An afternoon trip to Crow Mountain Farm with Dad revealed several large piles of agricultural lime.
Agricultural lime is a white caustic alkaline substance consisting of calcium oxide that is obtained by heating (or maybe pulverizing) limestone. It is used to correct high levels of acidity in the soil. Everybody knows that.
After living in her house for 62 years, today Oma moved to Aldersgate Village Retirement Community. Actually, we moved her to Aldersgate. A recent home invasion and theft heighten our long-standing concerns about her safety. The move was not without resistance. Helen very wisely enlisted the services of the Topeka Police Department (and staff social worker) to help Oma understand that the move was for her own safety. Even then, the strong-willed Oma let her feelings about it be known.
But, by mid day she was semi-settled, sorta-smiley and super-ready for the 3 PM ice cream social ... that she attended with her friend Carolyn.
While I'm sure the transition will be rocky and full of anxiety, the end of day number one was amazingly tranquil. Congratulations, Oma. You tackled your first move in 62 years with bravery and courage.
Several months ago we were electronically introduced to Luna by our friend, Thad Alton.
A student at the University of Michigan, Luna was coming to Topeka for her photojournalism internship with Thad at the Topeka Capital-Journal. She looked like fun. We insisted that she stay with us.
Luna is totally fun. In the short time she's been here, Luna has done tons of fun and interesting things. She has made gobs of friends and photographed countless Topeka events. She knows everything that's going on in Topeka. She is a constant whirl of energy and enthusiasm.
As she ends her internship and prepares to go back to Michigan, I reflect on her free-spirited personality. I admire her quest for adventure and respect her love for humanity. I will miss her. I watch with eager anticipation of her next worldly (and fun) adventure.
Several years ago I posted a video on You Tube captioned Cat Protects Old Dog.
Made merely to share with our neighbors the encounter I had while "walking" their 17 year old dog, I had no idea that the primitive smart phone video would become popular. It has elicited 500 comments, 2,000 "likes" and 1,000,000 views. While that number pales by comparison to the mega views on other videos, it still amazes me.
More amazing yet is the never ending parade of passionate comments. Many of them are focused on the "cat vs dog" rivalry.
My 20 pound cat chases ma neighbor's yellow lab "Daisy" all the time =D Chuck is the king of ma hood.
The cat would scratch the dog what, once? Maybe twice? Before the dog brutaly murdered the cat.
A cat may be able to get a dog to stop attacking it, but if both are committed to fighting to the death the cat would never win. Depending of course on the size of the dog.
I agree, pound for pound, a dog is NO match to a cat...cats are incredible fighters...
Y'know I don't really like cats, but I have to give credit where credit is due; this cat ain't takin' no sh*t.
That cat, no matter how brave, could end up in multiple parts scattered around the yard.
Many others are fun and witty zingers criticizing the video quality.
Footage so blurry I thought it was bigfoot and two chupacabras.
I like the part when the orange pixel protects the white pixel. how did you record the video? with a toaster? :D
What pixel exactly is the cat? :)))
Great quality.... This must be the 'berry' flavor Captn' Crunch box camera.
This has been fun. Please watch Cat Protects Old Dog. Tell your friends too. Especially the clever ones that are willing to post comments.
Our old house has Yankee Gutters ... which are gutters that are built into the roof line itself and not attached to or hung from the facia.
The repair and maintenance of Yankee Gutters requires a craftsman who knows how to rebuild them.
Lucky for us, we know Dob.
Dob is a very interesting guy. For fun, he competes in Garden Tractor Pull competitions. Last Friday night we ventured to Meriden, Kansas, to watch him compete in the the 39th Annual Meriden competition. He competes in two separate weight classes. Here he is in action.
And here he is with his two award plaques ... one for each weight class.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for the states to declare independence from Great Britain. The future 2nd President of the United States, John Adams, wrote his wife, Abigail saying: "The second day of July will be the most memorable Epocha, in the history of America. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shrews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."
239 years later, Aria Ruth Quist was born on July 2nd thereby affirming Mr. Adams' prediction.
Mother and daughter are doing fine.
Here is Jake's idea of Take Your Daughter to Work Day.
