Wednesday, April 27, 2011

To Go Only

Hubby and I decided on "date" night, we'd splurge and go to this fancy restaurant. You can't make reservations, but you can call ahead. So we did.

Driving up we saw lots and lots of people waiting outside sitting all around, appetizers and drinks being served to help break up the wait. We wanted to go to the drugstore at the other end of the shopping center if we had time. One of us would have to go inside to check the time.

There was absolutely no parking near the entrance, so guess where we parked to check our wait time? Yep, at the "To Go Only" parking spot. There was another open one next to us, so no sweat, right?

Hubby came back quickly so we could find a parking place, and....our car wouldn't go in reverse!! Argh! Not only were we parked wrong, but now in front of all these people at this fancy restaurant, the car would not behave. (I think it's a teen aged car.) All the other gears worked, just not reverse.

Hubby, sheepishly got out, I slid to the drivers side and he pushed his car out of the forbidden parking slot. One man asked if he needed help, too. More embarrassment, but after a minute, I was laughing. Naturally I told him not to park there, right?

(BTW it's a BMW)

"First pride, then the crash--the bigger the ego, the harder the fall." Proverbs 16:18 (MS)

Lord, make sure all my gears work. I don't want to stall in the wrong place and be an embarrassment to You.

Photo:karenevans

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Easter Rhinoceroses

Rhinos remind me of Easter. I can hear the grummph and ragged intake of air in your lungs. Wait, just wait and let me "expound."

Black and white rhinoceroses are both gray. That was a new one, until I heard it at Busch Gardens. They do differ in physique in that their lips are different. White rhino have flat lips so they can graze the grasses. Black rhinos have a pointed lip in order pull leaves and fruit from trees and bushes. The white rhino has a large second horn too. But both are gray.

So why the name difference? Well the white rhino lives on the grassy sub-Saharan plains and to keep cool they wallow in mud holes. When the mud dries it appears white. Ahem, thus the name. That mud also keeps off bugs. (Man, I'd try that if it wasn't so messy for all our mosquitoes.) The black rhino appears to be darker without the mud. But if the black rhino rolled in mud, he would appear "white," too.

"He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on the course of action in full view of the public--to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured." Romans 3:24-25 (MS)

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered." Romans 4:7

No matter what our heart's color, God can cover it with the blood of His Son having paid our price for sins.

Rolling in God's protection not only gives us the new name as children of God, but He protects us from predators, even the annoying little ones.

Long live the Easter Rhinoceroses!

Photo:karenevans

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Jump! Cleawater Marine Aquarium

We love watching the dolphin shows at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. I let kids stand in front of me, as any considerate adult should. :)

But because of my height, I don't always get clear pictures.
With each command this dolphin jumped higher and higher, and I was ready with my camera. The trainer built up the crowd for this final big jump. The crowd was into the performance and....
Yep, I got a picture all right. The girl in front of me was so excited, that she helped the dolphin with the hand signals just like the trainer. So my picture wasn't great, but you can still see how high he jumped. I couldn't get mad that she blocked my view, because she was just excited.

"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 (MS)
 
Lord, how often have I blocked others view of You with my actions or words? May You always jump higher than my mistakes so others can see You.

Photos:karenevans

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I Know You're Wringing Your Hands with Anticipation

This was so much fun!  (See below post.)

And the winners are, without further ado...drum roll...

Terri and Nick. Whoo Hoo!

I must confess, I played a small trick-but it was really in your favor. The last photo-was not an herb, but-


a gardenia bush. Okay, I know, I know...sorry!!! But you see, I gave you one "freebie!"

Nick please leave me your email address in the comment so I can contact you or email me. Teri I found yours on your blog. I hope you enjoy this splash of spice in your food!

Answers: 1-sage, 2-rosemary, 3-oregano, 4-gardenia

Thanks so ALL for playing along. I loved the answers and comments.

"Who gives food to all flesh, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psalm 136:25

God created such a variety of foods and flavors the combinations are endless. I love trying new stuff, but His best is still "chocolate." :)

Photos:karenevans

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Herbi-Knowledge

Spring is here, well at least in Florida....sorry.... Time to plant more fresh herbs. These are ones that survived our winter. I need to go to Home Depot and get the other herbs that I like.

This is a contest, so guess what these are. Now no fair looking them up somewhere-just off the top of your head. Those who guess right will get a bottle of my son David's, Diesel Seasoning, Virginia state approved and inspected. Let's see how "herbi-knowledgeable" you are.
1

2

3

4

I'll not tell until the next post what they are. :) Really now, can it get any easier? Yes, there can be more than one winner.

Oh, and you can have your choice of seasonings, Diesel's Signature Spice Blend, Kickin' Cajun Blend or Jerk Spice Blend. These are made when ordered and contain no additives, preservatives or MSG. Please state spice preference on your comment.

"Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen that you may live." Isaiah 53:2-3

Our Father gives us food literally and spiritually so that we can live. Isn't He great?

Photo:karenevans

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Chasco Fiesta-Native American Pow Wow

Enjoy these pictures of a plethora of colors, customs and history. Native Americans danced during this Pow Wow at the Chasco Fiesta. (See post below.) I will only occasionally comment. I had so many photos I loved that I couldn't decide which. So sit back and relive history.

This video features Arvel Bird who performed before the dances. Listen as you scroll down.



They began by carrying in American, Canadian and MIA flags, for whom they serve and honor.

When all the dancers were in the Pow Wow circle. One of the elders led them in prayer to The Grandfather to bless their dancing. Then while all stood around the arena, the elders gathered around an ailing member and prayed for his health and chanted. I wish I had that on video.
And this little one captured my heart. If you enlarge the picture you can see she wears a title of Buffalo Princess 2011. She was one of two princesses. Her heart soared like her costume.

Our first history and culture was celebrated this day. I don't know how many clans were represented, I wish they had given out progams.

I will leave you with this Indian saying;
"May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows and the rainbow always touch your shoulder."

"I'm thanking you, God from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders. I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God." Psalms 9:1-2 (MS)

Photos:karenevans

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Chasco Fiesta-Native American Festival

Hey, can you guess what this is?

We went to the annual Chasco Festival last weekend in New Port Richey. FL. Most of the events; races, boats, rides, bands, parades car shows...., take place alongside the Pithlachascotee River. (Say that fast 3 times.) We went to see the Native American Powwow Dances. Native Americans from across the country and some from Canada participated.

This post will show you a few of the things from the booths. (Of course there was much more.) Next post I'll share some of the costumes worn for the dances.

Ok, ok, let me show you the whole picture of that thing-a-ma-jig up there.
It's a walking cane, or totem of some sort.
These are small pouches made from rabbit.
They had gorgeous leather clothing and weaved items too.
I will leave you with one more pic.
Remember, "head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes?"
Well here they are.
Oh, I also bought a cookbook, titled "Indian Cooking." I'll leave you with one of the recipes....teeheee....if you remember one of my earlier posts, you'll know why I chose this one.

Opossum
Cook like ground hog. Remember these are greasy, eat only small amount.


"God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!" Genesis 1:31 (MS)

American Indian saying:
"At the first sound of the whippoorwill in the spring, the Indian knew it was time for planting."

How like God to use His creation to help us along.

Photos:karenevans