This is the end of April which means taxes. I suppose for you it doesn't mean taxes, but for me it means sending in the payroll taxes for Dugan Design Group which are due the last day of the month following the last day of the quarter. There is the state withholding, the MN Unemployment, and the Federal withholding (taxes, FICA, and Medicare, plus the employer match).
This is a relatively simple process. Believe it or not, the State of MN has a real slick way of filing and paying online. The Federal is a little more complicated, but not much.
All I do is open up the payroll, go to "reports", and get the detailed quarterly payroll report. That's it. Simple as can be. EXCEPT WHEN YOU GO TO THE REPORTS AND FIND THAT THE DETAILED PAYROLL INFORMATION FROM JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. Every other payroll report is there going back to the late 90's, but, no, the 4 pay periods in January and February are missing. Vanished. Gone.
They were posted over to the bookkeeping program because the totals all match up and have been subtracted from the checking account balance, but the details of the payroll are missing. Fortunately, I had hard copies, and since we only have 3 employees I was able to recreate it from the printouts. Just took an extra hour or so and it means that at the end of the year I will have to hand calculate the first quarter payroll for the w-2's. I was glad I decided to do this a day early. It kind of makes me wonder just how accurate computer programs are, but I really don't want to think about that.
Thank you for letting me vent. Oh, yeah, right, this is my blog, I can say whatever I want!
Have a nice day.
And, it just goes to show, it's always something.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Poetry Monday
I haven't "Picked-a-Pile" for a few weeks now.
In light of that fact, today's poem could not be more appropriate.
Messy Room
by Shel Silverstein
Who's ever room this is should be ashamed!
His underwear is hanging on the lamp.
His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,
And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.
His workbook is wedged in the window,
His sweater's been thrown on the floor.
His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,
And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.
His books are all jammed in the closet,
His vest has been left in the hall.
A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,
And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
Donald or Robert or Willie or--
Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,
I knew it looked familiar!
In light of that fact, today's poem could not be more appropriate.
Messy Room
by Shel Silverstein
Who's ever room this is should be ashamed!
His underwear is hanging on the lamp.
His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,
And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.
His workbook is wedged in the window,
His sweater's been thrown on the floor.
His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,
And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.
His books are all jammed in the closet,
His vest has been left in the hall.
A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,
And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
Donald or Robert or Willie or--
Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,
I knew it looked familiar!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Linnarp or Billy?
Linnarp or Billy? Please vote.
We are thinking it's time to get the family room painted and get all the books in all the piles in all our rooms on some shelves.
We want black. At this point, it looks like our choices are Linnarp and Billy. Billy has more options (widths, heights, CD shelf, etc) and is cheap. Linnarp is made of real wood.
Billy
We are thinking it's time to get the family room painted and get all the books in all the piles in all our rooms on some shelves.
We want black. At this point, it looks like our choices are Linnarp and Billy. Billy has more options (widths, heights, CD shelf, etc) and is cheap. Linnarp is made of real wood.
Linnarp
BillyFriday, April 25, 2008
Belated Earth Day Message From Nancy Pelosi
“The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, ‘To minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.’ On this Earth Day, and every day, let us honor the earth and our future generations with a commitment to fight climate change.”
--Nancy Pelosi
Nancy must be using new Earth Day translation of the OT.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Poetry Monday
Today's poetic offering was written by someone close to me. Me.
I have written two poems in my life. Both were written for contests. The first poem I wrote was written when I was in 10th grade for a contest for an ad for Spam I saw in Seventeen magazine. Maybe someday I will share that one, today is not that day. And, sadly, that poem didn't even get me an honorable mention let alone the $100 wardrobe that was to be awarded the first place winner.
The poem I have chosen for today was written for a contest WCCO radio had in conjunction with the "Small Business Show" at the Minneapolis Convention Center in the late 80's. Mr. D called me from work to tell me about it (perhaps, if I can find it, I will share his award winning poem on a future Monday...he came in second and won a calculator).
But, now, back to me. I have received two awards in my life, not counting the blue ribbon that my cousin Dianne gave me for being an "Outstanding" cousin. (She felt sorry for me when we were discussing the hundreds of blue ribbons she has for her award winning Hampshire sheep, so came up for a visit with an "Outstanding Cousin" blue ribbon a few years back.) I also am the proud winner of the 1972 Minnesota State High School Press Association copy writing award from an entry I wrote in the St. Louis Park High School year book. But that was only second place. The only first place I have ever received is for the poem you are about to read.
It was read on WCCO radio by Tim Russell and I received a fax machine for my effort (which WCCO valued at $1500 for tax purposes, so that meant we had to declare it as extra income and my winning ended up costing us about $500, but I digress).
And, so, without further ado, I introduce to you my award winning poem, The Forgotten Small Business.
The Forgotten Small Business
by Linda Dugan
I'm just a housewife,
Like the old saying goes.
I stay home with children,
I iron their clothes.
I clean and I cook,
I launder, I fold.
And yet people say,
No real job do I hold.
I read to my children,
We play games and such,
No wonder they say that
My job's not worth much.
Without a career,
They look down upon me,
My life has no purpose,
They say so profoundly.
I am the mother,
Who's home all day long.
My number they know,
If something goes wrong
And they need someone quick
To watch little Lizzy,
"I'll call the housewife,
I know she's not busy."
During the evening,
After I "cooks",
I sit down with the ledger,
And I do the books
For my husband's small business,
That isn't so small,
I add up the numbers,
And balance them all.
My friends who have real jobs,
Think all that I do,
Is shop and do lunch and
Watch soap operas, too.
You don't really work,
You're lucky they say,
How nice it would be
To stay home and play.
I guess I don't work much,
I'll never be fired,
But I can't figure out
Why I'm always so tired.
I have written two poems in my life. Both were written for contests. The first poem I wrote was written when I was in 10th grade for a contest for an ad for Spam I saw in Seventeen magazine. Maybe someday I will share that one, today is not that day. And, sadly, that poem didn't even get me an honorable mention let alone the $100 wardrobe that was to be awarded the first place winner.
The poem I have chosen for today was written for a contest WCCO radio had in conjunction with the "Small Business Show" at the Minneapolis Convention Center in the late 80's. Mr. D called me from work to tell me about it (perhaps, if I can find it, I will share his award winning poem on a future Monday...he came in second and won a calculator).
But, now, back to me. I have received two awards in my life, not counting the blue ribbon that my cousin Dianne gave me for being an "Outstanding" cousin. (She felt sorry for me when we were discussing the hundreds of blue ribbons she has for her award winning Hampshire sheep, so came up for a visit with an "Outstanding Cousin" blue ribbon a few years back.) I also am the proud winner of the 1972 Minnesota State High School Press Association copy writing award from an entry I wrote in the St. Louis Park High School year book. But that was only second place. The only first place I have ever received is for the poem you are about to read.
It was read on WCCO radio by Tim Russell and I received a fax machine for my effort (which WCCO valued at $1500 for tax purposes, so that meant we had to declare it as extra income and my winning ended up costing us about $500, but I digress).
And, so, without further ado, I introduce to you my award winning poem, The Forgotten Small Business.
The Forgotten Small Business
by Linda Dugan
I'm just a housewife,
Like the old saying goes.
I stay home with children,
I iron their clothes.
I clean and I cook,
I launder, I fold.
And yet people say,
No real job do I hold.
I read to my children,
We play games and such,
No wonder they say that
My job's not worth much.
Without a career,
They look down upon me,
My life has no purpose,
They say so profoundly.
I am the mother,
Who's home all day long.
My number they know,
If something goes wrong
And they need someone quick
To watch little Lizzy,
"I'll call the housewife,
I know she's not busy."
During the evening,
After I "cooks",
I sit down with the ledger,
And I do the books
For my husband's small business,
That isn't so small,
I add up the numbers,
And balance them all.
My friends who have real jobs,
Think all that I do,
Is shop and do lunch and
Watch soap operas, too.
You don't really work,
You're lucky they say,
How nice it would be
To stay home and play.
I guess I don't work much,
I'll never be fired,
But I can't figure out
Why I'm always so tired.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Writer's Block
The Internet can be lots of fun. You can blog. You can read other people's blogs. You can Google. And, you can find lots of handy resources like this one.
Say you are writing a short story. I know, you do that all the time. You get stuck trying to come up with names for all your characters. You think of all your friends names, but you can't really copy a name because then someone might think you were actually writing about that person and you would get sued.
What to do you ask. There is always the random opening of the phone book for a last name and combining it with the first name of a friend. Or, there is the above link.
I'm told (read it on a blog of someone I don't know so it must be true) that this site will create names at random based on the U. S. Census. Every time you refresh, you get some more names till you come up with one you like.
For example, I currently can choose from Barney Olguin and Cliff Williams for guys.
Or, Jacque Ono and Nicole Bennett for the ladies. Nicole Bennett. That sounds very Jane Austinish, doesn't it.
Let me refresh and see what I get.
Guys: Lane Ruiz and Billy Roberts
Gals: Jacqui Newburn and Jo Joahua
No, those just won't do. I need to refresh.
Mel Renninger and Billy Taylor.
Karyn Pascual and Daphne Mitchell.
Better.
One last time.
Oh, my. Fausto Court and Randall Thomas. Or, Nancy Grundy and Jessica Williams.
Hmmmm.
Here goes.
It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.
The door opened and in walked Fausto Court and Mel Renninger drenched to the bone and longing wistfully for the days when they were once greeted longingly by Nicole Bennett and Daphne Mitchell. But, alas, the only one present was an angry and bitter Nancy Grundy.
Hmmm, I think I'm on to something....
Say you are writing a short story. I know, you do that all the time. You get stuck trying to come up with names for all your characters. You think of all your friends names, but you can't really copy a name because then someone might think you were actually writing about that person and you would get sued.
What to do you ask. There is always the random opening of the phone book for a last name and combining it with the first name of a friend. Or, there is the above link.
I'm told (read it on a blog of someone I don't know so it must be true) that this site will create names at random based on the U. S. Census. Every time you refresh, you get some more names till you come up with one you like.
For example, I currently can choose from Barney Olguin and Cliff Williams for guys.
Or, Jacque Ono and Nicole Bennett for the ladies. Nicole Bennett. That sounds very Jane Austinish, doesn't it.
Let me refresh and see what I get.
Guys: Lane Ruiz and Billy Roberts
Gals: Jacqui Newburn and Jo Joahua
No, those just won't do. I need to refresh.
Mel Renninger and Billy Taylor.
Karyn Pascual and Daphne Mitchell.
Better.
One last time.
Oh, my. Fausto Court and Randall Thomas. Or, Nancy Grundy and Jessica Williams.
Hmmmm.
Here goes.
It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.
The door opened and in walked Fausto Court and Mel Renninger drenched to the bone and longing wistfully for the days when they were once greeted longingly by Nicole Bennett and Daphne Mitchell. But, alas, the only one present was an angry and bitter Nancy Grundy.
Hmmm, I think I'm on to something....
Friday, April 18, 2008
I Need One of These Makeovers
I like the little gadget at the end. Just a couple of clicks and the neck is a little longer and the eyebrows are instantly and painlessly lifted.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
All I Need
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Romans 4:3
I was reading some Psalms the other day about all the things that God would do for the "righteous" and had the thought, "If only I was righteous," and then, this morning, I was reading something online (yeah, it was at desiringgod.com) and it quoted the above verse and made the point that no matter how hard we try, we can't be deserving of God's love. We can't be righteous on our own. It's not something that we can be, hard as we might try. What we can do is believe God and in his economy, that counts as righteousness.
Faith is credited to our account as righteousness.
And, that is a very good thing.
Now, all I need is faith!
I was reading some Psalms the other day about all the things that God would do for the "righteous" and had the thought, "If only I was righteous," and then, this morning, I was reading something online (yeah, it was at desiringgod.com) and it quoted the above verse and made the point that no matter how hard we try, we can't be deserving of God's love. We can't be righteous on our own. It's not something that we can be, hard as we might try. What we can do is believe God and in his economy, that counts as righteousness.
Faith is credited to our account as righteousness.
And, that is a very good thing.
Now, all I need is faith!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
After the Fall
Last night around 8:00 I was lying across the bed working on my Beth Moore Bible Study. Terry and Tim were at an Eagle Scout Preview meeting and Katie was at Starbuck's with a friend.
I happened to glance out the window at our backyard basketball court and noticed Beth shooting some buckets. I got to thinking that I have turned into a real dud of a mom. I sit in the house. I fold laundry. I put away dishes. I play Solitaire on my iPod. I rarely "play" with the kids.
So, on a whim, I ran down the hall, donned my Bass loafers (I think this might have been my mistake, but they were close to the back door), ran out to the basketball court as Beth looked on in astonishment, grabbed a basketball, and proceeded to attempt a layup.
Unfortunately, something went dreadfully wrong. As I approached the basketball court...first I need to interject a word of explanation. Our "Basketball Court" is a large, maybe 15 by 15 foot slab of concrete placed crookedly in our backyard by the former owner sometime in the '60's I'm guessing.
Anywho, as I approached the basketball court (aka concrete slab) I managed to make one pitiful dribble before disaster struck. Perhaps I twisted my foot, perhaps there was something sticky on my shoe that threw me, perhaps my foot caught briefly on the edge of the concrete, but whatever it was, I suddenly found myself going down.
Now, this wasn't just a normal fall. This was one of those falls where you for a brief moment think that perhaps you can make a save. You know, if you just throw your weight a little bit one direction then another, perhaps it will be just a wobble instead of a fall.
Running through my brain, of course, was the thought that this court was made of concrete and wrists and heads don't do so well when they come in contact with concrete. Especially older wrists and heads. So, it was, I'm falling, no I'm not, I'm falling, no I'm not, and finally I'm falling. It took the entire width of the court for me to complete my fall.
I landed on my right wrist, right elbow, and right thigh. I couldn't get up for a minute or two because I was laughing hysterically.
Meanwhile, Beth watched the spectacle. Mom runs out. Mom picks up basketball. Mom falls. Beth brought me ice and a little Neosporin for the scrape.
Today I was thinking of other impressive falls.
There was Terry at the Dugan Christmas running with the in demand Starbuck's cup and saucer at the White Elephant exchange and encountering something slippery on the tile floor, but all the while keeping the cup and saucer intact. Now that was a great fall and a nice save on the cup and saucer.
Then there was Mindy on our stairs at one family gathering. She made it all the way down to the landing holding a glass of ice water. She went down, but the water stayed up. Good job, Min.
Now those were graceful falls. The one last night...not so much.
But, I am grateful that God spared me and I don't have a second titanium plate this evening, but rather have an amusing tale to tell.
I happened to glance out the window at our backyard basketball court and noticed Beth shooting some buckets. I got to thinking that I have turned into a real dud of a mom. I sit in the house. I fold laundry. I put away dishes. I play Solitaire on my iPod. I rarely "play" with the kids.
So, on a whim, I ran down the hall, donned my Bass loafers (I think this might have been my mistake, but they were close to the back door), ran out to the basketball court as Beth looked on in astonishment, grabbed a basketball, and proceeded to attempt a layup.
Unfortunately, something went dreadfully wrong. As I approached the basketball court...first I need to interject a word of explanation. Our "Basketball Court" is a large, maybe 15 by 15 foot slab of concrete placed crookedly in our backyard by the former owner sometime in the '60's I'm guessing.
Anywho, as I approached the basketball court (aka concrete slab) I managed to make one pitiful dribble before disaster struck. Perhaps I twisted my foot, perhaps there was something sticky on my shoe that threw me, perhaps my foot caught briefly on the edge of the concrete, but whatever it was, I suddenly found myself going down.
Now, this wasn't just a normal fall. This was one of those falls where you for a brief moment think that perhaps you can make a save. You know, if you just throw your weight a little bit one direction then another, perhaps it will be just a wobble instead of a fall.
Running through my brain, of course, was the thought that this court was made of concrete and wrists and heads don't do so well when they come in contact with concrete. Especially older wrists and heads. So, it was, I'm falling, no I'm not, I'm falling, no I'm not, and finally I'm falling. It took the entire width of the court for me to complete my fall.
I landed on my right wrist, right elbow, and right thigh. I couldn't get up for a minute or two because I was laughing hysterically.
Meanwhile, Beth watched the spectacle. Mom runs out. Mom picks up basketball. Mom falls. Beth brought me ice and a little Neosporin for the scrape.
Today I was thinking of other impressive falls.
There was Terry at the Dugan Christmas running with the in demand Starbuck's cup and saucer at the White Elephant exchange and encountering something slippery on the tile floor, but all the while keeping the cup and saucer intact. Now that was a great fall and a nice save on the cup and saucer.
Then there was Mindy on our stairs at one family gathering. She made it all the way down to the landing holding a glass of ice water. She went down, but the water stayed up. Good job, Min.
Now those were graceful falls. The one last night...not so much.
But, I am grateful that God spared me and I don't have a second titanium plate this evening, but rather have an amusing tale to tell.
Isaiah 64:4
From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Stealing Again
I've done it again. Stolen a quote from a blog. Thanks, Barb J!
“There is nothing – no circumstance, no trouble, no testing – that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret – for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is!”
-Alan Redpath
Poetry Monday
In 1999 Garrison Keillor read this poem on the radio (Writer's Almanac). Terry heard it, enjoyed it, and bought the book that it was in. The Penguin Book of Nonsense Verse. Enjoy!
Strange Meeting
by John Yeoman
Dear Madam,
I'm sure you'll be happy to know
I'll be at the station at three.
But since we last met such a long time ago
You may well not guess which is me.
And so, to ensure that I'm easy to spot,
I'll dress in a pale lilac suit
And carry an elegant plant in a pot
(Or, if not, a basket of fruit).
Your eye will be caught by my red satin cape
Which flashes like flame in the light;
My cane will be wreathed in a length of black crepe.
I think you should know me all right.
And yet, just in case this is not quite enough
To give you the help that you need,
I'll put on my sword and my white pleated ruff,
And hold a small pig on a lead.
My Chinese attendants should give you a clue,
If still there's a doubt when we meet:
The face of the taller is painted bright blue;
The smaller has gloves on his feet.
The smoke from my ears isn't easy to miss;
My aftershave's Essence of Goat.
And, as for yourself, can you please tell me this:
Do you still glue balloons to your coat?
Strange Meeting
by John Yeoman
Dear Madam,
I'm sure you'll be happy to know
I'll be at the station at three.
But since we last met such a long time ago
You may well not guess which is me.
And so, to ensure that I'm easy to spot,
I'll dress in a pale lilac suit
And carry an elegant plant in a pot
(Or, if not, a basket of fruit).
Your eye will be caught by my red satin cape
Which flashes like flame in the light;
My cane will be wreathed in a length of black crepe.
I think you should know me all right.
And yet, just in case this is not quite enough
To give you the help that you need,
I'll put on my sword and my white pleated ruff,
And hold a small pig on a lead.
My Chinese attendants should give you a clue,
If still there's a doubt when we meet:
The face of the taller is painted bright blue;
The smaller has gloves on his feet.
The smoke from my ears isn't easy to miss;
My aftershave's Essence of Goat.
And, as for yourself, can you please tell me this:
Do you still glue balloons to your coat?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Encouragement
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8:31,32
I liked this from the Pipster.
O how precious are those two words, "for us." There are no more fearful words in the universe than the words, "God is against us." If infinitely powerful wrath is against us, annihilation would be a sweet gift of grace. Which is why those who try to persuade us that annihilation is what judgment means, not hell, are so far from the mark. Annihilation under the wrath of God is not judgment, it is deliverance and relief (see Revelation 6:16). No. There is no annihilation of any human being. We live forever with God against us or with God for us. And all who are in Christ may say with almost (!) unspeakable joy, "God is for us." He is on our side.
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). God is entirely for us, and never against us. None of our sicknesses is a judgment from a condemning judge. None of our broken cars or failed appliances is a punishment from God. None of our marital strife is a sign of his wrath. None of our lost jobs is a penalty for sin. None of our wayward children is a crack of the whip of God’s retribution. If we are in Christ. No. God is for us, not against, in and through all things – all ease and all pain.
Friday, April 11, 2008
All the News That's Fit to Print
I was waiting in line at Cub today and picked up a lot of valuable information.
Did you know...
...Dr. Phil's marriage is kaput and his house is for sale?
...Carrie Underwood lost 20 pounds and you can too?
...Britney Spears has relapsed (I didn't even know she had lapsed, let alone relapsed)?
...Stedman's drunk daughter had it out with Oprah?
...Jennifer Aniston and Orlando Bloom are an item?
...it's "Regis out, Seacrest in"?
...the end of the world is sooner than you think?
Yep, that's what I learned from just reading the headlines. Let me know if I missed something.
Did you know...
...Dr. Phil's marriage is kaput and his house is for sale?
...Carrie Underwood lost 20 pounds and you can too?
...Britney Spears has relapsed (I didn't even know she had lapsed, let alone relapsed)?
...Stedman's drunk daughter had it out with Oprah?
...Jennifer Aniston and Orlando Bloom are an item?
...it's "Regis out, Seacrest in"?
...the end of the world is sooner than you think?
Yep, that's what I learned from just reading the headlines. Let me know if I missed something.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
I Steal Things...
...from other people's blogs.
I stole this quote (and several others that I've posted) from George Grant's blog.
I stole this quote (and several others that I've posted) from George Grant's blog.
"Weak things must boast of being new, like so many new German philosophies. But strong things can boast of being old. Strong things can boast of being moribund." G. K. Chesterton
Monday, April 07, 2008
Poetry Monday. I Remembered!
Today's poem is by William Cowper (pronounced Cooper).
It is a hymn and if you'd like to sing along, go here for the organ accompaniment.
What Various Hindrances We Meet
What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy seat;
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there.
Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian’s armor bright;
And Satan trembles, when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when through weariness they failed,
That moment Amalek prevailed.
Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain;
And fill your fellow creature’s ear
With the sad tale of all your care.
To Heav’n in supplication sent;
Your cheerful song would oft’ner be,
“Hear what the Lord has done for me.”
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Fun with worldviews
I'm wondering who writes these quizzes and what worldview they have. Some of the questions are really ambiguous.
I would like to go on record as saying that I don't believe that science has brought on the corruption of society. I think mankind has done that nicely enough and I happen to like penicillin.
I would like to go on record as saying that I don't believe that science has brought on the corruption of society. I think mankind has done that nicely enough and I happen to like penicillin.
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What is Your World View? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Fundamentalist Fundamentalism represents a movement in opposition to Modernism, stressing the highest importance on foundational religious tradition. Science has brought on corruption of society. God is real and is watching. Scripture leaves little room for interpretation; man is God’s creation. About a quarter of the population in the U.S. is classified as Fundamentalist.
|
What are you?
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.
|
It's Wednesday, so.......
...why not download The Man Who Was Thursday. It's free this month here.
The Secret Code is APR2008.
This has been a public service announcement to all G. K. Chesterton fans who read my blog. All two of you.
The Secret Code is APR2008.
This has been a public service announcement to all G. K. Chesterton fans who read my blog. All two of you.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April 1st
This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.
-- Mark Twain, "Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar"
Monday, March 31, 2008
Outwitted
It's Poetry Monday. Yep, I've started a new feature.
Poetry Monday.
I wonder if I will remember my new feature next Monday? Oh well, here is the first poem to grace my blog. Thanks to Tim's A Beka literature book where I stumbled upon this one.
Poetry Monday.
I wonder if I will remember my new feature next Monday? Oh well, here is the first poem to grace my blog. Thanks to Tim's A Beka literature book where I stumbled upon this one.
Outwitted
by Edwin Markham
He drew a circle that shut me out--
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Cheesus
And to think that I just eat Cheetos by the handful and never stop to see what I am eating. Maybe I've eaten Buddha, or his holiness the Dalai Lama, or Oprah.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
What Mr. D Brought Home For Lunch
Yesterday at lunch time the door opened and Mr. D walked up the stairs and entered the kitchen where I was making "Kookie a la King" (more about that in a different post) and said, "Look what I brought home for lunch." He walked in with this guy in his car seat. My little buddie's mama had been over at the office working a bit and there is always a standing invitation for my babies to come for lunch (or breakfast or dinner or snack or coffee...), so he mentioned we were having Kookie a la King and she and Will joined us. The chef who invented Kookie a la King, that would be Chris, had packed his own lunch. However, there are plenty of Easter eggs left so I can make lots of Kookie a la King this week.....
Monday, March 24, 2008
10 Things
I've been tagged by Molly and I feel so special. Here's the game as I understand it. I am to come up with a list of 10 things that people might not know about me. Then, I am supposed to "tag" 10 of my friends and they are to do the same thing. Here's my list:
10 Things People Might Not Know About Me
1. In Blaine, MN on September 16, 2004 around noon, I touched President Bush. (I was at a rope line, he was walking by, I had my hand up in the air to shake his hand, he was about to pass by withouth shaking mine, so I quickly touched his pointer finger so I wouldn’t miss the moment). Terry took a photo of this momentous event.
2. I played the flute for 5 years.
3. I like to bake and wish I had more time to do it. I love baking cookies.
4. I love to wrap gifts. My ideal career choice would be gift wrapper at a department store.
5. This is a scary one. When I was 18, I was walking alone to Walter Library at the U of M from my dorm (Comstock Hall). I took the outside stairs on the west end of Coffman Union and when I got to the top of the stairs a guy jumped out of the bushes, blocked my path, and held a large shiny butcher knife at his side. It gleamed in the October moonlight. I pretended not to notice the knife, calmly said, “Oh, excuse me,” and took off running. I sat at the library all by myself for two hours and followed a group back to the dorm. I should have called the police, but was too scared.
6. I cry during movies. I cried three times during Elf.
7. I have been homeschooling for 21 years. I still feel slightly guilty when someone asks me what I do and I say I am a teacher because I don’t have an official degree.
8. I had three declared majors at the U of M. They were: Elementary Ed., Journalism, and I finally settled on Nutrition and Dietetics. I never graduated (although I have plenty of credits, I never did an internship), but I do use all three majors daily (I teach, I cook, I blog)!
9. My favorite place in the whole wide world is being at home with my family. My second favorite place in the whole wide world is being on Sanibel Island in Florida with my family.
10. Finally, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
And now I tag: Nikki, Katie, Beth, Holly, Nedra, Diane, Mindy, Michelle, Reesha, and Cari.
10 Things People Might Not Know About Me
1. In Blaine, MN on September 16, 2004 around noon, I touched President Bush. (I was at a rope line, he was walking by, I had my hand up in the air to shake his hand, he was about to pass by withouth shaking mine, so I quickly touched his pointer finger so I wouldn’t miss the moment). Terry took a photo of this momentous event.
2. I played the flute for 5 years.
3. I like to bake and wish I had more time to do it. I love baking cookies.
4. I love to wrap gifts. My ideal career choice would be gift wrapper at a department store.
5. This is a scary one. When I was 18, I was walking alone to Walter Library at the U of M from my dorm (Comstock Hall). I took the outside stairs on the west end of Coffman Union and when I got to the top of the stairs a guy jumped out of the bushes, blocked my path, and held a large shiny butcher knife at his side. It gleamed in the October moonlight. I pretended not to notice the knife, calmly said, “Oh, excuse me,” and took off running. I sat at the library all by myself for two hours and followed a group back to the dorm. I should have called the police, but was too scared.
6. I cry during movies. I cried three times during Elf.
7. I have been homeschooling for 21 years. I still feel slightly guilty when someone asks me what I do and I say I am a teacher because I don’t have an official degree.
8. I had three declared majors at the U of M. They were: Elementary Ed., Journalism, and I finally settled on Nutrition and Dietetics. I never graduated (although I have plenty of credits, I never did an internship), but I do use all three majors daily (I teach, I cook, I blog)!
9. My favorite place in the whole wide world is being at home with my family. My second favorite place in the whole wide world is being on Sanibel Island in Florida with my family.
10. Finally, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
And now I tag: Nikki, Katie, Beth, Holly, Nedra, Diane, Mindy, Michelle, Reesha, and Cari.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Isaiah 53
Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy 2nd Day of Spring!
This is what the 2nd day of Spring looks like in our backyard!
Happy Spring!
Happy Spring!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mr. President
I was sipping Good Earth Tea and randomly searching blogs this morning when I stumbled on one called Everyday Mommy that had an article about Reagan. The blogger had, in turn, stumbled upon this site full of interesting and fun archived Reagan era Air Force One photos.
So, I thought I'd share a few.
So, I thought I'd share a few.
This photo just says "class act", doesn't it?
Um, about this photo...hmmmmm...
All I can say about this one is,
"Hey look, Mr. D, Ronnie wears high water sweat pants just like you!"
How cool would it be to be sitting here!
How cool would it be to be sitting here!
Look, it's flight attendant Nancy!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare
Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare
by John Newton, 1780
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare:
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
he himself has bid thee pray,
therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King,
large petitions with thee bring;
for his grace and power are such,
none can ever ask too much.
With my burden I begin:
Lord, remove this load of sin;
let thy blood, for sinners spilt,
set my conscience free from guilt.
Lord, I come to thee for rest,
take possession of my breast;
there thy blood bought right maintain,
and without a rival reign.
Show me what I have to do,
every hour my strength renew:
let me live a life of faith,
let me die thy people's death.
While I am a pilgrim here,
let thy love my spirit cheer;
as my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
lead me to my journey's end.
by John Newton, 1780
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare:
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
he himself has bid thee pray,
therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King,
large petitions with thee bring;
for his grace and power are such,
none can ever ask too much.
With my burden I begin:
Lord, remove this load of sin;
let thy blood, for sinners spilt,
set my conscience free from guilt.
Lord, I come to thee for rest,
take possession of my breast;
there thy blood bought right maintain,
and without a rival reign.
Show me what I have to do,
every hour my strength renew:
let me live a life of faith,
let me die thy people's death.
While I am a pilgrim here,
let thy love my spirit cheer;
as my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
lead me to my journey's end.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
How Long Will It Take?
I was just wondering how often Mr. D reads my blog and thought this post would give me the answer since there is no way that he will not have a comment after he sees what I have found through a Google search! Be sure and scroll down when you get to the link.
Yes, Mr. D, it's the second of your two albums, the one where Teres asked me what I was going to do after I graduated from college and I said, "I'm going to marry him," as I pointed to your funky back album cover photo. The only problem, of course, was we hadn't really met yet! So, in a sense this is the album that brought us together.
I'll bet you didn't know that your album had been reviewed by a 60 year old guy from East Randolph, NY.
He sums up the album nicely in his review.
The New Village Singers are a friendly easy-going folk foursome that bring to mind the music of The Seekers. Listen Everybody debuts with sharp production emphasizing clean vocal harmonies, jangly guitars and crisp rhythms. Nice arrangements mix in flute, harmonica or piano where needed, all the while making sure the folk edge isn’t sacrificed for easy listening or MOR. They seem particularly fond of Love Song, covering five of their songs over the two albums. In fact New Birth opens up with ‘Since I Opened Up The Door’, revealing some of their newly introduced Jesus music country twang. The beat is set aside a few times for some pure acoustic tunes including renditions of ‘Love Song’ (the Elton John one) and Debbie Kerner’s ‘Behold, I Stand At The Door’. Good soothing stuff that isn’t gonna hurt anybody.
Just what is a "jangly guitar" anyhoo? And, do you take lessons to learn "the newly introduced Jesus music country twang"? Not only did this fellow find your music soothing and "uninjurious" to the listeners, but anonymous commenter said, this is "d*** fine music." I know how much you love anonymous bloggers, Mr. D!
I'm sure the other NVS members will be equally thrilled by this review. I just hope that people don't get you mixed up with the New Main Street Singers!
And, one other thing. If the vinyl is going for $150 a pop on eBay, what do you suppose a case or two of the 8 tracks that we have in the garage will bring in on eBay?
Apparently, "Listen Everybody" is a little easier to find, since it only goes for $9.99 on eBay. Go figure. And, our friendly reviewer discovered it also. I see that he says:
Please support the artists by buying any reissues that may become available. I will only post albums that are currently out of print and most likely will never be back in print.Maybe we could get a little cash on the side by selling CDs of both. What do you think?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Friday Fun
On Friday, we had some lunchtime fun.
Will entertained us with his piano skills.
Auntie Bethie fed Will his pears. Yum-o!
Grandma got to hold her little buddy.
Grandma got to hold her little buddy.
Uncle Chris took i-Phone pix of Will dancing(probably to "That Thing You Do").
Then, Will got to watch himself dance.
We had the "Grandpa Fun Fair", formerly called the "Daddy Fun Fair".
Grandpa serenaded Will with Dave's guitar that we are storing.If you need a guitar stored, just give us a call.
And, finally, I'll bet you can't do this.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Today's Pile...
Thursday and Friday were busy, so there was no time for playing games like "Pick a Pile". I did, however, enjoy viewing some of your blogs and seeing your chosen piles. I had a few moments this afternoon and noticed a delightful pile on the coffeetable in the basement. So, I chose it. (I know I said my next pile was the hallway, but it was too big a pile for the time I had designated, plus, I am easily distracted). Here is the coffeetable before.
And now after. Please do not look beyond the coffeetable at the pile in the corner or on the couch at the pile that seems to be living there. It is very important that you choose a pile that you can handle for the time you have available or the game becomes a chore and no longer a game. Also, please don't notice the fact that it appears I have violated one of the major rules of the game and simply moved the Knitting book to the nearby couch rather than putting it away. My bad. I should be docked a point for that one.
Unfortunately, the Second Law of Thermodynamics comes into play at times. You know that minimum energy, maximum entropy thing or something like that. So, alas, here is today's photo of the table at the top of the stairs. Maybe that will be my next pile. And, seriously, what am I going to do with that vacuum that always seems to be in the way.
Please Sign the Home School Petition
Here's a little more info on the California Home Schooling crisis. The HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) site has an online petition that they are asking people all over the country to sign.
Here's the link to their site.
When you get there, click on the link about the California problem and if you feel so inclined, sign the online petition. They offer a little explanation of the legal options.
As you know, this started out with some type of legal action brought about towards one homeschooling family, and ended up with some major legislation from the bench that made all home schooling in CA illegal.
The family involved is appealing the decision to the CA supreme court.
Meanwhile, the HSLDA is working on formally petitioning the CA Supreme Court to "depublish" the opinion. The petition they are asking people to sign is to help them with their goal of "depublishing" the opinion.
The HSLDA site says:
Here's the link to their site.
When you get there, click on the link about the California problem and if you feel so inclined, sign the online petition. They offer a little explanation of the legal options.
As you know, this started out with some type of legal action brought about towards one homeschooling family, and ended up with some major legislation from the bench that made all home schooling in CA illegal.
The family involved is appealing the decision to the CA supreme court.
Meanwhile, the HSLDA is working on formally petitioning the CA Supreme Court to "depublish" the opinion. The petition they are asking people to sign is to help them with their goal of "depublishing" the opinion.
The HSLDA site says:
If the opinion is “depublished” then it cannot be used by other California courts and this threat to homeschool freedom will be neutralized for other California homeschoolers.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Nanny State
I just found this article on the Drudge Report.
Here are some choice quotes.
"California courts have held that ... parents do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children," Justice H. Walter Croskey said in the 3-0 ruling issued on Feb. 28. "Parents have a legal duty to see to their children's schooling under the provisions of these laws."
"A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare," the judge wrote, quoting from a 1961 case on a similar issue.
"With this case law, anyone in California who is homeschooling without a teaching credential is subject to prosecution for truancy violation, which could require community service, heavy fines and possibly removal of their children under allegations of educational neglect," Dacus said.
Here are some choice quotes.
"California courts have held that ... parents do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children," Justice H. Walter Croskey said in the 3-0 ruling issued on Feb. 28. "Parents have a legal duty to see to their children's schooling under the provisions of these laws."
"A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare," the judge wrote, quoting from a 1961 case on a similar issue.
"With this case law, anyone in California who is homeschooling without a teaching credential is subject to prosecution for truancy violation, which could require community service, heavy fines and possibly removal of their children under allegations of educational neglect," Dacus said.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Pick a Pile
Last night, in my random blogging, I visited a blog called "Biblical Womanhood" or something like that and ran across a little game that the blogger had invented called "Pick a Pile". The way it works is that you look around your house and find a pile of stuff that needs work. You photograph it before you begin and after you are finished dealing with it. Then, you share your "Before and After" photos with the world, your house is one pile cleaner, you feel really special, and are one baby step more organized.
I liked this idea and had recently been inspired by niece Michelle's post on her "lumps" of clothes and decided that I should join in the fun. So, I am inviting you all to play the game that is the latest rage: Pick a Pile.
Here 's how it will work. Choose a pile, take a photo before, neaten it up, then take an after photo and post it on your blog. If you don't have a blog, don't worry, you can send me your before and after photos and I will post them for you. If you don't have a digital camera, just describe your pile in my comment section...you know, how it looked before and how it looks now.
I began the game last night when I walked in the Living Room and, much to my horror, saw this.
I liked this idea and had recently been inspired by niece Michelle's post on her "lumps" of clothes and decided that I should join in the fun. So, I am inviting you all to play the game that is the latest rage: Pick a Pile.
Here 's how it will work. Choose a pile, take a photo before, neaten it up, then take an after photo and post it on your blog. If you don't have a blog, don't worry, you can send me your before and after photos and I will post them for you. If you don't have a digital camera, just describe your pile in my comment section...you know, how it looked before and how it looks now.
I began the game last night when I walked in the Living Room and, much to my horror, saw this.
40 minutes later, I saw this.
I decided to try the game again this morning when I looked at the area at the top of the stairs and saw this.
Less than a half hour later, I saw this.
My next pile is the hallway. This game should keep me occupied for a few weeks, since my whole house is pretty much lots of piles. Wish me luck, and if you decide to play the game, don't forget to share your before and after photos.Tuesday, March 04, 2008
This is Frightening
You Are Barney |
 You could have been an intellectual leader... Instead, your whole life is an homage to beer You will be remembered for: your beautiful singing voice and your burps Your life philosophy: "There's nothing like beer to give you that inflated sense of self-esteem." |
Well, now, what do you make of this? I thought maybe I'd be Marge. Or, even Ned Flanders, but no, look who I turned out to be! Who are you?
Monday, March 03, 2008
Molly the Wonder Dog and Katie the Wonder Child
Since there weren't any non blurry photos of Katie from my batch of photos last month, I thought I would share a few from the January batch. Here is what Katie did while waiting for her turn at the bongos in Donkey Congo when we celebrated Mindy's birthday. Good ol' Molly, such a patient dog, and her little tail is always wagging.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Busy Month
We did a lot in the last month or so. Alex spent a week with us. Here he is returning from winning first place in the debate competition. Nothing says victory like a bobbleheaded cougar trophy!
"Uncle Joey" and "Uncle Jesse" played with Will.
Chris brought his big screen and projection TV and we watched the Superbowl.
Nikki sang at Northwestern in Burnsville.
Nate and Ashley had baby Stryker. Kate, Beth, and I went to Yum! for lunch and visited the proud new parents.
We had a time of prayer for Steve and Oldest Dugan Cousin Sue posed with Youngest Dugan Cousin Bethie. A 43 year age span, but you could never tell.
Lund's had a "Twofer" sale and I needed a quick supper, so went retro. I don't recall having a Swanson's Turkey TV dinner since the late '60's. It was rather tasty, I must say, and at $1.88 for two, not a bad, quick supper.
The eclipse of the moon was breathtaking. I don't recommend flash photography if you are trying to capture the eclipse.
Hunter (1) and Delia (5) celebrated their birthdays. Here are the guests!
Mark said, "Hey, look, Will is sitting !" Terry turned to snap a photo, but not in time! However, what a flexible grandson I have.
The cow cake was lovely (and delicious). Note to self: Target, Prior Lake, ask for Terri, I think it's Terri, maybe Kerri...
Beth capped off the birthday celebration by reading to the sleepy birthday girl Delia.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Gas Tax Revisited
As far as I can figure, we are currently paying 20 cents to the State of Minnesota for every gallon of gas we use. This week that was raised by 5 cents, so we will be paying 25 cents per gallon just to the State of Minnesota.
Here's a little chart. It also says that 62 cents per gallon is the average amount we spend on state and federal taxes.
Here's a little primer on the price of gas.
Let's see, 19% is the amount available for "refining and profits". 19% is also the amount the government takes and they don't have to do the refining.
My conclusion is that the big, bad oil companies (who are trying to turn a profit for their shareholders, by the way, they are not a public charity) aren't nearly as bad as the big, bad government.
Don't forget to vote when your state representatives and senators come up for re-election.
End of rant.
Here's a little chart. It also says that 62 cents per gallon is the average amount we spend on state and federal taxes.
Here's a little primer on the price of gas.
Let's see, 19% is the amount available for "refining and profits". 19% is also the amount the government takes and they don't have to do the refining.
My conclusion is that the big, bad oil companies (who are trying to turn a profit for their shareholders, by the way, they are not a public charity) aren't nearly as bad as the big, bad government.
Don't forget to vote when your state representatives and senators come up for re-election.
End of rant.
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