Well, northern Colorado finally had a snow storm. When it was all finished, we had about 12" in our yard. Many offices and school districts in the area closed early yesterday, and the schools were still closed today.
I left the Sheriff's Office about 11:15 yesterday morning to go home. It took me about two hours to make a 25 minute drive. The problem wasn't the storm so much as the traffic. It was bumper to bumper going about 5-10 miles an hour through town. That part took most of the two hours. When I finally got on the open road of Highway 287, I was able to go about 25 miles per hour. I felt like a speed demon.
The roads were mostly snow packed, but they were also car packed.
We desperately need the moisture so the open fields will be green at least through spring and maybe into summer. There is plenty of snow in the mountains to provide water for living and for watering the lawns, but the forests and fields don't get water unless we have snow and maybe some rain. So I thank God for the snow...and for the half day off work.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My Dad--a repost
Yesterday was the 11th anniversary of my dad's death. Vernon Paul Horn, 77, passed away March 24, 1998. Father of Paula (Gary) of Pueblo, Gail (Bryan) of Colorado Springs, Keith (Rondii) of Pueblo. Also survived by his sister, Wilma of Lamar; brother Leslie of Springfield CO; grandchildren, Aaron, Jennifer, Caleb, Benjamin and Travis. Preceded in death by his wife, Margaret on December 5, 1997; parents Arthur and Goldie; brother, Calvin; and sister Alma. Born August 19, 1920 in Las Animas, CO.
Dad was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and was a POW in Germany for more than a year. He also received a Purple Heart for being shot in the leg. He owned and operated Vern's Alignment Service until his retirement. His favorite pastime was fishing.
Dad's funeral service was on March 28, 1998, and he was buried at Mountain View Cemetery.
Dad was a wonderful provider. He was faithful to his wife and his family. He trusted Christ as his Savior when I was in 5th grade. He attended church after his salvation for a short time and for awhile sometime later. He read his Bible quite a bit and was faithful to tithe. My aunt made the comment that he talked a lot about Heaven and knowing the Lord after my mother passed away.
I didn't know he had a sense of humor until I was an adult, probably because I didn't understand it.As a mechanic with his own business for many years, Dad was scrupulously honest and fair. One time a man drove his own car up on the car rack so Dad could look under the car. Well, the man didn't have permission and ended up driving his car off the rack. My dad went ahead and fixed the damage for him.
Dad was a great fisherman for many years. Mostly he fished up and down the Arkansas River. He didn't really like to eat trout, so he ended up releasing them or giving them away to pleased strangers or friends.
When my mother passed away in December, three months before Dad did, it was a difficult time for him. The family, two caregivers and a friend stayed with him around the clock. I think at the beginning of that time he probably could have taken care of himself, but I think he didn't want to be alone in the house.
Just before Christmas that year, Dad went into the hospital to have a hernia corrected. At that time he was found to have lung cancer. He told me he wished he had stopped smoking sooner.On Sunday, 03/22/98, while my sister was staying with my dad, he told her to call an ambulance because something was very wrong. He was taken to the hospital that afternoon. Very quickly he lost many of his abilities until by Tuesday he was in a coma. He passed away that evening while several family members were there with him.
Dad was a good man. He always tried to do things right. I remember when some of us were out in the parking lot of the hospital right after he died, I told my uncle I wished I had told Dad to tell my mom hello. He said that by the time Dad got to do that, I would be up there myself. He meant that time is very short and even if I lived another 50 years, it would just be a very short time.Your time is short too.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Are you ready to go?
Dad was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and was a POW in Germany for more than a year. He also received a Purple Heart for being shot in the leg. He owned and operated Vern's Alignment Service until his retirement. His favorite pastime was fishing.
Dad's funeral service was on March 28, 1998, and he was buried at Mountain View Cemetery.
Dad was a wonderful provider. He was faithful to his wife and his family. He trusted Christ as his Savior when I was in 5th grade. He attended church after his salvation for a short time and for awhile sometime later. He read his Bible quite a bit and was faithful to tithe. My aunt made the comment that he talked a lot about Heaven and knowing the Lord after my mother passed away.
I didn't know he had a sense of humor until I was an adult, probably because I didn't understand it.As a mechanic with his own business for many years, Dad was scrupulously honest and fair. One time a man drove his own car up on the car rack so Dad could look under the car. Well, the man didn't have permission and ended up driving his car off the rack. My dad went ahead and fixed the damage for him.
Dad was a great fisherman for many years. Mostly he fished up and down the Arkansas River. He didn't really like to eat trout, so he ended up releasing them or giving them away to pleased strangers or friends.
When my mother passed away in December, three months before Dad did, it was a difficult time for him. The family, two caregivers and a friend stayed with him around the clock. I think at the beginning of that time he probably could have taken care of himself, but I think he didn't want to be alone in the house.
Just before Christmas that year, Dad went into the hospital to have a hernia corrected. At that time he was found to have lung cancer. He told me he wished he had stopped smoking sooner.On Sunday, 03/22/98, while my sister was staying with my dad, he told her to call an ambulance because something was very wrong. He was taken to the hospital that afternoon. Very quickly he lost many of his abilities until by Tuesday he was in a coma. He passed away that evening while several family members were there with him.
Dad was a good man. He always tried to do things right. I remember when some of us were out in the parking lot of the hospital right after he died, I told my uncle I wished I had told Dad to tell my mom hello. He said that by the time Dad got to do that, I would be up there myself. He meant that time is very short and even if I lived another 50 years, it would just be a very short time.Your time is short too.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Are you ready to go?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
13 Thursday Dr. Seuss Quotes
1."Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
2.“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
3.“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
4. “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”
5.“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
6.“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
7.“I meant what I said and I said what I meant.”
8.“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
9.“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
10.“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”
11.“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.”
12.“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”
13.“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!”
2.“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
3.“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
4. “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”
5.“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
6.“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
7.“I meant what I said and I said what I meant.”
8.“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
9.“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
10.“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”
11.“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.”
12.“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”
13.“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!”
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Things I'd Like to Do
Go hang gliding.
Go surfing.
Be a foster parent.
Write a book (this one is at least a possibility).
Go to both family reunions this summer (maybe).
Go on an Alaskan cruise.
Go up north to see the rock presidents (I really think I'll do this one).
Lose lots of weight.
Go camping in the mountains again.
But a new house.
Remember everything I want to.
Make two skirts with material I already bought (I hope to do this one).
Read all of the classics.
Get my garage cleaned out.
Go to Santa Fe.
Make my husband obey better (this one ain't gonna happen).
Ride a train again.
Be able to give away lots of money to missions, friends, church.
Go surfing.
Be a foster parent.
Write a book (this one is at least a possibility).
Go to both family reunions this summer (maybe).
Go on an Alaskan cruise.
Go up north to see the rock presidents (I really think I'll do this one).
Lose lots of weight.
Go camping in the mountains again.
But a new house.
Remember everything I want to.
Make two skirts with material I already bought (I hope to do this one).
Read all of the classics.
Get my garage cleaned out.
Go to Santa Fe.
Make my husband obey better (this one ain't gonna happen).
Ride a train again.
Be able to give away lots of money to missions, friends, church.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Exciting Times!
If you've been reading my daughter's blog, you know that she is applying to go teach at a Christian school in China. She's so excited. And I'm pretty excited. Last night she called to say that she got a telephone call from China--from the principal of one of the Christian schools there. She wanted to share the joy with me, which was a wonderful thing. The only problem was that it was 9:00pm and I had had a long day (at work at 6:00am, came home and taught a piano lesson, went to church and taught a children's class, and got home about 8:30pm), so I'm afraid I was a little blah. Then she was disappointed that I wasn't more excited.
So I put on my excitement voice and shook my hands to indicate my excitement, which made her happy. Then I had to tell her that it was put on a little bit. She said she would wait till today and tell one of her friends and that she would be excited for her (even if I wasn't). I told her to call me this morning too and I would be more excited, but she said it was too late for me to show excitement. Maybe next time I'll be really really excited!
In a side note, when I started shaking my hands in excitement, my dog Riley who was sitting beside me turned to look at my hands to see what was going on. Apparently I was showing too much excitement for him!
Exciting times thinking about China and going to China and changing everything. I think God has been preparing Jen to do this for a very long time.
So I put on my excitement voice and shook my hands to indicate my excitement, which made her happy. Then I had to tell her that it was put on a little bit. She said she would wait till today and tell one of her friends and that she would be excited for her (even if I wasn't). I told her to call me this morning too and I would be more excited, but she said it was too late for me to show excitement. Maybe next time I'll be really really excited!
In a side note, when I started shaking my hands in excitement, my dog Riley who was sitting beside me turned to look at my hands to see what was going on. Apparently I was showing too much excitement for him!
Exciting times thinking about China and going to China and changing everything. I think God has been preparing Jen to do this for a very long time.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
13 Thursday Puns--Very Sad
What happened when the cow tried to jump over a barbed wire fence? Udder destruction.
When I was in the supermarket I saw a man and a woman wrapped in a barcode. I asked, "Are you two an item?"
What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fish.
I used to be a transplant surgeon, but my heart just wasn't in it.
I used to be a train driver but I got sidetracked.
I used to be a tailor, but found the work to be just so-so.
I tried working in a bakery, but was told I wasn't "bread" for it.
What musical is about a train conductor? "My Fare, Lady"
Old printers never die, they're just not the type.
What do you call a baby monkey? A chimp off the old block
Old cooks never die, they just get deranged.
What did the chimpanzee say when his sister had a baby? Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.
A termite walks into a bar and says, "Is the bar tender here?"
When I was in the supermarket I saw a man and a woman wrapped in a barcode. I asked, "Are you two an item?"
What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fish.
I used to be a transplant surgeon, but my heart just wasn't in it.
I used to be a train driver but I got sidetracked.
I used to be a tailor, but found the work to be just so-so.
I tried working in a bakery, but was told I wasn't "bread" for it.
What musical is about a train conductor? "My Fare, Lady"
Old printers never die, they're just not the type.
What do you call a baby monkey? A chimp off the old block
Old cooks never die, they just get deranged.
What did the chimpanzee say when his sister had a baby? Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.
A termite walks into a bar and says, "Is the bar tender here?"
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What Makes the World Go Round?
I have several ideas on what makes the world go round.
Of course it is truly God who makes the world go round. Hebrews 11: 3 says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." I love that verse. It settles Creation.
But on a more frivolous note, there are some other things that I believe make the world go round. According to the song, it is LOVE that makes the world go round. I guess I believe this to a certain extent, but there are many people and cultures that don't have much love. So it must be other things that make their world go round.
I also believe that BILLS make the world go round. I pay bills; therefore I am. If there are no bills to pay, we probably don't own a house or pay rent; we don't have utilities; we don't have a car or put gas in a car; we don't go to the doctor or vet; we don't buy gifts; etc, etc, etc.
Since I've been working at the Sheriff's Office, I've come to believe that CRIME makes the world go round. It lets many people know they really do exist either because they've had things stolen or damaged, or they've been harmed, graffitied, or scammed, or they just read the newspapers or listen to the news about these things. Or the big OR is that maybe they commit these crimes. Maybe a crop of drugs grown in Brazil is gathered and sold to a middleman and to another middleman, and then put on a boat and sold to an American dealer who sells it to many other American dealers who sell it to our children and druggies, which ruins their lives and the lives of their families. This one isn't really very funny or frivolous.
But my last idea of what makes the world go round is SEEDS. Apple seeds, tomato seed, cucumber seeds, weed seeds, human seeds, tree seeds, and many, many more. Without seeds human lives would come to an end. I'm so glad God planned the seeds along with the completed fruit, veggies, etc.
And maybe God spun the world like a top several thousand years ago, and it's still spinning. And that's why the world goes round.
Of course it is truly God who makes the world go round. Hebrews 11: 3 says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." I love that verse. It settles Creation.
But on a more frivolous note, there are some other things that I believe make the world go round. According to the song, it is LOVE that makes the world go round. I guess I believe this to a certain extent, but there are many people and cultures that don't have much love. So it must be other things that make their world go round.
I also believe that BILLS make the world go round. I pay bills; therefore I am. If there are no bills to pay, we probably don't own a house or pay rent; we don't have utilities; we don't have a car or put gas in a car; we don't go to the doctor or vet; we don't buy gifts; etc, etc, etc.
Since I've been working at the Sheriff's Office, I've come to believe that CRIME makes the world go round. It lets many people know they really do exist either because they've had things stolen or damaged, or they've been harmed, graffitied, or scammed, or they just read the newspapers or listen to the news about these things. Or the big OR is that maybe they commit these crimes. Maybe a crop of drugs grown in Brazil is gathered and sold to a middleman and to another middleman, and then put on a boat and sold to an American dealer who sells it to many other American dealers who sell it to our children and druggies, which ruins their lives and the lives of their families. This one isn't really very funny or frivolous.
But my last idea of what makes the world go round is SEEDS. Apple seeds, tomato seed, cucumber seeds, weed seeds, human seeds, tree seeds, and many, many more. Without seeds human lives would come to an end. I'm so glad God planned the seeds along with the completed fruit, veggies, etc.
And maybe God spun the world like a top several thousand years ago, and it's still spinning. And that's why the world goes round.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pastor Shot
I didn't see the news last night, so I didn't hear about the shooting of the Baptist pastor during church service until just a few minutes ago. My husband and I have been in the ministry for over 30 years. This event doesn't strike fear in my heart but it does strike a deep note of sorrow. Humanly speaking, this seems like a terrible waste and an awful hardship for his family and church.
But God sees all pictures and all sides, and He makes no mistakes. His Word says precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May God give this pastor's family and friends the comfort only He can give.
But God sees all pictures and all sides, and He makes no mistakes. His Word says precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May God give this pastor's family and friends the comfort only He can give.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Laughter
There are two women who work in the department next to mine. That dept and mine are only separated by a wall about 5 and 1/2 feet tall, so we can hear a lot of what goes on over there. Those two girls (both under 35 yoa) often laugh many times everyday. I can't always hear what they are laughing at, but their laughter is very contagious and fun to listen to.
I often wish I could laugh that much. The problem is, I don't laugh out loud very often. I smile a lot and I laugh under my breath some. I enjoy a good joke or pun. I make silly comments and puns. It's all good times. But I don't laugh very much.
Here in the Sheriff's Office I hear men laugh quite a bit, especially the men in the Criminal Impact Unit. They laugh a lot. I really like to hear their laughter. Maybe they are laughing at criminals (criminals can be quite funny, you know).
For me, I find that men's laughter is more enjoyable to listen to than women's. Their laughter makes me happy. Sometimes women have high-pitched laughter that can grate on me. Sometime they make sounds like witch cackles or coyotes, but nevertheless I enjoy the laughing.
Have I told you that when Jen and I used to work together on her algebra at the kitchen table, sometimes we got to laughing and we would laugh on different pitches but in the same rhythm? It was like laughing a duet. And then that would make us laugh more. Good times.
So today, let's try to find something funny enough to make us laugh out loud. It activates the immune system and decreases the stress hormone.
I often wish I could laugh that much. The problem is, I don't laugh out loud very often. I smile a lot and I laugh under my breath some. I enjoy a good joke or pun. I make silly comments and puns. It's all good times. But I don't laugh very much.
Here in the Sheriff's Office I hear men laugh quite a bit, especially the men in the Criminal Impact Unit. They laugh a lot. I really like to hear their laughter. Maybe they are laughing at criminals (criminals can be quite funny, you know).
For me, I find that men's laughter is more enjoyable to listen to than women's. Their laughter makes me happy. Sometimes women have high-pitched laughter that can grate on me. Sometime they make sounds like witch cackles or coyotes, but nevertheless I enjoy the laughing.
Have I told you that when Jen and I used to work together on her algebra at the kitchen table, sometimes we got to laughing and we would laugh on different pitches but in the same rhythm? It was like laughing a duet. And then that would make us laugh more. Good times.
So today, let's try to find something funny enough to make us laugh out loud. It activates the immune system and decreases the stress hormone.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Obituary of a Friend
This obituary came from the London Times.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
..........Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
..........Why the early bird gets the worm;
..........Life isn't always fair;
..........And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourselves from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled some in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.He is survived by his four stepbrothers:
.........I Know My Rights;
.........I Want It Now;
.........Someone Else Is To Blame;
.........I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
..........Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
..........Why the early bird gets the worm;
..........Life isn't always fair;
..........And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourselves from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled some in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.He is survived by his four stepbrothers:
.........I Know My Rights;
.........I Want It Now;
.........Someone Else Is To Blame;
.........I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This is a great recipe that I have used a few times. It's good for a potluck or at home.
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
4 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 cup butter/margarine, melted
1 cup white sugar
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (6 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 (16 ounce) package frozen strawberries
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the pretzels, 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9X13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool completely.
2. In a medium bowl beat the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water. Mix in frozen strawberries, and stir until thawed. Pour over cream cheese mixture in pan. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least one hour.
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
4 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 cup butter/margarine, melted
1 cup white sugar
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (6 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 (16 ounce) package frozen strawberries
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the pretzels, 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9X13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool completely.
2. In a medium bowl beat the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water. Mix in frozen strawberries, and stir until thawed. Pour over cream cheese mixture in pan. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least one hour.
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