Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Branson

I went there for a meeting of ordained pastors. Preaching was heavily weighted on the conservative side. I went and learned. Now Branson is a quite interesting town. Flying in and finding out the rental car company was not in the airport was a real bad start. I went to another counter and they gave me a better deal. Were friendly about it too. Getting waved at y the airport staff as we departed was cute, maybe a little over the top.

The town has one main road but the bypass roads are the key to getting around. Most everything is on the main strip and I found all the signs distracting because there are just too many of them We had a nice hotel to stay in but the internet just did not work there. It really needed help.

Shows. It is all about expectations as Da Wif says. We went and saw Six, The Twelve Irish Tenors and The Acrobats of China. Each is geared toward a particular audience and I liked two of the shows.

Food. American fare. On the drive into town, we say a burger joint we wanted to go to. 2 nights later, the place was stripped bare and gone and we could not find it because it’s sign was taken down. We noticed the spot the next day. We did stay beside a great custard place that we visited often. (Andy’s Custard)

People. Tourist were from the heartland of America and it shows. God, country, respect for veterans. The town’s folk were friendly. We met the spouse of one tourist area who was surprised we had found an out-of-the-way area that we liked. She said she would tell her husband we enjoyed it.

Things to do. Looking at the map, I wondered about the fish hatchery so we went there. It is pretty big hatching some 50000 trout a year then releasing them into the waterways. Fun to feed them too.

We found the Christmas Nativity Museum and gift shop cute and would recommend it. Some 2000 nativities from around the world.

If we were to go again, we would look for different shows, have more custard, be thankful for the wonderful weather we had.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Air Traffic Control

Watching the birds come in and out of the bird feeder reminded me of air traffic controllers who keep the airplanes coming in and out.
I was watching the line-up yesterday as the fledgling cardinal was waiting on the doves who was waiting on the blackbirds who were waiting on the common flicker.
It was interesting to see the bright yellow flash of the Yellow Finches as they zoom by.
Hearing the Carolina wrens make a fuss about something.
Seeing the tufted titmice come zooming in, make a call and then head out on the flightpath.
Since I have a compost pile out back, the gray catbirds are keeping the bugs down.
Many other birds to mention but when something startles them, off they go, back to the trees in their pattern.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Silence

Trying to have silence while the yard crews are doing their work outside.
Praying that this feeling passes. The feeling of being tired. about 4 hours of sleep last night.
Trying to find the right words for a newsletter.
Trying to figure out what is going on in my heart.

I'll just keep praying.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Getting ready

I am going to get out for a ride this morning. I had to shower first. Put on cycling clothing. Make my during ride drink with the help of Chloe who was interested in the all the noise I was making.
Get my bike out, check the tires. Get out the shoes, gloves, pump, helmet, glasses. Now I am waiting for the Tour to get started so I can get out.
I just can not believe it takes so long to get ready to ride.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Socialized Medicine

I am in a socialized medicine system being retired military. I have been sleeping bad so I made an appointment to the sleep center. So I went in and I saw a respiratory therapists who recommended I drink warm milk before going to bed, eat turkey. This is the same thing he said to me two years ago.
So I ran a 2 weeks test with a new machine that said that the pressures are right but I still only managed 4 almost good nights of sleep in 15 days. I bring the my machine back and they say I need to see a doctor in the office. Next appointment is the 14th of August. Months of sleeping bad to 2 weeks of documented sleeping bad to say I need to see a doctor.
I am so tired yet frustrated beyond belief.....

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Walking in circles

The Heart’s Blossom. I was at the Cathedral last night for the Labyrinths, quiet time and music.

As I walked to the center I had thoughts (emptying did not happen)

At the center of a Rose.

Being surrounded by beauty

Being present in the center

Being present to others around me

All seeking center

All quiet

Growing

Quieting walking

Passing each other

Making turns on a path

Wondering where the curves, intersections will lead.

A center in silence

Being present in my heart to your heart

Feeling the beauty as the flower slowly unfolds

With me in it.