Family & Friends

Lenora Stapleton

2010-11-17T14:30:00.003-05:00

My friend came in and cut Mom's hair. She had a perm but it was too frizzy and too long. Couldn't get her to smile, she was tired and ready to go to bed.

Slavery, Terrorism and Islam

2010-10-17T20:23:00.002-05:00

Adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond's book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The
Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat

Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life.

Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.

Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to
agitate for their religious privileges.

When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.

Here's how it works:

As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given
country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a peace-loving
minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is the case in:

United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%

At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities and
disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among
street gangs. This is happening in:

Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%

From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to their
percentage of the population. For example, they will push for the
introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase pressure
on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves -- along with
threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:

France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%

At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow them
to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the Islamic Law.
The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia law over the
entire world.

When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to increase
lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions. In Paris, we
are already seeing car-burnings. Any non-Muslim action offends Islam and
results in uprisings and threats, such as in Amsterdam, with opposition
to Mohammed cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen
daily, particularly in Muslim sections in:

Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%

After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:

Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%

At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks,
and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:

Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%

From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of non-believers of
all other religions (including non-conforming Muslims), sporadic ethnic
cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax
placed on infidels, such as in:

Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%

After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some State-run
ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these nations drive out the
infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such as has been experienced and
in some ways is on-going in:

Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%

100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic House of
Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because everybody is a Muslim,
the Madrasses are the only schools, and the Koran is the only word, such
as in:

Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%

Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states the most
radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy their blood lust
by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.

'Before I was nine, I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me
against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family
against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; the tribe
against the world, and all of us against the infidel. -- Leon Uris, 'The
Haj'

It is important to understand that in some countries, with well under
100% Muslim populations, such as France, the minority Muslim populations
live in ghettos, within which they are 100% Muslim, and within which
they live by Sharia Law. The national police do not even enter these
ghettos. There are no national courts, nor schools, nor non-Muslim
religious facilities. In such situations, Muslims do not integrate into
the community at large. The children attend madrasses. They learn only
the Koran. To even associate with an infidel is a crime punishable with
death. Therefore, in some areas of certain nations, Muslim Imams and
extremists exercise more power than the national average would indicate.

Today's 1.5 billion Muslims make up 22% of the world's population. But
their birth rates dwarf the birth rates of Christians, Hindus,
Buddhists, Jews, and all other believers. Muslims will exceed 50% of the
world's population by the end of this century.

Well, boys and girls, today we are letting the fox guard the henhouse.
The wolves will be herding the sheep!

Obama appoints two devout Muslims to Homeland Security posts. Doesn't
this make you feel safer already?

Obama and Janet Napolitano appoint Arif Alikhan, a devout Muslim, as
Assistant Secretary for Policy Development.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano swore in Kareem Shora, a devout Muslim
who was born in Damascus, Syria, as ADC National Executive Director as a
member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

NOTE: Has anyone ever heard a new government official being identified
as a devout Catholic, a devout Jew or a devout Protestant...? Just
wondering.

Devout Muslims being appointed to critical Homeland Security positions?
Doesn't this make you feel safer already??

That should make the US' homeland much safer, huh!!
Was it not "Devout Muslim men" that flew planes into U.S. buildings 8
years ago?

Was it not a Devout Muslim who killed 13 at Fort Hood?

Also: This is very interesting and we all need to read it from start to finish. Maybe this is why our American Muslims are so quiet and not speaking out about any atrocities. Can a good Muslim be a good American? This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following is his reply:
Theologically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia
Religiously – no… Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - no… Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically – no… Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no… Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews..
Politically - no…Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan.
Domestically - no… Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)
Intellectually - no… Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no… Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression.. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no… Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore, after much study and deliberation....
Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS
in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish, it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand.
Can a muslim be a good soldier???

Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, opened fire at Ft. Hood and Killed 13. He is a good Muslim!!!
Footnote: The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within.
SO FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
THE MARINES WANT THIS TO ROLL ALL OVER THE U.S.

Friendship

2010-08-07T09:11:00.003-05:00

You gave me words of kindness
tied with a ribbon of gold,
hearing them was important
to heal my heart and soul.

Your gift of words made a difference
when I was down and blue,
questioning why I bother,
doing what I do.

Life can be a challenge
sometimes it seems unfair,
but when I was tired and struggling
it helped that you were there.

What can I give you in return
your friendship is so dear,
please know if you ever need me
I will always be here.

Kind words and time are needed
by people everywhere,
when wrapped with a smile or a hug
they're a gift that says I CARE!

- Author Unknown

Larry's Citation

2010-06-25T15:01:00.002-05:00

Larry caught this Pike on Swift Creek Reservoir this morning. It is 24 1/2 inches long.

Baby Bluebirds as They Left the Nest

2010-05-01T16:00:00.004-05:00

As I started out to weed eat, the bluebirds were just making an awful racket. I grabbed my camera to just sit and watch so I could see what was going on. There were cardinals and woodpeckers so I thought that was upsetting them. Finally the other birds flew off and things settled down a little. Mom and Pop were still acting up when I saw not one head in the hole but 2. As I was shooting pictures of that, the parents keep tempting the little ones with worms. It wasn't long until one little one decided it was time to get out into the wide, wide world. One after another left the nest with a total of 4. I was able to shoot a couple of pictures as two of them flew. Got better ones after they had been out 3 or 4 minutes.
Found out later the racket the had been making was because there was a blacksnake near the birdhouse. Got pics of him slithering up a tree.
Pretty exciting thing to watch...

Lenora

2010-02-24T13:41:00.001-05:00

Mom with Alice & Dorothy, and Mrs. Gladys Bruner 1984 when we went to Maymont Park in Richmond.

ICICLE

2010-02-07T22:18:00.002-05:00

I was really surprise to see how much beauty there is in an icicle. This one was being held by a very thin line that looks like part of a spider's web.

WREN

2010-02-05T20:46:00.002-05:00

HAIRCUT

2010-01-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut.

After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I
cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'
The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a
'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill,
the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing
community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank
you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his
bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm
doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and
left the shop.

The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen
Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the
citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

MR. & MRS. CHRIS VLK

2009-12-27T21:44:00.001-05:00

Lucero & Chris Vlk 12-29-09

Christmas Eve at Walter's & Judy's

2009-12-26T20:36:00.010-05:00

A few pictures from our family get together.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T14:23:00.001-05:00

Having problems with Facebook so just logged in here to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

*_True Story of Rudolph_

2009-12-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation of Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

*_MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009 _*

Grandma Stapleton

2009-12-11T12:05:00.003-05:00

Mom holding one of the puppies. Even tho its mighty cold, she wanted to walk to the barn to see all eight of them.

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS

2009-12-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas
shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row
of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her
children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally
made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of
the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming,
taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every
single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on
our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who
sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car.
She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all
the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and
stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung
up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't
worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator
it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas
thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it,
just think of how different this whole world would be.

-- Author Unknown

Jingle Bells as sung by Swift Creek Baptist Church Young at Heart Members

2009-12-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

Words to this song written by: Debi Michael

CHORUS: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to be a Senior here today.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Even though my joints all hurt, I go here anyway.

It isn't very fun to have to moan and groan,
Past are the days of running fast, and I can't hear the phone;
My get up came and went; it hurts to stand or sit,
I can't remember anything, and all my money's spent!

It's opened up my eyes, and much to my chagrin,
I used to think that forty was rather old, my friend.
The truth is now in view, and what a big surprise,
Not only was I forty once, but almost forty twice!

I'm moving mighty slow; things just don't work the same;
The pharmacists and doctors call me by my first name;
My ankles sometimes swell, and I can't see my feet,
My eyes might be deceiving me, or I can't see this sheet!

CHORUS: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to be a Senior here today.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Even though my joints all hurt, I got here anyway!

Thanksgiving '09

2009-11-27T16:33:00.005-05:00

Kansas Hunting

2009-11-20T14:42:00.003-05:00

Larry returned last evening from a hunting trip with a friend to Kansas and what a trip. Third day into the trip and the first day to hunt, they lost a dog, looked for it Saturday and Sunday,but didn't find it. Monday the truck had problems (had to go into the shop most of the day), plus Larry left his meds at the motel miles down the road. Larry was able to get a new prescription for his meds and had that filled at the Walgreen. So with the truck fixed and meds in hand on Tuesday,they actually hunted, got 3 quail and 1 pheasant (WOW). Tuesday evening received a call, the dog had been found (a friend in Tennessee knew some of the guys that lived in Kansas so he sent out an email asking them to be on the outlook for the dog) so up early Wednesday to retrieve the dog and go by the motel and pick up Larry's meds they were holding. By then the decision had been made to must return home. They drove to Louisville and spent the night. Thursday they were up at 5:15 a.m. and back on the road to home. Larry got home at 7:15 p.m. Now we'll see if he will take that trip again.

While he was gone his dog gave birth to eight puppies, that compensated for the bad hunting trip. Picture- puppies 4 days old.

Alabama Judge

2009-11-14T12:13:00.004-05:00

Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has been doing since he was removed from the bench for refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom wall. The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama ... Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray

We've kept God in our
temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not
angry, that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.
~~Judge Roy Moore~~

This says it all. May we all offer our prayers for Judge Moore to be blessed and for America to wake up and realize what we need to do to keep OUR America the Beautiful.

NOAH

2009-11-11T14:59:00.004-05:00

The woodpecker might have to go!

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah 's Ark .
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six : Build your future on high ground.
Seven : For safety sake, travel in pairs.
Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs
Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

GOD'S WINGS

2009-11-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

A little something to put things in perspective...

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers
began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.

One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched
Statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat
Sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.
When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under
their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of
impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the
tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing
that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her
babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her
small body, the mother had remained steadfast ..because she had
been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.

'He will cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you will find refuge.'
(Psalm 91:4)

Being loved this much should make a difference in your life.
Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.

2009-10-28T20:01:00.001-05:00

Larry w/turkey (12 lbs)

My Hubby

2009-09-29T20:11:00.003-05:00

SAM - HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-09-29T19:12:00.002-05:00

Grandson's 10th Birthday

2009-09-29T18:27:00.004-05:00

Mom with family and friends

2009-09-15T19:26:00.003-05:00

TIM - SAM - MOM

2009-09-05T14:54:00.004-05:00

Sunset

2009-08-22T20:33:00.001-05:00

The sunset today was beautiful. This picture doesn't really show how deep the blue was. I took this one at a traffic light in the west end.

JULY 4th - Independence Day

2009-07-04T22:30:00.004-05:00

Family gathered to celebrate this day. Tim took the children and they tie-dyed tee shirts. No mess made at all.

Terry played with Mom's cell phone. He really got excited when he started getting calls.

Tim and Elda celebrated their 12th anniversary.

Cassie tried to show Abby (she wants to be called A.J.) how to do cartwheels.

Everyone modeled their new tee-shirts before leaving.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

2009-07-04T07:23:00.001-05:00

Bible School

2009-06-24T19:02:00.002-05:00

Mom has been sitting in the 1 year old nursery watching the little ones. She has been enjoying herself. Here she is with one of the 3 babies in the nursery.

King's Tea

2009-06-23T00:27:00.002-05:00

Lenora, Judy, Cassie and Dorothy at the Daughters of the King's Tea -
May 30th, 2009.

2009-06-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

Hummers in Wisteria

2009-06-18T18:57:00.002-05:00

GREAT JOKE

2009-06-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost.
She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below.
She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me?
I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I
don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot
air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a
ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at
31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west
longitude."
She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is
technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with
your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much
help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama Democrat."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you
are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of
hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and
you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same
position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's all my
fault."

Mom (Sunday Afternoon)

2009-06-14T19:58:00.003-05:00

Sitting on the front porch at Walt & Judy's house watching Walt and Sean loading a trailer with branches from trees they had taken down.

Mom with her friend, Audrey, at church tonight.

Word of Life Ceremony

2009-06-10T21:02:00.005-05:00

Andrew and Cassie with their certificates and medals they earned during the year.

After the 6th grade, the kids will be going into the Youth Group. This is a big step for all of them. The graduation march is just a way of identifying those that will be moving up.

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi

2009-06-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi are on the same stage in front of a huge crowd.The Speaker of the House and His Holiness, however, have seen it all
before.
To make it a little more interesting, Pelosi says to the Pope, "Did
You know that with just one little wave of my hand I can make every
Democrat in the crowd go wild?"

He doubts it, so she shows him. Sure
enough, the wave elicits rapture and cheering from every
Democrat in the crowd. Gradually, the cheering subsides.

The Pope, not wanting to be out done by
such a level of arrogance, considers what he could do. "That was
impressive, the Pope says, "But did you know that with just one
little wave of MY hand I can make EVERY person in the crowd go crazy
with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display like that of your
subjects, but will go deep into their hearts, and they will forever
speak of this day and rejoice."

Pelsosi seriously doubts this, and says so. "One little wave of your hand and all people will rejoice forever? Show me."

So the Pope slapped her.

Cassie

2009-06-01T20:19:00.001-05:00

Photo Shoot with Tim

2009-05-25T21:20:00.003-05:00

Tim and I took a fast trip to Maymont Park this morning with the intention of taking a picture of the falls. Of course, when you go there its hard to get away since there's so much to see. We did take a few other photos before leaving. Too bad we didn't have more time.

The little orange bird was taken at Judy's house later in the afternoon. We still have no idea what kind of bird it is. Hopefully the emails sent out will give us the information,

PRE-MEMORIAL DAY GET TOGETHER

2009-05-23T19:55:00.007-05:00

Today was a perfect day for our family to get together. The weather cooperated with a nice comfortable day. The grandchildren enjoyed romping in the grass and in the woods, while Terry opted for a nice nap. The adults just sat on the deck and enjoyed ourselves.

May 08, 2009

2009-05-09T19:41:00.002-05:00

Lenora Stapleton & Berneda Wright
Lenora & Wanda (JoAnn)

Larry -- Turkey

2009-05-04T14:40:00.003-05:00

Finally after weeks of hunting, he GOT one.

Abby, Judy and Cassie 4/12/09

2009-04-13T20:34:00.002-05:00

Tim's Birthday

2009-04-08T22:14:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe that he's 38 years old. I keep telling him he only 36.

Getting a BIG hug from Sam.

Showing off his new fishing rods.

ABIGAIL

2009-03-04T21:09:00.001-05:00

Miss Abigail with her new glasses

SNOW TIME ain't no time to stay indoors

2009-03-03T20:49:00.011-05:00

Tim and family came to play in the snow. Afterward we had Brunswick stew and played cards. Nice afternoon.

THE HUBBY

2009-03-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

JIM'S 65th BIRTHDAY

2009-02-14T22:32:00.004-05:00

GRANDSON

2009-02-14T11:58:00.001-05:00

Larry & Alice's Family

2009-02-02T21:02:00.002-05:00

Andrew's 13th Birthday (TEENAGER ! ! ! !)

2009-01-20T20:37:00.003-05:00

Its so hard to believe that Andrew has reached the teen age. Time surley does fly.

A big birthday hug from Poppaw.

Andrew reading his card while Cassie looks over his shoulder.

Holiday Lights

2008-12-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

Judy, Walter and I headed off to the James Center downtown Richmond last evening. We took pictures of the lights and of the James River. Two of the pictures were taken of Walter and Walter & Judy, then later I took Andrew home and took pictures of their outdoor decorations. Andrew pretended he was driving the sleigh.

Owens Christmas.

2008-12-26T17:34:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve '08

2008-12-25T12:58:00.004-05:00

Weekend Visit

2008-12-20T20:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday evening Abby posed for me in front of the tree. Judy visited today and I caught her on the phone trying to reach her youngest to take him shopping. Later on Cassie asked that I TRY taking her picture while she was looking in the mirror.

2008-12-18T21:06:00.002-05:00

Today I had the pleasure of spending some time with Walter. This is something that we rarely have time to do. We had lunch and just spent time talking.

A VISIT WITH SANTA

2008-12-16T21:33:00.003-05:00

Abby & Sam had a wonderful vist today with Santa. Sam especially liked pretending to ride the 4-wheeler. Santa got pretty tired by the time we were leaving. He looked like he was ready to take a nap.

LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

2008-12-04T21:56:00.004-05:00

JUDY AND I SPENT A FEW HOURS MONDAY TRYING OUR HAND AT TAKING PICTURES OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. YOU CAN SEE HER PICTURES AT WWW.THEMEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM

2008-12-04T21:37:00.004-05:00

2008-12-04T21:07:00.002-05:00

IN THE CONSERVATORY

2008-12-04T20:51:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T20:20:00.008-05:00

The family came for dinner today and with all the talking we did, the pictures weren't taken until everyone was ready to leave. Walt wasn't feeling well, so he, Sean and Judy left early. Alice's family had another dinner to go to at Troy's house. Tim was doing fine until he breathe in gasoline fumes and it made him sick. He left so he could get home and take his meds.

At the Lake - Nov. 15, 08

2008-11-26T19:26:00.004-05:00

I needed to just get out for awhile so I tried taking a few pictures on the water, nothing much was going on. These are about all I was able to get.

Day Trip with Judy

2008-11-10T13:10:00.004-05:00

Judy and I headed out on Saturday for a trip to WHO KNOWS WHERE. We started out heading west on Route 360 cut across to Route 60 and ended up near Buena Vista before hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway. The pictures are in no particular order since there wasn't a lot to see except trees, trees and more trees. (I can see lots of them out any window at my house)
The ALBINO deer was actually the highlite of our trip as we were heading back to Richmond. It was after dark when we saw it.
This particular picture was taken by Judy.

2008-11-10T13:03:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of the clouds and the trees reflecting in the water at Sherando Lake. I flipped the picture to give it a look of a painting.

2008-11-10T12:56:00.003-05:00

We had never seen cows like these before. Judy checked them out on the web, found out they are called Belted Galloway Cows, aka Belties, aka Oreo Cookies.

2008-11-10T12:42:00.001-05:00

Yes, there is actually a LOVE, VIRGINIA

2008-11-10T12:26:00.005-05:00

Judy's dog Carla thought walking on the wall was wonderful. Each time we stopped on the parkway, she'd get out and check things out.

Judy in Celtic Costume

2008-10-26T15:36:00.002-05:00

Judy and Walt went to the Celtic Festival today. She was in full costume. I had her come by so I could get pictures.

Judy with Mom

2008-10-26T15:16:00.001-05:00

Mom at YOUNG AT HEART (10-07-08)

2008-10-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

2008-10-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

WALT

MOM AND ABBY

2008-10-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

SAM

ABBBY

Tim (9-20-08)

2008-09-23T12:31:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-- SEPTEMBER 16

2008-09-15T18:22:00.001-05:00

Turkey

2008-09-10T18:58:00.002-05:00

Captured this picture not too far from the town of Goochland, VA. There were two turkeys eating grasshoppers. One I didn't get a good focus on.

More Owl Pics

2008-08-05T11:13:00.003-05:00

This has been a challenge for me to try to get the owl at dusk. He is so hard to get in focus. Now that I know he's coming to the yard I'll be on the look for him more and more. MAYBE I'll be able to get a good pic sometime.

OWL

2008-08-03T20:32:00.003-05:00

This owl has been flying around our house late in the evening. I had thought it was a hawk but tonight I REALLY found out differently.

4TH WEEKEND

2008-07-11T19:36:00.004-05:00

The weekend was spent visiting with friends and family. We stopped in Hillsville to see Wanda (Joanne) then in Kingsport to visit with Berneda and Warren.
Mom went to the Senior Meeting at Pennington Methodist Church. I took her picture with Betty and Billie. Her neighbor,Virgie, visited so their picture was taken. Sandi and Mom at a surprise gathering for her at Grace Baptist Church.

SMART SQUIRREL

2008-06-27T12:30:00.002-05:00

Clockwise: starting in left corner, on the feeder, pushing top up with nose, part of the way in, tail sticking out, Center: I've done it!!!

Now the feeder is wired so he can't get in again.

MY SHOTS

2008-06-25T20:10:00.003-05:00

Today I managed to get a shot of a turkey and deer in the same field. The shot of them together isn't all that good but you can at least tell that they are both there.

PRESIDENT'S EDUCATION AWARDS PROGRAM

2008-06-20T09:51:00.001-05:00

We are very proud of Andrew for receiving this award.
Congratulations!!!!

84th Birthday

2008-06-17T14:10:00.006-05:00

Today we celebrated Mom's birthday with lunch out at the Cracker Barrel with Audrey, a friend from church, and her daughter-in-law Barbara. Barbara made the birthday cake (chocolate with chocolate icing). Mom was so touched when the waitresses sang 'Happy Birthday" that she cried.

ALL-STARS

2008-06-15T13:32:00.001-05:00

Sam has been chosen to play on the ALL-STARS TEAM....Way to go....

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!

Baseball - end of this season for Sam & Abby

2008-06-14T18:30:00.002-05:00

Lenora Stapleton/Jo Green

2008-06-10T20:07:00.000-05:00

Virginia Beach

2008-06-01T21:54:00.001-05:00

Sunrise

Larry, Mom and I have spent the last few days at the beach with the Owens family.

We were at RUDEE'S ON THE INLET for dinner on Thursday evening, when we left the restaurant the car would not start. The general manager called a cab, paid for it plus the tip, and sent us back to the hotel. He said that since the car was in their care (valet parking), they were responsible. Larry called AAA, had the car towed back to Richmond to Whitlow Chevrolet. It will be there until its fixed sometime tomorrow.

Our trip back was interesting. Since we had our stuff, we piled it into 2 of the Owens vehicles and got back home after 1 p.m. today.

The weather was very nice the entire time, even though there had been rain forecast for yesterday evening and today. There was a beautiful light show last night. The sky just lit up with the lighting. Only wish I had known how to take pictures of that. It lasted well over 2 hours. If it was storming, it must have been quite a way out at sea.

Mom seemed to enjoy herself. She was on the beach twice and got her feet in the water once. We had purchased a walker with a seat on it so she did quite a bit of walking. The doctor had not said that she needed something like that, however he has said that she does need to walk, Using the walker gave her something to support herself and when she needed to sit we didn't need to look for a place. She liked using it.

2008-06-01T21:48:00.002-05:00

This was a bad time to try to take this picture. The wind was blowing so hard that I had to hold onto the tri-pod. I tried getting into the picture but my remote's battery had died so I didn't make it. With the wind being so hard, we just decided not to try again.

2008-06-01T21:41:00.005-05:00

2008-06-01T21:29:00.006-05:00

2008-06-01T21:21:00.007-05:00

OWENS

2008-05-28T20:33:00.001-05:00

Cherry Tree/Birds at the Lipscombs

2008-05-27T21:29:00.001-05:00

THE HUBBY

2008-05-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T21:27:00.003-05:00

The Helms (almost like another set of grandparents to my children and grandchildren)

They say that some people wear more than one hat, looks like Tim was doing that today.

YUMMMMM ice cream

Silhouettes

2008-05-24T20:50:00.003-05:00

PLAY BALL

2008-05-20T16:27:00.004-05:00

Deck & Plants (work in progress)

2008-05-20T16:22:00.002-05:00

Larry & I have been trying to do some landscaping and planting in between the rains. Hope the sun will come out soon so we can enjoy sitting out there.

ANREW

2008-05-18T21:25:00.001-05:00

Andrew did me the honor of posing while I shot quite a few photos of him.

Family & Friends

Lenora Stapleton

Slavery, Terrorism and Islam

Friendship

Larry's Citation

Baby Bluebirds as They Left the Nest

Lenora

ICICLE

WREN

HAIRCUT

MR. & MRS. CHRIS VLK

Christmas Eve at Walter's & Judy's

Merry Christmas

*_True Story of Rudolph_** **

Grandma Stapleton

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS

Jingle Bells as sung by Swift Creek Baptist Church Young at Heart Members

Thanksgiving '09

Kansas Hunting

Alabama Judge

NOAH

GOD'S WINGS

My Hubby

SAM - HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Grandson's 10th Birthday

Mom with family and friends

TIM - SAM - MOM

Sunset

JULY 4th - Independence Day

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Bible School

King's Tea

Hummers in Wisteria

GREAT JOKE

Mom (Sunday Afternoon)

Word of Life Ceremony

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi

Cassie

Photo Shoot with Tim

PRE-MEMORIAL DAY GET TOGETHER

May 08, 2009

Larry -- Turkey

Abby, Judy and Cassie 4/12/09

Tim's Birthday

ABIGAIL

SNOW TIME ain't no time to stay indoors

THE HUBBY

JIM'S 65th BIRTHDAY

GRANDSON

Larry & Alice's Family

Andrew's 13th Birthday (TEENAGER ! ! ! !)

Holiday Lights

Owens Christmas.

Christmas Eve '08

Weekend Visit

A VISIT WITH SANTA

LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

IN THE CONSERVATORY

Thanksgiving

At the Lake - Nov. 15, 08

Day Trip with Judy

Judy in Celtic Costume

Judy with Mom

Mom at YOUNG AT HEART (10-07-08)

Tim (9-20-08)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-- SEPTEMBER 16

Turkey

More Owl Pics

OWL

4TH WEEKEND

SMART SQUIRREL

MY SHOTS

PRESIDENT'S EDUCATION AWARDS PROGRAM

84th Birthday

ALL-STARS

Baseball - end of this season for Sam & Abby

Lenora Stapleton/Jo Green

Virginia Beach

OWENS

Cherry Tree/Birds at the Lipscombs

*_True Story of Rudolph_