OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNIN’

Posted on August 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I’m a sucker for musical theatre. There’s nothing like someone bursting into song and dance for no particular reason. Music can ease some of the pain we face each day – whether it be physical or mental. Old Testament, David, was able to soothe King Saul’s troubled mind and body with the sound of the harp. We receive comfort from the old hymns we sing at funerals. Patriotic songs stir feelings within our heart for our country – no matter what’s going on in this horrible year. Songs inspire – excite – calm – bring out our emotional side and give us hope.

Rodgers and Hammerstein created the musical “Oklahoma,” when I was just a young girl of thirteen. It’s been a mainstay at many high school and community theatres for years. Like many other musicals, it’s been done to death, but you simply can’t forget some of the beautiful music that’s come from it. When Gordon MacRae road his horse across the prairie and through the corn, I fell in love for the first time.

Some days we wake to a cloud covered sky, filled with grey and gloomy thoughts. There are times when fog fills the air and it’s hard to see for more than a block or two. When blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes and other destructive storms take lives and destroy property, we cry for all of it. When the sun is shining and the air is fresh and clean, it seems like nothing can get in the way of our enjoyment.

This year has been filled with all of the above days. We’ve been plummeted with snow, endured high dew points and come through some terrible storms. We’ve been isolated, scared, placed in harms way, seen destruction from the weather along with a movement that believes violence and hate are the only ways to solve their grievances.

It has been a year to erase from the calendar. Many would like to forget it completely, but as bad as it’s been, we have so many positives to take away from it. We’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors rebuild. We’ve seen innovative ways of offering classes to young and old alike. This year has set the medical field on a quest to find a cure for COVID19. Families have grown closer because of the quarantines. We’ve found a different method of worship – which seems foreign to most of us, but we are still able to worship. Out of chaos will come order.

Today, it’s a beautiful morning. The sky is blue, the air is clean and I’m going to spend it outside. When God allows us to sleep through the night and wake to another day, it’s a blessing. Make the most of each one of them.

Posted in corona virus, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Posted on August 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

My first memory of singing in church is a hymn which has stayed with me throughout my life. Every time I sing or hear this hymn, it gives me confidence for the future. The words indicate that I’m just passing through this thing called life. I have a physical place to life, to be nurtured, to love and have compassion for others, but my real home is beyond my years here on earth. Without that conviction, I would be lost. My permanent address is heaven and there are days when I simply can’t wait to get there.

I have trudged through this journey called life for close to eight decades. The voyage has been cluttered with obstacles, bumps in the road, giant roadblocks and danger all around. There were times when I’ve been bruised, cut to the core, insulted, misunderstood and more. As I staggered into unknown territory, my heart raced with excitement. Each breath inhaled was either exhilarating or left me gasping. Never knowing – always searching – bracing for more.

The sands of time embraced me and I grew old, but my heart still longs for the next waiting road.

It will be like nothing I’ve ever experienced in this lifetime. It will take my breath away.
There will be no tears, no pain, no anxiety, no fear, no temptation, and no want – only perfection.

The weathered and leathered skin will again be supple and firm.
The aching joints will regain their strength and last forever.
Any disease that has infected my body will be eliminated.
I will appear guiltless before my Judge.

I don’t expect to be floating on a cloud and playing a harp. I’m sure God will still have work for me to do, but everything about it will stir my imagination, give me satisfaction and glorify the one who created me. What an awe inspiring adventure awaits me.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

STOP THE WORLD

Posted on August 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I suppose Albert Einstein did a lot of experimentation before discovering his theory of relativity. This brilliant physicist broke ground in areas never before considered. He was the guy with the goofy hair – the typical mad scientist – a man of many talents.

The quote above speaks to what we’re facing in the world today. We seem likely to follow the same track our forefathers did, not really learning from their mistakes. We’re living in a country of innovative thinkers – those working hard to achieve their goals – being willing to battle against those who would try to change the core values often sticking to old habits over and over again.

We’re also living in a time of extreme change. Our lives have been upended by a germ – a fancy little bacteria that moves like lightening through unsuspecting recipients. We’ve become depressed, lonely, frightened, abandoned and lost. We take chances by going out the door. This isn’t the America we used to know. We want to go back to normal, but no one seems to know what that is.

We’ve also adapted to new ways of communicating. We’re willing to do so in order to retain our sanity and our connection to one another. We’re even growing accustomed to violence in our streets and destruction of other people’s property and livelihood. The bad guys have become the vigilantes, seeking justice, while those in charge of enforcing the law have become the enemy.

Last night my husband was awakened several times by the sound of sirens speeding towards Minneapolis. When we woke this morning there was news of another uprising in the downtown area. All of the details of the event have not yet been released, but the event resulted in more looting and violence in a city that’s trying desperately to rebound from past events of this nature.

Change is good and often necessary. I don’t believe in breaking the law to accomplish those changes. I’m afraid that we’re returning to the old west way of living. Our heads are swimming with unrest and discontent.. We’re in the midst of a mudslinger political scene. We aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring. Our hope in the future seems to be taking a hike. What do we do?

I’ve said this before and sometimes, like the rest of you, I wonder where God is in all this. It seems that He’s deserted us and yet He is there. We must never lose sight of that fact. He is always there and He never changes. Everything that happens to us has already been planned out and it’s all for our good. Keep your eyes focused on Him.

Posted in America, corona virus | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

ONE FELL SWOOP

Posted on August 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

(It always puzzles me how so many of the gigantic birds are able to lift their heavy bodies to the skies.  Even when their mouths are filled with breakfast and the aerodynamics seem impossible, they find the current in the wind and are lifted to heights unknown.  What a great Creator God we have.)

This place that we have loved, this lonely withered space,

Has faltered with the winter snows and cannot rise again,

Without that inner life, that comes from heaven’s place,

Our lives will be diminished and scorned as dead terrain,

Within the ashen colors, inside the lifeless trees,

The damage has been sown, there is no longer gain,

Tempests are replaced with a quiet gentle breeze,

Though life has been drained from it, the fight will not be lost,

The battles will remain, but victory has a cost,

The precious blood of Jesus has paid for every sin,

And wrapped us with the will to live and new life to begin.

Our loss in life will be our gain, when to the end we come,

When we decrease we will increase, God’s plan than will be done.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Posted on August 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
When I was in elementary school, my underwear had the day of the week printed on it.

2020 will be remembered as the year of the mask when it comes to going back to school. Those “first day pictures” are already showing up on social media. The typical photo of our child or children in their first day of school clothes, standing in front of the house will now have an additional component – the mask.

It should be interesting to see how long kids will comply with this latest of mandates. They’ll probably do a lot better than their aging counterparts – grandparents and parents. While we complain about not being able to breathe, they will be coming up with new ways to add logos and creative colors and designs to impress their friends. It will become the back to school trend of the century.

I believe our kids are resilient and they will adapt to this new normal. They’re eager to get back to the routine of school and the structure it demands. Whether they’re learning in person or online, they will have a schedule to keep them on track. The social aspect of this ritual is also much needed.

The first day of school is always filled with anticipation. New clothes and shoes are purchased and worn for the first time. School supplies are packed into waiting backpacks. Familiar faces will now take a while to identify, but they will be so glad to see each other. Tales of quarantined vacations will flourish and how they got to know their parents, might be the topic of their first essay of the year. When they look back on this time at the age of 70 something, they’ll have a lot of memories to share with their grandkids.

Each day should be like the first day of school in my opinion. We should look at it with optimism, hope, anticipation and joy. Consider it another opportunity for us to learn, to share, to help someone, to serve, to encourage, to enjoy and to praise God. There is still time for us to do those same things even when the school days are long gone. Making every day a new beginning should be a requirement for all of us. Just think of how delightful each day would be if everyone in it felt the same way.

Posted in America, Children, corona virus | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

AN OVER EXTENDED TIME OUT

Posted on August 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

As old as I am, I still remember the days when I was led to the corner to think about my actions. Today they call it a time out. In Biblical times, they called it 40 days and 40 nights. Now they might even call it child abuse. The fact is, we all need time to reflect – to ponder our actions and realize how we can improve.

We are currently in one of the longest time outs on record. Social distancing and masking are important components to this time of contemplation. Still there are times when we forget the rules and can’t help but hug someone we love or forget to cover our faces when we’re in a group setting. These restrictions are unnatural for us and even painful at times. Not only are we restricted physically, but risks are being taken on a daily basis and there’s really not a thing we can do about it.

We’re led to believe that opening schools will set off another wave of new cases of this dreaded disease, as we’re also told that if we don’t set our fears aside, our economy will collapse and we’re all going to die anyway. In addition,, our news media is filled with negativity – politicians try to convince us that they’re the only ones to believe – people are tired of being cooped up and throw caution to the wind. There are also those who are simply tired of complying with all the changes in their routine. It’s been more than forty days and we’re entitled to complain. The Israelites groveled, protested and grumbled after all.

So what are we to do during this “time out? Will we learn anything? Will we benefit from a time of contemplation? Will others gain from our fears? Probably all of those questions can be answered with a resounding yes. Time outs are designed to make us think, from which will come creative solutions, innovation in how we communicate, new ways of overcoming obstacles. We might even learn how to talk with God again.

Posted in anxiety, corona virus | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

SINGING IN THE CAR

Posted on August 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Summertime and the living is easy. At least it used to be. Well, maybe it never was easy, but I have some wonderful memories of summer vacations with my family. There were the road trips, where we’d all pile into a car or van and fill the air with songs that had no particular importance. Camp songs – old songs – new songs – songs that stirred the heart – nonsensical songs about a dog named Bingo or a number of bottles on the wall.

I still sing in my car, but now I sing alone. My trips are fewer and less distant, but exercising my vocal chords is something I still enjoy doing. When I was performing in theatre, I would often speak my lines out loud or sing a show tune or two, as those driving beside me wondered what in the world was going on inside my car. The beauty of singing alone is that you don’t have anyone to answer to. You can sing your lungs out and no one will criticize your performance.

As I’m well beyond my prime singing voice, I still love belting out a song while I’m driving. You can always tell when someone else is doing the same thing in their car. The imaginary hand held microphone is a must. The facial expression is critical. The look of passion, pain or angst are all a part of it. Nowadays, I need closed captioning to tell me what the words are. Not because of my memory, but because I can’t hear nor understand what’s being sung. Too bad the car radio doesn’t come with that feature. Maybe it will someday.

Singing, like laughter, has healing effects. It’s like all the tension we hold onto, can come out in one giant guffaw or the lyrics to one of the songs from “Hamilton.” All of it is a cleansing of sorts – sweeping the cobwebs out – cutting loose – freeing the spirit.

Remember John Candy in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” singing the Flintstone’s theme song with other passengers on the bus? His counterpart, Steve Martin, had less of an audience with his rendition of “Three Coins in the Fountain.” Think about all the Broadway musicals, where normal everyday folks, suddenly give way to singing at just the right moment. Music has charms to soothe the savage beast. So next time you’re on the road, open up those pipes and sing. It can do wonders for all of us. Especially when we’re alone – or in my case, necessarily when we’re alone.

Posted in Humor, summer | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

IN LIFE – IN DEATH, OH LORD, ABIDE WITH ME

Posted on August 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Through troubled waters, you are there, You watch my every move,

You know my thoughts, you hear my prayer, my way you will improve.

The storms of life will come and go, but you will never change,

Through difficult and anxious times, my path you  rearrange,

When trials overtake me, when sin gnaws at my heart,

Stay closely here beside me and nevermore depart,

I love you, dear, Lord, Jesus, my life is in your hand,

Abide with me and lead the way to your sweet promised land.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

SATURDAY PRAYER

Posted on August 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Dear Heavenly, Father,

This has been a week, Lord. I know that everything is in your hands and I have confidence that you will bring order from chaos, but it seems when it rains it pours. So I come to you again and ask that you heal our land and watch over those I love.

I thank you for providing this country of ours – a land where we can still worship you and give thanks for all your mercies – a land that, even though division abounds, we are united in common goals – a land that allows us to follow our dreams in spite of a deadly disease. Sometimes I think I forget what a blessing America is. I tend to look at all the ugly things that happen in this land. Maybe because they are so far from the things you want from us. Maybe because I know what it’s like to be patriotic – to honor the flag – to respect the law and those who enforce it. Maybe because corruption in all areas of life are brazenly stealing our joy.

I praise you for your consistency. You never change. You’re the same today as you were yesterday and will be tomorrow. Even when we’re drawn to the negative rather than the gifts you’ve given us.

Be with us as a nation. Heal our land and bring us together again. We need your guiding hand to hold us, to direct and to protect us. We need your Word to show us exactly how we should live. We need your forgiveness and your salvation for making such a mess of all the good things you’ve given us.

Protect my family as they endure difficult health issues. Protect my husband and give him the strength to do the work he’s committed to do. Be with all those I love and help them through this time of insecurity and change. You are greatly to be praised. Your mercy endures forever.

In Jesus, holy name, I pray. AMEN!

Posted in corona virus, prayer | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

WITHIN THE BLUFFS

Posted on August 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The small river cities that line the Mississippi River are so charming. They are nestled into the bluffs and overlook the mighty river. So many stories are held there. This painting was done in Stockholm, Wisconsin, a few years back.

Another time, another place, a world so far gone by,
Where streets were paved with cobblestones, under an azure sky,
Where people took the time to share a word or more with you,
Where moments pass without distress or without much ado.

A place that’s gone, but still exists in small towns everywhere,
Away from all the ugliness that meets us here and there,
To capture just a little time, to hold it in our hearts,
To dream our dreams with hope and love, before this life departs.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Nature | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

HOW DO I LOVE THEE . . .

Posted on August 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When I was just a girl of seventeen, I received a valentine from a young man who had been a best friend since beginning high school. It included a handwritten version of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous love sonnet.  At the time, I had no knowledge of her authoring this beautiful poem, and assumed the boy giving it to me was the writer.  Of course I was swept away by the beautiful words, believing they came straight from his heart.  He finally admitted to his plagiarism, but it didn’t matter.  He had taken the time to write the wods down on paper, in beautiful cursive handwriting and I knew then and there that he was the man for me.

The rest is history.  This boy had been my friend since we were 13 years old. 

I still love him with a passion that has never died.  A passion that comes from years of growing together as one person.  The kind of love that develops from trial, maturity, pain and suffering, endurance, perseverance, common goals and a mutual faith.

I’ve known this man for 65 years and each day I discover something new about him.  That’s 569,400 hours.  You wouldn’t think anything would be new in that amount of time, but every day is packed full of surprises.

Back in the 70’s there was a movie called, “Love Story.”  A modern day “Romeo and Juliet,” with a twist. One of the memorable quotes from that movie was, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Let me tell you, loves means saying you’re sorry over and over again.  When you truly love someone, you never want to disappoint or hurt them.  When your love is bound by God, you’re joined by the One who forgives all wrongs when we come with repentance hearts.  Our love for each other should mirror that forgiving nature.

Love doesn’t just happen. It takes time to grow and be nurtured along the way.  If your life is guided by God’s love and you place your complete trust in His path for your life, you will be blessed in more ways than can ever be counted.

Posted in Family, love | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

SCHOOL DAZED

Posted on August 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

It won’t be long and all the kiddos will finally return from spring break. It’s been the longest one in history, but they are so ready to be back. Many schools are opting for the hybrid plan – which allows two days of in school learning and three days online.

This virus has us all up in arms – more than a little afraid – unsure of the unknown and wondering if we will ever go back to the old way of doing things. We’re told on one hand that we must open things up again in order to restore order and a sense of stability. We’re also told we must wear masks, social distance and isolate as much as possible.

For the past few months, we’ve lived in a sanitized, purified, germ resistant environment. We’ve been placed in a prison of sorts with only occasional trips to the grocery store. Emotions are at an all time high and each of them is playing on us both mentally and physically. Those of us who want to follow the rules, wear our masks, make our shopping trips short and sweet, and stay home, while others think nothing of putting others at risk. The roads are filled more than the usual amount of crazy drivers. None of them is me however. Protests and riots continue, spreading more and more anger and hate.

My oldest grandson returned to South Korea last weekend to continue teaching there. He will need to stay in quarantine for two weeks before he can begin working again. My second grandson is settling into an apartment for his senior year of college, and my granddaughter will begin her senior year in high school in a few weeks.

The roller coaster ride has us feeling hopeful one day and in the toilet the next. I am one who tends to hold her emotions inside and then explode at some point to release them. You don’t want to be around me on those days.

The political rhetoric is nasty, slanderous and hateful. Tempers and patience run thin. People are being mask shamed. Can you imagine the bullying which might occur on our playgrounds – if they ever open up again?

Fear of the unknown surrounds us all right now. Will we have a job tomorrow? How can an artist survive this social distancing? The elderly among us are concerned for the younger generation while the kids often seem to have no fear. This is a difficult time for all of us. The “all in this together,” mantra seems ridiculous. We aren’t united anymore. In fact, I fear we’ve grown further and further apart.

However, as Americans, we are adaptable. We have an inner purpose that drives us. We can overcome obstacles without the use of a super hero cape. We can accept the fact that what we’re living today is the ‘new normal.’

So buck up! Pull up your bootstraps!! We can do this!!! We can survive whatever is thrown at us, because that’s who we are. I’m thinking of creating a mask with an image of the person wearing it, so we don’t forget what we look like. Yankee ingenuity is still alive and well and we will overcome.

Posted in America, corona virus, falth | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

THROW BACK THURSDAY

Posted on August 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Today is throw back Thursday and this photo popped up in my memories on Facebook. The day was a celebration of my mother’s second marriage. She’s the one with the bouquet in the middle. The others include my two beautiful daughters – Amy at about age 16 is in the back and Joy in the front at about age 10. My lovely sister, Carol, is wearing the hat and her husband, Bruce is next to her. There I am, between Carol and my husband Paul. Paul was sporting the Bob Ross hair and a suit and tie, which he never wears anymore.

This brought many thoughts to mind. Today I pray for my brother in law, Bruce as he undergoes heart surgery. I also pray that God will give my sister and her family the strength to get through all of this.

The photo doesn’t show my son, Bob, (age 14) who was angry that his grandma was getting married again, so he wouldn’t attend the wedding. He had fond memories of my dad. My two nieces are not pictured either. I’m not sure where they were.

Family can be such an important asset in building who we become. Our memories of good times and bad all mold us into our future selves. In this photo, I see five strong wonderful women. My mother is at the center of that. She started the ball rolling when my sister and I were just wee ones. She taught us, and we taught our children, the importance of being persistent, patient, compassionate and strong. The men we chose to marry were both filled with the same kind of virtues. We’ve survived many years of marriage. We’ve created our own families and forged a new line of people with those values already instilled in them.

We’ve all changed a lot since that picture was taken. My mother is in heaven. My children have children of their own. My husband no longer has hair on his head, so this is a great reminder that he once did. We’ve all changed physically, but the tie that binds us and gives us hope for the future has grown out of our faith in God.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

CHANGE

Posted on August 19, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This word, “change.” is being bantered around a lot these days. We hear about climate change, changing our passwords and profile pictures. We’re told to change our bad habits. We must change the way we live to thwart off a disease. Even our churches are asked to change the way they do their services. Pastors have had to adapt to online sermons – no physical contact – no fellowship time. They can’t visit shut ins as they used to. The common cup at communion, and physically passing the unleavened bread has been replaced with a sterilized two sided cup in a plastic wrapping. Everything must be sanitized before and after each service.

Most of us don’t like change. We fight it. We try to avoid it. We naturally feel safe when we follow some kind of routine and structure.

My oldest grandson was resistant to change from a very young age. When his mother decided to paint his room a different color, he fought it every step of the way.

When I notice another wrinkle on my already road mapped face, I don’t like the change.

When our government is changing so much, we don’t recognize it anymore, we resist.

When marriage problems arise and affections turn to someone else, that change seems impossible to handle.

When we become so dependent on the voice of others for guidance, we turn into sheep and become a herd of lost lambs.

When law enforcement has no clout,

When political candidates can do nothing but bully one another,

When our only voice is determined by our vote, and even that is in question,

When schools open and every sniffle is contributed to COVID19,

When a loved one dies and we are left to live without them,

When the weather brings destruction and loss,

When our morals and values are challenged daily,

When the lives of the unborn are deemed insignificant and can be murdered before they breathe their first breath,

When it seems like we can’t keep up with this topsy-turvy planet and all the alterations being made by the second.

That is when we need to pray our hardest. God doesn’t need our prayers to make things happen. He doesn’t need our advice. He is God. He has everything all planned out in advance. He never changes. He is steadfast when the world closes in on us. He won’t let us face anything without also providing a solution. Yet, He loves to hear from us. He has opened the door to direct communication through His only Son, Jesus. That fact will never change. He loves us. He wants what’s best for us. He is consistent and we can depend on Him alone.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

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REBORN

Posted on August 19, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This painting was done plein air, at the newly restored Erickson Farm in Isanti, MN.  A perfect place to create art, this house has been reborn to serve as an event center, primarily for weddings.  When a place has good bones, there is still life in it.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A solid base with bones still strong.  A place where love and peace belong,

A fortress from the outside noise.  A buttress which retains our joys,

The inner walls were cracked and dry.   Like aging skin was doomed to die,

The roof was in some disrepair.  The windows needed loving care,

In time those things will pass away, but firmly planted it will stay,

If love resumes with owners new, they can make their dreams come true,

A house is just a place you see, but when God’s in it, you’re set free,

To do the things that must be done, to make it shine and add some fun,

With God a house becomes a home,  He builds His love within each room,

If He’s the rock on which we build, the inner walls will be fulfilled,

Turn to Him, the firm foundation, He gives hope and restoration.

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THANK HEAVENS FOR CATS & SQUIRRELS

Posted on August 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Summer is winding down and even though this pandemic has chewed me up from time to time, I’m not going to let it spit me out. I’ll take my entertainment where ever I can get it.

We have a number of feral cats in our neighborhood. Some of the neighbors feel sorry for them and feed them, so they’ve lived life to the fullest. Since they are wild, we leave them alone, but they certainly are fun to watch. Add to the mix, a group of very busy squirrels on a quest for winter sustenance. They’ve been having a field day with the black walnuts which have recently tumbled to the ground.

Lately we’ve noticed a single chipmunk trying to get in on the action. We’ve only seen one, but he seems to get braver each day in the pursuit of a tasty morsel. The little intruder certainly is brave. Maybe I’m wrong and it’s a whole army of chipmunks, but they take turns making their way into the fray.

All of these critters and the occasional birds trying to get a taste of the bounty have created an unending adventure framed by the four windows in our dining room.

We’ve taken to naming some of these outstanding animals. One cat has been hanging around for all three of the years we’ve lived here. I think she’s the oldest and probably the mother of many of the others. Paul named her Crabby Face, because she’s got kind of a mean personality. However, over time, she’s been a bit more friendly. Especially when Paul fires up the grill. There are two yellow cats. The large one is named Goldie and her offspring is Cutie. My husband has never been a big fan of cats, but he seems to be tolerating Crabby.

The squirrels also have names. One apparently lost his tail in a fight. He’s called Stubby. Another is known as Nutsy. He’s been observed walking one of the electrical wires, balancing a twig with walnuts on each end. He’s quite the acrobat. The chipmunk/s name is Chipper.

Yesterday I washed the windows and it cleared up a whole new world for me. It’s amazing what that simple act of cleaning makes visible. Not wanting to be part of the political rhetoric and all the name calling and mudslinging, I took to watching the floor show in my own back yard. It made me chuckle at times. It took my mind off of all the feelings of imprisonment and helped me to shake off some of the depression this whole thing is causing.

The riots will continue. The protests won’t stop for a long time. The virus will go its course. The anger over politics will never end. Children will return to school and we may see another upsurge in the plague. Tempers will flare and depression may even hold us back, but still, God provides even for that. He gives us His creation to enjoy, to wonder at and to escape for a while.

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NEVER GIVE UP

Posted on August 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Today is “Never Give Up Day.” The above three paintings were done at Hudson, WI, the year prior to yesterday’s post. It was another competition of plein air artists. I’ve decided to post these today to show you that perseverance is required for the artist who makes his living making art. Each of these beauties is a testimony to Paul’s stick-to-itiveness.

Sitting in the hot sun, or under an umbrella to shade you or prevent your painting from bleeding to death, is often the price you pay for painting outdoors. You never know what’s going to happen from day to day, but you press on in hopes of overcoming the obstacles.

It also happens to be “Bad Poets Day,” so I will spare you my poetry, in honor of the day.

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MY ADVENTURES WITH CARS

Posted on August 17, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

My very first car was a 1950’s Ford Fairlane which was about to leave the world at any moment.  Fortunately I didn’t have to drive more than three miles a day to take my children to school.  When it finally did give up the ghost, we had to push it out of the driveway so a tow truck could carry it to it’s final resting place.

Next came my snappy, black Monte Carlo.  Snappy because it as a definite step up from the first.  I needed something more reliable since I had become a Tupperware salesperson and had to put on a lot more miles.  With that car, I learned how to start a dead car by sticking a pencil in the carburetor.  I also was able to drive it with a broken tie rod, with the assistance of my guardian angel. While on my way to a Tupperware party, Old Monty died on a busy bridge. A kind gentleman stopped to help.  When I told him my situation, he offered to take me to my destination with all my wares.  I could then phone my husband and have him call a tow truck.  I guess I was very naïve in those days.  I could’ve been kidnapped, but I took a chance.  The man offered to sell me some of the frozen meat he was purveying from his trunk.  I declined, but managed to get in a pitch for my product.  I told him I had some wonderful containers he could order for such items. I could’ve been placing my life in the hands of a serial killer, butt my protective armor was definitely covering me.

I finally graduated to a new car.  A Jeep.  This had been my husband’s car before me, so I knew it was well cared for.  While driving it one day, with a bevy of children, the stick shift came out as I downshifted to make a turn.  Again, my guardian angel was at the ready.  I rammed the stick back into place and continued on.

I eventually got my first very own, brand new car when I became a Tupperware manager. The Ford station wagon was perfect for carrying loads of products to my parties and for delivery of said products to awaiting customers. The first day I got that new car, I was so excited. My own car and it was new. Because I was used to driving a Jeep, this big old station wagon was a little wider than I anticipated and I scraped the whole driver’s side on the cement barrier which divided the highway. The car was replaced. Talk about embarassing.

I haven’t possessed many cars. When we were wealthy for a short time in our marriage, I inherited my husband’s red Camaro convertible and then moved on to a family sized van which carried us on a few fun cross country vacations. From the van, I went to a little red Pontiac Sunbird, which I purchased all by myself.

I’m currently driving a five speed, shift on the floor, 2001 Saturn coupe. This car was a gift from my son. When my little red station wagon finally died, I wasn’t in a position to buy one. He had since purchased a truck and this one was sitting idle for a couple years. What a blessing it’s turned out to be. It’s an older model, but it only has 150,000 miles on it and it gets me where I need to go. Talk about the car driven by a little old lady. The mileage alone is amazing, but like me, it’s still kicking!

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