PUNK DOG

The kennel is Bleu's bedroom: it is also his 'time out!' place when he's being a punk.

He was being a punk - so, I decided he needed some time out. I usually just give him a raised eyebrow, and swing the kennel door open: he knows what that means … and usually slinks inside, flopping down with an irritated huff.

But this time, I gave him {the look}, and couldn't swing the kennel door open.

Irritated myself, I finally figured out why the door wouldn't budge, and said, "Holland - WHY did you latch the bottom kennel lock?" I thought maybe he had smacked his shins one too many times on the half-open door. Holland laughed, then said, "I didn't latch it - Bleu did. He's been messing with it for days; he's finally figured out how to slide the latch." 

I opened the door, and Bleu slid past me, giving me a disgusted look - he thought he had outsmarted us.

Last weekend, he figured out how to keep the truck window rolled all the way down; before Daddy figured out how to set the child-safety window feature. This week, he figured out how to trip Mommy up with the kennel.

Bleu has learned how to halt his back window going up without his consent.

'Dad & Son Talk' … and Bleu's punk teenage 'I can't hear you' dazed gaze; 2023-11-24 CA Roadtrip.

Recent Punk activity.

This dog is getting too smart for his own good.

P.U.N.K.

But we love him anyway: we'll just have to exercise our gray matter to stay ahead of his ;-)

TO THE SPOUSE WHO SHOWS UP

 As a society we pay great homage to motherhood - and we should.

But we tend to forget that motherhood springs … by and large … from a spousal relationship.

Spouses need to be recognized too, for all they do.

So, this morning I was reading a Page - and decided to tweak the Original Post to pay long-overdue homage to spouses ;-)

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To the Spouse who shows up: we show up; we put ourselves out there.

We do our best to make unity our goal, and attempt to keep our heads above the water we tread … thinking this year we’ll stay happy throughout the process; and when Life intrudes and shit hits the proverbial fan spraying a stinking mess everywhere, we lose it just a bit and realize togetherness is more important than 7/24/365 touchy-feely unattainable happiness. No one is happy every second of every day-every week-every month-all year long. We stop setting ourselves up for failure and learn to breathe in the moment.

We do housework and lawn work knowing that these things are futile efforts; in an hour the house will resemble a hurricane aftermath again, folded clothing will become laundry bin messes again, and wind-swept debris will litter the mowed lawn and manicured flowerbeds, again.

We struggle mightily to stop arguing and fighting over the silliest habits and mindsets our other half has, that drive us crazy.

To the husband fighting chronic shoulder pain, but reaches out and draws his wife close to his side to make sure she knows he includes her in his life: thank you for that small moment that means a great deal. To the wife who patiently gives an ear to car and gun talk that goes right over her head: thank you for taking the time to make time for meaningless convo that means so much to him. To the spouses that reach out and comfort in the dead of night … whether to warmly chase off a bad dream, or warmly cover feet and shoulders of a slumbering mate: thank you for the love you selflessly give.

Chances are there are so many ways we share our love for each other every day that largely goes unnoticed.

Chances are there are spouses everywhere that could write their own List of all these simple things that got lost in the fabric of a busy day - that they do everyday for the one they love. And we do it without looking for gold stars or pats on the back, for any of it. Chances are most acts of love simply fades into the timeline of our Life: we don't give it a second thought, and sometimes the one we shower with affection hasn't even given it a first thought. We just do it; and they accept it.

Chances are you are probably sitting in your home thinking that you haven’t done enough. Or you’re worrying that you shouldn't have done that. Or you’re kicking yourself for responding too short because you're tired at the end of a long day. Or you’re just feeling overwhelmed. Or stuck. Or like you’re failing.

But, chances are that you, just like me - have done some pretty profound spousal things.

Ordinary things.

And sometimes those ordinary things take so much work. They take us counting to ten one hundred times. They take us trying to not get super frustrated over things that just feel like a waste of time, and we just want them to be d.o.n.e.

Chances are you, too, have a whole lot of ordinary things that add up to Life Things that you could share.

If only you wouldn’t dismiss them. If only you wouldn’t attach “just” to them. If only you wouldn’t think that it’s no big deal. If only you would let the tears fall when they need to. If only you would start to see again just how beautiful and extraordinary and wonderful a person that you are.

In the midst of so often the most messy and un-beautiful life there can be.

Because Life … Life has a tendency to throw us curve balls.

It can suck the wind from us and make us weep at night. It can makes us feel like we’ll never measure up. It just can hide us from seeing how powerful and brave it is when we do those simple things.

Like being present.

Like comfort in the dead of the night, just because.

Like "I love you" posted to your mate's FB Page. Sitting in a fast-food pick up line to ease your mate's life when Life presses in. Making a favorite dinner. Laughing when they laugh; sharing the pain when they cry. Going to bed exhausted. Waking tired. Loving when we don’t even know how.

We’re all flawed. I’m not perfect, you’re not perfect; and Life in general isn’t perfect.

But we’re all trying. Giving. Loving.

So tonight, today or whenever you’re reading this – you deserve to seen.

To be recognized.

As an extraordinary person.

A lifelong Friend; an intimate Friend who understands US better than anyone else ever could.

A Spouse that shows up.

Day after day. Night after night. Good day after good day. Hard day after hard day. Ordinary day, normal day, just a day. Loving your mate.

That, my Friend, is what matters.

So before you close this browser and move on with your life … I want you to take a breath; to look at the hands in front of you. And when you see them, to be blessed with wonder for all that you do with them. Those hands love. They comfort with touch. They give without expecting a handshake. They tenderly wipe away tears. They compose love notes. They type responses. They gently enfold your mate's hands in them. Your hands communicate love.

Thank you for showing up.

HOLIDAY CHEER~Shabbat, Yuma-AZ

This morning we were driving into town to Walgreen's, in hopes of finding a stabilizing knee brace for Holland. I asked Elohim to provide a brace (2, if possible) while shutting lights off, and following Holland and Bleu out the door.

Cheerfully walking from our space patio to our 4x, we met the neighbors (new arrivals last night: two couples/2 sisters and their husbands), and visited for about a good half hour before we drove into town - they are from Wenatchee-WA … which has at least a foot of snow, as of this morning: they are friendly and companionably.

Holland was surprised I took to them so easily, and the convo flowed so smoothly - I normally avoid spur-of-the-moment interactions with strangers, but I just smiled, and said, "It's all about the vibes they give out; I felt comfortable with these people and their cheerful vibes" ;-)

In town, we were able to find and purchase two knee braces - the perfect Shabbat blessing, for this Shabbat :-)

Holland wants to join me on walkabouts, and this brace will help.

Bought 2 knee braces at Walgreen's, uptown; it's perfect for the need. Holland's knee feels a whole lot better.

When we got back home, I asked Holland to drop me off at the Resort Office, on his way to our space. I wanted to pick up December's  Activities Flyer … and check out the on-site activities locations.

Everything is within walking distance; and in a circular location in the Del Pueblo Resort Plaza.

I found the Craft Room, but I'll pass; it's basically a sewing circle thing.

I found the Hair Salon; it was closed for the weekend.

I found the Gym, and liked what I saw; I'll be utilizing it :-)

I'm gonna like working out, in here; with Holland, or solo lobo ;-)

A few of the Flyer activities look interesting too, especially the Sunday Services, in the Rec Room. On-site, we can dress casual … and leave, if necessary, when Holland's pain flares up.

When I got home, Holland already had coffee perking on the range - the house was infused with percolating holiday scent; a love gift, perfect for my Shabbat Rest :-)

I spent the rest of my Shabbat Rest enjoying tasty coffee, lazily working on my holiday project, and watching holiday movies.

Drinking 'Holiday Blend' coffee, & using Crystal's 2022 Christmas Gift ;-)

Cardboard outlined … and holiday project underway ;-)

Holiday Project pieces whipstiched together.

The Lord Bless You And Keep You~Aaronic Blessing: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-eHCxMM3PI)

Today was a good Shabbat :-)

DEMONRATS & SOCIAL SECURITY

History Lesson on Your Social Security Card: Something to Ponder

Just in case some of you young whippersnappers (and some older ones) didn't know this.

It's easy to check out, if you don't believe it. Be sure and show it to your family, and friends. They need a little history lesson on what's what; and it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts.

Social Security Cards up until the 1980s expressly stated the number and Card were not to be used for identification purposes. Since nearly everyone in the United States now has a number, it became convenient to use it anyway and the message, NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION was removed.

An old Social Security card with the "NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION" message:

Our Social Security: Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1) That participation in the Program would be completely voluntary,

Today … No longer Voluntary

2) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the Program.

Now 7.65% On the first $90,000.

3) That the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year.

Today … No longer tax deductible

4) That the money the participants put in went to the Independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the General Operating Fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other Government program.

Under Johnson the money was moved to The General Fund and spent willy nilly; and the demonrats continue to bleed the Social Security funds dry to fund their pet projects.

5) That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income.

Under Clinton & Gore up to 85% of your Social Security can be taxed.

Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the Federal government to 'put away -- you may be interested in the following:

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Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the Independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the General Fund so that Congress could spend it?

A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the Democratically controlled House and Senate.

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Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

A: The Democratic Party.

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Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social Security annuities?

A: The Democratic Party with Al Gore casting the 'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the U.S.

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Q: Which Political Party decided to start giving annuity payments to illegals entering this Country at exactly America's retirement age … and refusing to become Citizens?

A: That's right!  Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party.

Illegals moved into this country at age 65, and began to receive Social Security payments!

The Democratic Party gave these AMERICAN RIGHTS BENIFITS to them, even though they never paid a dime into it!

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Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away!

And the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it!

If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe changes will evolve.

It's worth a try.

How many people can YOU send this to?

Actions speak louder than bumper stickers.

SHABBAT~Yuma-AZ: Olive Tree Ministries

HOLIDAY SEASON ~ 2023

Today I took the packages I wrapped the other night, to the UPS Store.

13 minutes from our front door.

Alone.

On a city roadway - not a freeway, but wider than any 'regular road' I've ever driven. It was a little intimidating, but Elohim was faithful to infuse my spirit with "peace that passes all understanding" :-)

Holland would have joined me, but I need to know how to navigate these addresses on my own. I want him to know that when I strike out on my own (as I'll have to eventually - grocery shopping, clothes shopping, ect.), I'll get from A to B without getting lost.

So, Holland and Bleu stayed home … and I learned to blend with frog-hopping traffic, without suffering a migraine headache.

Going to the UPS Store today for shipping.

A 7-lane roadway … and I'm peaceful while driving it; Elohim really worked a miracle with me on this ;-)

I got a text from Pam showing me the tree she has this year, replacing the big one she usually puts up - and that text inspired me to design something for our Yuma Holiday Season~2023 :-)

Pam's tree.

Packages stamped and sent off, I drove home to pick Holland and Bleu up, for a trip to Wal*Mart; and as I drove I thought how comfortable I was driving this extra-large 'highway' in Yuma: I also thought of how comfortable I am considering Yuma my new hometown (city, actually - and I'm okay with that!). I've always avoided cities, and never ever thought I'd be comfortable living in one, but I really do feel that I could be very happy living here, in Yuma-AZ.

I like the laid-back atmosphere. I like the gentle, swaying palm trees. I like the weather. I like the excitement of starting a new life, in a new place; I like the adventure a new life embraces.

Holland was surprised - but happy too - when I mentioned that to him, at home. He likes Arizona: and I know we'll be spending at least six months here, every year - longer stays are totally doable :-)

We spent big at Wal*Mart: correction - I spent big. But in my defense, it's the holiday season ;-)

We got the groceries went for … and a "few extra's": a perking coffee pot we've been looking for in every Wal*Mart, from coast to coast. A coffee grinder to grind the beans we bought a few weeks ago, that will smell and taste wonderful using that perking coffee pot, tomorrow morning. I also bought 2 skeins of yarn to use for the holiday project I have imagined completed; I'm in the process now of designing it as I work it into being (no, I'm not telling - you will know when it's completed ;-)). And I saw a heated massaging pad and a heated massaging foot bath tub, that I bought on the spur-of-the-moment for Holland; the heated pad will help relax his aching back … and it will also keep him warm into the wee early morning hours, when he's being a night owl; and the heated foot bath will also add comfort. And I grabbed some holiday trims to liven up our living quarters this holiday season - we don't do the santa thing or the tree thing, but pretty lights for my birthday month will go up … and the other holiday trims will be used to trim my current project, underway. On our way home, we stopped and grabbed a chinese supper to eat at home.

We did spend big today.

But it is the holiday season: and the big items that came home with us were reasonably priced, and can be used all year/every year as long as they last.

We spent big this holiday season, but we keep an eye on the bottom line, and aren't seriously hurting money-wise. We can afford to add a little comfort to our lives, at this stage of our lives :-)

A 'holiday' something for Holland.

'East Asian Buffet' Supper; more American than Asian, but still good.

A perking coffee pot that we can use outdoors, too ;-)

Coffee grinder.

Trims for this 2023 holiday season …

Elmo & Patsy - 'Percy the Puny Poinsettia' 1979 song:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jisjx9r_mmM)

Seasonal project underway.

RELIGIOSITY

While it is true that the ultra-religious sector of society put Yeshua on the Cross … it is not true that they "killed Him": Yeshua's MAIN PURPOSE to visit Earth the first time, WAS to face hatred, persecution, and go to Calvary.

But even though the ultra-religious sector put Yeshua on the Cross, they COULD NOT KEEP a good man down 😉

Yeshua faced Death - and paid the penalty; BUT HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE 3rd DAY 😁👏😘

He still fights religiosity WITH His own (The Church = Bride of Christ) AGAINST those (IN and OUT of church buildings) who oppose The Truth which is Him, and Elohim's Word.

Religiosity kills.

Yeshua gives Life 🤝❤️