Prayer Warriors Please Apply Within (Update)

Byron Scott
A few moments ago, I received a Facebook notice from a fellow church member that our Pastor has either had a heart attack or his pacemaker defibrillator has malfunctioned.

He and his lovely wife, Tricia, are in Atlanta for a conference when this happened. They are over 4 hours from home.

My humble request is, would y'all please whisper a little prayer of healing and comfort right now for them both? We've only known Byron since last December but have learned to really like him. They've both come to mean a lot to me.

May it please our merciful God and Father to heal Byron and bring them both safely home.

Thanks y'all. :o)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Philippians 4:23)

***UPDATE: 31 May 2009 9:30 AM - From Pastor Scott "I want to thank you for the many prayers today. My heart got badly out of rhythm and my defibrillator slapped me. I spent 5 hours in Northside Hospital today but am now out. I am doing fine but will have to slow down on some of my activities. ***

Sounds like he is much improved! We'll be glad when he can come home and rest. Thanks y'all for your prayers and concerns.

Like, I'm So Totally Awe-summ, You Know?

Thank you Janeen at ChachanNeen for the Awe-Summ award. You are such a sweet gal. You're always so kind and I feel especially blessed. :o)

Janeen posted this award a couple of days ago, but like the lady that backed into her typewriter, I'm getting a little behind in my work.

Between gardening, running errands and regular household duties, it's been rather hectic of late.

The idea here is to list 7 things that make me awesome. This took some thought. I don't really care to sit around contemplating my strong points. Here lately I'd rather just contemplate my navel. At least I could rest awhile. [giggle]

1) I try to always have a good sense of humor, even in bad situations. I kid a lot but it's with affection.
2) I enjoy making others laugh and have fun. This brings me pleasure too.
3) I tend to be quite good at discerning others intentions. I can spot a bully from 30 paces ... and drop them in 20. [giggle]
4) I'm quite good with animals. Hubby said I should be a Veterinarian but I know I could never remember all those $60 words and medical terms.
5) I've had great successes with locating people, dead or alive.
6) Accounting, and subsequently research, is a strong point with me. I can trace a paper trail better than most. Even bad guys leave a paper trail. [wink]
7) I try to always "die daily to sin and be more alive to God". My Lord Jesus makes me strong in all the things listed above and hides my weaknesses in His goodness.

Alrighty then, if you're still with me [yawn] I'm suppose to pass this on to 3 ladies (sorry guys) who I think deserve this award. Actually, I would prefer to give this to ALL my bloggy friends, but rules are rules.

Envelope please ...

I've decided on in no particular order:
1) Margo at Life In The Short Lane
2) Linda at Life's A Calling Who's This?
3) Margaret at Nanny Goats In Panties

These lovely lady's consistently make me smile and help me get through the day.

There ... it was nice to do something that didn't involve wearing gloves.

An Example Of Typical Phone Lines In India

Click To Enlarge
My husband is a retired telephone man and was just appalled at the tangled mess! Can you imagine the headaches fixing these?? And this is where we call when there is a technical problem with a computer.

And yet another piece of the puzzle falls into place.

Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good 'Ol Days

I thought it would be fun to share some of the drugs that were legal in the good 'ol days.

Bayer's HeroinA bottle of Bayer's heroin. Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine. It was also used to treat children with strong cough.

[hack] [hack] "Pass the Heroin, would ya dear? I feel a cold coming on."


Metcalf Coca Wine was one of a huge variety of wines with cocaine on the market. Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment.


Mariani wine (1875) was the most famous Coca wine of it's time. Pope Leo XIII used to carry one bottle with him all the time. He awarded Angelo Mariani (the producer) with a Vatican gold medal.


Produced by Maltine Manufacturing Company of New York. It was suggested that you should take a full glass with or after every meal. Children were supposed to take half a glass.


Here's a paper weight promoting C. F. Boehringer & Soehne (Mannheim, Germany). They were proud of being the biggest producers in the world of products containing Quinine and Cocaine.

Maybe the Columbian's should mass produce these now? They could give them to the Mexicans to pass along to the black gangs in L.A. and they give them out as souvenirs with each purchase.

Just thinking out loud here.


Opium for Asthma. Now this one mystifies me. I don't see how opium would help someone with asthma unless it helped them not to give a rats @$$.

Who needs air when you've got pink elephants dancing on the head of a pin, right? [lol]


Cocaine Tables from 1900All stage actors, singers, teachers and preachers had to have them for a maximum performance. Great to "smooth" the voice.

This explains some of the strange sermons and beliefs I've read about from that time period ...


Cocaine drops were very popular for children in 1885. Not only did they relieve the pain, they made the children happy!

No doubt.


And lastly, there was opium for newborns. I'm sure this would make them sleep well because not only is it Opium, but it's also 46% alcohol.

No comment.


And now you know why it's always called the Good 'Ol Days! They .. were .. just .. one .. big .. blur .....

I'm Just Wild About Wildflowers

High Power Lines
Hubby and I went for a little drive close to the house late last week. We were suffering from a severe case of cabin fever from all the rain (but I didn't shoot 6 holes in it ala Jimmy Buffet song). I figured with all this moisture there had to be wildflowers worth photographing. Thank goodness we have a Jeep! Our poor clay dirt road is a bit messy now.

We also rescued a water turtle from the road on Sunday. Poor thing was covered with mosquitoes and nearly got run over. Hubby put him in a pond close by but away from traffic.

Well, without any further ado, here's some local wildflower photos.

Butterfly weed with a Hoverfly
Butterfly weed is a prolific spring wildflower in Southeast Georgia. Yep. The butterflies love it! This one had a Hoverfly (Syrphidae) paying a visit. Hoverfly's are non-stinging and are very beneficial. They eat primarily Aphids. You'll usually see them 'hovering' very close to the ground in groups.

European Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
The Elderberry is not only a lovely addition to the spring wildflowers, but the berries are used to make [hic] Elderberry Wine. Don't worry Pappy, we're not selling it. "So, don't send 'dem revenuers around here! There's nothing to see behind that barn ..." [hic]

It's not advisable to eat the berries raw. The Elderberry must be cooked to fully remove all the toxins. I don't think they'll kill anyone but you'll get an upset tummy for sure. Elderberries contain potassium and large amounts of vitamin C, and have been proven in quite a few recent studies to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms, as well as strengthen the immune system. Also, the dried leaves mixed with lanolin help relieve burns and sunburns.

Some folks make jam from them too. Anything that makes pie works for me! :o)

Lizard Tail (Saururus cernuus)
Now this nifty looking little plant is commonly called "Lizard Tail". It likes wet feet. You'll find them growing in profusion down near creek bottoms and anywhere it's wet but not too sunny. They're also easy to find because Lizard's tail has a distinctive orange like-smell.

Goat's Rue (Tephrosia virginiana)
And this is my Jewel In The Crown today, a Goat's Rue! You heard right Margaret, it's named after a Goat (but not in panties). It doesn't smell like one though. [giggle] This is a very uncommon site. I even e-mailed my fellow Georgian, Mildred, and asked her "What is THIS??!" Because although all the wildflower plant books say it is a native here I have never seen this lovely little plant before.

The Goat's Rue is in the Pea Family (Fabaceae). It has several common names: Rabbit's Pea, Hoary-Pea, Devil's Shoestrings and Catgut. They sound like alibi's to me, like it's on the lamb. I guess this one is hiding out because there are no other Goat's Rue near it.

Goat's Rue and related species may have been used as a fish poison by Indians in some parts of the Americas. Cherokee women used a root decoction to strengthen hair and Cherokee ball players applied the decoction to their limbs to "toughen" them. It was given it to children as a tea to make them strong. It was used by the Cherokee and other tribes in various medicines for treating conditions ranging from worms to urinary problems and tuberculosis.

There's a warning too, apparently this plant may irritate the skin and the seeds may be toxic.

Ya think???!

Medicinally, European Goat’s Rue is mainly used to increase milk flow, both in nursing humans and in dairy cattle. It is also one of the herbs which can be used to lower blood sugar levels. It is an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic which promotes production of the various digestive juices, and is extremely useful for treating chronic constipation.

And now you know.

Hope you enjoyed the 'walk' in the rain with us.

Thanks for stopping by!

Excuse Me But There's No Apologies Here

Just a quiet moment to pay tribute to all veterans and those actively serving in our armed services.

In our home we appreciate and support our military more than words can express, with no apologies.

And we will never forget your sacrifices so that we may be free.

May God richly bless you and your families. Stay safe dear ones.

Mr. Zip

Welcome to Postcard Friendship Friday.

My contribution today is Mr. Zip.

May 1963
Source
Our home received a similar notice like the one above in the early 1960's. It's too bad my father didn't save his. Who knew this would be a collectible?

I recall my father saying, "Our zip is 32780. Memorize that." (He was a man of few words.) Well, I did and I still remember the zip to this day.

Want to join in the fun of Postcard Friendship Friday? Everyone is welcome. This 'event' is hosted by my good friend Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards. Be sure to leave a message at her blog so we'll all know to visit your place too.

Thanks for coming by! Have a great weekend y'all.

Too Old To Die Young

Happy Birthday To Me!

I LOVE birthdays!

Especially mine.

It means I'm still alive.

I like that.

It annoys all the right people.

So, we're out and about today. Hubby has plans that he won't share with me ... yet ... about what he has in store. So, you'll just have to wait too to see what the Sparkster et. el. where up to today. [smile]

In the meantime, how about some old photos?

The first one is my birthmother. Once I made up my mind to find her, it took me all of three weeks to find her burial location. Yeah, she was deceased by the time I got 'round to locating her. Mary died in a tragic auto accident in June of 1980 in Yulee, Florida, just about 18 months before my search.

Too little, too late.

But ... I have learned oodles about my roots irregardless. I'm still glad I searched (and so are many other folks going by all the e-mail of Thanks I get).

My birthmother, Marian Estelle "Mary" McMahan (left), and a friend
In the above photo, Mary was preggers with me. Being unmarried she wisely allowed me to be adopted by a loving married two parent family. I wish I could have told her "Thank you for not killing me". Sure do appreciate that.

Now finding my birthfather, since he wasn't named on my original birth certificate, is a real detective story! Pappy would have been proud of me. You can run, but you can't hide ... am I right Pappy? Never tell this ol' Bulldog (me) that something can't be done because then I will probably do it.

I've learned a lot in my short 53 years on Earth.

Here's a few of my pearls of wisdom. Feel free to leave your pearls too.

* After all my family research, and helping others do the same, I'm amazed at how closely related we all are.

* Life is very precious and every moment should be treasured. It can be tragically short or painfully long. But a good attitude makes the path a whole lot more pleasant.

* That friends may come and go, but they stay in our hearts forever.

* Our Judeo-Christian western European capitalist culture really is superior to all others. There's no denying history.

* That a loved ones smile or gentle touch at just the right moment is worth more than diamonds and gold.

* And mostly, but certainly not lastly, that God's love above all else stands the tests of time, even unto death. He is always there for us.

Now, off we go to celebrate the end of Sparky Birth Month. [tee hee]

Thanks for coming by and singing "Happy Birthday". Sing loud now so I can hear you!! :o)

Freshly Squeezed Sparky

I'm No Stranger To The Rain

Looky what all this lovely rain has brought us!! Yay! Thank you blessed God and Father for all this rain.

Sensitive Brier (wildflower)

Confederate Jasmine (domestic)
And southeast Georgia has many Hummingbirds. I call them "hummin' bees" because they sound very similar to bees in flight. We had a few earlier but now there must be dozens. Little rascals won't hold still for a photo shoot, so, I apologize for the poor picture quality. Aren't they adorable!?

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds
Hope you enjoyed the visit to our home. Thanks for coming by.

If you own a car, stay tuned for this important announcement

How many of you have seen this obnoxious commercial? I’ve never actually listened to it since I’m quick with the ‘mute’ button. Take note of that advertisers. It’s not being listened to in the Sparky Household.

But this commercial lead me to thinking about this:

You know how the government loves to tax our ’assets’? How dare they call my car, truck and motorcycles assets!!

We have bought tires, paid innumerable local taxes, road taxes, licenses, insurance, waxes, soaps, special washing tools, oil, filters, repairs, CD’s to play in these overpriced lumps of metal while moving rapidly at unsafe speeds, speeding tickets, taken driving lessons, bought a gazillon gallons of gasoline, paid yet more taxes, built another carport, key chains, extra keys … [gasping for breath]

The list goes on and on.

How dare they classify these money suckers on wheels as ‘assets’!


Also, I was reading that there will be no marriage between Volkswagen and Porsche. Forbes

They should move to Massachusetts. They’re not chosey and anything can get married there: animal, vegetable or mineral ... living or dead.

I wonder which one should wear the ring?

Also, there are so many car dealerships closing in America. Forbes

Everybody knows that unless they live on a desert island with their fingers in their ears and have no satellite TV.

It seems that this could not be a good thing but maybe, just maybe, there is a silver lining to all this?

Most people, when asked, do not like to deal with car salesmen.

Therefore, I would like to make a proposal. Pay attention here car manufacturers. You should get directly into the retail market by offering vehicles on-line so that potential car buyers can order from the manufacturer. There could also be major car lots of spankin’ new vehicles in large cities (Atlanta, Miami, etc.) where we could all go to either pick the vehicle of our dreams with a set price or have your special order brought to you by careful driving retirees for a small delivery fee. Or, on a flat bed truck if it makes one more comfortable, I’m easy.

Hmmmmmm? Now, just say “I do”.

I think it might work out well that way. It would certainly cut costs AND keep the manufacturers cranking out vehicles. It should save current jobs and create many real jobs, not made-up pointless government jobs.

My husband also suggested having authorized service centers that would specialize in that particular car or truck and take care of all warranty service. Keep the overhead low. They could be offered from any location that is convenient to the bulk of the customers.

So, car making guys, are you with me so far?

This is basic economics and good customer relations: offer what the customer wants and give good service, keep the overhead low and pass the savings on to the consumer. Everybody’s happy.

Use this economic downturn as an incentive to better yourselves not walk around with your hands out.

Capitalism works. Socialism doesn’t.

I’m just saying.

And that’s my two cents.


Now, let’s talk about houses. How dare the government call this thing an ‘asset’ …

Riding Into History 2009

Yesterday, Saturday the 16th, we attended our first "Riding Into History" event near St. Augustine, Florida. It was held at the World Golf Village just right off I-95 south of Jacksonville.

I'm amazed at how many people attended the event. It was all handled very well, I thought. There was good music (Lynard Skynard), beer, hot dogs and lots of fellow enthusiasts. Everyone was very polite and kindly. It was quite pleasant.

Since we met friends there, after touring all the wonderful vintage motorcycles (and a few bicycles), we opted to eat our noon day meal at O'Steens in old St. Augustine. It's located on Anastasia Blvd (A1A) just across the Bridge of Lions. We used to eat there quite often when we lived in Jax. That's what Jacksonville residents call it: "Jax" for short. O'Steens has the most superb seafood. It's always crowded no matter what time of the day or night one tries to eat there. We had a 45 minute wait, so, my friend and I browsed the antique shop next door. I used to collect antique glass, especially the pink shades, but no longer do so. Our new home doesn't have the shelf space for such collections. I still like to look, though.

Anyway, back to the show. If y'all would like to view the vintage motorcycles, I've uploaded them to MyPhotoAlbum. Hubby only snapped a few photos this time. I think after the visit to Barber's in Alabama, that place spoiled us. We've "seen it, done it" now. [lol]

Enjoy!!

St. John's Church

A postcard featuring St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" speech in 1775.


Join us every friday for the fun! Everyone is welcome. Hosted every Friday by the lovely and gracious Marie at Vintage Postcards.

My Second Childhood

In my early teens, I had brace apparatus on the teeth. Now, in my early 50's, my teeth had become so crooked that they were affecting my ability to chew. So, I decided it was time to get them fixed again.

Just call me tinsel mouth!
Christmas 1971
So I went in this morning and we started the procedure of straightening the teeth. Doc said we're starting on the top ones first. They have to be pushed out, then he can install the braces on the bottom ones.

I had forgotten how much is involved with getting braces.

First, the technician took two x-rays of my jaw. Then, I had to endure the ice cold gooey impressions that have to be made. [yuck!] Then, the technician makes a wax impression of the teeth while closed.

I must have looked like a dog with it's tongue hanging out for that one!

Then I'm moved over into another torture chamber room where that little technician can hurt prepare me for the Orthodontist. My mouth was spread open with some strange apparatus like we were filming the movie "Brazil".

Then the teeth had to be scrubbed, waxed, prepared with smelly adhesive, blow dried ... you name it. It was like having my nails polished (only this didn't feel as good).

" ... and when you smile for the camera ..."
Let me tell ya, it was arduous for this middle-aged lady! My jaw and head hurt after all the pushing and pulling. I'm gonna need several Margarita's to get over this. And I still have to have the bottom teeth braced in a few months.

Gosh, it's gonna be a long two years.



And on a side note, a prayer request please ....

Amberlee
Our little niece gave us a scare yesterday. She was taking a nap after school and her mom glanced over at the couch to check on her. She was rigid, eyes rolled back in her head, vomit foaming from her mouth and generally unresponsive. Her older brother (who happens to be training to be a nurse) checked her vitals, then called 9-1-1. After several tests the emergency room doctor said she had a virus. I still don't know the name of the virus or if it's an accurate diagnosis. Her Mom took her to their usual pediatrician sometime today. If I learn more, I'll let everyone know.

Non Sequitur and Wizard Of Id Cartoons

Notre Dame Students Make A Stand

"Public display of mourning is no longer made by people of fashion, although some flashier kinds of widows may insist on sleeping with only black men during the first year after death." -- P.J. O'Rourke
I feel like our country is the widow. Something died (morals? faith?) and now, like a common harlot, the widow is sleeping with the consequences.

But I read this at FoxNews today "Some Notre Dame Students to Forego Commencement in Protest of Obama Visit". Maybe young people will be the salvation for the country after all. It's very encouraging.

Go Notre Dame!

Oh, yes, and a side note, Neil Cavuto of Fox News interviewed former Vice President Dick Cheney. The piece will air tonight at 6 PM EST.

Sam And The Snake

Sam Jr. and Maxie
Our miniature Schnauzer, Sam Jr., doesn't know when to quit. He's really bad about pushing an issue with whatever animal life is in front of him. He's so contentious that he always has to be Boss Dog in every situation. He darn near got killed by a German Shepherd that lived next door to dad in North Carolina.

For the newbies at my blog, Sam was my father's dog until he died in 2006.

Today, Sam encountered his first snake.

Well, not really his first. The first one that I know of was a Coral Snake in the back yard. I caught him flipping it up in the air one day and put a stop to that! Coral snakes are poisonous. I picked it up and put it out into the woods.

Yeah, I like snakes. So, I saved the little guy's neck (if he has one).

But this time, before I could react, Sam approached the snake, it instinctively coiled and struck Sam right in the throat. Ouch! Now he has two bloody tooth marks on his throat. Rat snakes have very sharp, needle-like teeth.


Actually, this is a good thing. We were hoping that he would mess with a non-poisonous variety first. Southeast Georgia has multitude of Rattle Snakes and they are pretty deadly. Whenever I go strolling in the woods, I'm sure to wear my snake proof boots. They don't always rattle, you know.

So, now poor Sam is laying on the floor, trembling and licking his feet. I put an antiseptic salve on the wound and comforted him as best I could. He'll feel better by morning. But that'll larn 'em. He was lucky ... this time.

Me And The Rhino Virus

YUCK!

That's the only thing I can think of to say.

Hubby and I are suffering from a mild rhino virus this weekend. There's no pucking or anything else disgusting (isn't that a lovely mental image?), but we're moping around the house looking sullen and feeling tired and headachy, mumbling one syllable answers to our one syllable questions.

Such fun.

We're definately not good company today.

Well, at least it's not too bad. Since hubby doesn't feel like cooking I get my favorite meal of junk food (i.e. turkey hot dogs on whole wheat buns with cole slaw and mustard toppings ... drool).


Hey, you don't think I'll sprout a nose horn after all this, do ya?

[giggle]

I pray everyone else is feeling fine and having a wonderful weekend.

Me and my yucky feeling will leave now until my next post. Try not to get too close to the screen. I wouldn't want to spread this Bad Boy.

Now I Know Why It's Called Sweet Home Alabama

Now I understand that song! I've been to southern Alabama many, many times and was not really enamoured. This trip we journeyed to northern Alabama. The Birmingham - Tuscaloosa countrysides, in my never-to-be-humble opinion, are absolutely breathtaking!

This journey to far off lands was to visit the greatly acclaimed Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds near Birmingham. Well, everything good said about it is true. The BVMM is one of the best motorcycle museums I've visited to date.


First, though, we went a little further into Alabama to visit my new good bloggy friend, Gator Mom and her delightful family. This is the first of what I hope are many visits with Gator Mom and family. They sure are nice folks and we had a splendid time. 'The boy' is an intellegent, well-rounded young man. We plan to do something special for him, but don't tell. [shhh] Hubby has something he wants to give the boy that I think he will really treasure.


The museum has multiple over sized statuary scattered about the 720 acres. I wish I had made a note of the name of this one. These out front were about 12 feet high and quite impressive. The driveway up to this place took a while to get there from the highway turn off.


The museum is five floors of vintage motorcycles and a few automobiles, bicycles, and outboard motors. These are all real working machines.


Even the elevator was impressive! It was completely transparent. I have a fear of heights but rode the elevator anyway and I'm glad I did. At least I can say "I did it once".


One of the Easy Rider custom choppers was located for the museum. This was the one that the film crew used in the wreck at the end movie. So, it had to be refurbished and reassembled for display. There are strict rules about DO NOT TOUCH and DO NOT SIT ON BIKES. I can't tell ya how tempting it was to hop on some of these beauties and ride off into that lovely Alabama sunset!

"No officer, I didn't touch the bike!"
Yeah, it's a mannequin. First time I saw this I had to do a double take.


Here we are in front of one of the vintage Triumph displays. I had to drag him away from the Triumph's. :o) "Silly boy, PUT THE CREDIT CARD DOWN!" [lol]

Oh, and a special note, there is a superb Bass Pro Shops practically 'next door' (as next door as over 800 acres will allow). The driveway up to this place alone is worth the stop. It's so overdone with the 'outdoorsy look' that it reminds me of DisneyWorld. The inside was wall-to-wall outdoor clothing, fishing equipment, guns, pet products, etc. There was even a simulator for children to play Nascar. Back to outside: the landscaping was to die for! I now have some really good ideas for future yard projects, on a smaller scale, of course ... (my husband just sighed and rolled his eyes ... ha ha)


Sadly, it was time to leave. We hugged Gator Mom and family goodbye with promises of writing, calling and visiting. It was raining when we left. The roadsides were all green and lush with profusions of lovely nameless wildflowers.

We left Birmingham heading southeast and drove over a small mountain. We're hoping to go back again as much as possible. I just want to live at the museum! Do you think they'd notice if I built a house right on the grounds? [lol]

There are many more photos. The whole enchilada has been uploaded to MyPhotoAlbum. Enjoy!

Zobama's Express From Pajama TV

National Day Of Prayer

Thursday, May 7th, is the National Day of Prayer.

Many churches are meeting of the evening to pray together. Even though we are out-of-state, we play to attend. I would like to make a humble request to all my fellow Christians. I've been given a great burden for our country. We're losing our heritage and our culture every day. My humble request is that all Christ believing people, far and wide, rich or poor, black or white or yellow or pink, to please pray for our Nation ALL DAY in their hearts. Please lift up our leaders to our merciful God and Father for scrutiny. That they be convicted in their hearts and ask to be saved by the blood of Jesus, for their sakes and for our nation. And also that there will be a great revival that the unsaved may know Christ as their Saviour. Jesus loves us all very much and wants all to be saved from the wrath to come.

Maybe if we all pray for mercy, have contrition and humble ourselves before a mighty and fearful God, He will have mercy on us. Only He can bring forth the hope to save our nation from this evil lawless regime. I'm not being a drama queen. This is a real threat and we might still have time to correct it.

I love our country and my fellow man. I only want the best for us all. To live free, have a strong economy and be safe. I know you want that also, not only for ourselves but the generations to come after us.

So, let's be Soldiers for Christ that the lost be saved and our nation brought back from the brink of oblivion.

Thanks y'all. God bless you! Lift high that royal banner and BE BOLD FOR HIM!

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the Cross!
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
His army shall He lead
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet-call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day!
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger
And strength to strength oppose."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there."

"Stand up!--stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next, the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally."

"Stand Up!--Stand Up for Jesus"
by George Duffield, 1818-1888
Text From: THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)

New Cruise Package Available

I was checking cruise lines because I heard the rates are very cheap right now. I found a Somalia cruise package that departs from Sawakin (in the Sudan) and docks at Bagamoya (in Tanzania).

What I found interesting and enlightened is that the cruise is encouraging people to bring their 'High powered weapons' along on the cruise. If you don't have weapons you can rent them right there on the boat. They claim to have a master gunsmith on board and will have reloading parties every afternoon. The cruise lasts from 4-8 days and nights and costs a maximum of $3,200 per person double occupancy (4 days). All the boat does is sail up and down the coast of Somalia waiting to get hijacked by pirates.

Here are some of the costs and claims associated with the package:

* $800.00 US/per day double occupancy (4 day max billing).
M-16 full auto rental $ 25.00/day ammo at 100 rounds of 5.56 armor piercing ammo at 15.95.
* Ak-47 riffle @ No charge. ammo at 100 rounds of 7.62 com block ball ammo at 14.95.
* Barrett M-107 .50 cal sniper rifle rental 55.00/day ammo at 25 rounds 50 cal armor piercing at 9.95.
* Crew members can double as spotters for 30.00 per hour (spotting scope included).
* They even offer RPG's at 75 bucks and 200 dollars for 3 standard loads.
* "Everyone gets use of free complimentary night vision equipment and coffee and snacks on the top deck from 7pm-6am."
* Meals are not included but seem reasonable.

Most cruises offer a mini-bar ... these gung ho entrepreneurs offer ... get this ... "MOUNTED MINIGUN AVAILABLE @ 450.00 per 30 seconds of sustained fire".

"Sign my arse up!", I proclaimed to the computer screen.

They advertise group rates and corporate discounts and even claim "FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY". Sounds like good wholesome fun to me.

They even offer a partial money back if not satisfied.

Here's some text from the ad:

"We guarantee that you will experience at least two hijacking attempts by pirates or we will refund half your money back including gun rental charges and any unused ammo (mini gun charges not included). How can we guarantee you will experience a hijacking? We operate at 5 knots within 12 miles of the coast of Somalia. If an attempted Hijacking does not occur we will turn the boat around and cruise by at 4 knots. We will repeat this for up to 8 days making three passes a day along the entire length of Somalia. At night the boat is fully lit and bottle rockets are shot off at intervals and loud disco music beamed shore side to attract attention. Cabin space is limited so respond quickly. Reserve your package before Feb 29 and get 100 rounds of free tracer ammo in the caliber of your choice."

-----+-----

As if all that isn't enough to whet your appetite, there were a few testimonials.

"I got three confirmed kills on my last trip. I'LL never hunt big game in Africa again. I felt like the Komandant in Schindlers list
---- Lars, Hamburg Germany

"Six attacks in 4 days was more than I expected. I bagged three pirates and my 12yr old son sank two rowboats with the minigun. PIRATES 0 -PASSENGERS-32! Well worth the trip. Just make sure your spotter speaks English."
---- Ned, Salt Lake city, Utah USA

"I haven't had this much fun since flying choppers in NAM. Don't worry about getting shot by pirates as they never even got close to the ship with those weapons they use and their crappy aim. Kinda reminds me of a drunken 'juicer' door gunner we picked up from the motor pool back in Nam."
---'Chopper' Dan, Toledo USA

"Like shooting ducks in a barrel. They turned the ship around and we saw them bleed and cry in the water like little girls. Saw one wounded pirate eaten by sharks. What a laugh riot!! This is a must do."
--- Zeke, Minnahaw Springs, Kentucky USA


Finally, someone had the common sense to cash in AND solve a major problem. These folks deserve a medal!

Dangerous Demographics

Shadetree Mechanic's R Us

My better half put a set of Lowering Links on my Suzuki V-Strom today. My bike has been just a little too tall to flat foot it at a full stop. With the Lowering Links in place, I can now rest my feet completely on the ground.


In the rear, he replaced the two factory suspension links with two after market suspension links which are about 1/2 inch longer. This raised the rear suspension by about 7/8 inch thus lowering the bike so I can reach the ground easier.

One of the new Lowering Links


I learned something new. I've owned this bike for over 2 years and didn't know the gears were plainly displayed on the front sprocket cover.


Everything went along dreamily until he got to the plastic pop rivets on the fairing. The fairing has to be open to reach the forks.

"These *&^% plastic pop rivets are making me vewy angry!"

"Now open wide and say 'Ahhhhh'"
The bike with the fairing open.

The source of all the cussing ... I mean, fussing.


Then he raised the front forks by 7/8 inch by loosening the pinch bolts on the front yokes. This lowered the front to the same as the rear. It has to be precisely balanced or it can be a disastrous ride!


I played with Maxie for awhile. I'm surprised she braved the torrent of flying insects. This little dog HATES bugs with a purple passion but she will walk over hot coals to play with that tennis ball.

Well, now we go out to eat and try to cool off ...

"This crab is really fresh, isn't it?"
I hope y'all have a great weekend. We're going riding!

National Taxpayer Protest 9.12.2009

From the SSI Tea Party Blog


On Sept 12, 2009, there will be a Taxpayer March on Washington. Several grassroots movements are joining forces to make a huge stand on that day that we have had ENOUGH! So, save the date, and join this historic march if at all possible. You can read more about this event here: http://912dc.org/

Please help spread the word!

Postcard Friendship Friday (05/01)

Looks like Lady Liberty is happy not to be wearing one of those heavy dresses on that women used to have to endure. [lol]


Postcard Friendship Friday is hosted by my wonderful friend Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards. Pop on over to her site and join in the fun! Everyone is welcome.