"Mint_Galore" sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you all.

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C O W S   

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.   

T H E    C O N S T I T U T I O N   

They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq.... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.   

T H E   1 0    C O M M A N D M E N T S   

The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:  You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment.

 .......a wonderful, relaxing, refreshing couple of days with friends from the past in Dayton, Washington.

Joe & Marilyn live in the upstairs appartment in this old quaint home in the summer and AZ in the Winter. 

We had a wonderful dinner at Pettit Valley Creek a ***** restaurant. (that's five star) 

Below, we went for a little drive and got out of the car into this setting.

I shot a pic of Tom with Joe & Marilyn in the background.

Below see some big quantity of ants with red rearends. 

And below, these horses aren't real, they are made out of metal.

This is the setting where Lewis & Clark camped on their way West.

Below see Marilyn's little sister, Jill and husband, Dick... yes it's Dick & Jill!  They are wonderful. 

She is an artist who loves the Lord and is filled with His love.

 

The house across the street from Joe & Marilyn's (it's for sale) Notice the Vette in front?

The house next door to Joe & Marilyn's (it's for sale too)

Below, see we went for a walk.  Here you see Joe & Tom in front of Marilyn & I.  They were so funny.

Below, Marilyn called to them and they both turned around the same way as tho' scripted.

This is mom "Iola" (now 88 beautiful years old), with daughter's Jill, and Marilyn.

Below, we had lunch at the Dayton Golf Course after Joe & Tom played a round of golf.

We drove out to Dick & Jill's house where Iola lives with them... (here is an old picture I had of it)

Iola "playing for her own pleasure" and of course we enjoyed it too!  Iola's great grand-daughter dancing! When she first started playing I couldn't help but cry... tears of joy!  I don't understand it, but I just got so touched.  Xanga hasn't allowed me to upload the first video I took of her playing.  But I got this one to load.    Hope you enjoy it.

 

Below, we walked here from Joe & Marilyn's house and shopped!!!

We also walked past these awesome tiles, painted by people in the town.

Next is the Court House.  All this is within walking distance of Joe & Marilyn's.

.......and a close up of lady justice on the top of the Court House.

Tom visiting with delightful Bev at her coffee & gift shop in Dayton.  (we go back a few years)

We enjoyed our time there so much, playing domino's until way too late, eating, worshipping and fellowshiping with some really special long time friends.  Joe & Marilyn are soon on their way back to their Winter home in Arizona.  We got to visit them in Arizona when we were there in April.  They have a great home with a neat pool.  Being in Dayton made us want to buy a house there, just to go for little retreats from time to time.  Very reasonable real estate prices too!

I know the girl in this video. I will tell you my incredible story of a divine encounter below the clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kIfFTP595Q

About 12 years ago, this girl was on the cover of "Focus On The Family" magazine.  She lived in California and I lived in Washington State.  I read the article and said to the Lord, "I have a few things to say to this girl".  Two months later we were in Franklin, TN at a coffee shop.  There was no one else in the shop except a couple of employees.  We were at the counter ordering when the door opened and in walked this girl.  She walked right up to me and said, "where you from?"  I knew the Lord had set this meeting up and felt enveloped in His presence.  As it turned out she had just moved to Tenneessee and didn't know many people.  So after she ordered, we all sat down together and I told her everything that was on my heart.  She ended up hanging out with us the rest of the afternoon as my daughter and her were about the same age.  We were in our motorhome and we drove her home that night.   

Truly, I did not have faith to believe God would do such a thing... I never thought it would happen, especially given the fact that it was only two months.  He has done this so many times in my life.  There is no way that could just happen!  I think He knew I was gonna say that, and had everything all planned out beforehand.  I wouldn't even be surprised if His Spirit moved me to say that just so He could WOW me again.  WOW!!!! 

So what do you think of this true story? 

Just thought this was funny and wanted to share it with you:  borrowed from The Good Clean Funnies List ______________________________________________________________________________

Honorable Secretary of Agriculture

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs.  So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.  What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs.

As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised. 

My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.

If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.

Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?

Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.  In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps.  Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.

Patriotically Yours,

PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese.

Here are a bunch of pictures for you all.  We went to Michigan to pay a visit to our eldest daughter and family.  Gosh it was hard to say good-bye!

The Family, house in background.

Upcloser

Got Stitch? (Susan's Home Business)

 

 

 

Us at Dinner (Trevor is at a school dance)

Casey eating Ribs

Joe wants this dog.

Casey's not so crazy about this dog.

Casey wants this dog

Susie & Me

Joe & Me

A house I loved in Michigan

Some Cool Metal Art using Salvaged Metal = "Iron Ivy"

(fish is made using spoons & a coffee pot)

(shovel face made using spark plug wires for hair & fuses for eyes)

At Nicholas Football Game - Grandpa & ma with Grandsons

Grandpa & Trevor (a 6'2" 15.5 year old)

Dinner with old friends, Dave & Karen, who moved to Michigan a couple years ago

Cascade Mountain Range

Boy was it hard to say goodbye!  If only we could be closer!  It was a good visit!

  Everything seems so complicated these days.  I long for the simple days......am I alone?