View from the Treehouse:

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

What about the Federal Reserve?

"The Internet Age demands transparency from all institutions all the time. Any government body that lags behind is in danger of losing legitimacy, relevance and, at the very least public awareness. . ."People in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing." These quotes are from an article by Tony Mauro, a Supreme Court correspondent for National Law Journal and Incisive Media. The quotes are from an article pub. May 27th, '09 in USA Today following the resignation of Justice Souter. In summation, Tony Mauro was advocating allowing cameras to broadcast the proceedings of the Supreme Court.

His comments however, extend to the Federal Reserve, don't they? This organization affects every one of us and yet isn't it shrouded in secrecy more guarded than our Supreme Court has been? Have American grass roots people been duped since the early 1900's? What is it costing the American People because of the lack of transparency in the Federal Reserve?

____________________________________________________________________

P.U.P.

The doctor told me that he did not want me to take my final scheduled infusion. I could have jumped off the table and done a dance-that is if I really could have! I'll have a c-scan in June and the docs are evaluating or will evaluate and then we'll make a decision as to what route to pursue!

___________________________________________________________________

We must share with you pics from our weekend with our Kenyan sons. A friend of one of them and the wife, son and mother-in-law of the other joined us as well. I don’t want to bore you with a bzillion pics but it’s hard to choose! Here goes:

View from the Treehouse:






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

Economics:
Are Americans putting bandages on a hemorrhage?

We in our beloved nation have been cut to the quick with the economic debacle. Perhaps it’s because this cut is actually a potentially devastating wound and we’re crying “who is in control, who is the point man or woman, or organization, or even who is accountable?”

Are we putting bandages on a hemorrhage? We’re throwing “tea parties” to protest Taxation w/o Representation and we’re demanding that some bank C.E.O’s are fired. "Bank of America (BofA) stripped CEO Kenneth Lewis of his chairman's role after the acquisition of Merrill Lynch and his choice of not telling the shareholders about it! Lewis says Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and then-Treasury Department chilf Henry Paulson pressured him to proceed with the purchase of Merrill Lynch-and to keep their losses secret-fearing the bad news would worsen an already deplorable economic climate. Lewis-who had already accepted some $20 billion in govt. bailout funds for BofA- remained silent. Shareholders learned about Merrill Lynch's end-of-year hemorrhaging after the sale closed and then watched BofA's stock value plummet." (World, pages 30-35, May 23rd, '09)

Continuing with troubling news releases, USA Today's editorial page of May 11th, '09 addresses the federal budget with the title "Obama, Congress go AWOL on fiscal responsibility". Who, American people, is in control?

In U.S.A. Today, April 14th, ’09, “Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who perhaps has more influence than anyone on the U.S. economy. . .” STOP-Let me end this quote. How many of us have questioned, WHY is he in a position of such control? Probing further, is this organization audited, when did we the American people give them such power, when did this become a federal organization or has it ever been, and is there a reserve?

I double-dog dare ( as I dare myself) you who might read this to find answers to these questions?!! Google Federal Reserve System and discern for yourselves. Find out how little is known by looking in American History books!


___________________________________________________________________

P.U.P. (People Under Pressure-like all of us!)

Since, the last infusion of taxitere, I’ve had a "tuff" week. I’ve had the usual side-effects of flu symptoms, aching where I’ve had the shingles, and the neuropathy seemed to have totally invaded, but now is less of a problem. I told the doctor that it feels like I’m walking through a balance between Mississippi Mud and syrup! It makes for a very interesting gait! You know what, tho’, this is not unusual. I just am assured that the chemo is working. I have so much to be thankful for that I didn’t even want to include this. I only did this because some of you want to know what’s really going on!

People have been so terrific. Would you believe two young ladies prepared 4 dinners for us to have at our home while we have a couple of Kenyan sons stay with us for four days? One is bringing some of his family. We’re excited as another family has prepared the physical needs in our home as we prepare for company. What a blast we’ll have! They have terrific senses of humor-wish you all could meet them!

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.

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.


What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville! You should have been there for a program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast 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.


P.U.P.

We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and s 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.

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!

View From the Tree House:

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

"It’s been a privilege for us to hear you sing” one of the judges on Britain’s Got Talent concludes with this comment after hearing Susan Boyle. She cut to the chase however, about the audience and herself being judgmentally cynical beforehand. “Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?” asks essayist Tanya Gold in Britain’s The Guardian. The quote was referred to by Maria Puente in USA Today, Monday, April 20th. .

More penetrating questions have emerged as the result of Susan, 47, blowing everyone away with her beautiful voice. The author of the article begins with, “what’s that all about?’ She continues: “Is the unabashed hysteria about Susan a psychological boost for a world battered by economic calamity? Is it a spiritual moment for millions in search of transcendence? Maybe it’s about rooting for the underdog. Or maybe it’s just a new reminder of an old truism: You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Interesting how Maria, ends with a quote from Rahn Hasbargen, who cites John 7:24: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

“Never has that verse been explained more dramatically than in the case of Susan Boyle.”, he says.

Never? Only in the most astonishing life that’s ever been lived. Let the words of Isaiah 53 reveal His identity:

“He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him
Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.

__________________________________________________________________

PUP: (People Under Pressure)

I’m getting a CT Scan this a.m. It was such a privilege to have the prep and CT scan done in our local hospital. People have been incredibly kind and personable and we are so appreciative. Test results show that my platelets (not the small spheres you use for salads!) are low, so the doctor suggested that we wait another week before we begin the 5th in the regimen. The scan showed that the cyst around my spleen has diminished in size. It is either a hematoma or fluid from the cancer.

__________________________________________________

God-sighting: Simply Spectacular: I couldn’t believe it-a field of bluebells! One of my favorite flowers and God put many in our wooded area within easy view of the tree-house! Absolutely beautiful!

View From the Treehouse

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

“An ‘Easter’ surprise at sea” was the stunning headline from USA Today the day after Easter morning. It certainly makes the $50 hid in an Easter egg at our neighbor’s home pale in comparison, doesn’t it? As elated as an adult son or daughter may have been over money sought, not earned, how much the news heard around the world about the navy snipers rescuing a ‘heroic’ captain thrilled people. Curious to me is how the article praises the courage of many involved and the “humility” of the captain as he risked his life for his crew. In the article, Phillips was quoted as saying, “. I’m just the byline. The real heroes are the Navy, the SEALs, those who have brought me home.”

Does the heroism and the humility remind you of another Easter surprise- I so hope it does because the ‘surprise at sea’ pales in comparison! His heroism?- that God knew we could not have a right relationship with Him unless we repented of our sins and received the gift of His Son. He died on that cruel cross but was resurrected. The captain risked his life for his crew, Our Saviour gave His life for any who would receive Him. His humility? “He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Please do not miss this as His Resurrection has been celebrated.” - He is the only One who can bring us to an eternal home in heaven, as well as shepherd our lives here on earth!

How did we celebrate? We rejoiced together with those who chose to acknowledge that Jesus Christ Who gave His life in total humility for ours, was far beyond worthy to praise and rejoice in. Then we were invited to join with a family who had all ages represented.

What a joy and a delight. God gave and gives and gives.
How did you all celebrate Resurrection?

P.U.P (People Under Pressure)

When the nurse was setting up to give me the infusion of taxitere and Gemsar, she explained to the IWC student nurse that they have special tubing for the taxitere because it eats through the regular tubing! That gave me pause and so I asked her, what about the tubing in my body? She looked at me and simply shook her head like ‘sobering isn’t it’? No wonder a friend who also has cancer, said to me “I have all the symptoms of a detox patient!”

And wouldn’t you know this infusion reminds me of last years. I took a nap and melded with the bed. Not a good symptom especially as I was having familiar pains in the abdomen. I thought of the song, “he’s a mean one Mr. Grinch! A friend had invited us to use their hot tub, so after 3 ibuprofen and 45 minutes in hot water I did feel better! The adventure continues-I’m so thankful that all this rig-a-ma-role is available and so thankful for the encouragements and prayers we’ve received.

But I want you to know that I’m getting more nutrition conscious and have actually eaten asparagus! Now unless you know me, that is like, so what? Folks, I have not liked asparagus. It would be the last thing I would eat other than sawdust and dirt! A friend and I are giving it a 6 week test simply because it is good for us. If it’s made a difference in test results, then we’ll continue-but she likes asparagus and I’m holding my nose to get it down! So do I deserve kudos or sympathy- which?


Q: “What is the heart of groceries? A: an artichoke (get it?) I would love to see your smile!

View from the treehouse

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

The headlines read, “Iowa Supreme Court strikes down gay marriage ban” making Iowa the third state in the nation where same-sex marriage will be legal. This article from the Mt. Pleasant News of Friday, April 3, 2009 shakes some foundational principles doesn’t it? First of all, where in the constitution does the court have the power to make law, upon what worldview are they basing their redefinition of marriage, and what about the vote of the common people?

30 years ago our Judeo-Christian values, made firm our definition of marriage, for it was instituted and given purpose and meaning by God. To redefine it is a matter of human pride or self-exultation for it flies in the face of the One who made us and knows that, “He who sins against Me, injures himself.”

A friend was talking about this court ruling and his wife said, “I think we should just let them do what they want to do.” Soon we were discussing the aids pandemic in Africa and I said that so many of them choose not to admit that aids is transmitted by sexual contact. Therefore, they choose not to admit that abstinence is the ultimate answer. This friend then said, “People will believe what they want to!” Within a matter of a few minutes she had verbally and succinctly nailed her humanistic worldview. “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” the Bible warns. We in our beloved nation are seeing and living with the chaotic actions that result!

Have you contacted your legislator about bringing the Marriage Amendment to the forefront to be voted on? Remember also, that our Governor, in a televised news conference last year, promised to protect marriage. Let’s see if he keeps his promise. If we don’t say something, we agree with the legislators, the court, and our governor. Are we concerned about the power that’s being wielded throughout government? Do we act like it?
At the same time, we know our Heavenly Father has the ultimate power and really only He can be trusted and relied upon. With His grace and love in action, we must never give up. We're just in God's "waiting room", aren't we? (See pups entry!)

Pup: (People Under Pressure)

The doctor informed us that a regimen of 4-6 infusions is normal. That’s why he suggested that we may stop after the 4th infusion and become part of a trial group. As in most trials, half of the group is given a placebo and half the chemical. So after the fourth series of chemo I’ll be tested as to whether the present chemo has diminished the cyst on my spleen. Then we all will determine what route seems most logical!

When I need to wait for the next chemo infusion and I need to forget that I’m tired of being tired, and I want to get this over with, or when I wait to determine a course of action regarding the therapy, it’s so helpful to remember that it’s God’s waiting room that I’m in or that Warren & I are in. He knows what He’s doing and I need to trust His character as I see people and go through circumstances with His perspective. Oh, to have my Father’s eyes in His waiting room.

It reminds me that in this pictured waiting room, I met several delightful people with whom I’ve begun an e-mail relationship. They have been praying for us! What an encouragement from what had been total strangers and certainly something only God could have brought about! The less I see with my own myopic eyes, the more I see and enjoy with His!

A nurse friend of ours suggested that I buy some sugar-free packets of Crystal-lite to have on the counter each morning according to the number of glasses of water that I should drink. That would help me know how much water I’ve had and also give me a little taste treat!