tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9338843856333748922024-03-05T16:50:35.211-05:00BolingersCottageMike and Lynne's journey through a tough trialmorgan younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00156150303596246975noreply@blogger.comBlogger514125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-36243216473950487222016-06-07T10:59:00.000-04:002016-06-07T10:59:28.407-04:00Ghosts' Whispers on my Wedding Anniversary<div class="MsoNormal">
A simple thing, really. I swapped out the wind chime that
hangs outside under the pergola. Weather and time had damaged it so it did not
chime, kind of a big defect for the WIND CHIME. But as I tossed the old one
away, there went another ghost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Theologically,
I don’t believe in ghosts. Except the Holy Ghost whose promise to never leave
remains true. But there are ‘ghosts’…memories and sounds that provoke memories,
and smells and sights and even touches that remind me of who is no longer here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
approaching the 3<sup>rd</sup> anniversary of Mike’s passing and he is present
at the lake cottage that we shared for so many years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In all
sorts of tangible ways, he is here. I’m sitting at a desk that he made for me,
the first in so many projects. When we believed that he would have less than a
year, he was determined to build me a desk. He did. Then the custom chair, just
a little higher for this long-legged lady.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But then
came more time and, for a while, less pain so the furniture building continued.
Everywhere I look in my little cottage, I see his handy work and I recall how I
stood and sat in witness to construction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve added
a few touches like that pergola, replaced some furniture, and repainted. The
place is different than it was a few years ago but it will always be “our”
place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Those
ghosts pop up regularly while I’m back in Indiana. Just yesterday I had reason
to drive north through Leesburg and suddenly, glancing to the right, I spied
the brick road that winds through town leading to Patona Bay boat yard on the
shore of Lake Tippi. How many times had we driven there? To haul the boat with
broken motor to a mechanic; to pick up the boat; to store the boat; sometimes
to dream of replacing the boat. I had ridden shotgun in the truck but never
really enjoyed the place. It was a necessary drag on our lake time. This day, I
looked down the bricks as far as the turn, and yes, I wished I were making that
boring trip again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We had and
I have many friends here. They are all so cordial and welcoming even as they
are a part of US rather than ME. Not their fault. Most of our friends live here
so my summer invasion is taken in stride. They don’t stop their lives nor
should they. I have to push into their gatherings where I’m always welcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last week I
finally took Mike’s name off the utility bills. When I began paying those bills
as a solo I found that we had not put my name on our
heat/cool/water/electricity history. At the time, various agencies wanted steep
payments to alter this so I opted out. Apparently times have changed and now
it’s simple. And now I realize none of my bills will bear his name. Another
ghost gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From time
to time, I reflect on how much my life has changed but I try not to dwell on
how it would be different if he were here. Because he’s not. 3 years ago, I was
a wife and partner, a teacher with a closet of necessary professional clothes,
a homeowner times two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus my name was
on several vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(although NOT on
utility bills) That’s all changed. Except for a few dress up things, my wardrobe
is all jeans and tops and let’s just say that my makeup routine is simplified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year
Mike’s dog Ivy…she was HIS dog, no question…developed old age illness and we
had to put her to sleep. Her ashes rest in an oak box on top of a Mike-built cabinet,
awaiting a more formal burial at the place this family plants its deceased
pets. It was time for Ivy but she represented a tangible tie to my guy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
surviving but there are times I long for that face, those arms, that laugh,
even that grimace. I have no cheerleader for my little victories. I have no
marker for my little failures. Then when I realize that I’m missing the
touchstone, I chide myself about how pathetic that is. Really Lynne?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We had worked
together to help me navigate some potential widow challenges but we could not
anticipate everything. This last year saw me clicking off 65 years (HE remains
forever 61) and that meant signing up for Medicare. I’ve had that piece of
information in the back of my head for several decades: I can continue on the
school’s health plan until 65 but as that was a simple take-it-from-my-check, I
really didn’t give it much mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When Mike
died, I had to sign some papers and so forth at the Kokomo social security
office. I remember walking in there and after being greeted by name by the
security guy, some nice woman took me by the hand and led me to a desk and
helped helped helped me. Everybody in the branch was all smiley and nice. I
think Mike had done most of their divorces and like so many of his clients,
they loved him a lot so helping me was a way to express it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ah, but the
move to Texas meant I would navigate it from there, in the big city full of
people who don’t know me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I knew that
date was looming so last summer, a full 6 months before this needed to be done,
I started the process. I did that apparently by tossing out a very important
piece of paper that had a ‘card’ implanted in it. When I realized that I needed
that card, I tried to get another one. “Use the website,” they tell you. I tried.
Apparently on that card was a letter and I needed that letter. I tried “A” “B”
and “C” before the website tossed me out. And wouldn’t let me back in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So then I
called, wandering through many menus and not-too-great computer music. When I
got a human, she typed in some items and said they (this would be the federal
government) had no record of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the same
time, I kept getting all sorts of official-looking mail warning me of the date,
the date when this all must be completed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(These turned out to be advertisements for
various supplement insurance but they did not look like ads; they looked like
government documents.) And frustrating, when I would seek help, someone would
hand me a big booklet. “All your questions are answered in there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ah ha! I called
the people who were on that help list Mike had collected. Alas, and this is no
criticism of them, I got everything from “I have no idea,” to “sorry I know
nothing about this.” At which point, I sunk into a metaphoric puddle on the
floor and looked up for someone to help me/do it for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alas,
again, there was no one around so what do you do? Suck it up Buttercup. I shook
out my skirts, smoothed my hair and handled it. It wasn’t easy…they keep
telling you it’s SO easy…and it caused me more stress than I had experienced in
the last few years, but I got it done. And then, where’s my attaboy? Huh. I
guess it’s here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have not
been asked when the pain of losing someone goes away. I think that until it’s
your reality, it doesn’t matter. Friends want you to feel better but it’s not
their job to move it along. In my case, I have a hole, a large hole, which has
healed around the edges. It’s scarred and not so noticeable but it will never
fill in. And that’s my reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
guessing that’s a reality for many others who have buried spouses. We belong to
a club and we don’t meet very often but we share this sadness, this longing,
tucked in to memories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mike and I
shared 43 years together from the day we met. If I dug hard through memory banks,
I could recall times that were not so great. Such is life. But the great gift
of God to me is the gauzing out of anything less than wonderful. I spent much
of my marriage cherished by my special friend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
blessed beyond my ability to express it. I have friends and family who love me
and I love them. I have plenty to do and interesting places to be. I am now
part of a great church family in San Antonio and so have adult friends there. I
am still part of two great churches up north who welcome me warmly. I have some
time to reflect, volunteer, socialize, read and learn. My life is rich.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBejre0W-c8F2gg-dngs-3D277zBupsZZ49IJAQHL75zXZQ77mQKiGnvGE53rloLRvLxjst3H5r7put7s6vkgUAjGJI3A4Yg4TijRVQy9CEscXgPD6f780o91EZXGGuCzxcvKCW_SMINU/s1600/IMAG0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBejre0W-c8F2gg-dngs-3D277zBupsZZ49IJAQHL75zXZQ77mQKiGnvGE53rloLRvLxjst3H5r7put7s6vkgUAjGJI3A4Yg4TijRVQy9CEscXgPD6f780o91EZXGGuCzxcvKCW_SMINU/s320/IMAG0747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But that
hole. Those ghosts. Also a part of this life. Sometime, tears for no reason.
Often unbounded joy at the simple wonders of this life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And on I go.<o:p></o:p></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-71573355852347053722016-01-21T10:53:00.000-05:002016-01-21T10:53:10.407-05:00Job Seeker<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Recently I
was standing in the office at a favorite elementary school when I overheard the
principal. Her voice retained that calm, in-charge air as she mentioned that
Mrs. Someone had just called in sick; she needed someone to fill in until a sub
arrived.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Helpful
School Person is in my bones so I asked if they just needed a warm body. They
know that I am a retired teacher. I had dropped by to volunteer in a dynamic 4<sup>th</sup>
grade classroom but could easily stop into a different location.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you a
registered substitute?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, no.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, I wish
you were (She’s a former English teacher, I’m sure.) We can only use you if you
are on the official list.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hmmmm.
Well, that’s too bad. I believe the principal spent part of her very busy
morning filling in at that room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then
thought I: why not get on the official list? I have one day a week when I come
here and help out. I could actually substitute. They say they are always short
on subs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I made
one of my typical, lightening quick decisions. “I’ll do it!” They sent me to
the administration building to pick up an application. And with that goal in
sight, had I known all hoops that lay ahead, would I have proceeded? I mean, I
AM retired. I really don’t need to fill my day with --- you’ll excuse the
expression ---work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was
unprepared for today’s job application process, much more complicated than when
I applied in 1973 to the job from which I retired 40 years later. I also
believe that the state of Texas layers on a few extra steps because, well, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just because.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here’s the
thing: I have never really had to deal with much in the way of bureaucracy. Things
were simpler in the past. I know they were.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I attended
Wheaton College, a small liberal arts school in suburban Chicago. Whatever
complications one might face in a larger institution were all handled by a
lovely woman named<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>M. Loving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She was the
bursar; she was the registrar. It was to her window you came to pay your bill,
take money out of your college bank account, complain about your dorm, just
about everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I didn’t
think much about this as it was all I knew. Years later when I was earning
advanced credits at Ball State, I was amazed that there was an entire hallway
with many many offices for folks doing what M Loving did at Wheaton.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When Kokomo
Schools hired me, there was little in the way of orientation. You needed to
know which color passes were for what drama. You needed to know who to call for
a few, a very few, items. Mainly, they handed me some books and pointed me to a
room which, by the way, was far removed from the rest of the English
department. I dug in, in my little basement cave across the hall from boilers
and a science classroom. Occasionally someone would pop in to see how I was
doing, as in they asked me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eventually,
I began to learn the craft and the art. If any readers were with me in the Miss
Hayes days, you were my guinea pigs. Such was education in the early 70’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first 5
years were a blur for me, with getting married, getting my MA, moving twice and
teaching new classes. And then things settled down. I vaguely remember that for
several years, I did pretty much the same thing each year. Ah but changes were
afoot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not only
did legislatures begin tinkering with curriculum. Indiana and the Federal government
began passing laws that they thought made school better. Don’t know. But at my
school, rather than tasking us with laborious explanations, we would get a
little note informing us to now DO something or STOP DOING something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
example, like all teachers, I had a personal stash of Tylenol and cough drops
in my desk. If a student asked, of course I could hand over a pill or two. I
mean, had they been guests in my home and needed some headache medicine, I
would give it to them. But no. We were to stop doing this. I remember the note:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Attention. You are not a trained medical
professional. Only a trained medical professional may administer medications</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ok. Filed
that one away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please remember that you are not to be
alone in your classroom with a student unless your door is open all the way. A
better choice is to talk to student in the hallway.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Hmmmm. As I sometimes WOULD talk
to a student alone in my room, I asked for an explanation. I was so blissfully
naïve. It took some time for me to recover from what they thought they were
protecting me from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There were
others. I would take note and either stop doing something or start doing
something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later in
the career educational specialists paraded through, each with his personal book
and his personal method for Finally Fixing Education. Some administrator bought
those books for each of us and we would spend at least a day listening to the
latest fix; then we would incorporate until the next guy showed up. When I
retired, by the way, I had 15 such books. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being out
of the job market for a few years, I found quite a few requirements I had to
meet if I wanted to be a sub.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First, of
course, the only way to apply is “on line.” There is no hard copy option. This
was a multi-paged document where I got to relive my work life with addresses
and phone numbers and such. I needed non-related folks to speak for me so I had
to pursue that. I needed their addresses and numbers and such.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(Couldn’t I
just show you my ancient, lifetime license? Nope) (And anyway, it’s from
Indiana, not Texas. Don’t mess with Texas!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sad to say,
remembering that I am not all that young, it took a lot to get this finished
and sent to the correct person. Let’s just say, THAT wasn’t obvious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was
greeted with a cheery email telling me that I must come to an orientation
session (date time) and that this was a requirement. Well, that’s great. I
would expect it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But here’s
how things have really changed in 40 years (!!) I sat through 10 sessions of on-line
training. Each session lasted at least 30 minutes, had multiple sections and
ended with a test. I had to score at least 85% on each test. If I did not, not
only did someone see that I was a dolt, I would need to log into the special
remedial area to get remediated and then return to the session.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My. Really?
Yes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So, over the Christmas holidays, I
plowed through lessons on<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bullying, drug awareness, sexual harassment, privacy of
student records, and the handling of pathogens. First session, I was not paying
close attention (!) and scored 85% on the test. The old school thing never dies
so after that I took notes and aced the rest. Ta Da.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At my
previous position we’d get handouts and notes but nothing this elaborate. Early
in the blood born pathogen saga, I remember that teachers were expected to
clean up various spills in their rooms. They handed out kits. No longer. We
call in the HAZMAT-suited custodians. Got it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before
student privacy laws, if I wanted to dig into a student’s records all I had to
do was sign a sheet of paper, walk into the vault and have at it. No longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The third
requirement is a background check that includes getting fingerprinted. Here’s where
the adventure REALLY took off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
potential employers, after noting my quasi-stellar performance on the various
tests, assigned a 13-digit number to me. Using this, I logged into a special
site to schedule my fingerprinting appointment. I also needed the 13-digit number
that identified the school system plus another, this one only 10, that
identified the job I sought. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once the
site admitted me, I got to tell them all about myself --- weight, height,
mother’s maiden name, current and past addresses. Then I was to schedule an
appointment at a state approved fingerprinting site. Check.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I found one
in a city that I thought was nearby and clicked a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok. Ready. Except I didn’t notice this tiny
little box way down past lots of info that asked me if I wanted to reconsider
sending in all this hot information to the State of Texas. As I did NOT click
Yes or No, the site kicked me to the curb. However, it did not let me know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QsCAD2Z45uLc_lJhMwBmPh3C5on3HjTKWlCOaZqcvLY8ID1Ro0fr-3gBeIbPmuudBJehzaIPnb1bpfU2IBt-0bh0sA-7LDYVS2Tq4h-QwENzGmgJzfmcKwnZ4CVAaD-rQ26G04UFXC4/s1600/IMG_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QsCAD2Z45uLc_lJhMwBmPh3C5on3HjTKWlCOaZqcvLY8ID1Ro0fr-3gBeIbPmuudBJehzaIPnb1bpfU2IBt-0bh0sA-7LDYVS2Tq4h-QwENzGmgJzfmcKwnZ4CVAaD-rQ26G04UFXC4/s200/IMG_2081.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Google
Earth helped me locate the address. It was way out in the country at a blank
intersection of several fields. No building, not even a trailer. Huh. With
faith in Ms. Garman, I drove out there, through fields reminiscent of Indiana
after harvest. Blank, flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the exact
site, a hand-painted sign direct me to turn right and follow the flags that
lined the dirt road., which ended at a shooting range/fingerprint center. Amid
exploding clay pigeons, I exited the car and walked into the double wide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkChjxN_n-Cw125mrnvi9pGMhrmMf6cPXpDuVBAY_Zb2Y3R15WZmwENyE3dM0VFdonharnxzdOC9o06XHUVpZLyXGVzxvGN5vuhO9SeqUyTazwKcW6Opp1kQsrJWsDiErl2RCwSL2bE-0/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkChjxN_n-Cw125mrnvi9pGMhrmMf6cPXpDuVBAY_Zb2Y3R15WZmwENyE3dM0VFdonharnxzdOC9o06XHUVpZLyXGVzxvGN5vuhO9SeqUyTazwKcW6Opp1kQsrJWsDiErl2RCwSL2bE-0/s200/IMG_2082.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Upon
several discussions, I found that in the State of Texas, fingerprinting and, I
guess, background checks, are handled in the same places you buy guns and learn
to shoot guns. And most of these places are out in the boonies so your rowdy target
practice only startles horses and steers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that I was NOT in the system and would
have to reschedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But not today,”
said the official State of Texas Fingerprint Lady.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Frustrated.
Eye rolling for sure. Reminding myself that all I wanted to do was help out.
But I had come so far. I was determined to see this through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On line, I re-entered the registration site
and to my slight enjoyment, I saw that those multiple number log-ins were still
there. Then I noted that tiny little space that I had missed before. Couldn’t
they make it BIGGER? RED? FLASHING? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rescheduled
a week later, I made it out to the site again, got my fingerprints printed and
my checkmarks checked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No big
surprise, I have passed my background check. Next up is the mandatory
orientation for this school and I will be able to substitute.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
recorded that 1) I am retired and 2) blissfully unconnected with the hard work
that teaching is, so this may be a short career.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-62192391311792610752015-12-29T16:54:00.000-05:002015-12-29T19:06:58.125-05:00Into the New YearWelcome back to the cottage, my friends.<br />
<br />
I am closing in on completing a New Year's resolution that I began January 1. Assuming I continue (2 more days!!), I will have read through the entire Bible in this year. (This is the second time in my 65 years that I will have kept a NY resolution)(Assuming I continue).<br />
<br />
It began about this time last year when I clicked the YouVersion Bible app on my phone and pursued the various studies that they make available. There are numerous "read through the Bible" choices and I was drawn to the RED one -- Bible In One Year (BIOY), offered by a bloke named Nikki, a Brit and a founder of something called Alpha. He and his wife Pippa offer commentary throughout the daily reads.<br />
<br />
At midnight each day (that would be -- what? -- 6 AM there?) they shoot me the next day's selections. Each day arrived in three parts: something from the Wisdom books (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon); a portion New Testament (these came in order); and then the ponderous and much longer selections from the Old Testament. Each daily assignment required about 15 minutes of reading.<br />
<br />
These come to my BIOY app and also to my email. I had a few days when the app wasn't working. This was about half way through the year. I panicked a tiny bit as I was invested; and then realized I could retrieve somewhere else.<br />
<br />
The closest I'll ever come to a marathon, the journey has not always been joyful. Having sat in various church settings during my 65 years on this planet, I found myself running into the familiar, the heard about and the "I never read this is in my life." Boy, did those Old Testament sons of Israel keep copious, detailed records of which of the twelve sons got what and what His sons got and what His sons' sons got. Then, so often, they displeased the Deity, lost it all, suffered tremendously, and were restored eventually.<br />
<br />
As my countdown got to 30 days, I began to doubt that Nikki and Pippa would deliver. I sat with my Bible (hard copy) opened to the Table of Contents, looked at what I still had to cover and worried that there was no way we'd get to completion. But here we are, 2 days to go and we're at the end of Revelation and among those little minor prophesy books so we're good.<br />
<br />
Sometime during this year, a friend/pastor spoke on <b>Trusting God</b>. He said something about how we trust the stranger in that large moving metal machine next to us but struggle with trusting Our Father, who knows us and loves us. I remember registering that I was trusting two of the Queen's countrymen without ever meeting them. But they came through.<br />
<br />
A few revelations of my own: I don't remember reading <b>Lamentations</b>. I know that I did because Nikki and Pippa took me through it; I will probably take some time on New Year's Eve and read it (huh: REREAD it). As for Revelation. My Sunday School class studied it; a Wednesday Bible Study read through it. And Nikki and I have read it together. Triple Crown. There's still so much that I don't get but I know where to go to learn.<br />
<br />
I found myself smiling at some of those familiar stories from early Sunday School. Of COURSE, I knew the story of Samson and Delilah.(Judges 16) Samson was one of the judges that God placed over Israel before they insisted on a king. Then, of course, there was the Cecil B. DeMille treatment, starring that 40's hottie, Victor Mature, and Hedy (not "Hedley") LaMarr.<br />
<br />
Samson was a man of great strength but, ah, he had a fatal weakness. He was blinded, literally, but long after he was 'blinded' by the temptress who sold him out. She asked him to tell her the secret of his strength and when he finally did, she turned him over to the Philistines who poked out his eyes and put him to work at the grindstone.<br />
<br />
Ah the weakness of men! Ah the treachery of women. But in 2015, reading this with adult eyes, I noted that Delilah asked him four times to tell her wherein his strength lay.<br />
<br />
Here, I'm not going back to be accurate. You want accurate, YOU go to Judges 16.<br />
<br />
Let's say that Samson says, "Wrap those palm leaves around my arms and my strength will be gone." and then Samson takes a snooze, Delilah wraps away and then wakes him up. He snaps the leaves and, well yeah, he still has his strength.<br />
<br />
So she asks him again and again he takes a snooze and again awakens to her trap that does not work.<br />
<br />
I discovered THIS year that she asked him four times. FOUR times. I can imagine that the first time, he might have thought that is was just a coincidence that he told her palm leaves, she used palm leaves and then got ticked off that he lied to her.<br />
<br />
But surely, the second time he told her (tie my wrists with 6 gauge hemp and make a bow), and she tied his wrists with the hemp and finished it off with a bow, and he woke up and it hadn't worked, surely the dawn would hit him and he'd figure it out that she was trying to destroy him. But no. NO. Four times. FOUR times. What a dope.<br />
<br />
I read it around midnight and shook my head in bed.<br />
<br />
Enough of the resolution. I'm noodling on what I shall try in the new year After Lamentations. Again.<br />
<br />
I guess I live in Texas more than I live at the cottage these days. As a Midwestern transplant, I view my current locale with a squint sometimes. I've driving in 8 or so large cities and I vote for San Antonio as having the craziest drivers. I shake my head a lot, stay in the right lane and let them honk away.<br />
<br />
It is my privilege and joy to spend much of my time with 3 exceptional children; it keeps me busy and washes me with joy.<br />
<br />
I found a great church, a great Bible study group, and now have adult friends who are not my blood relations. And thanks to Facebook, I enjoy the connection to life-long pals.<br />
<br />
Way back in Kokomo, Indiana, a new YMCA is almost ready to open. I have been invited to the ribbon cutting and hope to pop up there for a long weekend. My dear was a regular at the Y, especially in the pool. I'm honored they want me to represent him.<br />
<br />
Also, my blogging fell off sharply for a while. Into the new year, I plan to visit back here regularly. God taught me a lot during Mike's illness and for a while, it seemed like the blog was complete. However here I am learning to be a whole person by myself and must, MUST, get back to regular writing.<br />
<br />
So, I hope you'll drop by. Happy New Year, y'all.BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-51874069910288355762015-08-25T16:47:00.002-04:002015-08-25T16:47:27.676-04:00Fly Free Faithful Friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone broke her hip before she came into our
lives. And someone had hurt her. Hurt her bad. It took a year before she would
accept pats. She never squatted right as she favored one leg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She came to us as a trade. She had nipped at a baby
who probably got too close to that hip. We traded a docile golden retriever and
this little piece to spunk entered our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because one of us was a dog person and one of us was
the maintenance, Ivy soon became Mike’s best girl and from that day on, she
lived a golden life. She took priority seating at any guitar concert. She got
the best pillows on the bed. She sat with doleful eyes at the side of the
master when it was dinner time. He would not resist her pleading eyes. On
occasion, the cook received instructions about the level of seasoning: Ivy
doesn’t like that. Ivy prefers more of that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At an infamous veterinarian appointment, when Dr.
Bob offered a treat, she snatched it away, not really biting but using certainly
teeth to get at the goodie. Dr. drew back and sniffed. “Typical of dogs who get
fed from a fork,” he said to non-Mike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ah, but is any pet, any fury family member, typical?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mike loved her: she sat next to him on the seat of
his truck. In later years, she was a common sight wherever he would go. Dairy
Queen and Wendy’s recognized them in the drive through and would get her goodie
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaIVjfDAhlRtRaFliE1zNAA07nNkoqm2Q9CnqRDk-M6DMV_j6NUD952ivW68BO52dCVIHVTj0YRCLmvnxavhNqcLMwlIRQ77LzDmTqC3k-E66ikCQ5etU7Zl8WrYJEtqvFzJWBbX34bo/s1600/IVY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaIVjfDAhlRtRaFliE1zNAA07nNkoqm2Q9CnqRDk-M6DMV_j6NUD952ivW68BO52dCVIHVTj0YRCLmvnxavhNqcLMwlIRQ77LzDmTqC3k-E66ikCQ5etU7Zl8WrYJEtqvFzJWBbX34bo/s200/IVY.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She also learned the halls of Oakbrook Church,
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On a sunny day in June, 2013, she climbed up on the
bed and said goodbye to her guy. And since then, she had been my companion and
reminder of a sweet man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, if you believe as we do, she joins her guy
running free. Good girl, Ivy.</span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-52652530854131779642015-06-28T11:06:00.001-04:002015-06-28T11:06:20.281-04:00Faith grows faith<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t know when this dawns on others; I know that
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providence are all around me. I don’t have to work hard to see.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Right now via Facebook, I have evidence of
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how God uses social media to
connect His people to His other people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From my limited viewpoint, I often see just MY world
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lake. All is peaceful and right with the world. I laze in a white, over-sized
rocking chair and move it ever so slightly as to not generate any sweat. The
occasional truck rumbles through as it is construction season and my neighbors
continue on their titanic project. Really breath-taking.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having lived some life, I can rock back and view
God’s trajectory in the concerns and lives of so many.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a former problem fixer, how many times have I been
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work out? And then, how many times have I </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1) kept my opinion to myself and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2) experienced ANOTHER breath-taker as the Creator
of the Universe has stepped in and made His presence known? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not always does His solution make sense; not always
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unity. But if I am attentive, I can see His hand, sense His working, and then
rest in what He has taught me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s got
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t offer specifics here as so many of the needs
that my friends share are not public. I am honored when they trust me in their
prayer chain. Mike and I lived and experienced the power of the prayers of
God’s people. I love that they want me in on whatever challenge they face.
Praying for others always blesses the pray-er.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Right now, I am joined in prayer for 3 children who
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to the extent that I cannot pray for healing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know that God gifts us with knowledge and that God
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deeper than a sick child. So I must include prayers for those parents and
family, and for the medical caregivers. God can do. I pray that He will. I also
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For those outside of faith, this does not make sense
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this day when we have short attention spans and
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God knows</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and my own personal favorite</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fear Not.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen.</span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-40378966758929249102015-06-14T18:53:00.002-04:002015-06-14T18:53:18.685-04:00Running<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="songlyricsv14">
Two years ago, June 14, 2013, my dear gave up the fight,
took a last restful breath, and died. We had invited hospice into our lives 3 weeks
before this. </div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
The first week was heavenly: medicines that relieved
pain and gifted us with blessed, deep, restful sleep. The second week, those
drugs began to affect thinking and mood. By week 3, Mike lay sedated, no longer
moving, no longer communicating. It was the end. They thought he would linger a
day or two.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
But that turned into a long week. Dear friends came to
call and I had to turn them away: I had made a sacred promise to my love that I
would protect his last few days and although at that point, he had no vote, a
promise is a promise. Those few intimates that sat with me prayed for release.
Prayed again. And again.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
I found myself ministering to his needs, calling on some
sort of inner brain that functioned without thinking too much. And then it was
over.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
With what seemed like lightning speed, we executed our
funeral plans. Several close friends mentioned our speed…viewing in two days,
funeral in three. However, we had planned this out almost 5 years ago and most
of those arrangements worked.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
That day was full of memories: shortly after Mike’s
shell took the ride to the mortuary, I ran a few errands. On our local radio,
was this tune:</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You are good, You are good<br />
When there's nothing good in me<br />
You are love, You are love <br />
On display for all to see<br />
You are light, You are light <br />
When the darkness closes in<br />
You are hope, You are hope<br />
You have covered all my sin<br />
<br />
You are peace, You are peace<br />
When my fear is crippling<br />
You are true, You are true<br />
Even in my wandering<br />
You are joy, You are joy <br />
You're the reason that I sing<br />
You are life, You are life, <br />
In You death has lost its sting<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oh, I’m running to Your arms, <br />
I’m running to Your arms<br />
The riches of Your love<br />
Will always be enough<br />
Nothing compares to Your embrace<br />
Light of the world forever reign</b><br />
<br />
You are more, You are more<br />
Than my words will ever say<br />
You are Lord, You are Lord<br />
All creation will proclaim<br />
You are here, You are here<br />
In Your presence I'm made whole<br />
You are God, You are God<br />
Of all else I'm letting go<br />
<br />
Oh, I’m running to Your arms<br />
I’m running to Your arms<br />
The riches of Your love<br />
Will always be enough<br />
Nothing compares to Your embrace<br />
Light of the world forever reign<br />
<br />
My heart will sing <br />
no other Name<br />
Jesus, Jesus<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oh, I’m running to Your arms<br />
I’m running to Your arms<br />
The riches of Your love<br />
Will always be enough<br />
Nothing compares to Your embrace<br />
Light of the world forever reign</b></span></i></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
And because we know that Heaven exists and because we
know that Mike was now in residence, I could so easily see him, running,
RUNNING, into his Saviors arms.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
So today as I prepared for church and then the church
picnic in Winona Lake Park, I drove across town and this song came on again.</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
<br /></div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
At the end, he ran into the waiting arms of Jesus!</div>
<div class="songlyricsv14">
Yes, my love.</div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-16634637750240671612015-06-01T14:51:00.000-04:002015-06-01T14:51:07.062-04:00Settling in for the Summer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lovely things happen at the lake.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">donotknowwhatkindtheseare</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a neighbor connected genetically, I’m sure,
to the first lady who strolled in Eden. Where Connie walks, flowers spring up
around her feet. Many here are gifted in the floral arts but Connie tops them
all. How fortunate I am that (1) she loved Mike and (2) she loves me and (3)
she LOVE LOVES our little spot on the end of the island. She hired herself out
to mow my grass so when I arrived, it was nice and neat. And then she took it
upon herself to spread a little Connie magic to my otherwise sad flower boxes
so they are now smiling and I can enjoy her handiwork up close.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8es0en0GxQ4yx3YwL27udpNnCgmry0M6Rcr8Rfmw3_IlICkUN7oluB00AA1CZdpyZXUI3igF_uX3og-yts8DRjmpzO6n57BaGeKh6V4P3s7UXne2VuLNiRo9Gn2JurT3tCsl1W5iXFkg/s1600/bountyfromgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8es0en0GxQ4yx3YwL27udpNnCgmry0M6Rcr8Rfmw3_IlICkUN7oluB00AA1CZdpyZXUI3igF_uX3og-yts8DRjmpzO6n57BaGeKh6V4P3s7UXne2VuLNiRo9Gn2JurT3tCsl1W5iXFkg/s200/bountyfromgarden.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie also grows an eating garden so I know I will
enjoy tomatoes and green beans later in the summer. But what is THIS? A knock
on the door and there she is, smiling with a bowl of the first strawberries of the
season. They are (were) perfectly red and plump. My mouth got juiced.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next to that bowl is a jar of homemade jelly. Just
down the street, brother-in-law Jim’s bushes are blooming. This jelly is from
last season, with promises for more to come.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-Rjjkc67EMxOhclpEeDJYVePYmz0pKbPUwF06Qo7hfmpYlTvsHs4Ep6mun8PDlxOuAdKrdMDPcCI-J3rfPxqTCPoY453BvmXUvoqxYny0lbcq10MPvuGYzaFJusYRMxw1k3mBKMzxX0/s1600/honeycomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-Rjjkc67EMxOhclpEeDJYVePYmz0pKbPUwF06Qo7hfmpYlTvsHs4Ep6mun8PDlxOuAdKrdMDPcCI-J3rfPxqTCPoY453BvmXUvoqxYny0lbcq10MPvuGYzaFJusYRMxw1k3mBKMzxX0/s200/honeycomb.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jim’s beehives did not just survive the coldest
winter. They thrived. He told me that when he removed the hive lid <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(it has a real name), the bees poured out like
a waterfall. He’s getting ready to transfer some to a new home, but first, what
is THIS? Real honeycomb? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full, FULL of
honey?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes. Yum. For the uninformed,
honey comb can be (1) drained for its honey or (2) cut up and eaten full of
honey or (3) cut and placed in hot drinks or (4) did I mention, EATEN???</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, eating is good right now.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How quickly it goes from this to finished</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And outside my window, nephew Caleb is putting the
finishing touches on my new pergola. I had told him what I wanted. He wisely knew
I wanted more so he just built what I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soon --- tonight --- I will sit outside with my white wine and watch the
sun go down from my deck.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So life is lazy and fine right now. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My favorite
sight, however, does not involve edibles OR me --- down the street, I walked
past a front porch swing. On that swing perched a little girl, so little that
she had to slump down for her toes to touch the porch. Just enough to get her
swing on. She had placed a small packing box over her head. She had cut out a
square for her eyes and then places for her shoulders so the box fits down over
her chest. She was swinging and singing. And dreaming of great things.</span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-33128285470631789302015-05-24T19:13:00.001-04:002015-05-24T19:13:59.942-04:00Heading North for the Summer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The cottage voice has been quiet since last fall.
Soon, I’ll be back on my pier, nodding at the sunset. As a displaced Hoosier, I
will miss some common Texas sights, sounds and such.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is down south so there are southern habits like
saying, “Ma’am” whenever you address a lady. It’s quite nice. I have reasons to
venture onto Randolph Air Force base on a regular basis where I get a double
whammy “Ma’am” as it were.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can’t miss the military’s presence about town.
Folks in fatigues are a common sight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another common sight: most people don’t park their
cars inside their garages. This is in spite of a particular automobile injury:
paint blisters and curls during the hottest part of the year. It looks to me
that garages are standard doubles but most cars are NOT standard issue. We have
big cars in keeping with that “Everything is bigger in Texas.” I park my car
inside and we could squeeze in one more and the garage would be cozy. However,
my car is just average-sized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The largest auto I’ve seen was: an oversize truck
with a back seat and an extended cab. Then, attached to the front bumper was an
additional bumper, extending it at least one foot. Then in the back, there’s an
attached hitching thing that extends at least 2 feet. So, that’s at least 3
feet longer. But that’s not it. On the sides, this driver installed 3 step-down
stairs on each side so the truck width increased 3 or 4 feet. Of course the
truck has double wheels so its designed width is more than average. I spied
this vehicle in the water utility parking lot where it took up two spaces front
to back plus two spaces side to side. Big truck.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Food</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first time I ordered “fresh guacamole made at
table side” I didn’t realize that in south Texas, that’s 4 extra words. It’s all
fresh; you can find prepared and frozen guac but it’s relegated to the bottom
shelf of the freezer, way behind Buffalo wings and frozen taquitos. If dust
could settle in a freezer case, the dust would be thick.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Same thing for tortillas. As a friend up north said,
“These have never met plastic.” When you walk into the local grocery, you are
bathed in the scent of freshly made tortillas. You CAN purchase them uncooked,
like brown and serve rolls, but why would you pass on fresh and warm? A side
note: from McDonald’s to any pricy restaurant, these folks fold and wrap
tortillas like it’s an art.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYSLFhAjQDbXudqpCrLD2uhkMmCQVZiaVNltCXjJmj-MtSt-Ojgt4N3PEwykAO905UTvuouSJEgpeYb4jrvtTK4QIJyBAG50l1Wy086rOi8p0FTWblUXhN-uj-dSnY1be6-V-_Q4_hfo/s1600/mustard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYSLFhAjQDbXudqpCrLD2uhkMmCQVZiaVNltCXjJmj-MtSt-Ojgt4N3PEwykAO905UTvuouSJEgpeYb4jrvtTK4QIJyBAG50l1Wy086rOi8p0FTWblUXhN-uj-dSnY1be6-V-_Q4_hfo/s200/mustard.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">San Antonio’s major grocery chain is HEB, in
business for 100 years. Each store has its own personality but each features a
pepper bar in fresh produce. This stretches 15 feet with a visual chart above
that spans from “GREEN SWEET” to “BURN ALL THE WAY DOWN.” Around town, each
store adjusts to its main demographic so we have “regular HEB,” “granola HEB,”
and “Gucci HEB.” In that last one, you trapse through a labyrinth of prepared,
gourmet entries, exotic imported cheeses, and many mushrooms. The wine section
covers half the store with an on-site sommelier, ready to answer questions even
at 8:30 in the morning. And then there’s that mustard aisle. Yes, an aisle. In
the photo, all of those jars are different. A rough count is 100+ varieties.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As for eating out, I did spy a Taco Bell although I
cannot imagine how it stays open. Authentic Mexican or TexMex (not the same
thing) restaurants line most roads. Often they are tucked into strip malls with
not enough parking. Occasionally, you pass a house in a residential
neighborhood which slipped past city planners and got grandfathered in. Many of
these places open at a set time and close when they run out of food. This is
especially true if tamales are on the menu. My sense is that they do not make
extra tamales. There are no left overs.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">San Antonio is a tourist spot so, especially
downtown, you can find fine dining but for authentic, you hit the little
places.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7qFboRzjGnJT-fuCLCRsnhW7-yuGtXRAOatZSnIdJDnfikBlApAVC-2KcqpaHgS28mHGTPv2JZ9SsdP49WuOw5rzdEpJoYJE_AP9GPuW_BdkczBus5BFUtdPctz88OaDe6UklPnePAE/s1600/rudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7qFboRzjGnJT-fuCLCRsnhW7-yuGtXRAOatZSnIdJDnfikBlApAVC-2KcqpaHgS28mHGTPv2JZ9SsdP49WuOw5rzdEpJoYJE_AP9GPuW_BdkczBus5BFUtdPctz88OaDe6UklPnePAE/s200/rudy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pass the Rudy's</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quite a few barbecue places dot the landscape. Of
those, Rudy’s may be the best. You enter and stand in line across from the
brisket slicer. You order your meat (beef or turkey or beef) and your side
(creamed corn) and your dessert (peach cobbler). If you order a dill pickle, an
amazing guy with an amazingly shape knife slices it into tiny medallions as you
blink. Your order is served on a white paper towel nestled into one of those
blue plastic trays that 2 liter bottles come in. You enter the eating place,
long picnic tables covered with plastic tablecloths. There are squirt bottles
of sauce and stacks of white bread to sop up that sauce.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The lines at Rudy’s are long but they move along.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, at Rudy’s as well as many other casual places,
you walk past the beer trough. That’s a 20 foot metal tub filled to the top
with crushed ice. All you see of the beer in the ice is a bottle cap. You make
your choice and slip it out of the ice to a nice swoosh sound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alcohol sales are a change from Indiana. Texas’ blue
laws are different. You can purchase beer and wine on Sunday. You can sit in a
bar with a child. You can take that same child into a liquor store. As for that
bar, it’s a challenge to find a Cosmopolitan but there are infinite versions of
Margaritas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Traffic
and such</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve driven in about a dozen large cities: they all
have their own version of crazy. In my opinion, nobody beats San Antonio for
dangerous vehicular exhibition.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The city is laid out like a wagon wheel. Two major
highways form the spoke and the tire of a wheel. Like many cities, there are
rush hour traffic challenges and for those of us who don’t need to be anywhere
on the clock, you plan your route at a good time. However, no matter when you
are on the road, it there’s an accident, it stops traffic while police and such
move the crashes to the grassy middle. At which time, you’d think that traffic
flow would continue. But no. Everybody, or at least enough people to matter, ON
BOTH SIDES slow down and stop to watch. Sometimes for 10 minutes or more while
the cars behind just pile and pile behind each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A common sight: the across-five-lanes-to-turn-left.
Picture a 4 lane road with a middle lane for turning. The car in question is in
the farthest lane. He decides he wants to turn into a driveway on the other
side of the other 4 lanes. He may (but not always) look for an opening as he
edges into the next lane and then the center lane and by now, into oncoming
traffic which he expects will stop and yield. He expects this because so often
those cars DO stop and let the car cross over. WOE unto those who either don’t
see him or just don’t think this should happen. Turning car will give you such
a look!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of the main roads have that middle turn lane.
It’s not uncommon for a driver to use it as his own private lane. Also not uncommon,
pedestrians will walk in that lane. Sometimes after dark. It’s unnerving to pause in stopped traffic (accident up ahead?) and look to the left at the guy
who’s out for a stroll.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Flora
and Fauna</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It IS lovely that in December, you find planters
with petunias and peonies. And even <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I</b>
can coax growth from plants in Texas. They need to be ‘succulents’ meaning that
they don’t require a lot of water or care. But they do, occasionally flower. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The native wildlife is pretty exotic for this Midwestern
gal: longhorn steers and oxen are as common as Hoosier moo cows. If you get
away from all the traffic, you may see an armadillo, a snake or a scorpion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9HtgXDi4-vIhDLoOo7onriB4he9DsWA1Uk_M_FoTxcECZhIILpUWucClxS_jxpCafpFiD-MvZtpd4M8JBNfcCAmFdm_U6nxI90B5hs9FjHiBm4ua3Unr2DaM0ZewYifxanfK49Zp7ko/s1600/birds-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9HtgXDi4-vIhDLoOo7onriB4he9DsWA1Uk_M_FoTxcECZhIILpUWucClxS_jxpCafpFiD-MvZtpd4M8JBNfcCAmFdm_U6nxI90B5hs9FjHiBm4ua3Unr2DaM0ZewYifxanfK49Zp7ko/s200/birds-5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And then there are the birds. You may think that ‘Snow
Bird” refers to transplanted northerners and it does. However, where do all
those migrating birds go? San Antonio, I’m sure. In deep winter at dusk or
sunrise, the roadways remind you of those scenes from Hitchcock’s The Birds.
Telephone wires which line the roads will be black with birds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So I’ll be 1350 miles away for the summer when the
heat will blister those cars, the birds will be back north and flowers will
wilt if they don’t get a drink. But it will be waiting for me in late August.</span></div>
<br />
<br />BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-50309448379989518682014-11-29T12:08:00.002-05:002014-11-29T12:08:45.137-05:00The Bench<div class="MsoNormal">
As I’m navigating a life without a partner, I’ve discovered
that I can venture out without feedback and it’s OK.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had the blessing of so much time. Often, we’d discuss a
scenario of something that might happen in the future. “What will you do?” he
would ask. And he’d wait for me to mull and answer. As we were life partners for
40 years, many of my responses would please him. Once in a while, he’d say, “This
is what I’d do.” And then he’d follow closely with, “But I won’t be here so do
as you want.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He knew that we had lined up friends who would/do serve as
advisers. So far, so good. Mostly our patterns were set and unified. But I’ve
stepped out and made some choices that, together, we might not have made. The
planet is still spinning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only thing Mike asked me to do: when we walked along <b>The Nickle Plate Trail</b> up north, we
came to a resting bench, secured in cement. He said he’d like to have one of
those in his memory along the trail so walkers and riders could take a break if
they needed to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the dust settled on his passing, I kept this one request
in mind. However, I found it difficult to find someone connected to the trail
who could help me with this. When I marked the one-year date of Mike’s passing,
I knew I would be relocating to Texas in the fall and I moved his request to
the front of my concerns. So in early summer, I asked my sister-in-law, a
runner/biker and general all-around community person to guide me. She suggested
a name and I contacted that name through a message on Facebook.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told him that I wanted to place a bench somewhere along
the trail and asked him to direct me further.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard nothing for several weeks and then the day before I
was coming to Kokomo, I contacted him again.
“You may not remember me but….”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His return jumped off the monitor with enthusiasm. “We’ve
been working on this and would like to show you what we have in mind.” Plus
directions on meeting up at the city building.
This gentleman is a trail guy; he also knew Mike having met him at The
Huddle. He had taken my initial request and met with the city engineering
department.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the months since Mike and I first discussed a bench, the
City of Kokomo has undergone a renaissance in the downtown area; this includes
the extension of the trails right past the west of the courthouse. Would I like
a bench there? Wow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSieXaEP_1O0AjF0CEDnRSy8bJjQtOhhzP795du-_6D2ebRNLwtObVxoixZzJumKLyYMzTFTBmigDUSUrUqxwlNtBjY7ZvuF_rWdmbqyGK84WUkK0rfG-YEPPpWJOfztz-xC7dFARhv4/s1600/bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSieXaEP_1O0AjF0CEDnRSy8bJjQtOhhzP795du-_6D2ebRNLwtObVxoixZzJumKLyYMzTFTBmigDUSUrUqxwlNtBjY7ZvuF_rWdmbqyGK84WUkK0rfG-YEPPpWJOfztz-xC7dFARhv4/s1600/bench.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a>I smile as I sit here, far away, with the photos: the city
has installed a really nice bench along with a plaque right near were Mike
practiced law. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can see his face, nodding and smiling, at how this turned
out. Thanks Charley, Terrance, and crew.</div>
<o:p></o:p>BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-14169215667386580772014-10-03T11:53:00.003-04:002014-10-03T11:54:17.826-04:00TEXAS Y'ALL
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have reasons to spend some time in south Texas. I will
miss much of Midwestern autumn, certainly my favorite season. I will miss much
of Midwestern winter, not even in the running for favorite season. I’ve been
that Midwesterner: the one who says he/she loves the change of season. We even
say that as we stand mid-waist in snow drifts, trudging out to the frozen
automobile, hopeful that we can escape to a mall, cinema, grocery. Hopeful that
the engine turns over after a night out in the garage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nope, I’ve heard that in San Antonio, once in a great while,
they get a layer of ice on roadways and close down the city:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready for that. The other day, the
temperature dipped into the 60’s. The high 60’s. I slipped on my UGGs and was
quite the item wherever I went. “Where did you get those boots? I need those
boots.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, when you come for a visit, of course we’ll drive
downtown to see The Alamo and to stroll along The Riverwalk, both right in the
center. San Antonio has, in the verbiage of planning commissions, “exploited
their major waterway” for economic gain. It seems that everybody has heard of
San Antonio’s Riverwalk. Any and all visitors make sure they have walked along
the concrete banks, lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. There’s always
live music as you move past other attractions. It’s fun. It’s beautiful. It’s A
Place To Be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for The Alamo. We’ve all seen iconic images of this
famous fortress. When you stroll by, well, you’ll share the communal reaction:
That’s IT??? Well, yes. It strikes you as odd that it’s RIGHT THERE, snuggled
between parking lots, shops, and hotels. The city grew up around it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s worth the trip and it’s worth the time to enter and
explore. It’s just that your first reaction is that, well, yes there it is,
right there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Downtown San Antonio is gorgeous. Park like. Walking trails.
Bike sharing stations. Trees and benches. A great place to stop. Nearby you
find museums, art galleries, concert stages and live theater venues. And I’m
not even a native. I have much to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then there’s the rest of this place which continues to
amaze these Midwestern eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you look at San Antonio on a map, the roadways resemble a
wagon wheel. The rim is 1604, which circles the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Using a different word picture…a clock…I
live at about 1:30, inside the rim.) My daily trek involves a 5 mile stretch
along Texas 78, a 4 lane highway with a 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> inside lane, a double
yellow on both sides. It’s a curious path, heavily trafficked. Weekly, I
maneuver around a fender bender along this route, nothing bloody or airbag
deployable, but oh so often. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here’s what I’ve learned so far: you don’t need to pass any
sort of Driver’s Ed. to get an operator’s license in south Texas. That explains
a lot. All too often, someone on the other side of that double yellow will
decide he must turn left and cross two lanes of traffic and he will DO IT. No
warning, no measure of oncoming traffic. He will JUST TURN in front of traffic.
One must just be aware of him. He’s often driving an enormous truck, confident,
I believe, in the fact that in a collision, he will win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am happily driving in the Granny Lane, keeping myself
under the non-posted, ever changing speed limit; yesterday, he honked angrily
at me as I did not see him and so almost didn’t yield. Amazing, isn’t it, that
a honk can express emotion? I get several of these a week, even as I am
following driving rules like a monk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for the speed limit: long-time readers will understand
that I have been speed challenged in a former life. I try to be vigilant in
obeying speed limits. Along Texas 78, these change and are not posted. I’m not
kidding. It’s 50 and then it’s 30, and then 50 again until it’s 45. My little
GPS flashes RED when I exceed the limit….Ms. Garmin knows how fast I can drive,
even as Texas tries to keep it a secret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then there is that curious double yellow lane. What exactly
is its purpose? Some people use it for merging. Some people drive ½ mile or
more within its confines. Every once in a while, there are painted turning
arrows that…guess what... point you to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no
place to turn</b>. AND, way too often, there are pedestrians that seem to be
just hanging out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I pulled over next to a traffic officer the other day to ask
him. He was vague at best. “Can you just drive along in that lane?” I
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We discourage it but it’s not
against the law.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh. “What about the
pedestrians?” “THAT’S against the law but we don’t ticket pedestrians.” HMM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have ventured out into the lane, trying to merge, as I’ve
witnessed others doing. Last time, I got another of those angry honks coupled
with the driver taking his hands off his steering wheel and giving me the
double palms up, like ‘what are you doing???’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Did you think he was going to flip me off? Nope, Texas. They may drive
like maniacs but there’s a modicum of southern manners, even on the road.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You also have to watch out for semis. The other day, during
the going-home-crazy-traffic, I came upon a truck in my Granny Lane, with his
flashers on. It slowed traffic and I couldn’t seem to pass him. Then, I saw him
get out, walk into a Taco Bell and come back out with a sack o something.
Amazing. At least he had called ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are some colorful road names that, if streets could
tell tales, might have something to say:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gibbs Sprawl, Showdown, Stubb Pass, and Spit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve been told that San Antonio’s growth exploded without
time or concern for any sort of planning. Try to find a Post Office. They are
tucked away in curious corners. The one nearest to me is nestled in a
residential neighborhood, without extra parking or even some semblance that
it’s not just a house. There’s a flag and a sign but you could miss it. Another
one is near a high school. There’s a green sign with an arrow but if you turn
there, you’re in a gas station parking lot with no side street. You have to turn
at the high school, drive 50 feet, turn in the general direction that the sign
would suggest and then there’s a flag and the building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Also, it’s not uncommon to be driving along a residential
street when BOOM, one house is a BBQ restaurant with, again, no extra parking.
But there’s fragrant smoke seeping out of the roof, IF the place it open. Some
of these are open sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not quite a resident but I can now get around without
Ms. Garmin’s aid most of the time, and it’s a lovely place. Amazing to me is
that after a week of 100+ temperatures, we get a reprieve of high 80’s and it’s
so refreshing. Unlike my other home, where on a hot day, the day starts hot and
stays that way, down here the days begin more temperature and then creep up up
up into the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve yet to see a scorpion or snake although they are out
there, lurking. We DO have those lovely reminders that this is NOT Heaven: the
fire ants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kill ‘em.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, yes. Come. Or just freeze up there and envy us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-18628012815863972762014-09-01T16:49:00.000-04:002014-09-01T16:49:03.133-04:00The Adventure Begins<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My mission to San Antonio is covert: am not at
liberty to discuss in it this public venue. Suffice it to say that I am on an
adventure, the next chapter I had asked God to open. Exciting and new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I AM at liberty to discuss my relocation to this
southern city. We took to the road, Ivy and I, a week ago. We’ve done this
drive before. Our preferred route, via interstate highways, takes us to Lonoke,
Arkansas on the first day. That little city is about 20 miles east of Little
Rock and is just over half way to the final destination. Right as you turn off,
there are 4 nice dog-friendly hotels that serve a warm breakfast to its human
guests so, as in the past, we planned to arrive before dark, get a good night’s
sleep, rise and eat, and then hit the road again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That part went by flawlessly…even in Illinois, the
driver did not get stopped for speeding. When we commenced on day two, after I
had filled up my tank, I started to click away on Ms. Garmin, GPS, when she
began to flash something. What? I don’t know what. I had on sunglasses, not
readers. I could make out a middle area that might have said CANCEL. Not sure.
But after several punches, she settled down to show my route back on to the
interstate so we were off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">STILL not positive what the GPS was saying but I am
pretty sure she asked me if I’d prefer to avoid interstates and instead travel
on picturesque little roads that wound through east Texas. I believe I nodded
that message to Ms. Garmin as electronics are only as smart as those who operate
them. And that was my second day drive. As I did not have any other map (!), I
didn’t think it wise to freelance. There’s a lot of open space down in Texas. Plus
snakes and scorpions if you get lost and venture on foot. I knew that Ms.
Garmin had the final address and she also told me when I’d arrive, which was acceptable
so I obeyed her as we traveled through Tyler, Plano, and quite a few ‘population
900’ little towns. At one point, I was on the NORTHERN LOOP….Houston? Dallas?
Sumpin else? Don’t know but stayed the
course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I discovered The Texas Pass, a neat little habit
down here when you’re driving on 2 lane roads, as I was most of the day. Every
so often, a right lane appears and slower vehicles --- trucks and such --- pull
to the right, not slowing down, so you can pass. We could use that in Indiana
during planting/harvesting seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I discovered lot of traffic lights and when stopped,
I could see that many pedestrians wear their weapons on their belts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I stopped for gas, I got Yes ma’amed a lot; in
the adjacent convenience store, there it was, the 20 foot trough filled with
ice and beer, the bottle tops just barely showing. It’s a common sight as you
travel into Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And for my long-time readers, I DID get stopped for
speeding. He clocked me at 73 in a 70.
Yeah. I think he wanted to check out my car. He certainly wanted a
closer look at my license plate. “What state is that from, Ma’am?” (Got a Warning)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh, and in fairness to the driver, the speed limits
change often and not just in and out of small towns. And the posting signs are
few and far between. Further south, you can opt for a toll road and cruise
along at 85. I paid that toll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We arrived, tired and hot, and were greeted by all
sorts of special folks. Then a quick night’s sleep and on to the adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know I said this to several friends: I felt a bit
uneasy, uprooting from my cottage for an indeterminate time period. I tried to
pack up all that I would need; I had arranged a backup doctor, dentist, hair
person, and car repair shop, trying to prepare for all necessities. But I
couldn’t really place this nagging feeling until I recognized it from a past
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When my dad dropped me off at Wheaton College in the
fall 0f 1969 (!), he drove away and as I turned to enter my dorm, I realized
that for the first time in my life, I was alone. I knew no one. I had no
refuge, no friendly face to greet me. It was uncomfortable and it didn’t last:
I’ve never been accused of being shy. However, it WAS a new emotion. I felt
much the same way as I drove to south Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have family here but no other acquaintances, certainly
no friends. So what? Well, here’s something I discovered this summer. I had
spent my entire life, that brief Wheaton moment to the contrary, surrounded by
friends. I could find someone to talk to, ride bikes with, walk the path
toward, always someone. And I have friends in Winona but what I lacked and knew
that I missed: my Christian sisters with whom I could pray and talk and share and
learn. Such a simply thing and oh so sweet. A few days before I left Indiana, I
was pulling out of my driveway when next door, three young ladies were saying
their goodbyes. They formed a circle, held hands and prayed. It surprised me
how it made my heart ache. I was tempted to stop the car, get out and join them.
Yes, I know it would have been OK, but although I was/am a sister, I was/am a
stranger: these were intimate Christian friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus,” I know this is true. Right now, my needs involve spiritual
nurture. I purposed to find a church. It made sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">San Antonio is flush with churches. Like so many
other things in Texas, most are huge. And though I’m not intimidated by
bigness, I wanted…needed…to find one close enough to me that would begin to
nurture my heart. I prayed about it and I tell about it here because I know
that there are plenty of friends who pray for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On Thursday, walking 5 doors down to my place, I saw
a man scrubbing an RV. I introduced myself to Frank and his wife Lynn. A quick
conversation and I learned that he was newly retired from the chaplain corps so
I asked him where they went to church. Smiling, they handed me a card with
their churches services. On Sunday, I attended and learned about how we should
test the veracity of scripture. I was reminded that the Dead Sea Scrolls
confirmed a document from 900 AD with 95% accuracy….the 5% involved spelling and punctuation. Even back then!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Long story short: God has led me to a church. And
soon, a new Christian family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-43058476573734291332014-08-23T12:36:00.001-04:002014-08-23T12:36:57.768-04:00Party on the Island 20145 years ago, my friends on Winona Lake gathered at our cottage. We celebrated my husband's birthday.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the year, doctors had offered us no hope that Mike would still be around at the end of summer. But God showed up with His miracle moves and we had that party. It was glorious but tinged with a bittersweet scent. We certainly believed that this would be Mike's last party.<br />
<br />
But no. 2010 and 2011: each lake season ended with a birthday celebration. And then, in 2012, Mike's long time buddy and his ever-energetic wife offered to move the party outside and open it to any and all who showed up.<br />
<br />
So, in 2012, we roasted a hog and invited the town. People just kept coming, everybody pitching in some goodies, and the party grew.<br />
<br />
Last year, the 2nd Annual Island Party was even bigger and much more fun, even as Mike did not get to attend. We DID send some Sky Lanterns into the darkening sky, in case he was checking in.<br />
<br />
Out my window, right now, there's a big barrel in which some pork is roasting. Soon, a team of ladies will gather around my dining room table and begin to pull the pork and place it in trays. There will be a kettle of sauce simmering on the stove.<br />
<br />
The band will set up by 6 and the party will commence. I get to spend one more night with my special friends here at the lake.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I head out for a 2 day drive to my next adventure. But for tonight, the party is ON!BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-17625119350980006782014-08-11T13:21:00.002-04:002014-08-11T13:21:50.467-04:00The FIVE --- not the TV Show<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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My home church began a project at the start of this year. <b>B
L E S S</b>, each letter a prompt for some intentional living. I was in the service but I was
not paying enough attention. I drifted after <b>B</b> which is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEGIN
THE DAY WITH PRAYER.</b> No matter what else we should do, that’s got to be a
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So I purposed to do just that, each and every day. And
because I need a little structure (note: not ‘little structure’), I chose to
make a mental list of 5 things I would mention to the Creator of the Universe.
I also decided that, this time, I would present my list without my suggestions
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Among the life lessons I’ve been filing: God has a much
bigger imagination than I have. I think I know how things are going and how
things should go and how things will go, as what makes sense to me. And time
after time, He blows me away with something completely different. And so much
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, pretty close to
perfect. Yeah...well...perfect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my daily discipline is to roll over, one stretch, and
then my <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>BEGIN.</b> First and foremost, it
connects me with my Father. We know that He delights in our prayers so I’m all
about delighting Him. And from my church background, I know I can be as casual
and conversational as I choose. “Hi, God. Good morning and here’s what I want
to bring before you….”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all of you who are champions of faith, for all of you
who have already discovered this, please enjoy and be refreshed that God’s
lessons can be learned at a later date, far down the road of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve seen answers. I’ve seen miracles. I’ve had my
metaphoric socks blown off my metaphorically sock-clad tootsies. A recap:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three of God’s children who were looking for a job:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>JOBS</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two of God’s children who needed a house and who had hit the
wall multiple times with offers lost:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>HOUSES</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several of God’s children who were stressing over a test in a difficult course: tests <b>NAILED!</b> (When they asked for
prayer, understanding that I’m a teacher and all, they promised that they were doing
their part)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several of God’s children, facing hard life choices, sought
clarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God supplied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several of God’s children, walking the path to the cemetery,
asked for comfort. I don’t even need a report on this one: God supplies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plus, there are some long-term requests that He's taking His time to address. In His time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can testify: this is a great way to build up your faith
and to remind you that God IS the one who sees the big picture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No coincidence: God led me to Psalm 37 yesterday. As Mike
was winding down, the one thing he really wanted was to finish his semester at
IVY Tech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He lived to meet that goal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>PSALM 37: 3-5</i></span></h4>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span></h4>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"></a><span class="versenum">3</span><span class="versetext"> Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4"></a>
and enjoy safe pasture.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"></a> </span><span class="versenum"></span><span id="ps37-4">4</span><span class="versetext"> Delight<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"></a> yourself in the
LORD and <b>he will give you the desires of
your heart</b>.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7"></a> </span><span class="versenum"></span><span id="ps37-5">5</span><span class="versetext"> Commit your way to the LORD; trust in
him<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8"></a> and he will do this:</span></i></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="versetext">Thank you, Father for this. And for all
answers to prayer. Including those whose answer is WAIT or NO, TRUST ME. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="versetext">I've grown a little protective of my FIVE. It seems that each time one request gets scratched off the list, another surfaces. If not, I can always insert my own needs but I prefer praying for others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="versetext"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="versetext">BTW: somebody got a job....there's a vacancy on The FIVE.</span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-81163002909598505972014-08-03T16:24:00.002-04:002014-08-03T17:03:38.082-04:00King David and the Tomato<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning’s sermon took 2 Samuel 12
as its text. Here is reported the climactic scene in the story of David and
Bathsheba. King David had taken another man’s wife into his bed. This man was
the King’s champion, serving on the battlefield. Bathsheba became pregnant, the
king tried to cover, the plan failed. So, David sent a note to the front, carried
by his champion, that this soldier should be placed in the thick of the battle,
assuming he would be killed. Assumption correct. David married the widow and the
baby was born.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And David went on kinging and all. Yeah,
he was God’s man and yeah, this was messy, even sinful, but now it was over and
on we go. Except that’s not the way God works and so the prophet Nathan was
tasked with the job of calling out the King. <b>That </b>had to be an
interesting exchange between the Almighty and His human voice. <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You want me to do WHAT???</i></b> The
prophet had to know that with one flick of his wrist, David could call for his
death.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nathan showed up and told David about a
guy in the kingdom who had killed his neighbor’s pet ewe for a party dinner
instead of taking one of his own...and he had a bunch. David seethed, but not
for long. He proclaimed that this sheep killer should die. And then Nathan made
the metaphoric leap:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are that man.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BAM! David heard the word and felt the
judgment. David sought forgiveness and Nathan kept his head. However, and this
was the point, David’s sin, though forgiven, still carried penalties. In this
case, Nathan told him that the child would die; and there were a few more
consequences that, if you believe in biblical history, affected the nation of
Israel to the present day.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And then after church, several
congregants gathered around a kitchen table and held discussions about guilt
and forgiveness in today’s world. One erudite observer opined that it seems
that the uttering of “I’m sorry” is seen as a wipe-the-slate kind of thing. Like
there should be no consequences. If parental/school/employment punishment is
advanced, the rule breaker will whine “But I SAID I was sorry.” Like that
should erase any consequences for bad actions. We discussed how things were
when “we” were little and how nobody worried about our self-esteem when we screwed
up. We also, all of us, have vivid memories of choosing badly, experiencing the
consequences and then never repeating the wrong. Folks used to call that good
learning.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, feeling a bit smug…those <b>Things Were
Different/Better</b> discussions will do that…I place my hand around a perfect,
round tomato on the table. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Big Eyes: WHERE did you GET that???</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, as I was strolling through the
neighbor’s garden, I spied this beauty, deep, deep, deep inside the tomato
plants. Plural as in dozens. You almost couldn’t see it as it was hidden by the
lush greenery. But I spied it, slid my hand into the bush and plucked it. It
took no effort. It was ready to fall. And this is a friend’s garden. I just
figured <b>N</b>o <b>B</b>ig <b>D</b>eal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, apparently at least one at our confab
had suffered some distress when she plucked a similar fruit. She had been told
she was <b>NOT</b> to do that. “But, it’s ok that you did. In fact, it’s a
relief,” she said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ok. I don’t know what all that drama was
about but I guess it’s purloined spoils but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s not like you can put it back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also knew that 1) there are so many, so so
many tomatoes ready and more coming and 2) it’s not like I was stealing: I’ve
been given carte blanche in the same garden for raspberries and blackberries. Although
another sermon note is that when we sin or screw up (whatever term you choose), we look for ways to
justify what we have done so this is my illustration of that very good point. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I guess I could apologize but, honestly,
it would be insincere.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All of this gave me pause until I walked home, sliced up that beauty and
lay it across green beans from some else’s garden. I had a very good lunch. And
then, I remembered a poem, which embraces in the taking of fruit, and fake
regret.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13E88T0zYps2d55UNK2TO5YTNcgLZRdDbRYzOGiqiHdHw79CgYotOAD8N7tB1NpWZSPz0k7Ye18Obn7ZTIz9f3DwgJDLZ3dDZRYzsRHukHl-TpDQCYVhaAo_jg9ybucxib1fqGvkfpvo/s1600/matoers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13E88T0zYps2d55UNK2TO5YTNcgLZRdDbRYzOGiqiHdHw79CgYotOAD8N7tB1NpWZSPz0k7Ye18Obn7ZTIz9f3DwgJDLZ3dDZRYzsRHukHl-TpDQCYVhaAo_jg9ybucxib1fqGvkfpvo/s1600/matoers.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mmmmmmmm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This Is Just to Say</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by William Carlos Williams</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have eaten<br />
the plums<br />
that were in<br />
the icebox<br />
<br />
and which<br />
you were probably<br />
saving<br />
for breakfast<br />
<br />
Forgive me<br />
they were delicious<br />
so sweet<br />
and so cold </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hmmmm. Time to ponder. </span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-90456080686582962272014-07-27T19:16:00.000-04:002014-07-27T19:16:48.464-04:00Vacation Bible SchoolWhen I was a kiddie, summer meant VBS at my home church. It was a 2-week affair, daily from 9 until noon. Mom would load up the station wagon with her own plus a few neighborhood kids and we would drive to First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park. Mom drifted off to help while the kids found their places in their various classes.<br />
<br />
It was carefully planned and I can still recall the schedule: 9:00 Opening. All the kids and teachers met in the sanctuary. Then at 9:15, we would dismiss to our various age-appropriate classes. Once there, we'd get a story plus a memory verse; we were encouraged to memorize for the next day for a prize. We'd practice that verse until about 9:45 when we moved to crafts.<br />
<br />
Over the years, I discovered all sorts of things you can make with Popsicle sticks, string, and clay. The craft projects would spread over the entire 2 weeks, being ready to take home on the second Thursday.<br />
<br />
There was game time outside; there was a real missionary who told his/her story throughout the week. We took a daily offering for this missionary.<br />
<br />
And, of course, there was snack time. My church was big on some sort of red fruit juice (Hawaiian Punch?) Whatever it was, we never got it at home so that made Bible School even more special. Plus there were real, made-by-a-mom oatmeal cookies.<br />
<br />
By 11:30, the entire group moved back into the sanctuary to decompress and recall what we had learned, and once again, we recited the memory verse and the Bible School song, and then we were sent on our way until the next morning. Second Thursday night was the program for the parents. And we repeated it on Sunday for the home folks.<br />
<br />
Mom continued the schedule: we would load up the car and drive home. Then, it was tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.<br />
<br />
Bible School filled the first two weeks of summer vacation. Every year. Did I memorize some scripture? Sure. For a bright, shining moment, I could recite and win the prize. Was I able to recite those verses in the months that followed? Well, no, not so much.<br />
<br />
So had I 'hidden the word' in my heart? I guess that could be up for discussion. What I DO know is that any such training...any effort to learn the promises of God...is not wasted. Somehow, somewhere in those brain ganglia, the Spirit planted seeds. And when the need came, those seeds had sprouted and taken root.<br />
<br />
That's the way it goes when it comes to teaching children the truths of scripture and the promises of God.<br />
<br />
This week, it was my privilege to serve at a local VBS. I asked to be a helper, to be used wherever they could use me: it landed me in the 6 - 8 year-old class with a gifted teacher and another helper. This VBS was for one week, from 6 until 8:30.<br />
<br />
From the director to her teachers and helpers, you could see their sense of purpose. They knew that they were doing God's work with these little ones. I was also reminded that where many an adult finds it tough to memorize scripture, brains young and agile can soak like a sponge. How great is it that this little group soaked up such truths as "God will supply all my needs."<br />
<br />
The memory verses were set to music and fleshed out with videos. The kiddos smiled as they sang and worked the motions. And they learned.<br />
<br />
The church's pastor was 1/3 of the skit team, playing an important role in teaching about character. What I did not know, until today, is that the pastor had to summon a lot of strength for the week. Monday night, after he had locked up the church, he took a different route home only to be stopped by some sort of traffic blockage. It took little time for him to see that there had been an accident up ahead. He told us that he donned his CHAPLAIN vest, left his car and walked up the road. He came upon a tragic scene.<br />
<br />
A 10-year-old boy, riding his bike, had be struck by a car and lay in the road. The boy had been near his home: his mother had heard the crunch and had run to the a scene. She was kneeling by her son who was drifting in and out. She was telling him to stay with her. She was praying. He closed his eyes and left her and us.<br />
<br />
And God had purposed that our pastor be on the scene to be large for these people.<br />
<br />
A tale told over and over: no alcohol, no rain, no reason: a young life ended right there by the side of the road. The boy was a believer. His family is active in a local church, as is the driver. And we're all left with why oh why oh why?<br />
<br />
It's probably impossible to find a reason. As one friend said, "It's hard to realize that this was God's plan for this boy. That he was not going to graduate from high school. That he was not going to go to church this morning." And we are left wounded, bruised and aching.<br />
<br />
I'll leave it for the nonbeliever to find his answer. For those of us to whom God is real, it's times like this that we much cling to the truths of scripture, to those things that we know are true. God is good. God loves us (him). God has a plan and it is perfect.<br />
<br />
That doesn't erase the pain. Or the very human longing for a different plan. It WILL bring peace eventually as we await reunion. Our God will supply all our needs. Phillippians 4:19.<br />
<br />
Please pray for the family of Kurt Allen Engler.BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-32032123450579952032014-07-15T17:34:00.002-04:002014-07-18T15:54:14.138-04:00The Other Big C<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>One of God’s champions was on deck at the home church and
sent out a request for people to prayer for him as he prepared his message. I
signed up. Frankly, this is an easy one, both for me and for God: the guy is
gifted when it comes to presenting God’s word. I knew he’d be great and God
would be pleased.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, smarty-pants here sent him a text: showing up Sunday to see how God has answered
my prayers. It’s a drive that takes
about 90 minutes; I miss my church family and long to worship with
them in that warm, familiar place so I took my seat…next to his wife…and was led
to God’s dais through great music and worship. Then, my friend took his place
and brought the message.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course it was great. Well-organized, skillfully delivered.
And, BOOM. A kernel just for me. That’s the <b>OTHER Big C: Conviction</b>. For
those of you who walk with God, it does not surprise that He tugs, nudges,
smacks or flattens His children to get their attention. These days, with fewer
distractions, I get the nudges most often.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Morgan’s text was I Cor. 5. Flipping through that mental
file, I remembed that the Corinthian church had some major problems and Paul
wrote this letter to address those problems. There’s a lot about how the church
should handle members who practice various sins. The book is a 1<sup>st</sup>
century <b>National Enquirer</b> except it
was not widely published. It was in-house. And that’s where the nudge came<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Morgan directed us to I Cor. 5:10 in the context of dealing with practicing sin
within the fellowship….10 “But I wasn’t talking about the immoral people in the
outside world by any means – or the greedy, or the swindlers, or people who
worship false gods – otherwise, you would have to leave the world entirely.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, he reminded us that there’s a lot of acrimony
these days for Christians in the wider culture and suggested that we dial it
back with the judgment statements outside of the club.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that brought me some clarity about a situation I had
found myself in a few weeks ago:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got in a tussle with some folks on Facebook that left me
sad and unsettled; I needed to find a way to avoid another incident.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok: Facebook….it means different things to different people.
In my case, I’m able to connect with folks of so many backgrounds. There are my
retired-teacher friends who are scattering farther away; there are former
students from several key graduating classes…late 70’s, mid-80’s, late ‘80’s and then recent
graduates who invite me into their families and lives. Then there are my DMZ
pals and others who found me through this blog or through Mike’s illness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some wax political. Some want me to follow some links to
other’s positions. Some just want to enjoy life. And, like many, I bet, I got
into the habit of ‘liking’ and posting, without too much thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m guessing some PhD candidate will study social media and
its effect on discourse: what I know for sure is that a long lament of mine….that
schools were moving away from literature study to embrace math and science…has
implications here. We don’t take time to mull the metaphor…to stop, think,
consider a word or phrase. And in social media-ville, many just put it out
there without stepping back for a few thoughtful moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the years before I retired, we had several incidents of
kids getting off the school bus in the morning, ready to fight because of
something someone had posted. I noticed that some posters complain about how
mean their chosen ‘friends’ are on line. I see that quite a few of my younger
friends are closing down their Facebook page. For me, mostly, it’s a place to
stay connected and it’s harmless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, a few weeks ago, a friend posted something about
‘free will’ and ‘Christianity’ and that we are free to live as we choose. Oh. I should have let it go but I did not. I
thought I was gentle and I thought I sent a private message. Neither, it seems,
was true. What followed was the slings and arrows that come to those who
disagree. I should have just stopped reading but it was a little like a traffic
accident…..and when someone took a direct shot at me (Obviously, Lynne has not read the
book of Mark), I just HAD to defend myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stepped away, beaten and sad that there are some young
people out there who have been wounded by judgmental believers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Big C for me: step back from such forums and just become
a positive poster. A little candle of God’s love without the doctrine. So, from now on, as Morgan suggested, I will
tell stories about what God has done for me and for friends. God is alive, we
know. We all have stories about how He demonstrates His love and care. In my
case, that’s what I’m supposed to write about.<o:p></o:p></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-70884406211100743002014-07-12T15:10:00.002-04:002014-07-12T15:10:50.071-04:00MorselsThe Kokomo house is now on the market. I spent about nine months sorting and choosing, saving and tossing an accumulation of stuff from 40 years in that city.<br />
<br />
At the lake, I'm almost finished finding walls and shelves for my lovelies; I've identified cubbies for storage of important papers and collectibles.<br />
<br />
I was never much of a saver; I found that paper could pile up to unmanageable heights so I got skilled in dealing with paper when it appears and then dealing or discarding.<br />
<br />
However, I have saved a few special things that have meaning mostly to me. Whenever is was away overnight, I knew I would find something in my suitcase. A note from the hub. These were usually scrawled in long hand, on any scrap of paper he could find.<br />
<br />
Here's one. I have a few. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6WswVninBfnBu5aJmitB1sDR6xslWYlCkl4ogAX-cKMD9S3Nu2kCoDxTjlO3WCFw4_Bma5SOoOPZn2dIriasqaekcH36_b0wsXnaKfkLMsshZcYf6jlOVSuAeB1utqueu0WJko3LdUM/s1600/missyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6WswVninBfnBu5aJmitB1sDR6xslWYlCkl4ogAX-cKMD9S3Nu2kCoDxTjlO3WCFw4_Bma5SOoOPZn2dIriasqaekcH36_b0wsXnaKfkLMsshZcYf6jlOVSuAeB1utqueu0WJko3LdUM/s1600/missyou.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky lady, me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-20537180721487590652014-07-05T07:50:00.000-04:002014-07-05T07:50:09.258-04:00A Gift from a Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW3Jf_ssGnQajF19u1P0OtlWMl_CX7BHL0pU2-SckP4kN4W4ybkXaX5ezj8KsVNi8R_SE3_j5sCQlN7GE_qmsejIxGImmjV4rFKbMIelrP4kLFxbXdlPp-wovyQ0uEm9eglTFXDMHWhk/s1600/open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW3Jf_ssGnQajF19u1P0OtlWMl_CX7BHL0pU2-SckP4kN4W4ybkXaX5ezj8KsVNi8R_SE3_j5sCQlN7GE_qmsejIxGImmjV4rFKbMIelrP4kLFxbXdlPp-wovyQ0uEm9eglTFXDMHWhk/s1600/open.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
This past year has been filled with adventure, purposeful work and much joy. Plus, every so often, here comes an unexpected gift from a friend.<br />
<br />
<u><b>**</b>Mike's and my friend</u> Linda asked me, almost a year ago, if she could make me a quilt. Why sure.<br />
<br />
But wait. Did I have some piece of clothing of Mike's that she could incorporate? Actually, I did. Anybody who saw Mike professionally probably saw, if they were undistracted, his familiar blue and white striped shirt. It was his favorite part of his lawyer costume and he had several so the laundress could keep his closet stocked without missing any sleep.<br />
<br />
At the time that Linda asked, I was in the middle of the initial purge from the homestead. Most of the casual summer wear had found its way to various donation locations as, well, it was summer and why not get the T-shirts to those who could enjoy them?<br />
<br />
In the main closet, I found one of these dress shirts so I handed it to the quilter.<br />
<br />
Over the past months, I've received quilt updates, some with technical quilter language that, frankly, I didn't understand but I DID know that much work and care was happening across town and then to a quilter buddy's house where some much more technical equipment resides.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimemf40kyVxYU_vP9FJdsreV_TMjW3q207zkKvw17PrgOv9rnkDXfWTovPICcPHGdEBU0CBiSC-r4k0_LXlUfqiNf89BROvmXeT_UolzlOmcnNnwep9csEOPOuNZ849n2NygzZvsQeChI/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimemf40kyVxYU_vP9FJdsreV_TMjW3q207zkKvw17PrgOv9rnkDXfWTovPICcPHGdEBU0CBiSC-r4k0_LXlUfqiNf89BROvmXeT_UolzlOmcnNnwep9csEOPOuNZ849n2NygzZvsQeChI/s1600/quilt.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>Anyway, then Linda and I tried to coordinate the hand off....she's been traveling and, well, I've been flitting about a lot but we found that we were both in the state for the 4th of July.<br />
<br />
Linda drove up to the lake and brought me the quilt. What can I say? It's lovely. It's warm...so good that it's practical; it's washable...again, so good that my friends understand me; ...and even I can tell that it took a lot of time, labor and love. The segments of shirt are incorporated in a subtle manner and perhaps you'd have to know what you were looking at.<br />
<br />
I know. Thank you, my friend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**</b> OK, all you grammarians/punctuation experts. I THINK is this correct. If not, I'm confident that I will hear from you shortly so I can correct and NOT be responsible for further destruction of the language. lbol6666@aol.com Thanks<br />
<br />
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/marks.htmBolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-5985040584501282852014-07-01T19:49:00.000-04:002014-07-02T07:27:43.960-04:00Wisconsin Roadtrip Redux<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have reasons to be driving in northern Wisconsin. On any
map, it looks like just a little hop but that’s no accurate. I’ve logged about
1500 miles in the last week.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My route has taken me away from those interstate highways,
with their familiar and comfortable blue signage and understandable clover leaves.
This time, I’m navigating on state roads and county roads and seeing a lot of
the state. Where my part of Indiana is all flat and corn, here the fields rise
in gentle, rolling hills and there’s much green everywhere. Tucked in, here and
there, are picturesque farms with red barns and silver silos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have a loose agenda so the drive has been a leisurely trek
with a few pull-offs just for fun. I arrived in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All-Lakes-All-Over-The-Place</i></b>,
where the gas stations sell more bait than junk food. I also found Campfire
Giant Roasters, tennis-ball sized marshmallows. I had never seen them before
but up here, they tell me, they are a staple. A friend told me that if I saw
‘cheese curds’ for sale, I must get some. “You’ll like them,” she said. And she
was right. My further route is along Dirt Road X which winds all over and
around the lakes. It’s nice to take my time and not need to rush. I can’t help
but remember that last time I drove so much through the Dairy State, Cheese
State, Brew State, among others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Way back in the early 90’s, the hub and his dad purchased
some sort of teeny airplane. A single seater. Fixed landing gear. And apparently to them, really cool. However, before the ink was dry on the payment
check, someone…no one ever manned up here…set it down a little hard and the
landing gear punched through the wings. What a mess. Some quick research, I was
told, found the only two places in the United States that could mend the wings:
waaaaaaaay down in south Texas and ‘just outside of Minneapolis.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was further determined that one could
crate up the plane and ship it…of course THEN you risked it shifting and
becoming unrepairable…or you could drive it yourself to the airport with the
skilled technician.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was then decided that the hub would rent a truck, load up
the plane, and drive it. He said, “Don’t worry about it. YOU don’t have to do
anything. My brother and I are leaving Friday and will be back Sunday night. YOU
don’t have to do anything. I’m just telling you so you’ll know.” And did I
mention: <b>YOU don’t have to do anything.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I believe he forgot to run it by his brother. So, when I got
home from school, in the driveway was a truck and a foot tapping attorney.
“Where have you been?” as I was late. The quick version was that I needed to
suit up for a long haul and we needed to get on the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our transport was the smallest diesel you can drive without
a special license. The hub announced that he would do all the driving and I was
coming along for company. Oh, ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We headed north and hit Chicago rush hour on a Friday night,
in the rain. Trucks DO get a special lane through the toll booths but it took
about 2 hours to drive 40 miles. Once we escaped, we headed to the Wisconsin
State Line. When it was time for gas..diesel, we turned into a truck stop fueling place, complete with showers and gambling machines. It was bright and clean and had only one restroom marked TRUCKER. Mike stool guard as I entered and utilized the facility. About midnight, with Mike showing no sign of stopping, I asserted
that I would be a much better companion if I had a few hours to sleep so with a
grimace on his part, we pulled into a small roadside hotel near Eau Claire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next morning we were off again, headed to Minneapolis
and “right beyond it.” It was a bright and sunny Saturday and, coincidentally,
Tennessee Ernie Ford passed away the day before. So, almost every radio station
was playing tribute songs. And, in those days before CDs and MP3, I wanted the
radio to break up monotony. Alas, on this rental truck, the radio was stuck in
the SEARCH mode, so every 10 seconds, the station would switch and we’d hear
another snippet of Ernie. Or polka music. There’s ALWAYS polka music wherever
you go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We drove through Minneapolis and just beyond. We drove some
more. And then some more. When we saw the sign for Fargo, North Dakota, 45 miles, Mike
announced that we had arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We found the airport where several large Norwegians stepped
forward to view our truck’s contents. They did not, by the way, help unload our
load. Some low level discussions and some exchanging of cash and we were off on
the return trip. We arrived back in Kokomo Sunday night, a bit road weary and in need of a bath.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When repair was completed, Mike and his dad flew up there
and both flew back, wingmen once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I did not get to enjoy Wisconsin slow scenery on that trip
so this time, I’m all about seeing the sights. All over, it's gorgeous and green. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
</div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-53961022083244854732014-06-17T13:05:00.000-04:002014-06-17T13:05:46.697-04:00Victim of my Devices
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The other day, I sat pecking on my laptop as my tablet
streamed live TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cell phone rang and
as I answered it, I glanced over my stuff and felt all 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> century
and a bit overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As one of those antiques who remembers 3 television
stations, party lines, and shut downs at midnight, my travel through
technology has been an adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was handy to be a teacher when computers invaded society.
During my second year, I was housed, temporarily, in the new COMPUTER ROOM of the
remodeled high school. It was an oversized classroom with floor-to-ceiling
windows, many electrical outlets and lots of small, red, blinking lights. I
believe we were expecting to automate the reading of ‘key punch’ cards that we
filed manually at that time. At any rate, the school folks expected huge
machines, walls of them, to bring the school up to date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those machines never appeared; the lights remained and my
students liked the décor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">About 10 years later, I sat at my first word-processor,
typed something on a keyboard that appeared on a screen. THEN, as directed, I
hit the PRINT SCREEN button, heard a CLICK hooozze, and turned to the right as
my typing started to print out on a separate device. I believe I sat transfixed
until the document was complete. Amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At that time, the school purchased whole rooms of word
processing machines and started requiring all students to learn them. And then,
that requirement became an amusement as students started owning their own
devices at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for me, I recovered from the thrill of the over-there
printer but continued to learn and then purchased my own computer for our home.
It sat on a large desk in the corner of our bedroom, tethered to a phone hook-up
(‘land line’). I needed a crib sheet of basic DOS commands to make the computer
work. I asked, looking for an answer I could understand, what DOS was. Yeah,
Disk Operating System. But what IS that? Never got a satisfactory answer but I
could follow my notes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C:/bitmax/run<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(something like
that)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My father-in-law, who was always in front of technology,
could sit at my computer, punch in a few commands (didn’t need notes!) and the
screen would fill with scrolling coded phrases of the contents of my computer.
Whew!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Into the 90s and the Office Stuff: schools wanted kids to
learn OFFICE. Logic: they will be able to get jobs. So, although I was not
expected to train anyone, I WAS expected to be at least marginally familiar
with WORD, EXCEL, and POWERPOINT. A bright someone created step-by-step instructions
for use during training that could teach a 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grader. Some began
with:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Sit down, adjust seat for comfort, locate power button and
turn on computer.” And then pictures of what screens should look like at
various stages of the program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although I could and still can maneuver through Office, as I
use WORD regularly, that is my go-to program. I spent 10 years writing a weekly
newspaper column using Microsoft Works and could navigate without checking the
booklet. Then WORD replaced WORKS and I had to renew my education for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Later, as I would supervise my students as they composed in
writing labs, I saw them using different keys and commands to accomplish what I
would do. I asked someone to show me a few….that right click on the mouse can
get some things done faster than taking my arrow up to the banner at the top
and dropping down…too technical for you?...and kids are all about fast. I find,
that for now, I like the way I use the program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Side note and one I’ve shared with my teenage students, this
after asking, “Has anyone ever tried to teach Gramma how to use her
computer?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This always creates heavy
sighs, nods, pained laughter from the kids. I tell them, then, that they have
nibbled at the wafer of patience (English teacher, all about metaphors), and
that the way to curb their frustrations is to remember to teach her ONE way to
do something. Not three. Not the fun, fast way. Not the cool way. The SIMPLEST,
the MOST VISUAL, and JUST ONE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a Gramma/student, when the teacher begins with, “You can
do it this way, and that way and then…” I feel my eyelids curl. So, one way,
ok?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Several times in the last 15 years, I have announced that I
am DONE with Upgrades. I’ll just muddle through the rest of my life with my
vintage computer with the floppy disk drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What? They don’t use them anymore? Flashdrive? Cloud? Huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At our house, we cleaved to our landline and figured we
would not ‘do’ cell. I mean, why? And then we found out why. Mike could drive
to Wabash while dictating AND communicating with the office. How many times had
he driven 50 miles to Indianapolis, parked and entered the courthouse, only to
find out that the case had been canceled, rescheduled, something? Now his
assistants could alert him and he could save time and money and get on with the
next case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me? I found the cell phone a convenience but never carried
it with me. My kids would say, “Mom, I called you. Where is your cell phone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“In the car.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Long, sighing pauses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Eventually, that little, bright blue flip phone found its
way into my purse but it was still an afterthought. Upgrade? Nah. Why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, at one of Mike’s birthday parties, my pastor led me
astray: I announced that I was going no farther with cell phones. He dipped his
head (tall guy), smiled slyly, and said, “I think you will. Check this out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At which he fired up his phone, touched a few buttons, and
up came a live link up with a most adorable grandson. His eyes were on his
phone. “How you doin’, buddy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Hi Gandar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Gotta go. See you soon. I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I love you too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, he turned his smile at me and said, “Huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, with grandsons 1100 miles away, my tempter swayed me to
a smart phone and now it’s invaluable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think some of us, the 3 channel folks, struggle with
trying to UNDERSTAND how it all works. As that is beyond most of us, we use but
we are wary. Then, we keep hearing all warnings about how others can get to our
stuff and all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My stuff is pretty boring but I don’t want strangers into
it. I’m betting that if ‘someone’ ventured ‘in’ he would quickly see that
there’s nothing ‘there.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I HAVE had a few interesting adventures while strolling
through the internet. Once, when a student asked me how to find a graphic for
his poem about Little Red Riding Hood, I sat down among my students and typed
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD into the search line. (This was JUST before I learned
about Google Image.) When I hit ENTER, I observed my screen filing with
pornographic images, in strips of pictures. I tried to stop it….hitting random
keys…as my crowd of freshmen gathered and giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When the computer was done belching the images, I called to
computer people to report this as we had been warned that anything we viewed on
school computers was public property and could be linked to us. The computer
guy laughed also and then told me about Google Image. Day saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve also endured e-mails that contain ‘tone,’ amazed at how
words on a screen can convey emotion. One time, I opened a message from a
parent. It was in ALL CAPS and BOLD RED. She was unhappy with me. I remember
leaning away from the screen like I had been punched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Email, by its nature, is abrupt and to-the-point. When the
reader has context, it doesn’t matter but many writers don’t establish that
context. Personally, after the RED CAP caper, I started always beginning emails
with a salutation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dear…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something. It softens the blow if a blow is, in fact, to be delivered.
Also, on those occasions, rare now, that might ramp up the emotion, I always
save and think before I send. Sometimes, a cooler head should run the SEND
button.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My newest device is a SURFACE, a tablet which I bought as a
lighter writing device. It’s pretty neat and does travel well. But it’s a
curiosity to me. The salesman demonstrated all sorts of touch, move, enlarge,
swipe things that I don’t use and don’t understand. But sometimes, I touch
something and then what I’m working on goes somewhere. I’m learning how to find
my stuff but I end up swiping through all sorts of things I don’t use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are some lovely perks that I, again, don’t understand.
If I close the tablet onto the Velcro-snapped keyboard, it shuts down. Usually.
But yesterday, I discovered something new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had searched for “All the Poor and Powerful” on YouTube.
Up came the most delightful video of All the Sons and Daughters AND several
small children performing this wonderful, worshipful song. I believe…but am not
sure…that the site is WorshipMob. Or WorshipMob Channel. Or WorshipMob
something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, I sat through the 5 minute video, enchanted. So I
fired it up again. About half way through the second time, I had to move on, so
I closed the tablet. The song continued. On to the finish, 3 minutes later.
Huh. THAT has never happened before. My Surface salesman might offer an
explanation…he’s my go-to guy… but I chalked it up to a blessing. This is better
for me on many levels. I wouldn’t understand what I ‘did’ to keep the music
going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, this morning, as I ventured into the internet to
research something important but tedious, the site reactivated and played the
song again. Ok THAT’s a major blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can abide victimization of devices and the muddle of my
understanding: I don’t want to know ‘how’ it happens. I will smile and feel
hugged, once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-41090913753054219032014-06-16T14:17:00.000-04:002014-06-16T14:17:26.501-04:00....and Lynne<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mike and I had separate circles of
acquaintances. Mike’s was the legal community, in Kokomo and in the many other
counties where he represented clients. Some were friends. Most were adversarial
colleagues. But they were HIS: I met a few from time to time but I’d bet most
wouldn’t recognize me just walking down the street.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My circle was at school: I was a
fixture at Kokomo High School for 40 years. I cherish the friendships between
teachers, and custodians, and administrative assistants, and even some
administrators. Some had seen photos of the hub: few would recognize him just
walking down the halls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Then, there were those who knew us
both professionally: students’ parents would hire Mike; former students would
hire Mike. And, at home I would talk about students, problems I had with them,
funny things that had happened in class. Mike never named his clients: clients
need to be free to tell their lawyer anything; I certainly did not need to know
backstories on my students unless they came to me through school channels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">All too often, some student would
say that his mom or dad or uncle had hired my husband and I could be honestly
surprised. If comment seemed required, I would say, “I hope he was pleased.”
And then I would get either a nod or some version of what an overpaid SOB that
lawyer was. I think my favorite was, “It must be nice, just sitting at a desk,
with people throwing money at you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Rarely did these worlds meet. Rarely
but not never: I had one rather dramatic episode where, in a parent conference,
an angry father lunged over the desk at
me and had to be restrained. (Thank you, large-chested principal who was in
attendance.) No, I’m not kidding. Dad claimed that I had lost his son’s
project, just like I had lost an older son’s project AND his wife’s project 20
years before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the record, when a student
fails to turn in an important assignment, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
go-to explanation</b> is THE TEACHER LOST IT. As I never took big-point
projects out of my room, not ever, and when accused I would scour every corner,
I knew I had not done this; I still remain flummoxed that the mom had been
doing a slow burn for so many years and had been serving me up at the dinner
table. “We warned our kids about you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">That particular, rather nasty
encounter had shaken me... overt <span style="color: red;"></span>threats of
physical violence will do that...and I took it home. Because the names didn’t
match, it took a few minutes for Mike to give me a possible explanation: he had
represented a relative who ran out of money and so had paid his fee with his
custom, tricked out, very nice motorcycle. He and his attorney had signed an
agreement that the fee would be paid within the year. The client had some expectation
of finding money to pay the fee and planned to pay but after 2 years and
several contacts, Mike sold the bike. His former client and his extended family
were not pleased. Somehow, they figured I had something to do with this: those
Bolingers just sit at home plotting how to ruin our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And, in our small town, there may
have been other classroom problems that connected with Mike’s practice but none
come to mind. So, the point is that we had a circle of friends who knew one of
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">But, of course, there were the
Mike and Lynne’s friends. Family, of course. Friends at church. Friends in the
neighborhoods. And during the last 4 years of our marriage, that group grew. And grew close to us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And, here’s what’s hard right now,
hard for me but something with which I must deal: when I come upon friends who
loved Mike as part of Mike and Lynne…..I sense a sadness, perhaps a renewal of
grief on their part. I am the reminder of what is now lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Among strangers, I’m just that
tall lady. But even among school friends who did not know Mike, I’m his widow….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This may be one reason that I’m
sad when I revisit the places we shared and see it in the eyes of those who
loved him. It’s part of the process, difficult for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My move to the lake and San
Antonio, I have opportunities to make new friends and find new avenues. But I
will miss the dear friends of Mike and Lynne as we navigate a new relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-17953358935914091102014-06-11T21:56:00.000-04:002014-06-11T21:56:11.732-04:00Felt like Mary and JosephI am a blend of World Traveler/Small Town Gal<br />
<br />
This year, I have been able to visit with about 20 people who came to us through our blog. I wanted to meet with them, match faces with names, and take them (and family) out to dinner to thank them. I know that this plan, from several Internet savvy friends, sounds a bit odd or even scary. In actuality, it has been glorious.<br />
<br />
But all this travel presents different challenges for me. I guess I had lost track of how many miles I've covered. For our recent sisters/nieces trip, I had purchased a portable clothes steamer as my sister gave me a blouse that wrinkles when you look at it. My niece Sarah, who travels for business, liked the steamer. I said, "When this trip is over, you can have this. I don't travel much."<br />
<br />
At which, she stared at me like I had giant asparagus growing out of my ears. "What?" she said. "You travel a lot, Aunt Lynne."<br />
<br />
Oh. I guess she's right. The family has been keeping tabs. She can still have the steamer. But, this year has been unusual for me in many ways: traveling is just one part of my adventure.<br />
<br />
I remain, still and probably always, a bit of a small-town gal. I can remember when it was routine that you could return merchandise without a receipt in my town. The first time Target got all receipt-requirement on me, I swore I'd never shop there again. Got over it, by the way. You can still shop, in Kokomo and Warsaw, without fretting over receipts. I like that. Simplifies my life.<br />
<br />
Mike and I traveled a bit but our trips were habitual and simple. We learned that if we could flash a credit card and some ID, the airline and hotel could locate our reservations. But, this week, I needed some big city skills and I crashed and burned.<br />
<br />
My week began with a flight from Anchorage to Los Angeles. I spent a long weekend with Gwen, a friend I met on the Dennis Miller Zone message board; our friendship grew through her following our blog. She had taken me visiting her beloved Alaska, showing me sights and sites that she knew Mike would have loved. She was so right.<br />
<br />
I had booked a non-stop flight to LAX and when I checked in, I found that I could upgrade to the last 1st class seat for $50. That meant a much nicer seat, a meal, and a really fun video player. I savored that God hug and enjoyed the flight.<br />
<br />
At the big airport, my next task was to get to the LAX Marriott where I had a reservation. This meant that I sat under a red sign, "Hotel Shuttles," waiting for my ride. We loaded up in a crowd. We rode to the hotel. We disembarked, We filed to the line to check in.<br />
<br />
By now, whatever time zone I'm on, I envisioned a hot cut of tea and a soft bed.<br />
<br />
It took about 30 minutes to get to the agent. She asked me the golden question, "Do you have your confirmation number?"<br />
<br />
I had several numbers. I had several cryptic codes for...I'm not sure... airlines? I had no reservation number. And apparently, I had no reservation. And, as it is always the case, there were no vacancies here. Nor anywhere in the LAX area. Something about a convention. A nice lady named Misty was oh so sorry but could only direct me to a hotel 20 miles away. Sigh. I was not alone. Several other people had missed connecting flights.<br />
<br />
Then a nice young man announced, "No problem, folks. There are rooms at the Courtyard. Get in the shuttle and go there." We who were without rooms smiled, and boarded the bus. On to the next hotel, out and into the line. The couple in front of me were checking in when THAT agent said, "I'm glad I was able to give you our last room."<br />
<br />
"NO!" I expressed my displeasure. "They told us you had rooms."<br />
<br />
"We did. These people got the last one."<br />
<br />
By the way, having bonded, that couple offered, as sincerely as they could to a stranger, that I could grab a cot in their room. I deferred.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm trying to remember that all things happen for a reason. For some reason, I was not at my final stop. Tick Tick: 2 hours since I landed.<br />
<br />
I was tired. I was stressed. I wanted to sink to the floor and just cry. I looked down at the floor tile. I knew that would not be a solution. So, I asked this agent to call a cab. He said it would take about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Numb now. But the cab came right away, driven by Si, a very nice young man, who loaded up my suitcase and set his GPS for the hotel in Long Beach. $70 later, we turned into its parking lot.<br />
<br />
I was dragging that purple wheeled suitcase by now. A smiling man greet with, "Are you checking in, Miss?" I nodded.<br />
<br />
I did NOT say out loud: I hope I am. If you have no rooms, I will be parking one of those couches over there. Or their stable out back.<br />
<br />
They DID have a room, a very nice room I bet. So, after negotiating past the drunk guy who wanted to buy me a drink (I'm a doctor! I have a Porche!"), I found my way to the 5th floor and my room.<br />
<br />
Joseph and Mary had to settle for the stable and, face it, they had that 'baby is coming' thing. I made a cup of tea and crashed.BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-2056012974907941702014-06-04T19:00:00.001-04:002014-06-04T19:00:34.891-04:00Anniversary: Celebration<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The passing of time fades memories: I wonder when.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Long, long ago, Mike and I suffered the loss of a
still born son. Tragic on so many levels. He was full term, really gorgeous
and, I hope, would have been raised in a good home. It was our first
disappointment as grown-ups. We navigated blind, letting the pain, sorrow,
fear, relief, acceptance, wash over us in whatever waves broke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">At one point, Mike had asked someone close, “When
are we going to get back to normal?” when such an event changes ‘normal’
forever. It takes time to discover the New Normal and settle in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not even sure we ever did that completely. For
about 20 years, I always put Nathan’s birthday/death date on our wall calendar.
There were silent trips out to the family plot to visit that tiny marker. And,
even today, almost 40 years later, I still tear up when I talk about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have since buried other loved ones: I believe that
the death of one’s child…whether young or old…is the greatest, deepest pain to
pierce a heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When the 1 year mark was upon us, we were settling
back into routine, at least. I brought a veggie tray and some Asti Spumonti to
the office for lunch. We sat in Mike’s office and toasted our child, our
survival, and God’s goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a good way to cross off that first year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now I face the first anniversary of Mike’s passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June 14, 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Quite a while ago, one of my favorite nieces and her
very nice fella chose this date for their wedding. I don’t think they gave any
mind to the date, other than it’s perfect for them. Nor should they.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So, on that sunny afternoon…I’ve put in an order for
sunny…so much of the family will gather in a park near Santa Barbara, to
witness the vows of David and Katherine. And they we will celebrate their (and
our) happy day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As I await reunion, my heart will be singing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-31356965539189899002014-06-02T17:38:00.003-04:002014-06-02T17:38:47.698-04:00What an Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59mu3FDCvSAWggGDEgL4z0kTUv8-401jsPt2hdmEyQYAaoERUgrjyNm-eLKWaU4iV7JKdLUSgeXhdbxHlrYMNQmh-KXMhxox9JMHUBT-OzpSfO-fmMC_lc6aklZTJnlj8HCvzeH9xRw0/s1600/7D_WMed_Rom_Flo_Can_Pal_Na_Bcn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59mu3FDCvSAWggGDEgL4z0kTUv8-401jsPt2hdmEyQYAaoERUgrjyNm-eLKWaU4iV7JKdLUSgeXhdbxHlrYMNQmh-KXMhxox9JMHUBT-OzpSfO-fmMC_lc6aklZTJnlj8HCvzeH9xRw0/s1600/7D_WMed_Rom_Flo_Can_Pal_Na_Bcn.gif" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
It's something my Facebook friends already know: two sisters, two nieces and me: off to Rome and then onto the NCL Epic for a whirlwind trip around the Mediterranean.<br />
<br />
It had been in the planning phase since last summer. I've posted some highlights, thanks to niece Sarah who took most of the photos AND has an international phone plan.<br />
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This is a trip that many retired teachers would love to take. My advice: spend about 6 months getting into shape. I THOUGHT I was in shape. I mean, I walk the dog every day. Well, not even close. In Rome and Florence, our first stops, there are stairs, stairs, steps, more steps, and much much walking, always uphill.<br />
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We popped a lot of Advil in our stateroom. The Coliseum, yeah THAT one, looks like every photo you've ever seen. Except, wow. There we were, in 3D. Niece Sarah is a fan of Russell Crowe and Gladiator. She was in heaven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2aVJXmtPVmt6RZiuNIZjdBDu8jvOBY0QeZ1_COzLBqTPN5kNUvGg8aDKQb73yRGTLtr1o5ufehNczrIMKQe77MPKv3te9P-Ecux_-B_5rKQB2n-jUspXbF1QGu3Thzm971O6Zr5Q7a8/s1600/fakedavid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2aVJXmtPVmt6RZiuNIZjdBDu8jvOBY0QeZ1_COzLBqTPN5kNUvGg8aDKQb73yRGTLtr1o5ufehNczrIMKQe77MPKv3te9P-Ecux_-B_5rKQB2n-jUspXbF1QGu3Thzm971O6Zr5Q7a8/s1600/fakedavid.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'fake' David is right there behind us.</td></tr>
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In Florence, of course, we walked around Michelangelo's David. You can't take photos there, but out in the square, there's the 'fake David,' suitable for photos. That's US in front of HIM. Oh, you can't see HIM? <br />
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Dinner in Rome. We shared 2 entrees, 2 salads and 4 desserts.<br />
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Sangria in Barcelona.<br />
<br />
Ole'<br />
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Outside the Vatican. This was Tuesday; the Pope holds his audience on Wednesday. We saw they setting this up.<br />
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Sunrise over Mount Vesuvius<br />
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And Pompeii: Amazing. Check out facebook.<br />
And now, home.BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-933884385633374892.post-85498766492876446592014-05-30T11:57:00.001-04:002014-05-30T11:57:33.375-04:00Retired?<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">So, last year I took on ‘widow;’ this year I wrap
‘retired’ around my neck. I end 40 years as an English teacher at Kokomo High
School in Kokomo, Indiana.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve heard that in some jobs, the human resources
department conducts <strong>Exit Interviews</strong> when a long-time employee retires. I also
hear that 'long-time employee’ is a quaint term as so many workers don’t start
and retired from the same job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t think our school had HR when I began; I’m
not 100% positive. I was busy teaching. We do now: I know this because we get
emails from the administrative assistant to the HR director. So, someone gets
paid for this and has enough to do to warrant a secretary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">At any rate, there was no <strong>Exit Interview</strong> and I’m not
sure what the purpose would be. Would someone ask me Why? How? When?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would someone want my feedback into what is
good at KHS and what is less good? Would someone ask my opinion on how to help
a new employee get integrated into the team? Would someone even want to know
some of my tricks for getting 17-year-olds to eat out of my hand, pleasantly?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">As far as I can see, I don’t think my input would be
useful. So much has changed in public education since 1973. So so so much has
changed in the last 5 years. My ideas, tricks, hints, and so forth probably would
not work for someone else. New teachers need to find their own way. It will
take time. There’s really no way to rush it. This reality makes it simple to
hand my imaginary mantel to the next generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve seen several of my friends really struggle with
letting go of ‘their classroom,’ ‘their course,’ their ‘way to do.’ We kid ourselves,
of course. Those kids and that room are not ours. Veteran teachers sell
themselves on the made-up fact that if they don’t show up, education cannot
happen. That’s one reason why seasoned faculty come to school with a slight
fever and minor bronchitis….no one can do our job. Another wake-up reality is
that if the excellent classroom teacher dropped dead (or inherited a sinful
amount of wealth), someone else would walk into his classroom, pick up the
book…or whatever they are using these days…and teach those kiddies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We may be important but we are not irreplaceable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I WAS asked for an interview by the students in the
television production class. It was part of the project and my input gave them
practice in editing and creating a DVD. As it’s the closest to an HR Exit
Interview, I’ll preserve it here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met them on
time and was escorted into the studio where one young man focused the camera,
one adjusted the lighting and one whipped out the paper with a prepared
questions. They asked, among other things, why I had become a teacher. I wish
my answer could have been more profound, more inspirational. Alas, it was
not, but it was honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Why? I was attending a liberal arts college and in
1970’s, the overriding logic was to get a teaching credential so you could get
a job. There were many of the liberal arts that did not sink in….philosophy,
physics, mathematics…but English. Yes, THAT made sense to me. Literature.
Writing. Grammar. Speech. I could master these well enough to teach to someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Back then, teacher preparation did not send you into
a classroom until near the end of college. You operated on some sort of faith,
I guess, that in the end, you’d feel at home. I did. At least one college chum
discovered that she hated the public school classroom in April of her senior
year. Back then, there weren’t so many alternative choices. I think she ended
up working in a bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This is so different from today when potential
teachers get placed in classrooms throughout their undergraduate years, in part
so they can explore different ages and school settings. I think that makes good
sense. Personally, I loved having college students come in to observe my
classroom. And I really loved when I got to supervise a student teacher, all
full of fresh ideas and anxious to try them out in a real setting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">So, I wanted job security. That’s pretty lame and
even when the students interviewed me, I knew there was more to it, but it took
some reflection to come to the better answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The better answer: I belong to God. I’m one of His
children. He has had a plan for me. I have been pretty deaf to His whispers. He
often has to hit me upside the hay-id to get my attention. Or He leads and lets
me think it’s all my idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">That was my path to teaching. I don’t know when it
sunk in that I was walking in God’s will when I chose teaching for a career.
“All YOUR idea, hey chickie?” He smiled. Similarly, it was all MY idea to marry
that funny, smart red head that I met at Wheaton College. Just as it was MY
idea that I go to Wheaton after high school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve lived long enough to know that many of God’s
children actively seek His will in such momentous decisions. I wish I could say
that. I cannot. I was much more “Hey, God, this is what I’m doing. Come along
if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m much better these days at listening. And
recognizing. And acting on those promptings that I know come from my Father.
It’s a much better way to navigate this life, secure that you are doing
exacting what the Father, who runs the big picture, wants you to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, as often as I can, I like to step back to
observe that path I’ve walked and how God’s guiding was always there, leading
me and also protecting me from my own ME-ness. One of the many blessings that
He provided to Mike and me was Mike’s opportunity to teach at Ivy Tech…7
semesters! And I was sent back into my high school classroom as it was Mike’s
decision that we get back into living a normal life until we couldn’t. We
stopped sitting around, waiting for him to die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">At first, in spring 2010, I went back to KHS without
any assurance that I would finish the semester; veteran teachers like to finish
semesters. I also knew and told Mike that he would no longer have 100% of my
attention. To do a good job…and by now, that’s all I could do…would require me
to share myself with 145 students. He was ok with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">And it was great. Really. There are about 1000 kids
I would have never gotten to know; that ‘getting to know’ makes my life rich.
And blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And happy. AND distracted
from the disease. We tried hard to shove the disease way down in our attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">So, I was back doing my job. All good. And then the
blessing. At least 5 times, God showed up big time to let me know I was walking
where He wanted me, that I was in my classroom for a specific student. What a
privilege. But that’s the thing about the Big Picture…God calls His children to
do and go, sometimes when it makes no sense. May I continue to grow in faith to
step out and just do and go, without the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">So, newly retired, I’ve been seeking the next
chapter. This year, on leave, has been filled with tasks that needed to be
done. Plus, I’ve traveled a lot, visiting important people. Some of these
friends came to us through Mike’s illness. I wanted to thank them in person and
God has permitted me that opportunity. But I figured that He wants something
more out of me than just flitting around having fun. And I’ve asked several
close friends to join me in praying for that next chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">As old habits die hard, I’ve mentally listed some
options. But He is revealing to me a different book entirely. Stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">What I ask of my praying friends…who were OUR
praying friends and continue to care for me in this way… is that I’ll keep my
eyes open and my mouth shut as God makes His way clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
BolingersCottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12259224686021680320noreply@blogger.com1