You can see the hail coming down!!!
Not as big as some rainbows we've seen
but we were ok with that because
the beautiful colors touched down in our fields.
Hail melting in thyme.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Spring Storm
We were surprised today by a little 10 minute burst of dark clouds, heavy rain and hail with the reward of a vibrant double rainbow.
Blink Bedroom Survey
Since I wrote about "profiling" in my post about Facebook I thought I'd share this little tidbit from Malcolm Gladwell's book Blink. ...which is a book I'd highly recommend if you ever get the chance to read it!
In Blink I read of an experiment where a fellow by the name of Samuel Gosling had strangers and friends look at college student's dorm rooms. He used what is called
In Blink I read of an experiment where a fellow by the name of Samuel Gosling had strangers and friends look at college student's dorm rooms. He used what is called
"the Big Five Inventory, a highly respected, multi-item questionnaire that measures people acroos five dimensions:
1. Extraversion. Are you sociable or retiring? Fun-loving or reserved?
2. Agreeableness. Are you trusting or suspicious? Helpful or uncooperative?
3. Conscientiousness. Are you organized or disorganized? Self-disciplined or weak willed?
4. Emotional stability. Are you worried or calm? Insecure or secre?
5. Openness to new experiences. Are you imaginative or down-to-earth? Independent or conforming?"
In
another experiment Gosling gave observers 15 minutes to look around
dorm rooms judging the students with a "series of very basic
questions." On a scale of 1 to 5, does the inhabitant of this room seem
to e the kind of person who is talkative? Tends to find fault with
others? Does a thorough job? Is original? Is reserved? Is helpful and
unselfish with others? And so on." Gosling found that "the dorm room
observers weren't nearly as good as friends in measuring extraversion.
If you want to know how animated and talkative and outgoing someone is,
clearly, you have to meet hm or her in person. The friends also did
slightly better than the dorm room visitors at accurately estimating
agreeableness - how helpful and trusting someone is. I [Malcolm
Gladwell] think that also makes sense. But on the remaining three traits
of the Big Five, the strangers with the clipboards came out on top.
They were more accurate at measuring conscientiousness, and they were
much more accurate at predicting both the students' emotional stability
and their openness to new experiences. On balance, then, the strangers
ended up doing a much better job."
Monday, May 27, 2013
Mr. Glemp
As I sat at the table yesterday morning, drinking my bitter brew, I landed upon an article in The Economist. Appropriately placed at the end of the magazine I found an obituary for a fellow by the name of Jozef Glemp. Glemp? I had to set aside thoughts of Dr. Suess books that buzzed through my head and read on. Jozef Glemp was a cardinal in the Catholic church who became primate of Poland. He must have been a bit of a grouch or had some unlovely disposition because the narrator had not taken the time to season his words with salt and my coffee tasted less bitter in comparison to the words I was taking in. By the time I finished the reading I was taken aback by the unflattering words written about the man, however, I reasoned with myself that the truth is the truth and there must be a reason for this unsavory report.
Apparently Mr. Glemp was a bit of a fence straddler, or rather the sort of fellow who would try and keep an even keel at all costs. The obituary relayed one of Glemp's worst attempts at keel-keeping in a post WWII, 1989 Poland, "for his ""dear Jews"" also controlled the mass media and, being cleverer, ""took advantage"" of Poles." The article said, "His most useful qualities, though they won him few friends, were his lawyer's caution and his insistence on the middle ground. They led to the coining of a new verb, ""to glemp"", meaning to try to please both sides."
Finding a middle ground has both negative and positive aspects depending on how or when it is used and how often a person attempts create a middle ground. In my few years I have learned that a person who always calls for a compromise is often thought of as weak and/or is weak, and people aren't going to like or respect someone who doesn't have any backbone and who doesn't stick to one side of the fence.
On a side note: I grew sort of fond of this verb, "to glemp", and I could already hear it in my common discourse: glemping, glemps, glemper, glemped... etc. (at this point spell check officially hates me).
In the closing the obituary stated, "a man whose imagination, and horizons, were not big enough for the job the times thrust upon him."
My first thought was that I'd rather not have any recognition upon dying if the world can not find anything good to remark upon in the final words of my obituary. Is there no peace in rest?
Nevertheless I realized that the soul who drafted Mr. Glemp's obituary must have decided it would be best to err on the side of caution, either in a frank and unflattering report or in sweet sonnet, so as to not be accused of glemping himself. I found this to be rather comical and forgave the writer for his harsh biography.
I suppose it is a good thing I do not write obituaries, for I suppose I am a bit of a glemper myself. Prone to trying to keep the boat from rocking I am one of those people who has, at times, been accused of being weak, indecisive, kind to a fault, naive ...etc. As I have grown older I am rather glad for the morals my parents have instilled in me and even more thankful for the Word of God which is my solid rock and my backbone. Though I often find myself struggling with a situation I am always able to look to The Truth and let that be my guide and conscience. Just as you can hold money up to the light to discover whether it is real or counterfeit, I hold incoming information up to The Light and let that be my baseline to live and to glemp by. (John 1:4)
I suppose that this would appear to many people as a weakness in and of itself, that is the need for someone else to 'call the shots', but I know my weaknesses and I know my strengths. It is all about perspective, knowing when to call for compromise and knowing when to quit. Just as Mr. Glemp illustrated in his 1989 speech, finding middle grown can be done very poorly and really cause more harm than it's worth, but if it is done with wisdom and grace it can be a blessing to many. That being said, it is no surprise that glemping happens to be a double-edged sword for me, for it is both my greatest strength and my most debilitating weakness.
I spend my life trying to find a balance between the two. ;)
Apparently Mr. Glemp was a bit of a fence straddler, or rather the sort of fellow who would try and keep an even keel at all costs. The obituary relayed one of Glemp's worst attempts at keel-keeping in a post WWII, 1989 Poland, "for his ""dear Jews"" also controlled the mass media and, being cleverer, ""took advantage"" of Poles." The article said, "His most useful qualities, though they won him few friends, were his lawyer's caution and his insistence on the middle ground. They led to the coining of a new verb, ""to glemp"", meaning to try to please both sides."
Finding a middle ground has both negative and positive aspects depending on how or when it is used and how often a person attempts create a middle ground. In my few years I have learned that a person who always calls for a compromise is often thought of as weak and/or is weak, and people aren't going to like or respect someone who doesn't have any backbone and who doesn't stick to one side of the fence.
On a side note: I grew sort of fond of this verb, "to glemp", and I could already hear it in my common discourse: glemping, glemps, glemper, glemped... etc. (at this point spell check officially hates me).
In the closing the obituary stated, "a man whose imagination, and horizons, were not big enough for the job the times thrust upon him."
My first thought was that I'd rather not have any recognition upon dying if the world can not find anything good to remark upon in the final words of my obituary. Is there no peace in rest?
Nevertheless I realized that the soul who drafted Mr. Glemp's obituary must have decided it would be best to err on the side of caution, either in a frank and unflattering report or in sweet sonnet, so as to not be accused of glemping himself. I found this to be rather comical and forgave the writer for his harsh biography.
I suppose it is a good thing I do not write obituaries, for I suppose I am a bit of a glemper myself. Prone to trying to keep the boat from rocking I am one of those people who has, at times, been accused of being weak, indecisive, kind to a fault, naive ...etc. As I have grown older I am rather glad for the morals my parents have instilled in me and even more thankful for the Word of God which is my solid rock and my backbone. Though I often find myself struggling with a situation I am always able to look to The Truth and let that be my guide and conscience. Just as you can hold money up to the light to discover whether it is real or counterfeit, I hold incoming information up to The Light and let that be my baseline to live and to glemp by. (John 1:4)
I suppose that this would appear to many people as a weakness in and of itself, that is the need for someone else to 'call the shots', but I know my weaknesses and I know my strengths. It is all about perspective, knowing when to call for compromise and knowing when to quit. Just as Mr. Glemp illustrated in his 1989 speech, finding middle grown can be done very poorly and really cause more harm than it's worth, but if it is done with wisdom and grace it can be a blessing to many. That being said, it is no surprise that glemping happens to be a double-edged sword for me, for it is both my greatest strength and my most debilitating weakness.
I spend my life trying to find a balance between the two. ;)
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Roadtrip to Racine
Driving down to Southern Wisconsin in the rain.
My first stop was to see my brother Isaac. He moved to a little town somewhere between Madison and Milwaukee and just recently rented his very first apartment! I enjoy the tour he gave me of his living room in which there was only a couch, the kitchen that had barren cupboards and a sparse supply of food in the fridge, a bathroom with the few essential items needed for refreshment and his bedroom.... with a few articles of clothing strewn about the floor. Bachelorhood. There's no need for flowers, curtains or a full fridge when you spend most of your time at work or with your girlfriend.
Isaac and Brittney on the couch. ....Isaac's only piece of furniture!
I was able to spend Friday night with Isaac and his girlfriend! Brittney was a lot of fun and we hit it off really well. We went out to eat at a Greek restaurant, drank tons of coffee and stayed up till 2:30a.m. talking before Brittney went home and we hit the sack!!!
Needless to say waking up at 5am was pretty harsh. ....but worth it. I left Isaac's place and headed to Racine to go to a college commencement.... a surprise for my graduating friend, Courtney!!!!
Courtney, lovely as ever!
UW-Parkside had beautiful grounds! Especially with Spring in the works!
Mingling at the after-party for Christopher's commencement ceremony at UW-Parkside.
Christopher majored in geology with a minor in biological sciences. He received an Outstanding Graduate Award and he graduated summa cum laude. Courtney received her Associates in Art and will be going on to study communications at UW-Parkside, and would have graduated with honors if it hadn't been for a school transfer. They are some pretty genius people and they always inspire me to keep learning. :)
Mrs. Dunn, Christopher, Courtney and Mr. Dunn
Courtney, her cousin Sammi and I
Mrs. Dunn's tulips were so pretty. I couldn't help but photograph them!
After church on Sunday morning we went out
to breakfast with some of Mrs. Dunn's friends.
After a wonderful time with Courtney's family, I ended up traveling back to see Isaac for I discovered that I'd left my towel at his apartment. It was a good sort of mistake for I was able to meet Brittney's family and church family and have a wonderful afternoon of singing, music and visiting! Brittney's church is appropriately named Orchard Hill for there was quite literally a big hill behind their church with rows of trees in bloom! A beautiful sight with the sweet smell of apple blossoms filling the fresh Spring air.
Spring is an excellent time for a road trip since there were so many trees and lilacs in bloom, adorning the landscape! It's rather distracting ...even dangerous for drivers like myself who can't help but get distracted by the gorgeous view. ;)
Sunday was so lovely! Everyone drove around with their windows rolled down, favorite tunes playing through their radios.
Due to warm invitations from both Courtney's family and Brittney's family to stay another day, I attempted to get off work and extend my vacation but there was a complication in the milking schedule and it would have been rather unfair of me to stay any longer. Before I left I made sure to photograph Isaac outside of his first apartment. Someday his children will thank me. ;)
Isaac's first apartment.
Such a handsome guy!
The trip home was lovely. The setting sun cast a warm hue on the brilliant Spring greens and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The North/West bound traffic is always less congested that it is if you're headed towards Chicago so I had a very relaxing drive though I was quite exhausted from late nights, fun and fellowship.
As Murphy's Law would have it when I was a mile from the exit ramp to my little town the traffic was stop and go, there was a big thunder-storm brewing and it ended up taking another 15 minutes to get home!
Backed up traffic... and only a mile from my home town!
Who invited Murphy?!
Until next time.....
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Milk Informational
My Dad shared this paragraph on feeding calves with whole cow's milk with the family over dinner last night and I thought I'd share it with you since it is fascinating information. I like to promote farming in general, especially dairy farming, when I can because we farmers could use the support both socially and financially. That being said, this little snippet goes beyond the promotion of dairy farming because milk is just that incredible. It's a good feeling to go to work and know that what your producing is good for people.
The bottom line? Drink whole milk. It's good for you!
"Whole cow's milk has about 3.5 per cent of protein, which is of most excellent quality. It contains 4.8 to 5.0 per cent of milk sugar, which not only provides energy, but also aids in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus, and helps prevent the development of undesirable bacteria in the digestive tract.
Whole milk from properly fed cows is rich in vitamin A value. It contains both vitamin A and carotene, the relative proportions of which depend on the breed of cow, as explained in Chapter XXV. Milk is rich in riboflavin, and phosphorus, and has about 0.7 per cent of total mineral matter."
-Feeds and Feeding, Abridged, by Frank B. Morrison
The bottom line? Drink whole milk. It's good for you!
"Whole cow's milk has about 3.5 per cent of protein, which is of most excellent quality. It contains 4.8 to 5.0 per cent of milk sugar, which not only provides energy, but also aids in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus, and helps prevent the development of undesirable bacteria in the digestive tract.
Whole milk from properly fed cows is rich in vitamin A value. It contains both vitamin A and carotene, the relative proportions of which depend on the breed of cow, as explained in Chapter XXV. Milk is rich in riboflavin, and phosphorus, and has about 0.7 per cent of total mineral matter."
-Feeds and Feeding, Abridged, by Frank B. Morrison
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Mother's Day
I copied this pastel from the cover of a Christian magazine, Acts & Facts. The picture was of a lovely woman with an adoring child in her lap (both clothed in white) and a bouquet of bright flowers in hand. The background was an array of vibrant greens. Being so very warm and summery it caught my eye and so of course a sketch was in order.
To my joy the drawing came out pretty similar to the original. The only noticeable differences were in the woman's face. One of my little siblings concured with my sentiments that in my drawing her features had elements of my Aunt Judy and of my Grammy on my mom's side. I drew the lady's mouth smaller than that of the original picture. A lot of the people in my family have smaller mouths. Her eyes turned out different too. Just a number of little things like that.
It's funny that no matter how hard I'll try to accurately depict something my subconscious always inserts familiar things. I suppose that is exactly what makes art so incredible and exciting. Each work of art displays unique characteristics because each artist is influenced to some degree or another by their own unique life and experiences.
I know this is a little bit early since Mother's Day isn't 'till Sunday but I am planning on a rather busy weekend and probably won't get a chance to post about it later. Besides I'm always an advocate for starting to celebrate early. Sometimes holidays seem rather tedious, but Mother's and Father's day are quite worthwhile. What would we do without our blessed parents? Granted I am rather privileged to have the wonderful parents that I do. I could go on and on about just how awesome they are... but it would take a while so I'll refrain. I am especially glad that my mother loves and respects my father and that they make such a great team. ...and my mom is a hoot. ;) Quite a feisty woman. Some people would say she's a little too crazy but if you ask me that's exactly what my dad loves best about her.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Moms!
Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
To my joy the drawing came out pretty similar to the original. The only noticeable differences were in the woman's face. One of my little siblings concured with my sentiments that in my drawing her features had elements of my Aunt Judy and of my Grammy on my mom's side. I drew the lady's mouth smaller than that of the original picture. A lot of the people in my family have smaller mouths. Her eyes turned out different too. Just a number of little things like that.
It's funny that no matter how hard I'll try to accurately depict something my subconscious always inserts familiar things. I suppose that is exactly what makes art so incredible and exciting. Each work of art displays unique characteristics because each artist is influenced to some degree or another by their own unique life and experiences.
I know this is a little bit early since Mother's Day isn't 'till Sunday but I am planning on a rather busy weekend and probably won't get a chance to post about it later. Besides I'm always an advocate for starting to celebrate early. Sometimes holidays seem rather tedious, but Mother's and Father's day are quite worthwhile. What would we do without our blessed parents? Granted I am rather privileged to have the wonderful parents that I do. I could go on and on about just how awesome they are... but it would take a while so I'll refrain. I am especially glad that my mother loves and respects my father and that they make such a great team. ...and my mom is a hoot. ;) Quite a feisty woman. Some people would say she's a little too crazy but if you ask me that's exactly what my dad loves best about her.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Moms!
Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Fetuses Are Geniuses
If you have an hour to spare.... maybe skip your usual computer routine and listen to this fascinating radio podcast about how intelligent fetuses, babies and children really are.
- "Learning is an integral part of human nature. But why do we — as adults — assume learning must be taught, tested and reinforced? In this hour, TED speakers explore the ways babies and children learn, from the womb to the playground to the Web."
- "Babies and young children are ""already about as smart as they could possibly be.""
Friday, May 3, 2013
Unusual Escapade
From the local news station:
"Here’s the records that were set yesterday(May 2) in Eau Claire;
- 8.7” of snow. Old record for snow on May 2: 1.5” in 1935.
- 8.7” of snow on any calendar day in May. Old record: 2.0” from May 12, 1946.
We added another .6" to the total last night into this morning, making it 9.3” of snow from the 2-day storm. That's 9.3" for the month, shattering another record. Old record for snow in the full month of May: 3.3” in 2001."
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Grandparents always need a good tale or two to tell their grand-kids so, anticipating a probable desire from his hypothetical grandchildren for stories of the "old days," Channing went snowboarding. On May 3rd... when normally there are daffodils popping up in the garden, greenhouses filled with flowers for shoppers looking for that perfect Mother's Day gift and an abundant supply of dandelions and violets freckling the lawn.
It was quite a slushy endeavor. Dad suggested I make a slush angel. I did not take him up on the idea.
Here's a video of Channing attempting a stunt out on the redneck terrain park:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppvy_fas68U
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That was that. No doubt it's an event that would be happening again for years to come. ...we hope, at least.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sincerely, Snow
Come what May?!
It's gotta be November or something.
I'm pretty sure there are a lot of weathermen loosing their jobs for putting snow in the forecast. I guess I took down the lights and snowflakes too soon. Time to get the shovels back out, the mittens, the hats, the long underwear.... all that jazz. My poor bedroom is caught in limbo; boxes of summer clothes are decorating my floorspace waiting for their turn in the closet as the winter clothes persist in their places.
However, looking at the bright side:
The best part about winter is getting to work on indoor projects. I can sew without feeling like I'm missing out on something out of doors. Or work on tasks like much needed cleanup, dusting and other random house chores. ...and since there's nothing better than working to a little bit of music I might just set the mood with some Vince Gauraldi Christmas tunes.
You know, it is always the season to be jolly around here. That's why people love the Mid-West. There's so much snow that it's Christmas all year round!!
The local meteorologist wrote, "The old Eau Claire record for a snow event in May was 3.0" from
May 1-2, 1935, so that's why we were skeptical this much could fall.
Well, go big or go home…and hopefully you can stay home and safe today.
Bundle up because it will also be very chilly today, with highs only in
the middle 30s. That’s 30 degrees below the average high for the day of
66."
I'm pretty sure that we're going to have a foot of snow... if not more. Time to set a new record! ....who would have guessed that it was 85 degrees two days ago and everyone was out getting sunburns?!
Life really is like a box of chocolates.
You just never know what you're gonna get...
It's gotta be November or something.
I'm pretty sure there are a lot of weathermen loosing their jobs for putting snow in the forecast. I guess I took down the lights and snowflakes too soon. Time to get the shovels back out, the mittens, the hats, the long underwear.... all that jazz. My poor bedroom is caught in limbo; boxes of summer clothes are decorating my floorspace waiting for their turn in the closet as the winter clothes persist in their places.
However, looking at the bright side:
The best part about winter is getting to work on indoor projects. I can sew without feeling like I'm missing out on something out of doors. Or work on tasks like much needed cleanup, dusting and other random house chores. ...and since there's nothing better than working to a little bit of music I might just set the mood with some Vince Gauraldi Christmas tunes.
You know, it is always the season to be jolly around here. That's why people love the Mid-West. There's so much snow that it's Christmas all year round!!
The green grass, red barn siding and snow work together
to create the perfect Holiday Season display!
Snow covers the farmscape once again.
Welcome back Frostbite,
Take a seat Cold.
Who has arrived? Early or Late?
North Wind blow...
North Wind blow...
Bewildered Buds
I'm pretty sure that we're going to have a foot of snow... if not more. Time to set a new record! ....who would have guessed that it was 85 degrees two days ago and everyone was out getting sunburns?!
Life really is like a box of chocolates.
You just never know what you're gonna get...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A Little British Comedy
Gotta love the play on words!!! .....and the British accents! Happy May Day everyone! =D
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