May 28, 2008

• BACK TO EARTH

  Let us see we are at Gwen’s place, right. I cannot believe it has been over a week since my last post. I have been in a lot of pain this last week. Is that a reason or an excuse?

  Let me tell one more thing about the canyon where my daughter lives. I don’t know what you picture in your minds when I say “a canyon” I’m quite sure the minds picture is different to those that live in the east, than those that live in the west. So let me say it is a gentle canyon. When we lived near Estacada, OR we lived on a ridge above “Eagle Creek” There was a 500 foot drop in elevation in a half mile. (From our house to the creek)

  I would say this canyon of which I talk, is not quite as deep, although close.

  They had a late start to church that morning so we arrived in time. Several of the families meet in what is called a “Home Fellowship” This morning there was only one other family there besides my daughter’s family and us. Sometimes there are 4 or more families that meet together. The father in one of the families I understand came from the “Sleeping Preacher” churches.

  After a study in the Word and prayer, we had lunch together. After an afternoon of visiting, the other family went home and the evening was spent catching up on family news.

  What were all Gwen’s sisters doing?

  What about Robin? Are they getting ready for Jolene’s wedding? How are the plans coming? Is she able to work in her flowers? They are so pretty.

  And, Mrs. Darling, seems to me she has more than her share of work, she is always so busy.

  Laurie: How are they getting along on the dairy? Is the flood clean-up pretty much over with?

  Val, is she still enjoying her new house? How about their “Bent and Dent” store?

  And the boys, Scott, Ted, Mart, and Ben, how are they doing?

  How about yourself Gwen How are you doing? “Just fine” she gushes, “I just love it here” “Did you see we got a porch roof since the last time you were here and also a new “outhouse” “The spring flowers are starting to bloom and everything is just lovely. It is so delightful to go out each morning and find new plants and flowers. In addition, the creek is such a joy. Although it has been dreadfully rainy this winter, bringing the water in the creek quite high at times. But we’ve enjoyed it and thank God for our little place everyday” And the boys are doing quite well. The older boys are still courting, and doing quite well also.

  “O, by the way, I forgot to tell you A____ (the oldest boy at home) is officially engaged”

  We went up and visited in the mobile home a bit. Making our way back to the house, it was not long until darkness settled in the canyon. They lit the lanterns and after visiting some more it was soon time for bed.

  Our daughter and her DH slept in the mobile home that night, her little girl on the living room floor, the boys retired to the lofts, leaving us the “master bedroom.” We found our way by use of a “modern” flashlight. The master bedroom was complete with a shower in the corner (the water came by gravity flow) also just outside the shower sat a bedside commode. Which my daughter had showed me in the daylight, she had just gotten it and was very delighted with it, and she had gotten it free. (Last fall they paid $40.00 to have a Porta-John hauled in for grandma and grandpa to use for one day while they (we) were there) L

  Last fall they had a make-shift out door facilities but this spring they had a brand new “outhouse” I’ll tell you about it, because it works and I like to know how things work. J it is at least 4 foot by 8 foot by 8 foot high. It sits on a side hill. You enter in on the uphill side, the hill slants to where the back is about 4 foot off the ground. The little building has a clean-out door in the back. On opening that door, you will find a wooden box. Built especially for the job it must do. In the bottom of the box is a layer of dirt and dried leaves and at different times during the day, the door is opened and another layer of dirt and dried leaves is shoveled on top of whatever has fallen into the box at that time. Therefore, it goes a layer of dirt and a layer of ? several times a day.

  Early the next morning the box is taken out and exchanged for a new box. The box from the day before is then taken to a set location and they add vegetables peelings and what ever it takes to make garden compose out of it. They have directions for making a sanitary compose after all things decay. They also have several different boxes so it goes several days before the first box is dumped and used again.

  The little building is clean, the inside has a vinyl floor, and the walls are cover with light colored printed paneling. Beside the white commode, sit a little table with a candle on top. There is also a counter on which set a gallon jar of hand sanitizer and paper towels. The use of lime for odder, along with the décor, makes it quite a charming little building.

  Well I declare it has taken most of one whole post just to describe the “little house out back”

  God has been good to me. I received a note this morning from a friend. A couple years ago she had a bad stroke, while she was still in the hospital her husband had a heart attack. Recently she hurt her foot real bad, but when it got better they took a trip. A week ago today they ware visiting Mt. Rushmore when her husband had another heart attack. This time they put in a stint. Her sister went back and brought them home. I am so glad God gives us grace in times of trial. Please pray for them.

  BLESSED IS THE LORD, FOR HE HAS SHOWN ME THAT HIS NEVER-FAILING LOVE PROTECTS ME LIKE THE WALLS OF A FORT! Psalm 31:21, tlb

  So many things I ask for - months and years ago - Seem so absurdly foolish - I’m glad the Lord said no!       Ruth Harms Calkin

  • 8:52 pm
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