Much Prayer Needed for President Obama’s Safety

I spotted this car yesterday with this big sign taped on it. Not something you see everyday. Certainly, the sentiment was thought provoking. As we sat at the light in front of Trader Joe’s, I snapped this from my cell phone camera. The sign is a bit hard to read here, but is plain enough in person. As we waited for the light to change, I wondered why the driver felt so compelled.
ObamaSafety

Every president is endangered. Obama more so than others, for reasons we don’t need to go into here. I see in the news today, the Obamas are in Europe. On reflection, I find I share the driver’s unexpected concern, and extend my prayers to members of his security team as well. It’s a shame this is so, but it can’t be ignored. Godspeed Geo Metro driver, and know your prayers are echoed.

4th of July 2009 Mt Shasta style

We went up to the city of Mt Shasta for 4th of July. While this is not ‘Really Redding,’ it is typically cooler up here and filled with Reddingites anyway, since it’s just an hour north. They have a terrific 5 mile run, and 2 mile Fun Walk. We chose the fun. So did many others…
4thCrowd

4thFamily

4thStart
There’s all kinds of entertainment and food along the way.
4thNymphs

4thNymphs2

4thNymphs3

4thNymphs5

4thNymphs6

4thOldFolks
And since it’s always good to name-drop on my blog, here’s KRCR Accuweather-Ace Mike Krueger, along with the youngest Krueger.
4thKrueger

4thKrueger2
A good time was had by all. Have a happy and safe Independence Day wherever you are!

Doe and fawn

Yesterday, I happened upon a doe feeding her fawn.
Fawn

Fawna
Click. Here you see, she noticed me.

She thinks it’s better safe than sorry. Time to move along.
Fawn1b

Fawn1a
Are you coming?
Fawn1
Fawn2
Photos by Skip. All deer reserved.
Fawn3

Erin's charity fashion show debut

Erin appeared in her first ever fashion show last weekend, at a charity event for House of Hope. That organization helps local underprivileged women prepare for job interviews with business appropriate outfits and more.
Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event

Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event
Erin at House of Hope event

I think Erin looked terrific. It was an all volunteer effort. Most of these photos were taken by Karry (her mom). Erin said she was very nervous on the catwalk. The show was very well attended. We heard that about 300 people showed up and ticket sales were very good. I understand the sponsors thought up this idea and pulled it all off in just 4 weeks. What a fun event, and all for a worthy cause.

Check out the smiling dragonfly.

This winged orange critter took roost nearby to me yesterday. It appears to be smiling.
Dragonfly
I searched Dragonfly Symbolism on Google, and got 377,000 hits.
Dragonfly
This one’s appropriate:

Living fossils, dragonflies are part of the most ancient group of insects on this planet. They were soaring through the air and lived on earth for a staggering three hundred million years. Compared to humans, they are very old indeed. We have only been around for about 2 million years. Insects were the first creatures in the world to fly. Dragonflies were flying in steamy prehistoric forest long before the dinosaurs appeared. We know about these ancient dragonflies through fossils. Back then, dragonflies were much larger and had wingspans of 80 cm (31.5 inches) and were the largest insects known. Today, dragonflies are smaller, with wingspans up to 14 cm (5.5 in).

Over the centuries, people thought about dragonflies in many ways. In ancient times, Japanese farmers believed the dragonfly was the spirit of the rice plant. Dragonflies were a welcome sign of a good rice harvest. Dragonflies were also believed to bring good luck in battle. About 1600 years ago, the dragonfly was the symbol of a great Japanese warrior clan. The dragonfly later became one of the emblems of the emperor. An old name for Japan – Akitsu-shimu – means Dragonfly Island. The dragonfly is praised in many Japanese poems and songs.

The Mimbres people of the American southwest painted the dragonfly on ceremonial pottery as a symbol of life.

The Zuni tell an ancient story of a magic dragonfly made from corn and straw. It came to life in a time of drought and famine, became a messenger to the gods, and helped save the people. But not everyone has liked dragonflies.

In Great Britain, they were once considered evil and dangerous. Because people saw them darting at horses, the dragonflies were called “horse-stingers.” They didn’t realize the dragonflies were snatching horseflies, the real “horse-stingers.”

Written by Amanda D., Lindsay T., Chelsea E. and Ben R. & compiled by the Twin Groves Virtual Wetlands Preserve Team.

Best wishes for the future (smile)

Baby Black Phoebe has no safety net

We hope you join us today, and pause to remember those who sacrificed all for freedom.

We remember those who sacrificed all

I have a shot of a fledgling Black Phoebe from the nest under my shed’s eave.
Baby bird
The baby’s parents work all day, from sunup to sundown. They have no Social Security, or insurance, or police. No bailouts or or safety nets of any kind. Underneath the nest, neighborhood cats wander by and pretend to be casual. It’s a poignant lesson in self-reliance and family.
Baby bird
Baby bird parent
Baby bird parent
Baby bird parent
Baby bird parent flies
Baby bird parent flies
Baby bird parent flies
Cheshire cat