The Vote

I am not a political person. Ginny is and she also is (by my default) controller of the TV. This is the formula for conflict . . . Or at least it use to be!

I was a marginal republican, she is a diehard democrat.

Sorry, I just don't see things in black and white . . . Even the Iraq war.

I also believe very little will change no matter how I vote, or for that matter, who is elected. Certainly not in my lifetime and probably not in the lives of my grandkids.

However, I will vote. This time, mostly for Democrats.

So why change now? The easy answer is to avoid the usual controversy and to prove my point: If the democrats, as expected, do take over the government, four years (or two) from now, the existing controversial issues will NOT be resolved and there will be a host of new ones. And it will do no good to blame the previous administration for the problems of the day.

The answer, of course, is much more complex. It's about how change occurs. It doesn't come easily, especially if we believe that people need to change, not the system. And those that think they have all the answers . . Don't. It's my struggle with the case for war and my belief that Jesus, who's example I try to follow, would certainly be opposed. But what if military intervention would save lives in the genocide taking place in Darfur? It's questioning the motives of those that seek office. Is there often an ulterior motive? Is it truly the Golden Rule? Or is it "Those that have the money rule." I really want to believe that everyone, or almost everyone, has a pure motive.

No one is able to predict the twists and turns of life. We all, rich or pure, powerful or powerless are called to take one day at a time and do what we can to make that day a better place for those whose lives we cross.

So I'm willing to give the other party a chance and not judge. In hopes that they really will made a positive difference. That their motivation and daily decisions are pure.

And besides, I won't need to spend the next two years on the defensive. And it might even be easier to tune out the television!

Septarian Stones

Walking the beach is always an enjoyable experience. Finding driftwood is an added bonus. Discovering septarian stones is another bonus . . . along with changing seasons/water/sky, etc. etc. So, what are they?

Septarian stones (nodules) were formed millions of years ago and are found primarily in Southern Utah . . . but also in Ottawa county, Michigan . . . more precisely . . . my hidden, meandering stream!

Decomposing life killed by volcanic eruptions, had a chemical attraction for the sediment around them, forming mud balls. As Lake Michigan changed the balls were left to dry. They cracked and trapped decomposed calcite from shells and fossils A thin wall of calcite was transformed into aragonite separating the heavy clay exteriors from the calcite centers.

The name Septarian is derived from the Latin name, Septem, meaning seven. When cracked the nodules have seven points thereby creating the beautiful design.

For me the natural designs often tell a story or even suggest a magical message. For example the heart. What picture do you see in the other stone?

I incorporate the stones when constructing my "Bird Castles." . . . or just look at them and make up stories!

Rolls Royce - - It's Running . . but . . . .

. . . won't stop!

carburetor has been cleaned, so has the fuel pump and gas line.

It's still resting comfortably in my mechanics 'extra' garage. They work on it when their regular business slows down. The next step is to rebuild the brake calipers. No easy task considering the dual brake system! It's available for me to do my thing, which is rejuvenate the leather interior, refinish the wood work and recover the dash board. I'm enjoying that part, but still wait for the day when I can sit behind the wheel, make it go and . . . make it stop!

With such plush seats, someone suggested I just park it in my driveway and turn it into a bar! What do you think?