My Blog

2012-02-10T06:30:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago the Quan family invited several families to share their Sunday dinner. So all 12 of us squeezed into their car and they took us home with them.

This is the view from their 19th floor window. Ashleigh said she could count 95 buildings from her apartment window. This is only a portion of the buildings you can see from this window.

These minature daffodils were just starting to bloom.

Brooke was trying to figure out how she could get to the top step and play with the slinky again. Big kids have all the fun.

A round puzzle of the world.

After dinner everyone gathered around the piano and sang. Sister Quan made the baby look good at playing the grand piano.

Smaller pianos for smaller folks.

Brother Quan, man behind the scene.

Group picture before heading out into the cold.

Shenzhen, Newfield Office

2012-02-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

The building in the middle, pinkish and green windows) is where Dad works when he is in Shenzhen.

His office is near the top on the left side.

As I walked around and hiked, I took pictures of his building.

Took this during my hike to the top of the ridge.

This is the window where Dad used a laser pointer so I could see where he was.

From the villa area.

Sunset and rather hazy.

From the ridge.

From the ridge.

In his office, looking out over the city.

In his office, looking at the bay. The ships almost seem to be floating, don't they?

The Christmas tree was still up in the lobby, decorated by the dragon, made from office supply stuff.

And someone made a replica of Dad's building out of paper tubes.

Shenzhen, random things I saw

2012-02-03T06:31:00.000-06:00

Sweet little girl and her mom (grandmother? ayi?). Many people wear these tube shaped covers over their sleeves to keep their clothes clean.

Very, very shy little girl.

This street is in a section of town where villas exist.

It was close to the hotel and made for a very nice walk.

The trees were flowering, smelled sweet and looked a lot like lilies.

Tree root. Artists will carve these into faces with beards.

Security guard's vehicle.

Chinese New Year candy.

Kewpie is a brand name here. There's a little kewpie doll on the front of the package.

Saw this guy in the mall, shopping for new outfits, I'm sure.

Shenzhen, tour

2012-02-02T06:22:00.004-06:00

My first factory tour. Shenzhen is famous for all of its software, hardware companies.

We walked up to the 5th floor then caught an elevator, complete with its own operator, to the 8th floor.

These young people were assembling parts for circuit boards to be used in appliances made by such companies as Phillips and Black and Decker. We asked a lot of questions and learned they wanted the longer hours to earn the pay. Many send their money back home to their families.

Just before the New Year some quit their jobs so that they can go back home for the Spring Festival which ends with Lantern Day. Then they come back and hire on again.

At the end of the tour we were made a presentation and allowed to play with their own Chinese Device. It is a learning tool to learn Mandarin Chinese. If we chose to buy one that day we were given a discount. Several of the ladies took advantage of the deal.

Our tour guide and members of our tour group.

Shenzhen, beginning of hike

2012-02-01T06:36:00.000-06:00

Around the corner from our hotel is this road that leads to the "trailhead" to get to the top of the mountain. If you're thinking Rocky Mountains, no, not the same but the terrain is steep and rough.

At the trailhead was this beautiful pond and turtle.

Above the turtle is the crane. There is symbolism in the animals, colors and it is used everywhere.

Trailhead.

See the stairs on the left, looks almost like a tan stone block? That's the trail.

Butterflies in January?

The trail and I was thinking of dirt trails. That's a lot of work digging and hauling those stones.

Keep the trails clean...and hide your trash.

Stone stairs and a stone bridge.

Looking back to see how far I've come. Remember I mentioned steep terrain?

Metal steps were built over the carved in the rock steps.

Still expecting it to turn into a dirt trail at any moment.

Almost to the top, looking back towards the bay and downtown Shenzhen. Pollution mixed with humidity.

Shenzhen, made it to the top

2012-02-01T06:34:00.000-06:00

At the top of this end of the ridge is this pagoda so there were still stairs to climb. Through the tree limbs you can see the white railing with a green handrail on top of it. This is the top.

I was surprised at the number of children on top and along the trail. You KNOW they weren't carried up.

Dad's 37 story building is just over the right shoulder of the boy in plaid. The bay is behind the building.

Dad and I agreed when I got to the top I'd use my slick phone surface to flash him so he could see where I was. The only ray of sunlight was reached if I sat on top of the railing, on top of the pagoda, on top of the ridge, on top of the mountain. Right. Ok, it really wasn't that bad.

See his building, with the two long black stripes and the pointy top. Can you see the four black dots just above the stripes and below the pointy top? That's his floor, the 31st floor. And I'm way higher.

The boy in plaid took this picture of me sitting on the railing, flashing Craig with my phone.

So I took their picture. The one in plaid is 20 years old, majoring in mathematics, his cousin is 18 and majoring in engineering. They call each other brothers.

See the next peak? There's a very large white pavilion there and that's where I'm headed.

But first you have to go down this peak to get to the other one.

This lady had brought her hot water/tea to drink along the trail. When I asked to take her picture she hid the bottle and gave me her best smile. I showed her the picture and she gave me a thumbs up.

There was this nice spot to sit and rest, perhaps enjoy your lunch. Many people climb this peak each day for their exercise.

We had a bottlebrush bush in our front yard in Houston. This reminds me of it only it's a puffball compared to our bottle brush.

Half way to the other peak the "brothers" caught up with me and we conversed the rest of the way. They really just wanted to practice their English. The younger one was much better but I could understand them both just fine. Their English...not their Chinese.

Shenzhen, along the top

2012-02-01T06:32:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's a bench to sit on and relax.

This huge cement "rock" has a story carved into it. Haven't a clue what it is about.

But there's a beautiful lady involved, animals and elements.

You can climb on top via stairs on either side.

This man found his own rock to sit on and relax.

A small pagoda, a young couple, someone stretching, another resting.

The ceiling of the pagoda.

The part of the trail leading to the little pagoda is covered and each section was handpainted.

Ok, I didn't figure out what this rocks were but they were all along the trail. Distance markers?

Shenzhen, to the end of the hike

2012-02-01T06:30:00.001-06:00

At the end of the ridge is this small gray pagoda. There's a trail to the left that takes you to the city on the back side of the ridge, a trail to the right that takes you back into Shenzhen.

This is the trail to the left.

This is the trail to the right. I chose the right and started counting the stairs going down because I was told it was 800 steps. Did I mention how steep the stairs were?

Benches held up by dogs and mice.

The last character on the top is fire so maybe there are fire fighting tools or water hoses in there since so many people smoke. I like the rabbits on the bottom. Saw several of these.

Another friendly fellow.

The sun was setting so wasn't sure why they were headed up the trail. Still counting stairs.

The trailhead had a crane and turtle. This is about the end of the trail and there is a swan...

...and three turtles. At last, no more stairs, just take the road the rest of the way down to the street and hike back to the hotel. By the way, give or take a hundred, I counted 1,040 steps.

The end of the hike. Only 50 feet from the street. Can you say 'spaghetti legs'?

Home in China

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

We loved being back in Texas for Christmas and seeing our children and grandchildren as well as our friends but it was time to head back to China. We had been flying in the dark for some time then I saw the beginning of the sunrise.

Finally there was enough light to see the wing of the plane. The orange dot to the left is the moon. It was on the horizon and I thought it was setting but to my surprise I saw it up above us a few hours later.

Beijing was experiencing some cold weather and Saturday morning we woke to snow on the ground. Can you see those footprints in the snow that go to the basketball court?

It's a heart! Had to get a quick picture of it before it disappeared from others walking out there. How fun!

The next we saw this. Not in Beijing but in Shenzhen where Dad had some meetings and a couple of company New Year parties to attend. I was lucky enough to go along. By the way, the flowers grow on trees and smell so sweet. They look like lilies.

We stayed at the Ascott, just a few minutes walk to Dad's building.

In front were a couple of very nice orange trees...um, bushes. The oranges were so well spaced I thought it was fake at first.

I loved this water fountain in the lobby. The chairs to sit in, and I should have taken a picture of them as well, were shaped just like this fountain but in two halves. It was a bit like sitting in a bowl.

Our room was on the left, second floor, at the end. The rocks spell "Ascott".

It was a most unusual hotel, built on the side of a steep, rocky hill in blocks. We were in block 8. I'm standing on the roof on the 5th floor of Block 6.

This is the sidewalk outside of the Ascott. A lady was sweeping the leaves into piles and another lady put the leaves in plastic bags.

A little further up the street I saw this older man sweeping the street.

Dad relaxing, while doing business. Or maybe he was talking to one of you all.

It's Time to Say Good-by from Tree Top

2012-01-30T06:21:00.001-06:00

All the cousins, ages 14 to 10 months.

Tiffany's

Ben's

Katie's

Anna's

Terry's

The first sunshine since arriving at Tree Top and now we need to get back home.

The cool dude.

Parting shots...

Christmas Morning

2012-01-29T11:59:00.000-06:00

Santa found the kids somehow and left presents for all the good boys and girls.

He even filled their stockings.

He checked to make sure they were all nestled and snug in their beds.

The elf tried his hand at decorating the tree before he left with Santa.

What??!! I missed Santa!!!

Boys and their tablets. Remember this picture.

The elf that got left behind.

A pretty present.

Coolest car ever!

Can't wait to play the new game.

The smallest presents are usually the best.

Remember the Frio Polar Bears? The younger ones belong to the Panda Bear Club.

Boys and their tablets.

Boys and their tablets.

Don't know this couple, they may have been like this for a looooong time.

Christmas Afternoon

2012-01-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

Sunday afternoon we headed down to the river for Avery's baptism. She knew how cold the water was from the day before but still wanted to be baptized in the river. Her other option was the hot tub.

Would you believe there was a deer at the river, too?

Avery, we are so pleased with your decision to be baptized and to follow the Lord. He will surely bless you!

This is what a happy girl looks like while thawing out.

The rest of us, in our winter coats, head back to the main house.

Emma, ever so thoughtful, helped with the towels.

Ben, Tonia, Anna and Grandpa all had parts in the program. It was very special and one Avery will always remember.

Christmas Eve Day

2012-01-28T18:00:00.001-06:00

Breakfast is served.

Oven baked bacon...hmmmm ummm ummm.

French Toast casserole.

Grandpa, Ben and Anna took most of the kids on an exploring hike.

I'm in the treehouse and they are across the river.

Anna

The Elf on the Shelf came along and went rope-swinging.

Storie

Showing her discoveries.

Sadie

Emma was the first one down to the water's edge, then she waited for the other kids to get into their swim suits. Even Anna, who's wearing the Artic model coat, went swimming.

Avery

Tucker

Storie

In the Frio

Emma, doing her Jane-style swing.

Eliora, showing how not to get wet.

Audrey racing to the hot tub.

Nothing like really warm water to thaw out members of the Frio Polar Bear Club.

Wannabe members of the FPB Club.

Youngest member of the Frio Polar Bears.

Christmas Eve Night

2012-01-28T06:43:00.000-06:00

Tristan trying the Davis-drop-dead-look. It ain't workin', you're too cute.

Rush

Avery

Audrey

Eliora

Paige

Emma

Was it the hike? or jet lag?

Hannah

Making Christmas ornaments

Turn a handprint into snowmen.

My finished Christmas present, isn't it beautiful?

Baby in the Blanket game.

Pink a licious

Now to teach mom how to play it.

Then grandpa turned them to the dark side...

More card games.

Later it was the serious game of Egyptian Rat Poker.

The reindeer inside the house was dressed for the occasion.

All the children went outside to leave reindeer food for Santa's reindeer since they were going to have to work hard all night. Then they left milk and cookies on the fireplace for Santa, ran upstairs and jumped in bed. As they were settling down what did they see out the window? A deer had come to eat the food they had set out! Actually, several deer came and went. It was too exciting to go to sleep but fortunately, Anna, had brought a "potion" that would help them get to sleep right away.

(see Anna's posts for the Tree Top, and Christmas Crafts)

Later that evening

2012-01-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

So much to explore and so little time...

Emma

Avery

Andie

Dinner

Only the big people get to sit on the sofa, sorry, dear.

Grandpa will always share his hat.

My Christmas present in the making.

He either thinks he's been abandoned OR someone has food and he thinks he's not getting any. Either way, he's thinking this is not a pretty picture.

Tree Top

2012-01-27T06:52:00.000-06:00

You know you're in Texas when...you find a chair that fits all the grandkids!

It was just windy and cold enough that a hug from your friend was just what you needed.

There were cute shops along the way. This one was interesting enough even Craig stopped to take a look.

And Jeff didn't mind either.

We finally made it to Tree Top, our home for the next few days.

Jeff and the girls exploring the treehouse.

View of the main house and guest house (to the left, those little itty bitty lights) from the treehouse.

Taking a tour of the main house, you have the kitchen...

the living room...

the master bedroom...

the small bedroom...

thereallyfunbedroomwhereyoucanjumpfrombedtobedreallyhigh...I mean, you have the third bedroom...

and the loft with a card table...

three full beds and a billiard table.

In between the main house and guest house is the patio and hot tub.

Let me show you the guest house.

The living room...

the library and bar/kitchen area to the right with another sofa...

the master bedroom (and only bedroom)...

and the bath. Everyone knows what a bathroom looks like but did you ever see a window as pretty as this one in a bathroom?

Short Post

2012-01-26T06:57:00.000-06:00

The world as seen from the car seat of a six year old.

Trying to keep a straight face. Love your laugh.

Christmas with the Ivo's

2012-01-25T06:39:00.001-06:00

Craig with our good friend and neighbor, Gary Singerman, who is now writing books when he's not trying to cut his fingers off.

Do not use glue to stick sugar cubes together. Use frosting! Next year it will be better.

Gorgeous Christmas tree.

Andie with an all time favorite toy.

Rush is more into presents than wrapping paper. He's figured out the system.

Storie savoring the moment.

Avery hit the jackpot, she was ecstatic.

Paige is going to make this last as long as possible.

Emma figuring out just how the new phone works.

Tucker enjoying Christmas breakfast.

Tiffany enjoying the moment.

Business as usual :-)

Katie enjoying her camera way too much.

Nov - Dec Birthdays

2012-01-24T06:21:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to Avery and Storie!

Avery's getting so grown up.

Looks like Storie may be following in her mom's footsteps.

Happy Birthday, Girls!

Iowa

2012-01-23T06:51:00.000-06:00

Jet lag will make you watch TV food shows.

Evelyn's Christmas tree.

Evelyn, pretty in pink!

Jet lag will make you put mustard on everything.

Micheale loves him anyway.

Across the street from Gary and Pam (can't believe I didn't get a picture of them! Not even Pam's new baby Bernina) lives John. John is our cousin on the Thompson side of the family. John also has the "honor" of being the first person to arrest one of the 20th century's most notorious murderers.

Emmanuel

2012-01-22T06:47:00.000-06:00

My friend, Rodica, gave birth to a little boy in December and she named him Emmanuel. Looks like Katherine can't wait to take him home. What a little sweetheart.

December at the Embassy House

2012-01-21T06:33:00.000-06:00

Santa was a popular fellow in Beijing in December. Beijing rivaled any city in the States for lights, decorations and gift buying. Nativities were also displayed. Christmas was more of a commercial endeavor than it was celebrated as the birth of Christ. Even so, there was generally a happy spirit everywhere.

The "real" Santa read "The Night Before Christmas" to the children that live in our building. Families that live here are from all over the world, France, Germany, Sweden, China, Korea, United States, Mexico, South America, Norway, etc. even Waterloo, Iowa.

There were tables with appetizers for adults and children.

We grabbed the guy with the big camera and asked if he would take our picture. It turned out rather nice for an unplanned photo.

Flower Tea

2012-01-20T05:56:00.005-06:00

This is an insulated glass thermos for drinking tea made from leaves, flowers or herbs. On top is a strainer so that as you drink your tea, the leaves or herbs stay in the bottle. This tea is made from white flowers which is quite popular. When guests enter a home and are offered something to drink, it is always hot. If you asked for water, it is served hot. It is believed that drinking cold water is not good for you so it is perfectly fine to offer your guest hot water to drink. In restaurants always ask for cold water otherwise you will get a cup of hot water. At home, I tried drinking hot water and decided it wasn't all that bad. On a cold day, it was great.

Willow Trees in Beijing

2012-01-09T07:01:00.001-06:00

Inspired by Whitney who does timeline photography and Anna who does home movies, here is my first ever video that I have put together. Warning: it's about 3 minutes long and boring. My cousin wrote the music which is the one redeeming factor of this poor thing.

First Snow in Beijing

2012-01-07T07:01:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving decorations - the Chinese wash bowl served as our cornucopia.

Woke up Dec. 2nd to what I thought was frost on the ground. Turned out to be snow, very, very fine snow. This was about noon.

This was the next day, early in the morning.

Same day only now it's the afternoon. No snow whatsoever.

This is how he usually ends his day, as soon as he sits and "vegges" in front of the TV. It only takes about 5 minutes, or less.

Shopping for Fabric

2012-01-06T07:01:00.001-06:00

The idea was to find some fabric to make Christmas gifts. I had an address but my driver couldn't find it. We found a mall in the area but it didn't have any fabric, only women's coats (how do they all stay in business?). We found another shopping area and they sold fabric but it was silk, rayon, wool, cashmere, leather but not cotton. I needed cotton. After a few phone calls we finally found the shopping area but it was closing time and the traffic was "busy crazy." Called it a day and headed home.

The next week went back to the shopping area we found the week before. My friend said there was a wonderful shop that had all the cotton material I would need for sewing. She described the shop and so I looked for it. There was aisle after aisle.

And cross aisles after aisle. One whole section was nothing but buttons, probably 40 - 50 vendors just selling buttons, zippers, buckles and frogs. Didn't see anyone shopping in their shops. Just how do they stay in business?

Bolts of fabric were stacked outside the shops to give room to step in the shop to see the other bolts as well as advertise their wares.

Did I mention how cold it was? Beijing is windy which makes it even chillier.

One of the colorful shops.

This turned out to be the cotton shop my friend told me about, they carried a lot of Vera Bradley fabrics. They also had an upstairs room where there were many more bolts of fabric.

This was in one of the corners of the shopping area, notice the chickens (ducks or geese?) hanging up at the top? Not sure if they are already cooked or not. The red sleeve on the young girl is worn by many people. They slip these tubes over their regular clothes to keep the clothes clean. They are even sold in children's sizes so their clothes are kept cleaner.

It's common to see babies and little children in a shop. Parents bring them to work.

Thanksgiving in China

2012-01-04T23:45:00.004-06:00

Thanksgiving was on Saturday after the traditional Thanksgiving in the USA since it is not celebrated as such by the Chinese. Those with Western ovens hosted the dinners since most kitchens do not have big ovens or maybe no ovens at all. Different kinds of eggs can be bought, as well as different kinds of butter. Notice the Chinese characters on the egg shells and butter wrapper?

This is a fresh (frozen) turkey from the USA and yes, we paid the shipping. This little 14# bird was about $64. Dad fired up the oven to 550 F and had him ready in about 2 hours.

In the meantime, we had 5 - 7 cooks in the kitchen. The lady in the back was preparing eggplant and cooked it in the wok. The young couple in front (newlyweds) made handmade dressing for the salad that was out of this world. The older couple gave all their experience into homemade gravy that can't be bought in any store.

We contributed our homemade cranberry relish and stove top stuffing.

It was a success.

Merry Christmas, Craig

2011-12-05T20:13:00.001-06:00

Santa has a message he'd like you to hear, so click here to watch the video.

O Holy Night with Josh Groban

2011-12-04T18:44:00.001-06:00

Letter to Pastor Robert Jeffress

2011-12-01T22:16:00.008-06:00

Letter sent to me by my friend, Lynette, thought it was worth posting.

Be sure to read to the very end...

(A message for Pastor Robert Jeffress from Robert Starling)

Dear Friends and Family,

After listening to several of our LDS General Authorities in recent years talk about how members should reach out over the web to share our testimonies and to speak up when critics attack our faith, I was impressed to respond to the recent comments by Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. I felt that with the research I've done and the experiences I've had in the past perhaps I could provide some information that, - while it may not change Pastor Jeffress's mind, it would at least leave him without the excuse of ignorance in his future comments.

And perhaps it might provide the members of his staff with something to think about, as well.

I hope this is useful for you, too.

Robert

Robert Starling
CEO Trefoil Productions LLC
12242 S. 1740 W.
Riverton, UT 84065
cell: 801 824 2843

Dear Staff Members at First Baptist Dallas, October 14, 2011

I’ve tried unsuccessfully to find an email address for Dr. Robert Jeffress, so I’m sending this to all of the members on the First Baptist Dallas staff that I found listed on your website. I hope that at least one of you will forward this on to Pastor Jeffress because I feel it’s important that he have the opportunity to read and understand it.
= = =
Dear Pastor Jeffress,

I’m just one of the millions of people who saw and heard on TV news shows your statements that “Mormonism is a cult” and “not a part of orthodox Christianity”. As a faithful lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I felt a strong reaction to those statements, as you might imagine. My remarks here are only my personal thoughts, but I assure you they are heartfelt.

My reaction was twofold. First, I saw your remarks as an unfortunate “below-the-belt” swipe at Mitt Romney in the hopes of advancing your own favorite political candidate. While you certainly have the right to do that, I think many Americans join me in feeling that such a move was beneath a prominent religious leader such as yourself.

Second, as a devoted believer and follower of Jesus Christ I was saddened that you felt the need to speak out against my faith and beliefs. I’m sure there are those who think it was done with malice, but I’ll try to do the Christ-like thing and give you the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps you’ve just been misinformed about “Mormonism” as many others have been.

But it might surprise you to learn that I actually agree with part of what you said, although perhaps for different reasons than you might imagine.

You said that Mitt Romney is “not a Christian” (and by association myself and the other six million-plus Americans who are Latter-day Saints). But I believe you need to be more specific. There are many different kinds or “flavors” of Christians. I agree that the LDS people are not Baptist Christians or Evangelical Christians or Catholic Christians, etc. I will even agree that we’re not part of “orthodox” or “traditional” flavor of Christianity, if by that you mean the post-Nicene church that became the “universal” or “catholic” version of Christendom.

I believe my faith to be the original church of the Corinthians, the Ephesians, and yes, those who were first called Christians in Antioch, - that same church now restored in these latter days. So I call myself a “latter-day Christian", with theological roots that precede the “historical” or “orthodox” version that was the product of the various councils and creeds. That “orthodoxy” eventually became so corrupt and so apostate that the Reformers broke away from it in protest of its having “fallen away” from Biblical truths (2 Thess. 2) and “changed the ordinances” (Isa. 24:5) so that the “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) was no longer recognizable as the church that Jesus organized.

There were many enlightened Christian thinkers and theologians in history who, like Joseph Smith, believed that Christianity had become apostate and that a restoration of the New Testament church of Christ was necessary. John Wesley the founder of Methodism wrote: It does not appear that these extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were common in the Church for more than two or three centuries. We seldom hear of them after that fatal period when the Emperor Constantine called himself a Christian; . . . From this time they almost totally ceased; . . . The Christians had no more of the Spirit of Christ than the other Heathens . . . . This was the real cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian Church; because the Christians were turned Heathens again, and had only a dead form left.
The Works of John Wesley, vol. 7, pp.26-27

As I’m sure you well know, John Smythe the founder of the Baptists first left his position as a Church of England minister and joined the Separatists, but then dissolved his congregation to re-form it as the first General Baptist church among English expatriates in Amsterdam in 1609. He felt that the “historic” or “orthodox” Christianity of his time had wandered astray, especially with regard to the apostate doctrine of infant baptism. Those first Baptists were considered a “cult” by many Protestants in the “traditional” Christian denominations that persecuted them unmercifully.

Around 1640, Roger Williams of Providence, Rhode Island, founder of the first Baptist church in America refused to continue as pastor on the grounds that there was:

…no regularly-constituted church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any Church ordinance: nor could there be until new apostles are sent by the great Head of the Church, for whose coming, I am seeking. (Picturesque America, or the Land We Live In, ed. William Cullen Bryant, New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1872, vol. 1, p. 502.)

If I understand your words correctly your definition of a Christian (and that of most Evangelicals) is a pretty narrow one, far different from the standard meaning found in most dictionaries. Personally I think anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God and as his/her personal Savior who died for our sins and was bodily resurrected on the third day is a Christian. C.S. Lewis described such people as “mere” Christians.

But your narrow definition would exclude anyone who:
1. Does not believe in a closed canon of the 66 books of the Protestant Bible.
2. Does not accept the Nicene Creed as an accurate description of the nature of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
3. Believes in living prophets and apostles as the “foundation” of Christ’s earthly church.
4. Believes in continuing revelation from God to man.

I could go on. I’m very familiar with the standard arguments against “Mormonism”.

But the Bible says that believers in Christ were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26). I would respectfully submit that those Christians:
1. Did not believe in a closed canon of scripture. (some of the New Testament had not yet been written.)
2. Did not accept the Nicene Creed as an accurate description of the nature of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. (it would not be written for 300 years)
3. Believed in living apostles and prophets as the “foundation” of Christ’s earthly church.
4. Believed in continuing revelation from God to man.

So if you’re going to say that Mitt and I are not Christians based on those reasons, you’ll have to say that the believers in Antioch were not Christians either according to your definition.

You said in your Hardball interview that “Mormonism” is a “cult” because:
1. “Mormonism came 1800 years after Jesus Christ”
2. “Mormonism has its own human leader, Joseph Smith”
3. “it has its own set of doctrines”
4. “it has its own religious book, The Book of Mormon, in addition to the Bible”

Your exact following words were: “and so by that definition it is a theological cult”. You made a weak distinction between a theological cult and a sociological one, but most people will not even notice that fine differentiation. It was obvious to any sophisticated viewer that your main goal was to keep repeating the word “cult”. It’s such an inflammatory buzz word that I’m sure your goal is to use it as often as you can to scare people away from “Mormonism” without seriously considering our theology and our beliefs. It’s a word used to end or avoid discussion, not to foster it. As a Latter-day Saint I welcome the opportunity to “stand ready to give a reason for the faith that is in me”, but those who sling around the word “cult” with respect to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to cut off debate rather than to encourage dialog. It’s as though they are afraid of an open and honest discussion.

But following your own definition of “cult” for a moment, I’d like to respectfully submit that:
1. Roman Catholicism came 300 years after Jesus Christ.
2. Roman Catholicism has its own human leader, the Pope (or Peter if you accept the Catholic claims that he was the first Pope)
3. Roman Catholicism has its own set of doctrines (Mariology, transubstantiation, priestly celibacy, veneration of “saints”, indulgences, etc.)
4. Roman Catholicism has its own religious books (9 deuterocanonical more than those found in the Protestant Bible – also used in Eastern Orthodox churches)

And even your own Baptist flavor of Christianity in some ways fits your definition of what makes a cult:
1. “Baptistism” came 1609 years after Jesus Christ
2. “Baptistism” had its own human leader John Smythe – a Church of England minister (see footnote below from the website of the Baptist History and Heritage Society)
3. “Baptistism” had its own unique doctrines, including the “believer’s baptism” of adults.
4. “Baptistism” was considered a cult by the “orthodox” or “traditional” or “historic” Christian denominations of the time. In fact Baptists suffered severe persecution from other Christians who believed in the “mainline” doctrine of infant baptism prevalent in that era. Thousands of
Baptists were martyred for baptizing adults.

One of the dictionary definitions of a cult is that is a small isolated group that is out of the mainstream. That certainly does not apply to my church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest religion in America, and the second largest Christian church in Washington, Oregon, and California (after Catholicism). You mentioned that there are 15 million Southern Baptists. By 2012 at the present rate of growth there will be more Latter-day Saints than that.

Pastor Jeffress, in order to be consistent and truthful you would have to admit that the same definition you’ve used to brand “Mormonism” a cult applies at least in part to Roman Catholicism and “Baptistism” as well. Are you willing to say that on national television? I would hope so. I would hope that you’d want to be totally consistent and truthful.

Thank you for your time. I’m attaching a summary I wrote of what I believe happened to “the faith once delivered to the saints”. There was a great apostasy that fundamentally changed the New Testament church of Jesus Christ into something so different that those Christians at Antioch or Peter or Paul would not have recognized it in the Dark Ages that came upon the earth. (Amos 8:12) That apostasy required the “restitution of all things” prophesied in Acts 3:21 to occur before Christ’s return. That restitution or restoration of original Biblical Christianity was what was looked forward to by Roger Williams.

I testify to you that that restoration has come, and the original Christianity is back on the earth in its fullness as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you would like to investigate these claims I’ll be happy to “bring forth my strong reasons” for “the faith that is in me.” I would welcome a thoughtful dialog.

Cordially yours,

Robert Starling
A Latter-day Christian

(footnote to above reference to John Smyth)
BHHS -- Baptist Beginnings
http://www.baptisthistory.org/baptistbeginnings.htm

The first General Baptist church, led by John Smyth, was founded in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1608/09. Its members were English refugees who had fled England to escape religious persecution. John Smyth was a minister in the Church of England. As a student and later as a pastor and teacher…By 1608/09, Smyth was convinced his Separatist church was not valid. Most of the members had only infant baptism, and the church was formed on the basis of a "covenant," rather than a confession of faith in Christ. Smyth therefore led the church to disband in 1608/09 and re-form on a new basis–a personal confession of faith in Christ, followed by believer’s baptism. Since none of the members had been baptized as believers, Smyth had to make a new beginning. He baptized himself and then baptized the others. His baptism was by sprinkling or pouring, but it was for believers only.

It's only been 37 years...

2011-11-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary, it's been a wonderful 37 years. Let's do another 37, shall we? I love you so much!
(Thanks, Anna, for the video, it's so much fun for us to watch.)

A few parting scenic shots

2011-11-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain

Back in Yellowstone. Thought we'd share some of the scenic landscapes.

Would love to paint our house some of these colors.

Gallatin River

Gallatin River

Fir Cemetery, Anna pointed this one out to us so Dad decided it would be a good spot to stop.

The Eastern end of the cemetery.

A very old and large tree.

A beautiful sunset.

One of dad's favorite photos.

Cemeteries have its share of ghosts and this cemetery was no different.

A moonscape photo outside our window.

Another moon shot, not too clear.

What the baby did on his last day in the park

2011-10-31T07:00:00.003-05:00

First it was the baby in the bath.

Then it was to get the grandpa to feed the baby.

And then it was go look at the bison. Again.

More onlookers.

There were danger signs all around to stay away from the hot spots. Funny, the bison have been here for centuries...

From a distance, it looked like he was getting his winter coat.

The baby learned computer 101 watching chips being mass produced.

Really, what was he thinking? Hor'dourves or just I'm coming through and you're in my way?

This shot screams Yellowstone.

Finally, we make it to Old Faithful Inn so Anna could see the inside of this incredible building only to find out it was closed for the season. A busload of Japanese were also turned away.

Grandpa gave up his hat for the wee one. It was so cold out that he never fussed about wearing it.

Do you see any trees out the window? Maybe a quarter mile away. We saw a herd of bison so what does he do? Pulls over and stops beside the one and only tree along the road and blocks any window shot! He couldn't stop laughing for five minutes and he's been snickering ever since.

This is Anna going for the up close bison shot.

This is Anna's foot print in the pie. Now that's close.

So what are we going to do? Oh, I don't know, wha cha wanna do? Let's do something!

Colors are gorgeous this time of year.

Baby bison.

There was actually a double rainbow.

Met up with Whitney and Maynor and the baby traded us in for them.

A full moon, just in time for Halloween.

One Exciting Day...

2011-10-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

Anna was up early with the baby and this is how her day started.

Grandpa was left boxsitting the baby so...

...mom could go ride a horse.

Anna on the alpha male. So far, so good.

Headed up a steep hill. Do you see what's in her back left pocket?

It holds everything she needs to live her life, including getting her back home to her sweetheart that she hasn't seen in almost a month.

Do you still see it, in her back pocket? Me, neither. Lucky for her it was BEFORE the river crossing.

See Anna smile. This is Anna just before she discovers her wallet is missing.

This is Anna (and Dad and Mom and the baby) after she discovers it is missing.

The bear cub, taking a break in the way too bright light.

Sharing shade with grandma.

Still too bright but hanging in there.

That little wallet is somewhere in this picture. Can you see it? Me, neither. Did I mention that it's yellow, like the color of the grass? That's dad in the lower left corner.

We were all praying, especially her sweetheart. But he knew she'd find it.

Found a lost horseshoe. Does that mean we're on the right trail?

DAD FOUND IT!

Fortunately, it was pink side up.

Dad's standing at the spot he found it.

He's the man!

Old cabin in the far corner of the field.

Bear trap, that we didn't need. Only saw where the moose bed down and their tracks.

How some of us must of felt after losing our wallet?

How we finished the Exciting Day

2011-10-30T07:45:00.001-05:00

A beautiful path was built down to Ousel Falls.

Lots of little tiny falls along the way back to Ousel Falls.

Trying my skill at taking a portrait of the falls.

It's very scenic, late in the day and next to no one here. During the summer it would be a different story.

Another fun place to be with Craig.

Craig took this using Anna's Nikon.

Oz's Bench.

Anna took this awesome photograph. Love it.

She's trusting us with the baby on the bridge.

Craig was being so patient as were playing with our cameras on the way back. Anna took this of me taking the photo below.

Twistan's take on this trip

2011-10-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

If that elk charges, she had better get me out of here, and fast!

Whew! He went the other way. Now let's get out of here while the gettin's good.

Seriously? You're really going to let me drive this thing?

Yes! I'm all over it and I know exactly where we're going cause I'm hungry.

Well, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind...

Resting under the red, white and blue.

Guardians of the way.

Hot spot, where all the bison want to be.

Grizzly bear.

Mud on the nozzle digging for grubs.

A few of the wild animals we saw up North

2011-10-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Anna and the usual "equipment" she brings along on her photo trips.

Out in the wild...

One of the foxes we saw the first night here.

Foxes bury their food, at least, we saw this one do it.

Coyote, the next night we saw three of them playing a game of tag.

Deer.

Herds of elk.

Lots of lone bison and then some herds. Anna is determined to have the best shot.

Herd in Lamar Valley.

A lone bison.

The first grizzly bear we saw, on the first day in the park.

The black grizzly we saw on our last day in the park. The rangers suspect he killed the 15-year grizzly sow. Perhaps she was protecting her cubs but they haven't found any cubs yet.

And last but not least, a roadkill porcupine. These were the larger wild animals we saw while in Yellowstone National Park.

Bear Gulch

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

It was so pretty!!!

Blue and white, great combination.

I think she's still growing because I'm not shrinking yet.

Camera bugs...

...everywhere.

Down Bear Gulch to the Snake River.

After a wet, cold slippery hike in snow we finally made it.

Our guide.

Tristan had a lot of firsts on this trip.

He was not impressed.

Upper Falls

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hiked down to the Upper Falls.

Group shot of Tristan with the mom, aunt and grandma.

Tristan's first view of the falls with more in his future.

Tristan and mom

A drooly cub.

Pointing out the bear warning signs.

Whitney and dad.

Rodeo

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dad caught up with James Liu and invited him to go with us to the rodeo, James' first.

James was born in Taiwan but has lived a long time in China.

Anna joined the competition and done with this segment.

I was feeling sorry for myself that I only had two Nikons...

Maynor signed up to ride the steer.

Maynor had a great start...

...until the steer decided to go the other direction and left Maynor behind.

We wanted to see a little snow

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

My man in black.

The other "little" man.

We wanted to see some snow, this stuff was wet, heavy and so much fun!

Learning to catch it on your tongue.

Turned into a blizzard.

Safe and warm at uncle Maynor's.

Can you believe it? He grew at least 24 inches.

Salt Lake City Library and Museum

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Across from the library is Temple Square and the Temple. The gold angel, Moroni, is on top of one of the temple spires.

The welcome desk when you walk into the library.

Another genealogy painting as you walk upstairs.

Imagine row after row of books!

And then to find just the right one. Heaven!

Museum

2011-10-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

Pioneer cabin.

Everything a woman could want on the frontier.

My first thought was that this was a Conestoga wagon but actually it is a farm wagon outfitted with a canvas cover used during the Westward Expansion.

Beautiful stain glass window.

Christ teaching the people.

Monet style painting of a pioneer farm in Utah.

Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. (In real life, the painting is much, much wider)

Minerva Teichert painting

Textiles

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Exquisite bead work by Native Americans

Pouch

Historical family quilt, each square was symbolic of a family event.

The centerpiece.

Unusual and beautiful quilt.

Close up of the design.

Log cabin quilt.

Quilt of labels.

Dress belonging to the Young family (I think).

Pioneer wedding dress.

Hiking into some color

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

First, we visited Cousin Carol

and her husband Dennis, who has a knack for putting babies to sleep.

I think I'm getting this waterfall thing down.

Handsome hiker

"I was feeling sorry for myself having only two Nikons, when I saw someone who had only one Canon."

It's so fun to take waterfall pictures using this method!

Wasn't sure how much color we would see, it was gorgeous.

Let's get on with the hike.

There's more color to see.

This is what Anna and dad did...

...and then some more.

Grandpa! You rescued me from the carrier, I'm your friend for life.

Headed back down the trail.

Meeting up with the cousins. Bregelle made chili for dinner and it was so good!

Then it was time to play Attack the Uncle.

Twistan was too manly to join the game.

Checking to see if Grandpa was okay after a big day in the mountains.

Grandchildren in Utah!

2011-10-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Anna's little Twistan. Look, matching outfits, how cute!

Eliora, Audrey and Sadie

The elusive Abbie (where is she hiding?) and Hannah, who loves her mom.

Becky's fall harvest.

And Becky's grape arbor. Beautiful!

Completion of the Pacific Railroad

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

We're still at the Spiral Jetty. Ever the geologist. Actually, he didn't want to take his shoes off and wade in the salty water.

Wearing Chacos was smart.

One of dad's pictures...before he realized his camera had been changed to special effects.
Opps.

Out in the middle of no where is Promatory Point where the last railroad tie was laid connecting the East and West coasts by train.

After the reenactment, Tyler held a replica and had his picture taken with the actors.

The trains are exact in their size and model as the ones that were there in 1869.

Stopped at an awesome resturant for an awesome lunch.

Back to the mountains

2011-10-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

So sweet to be back in the mountains.

Trees were just starting to turn color.

Learning to use the new camera to take awesome waterfall pictures. Thanks, Whitney, for the pointers.

Bregelle's homemade dessert at the end of the day.

Hungry?

2011-10-23T12:16:00.002-05:00

Dad couldn't wait to have a bite to eat, even if it was a small, dried-out scorpion.

Tyler and Bregelle out on the Spiral Jetty.

MyLitter.com on Christmas Savings

2011-10-19T04:39:00.002-05:00

Start now to begin your Christmas savings, visit MyLitter.com for more ideas.

My Little Car

2011-10-16T10:27:00.004-05:00

Spent the last week trying to figure out how to blog from my cell phone or even from my computer. Keep getting an error message, 404 not found kind of thing. Before I left for Beijing I wanted to post a picture of my little car. Someday I'll have to trade it in but I hope it's not for a long, long time. Can you believe it's nine years old? Love the color, always have. Craig did a great job picking this van out for the family and the scouts. How many scout trips has it been on? Should have counted but it doesn't matter.

No Way!

2011-10-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

It's a huge snowstorm. I love it! But why does it have to be so cooooold?

In Remembrance

2011-09-11T11:01:00.005-05:00

Tonight we went to the U.S. Embassy and listened to Ambassador Gary Locke give a beautiful speech in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks. He lit a candle, shared the light with his beautiful wife and children, who then shared with the audience. The he and all the children and their parents walked to the reflecting pool and as is the custom of the Chinese, lite candles and set them afloat in the pool. Because we are not "employees" we were not allowed to bring our cameras and phones inside the embassy. My friend, Rodica, was able to bring her camera in and let me use it to take pictures. Will post when I get them.

New Jobs

2011-08-23T11:21:00.001-05:00

Dad, finding out he's the new country manager for Newfield in China.

Mom, finding out she's the new seminary teacher.

Another Famous Davis

2011-08-15T10:31:00.003-05:00

The coolest clique from East Waterloo High School. Craig, his 4th cousin Jeff, Dane and Joe.

My first venture out alone

2011-08-04T02:46:00.003-05:00

Needed two cords for the office so decided I would walk the half mile over to the computer store. This canal runs along side our building. Water does not flow so algae grows like crazy in it.

These remind me of the hollyhocks that grew in Grandma Smith's yard.

The steps take you from the street level to the path along the canal.

There are two men fishing along the right hand side, among the grass.

Ladies, even some men, use umbrellas to have shade from the sun. They prize white skin.

She's waiting for her dog to finish exploring on the side. The steps take you back up to the street level. Pictures taken with my Chinese camera. Next time I'll take my Canon.

Toto, I think we're in Kansas!

2011-08-02T11:57:00.003-05:00

We went to the Classical Furniture Row. Streets of shops with furniture, rocks, even fossils and cushions. We also found some beautiful carved vases. While waiting for the taxi, the ladies in the shop where we found the vases shared a sunflower with us and sent it home with us. What a treat.

The New Office

2011-08-02T09:57:00.003-05:00

The office has been upgraded to two computers, four monitors, one printer, four phone lines, one lamp and one very old stool.

MyLitter.com on School Supply Savings

2011-07-19T22:41:00.003-05:00

Tiffany, with 5 children in school, could easily spend $250 in school supplies tells how she did for less than $50.

MyLitter.com can help you with summer vacations

2011-07-19T22:17:00.005-05:00

Tiffany shows how she planned a spring-break vacation for her family of 9 persons for about $600 at a major vacation destination.

MyLitter.com helping Joplin MO

2011-07-19T22:06:00.002-05:00

My daughter, Tiffany, appeared on Fox26 in Houston, May 31, 2011 to show how she used coupons to help those in need after the tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri.

The Recovery of Joplin, MO, taken 28 June 2011

2011-07-14T03:55:00.008-05:00

Decided to drive through Joplin MO on my way home from Iowa. Main St. was decorated and very clean.

What amazed me most was the green on the trees and the grass. There was none of that 5 weeks before.

So much of the debris has been taken out.

Some areas look so barren.

Some grass simply didn't survive, but the trees are fighting for survival. See the metal still wrapped around a branch, hanging like a steel flag?

So much debris is gone.

I tried to take pictures of the same areas and buildings for comparison. That's the hospital in the background.

Large yellow "picker-upper" helping with the debris removal.

See the trees leaf out (again) was a joy.

Tornado should have heeded the red sign. Written on the house "Thank you Volunteers. We love u! You are our heroes!"

It amazes me how much work has been done in only five weeks.

Amazing how the branch split vertically. Not keeping the bird from coming in for a landing.

Some of these pictures speak for themselves.

"For Sale"

"Split Level, 1/2 split, 1/2 leveled" I love their spirit and sense of humor in Joplin!

So sad. On the side it reads "I AM DONE", on the front "TEAR ME DOWN" and "DIRECT HIT."

On the other hand, "DO NOT DEMO."

"For Sale" "All Alive and Well" with a picture of an anchor and a flower.

Not much left, flag at half-mast.

The kitchen table, the wastebasket and even the kitchen sink.

Despite the metal accessory, this tree is going to make it.

This was taken 5 weeks ago. Notice all the wood piled up on the left and around the house?

Gone.

Workers were all around. So were flags!

Another "picker-upper" removing debris.

My favorite "picker-upper." The driver sits in the chair and handles it as if it's his own hands picking up huge items to put in the back of the trucks to be hauled out.

Another picture, just for fun.

One side of the hospital.

And the other side. I couldn't tell front or back. God Bless the people of Joplin and all those who are helping. God Bless America.

The Devastation of Joplin, Missouri, 29 May 2011

2011-05-31T13:38:00.001-05:00

Click on any picture to enlarge it.

The Devastation of Joplin, Missouri, 29 May 2011

2011-05-31T13:36:00.000-05:00

The Devastation of Joplin, Missouri, 29 May 2011

2011-05-31T13:34:00.000-05:00

The roof's here, where's the house?

Drycleaning still hanging at the laundromat.

The Cleanup of Joplin, Missouri, 29 May 2011

2011-05-31T13:32:00.000-05:00

To the right of the red pickup a man is driving a small machine to clear an area.

Dangerous wires are taken care of and electricity is being brought back into the area.

Crews (in the white truck) distributed water and food to the locals and volunteers.

A crew walks past all the destroyed cars.

Red Cross volunteers.

Helping Hands (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) volunteers from Arkansas.

Eric and Cooper were among 260 volunteers from their church in Arkansas that spent several days in Joplin clearing debris from backyards to the curb. They brought their own supplies and equipment.

The Spirit of Joplin, Missouri, 29 May 2011

2011-05-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

This is the Spirit of Joplin, Missouri, the Spirit of America. God Bless America.

Bad Day

2011-05-20T20:40:00.004-05:00

Big Brother

2011-05-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

Most people do not know that Craig was nominated and given the Big Brother of the Year Award. With his own busy schedule, Craig just invited Brad along with him. Somehow he found a way to also take time for all of Brad's activities, even coaching his football team. Craig's still awesome.

Look what I found

2011-05-11T09:24:00.004-05:00

Any guesses as to how old I am in this picture?

Guess Who?

2011-05-11T00:55:00.002-05:00

Is it a boy or a girl, are those real teeth or a disguise? Was this taken last week or years ago? Do you know this person or did I pull this out of thin air? Leave your thoughts...

not-so baby eagles

2011-05-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

The chicks are getting so big now. They're looking more like the predators that they are, in fact, they reminded me of the old movie "The Dark Crystal." Remember the Skeksis, the evil half of the urSkeks? Yep, the little chicks reminded me of the big, bad Skeksis'.

At the moment, my photoshop program is unusable so I can't even take snapshots of the eagles anymore, although I have a bunch I have yet to post, just haven't had time to do it.

Sunday, 10 April 2011

2011-04-11T00:31:00.005-05:00

This was about 2 a.m. She was sleeping in a standing position, slightly waving in the wind. It couldn't have been comfortable.

More humor. It should be Bald Eagle Nest...

Good Morning, little guy.

Birds? Where? This the the creek that runs under the eagle's tree.

Or maybe it's Birds, find friends for your little ones.

She's such a good mom.

More humor. Don't feel like hunting? Just order out, fast food for fowls!

Looks like Andie after a meal of vegetables.

Andie doesn't eat mealworms though.

The wind blew all day, she kept her back to the wind, protecting the little ones.

11:30 pm and the wind is still blowing. A tornado went through Mapleton IA last night, a lot of destruction.

Saturday, 9 April 2011

2011-04-10T15:41:00.002-05:00

This one looks like Pippy.

Bandit and Fuzzy

All the siblings.

Time to eat.

"Mom, you're a great cook! Can I have more....please."

Bird Humor

2011-04-09T18:06:00.002-05:00

Why buy accents when you can get your own?

Friday, 8 April 2011 - The Mohawk Hat

2011-04-09T17:51:00.004-05:00

Watchful mother. "Son! What's that on your head?"

"But, Mom, all the kids are wearing one."

"Let me take a closer look at that thing!"

"Children...always following the crowd. What will they think of next?"

Thursday, 7 April 2011 - Welcome, Pippy

2011-04-09T17:38:00.004-05:00

The third chick hatches! I didn't see it but he actually hatched yesterday, 6 Apr 2011.

It's just a little pipsqueak, and that's it's name: Pipsqueak, Pippy for short

A third mouth to feed.

They're so fuzzy that I have to look at her beak to see if the picture is in focus. Do you?

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

2011-04-07T02:03:00.003-05:00

Calling for her mate.

Sleepyhead

Did someone call for lunch?

Mom settling back on the nest but one chick didn't make it back under her. Don't worry, when he got close enough to her she scooped him back in and under her warm feathers.

Fishing was good today. There are 155,778 viewers at this second.

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

2011-04-07T01:48:00.004-05:00

"You look that way and I'll look this way and we're bound to spot the folks somewhere."

"Hey, here comes Mom now!"

"You're a great cook, ma."

"Move over, Fuzzy, I'm first in line"

First one...

...then the other.

What a tasty morsel.

Is it me or are they getting whiter?

Ahhh, fed and warm and protected by Mom.

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

2011-04-07T01:38:00.003-05:00

I don't watch the eagles 24/7 although I would like to do 12/7 but in the 1/7 I happened to catch the cam focusing on the OTHER eagle. Bet he's wondering how he can get the horse up to the nest then he wouldn't have to hunt the rest of the week.

This was great, two chicks and one egg. Bandit is looking cute as ever.

The cam can practically get macro pictures. There really is a white outline on the feathers.

The cars almost look like they stopped in the middle of the road to have a conversation. You can hear the cars and motorcycles going by, along with the wind, mourning doves and other creatures.

Homeschool

2011-04-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

Even eagles need access to educational editions.
(A little alliteration lets the lesson linger longer.)

Monday, 4 April 2011 - Feeding the Chicks

2011-04-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Someone goes out shopping and brings back some fresh kill.

It is throughly inspected and determined if edible and exactly what it is. Umm, muskrat, nutria, the biggest rat ever?

Open the package to get to tender morsels.

Anticipation.

The feeding begins with small pieces.

First to Fuzzy.

Then Bandit.

Monday, 4 April 2011

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

It was 37 degrees and looked like a very, very light snow that melted as soon as it hit her feathers. Afterall, it felt like 31 degrees 80 ft. up in the air but it could have been a super light mist, too.

The cam looked across the road to the farmhouse but immediately was "rained" on which brings up the question, how do the rangers clean the camera lens when it get dirty or smeared?

Monday, 4 April 2011

2011-04-05T02:45:00.001-05:00

That's not funny!

Bird Humor

2011-04-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone else see the humor in this ad?

Sunday, 3 April 2011

2011-04-04T14:37:00.004-05:00

As soon as I turn the computer on I immediately go to the Eagle Nest Cam site. This was our first view, the second chick hatched! You can still see it's shell in the nest.

Bandit is the oldest, and strongest. The second one is mostly laying down. The third one ...still in the shell.

What to name the second one? Fuzzy? Could call him/her Fuzzball for short.

Mama, watching over her little ones.

Lunch time.

And then it's time for a nap.

Sunday, 3 April 2011

2011-04-04T13:41:00.003-05:00

"Honey, been out shopping."

"Brought back some groceries. There was a special on crow."

"Got some fish, too. Try not to burn it this time."

Hey! You're not invited. Family only, bud.

"Honey, we have a great start on our one year supply of food."

Crow and rabbit, ummm, umm good!

Saturday, 2 Apr 2011

2011-04-02T23:08:00.005-05:00

When I turned on my computer this morning, the first thing I checked was the livecam on the eagle nest. And this was the first thing I saw!!!

It hatched sometime between 2 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The rangers that run the cam have done a great job of getting good shots of this little guy or girl.

My FAVORITE picture. I'm going to name this one "Bandit."

The mama has food in her mouth to feed the little one. He's very wobbly when he tries to sit up.

"Do I have to eat it?"

"Wait, that was really good! Can I have more?"

Full at last.

Mama was feeding him parts of the rabbit from between the front legs. I just knew the rabbit was her food storage.

Friday, 1 Apr 2011

2011-04-02T23:01:00.002-05:00

This was taken Friday, 1 Apr. about 4:30 pm. No hatchlings yet although this is the day the first egg is expected to hatch.

The proud mama, or is that the papa?

She turns her eggs quite often, then settles back on them to keep them warm in the cold temperatures.

Another peek to make sure they're okay. Or maybe she felt some movement?

It's 10:30 pm and no one has hatched out yet. The joke's on us.

Grampa and his redneck hairdryer

2011-03-26T02:58:00.002-05:00

He's the man.

Leave it to Craig to figure out a way to get it done, done quickly and in mass quantities. This is also the day a spider fell inside my shirt and I had 3 huge bites. I still have marks on my skin from it.

Glenn Beck in Houston

2011-03-26T01:45:00.004-05:00

Justin Bieber...I mean, Tucker went with me to go see Glenn Beck live in Houston.

Intermission: Nice size crowd, pretty rowdy for their age

Weren't allowed to bring any cameras in, although I saw a few flashes go off in the crowd. Used my cell phone but the spotlight was so bright I had to wait until my camera could see his white sillouette against the dark background. He was funny and serious and only cried once and easily bantered with Stu and Pat and the audience. He told some great stories like going to church on vacation, Elegant Eliminations, He's not going blind but he might go blind and others.