Mental Health Monday

Secrets for a Long & Happy Life + Migrants vs Sunbathers

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

From Norfolk Daily News (7/4):  "Eating fruits, veggies can make you happy . . . Fruits & vegetables can make you happy (or 'cheery' as the British say.) That was the conclusion of researchers in the United Kingdom who studied the eating habits of 80,000 people. They reported that mental well-being rose with the number of daily portions of fruits & vegetables a person consumed. Think about that when you're munching on a slice of watermelon or an ear of sweet corn . . . "  A Big Mac has lettuce in it. A Whopper has lettuce, tomatoes, & onions. A Runza has cabbage. Then there's the Gourmet Vegetarian Pizza from Papa Murphy's. I guess I can confirm the results of this study.

From Omaha World Herald (7/3):  "Coffee--even decaf!--can keep you going years longer. Longevity boost is found no matter if you have a cup a day or more than 8."  This bodes well for my chances of a long life. However, de-caf coffee? I'm not sure I trust those results.

I DIDN'T BOTHER TO READ THE ARTICLE

From Drudge Report (7/28):  "Nude sunbathers stunned as migrants storm beach . . . "  Is this an indictment of migrants or nude sunbathers?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING

From "late laughs" in NDN (7/6):  "The fast-food chain Sonic has introduced a new flavor of its iced slushes. And apparently they've run out of ideas, because this new flavor is Pickle Juice. This is great news for people who are hot, thirsty, & well into their second trimester."  [James Corden]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Sunday Meditation

SUN 7/29 Thought for Today

HIS RICHEST CONSOLATION

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.”  Psalm 22:6

“It is a matter of a short time. Life is brief & wretched, but the joy & glory we await is eternal. Since, therefore, it pleases God that we should be a little flock, insignificant & despised, let us bear the troubles of this life with a calm and joyful heart.” Martin Luther Psalm by Psalm, Concordia Publishing House, 2017.

Surreptitious Saturday

Getting Personal

It's a gloomy, Saturday afternoon. We had a thunderstorm last night around bedtime, & it rained during the night. It was raining when I got up this morning & it's been gray & overcast for most of the day. My mood is matching the weather, I'm afraid, & I attribute this partly to post-vacation ennui, which is typical for me.
          Lois is in the Lincoln with the Worley's. She took the little girls back from our annual summer grandkid camping trip last THU. Rachel had joined us at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, & I rode back to Norfolk w/her & Bentley. Lois was planning to take Hadley on a "date" today, then come back tomorrow.
          I "slept in" until 7:30 this morning. Usually I'm up between 6:00-6:30, sometimes as early as 5:00-5:30. Since this morning's quiet time I've been doing some puttering around the house & also spending time on-line. Maybe it's time for a nap.
          A week from today Lois flies to Fayetteville for our niece Lynae's wedding. I'll take her to the airport on SAT, then drive to Lincoln & pick up Brianna, who'll come back to Norfolk with me. We're going to a Casting Crowns concert on SAT evening, & I'll take her back to Lincoln on SUN. I'll pick up Lois from the Omaha airport later on MON evening. Her back-to-school mtgs most likely begin this WED 8/1. 
          Earlier this summer i "self-published" a book of devotionals for Lutheran High Schools & mailed it to the four LHS's in Nebraska, plus a copy to our Nebraska District Education Executive. I got very positive feedback from one of the principals, & our District Exec asked me to send him an e-copy, so he could post it on our District's online resources for Lutheran schools. 
          Otherwise I'm back to my "normal" routine. I spend several hours at Orphan Grain Train each day & schedule cardiac maintenance every weekday. I have an eye appointment this week in preparation for a cataract procedure later in AUG. I'll have the other eye done in SEP, & it will be a relief. I've found it increasingly difficult to do any reading unless I am in a very well-illuminated setting.
          I did go on a 35-minute walk through our neighborhoods earlier this afternoon. On FRI night I treated myself to take-out Chinese. Last night it was a Runza & onion rings. Tonight I think I've pick up something from Taco Bell. Yes, my eating habits when Lois isn't around could best be described as slovenly.
          I also rsvp'd my attendance for the SPC Class of 1973 reunion in Concordia early in SEP. It's our 45-year reunion, & I don't think we've ever had a class reunion. I'm looking forward to it, although Lois won't be able to attend due to her teaching responsibilities.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING

From "late laughs" in Norfolk Daily News (6/29):  "A man in Pennsylvania was arrested for stealing meatballs from a man's garage. I can't tell who's weirder, the guy who stole meatballs, or the guy who keeps them in his garage. [CONAN]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Free-for-All Friday

We did it!

We survived another annual summer camping trip w/our grandkids, Brianna (age 14), Hadley (9), & Bentley (5). We collected them on MON 7/23 & returned them yesterday (7/26).
          Our accommodations @ Platte River State Park were very good. We had a 2-bedroom cabin. The kids shared the bedroom w/2 bunk beds. Bentley initially wanted to sleep in a top bunk but changed his mind quickly. Lois & I shared the bedroom w/a queen size bed. There was also a kitchen-dining area, living room, cable TV, closed-in porch, outdoor grill & fire pit. We used the grill to cook hamburgers one night & hot dogs the next. We made s'mores on TUE & WED nights, too.
          On TUE 7/24, Lois took the kids to the water park @ Mahoney State Park, which is just down the road from Platte River SP. This may have been the highlight for the kids. On WED 7/25, we took the kids to the Air & Space Museum, which they also enjoyed very much, although Bentley's opinion was that there weren't enough spaceships. (The museum is located next to Mahoney SP.) 
          On THU 7/26, Rachel joined us for a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. Lots of walking, a little(?) complaining by the youngest ones, but overall a good experience. The gorillas made a big impression when one of them chased after the other two. The kids got to ride the zoo train & Sky Safari (an overhead tram). Lois made homemade lunchables so we didn't have to buy the exorbitant food at the concession stands. We probably shouldn't have waited to do the mega-playground as our last stop. The kids would have enjoyed that more, but we wanted to leave before rush hour got overly rushed.
         We also spent time exploring Platte River State Park. Lois & the girls enjoyed a horseback ride. I took Brianna to the shooting range, where she displayed her amazing sharp-shooting skills. We did some hiking & made at least 3 trips to the top of the observation tower. 
         Bentley got a play vet's kit at the gift shop. So I got to play "patient" with him on the ride back to Norfolk w/Rachel. (Lois & the girls went back to Lincoln.) He delighted in giving me shots. ("Papa, this won't hurt." (ME) "Are you sure?" "Yes." [Bentley gives me a shot.] (ME) "Ouch!" [Bentley} Maniacal laughing.
          [Bentley] "Here, Papa, take your medicine." [ME] Pretending to take medicine. "Papa, it's stinky medicine." [ME] "Yuck. This medicine is horrible. You're the worst doctor I've ever had." [Bentley] Maniacal laughing.

Road Trips

Our summer vacation trips are now history, but we have more road trips coming in the near future.

• AUG 4-6:  Lois will be traveling to our niece Lynae's wedding in Fayetteville, NC.
• AUG 30-31:  I will be at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, volunteering at the Lutheran Hour Ministries display table.
• SEP 6-9:  I will be attending the 45-year reunion of the St. Paul's College Class of 1973. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first-ever reunion for my class.
• SEP 14-15:  I will be representing Orphan Grain Train at the Lutheran Women's Missionary League Convention in Kearney.
• SEP [dates not yet confirmed]:  We will be attending the memorial service for our brother-in-law Paul Farmer @ Arlington National Cemetery.

Road Trips

Minnesota Odyssey

On TUE 7/10, we took off for David & Carmen's chalet, located on picturesque Little Island Lake near Park Rapids, MN. We enjoyed our time with David & Carmen, which included shopping, fishing, floating, & dining out at Necce's, a wonderful Italian Restaurant in Park Rapids. (I heartily recommend the manicotti.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FISHING REPORT:  David caught an 18" bass while we were out on the pontoon. I caught a 16" bass while fishing off the dock--the biggest bass I've caught there in years. I also caught a northern pike & some panfish while out on the pontoon. One evening we were out on the pontoon & I caught 3 bass on 3 consecutive casts while fishing a jitterbug. (They were 12" or less, but still fun to catch.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
          On SAT 7/14, Lois' 3 sisters & a sister-in-law joined us for the Summer 2018 Hill Sister Bash. Highlights included shopping, drinking wine, dining out at Necce's, floating & kayaking, drinking wine, shopping, a boat tour on Lake Itasca--source of the Mississippi, a winery, drinking wine, & shopping.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LAKE ITASCA:  The boat tour was a lot of fun. We saw bald eagles, loons, & trumpeter swans. We also spent time at the headwaters of the Mississippi, which included a stroll across the river & back for some of the members of our group. The Mississippi is more like a stream & only a foot or two deep as it flows out of Lake Itasca, so you can wade across it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
          On WED 7/18, Lois & I departed for International Falls. We got there in the afternoon & had a chance to walk across the bridge spanning the Rainy River & enter Canada. It was somewhat underwhelming. We expected some time of park on one or both sides of the border, but instead it was an industrial area. We strolled through downtown Ft. Francis & again it was underwhelming, although we did spend some time shopping for souvenirs. Also, I should mention that this was Lois' first venture into Canada & the first time I'd been in Canada since November, 1974.
          On THU 7/19, we did sightseeing & hiking in Voyageurs National Park. On FRI 7/20, we enjoyed a 2 1/2 hour boat tour of Rainy Lake. Voyageurs is definitely best appreciated while on the water. We saw bald eagles & loons, We also made a stop on Little America Island & saw the remnants of a gold mine that dated back to the late 1800s. On SAT 7/21, we made the long trek home.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NATIONAL PARKS:  We added Voyageurs National Park to our list. We've also visited Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, Lassen Volcanic & Redwoods National Parks in California, Arches National Park in Utah, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorada, Grand Tetons & Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming-Montana, Badlands National Park in S. Dakota. (I visited Rocky Mt. National Park in Colorado on a family vacation in 1971.)
          Next summer we plan on visiting Teddy Roosevelt National Park in N. Dakota & Glacier National Park in Montana.

Another Road Trip

Today we're picking up 3 of our grandkids & heading for Platte River State Park, which is located between Lincoln & Omaha. If the weather cooperates will go to the water park at Mahoney State Park on TUE, visit the SAC Museum in Bellevue on WED, & explore the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha on THU.
          An annual summer camping trip w/grandkids has been something we've enjoyed for some time now. Last year we stayed in a caboose at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Previously we've done Mahoney State Park, also located between Lincoln & Omaha, stayed at a KOA near Omaha, & taken the grand-daughters to the Badlands & Black Hills of S. Dakota.

Prayer for Peace

Almighty God, Lord of harmony & peace, who sets the limits & boundaries of the nations & marks the paths of history in Your wisdom, justice, & goodness, cause all strife & misunderstanding to cease, & grant peace to our nation. We all are the children of Your creation & of Your love, & You have sent Christ Jesus to this world of sin & wickedness to redeem each one of us living on the earth. You have offered to all of us the Gospel of forgiveness & reconciling peace through the precious blood of Your dear Son.
Grant all of us the grace to accept the terms of reconciliation & let us, too, enjoy the forgiveness of all our sin. I ask You, because of Your pardon to us, to make us forgiving, thoughtful, & considerate of one another Grant that we of this generation may live side by side in quietness & peace, recognizing that each one of us has rights & privileges given us by You in Your goodness of heart. Teach us to look on others, as fellow redeemed & permit them to enjoy those blessings that we want as our own.
Make our nation a righteous nation & us citizens a law-abiding & moral people. Grant health & strength & wisdom to those in authority, especially to our President, & prevent godless & wicked people from corrupting our land. From day to day grant us the grace to live peaceably with those in our community, at work, at the church, & with the associates of our leisure hours, that our conduct & speech may give honor to You & Your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. [From My Prayer Book, Concordia Publishing House]

Mental Health Monday

Dog on Drugs + Conversations w/Grandkids + More!

Poor Sammy! The 4th of July holiday was especially stressful for him, beginning on 7/1, when fireworks became legal. He lost his appetite--a sure sign that something was wrong. Getting him outside (to do his business) required a supreme effort, especially at bedtime. One day we found him hiding in our shower. We tried benadryl. We tried melatonin. Finally we gave in & got a prescription for trazadone. That's right. Our dog was on drugs. 

So much for our dog's mental health. What about mine? I've had way more good days than bad days lately, & for that I am thankful. I attribute this to medication, more time elapsing since my heart procedure in March, some visits to my new mental health therapist, a slight tweaking of my meditation, continued writing, prayer.

Conversations with my grandkids

I took Brianna, age 14, & Bentley, age 5, fishing last FRI. Bentley--with help from me--reeled in a mini-sunfish on the very first cast.
Bentley:  (15 minutes later) Can we go home now?
Me:  I said we'd fish for an hour.
Bentley:  (5 minutes later) Can we go home now?
Me:  No.
Repeat dialogue for next 35 minutes.

For the record, Bentley & I caught 5 fish. Brianna caught 6. Girls rule, boys drool.

Road trips

We are planning to embark on a major, multi-faceted road trip. Tomorrow we leave for MN, where we'll spend several days at David & Carmen's chalet, located on picturesque Little Island Lake near Nevis. Then we'll stay for the Summer 2018 Hill Sister Bash, also at the Chalet, which begins on SAT 7/14. I enjoy spending time with Lois' sisters & give thanks for the fellowship we enjoy with them. CAVEAT:  Topics to avoid include politics, religion, & global climate change.
          On WED 7/18, Lois & I head to International Falls, MN. We'll visit Voyageurs National Park, where we've booked a boat tour. We'll also venture into our neighbor to the north, getting to use our passports for the first time. This will also be Lois' first trip into Canada. 
          We return to Norfolk on SAT 7/21. On MON 7/23, we begin our annual camping trip with the grandkids. We reserved a cabin at Platte River State Park, which is located between Lincoln & Omaha, a little ways off I-80. We'll take them to the water park at Mahoney State Park one day & maybe take in a melodrama at the playhouse there. A trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo is also in the works. 
          Avid followers may be asking, "Are you going to blogging over the next few weeks? I haven't decided whether to take my laptop along or not, so it's possible that you will have to cope with few or no posts until the very end of July. [Did I just hear some faint applause?]          

Dept. of Shameless Joke-stealing

Norfolk Daily News 'late laughs' (7/6):  "The fast-food chain Sonic has introduced a new flavor of its iced slushes. And apparently they've run out of ideas, because this new flavor is Pickle Juice. This is great news for people who are hot, thirsty & well into their 2nd trimester." (Late Late Show w/James Corden)

Final Countdown Announced

Five days remain until the Summer 2018 Hill Sister Bash @ David & Carmen's Chalet, located on picturesque Little Island Lake near Park Rapids, MN. 

Sunday Meditation

VICTORIOUS SALVATION

“The Lord is . . . the horn of my salvation.” Psalm 18:2

“For just as a horned beast . . . fights & wages war with the horns as weapons, so Christ fights & vanquishes the world & its prince through the Church, which is His exceedingly strong & invincible horn . . . Thus the avenging God is the strength & invincible might of Christ, in which He has overcome all things.” Martin Luther Psalm by Psalm, Concordia Publishing House, 2017.