Spouting off

Forgive me while I vent for just a few minutes. I just need to get this off my chest. I am tired of people going on and on about how little time they have. These are the people who usually respond to your latest comment with "I wish I had the time to do that!" The hidden message is that their tasks are much more important than yours. They intimate that they are indispensable, like the world would stop without their efforts. They are the same people who need to tell you how late they went to bed and how early they got up. They send you email messages at the strangest hours (when they find time to send them at all). If you ask me they do it to impress you with how late they are up finishing up their chores. They usually talk to you in the "you can't possibly understand" tone of voice. I have a little message for them...

WE ALL HAVE THE SAME 24 HOURS EACH DAY!!!!!!!!

I have been busy in my life, but I have known it was by my choice. No one dropped seven children on my porch. No one forced me to take college classes while I was raising them. If I would rather clean a closet at 2 am than sleep...well that was my choice also. When I was a social worker, cases would pile up, and we would sit in court hour after hour... I would teasingly say to our County Attorney- "Two weeks notice, and this isn't my problem any more." It was said in humor, but was also a reminder that I had a choice. I remember the day I sat next to the County Attorney during a heated court case, turned to her and smiled then said "In two weeks this isn't my problem any more." I had given my notice. I had finally come to the point that I was ready to spend my given 24 hours a day some other way If I had been stuck in that job because of debt or lifestyle- that would have been my choice also. Now I know that some people have challenges that require them to do things seemingly beyond their choice. I am not without compassion for those with family or health issues that limit their choices... still we all have some choices.

So dear readers, I truly understand if you are feeling overwhelmed. You have my sympathy if your energy is gone before your tasks are done. You are welcome to vent if that helps. But please... please... please don't make yourself feel better by assuming my time is less valuable or my tasks are less important. I would go on, but I am out of TIME.

Crazy Critters

Two carefully planted and tenderly cared for tomato plants.
Branches weighed down with round green orbs and
long Roma's just waiting to ripen in the sun.
Promises of lush red fruit. So sweet and delightful.

Small furry creatures.
Playfully chasing through the tall trees.
Clicking and squeaking as they call to one another.
Tapping of small paws across our roof.
Adorable little clowns.


Watching and waiting, ever so patiently for the fruit to reach its peak.
Expectations of sweet perfection.
Wait... wait... not yet.

WHAT??? WHERE IS THAT RED TOMATO?
What kind of neighbors sneak into your yard in broad daylight
to snatch your nice tomato when it was nearly ready.
Evidence of the crime.
Dastardly deed!
SQUIRRELS!
Demonic rodents. Hideous pests. Day by day stealing each nearly ripened fruit.
How do they know the right time to grab it- hours before our planned harvest?
No garden tomatoes for us this year.
BUT... we have a pellet gun by our back door
And... I am collecting recipes.
Squirrel stew anyone?

Cano's Castle

2 Chronicles 27:4 ...he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

We enjoyed a little working vacation Friday as we hopped into the 12 passenger mission van with another mission couple. We pulled a large trailer full of supplies and furniture over the beautiful La Vita mountain pass. After a quick stop in Alamosa to recruit some laborers (also known as Zone Leaders) and grab a bite to eat we headed off to Antonita to set up an apartment.

We saw some beautiful scenery. I especially loved the green trees and red rocks of the mountains and the wide expanse of the high desert. We also saw some very interesting structures- including a castle. Yep... a CASTLE. Or at least that is what they call it. I was totally fascinated and could have studied it for hours. But we had tasks to complete. So I had to be satisfied with taking a few pictures. The pictures do not do the magnificent structure justice. Words can not describe it either.

Unfortunately a google search provided information that may detract from the splendor of this handmade wonder- such as references to the creator's inspiration. Still, its worth a few key strokes to learn the history. Here's what I found... Built by Donald "Cano" Espinoza, a Native American Vietnam vet, whose main influences for the Castle are "Vitamin Mary Jane" and Jesus, it is a wonder to behold. Built largely out of beer cans and other metal refuse, for Espinoza it serves as a thanks for having his life spared during the war. Cano's castle is actually four separate structures. "The king", "the queen", "the palace" and "the rook". The four story "king" house, covered in beer cans and hubcaps gleaming in the sunlight, is by far the crowning architectural achievement.

Friends and Fun

Mark and Sue were able to spend 5 days with us.

We picked right up where we left off- as if we had seen each other just a couple days before. The time went too fast- shopping, cooking, walking, games, and a real live train ride... just too much fun! They keep trying to convert us to the wonders of VERY HOT chilies- we keep trying to covert them to the wonderful blessings of our church. So far its a draw- neither of us are making much headway. Oh well... they are forever friends so maybe... just maybe we will both convert the other to our causes. So glad they came!

ps... I think it might be time to delete some old posts. I will clean up the blog in a week or two, right before I add another post.

Cookout in Garden City

President, E Frost and Fred grilling burgers for some very hungry Elders.

This was a reward for an exceptional and record setting month- 87 baptisms.

Happy Trails

Fred was invited to speak at girl's camp.
We enjoyed a beautiful drive, the darling 17th Ward girls, and the lovely mountain campground. So many years of girls camp behind us- how fun to add this experience to those memories.

Happy Events

Ken and Diane came to Colorado Springs to celebrate some pretty special events. The sealing of their son and wife, plus the baptism of a grandson. They stayed with us and we were able to join some of the activites. We loved spending time with their sweet family- and catching up with dear friends.

WAY behind!

The summer is slipping away and fall is just around the corner. I have to admit I am looking forward to that. Yet I find it hard to believe that we will reach the 1 year mark of our mission in just a few short weeks. Time is speeding by and the mission work never slows down. I am using this for an excuse for being so far behind on blog posts! I will try to post a few highlights. First the wonderful visit from Jake's family:

North Pole Amusement Park

Splashing in the pool at the RV park- we were visiting a new member friend of ours

Traditional visit to IT'Z.
The kids were able to stay with us for a week. We had such a good time. Saying goodbye was so hard since we don't know where or when we will see them again. But we are so very happy for the wonderful opportunities they will have with Jake's new job. AND... we are setting up a serious travel fund!