Dog Frustration

Duke is a ball dog. That means that there is just about nothing else in this world that he loves more than a ball. (I'm even wondering if he loves his owners as much. ;) And he has a special gift that he can find balls in just about any bush in just about any yard or park in the city. I can't remember if I told you before about the time that he went in to a bush up at the school, and my neighbor said, "He's in ball mode, he must have found a ball." Here came Duke out of the bushes with a HUGE deflated basketball. :) Well, today, he lost 3 balls. THREE! That's unusual for him. I don't know if the scent was washed away in the water, or his nose was full of water or what, but he couldn't find the balls no matter how much he tried. We could see the visible frustration in him. He was really getting upset that he couldn't find the balls, so started picking up sticks and carrying them around instead. Then he went over to some bushes and started digging around, and out he came with THIS stick! Not exactly the one you want to carry home. :)




















And here he is retrieving a ball that was thrown quite far out in the water. He's amazing!




















This little brindle colored dog from the dog park came with us today. But she doesn't know how to swim. She accidentally followed Duke as he leaped in to the water after the ball. But she sank to the bottom and came up gasping for air. She wasn't too willing to go back out in the water after that. Here she is trying to jump across the creek so that she doesn't have to swim. :)

Big Break

There is a city park in Oakley that is called Big Break, but which I think should be renamed "Doggyland". Every time I go there I think that this is what heaven will be like for dogs. There is a huge open field with streams running through it. There is also a place where there is an inlet from the Delta, where the dogs can swim. We took the dogs there today, and they really had fun. They were running almost the entire time; chasing each other, chasing balls, and swimming.
This isn't the most exciting picture, but this is the view of the Delta from the park.














This picture looks like a ship run aground, but it really is ported in an inlet nearby.
















Here are Sally and Duke enjoying a swim














Here is Duke doing his favorite pasttime, retrieving a ball from the water.














Here's Sally doing her favorite pasttime, digging in an animal hole. Sometimes she looks like a headless dog.













Charlie's favorite pasttime is eating, but he does enjoy an occasional dig.













And 50 bonus points to whoever is the first one to tell me what animal prints are shown here. :)

Stand As A Witness

Today my neighbor and I were walking up at the reservoir and our conversation turned a little strange. I was telling her about my brother's blog post about people who have sex change operations. I made the point that just because a person surgically add or subtract a few parts, that doesn't make them the opposite gender. But the United States government officially will recognize them as such. My neighbor made the comment that some people have the change, but then change back. People are so confused today. As we were walking along talking about this, I noticed a young man (in mid 20's) walking nearby. He went to his car and got in. I joked that he probably was thinking, "This is the kind of thing women talk about when they walk?"

As we were getting the dogs in the car, that same young man drove up and rolled down his window. He had something in his hand that looked like money, and reached it out to me. As I looked at it, I could see it was a fake 1,000,000 bill. I jokingly said, "Oh yay! One million dollars!" He said, "Well, what's on the back is worth a million." On the back was written some thoughts about how we need to repent of our sins and take advantage of the atonement of Christ. He went on to say that he had overheard our conversation and that he agreed with what we said, and that those kinds of things are a result of sin in the world. I agreed that sin seems to be increasing in the world. I thanked him for the fake bill and told him I teach seminary. I told him I'm going to fake out my kids with this in class. He was quite interested and asked about tuition for our seminary. I told him it's free, but just for teenagers. He asked what church, and when I told him, he said, "Can I talk with you for a minute?" I told him JUST a minute because the dogs were in the car already. He pulled over and got out of his car.

He told me that he went to a Christian university in Oakland. He said there were all kinds of denominations represented there. He went on to say that he had rejected Mormonism because of how it started, and because he only believes in the Bible. He was very nice, and not rude or aggressive at all. I went on to explain to him that we believe that an apostasy occurred after the death of Jesus Christ and the apostles, and that a restitution of all things needed to happen as described in the scriptures. I told him that in 1830, the original church of Jesus Christ was restored to the Earth and that we have the same organization today, including a living prophet and twelve apostles. I also told him that we look at the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ, that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses" all things could be established. I explained that it was the record of the people in ancient America, just as the Bible was the record from those in the Holy land. I explained that we believe in modern revelation, and that more scripture could come forth. It was a very relaxed peaceful discussion.

I have to say that what I most enjoyed about our discussion was that this was a young man who was willing to testify to a total stranger. He was willing, as the Book of Mormon teaches, to "Stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places." And he did it kindly, and respectfully. I have such respect for people like him that are not afraid to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in such a heartfelt way. I think I'm not always as good at this as he was.

I gave him my religion blog address, so I hope that he will drop by and continue our discussion. I really enjoy discussing the gospel with people who are Christlike. I've been very lucky to find those kind of people online. There have been those whose intentions were quite different, but even then, it was a learning experience for me. But it does give me faith to find good religious people in the world. It gives me hope that our nation still have hope for change.

If You Can't Take the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen!

I had heard rumors of Obama's "Fairness in broadcasting" policies, and frankly was astounded that such thinking even exists at the presidential level. Michael Savage has been banned from Britain because of his conservative views. He hasn't actually done any acts, he has just spoken out. So basically he is guilty of "speech crimes". Interesting, considering we believe in freedom of speech. But I guess Pres. Obama doesn't believe in freedom of speech when it contradicts his political views. He wants to silence conservative voices. Don't believe me? Check out this article from NPR. I hope you will take a moment to vote in their poll at the end of the article.

I couldn't believe when I read that the Whitehouse has tried to block Fox news from interviewing key officials. In my mind this is the very essence of democracy. I lived in China where the opposition doesn't have a voice. If Obama wants that kind of government, perhaps he would like to become a Chinese citizen?

Post Halloween

I stopped by the store and got some halloween candy 50% off. I probably could find it even cheaper if I felt like driving all over creation, but I was happy with this. My seminary treats were getting a little low, so this should restock my supplies nicely. I have the students turn in a card at the end of the week that shows me the reading they did at home. There is a place for them to write questions or comments about their reading. Every one who turns in a card gets a piece of candy. Then we have a drawing from among the cards that were turned in for a slightly bigger prize. I know it's bribery, but hey, some kids who weren't reading before have started reading to get the candy. Works for me! ;) Also, Sally found my 2nd son's halloween candy bag laying on the floor and helped herself. He is extremely upset with her, so I offered to replenish his supply. If he keeps complaining about her, I might take it back. :P

I gave a little post halloween fright this morning. I was walking the dog and noticed a woman walking slightly slower ahead of us. I could tell that we were going to over take her, so I walked out on the street so that she could have the sidewalk. I presumed she could hear my dog's tags jingling. But just as we came up next to her, she decided to turn and cross the street. What she saw as she turned was my monster of a dog! She exclaimed "Oh my "expletive"!" On second look, she liked Sally and thought she was beautiful. I am used to her, and forget how big she is. I guess she is big enough to give someone a scare!

The Last Hurrah!

My third son is 16 years old now, but decided he needed to go trick or treating one last time. The past couple of years he hasn't gone, but instead has dressed up in costume and stood in the neighbor's yard to help scare kids. lol I guess he is feeling his youth slipping away, because he wanted to make sure he went at least one more time. He said after he turns 18 he won't be able to go anymore. As it was, some people said, "Aren't you too old to trick or treat?" I think I stopped trick or treating about 14. It was a sad Halloween for me, but I did dress up like a ghost and stood on top of our house to scare the kids that went by, so it was fun after all.

My daughter says she will trick or treat until she is an old lady. But when I asked her about this year, she said she didn't even go to a party. This is the kid that used to bring home, and I don't exaggerate, 10 lbs of candy each Halloween. She had so much candy that she couldn't eat it all, and I would find bags of it in her closet a year later! A friend of mine lets her kids eat for three days, then throws out the rest. My view is like that of my blogger friend at Neverbored who figures it is self correcting. They learn quickly not to over indulge. My kids' candy is usually gone within a few days anyway.

I know I'm 48 years old, but I still enjoy Halloween. But this year my oldest son gave out the candy, and my youngest son went out with friends, so I didn't need to go with him. So I didn't really get the full effect of Halloween. I kind of like walking along in the dark looking at all of the different costumes. I love going to the spooky houses.

California does decorations big. We have houses that have huge blow up decorations, along with lights and ghosts, and people dressed up to scare kids. One house near us has a pair of skeletons that are synchronised to talk to each other. They are laying in lawn chairs and they tell each other knock knock jokes. I saw a really creepy one at The Spirit Store that was a body laying on the ground. When you walk near it, it is activated and it starts crawling toward you. That would have scared the giblets out of me as a kid, and I probably would have been traumatized. I was scared stiff of just an ordinary house that had a dark courtyard I had to go through to get to the front door.

My son may never go trick or treating again, but I think he will find that he can still have fun on Halloween. Some friends of ours used to hold annual halloween parties to play bunko. My husband and I dressed up as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. The church has their annual "Trunk or Treat" and he and I dress up and give out candy from the back of our car there. I guess we are proof that you are never too old for Halloween!

Oh, and here is a picture of my son in his Halloween costume. I ran out of time at the end and had to cut a few corners, but it passed for Halloween anyway. It's nice to know that I raised a kid who has the self esteem to wear something this silly. lol Oh, and it isn't in this picture, but I made him a Santa sack to use to collect candy. ;)

Happy Halloween!

The Verdict is In!

My son got his mission call today! He has been called to serve in the El Salvador, San Salvador East mission. He will report to the Missionary Training Center February 10, 2010. This is very exciting because it is what we think of as Book of Mormon land. He took spanish for 4 years in High school, and has many Latino friends, so I think this will be a good mission for him. :)

Swine Flu Stay Away!

Last night we had a "Trunk or Treat" at the church, where people give out candy from the back of their cars. They had a costume parade, and games and a haunted house. (For the record, I disapprove of having haunted houses at church functions, but no one else I know seems to agree.) At one point I went to the restroom and saw a woman come in wearing a hospital face mask. She went straight to the sink and washed her hands, then left without touching anything, including the paper towel dispenser. I really think she was worried about getting swine flu. I didn't share her concern, and felt that most people, if they are sick, are at home in bed.

Later when I was handing out candy, a man brought his little girl by my car. He jokingly said, "Trick or Swine flu". I said, "I'll take the trick." He said, "Too bad, you already have swine flu now." I looked up at his daughter that he was carrying, and noticed that her eyes were red and watery. Had she just been crying, or was she sick?

Last night when we were getting ready for bed, I told my husband about the woman with the mask. He told me of a little girl from church that has had swine flu for quite some time. It suddenly occurred to me that the little girl with the watery eyes is a cousin to the little girl who has swine flu! If I come down with swine flu, I am pretty sure where I contacted it! Grrr.......

Immortalized in Stone

I was researching epitaphs to use as an attention getter in my lesson for tomorrow. I came across some really great ones. Since it's Halloween time, I thought this would be a good morbid post. ;) These came from The Epitaph Browser. As far as I can tell, these are real.









Here lies a miser who lived for himself, who cared
for nothing but gathering wealth. Now where he is and how he fares;
nobody knows and nobody cares

When I am dead and in my grave,
and all my bones are rotten.
While reading this you'll think of me
when I am long forgotten!

Here lies
Ezekial Aikle
Age 102
The Good
Die Young

RUTH ADAMS:
My glass is run, my life is spent,
My earthly temple was but lent
Why should I wish for length of years
To spend them in a vail of tears
Friends nor physicians could not save
My mortal body from the grave
Nor can the grave confine it here
When Christ doth call me to appear.

Remember friend as you walk by
As you are now so once was I
As I am now you will surely be
Prepare thyself to follow me.

Abe Bell:
He has gone to the only place
where his own works are excelled.
Here lies the body
Of Margaret Bent
She kicked up her heels
And away she went.

Here lies the body
of Jonathan Blake
Stepped on the gas pedal
Instead of the brake

Hannah Churchill 11/06/1811
23 Years:
All you that do behold my stone,
Consider how soon I was gone
Death does not always warning give
Therefore be cautious, how you live
Repent in time no time delay
In my youth was called away
Peter Daniels
Edinburgh, Scotland:
Beneath this stone a lump of clay
Lies Uncle Peter Dan'els
Who early in the month of May
Took off his winter flannels
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Windlesham Estate,
Crowborough Sussex, England:
Steel True, Blade Straight

Sacred to the memory of Anthony Drake
Who died for peace and quietness sake;
His wife was constantly scolding and scoffin;
So he sought for repose in a twelve-dollar coffin.

On the 22nd of June
Jonathan Fiddle
Went out of tune

Eugene Leighton Lawler
Mary Magdelena Catholic Cemetery,
Marin County, California:
What is it like after you are dead?
Like it was before you were born and for just as long.

Sailng, Sailing ♪♫

My daughter found a longboard at the thrift store and bought it to fix up. She never did fix it, but when we were visiting her, she gave it to my 11 year old to bring home. The boys have it fixed I think and have been riding it some.

Today the wind in the Bay area is INCREDIBLE! I took the dog down by the marina to walk, and the wind coming off the water was so strong and freezing! I'm sure some tree limbs are going to break today.

My son decided he is going to try to come up with some sort of sail and see if he can "wind sail" with the long board. I bet if he just opened up his jacket and held out his arms it would sail. When I was a kid in Texas, we used to do that on our bikes, and the wind would blow us down the street. Conversely, when I was coming home from school, the wind sometimes blew so hard I couldn't even ride my bike, and had great difficulty walking it home.

The wind here is pretty strong today. Don't be surprised if you live in Utah and see my son blowing past your house!