Hocking Hills Visit to The Rock House and Ash Cave

Hocking Hills has a special place in my heart because I loved going there as a kid. Sure, it doesn't have the scale as some of my California parks, but boy, is it green! I love foliage!!!! Everywhere you look you see vast and varying shades of green in trees, shrubs, grass, and other growth. I just can't get over it, and I love visiting. It was really humid when we went in early July. Like when you set out of the car and are already perspiring before you even move. But we went anyways, and were sure to put on plenty of bug spray so that we didn't get eaten alive. The mosquitoes are pretty heavy around there.

Our first stop was The Rock House, which is basically a cave that has rock pillars across the front. You can see all the layers of rock and ferns grow everywhere. It's really neat to go up inside the cave. I can practically imaging the Native Americans  using it as a shelter- the place is just so cool. I don't know how people can believe in evolution, that things just happened by chance, when they see this!

Next, we skipped Old Man's Cave and went to Ash Cave. It's a shallow cave with a really wide rim. To be exact, about 700 feet across the rim and 90 feet tall, only about 100 feet deep. The best part is the trickle (more or less depending on the season) of a waterfall coming from the top. When we visited, it has just a tiny bit of water coming down. I've been there when it is much fuller. We walked along the handicapped-accessible path to the cave, which runs along a creek, and then climbed up and walked along the top of the cave for the trip back. It's a great length if you have kids with you because it's not too long. Again, put on bug spray! So glad we went!

A Dignified Arrival

On Saturday, I was humbled to go to a dignified arrival at WPAFB for a fallen solider from Troy. My father works on the base, and he told me that it was going to happen Saturday morning, and that I should go. It sounded like a good idea, though I was already fighting tears when he was telling me about it.

I didn't know this young man. His name was PFC Jeffrey Rice, and he was only 24. I just feel like I should acknowledge his name because of his sacrifice. At first I was worried that we would be intruding, going to the arrival. But dad said it was a show of support, to pay respects to a serviceman. I am so glad that I went. I would say that over 50 non-uniformed people, including my parents and my husband were there. Also, around 200 uniformed servicemen and servicewomen provided a detail for the arrival. The base commander was also present. I hope this showed the family that his death was not in vain. Even now I am sobbing as I write, I just can't see the sorrow of loss and not be moved. Freedom isn't free, it costs, and it hurts. But I am so glad that this young man sacrificed for me. I can walk the streets of America safely, and express my opinions, and go to church because of him. His life is valued to me, even though I didn't know him.

The ceremony itself was simple but so touching. Veterans on their motorcycles stood outside the hangar as the plane came up, many with flag in their hands. They wore patches to show their branch and service. (I could see my grandpa up there too, though he wasn't, as he served in Korea. Many of my grandpa's unit didn't make it home, but he did. I am so grateful.) The servicemen who provided the detail stood orderly across the wide of the hanger, two deep, at attention and then saluting when the flag-draped casket was brought though. It tore me up inside, just thinking about this young man who gave everything to defend me, to defend America. I heard weeping from others around me in the hangar as I fought back tears also. Then the casket was loaded and the family got in the other car. Then the veterans walked through and out the other side, where their motorcycles were waiting. The roar of the engines sounded, and the procession moved out.  My thoughts and prayers go with the family, who know have an empty place in their hearts and lives.

I am so grateful that dad told me about the dignified arrival, and that I took time in my Saturday morning to go. It was a potent reminder that while the war is far away physically, it's always close emotionally. I will be moved for the rest of my life as a result of this experience.

God bless and comfort the family as they grieve this loss. God bless the USA.

A response to the Colorado Massacre

I just read an article that stated how a key scene was going to be changed in Gangster Squad, a new movie, because of the Colorado shootings. Apparently the scene was a shooting scene in a movie theatre, similar to the Aurora killings.

Why doesn't anyone ever make this connection? The more violence movies portray, the more society will mimic it. It's fine line between reality and fantasy, and some people just can't make the distinction. Now, obviously man (humankind) is born with sin, as the Bible teaches, so he will always be bent on evil. The man who shot all of those innocent people in the theatre made a choice to do something absolutely evil. But, perhaps he wouldn't have been so inclined to do so if society hadn't exposed him to it though violent movies, video games, etc.

Trust me, I'm not trying to shift blame. He should get his just due for murdering innocent people. I'm just trying to say that there might be a connection between violence in the media and how people become desensitized. Isn't that what The Hunger Games is all about? That is why, in my opinion, it is a bit ironic that a movie was made. Because it is visualizing exactly what Collins was writing against. I just hope that people see the lesson behind it, not just the violence. Because really, Hunger Games is a critique of our society.

I wish that society would change the violence portrayed in movies. Younger and younger kids are going, and by the time they are adults, it doesn't even phase them. Last week we rented Sherlock Holmes, and he gets a meat hook in his shoulder. And we watch this!! It didn't even seem to phase my husband, and I supposed I am used to it too. Thought I did look away- I just can't stomach it. Then all of the fight scenes in show motion and all the special affects. Why can't we just enjoy a simple movie without all of that? Look at The Blind Side- a huge blockbuster without all the violence. Too bad moviemakers don't take a clue. But, I would suppose this goes back to the depravity of human nature too. Only God can provide a rule and guidance, a standard for living, which is found in the Bible. I know some people don't want to answer to anyone but themselves, but that is what the Colorado gunman did. He answered to himself. And look what happened there. Such a tragedy. My prayers are with the victims and their families.

And I'm glad that at least a small change was made to the violent content of an upcoming movie as a result.

Another summer wedding

The wedding for my cousin Tyler and his new wife Heather was last weekend. It's the second wedding for a cousin this summer... I don't think I will have any more cousin weddings for a few years though. But I love weddings. Each one has its own flavor and details. This one had turquoise colors and was more formal than some I have been to. At the reception they had cocktail hour, then served you salad, bread, and the main course. Each guest had a piece of steak as well as chicken. Yum! (Though Justin did eat my steak). Even better than that was the cookie table-who knows how many dozens of cookies were there! It was pretty delicious! I particularly liked the white buckeyes, which aren't exactly a cookie, but hey, it's a sweet so that's all that mattered!

Since we had to drive back that night, we left before the cake and dancing, but I was definitely glad that we went nonetheless. A wedding is so special, especially when it is in the family. I also got to see my super precious niece Danielle. She's just so adorable!

Another summer toenail design in paisley

I've really been having fun experimenting with my toenails this summer. The latest is a purple base with a silver paisley and shimmer highlights. I really liked it. But I have to say, after I finished doing them I'm a bit sore from all the bending over. I've always been flexible, it's just that I am in all these weird contortions to get the right angle to paint.  I will have to figure out something to do next for the start of school.

Speaking of school, I went school shopping today. Now, I am not a  student, but a teacher. But I just always say I'm going back to school- I mean, what else would I say? "I'm going back to educate?" That just sounds silly.

Anyway, I went all around today, trying to find a few basics: neutral flats, black 2 inch heels, black pants, pinstripe pants, black cardigan, white cardigan, etc. I found flats!! Not so much of anything else, though I did pick up a few bargains. I got a pair of dressy jeans from Express for $23, which is good since they are usually upwards of $60. (I try never to pay full price-yikes). I also found a pair of navy khaki-like pants from Banana Republic for about $32, which I though was decent. But I really liked a maroon knit dress from Gabriel Brothers (in a Target brand) that I can belt and wear to school. I am starting to really like simple dresses for school. It's just all one piece and you're dressed! I found some necklaces too, which is a nice refresher. Since all my stuff is still in storage from the move, I needed to get a few things to start the year off. I'm still praying that we close before school starts, but I doubt that it will happen. Sigh... such is life.

I still need a black cardigan, but I think I found one at Lands End.com. And I decided that I will wait to see if Express does some back-to-school sales in the next few weeks before I buy full priced pants. They were buy-one-get-one half off today, but it would still cost me about $120 for two pairs. That's a little steep for me!! I can wait a few weeks before going that far.
At least some of the school shopping is done.

Down on the Farm, Part Four: I'm Farming and I Grow It Video

This has to be the best spoof video that I have ever seen. It's awesome. Real farmers, showing what they do to feed the nation. So I'm featuring it now, even though I saw it before I visited my grandparents last week. You will enjoy it even if you haven't heard the original version of the song. Just click on the gray arrow at the bottom of the video to watch.

Down on the Farm, Part Three: Grandma's Flowers

Anyone who knows my grandma remotely knows that she has a green thumb. Seriously, she is amazing when it comes to flowers and plants. She grows all types of them, and does it well. Even though the rain was lacking lately, she still managed to have some in bloom. So, fascinated as I always am, I took some pictures of the flowers. Enjoy! They are gorgeous!

Down on the Farm, Part Two: Farm Objects

So this was fun: I took up-close pictures of items around the farm, and then took them inside for grandma and grandpa to identify. They got most of 'em right away, but got stuck on a couple. I think only one I had to tell what it was. Now it's your chance- what is the larger farm object that these items are part of?

Think you might know what the objects are? Scroll down...

Old barn door

Wire on the chicken coop door

Fence post

Leaf on a stalk of corn

Old farm mower with a rusty crack

Gravel from the driveway

Here's a few of the bigger pictures. Click on the picture to increase size in new window.  

Down on the Farm, Part One: Freezing Fresh Corn

Last week I was blessed to have visited my grandma, who is probably the only person who faithfully reads my blog, and grandpa in southern Ohio. They have a beautiful farm of about 40 acres with rolling hills, chickens, a garden, and plenty of flowers. When I was little and went to visit, they also kept up with cows, rabbits, and the occasional pig. (Am I forgetting anything grandma?) It's a real special place to my heart. I remember so many summer weeks spent down on the farm, and I glad that I was able to go again now that we have moved back to Ohio.

While there hasn't been much rain, grandpa has faithfully tended to his large garden, and we had fresh produce while I was there. Most notably corn, because we froze some for later. I think it was about 6 dozen ears, if I remember right, which yields close to 6 quarts. That's about 6 side dishes for meals- yum! Plus we had some fresh also. If you've never preserved corn, here's how it works:

First you have to shuck the corn- remove all the outer layers and the silk. Grandpa spent almost two hours doing this for 6 dozen ears!

Second, you get a BIG pot of water boiling. Then you add 6-7 ears of corn and boil for about 3-4 minutes, just to blanch them before packaging. When they are done boiling, you need to let them sit to cool or put them in ice water. We used a sink with cold water and reused a clean milk jug with frozen water. You can use ice cubes but this works just as well and is easy.

Third, once the corn is cool enough to work with, you cut it off of the ears. If you have a good knife or tool for cutting, it comes off in strips like in the picture below. We used the Pampered Chef Kernel Cutter, and I really liked it. I hadn't used it before- usually when I have packaged corn with my parents before we just use a knife.

Fourth and finally, fill quart or pint-sized freezer-quality bags with the corn. Mark the date in permanent marker and store in the freezer! Now it's ready to pull out of the freezer and thaw for a quick side dish during the winter, when fresh corn isn't available. Yummy!

Happy 4th of July Toenails!!

The Fourth of July is coming up in just a couple of days, and last week I painted my toenails for the occasion. See- it's fireworks and firecrackers and stars!

I do love the 4th of July. What kid can't remember going to the fireworks with their family? I just loved it. While I don't think Justin and I will go this year, you can bet that when we have children we will take them every year.

Speaking of America, our wonderful country, I am teaching American Lit next year. I've been perusing the textbook over the last week or so to determine what selections I want to read. American isn't perfect, but I wouldn't want to be any other place. I am so glad to be born and raised in this country, and have all of the opportunities that I do because I live here. It's just awesome to read all of the great literature from our early beginnings to the modern era. Some of the works hold sorrow, others joy. I think it's a pretty truthful look at everything America has been through. I pray that our nation can look to God for the answers, not ourselves!! God bless us, as we strive to serve Him.