One day last week, Ron was off to the rescue at Tom Young’s to help him retrieve a new-born colt from the field that was having difficulty standing. That day was very hot and dry and Tom worried about the newborn, understandably. However, by the time they got back to mama and baby, it was standing – though still wobbly. Ron picked it up – put it in the back of the truck with Tom holding her, and took them up to the barn, with a very concerned mama close behind. I’m happy to report, all is well. And, I got to get a look at the beautiful little girl Sunday afternoon, a beautiful little Clydesdale with 4 white stockings – which Tom says are great markings indeed. She’s not been named yet – but it’s pending.
We read in the local newspaper that it’s official. Dr. Kirkowski is reopening his practice both in Canton and Troy, in association with Guthrie. We will be returning to his family of patients very soon and wish him well.
Wednesdays are my day off from work, usually running errands, so I took the time to stop at one of my favorites – Canton’s American Rescue Workers thrift store. I made my usual trek through the store – checking the “half off” color of the week first. I picked up a couple of tumblers and was headed to the checkout when I saw a sign that said “ALL BOOKS – BUY 1 GET 2 FREE!” Jackpot! I couldn’t pass that up – although I have literally bushels of books at home – and it didn’t take me long to scoop up three great inspirational finds. I scanned over them quick as soon as I got home. #1) “A TIME FOR PRAYER”, with a foreword by Franklin Graham about the moral and spiritual eroding our country is going through. #2)”THE HEART OF PRAYER”, with a foreword by Sheila Walsh – a member of the ‘Women of Faith” ministry - containing reassuring words that your prayers are truly being heard. #3) “DAILY WISDOM FOR WORKING WOMEN” – and, what is the first little story I read? “Change is in the Air”. WOW! Coincidence? Hardly. Read Daniel 2:21
Vacation Bible School started Sunday evening at our Alba Church. It was a pretty good turnout for the first night and I am always amazed at how quickly the kids – right down to the preschoolers – learn the music and the motions that go with it, and, hats off to Kathy Cole for all her hard work at coordinating the programs. This year’s “offering” is a non-perishable item that will be donated to the local food pantry.
I can’t believe it is July already! A pessimist would say the year is half over. An optimist, we still have half a year left! Julius Caesar named July after himself when he re-worked the old Roman calendar. (Ironically, the change went into effect in 44 B.C., the year Caesar was assassinated.) “Full Buck Moon” is the Native American name for this month’s moon, inspired by the new velvety antlers of male deer. It’s also called the “Full Thunder Moon” for the dramatic weather July brings. July is: National Baked Bean Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Peach Month, National Picnic Month, and National Motorcycle Month. July 1st, 1963, marks the birthday of the “Zip Code”. Zip stands for Zone Improvement Program. (Interesting…) On July 1, 1819, the Toleration Act, ended a tax levied against citizens for support of their local church minister, which was passed in New Hampshire. On July 2, 1964, then President Lyndon B Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. July 3rd marks the beginning of “Dog Days”, running through until August 11th. According to Lore & Legend, they were so named in ancient Egypt because they coincided with the rising at dawn of the Dog Star, Sirius. If it rains on the first dog day, it will rain for 40 days after, according to the weather lore for these traditionally hot and sultry days. On July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg, turning point of the Civil War, ended with the Confederates’ withdrawal. July 4th is known as “Independence Day”. On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read in public, in Philadelphia. Also on the 8th, in 1835, the Liberty Bell cracked as it hung atop Independence Hall in Philadelphia. On July 9, 1872, John Blondel of Maine was granted a patent for the first doughnut cutter.
From the Declaration of Independence – (Thomas Jefferson on freedom…) “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
From Samuel Adams, July 2, 1776: “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and…from rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come.”
John Quincy Adams, in his speech commemorating the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1837: “…the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission…(I)t laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity…”