CABELLA'S IN DUNDEE

The two grizzly cubs on the left are my grandchildren sharing their photo with the little ones on the right who just happened to want to be photographed as well.  The large sculpture is in Dundee, Michigan off I-75 in front of Cabella's Outdoor Store.  Since hubby and son #3 will soon be heading off to Peru to climb Machu Picchu, trekking poles were on our shopping list.

No, these are not my other grandchildren, but part of Cabella's amazing display of wildlife.  Aren't these two handsome?

Papa pointed out the varied animals who had been stuffed and mounted in the store display to our littlest granddaughter who was a bit awestruck with the life-size critters.

Parts of this nature exhibit are a bit violent and show the predatory nature of bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions.  Every little girl's fantasy, not.

Her older brother (by 11 months) however, was in his element. This child soaks up information about animals in any way he can.  His passion for the outdoors and his love of all of the world's animals is hard to imagine in someone so young.  I am so pleased that he is learning about his environment, how to protect species that are endangered, and how to take care of our planet.

It was a great Sunday afternoon with the kiddies as they got more acquainted with  the animals that inhabit their part of the country.  Although I doubt either child will grow up to be a hunter or fisherman, they surely enjoyed their visit to Cabella's and Papa got his trekking poles!

SAVANNAH

We have had the good fortune to have traveled to many of the world's great cities and this week proved to be without exception one of the most charming cities we have ever visited.  I am referring to Savannah, Georgia.

From the fragrant Oleander blossoms, Spanish Moss, Federalist style architecture, and quaint city squares and fountains, we found Savannah enchanting.

The grace and charm of Savannah, Georgia.  There is nothing quite like it.

SUMMER VACATION 2011

Savannah, Georgia, Maccu Picchu, Peru,  Toledo, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio....we're on vacation.....Will post later...

OSAMA BIN LADEN

I have just heard the news that Osama Bin Laden was killed.  How to react.  At first, I was tempted to celebrate as I see my fellow Americans are doing in Times Square, but then I went on Facebook and read our Lord's words, "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword," posted by my son.


A bit of back story about my son is that he and his wife, both Christians, have dedicated their lives to help Muslims who are immigrating into the U.S.  Now, with the difficulties in the mideast, more and more people are fleeing war and tyranny and some are finding their way into America.  These peopler are innocents, caught in the cross-fire.  They have children, livelihoods, neighbors, friends and relatives that they have left to seek freedom and protection.  Many cannot speak English and as a result cannot work immediately, cannot complete a rental agreement, and cannot afford necessary medical treatment or medication.


Together, my son and his wife tend to the needs of these people  by reaching out, in God's love, to help them in any way they can.  It may be to find them clothing and furniture, food, or translation services.  Teaching them English is one of the greatest needs that they have.  Instead of hating Muslims, they are showing them that our Lord is a loving God and died for them in order that they may live an eternal life with Him.


It is a difficult mission, to show God's mercy to people who believe in Allah.  But they are bringing Muslims to the Lord, one person at a time.  My son's admonition, not to cheer, not to celebrate, is within God's teachings.  We Americans were not pleased to see Muslims cheering and celebrating when the Twin Towers fell.  We despised them celebrating and passing sweets out in the street while we were burying our dead.  I can feel no differently when the images of Americans celebrating in the streets are broadcast in Muslim countries.  Our Lord would not be pleased.


There is no doubt he was an evil man, but God will deal with his eternal soul.


At the moment, the U.S.government has raised the threat level in fear of retribution.  Politics are responsible for most of this hatred between Christians and Muslims.  We, as believers, are not of this world.  As my son said, "We are just visitors."


 I pray for the safety of all people; our soldiers, our citizens and the citizens of every country of the world.  May there be peace.


‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.




‎

MYSTERY MAN

via laughingsquid

Does anyone recognize this fella?

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?

                                                       via laughingsquid

Yeah.  A monkey tail mustache.  Now why didn't we think of this before now?  Find it sexy?  Well, be on the lookout.  They are sure to hit a town near you!