Aunt Gerry’s Yard

A few weeks ago, I was at my AG’s house. She has always had beautiful flowers there. She works tirelessly in her gardens and it shows!

Some of these plants have been on this property for years and years. I’ve posted these pics here so during the winter, when it’s cold, grey and nasty outside, we can remember how wonderful AG’s flowers made us feel.

 

The National Debt Increased

As of today : $8,409,418,269,166.84

• $3,619,749,070,616.69 – Intragovernmental Holdings
• 4,789,669,198,550.15 – Debt Held by the Public

As of 9.30.2001: $5,807,463,412,200.06

Source:http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/opd/opdpdodt.htm

 

He really said that?

• I mean, there was a serious international effort to say to Saddam Hussein, you’re a threat. And the 9/11 attacks extenuated that threat, as far as I—concerned.

–George w. Bush

Philadelphia, PA
12/12/2005

I think it’s very important for world leaders to understand that when a new administration comes in, the new administration will be running the foreign policy. –George w. Bush01/12/2001 interview with USA Today

• I glance at the headlines just to kind of get a flavor for what’s moving. I rarely read the stories, and get briefed by people who are probably read the news themselves.

–George w. Bush

Washington, DC
09/21/2003

• It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers in it.

–George w. Bush

05/05/2000
Reuters

• There’s a lot of people in the Middle East who are desirous to get into the Mitchell process. And — but first things first. The — these terrorist acts and, you know, the responses have got to end in order for us to get the framework –the groundwork –not framework, the groundwork to discuss a framework for peace, to lay the—all right.

–George w. Bush

Crawford, TX
08/13/2001
referring to former Sen. George Mitchell’s report on Middle East peace

 

What Persecution? Where?

This issue of the MPAA giving the movie,”Facing the Giants” a PG rating is giving me a headache. Why are these Christians claiming the MPAA gave the movie a PG and not a G rating because of strong religious overtones? I think it’s more evidence of persecution paranoia. I mean, if there’s heavy diaglogue of pregnancy, talks about infirtility and scenes of graphic sports violence – that’s enough to warrant a PG rating. So what the heck is going on?

I’ve been noticing Christians behaving pretty strange lately. I think somebody is feeding them crap. Crap like there’s a war on Christianity in this country. But the only stuff I’ve heard is Christians talking about being persecuted. I’ve not seen or heard anything except the fear of being picked on.

Remember the supposed WAR ON CHRISTMAS last year? Well, the story continues. But now it’s about politians and the separation of church and state. This issue is gettin’ ready to leap out of the frying pan and into the burning BUSH.

Now, I’m not saying there’s no persecution of Christians in the world. Quite the contrary. Therere’s tons of it going on in many countries. Historically, difference of religion is the most popular reason for war. America is viewed as mostly Christian, just as Iraqi people are viewed as mostly Islamic so the world sees the Christians picking on the Islamic people and we look like the big, bad wolf!

All of this is scary, because if people THINK they are being persecuted; there’s a good indication the paranioa was put there for a reason. A very bad reason. You see, when an air of persecution is created with western Christians believing they are being picked on; they will be likely to support unusual actions against other religious groups. They will feel as if they must protect themselves from this perceived persecution.

I think I smell an “ill-ection” coming this fall.
Personally, I believe Christians are easy prey. I mean, after all… when your religion is based on what is told TO you; not what YOU know to be true — you can be led down the wrong path. Recently on FOX news, Kirk Cameron said, “Christians are going through some rough times right now. They need someone to tell them what to say and how to feel…”.

As for me, I don’t need anyone telling me how to feel and what to say. I have a mind of my own. I say let’s look at the similiarities of all religions. Start asking WHY do we have religion in our lives? How are they similar? How are they different? What makes me think I’m right and someone else is wrong? Why do I want to tell another person how to feel or what to say?

Talk ain’t cheap when you live and let live.

 

1985

Almost a year and a half ago I promised my beautiful daughter Kali that I would scan some old pics taken way back in ‘85. Being the injured, stressed, sickly person I’ve been for several years now, it’s taken this long to get around to the project.

So, my darling baby girl — here’s some pics. These are thumbnail images, but if you click on them, you’ll see the original size. Save ‘em to your computer!

PeopleColleen Bohlin, Mike Tendall, Shawn Bohlin, Vi Bohlin

OccasionGrandma Vi’s 77th Birthday

Colleen Bohlin, Mike Tendall, Shawn Bohlin, Vi Bohlin

Grandma Vi’s 77th Birthday

Vi Bohlin & Kristy Lee Bohlin (great granddaughter)

Grandma Vi’s 77th Birthday

Vi Bohlin & Kristy Lee Bohlin (great granddaughter)

Wayne, Gerry & Colleen’s Birthdays

Sherry, Wayne & Ed Bohlin

Wayne, Gerry & Colleen’s Birthdays

Kristy Lee Bohlin, Bret Bohlin & Colleen Bohlin

Wayne, Gerry & Colleen’s Birthdays

Colleen Bohlin

Colleen Bohlin’s 18th Birthday

Ed, Shawn, Bret & Colleen Bohlin

Wayne, Gerry & Colleen’s Birthdays

Ed & Kristy Lee Bohlin

Wayne, Gerry & Colleen’s Birthdays

Sherry, Kristy Lee and Wayne Bohlin

Easter 1985

 

The Baby’s A Comin’!!

I was invited to my friend Jean Hitchler's baby shower. So, last Sunday a bunch of her friends and relatives got together at Dutch Inn West, Inc. in Elgin, IL to celebrate the expected arrival of her daughter (in late July or early August). We gorged ourselves on a wonderful luncheon and cake while Jean opened lots of presents for her new bundle of joy.

We wish Jean many happy blessings with her baby daughter!

 

 

Unfamous Quotes

I’ve always been fascinated by famous quotes, but today I wondered, “what about the Unfamous Quotes?” So — here are a few of my own lines. If ya care to add your own; then I lay down the dare. [I triple-double dare you!]

• “The lie in the iridescence of shadows”
• “Everything you have and do is either a creation or a destruction of what you had and did before now.”
• “My stream flows down to a tiny thread; barely visible in the virtual world”
• “Anyone can sit in a pew and listen to what someone else thinks, but it takes a shallow dive into the vast tender quietness to experience your own wisdom.”

-CL Pridemore

 

Spots Gourds

Here's a gourd which Kenny gave me a few years ago. Yes, he did the woodburning and the painting. Those are his original images as well. I'm starting a blog for his gourds at http://spotsgourds.wordpress.com.

 

Why is the US in Iraq?

Ahh, lemme think. Oh yeah, I remember now…

 

The Terror of War