View From the Treehouse:

T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

I didn’t want to believe what the documentary “Expelled” revealed. All Americans should be very concerned because “freedom of expression” is no longer guaranteed but is being seriously undermined. We would encourage you to see this CD and respond as this erosion affects everyone!
_______________________________________________________________________

What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville was. You should have been there for the program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast Iowa super conference! We sat close to the trombones and discovered a sub-program as we watched them! Several of them were tapping their toes-one in sync with the music- one in syncopation with the music-one had sandals off and I wasn’t sure what those toes were in rhythm with!

Then to watch their expressions especially when they did something they knew was wrong- I smiled in remembrance as they screwed up their face! When do we learn to stop making faces or at least admit when we’re wrong and then immediately go back to the task at hand? They seemed refreshingly transparent, respectful, and teachable! I believe a lot was due to the relaxed and fun filled atmosphere created for them by their teachers.

___________________________________________________________________

Speaking of teachers, we attend a Bible Study on Wednesday evenings and are encouraged and challenged every time we're there. Our pastor and his wife from years ago have extended the hospitality of their home and their understanding. Pictures were taken of one of those evenings. We also enjoyed having them in our home for lunch last Sunday after church. I thought it was time that we extended to the group because the man who leads us has a Korean wife. She and he have invited us to their home for gourmet meals the likes of which you cannot imagine. ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

P.U.P. (People Under Pressure) We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and a student of hers. It was an exciting prospect, as even the cancer sarcoma doctor told us to go ahead and enjoy ourselves. Well, roads were closed due to flooding so instead of the journey we opted to receive the next round of chemo, Tuesday morning. This was the Gemsar which is the least toxic so I have only to deal with getting tired easily.

I received an infusion of Taxitere this a.m. and was privileged to interact with the most delightful 92 year young lady. I was attempting a crossword puzzle included in the U.S.A. Today publication. The lady previously mentioned and I had struck up a conversation, so I just continued it by asking her thoughts on the solutions to parts of the puzzle. She kept spitting out answers like a pellet gun on target. It was so much fun. She told us that she had done these for years and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge!. What a good example she is! Folks, keep your brain active!

The wrens had a real-estate discussion off of our 3 season room early this a.m. I was surprised that they chose to begin their home so close to ours but their cheerful chirping is truly a delightful way to greet the morning. Thank you Lord, for the way You make our days extraordinary!

___________________________________________________________________

Since extraordinary was mentioned, here are former youth leaders having a terrific time remembering extraordinary students and events in our local Mexican restaurant! No, they didn't kick us out but I think we had to tip them extra! (I have been advised that if I feel like going to a larger gathering to sit on the outside and leave early. Small groups or individuals who know that I am vulnerable at this point in time are very sensitive to avoid coming to our home.