Tallest tree in the forest

This is what I see driving to work each morning. This is the biggest dang tree I've ever seen. It's 150 feet tall. Can you imagine being a hawk perched in this tree? He'd be able to see for miles around. Funny how my cell reception is better near this intersection now...

Fall at the Lea house

This is a fall ritual that my family is familiar with. We have lots of trees on our acre and each year we have a serious yard-cleaning and bonfire. We've made some good memories around that fire pit. We've had parties for the Razorbacks for Christ, with singing and making smores (remember Heidi with the melted marshmallow stuck in her beard?). That was the year of the hayride/truck/trailer that burned to the ground due to overcrowding. I guess a farm truck can only hold so many people. When Rico got initiated into our family, he got to have a bonfire. He actually jumped over that fire. When we have friends over, it's nice to fix coffee and sit in chairs around the fire, with the field behind and the stars above. Thank God for life in the country.

New member of the family

This is not a very good picture, but this is Keith's new ride. It's a 2003 Saab 95 Aero Turbo. It has heated and air conditioned seats, tiptronic transmission (switches from automatic to manual), leather seats, power everything, sunroof, 50,000 miles, and it's nice. And guess what? No exhaust fumes inside. My sweet husband doesn't have to smell like the city bus any more. But... we're keeping the green Saab convertible...for the weekends.

The Patient

This is Polly, the little girl that stayed with us while Susan and Larry were in St. Louis last weekend. See that front leg? BB gunshot wound. That's what happens when you go prowling around in someone else's yard. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against prowling. You'd just better know the neighbors. She's not bitter, though. She's just glad to get some lovin.

Arnie and Repunzel

See what happens when you leave Arnie here with Repunzel?

Ruthie's Big Adventure

Well, as you can see, Ruthie's making the big move to Colorado to work in Keystone Resort this winter. What an exciting adventure. She'll also be working with Summit Resort Ministries. She was welcomed by two inches of snow, new friends and roommates, and a new pair of warm boots (compliments of her Dad). Keep us up to date on what's happening on the mountain, Ruthie. I'm jealous.

Our Little Dogwoods

We planted these little dogwoods soon after we married. They speak different languages all year long. In spring, they burst with pink beauty. In summer they leaf out with moles gathering around their roots, blocking the view of the new shed I'm so proud of. But in fall, which is my favorite time of the year, by the way, they say that they are light deprived and their feet are cold; they will have to go away for a few months to hibernate. But, as they go, they will leave some pretty red leaves for us to admire. We'll see you next year when Ms. Wren comes back to her box to raise another family.

The Ron Paul Revolution

I have never been active politically. I guess I see myself as more of a political spectator. I figure, I don't really believe that what they say they will do is actually what they can do, even if they wanted to make good on their promises. Well, my sweet husband, being the student that he is, has discovered Dr. Ron Paul, an OB/Gyn from Texas who is running for President. He actually believes in things that make me feel positive, such as protecting our social security from being taxed and/or being spent on other things, reducing government spending and getting us (and our children) out of incredible debt, protecting unborn babies, reducing government intervention into what medical care I'm allowed to have, who I talk to on the phone, and many other things I don't even understand. I love our American government but, at times, I feel like we are becoming so dependent, it makes me think of the story in the bible of the Israelites who moved into Egypt when a famine hit and they needed food. If I'm remembering this right, Egypt said, "Come on in; we have plenty of food for you". Later, we read that the Israelites had become slaves of the Egyptians. If we keep depending on our government for everything we can't do for ourselves (arrive immediately when a hurricane or some natural disaster hits?), we will give ourselves over to them, just like the Israelites. Besides, when did the American government become the world's police? (Sigh) I'm so confused.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still a political spectator, but I'm listening a little more closely these days. Especially since I get a daily e-mail from Ron Paul...