golden Retriever and they have your tags on them. "Oh,' she quips, "I'm in Oregon! Guess they got out!"  So, she is going to call a neighbor and I will meanwhile try to get them in the  SUV and over to her house just a few blocks, GIT IN THE CAR, MILLIE!, away .

I decide to try the passenger side of the car and bring the 140 lbs of reluctant canines with me - Hoping to have better luck on the starboard side of the rig... "No go' so I just told the Aussie not to bite me because I was going to just pick her up and place her kindly in the back seat of a car she doesn't recognize with two unruly doggies she has never seen nor smelled in her life and we have no time for introductions since they are no doubt down to the corn and salad being served by now. Maybe they'll have a few wings left! Yum! My favorite!

She was a gracious pooch, as are ALL Australian Shepherds and let me do what I needed to do and my dogs were tired of being walloped verbally a few times so they stayed in front and sniffed the air. The Golden was only going as far as his front feet so yes, since my knight in shining armor wasn't standing around, this little blonde-haired dawg trainer with a very sore neck hoisted him in, with good body posture, mind you.

I shut the door like one closes up a Jack In The Box, hoping nothing would spring open and fly out. I had a food train to catch and was hoping that at the very least, there would be bread pudding and coffee left. I was drooling by now. My taste buds were late for an appointment. My morning cereal was long gone.

Off we went in search of the owner's address that Ms. Dyslexic was trying to remember - 1431 or 1341 Pine Grove.? Oh, bother!
I called the owner of the shedding beasts again and she guided me to her house and her neighbor's house. Ah, a fenced yard with a very happy chocolate Lab who thinks that the Doggie Day Care bus had just arrived and are we going out for ice cream? I had 20 dog paws, 4 slurping tongues, 8 dilated eyes and 4 wagging tails and lots of commotion inside the good ol' red 4 Runner. Now I had to get the proper two dogs out and keep my two in..just Ok, YOU come out, No! You stay, No, YOU STAY, You come out!"  Oh goodness.What a zoo!

All went well and I nodded to the kind neighbor who was glad to see the familiar faces and I raced off to   church. I could smell the fried chicken from 3 blocks away! Watch check - 5:10pm and as I looked through the nose print designs on the front window, I could see it was going to be a long line as the parking lot was full. I raced in, zoomed into the Ladies Loo and wiped off white and blonde fur off of my new-to-me royal blue vest. No, it's not supposed to look like cashmere. Quickly, I scrubbed my hands like a surgeon, checked the mascara that had smeared and made me look like a prize fighter and yes, by golly, this is a woman ready for a decent church-cooked meal!

There is a God and there was plenty of food, smiling faces, hugs, laughter and after I sat down with my plate full of food, I thanked the good LORD for His mercy shed upon me once again. I also knew that so many times in my life people have helped me and been late for this or that commitment or even sacrificed meals completely.  LORD bless all of those who have helped me and my family over the years and yes,, LORD bless our pets, too. Keep them safe from harm. Lord, while You are at it, help me to be the person my dogs think I am.
Amen

Lesson to be learned

Well, I went out to a friend's house in the Gazelle area to return some dawg training items and pick up a check. They live up on a hillside past Scarface Road on Old West Side Road,  overlooking Shasta Valley and the view is incredible.My dogs were so excited. They love to romp around and enjoy the freedom.

 I knew my friends were not at home so I was a little surprised to see an older man waving at me as I had gotten out of my 4 Runner at the back of the property. He asked (by name) if the owners were home.
Nope.
Are you their daughter? He hollers.
I laughed... He didn't have his glasses on.
Nope.
What did ya do to your neck? I went over to shake his hand and introduced myself.
Fused it over a year ago. It's still has some bad days and today is one of them.

He came over to borrow ten bucks from my friends. He's a neighbor. Nice old fellow. Rancher.
I know when God is prodding me. He needed the money for gas and doesn't get money until Friday. Hmmm. Let me preface this: I was in the EXACT SAME POSITION LAST WEEK AND CALLED A FRIEND! My account was getting too low for comfort. She responded so happily.

So, I looked in the wallet and had $7....I gave him $5..   then I felt convicted so I went back and gave him $2 more and then found three more tucked between two family photos but held on to it...
Do you like to hunt? He inquires.
Nope.
Hike?
Yep!
He invited me to hike his acreage anytime.. As we talked some, I came to find out he is also a property owner at R Ranch and happens to know my birth father That's where I am headed next. Small world.....
He headed off and said he'd pay my friends back the money. I told him it was a gift but he insisted.. OK, whatever. I know how he feels. I've been in the same predicament.

I played around with the burros for a bit, took a few snapshots and as I drove away down the long dusty driveway, I knew what I had to do... I made a left turn at the bottom of the hill instead of a right and hung another sharp left up the long 1/4 mile driveway... Henry was sitting out on a chair in between two old cars in front of his older home.
I handed him the other three greenbacks. He smiled. Thanks much. I wonder what he was thinking.

He invited me again to hike and showed me where the gates are to go up the small ridge.
Thanks, Hank...
He told me about that Labrador Retriever of his, the white one who used to be black until he was bitten by a rattler and he went blind. Henry spent 300 bucks on him, trying to save his eyesight.. The old dog is inside a fenced yard and is totally white!


"Come back and hike." he repeated... he waved warmly as I departed. I looked at his herd of Arabs and Mustangs. He cross breeds them for endurance. Beautiful and strong-looking. I'm feeling pretty selfish.

I drove off, knowing how badly I need humbling, how my heart was holding on to a few bucks because things are tight now but it's no different. God should be in charge of my money - He provides. I had about $2 left last month... We made it...by the generosity of many.

Then another thought hits me as I wipe the confessional tears away across my face. I turned the 4 Runner around again...
Back up the road. Back up to Henry sitting in the chair and the blind white barking Lab...
I handed him the Gospel of John. He was tickled pink. Said he would read it tonight..Thanks! He grinned happily, waving it in the air.

I turned my 4 Runner around, past a few old beaten up cars and trucks and there sat Henry, hands on his knees, flipping through the pages of the Gospel of John.....So engrossed he didn't wave goodbye.

I wept all the way down the dusty road. I'd been touched by an angel today. Hank.. an old man who needed ten bucks and got it from a selfish woman who held it like the chimp with it's hand inside the coconut, fisting a five dollar bill and five ones... God busted my coconut and broke my heart.
LORD Jesus, bless Henry tonight. You are indeed Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides..
Thank You for Your mercy and for not giving up on me.
Amen

There's no place like home...

Who said that famous quote? If you guess Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ, you got it...

I pulled in Friday to the beautiful view of Mt Shasta, leaving myself time to unhitch and get to my doctor's appt and yes, I got the ARK and 4Runner stuck behind the Nile Farm barn,- Couldn't make the turn around sharply enough. Strike two. Remember I got stuck in a cul-de-sac in Yakima? I did manage to unhitch it and then the fun began.. I went to start the 4 Runner so I could back it up and it just went clickclickclick,,, Wouldn't start!  It also set off  some sort of alarm with a red flashing light on the dash and parking lights flashing but no horn (There is a God Almighty!)  I cancelled the appt and called the tow truck for a jump after calling three mechanics about the clickclickclick and flashing lights (I sure know how to make a scene!) - Doncha know I had a dead battery! You know you are having fun when your towing company is on speed dial!

It was great, though and I just laughed and wondered what the LORD was up to - Well, I shared the Gospel of John with a gal at Les Schwab Tire after we got to talking and she overheard what I was doing (road ministry) as I chatted with the receptionist, a young girl who attends my church. So, God has His ways of getting me to where He wants me to be to share Him with people. Only He can make lemonade out of lemons. Heck, He alone can make lemons.. So, if you think of it, pray for Dianna - She's the gal that holds workshops on self healing, getting in touch with 'The Source' and so we talked about how Jesus said:

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

She was receptive to reading the Gospel of John. You know, it seems you could go through your entire life and just read and study John... So rich, so meaty, so familiar. Perhaps there is a special touch on that book of the Bible because John considered himself to be 'the disciple Jesus loved' - i.e. Jesus' best buddy.  He's one I'd like to meet. He was also the only one of the guys at the foot of the cross on that horrible Friday. John also is the only one of the 12 who lived to be old and died after writing Revelation, of course. Special guy.

It's great to be in Mt Shasta and have had the pleasure of being with extended family. I can tell there isn't enough time, already. I must tell you straight up that it was so freezing cold today that I am reminded why I will be heading out soon! I'll know more about my plans tomorrow as there may be a change in the dawg training plans. The dog may be headed back east. Oh well. I love being flexible!

I saw the doctor today after taking off a sweatshirt, flannel zip up sweater and got down to just my turtleneck, jeans and wool-blend socks...(count three layers!) and he said "So, when are you leaving?"  Smile. The north wind was howling and it is chilly, for sure. Many folks have their first fire tonight. Brrrr! I'll be out of the cold soon. It sure takes a toll. My body was meant for warm climate. I'm still keeping an eye on Florida.

For this week, I'm residing at the Nile Farm, thankfully parked on the south side of their barn so that has completely blocked the biting north wind. The ARK had some work done on it today, compliments of Scott Tift, the best of the best. I am confident he found the source of several roof leaks and a lower compartment (basement) leak. He is a jewel. 

Jim and Velma and I have many wonderful memories together as I lived with them for three months in the autumn of 1983! We watched a great deal of football together and I learned quite a bit from them about lots of things both practical and spiritual. Tomorrow morning, Velm and I are going to plow through a study on Genesis 1 - 8 that she has taught over the past several years. I love them very much and appreciate this time together. They have a dog who is all heart, Buddy has three legs and is missing the outer part of his nose due to skin cancer, he's deaf and yet still pokes along. Millie found his food so now he has to have it kept up until he is in the woodshed all bundled up for nite nite. They bought him a warming blanket  to try out tonight and I've been out there to check on him.. He's learning to stay on the big dog bed and keep warm..Poor old chap. He's got a great spirit, though... There are also some sheep and cows, two cats, at least.. We are right in our element! Thanks to the Niles for allowing the ARK to land.



I've taken on the one kitty I had left at my house, hoping she would fit in with Celestine's animals but we knew it wouldn't work so Cinco is back with us in the ARK. Gotta tell you that when she heard my voice, she came RUNNING out and was so happy to see me! Separation makes the heart grow fonder.
Sing it now: 3 lazy cats, 2 silly dogs and a parrot in an RV!

Dean and Joody Taylor gave me a sign with a rainbow and ark on it that says "Noah's ARK" - It's adorable and well said!

That's all the news, up to the minute... No leaks today, praise God! So much to be thankful for.
Your prayers are much appreciated and God is faithful to answer yea, nay or wait!
TTFN,
Mrs. Noah