By John Shaffer Although many of the headlines written about last week’s marathon hearing by the US House of Representatives Benghazi Committee stated that “nothing new” was disclosed, the hearing did put the final nail in the coffin of the story that the violent attack against the US consulate in Benghazi was caused by the reaction to an anti-Islam video on the internet. The Administration, and most prominently, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, knew that it was not. Mrs. Clinton told her daughter, and the President of Egypt, that it was not. The people “on the ground” at the consulate knew it was not, and said so. Other State Department officials knew it almost immediately. Yet, days later, the President blamed the video in speeches, most prominently, to the United Nations. Secretary Clinton blamed it, directly to the families of the four Americans who were killed in the attack.
By Richard & Joyce Pratt Fall has turned cold on us with snow and sleet for a while, Sunday afternoon. The gardens are gone. What areas that didn't get it Saturday night surely did on Sunday night. The thermometer went down in the real low 20s. The weather man says it is going to warm up this week.
Tenants are reminded of the pot luck supper, Saturday, Oct. 24th with a brown bag auction afterwards. Bring a dish to pass, your own table service and something for the Brown Bag Auction. Come out for dinner and the fun afterwards. We always have a lot of fun at these Brown Bag Auctions. By Stratton "Lefty" Schaeffer Animal House vs. Santa Claus
The first debate among the Democratic candidates for President is now in the history books and I've had an opportunity to reflect on the similarities and differences of the Big D vs. Big R performances. Midway through the second Republican debate it struck me. This event was becoming a replay of that classic American film, Animal House. With deliberate and consistent methodology, the CNN moderators pitted one candidate against another. The debate deteriorated into the food fight scene from the movie. The Donald, only too happy to oblige, played the role of the film's clown, John Belushi. It may have encouraged better viewer ratings for CNN but it didn't serve in the best interest of the American voting public, desperately trying to identify the most qualified candidate to represent them in the world's most difficult job. In contrast, CNN did a better job of moderating the first Democratic debate but still left much to be desired. On the positive side, the questions were directed toward each candidate's political philosophy or track record. This gave the respondent an opportunity to defend or expand on the issue at hand. Canton Fitness Center Benefits of a Rowing Machine
Deciding to get fit doesn’t mean you have to start walking or jogging. Why not try a rowing machine? If you come into the Canton Fitness Center, try a rowing workout. Using a rowing machine can help to build and tone your muscles, strengthen your cardiovascular function and increase your stamina. Rowing machines are particularly effective for older fitness enthusiasts because they place no strain on your back and joints. One reference said that rowing just might be the most efficient exercise ever. "With each stroke, pretty much every part of the body is used," says Stella Lucia Volpe, an exercise physiologist and professor of nutrition sciences at Drexel University in Philadelphia and an avid rower. And it may let you skip crunches—for good. "A big part of rowing is core strength," she adds. "People think it's all arms, but rowing is much more legs and core." (Harper’s Bazaar 2014) By Bill Bower Recently, our son's family from Virginia came home to help us with the apple butter stir held at Mt. Pisgah State Park. The next morning as they were loading their vehicles to head home we were all startled by a loud bang, sounding like a shot. About a minute later we heard another bang followed by a series of bangs. It didn’t take long until we realized that a red squirrel was cutting cones from the branches of our Norway spruce tree, and the cones were falling on our carriage shed’s metal roof. The ground underneath the tree was covered with the green cones. I explained to my family that the red squirrel would carry the green cones to the base of a tree, where they would be mixed with needles, grasses and leaves and placed in a pile. These piles of cones sometimes reach a height of three feet. This is how the little red squirrel puts in his cache of food for the winter. The correct name for the red squirrel’s food cache is a “midden”. Our daughter-in-law, Amy, commented that the cones were still green, and she wondered why the little squirrel didn’t wait until the cones had ripened. My answer was that the green cones assured the red squirrel that the seeds were still inside the cones and will stay fresh for a longer period of time while in the midden. The seeds of conifer cones are the main food source for the red squirrel. To harvest these cones, the red squirrel clambers about the branches of balsam firs, larches, white cedars, pines and spruces, while cutting green cones. The ground becomes littered with the green cones before the squirrel finally descends to retrieve the cones. The squirrel carries one cone at a time, to bury in one or several middens in its territory.here to edit. By Kathie Lepper It's time for our pot luck meal here on "The Ridge" again. With the frosty mornings and chilly fall weather a nice hot homemade supper sounds yummy!
I did my cooking before I started gathering news for this column and my dirty pots and pans were still waiting for me when I returned. Oh my! Barb Roupp gave me a Cortland apple about the size of a small pumpkin and Charlotte Tillotson gave me a tomato from Brad and Faye Pepper's garden, so I made out royally as I was making the rounds here. Sunday afternoon, Dann and Wendy Lepper brought me a 1/2 bushel of grapes from Haven's Farm. So thanks everyone! No wonder this is my favorite season of the year. Quite a few residents enjoyed the Coffee Chat Hour Thursday. Jeannette May's daughter, Becky and Dr. Scott and their son Clint left on Sunday to return to their home in Florida. It was so good to see them. I think they enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and the nice weather while they were here. Fr. Michael McCormick Dear Readers,
This weekend we will read Mark 10:35-45. Just reading this passage made me think of the Pope’s recent visit to the United States. It is one of those passages from the New Testament which certainly has formed the Pope's pontificate. With a touch of dramatic irony, James and John ask to be at Jesus' left and right in his glory. Jesus has just predicted his death for a third time. Mark gives not the slightest gap in the narrative before James and John begin their not too subtle grab for power. This is a helpful reminder of what we already know—Jesus will come into his glory on a hillside called Golgotha, the Place of the Skull. On his right and left will be thieves. After warning the brothers to be careful for what they wish, Jesus uses this moment to state clearly in words an approach he has made clear with his self-giving way of life: The path to greatness is the path of service. Care for others is paramount. By Kathy Austin Happy Thursday !
Minnie Hunter and her daughters Deb and Sherry enjoyed lunch at the Midway last week with her grandson Ryan Hughes who was home visiting from Wyoming. They were joined by her granddaughters Brenda and Christina and grandson Joe. She said she had a wonderful time and hated to see Ryan have to go back. Don't forget about the Ralston Church Bazaar on Nov. 14 at the firehall from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm call Becky Boyer at 995-9163 or Shelly Reese at 995-9207 to rent a table to sell your crafts. This fall-favorite dessert is perfect for any time of the year and is one that everyone will love. Have all the taste of apple pie without any of the guilt. This sweet treat is for calorie counters and has only 160 calories per serving and is a perfect size for you next family get-together!
Apple Walnut Crisp Recipe The Chef suggests using Golden Delicious apples since they are common to find year-round, but you can also use locally grown apples (many in the area) when in season, for even more flavor. This recipe is stuffed with sweet cinnamon apples and chopped walnuts for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth center. The apple crisp’s topping contains oats, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salts to create an impeccable crumble finish. Chef Tip: top with a dusting of cinnamon. Meditation: A Cheap Way To Get Away
In our fast-paced society, there has been a growing interest in the old art of meditation. As issues multiply and become increasingly complicated, the search for peace, spiritual truth, and expanded awareness becomes more urgent. Ornstein (1977) describes meditation as a technique for "turning down the brilliance of the day, so that ever-present and subtle sources of energy can be perceived within." Whatever the definition, meditation is a deliberate attempt to find a more peaceful state of consciousness that is healing and soothing. Wallace and Bensen (1972) found that heart rate slows, respiration is reduced, less oxygen is consumed, and brain waves show a marked increase in alpha frequencies during meditation. Since these changes are the opposite of what happens to the body when one is subjected to stress, meditation is a good means of dealing with the stress of modern life. By Evangelist Eric Smith “Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:14. The last portion of the sentence we are pursuing is verse 14. The whole sentence is verse 3 through verse 14 of Ephesians chapter 1. This has been a very thought provoking sentence, but has revealed the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and their part in each individual’s salvation.
This is a verse you can not take out of contexts and still have the true meaning. For you to know whom the word “who” refers to examine the prior verse and you will find it is the Holy Spirit. In our text the Holy Spirit is the “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” The word “deposit” can also be translated “earnest” as some translations do. When you see the word “deposit” you most likely think of making a deposit into your checking account. This is not the meaning in this passage. By Jim Lewis What is the value of good neighbors? I can honestly say that we have great neighbors. They are almost like extended family and they really do add to our quality of life. Most people at least are willing to get along with others nearby, but once in a while there is one or two who don’t and can even be confrontational over real or perceived disputes. Hopefully you are not on either side of one of these situations. I wonder, what makes a good neighbor. Am I one of them?
I see three types. Those seeking privacy and guarding property lines, those willing to help when asked, and those willing to help without being asked. Where are you with that? Where am I? Am I willing if I am expected to help? How about when you get nothing in return or are taken advantage of? Do you stop being a neighbor to them? Where does my neighborhood stop? Or does it? We All Were Home-Schooled
Yes, most of our generation 70+ were HOME SCHOOLED in so many ways: 1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: To me and my brothers: "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside, I just finished cleaning." 2. My mother taught me RELIGION: "You better pray that it will come out of the rug." 3. My father taught me about TIME TRAVEL: "If you don't straighten up and quit that stuff, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!" 4. My father taught me LOGIC: "Because I said so, that's why." 5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC: "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me." 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT: "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident." 7. My father taught me IRONY: "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about." 8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS: "Shut your mouth and eat your supper." 9. My mother taught me to be a CONTORTIONIST: "Just you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!" 10. My mother taught me about STAMINA: "You'll sit there until all that broccoli is gone." By Anna Belle Leonard The Gillett Senior Citizens opened on October 15th with a musical concert by Mark Antes. He sang a medley of golden oldies finishing with several gospel songs. Everyone enjoyed his presentation..
The musical program was followed by the monthly Site Council meeting. It opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer. The minutes and treasurer's reports were read and approved. Members were asked to be sure to sign up for the luncheon at the Iron Skillet on November 11th if they intend to go. I'm sorry but there has been nothing newsworthy happening on Sister Street. If nothing happens by the end of the day (Wednesday, the 14th) then you will have to read of my recent trip to Florida.
Well, something did happen. We were asked to supper at Mitch and Lisa Belawske's because she has not yet learned how to cook for less than six or more people. This time it was 5 1/2 of us so it came out about right. |
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