Shadow Shot Sunday, April 4, 2010

Shadow Shot Sunday is the Meme of Tracy who puts together Hey Harriet from Queensland, Australia. Check out the photographic submissions. There are so many talented people out there showing us some fabulous shots. If you want to participate, read how to do it HERE.
Right now, I want to talk a bit before I post my Shadow Shot for today.

It’s early Sunday morning here in Spadoville. In a few weeks, the shadows will be plentiful outside my window as Mr. Sun creeps North in anticipation of the Summer Solstice. I like the long hours of daylight in our North American Summer. Besides warmer more comfortable weather for outdoor activities, the sense that the day is longer than 24 hours passes through my mind.

Up here in the Northland, Winter sees darkness creeping over the land as early as 4:00 p.m. It’s totally dark easily by five. You have morning, you have afternoon. After dinner, the day is done. But in Summer and the longer periods of daylight, it seems to me that we get a whole extra day after dinner. I’m sure it’s just perspective. As I get older, the colder weather is harder for me to deal with, therefore I spend less time outside in it. Hence the end of daylight brings about the end of the day so to speak.

When I’m traveling, I like to watch the scenery. Both the naturally occurring geographical and the man-made stuff for sale on the side of the road, just inside the ditches in front of the houses. In Summer, I can keep truckin’ down the road well into the evening. After all, for me, it is the journey. I don’t enjoy a motel room for more hours than I need to shower and sleep.

The trips have been short. Day trips, or one nighters, lately. But I look back at the past year and can rattle off a dozen of what most folks would call a “long trip” that I’ve made. In fact, it’s time for another Solon Springs Water Run next week. All the carboys are empty!

Really long excursions take a little planning. Last Summer, I did two major motorcycle journeys, almost 8000 miles in all, and the big family vacation that pretty much took the whole month of July. This season, I’m starting early with a journey back to New Mexico later this month. I’ll take the Triumph and ride from here. Should be warm enough to ride out right from Wisconsin. Any earlier and I might hesitate as the threat of ice and snow might still be evident. I'll still have to be careful on bridge decks and overpasses, especially if I'm out early in the morning.

Another cycle trip for June then. I really want to ride those Canadian Rockies and see Yellowknife, Prince Rupert and Vancouver Island. So far, I’ll be traveling solo. Should be quite an adventure. I’ll do some camping and some nights in motels. When I re-enter the USA at Vancouver, the plan is to meet a friend from California and ride the mountains back towards home with him.

I’ve made many visits to Northern California. I had a place on the coast at one time. The shadow shot I have here is one I took while playing around the black sand beaches near Ferndale, CA. Where the mouth of the Eel River empties into the Pacific. There is a lot of driftwood there from small pieces to huge giant redwood carcasses. The wind and waves changes the complexion of these beached pieces daily. I thought this one looked rich.


Driftwood basking in the sun on the Lost Coast of California

Peace

Blog Against Theocracy, April 2-4, 2010

South Park Jesus

Theocracy in America is on the rise. Many want to use a model of Theocracy as a focal point in how America was founded and how it should be run. This weekend is the Blog Against Theocracy and I want to join in as I firmly believe in the separation of Church and State as described in our Constitution. This statement, and the South Park Jesus logo above, are from Tengrain, of Mock, Paper, Scissors. It is a simple declaration and I'll quote it here:

The theme [of the blogswarm], like always, is the Separation of Church and State — we are for it. But the variations on the theme are many...This is not a bashing of religion - peeps can believe what they choose, however they choose — but it is a reminder that the Government should keep out of religion, and Religion should keep out of the government.

This, and further information, along with many sites and articles referencing pro and con views of the subject, can be found HERE at the Blog Against Theocracy.

For me, I was inspired by my eldest Grand daughter just a day or two ago. In an interesting question and answer session in the early morning, my oldest Grand daughter asked me a few questions. The day this happened was Thursday, April 1, 2010. This particular weekday had something special that was going to happen. She was getting out of school at noon, and the next day, Friday, was a day off from school.

She asked me why they were having a half day and then a full day off of school. I told her that it was for Easter, and that Friday was Good Friday. Then the questions started in earnest.

“What is Good Friday?” She asked.

I told her what Good Friday represents. I was brought up as a Catholic and knew what they say about such things. I answered, “It is said that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross happened on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and it is called Good Friday.”

“Wow, wasn’t very good then, was it?” She responded in her best Monty Pythonesque voice, then went on to ask another question. “Why do we get religious days off of school? It’s suppose to be a public school, right?” (Ahhh the innocent vision of youth)

“Well, yes, that’s right, it is suppose to be a public school and a separation of church and state, but I guess the majority of students are Christian, so most of them would never complain about it, besides, most of the teachers are Christian too, I would imagine.” I answered.

This went on for a while and we discussed the idea of a truly separated church and state and how it is a masquerade at times in this country. I went on to explain Christmas and the long break from school surrounding that holiday. I also told the youngun’ that here in Wisconsin, they used to give days off for a multitude of special interests.

For example, the week deer season opens was off of school, as was the fishing opener. Then there was harvest time. Pop needed the kids home to help get the corn in. So, having a religious day off was no big deal to most people.

But on the serious side of things, I believe that because there are so many professed Christians, and the Christian values are so readily acceptable, (but not practiced by most except for an hour on Sunday morning, or Saturday night and you’re Catholic, so you can go out, get drunk, and sleep it off on Sunday morning), no one cares about the separation. They just want the day off. After all, the banks are open, the Post Office is open, Doctors and Dentists are busy and barbers are cutting hair! I tend to not mind the Good Friday and Christmas days that appease the majority. It’s not like they are making non-Christians do anything, they just are giving days off.

The real problem begins when the government gets involved and wants to use some religious philosophy or doctrine as part of the governance. No one, in a country that is said to be free, should have to do or say anything at any time, that would be religious faith based, for any reason. In fact, I get a kick out of all the Veterans groups that are offended when citizens not want money spent on religious decorations for City Hall around Christmas, then they go on to tout the fact that as Veterans, they fought so we could be free. Not so free when you are told to sit down, shut up and accept Christianity and that it is un-American to be against Christmas decorations.


This painting is by Pastafarian Milek from the Flying Spaghetti Monster website. I use it as my logo. As a Pirate in a former life, I insist that we can have our God, as we understand God to be, and not have your God forced down our throats! I'm willing to swashbuckle for that right!

Decorations are a starting point. It is the likes of people like Jerry Falwell Jr. who want to turn a tax exempt school, Liberty U., at Lynchburg, VA, into a partisan political machine. Or the Kansas School Board who wants to force the teachings of the bible, as in Intelligent Design, onto students. The Flying Spaghetti Monster had something to say about that!

When President George W. Bush told the world that he is attacking Iraq because he was told to by God, I wondered what God he was listening to. In Texas, the school text book controversy, is the attempt to force students to read about how we’re a Christian Nation, and puts down as fact that God created the world. I guess if you believe this, and maybe a majority of Texans do, it’s okay with you to tell the children. But if you are of a different mind on this theory and you have no chance to discuss another theory’s existence, then our freedom is lost.

It's in our Constitution. Keep forced religion and religious views out of our lives. True freedom is not having anything shoved down our throats and forced upon any man, woman or child. It is not only an American freedom, it is a human freedom. I’m one of those Veterans who answered the call and went to fight. If what they are telling me is true, that I fought for freedom, then let it be so. Let all people be truly free. End any movement towards Theocracy in America and the world.

For more information, see THIS SITE of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Freedom equals Peace.

Easter Week Recipe

Da Vinci's famous masterpiece

I thought this appropriate for all the professed pagans out there, seeing that it is the week before Easter Sunday. If I offended anyone, well, just think about it. Don't you think God can take a joke? There have been so many theories trying to prove or disprove history, who is really sure of anything anymore? Wasn't that what the book The Da Vinci Code was about? Or the story I saw somewhere that Jesus was married and it was his spousal unit that was to his right in the famous Last Supper painting?

Doing a quick image search this morning, I found quite a few stories about and pictures of The Last Supper. Some were out and out ridiculous, like the one for a Francois Girbaud jeans advertisement that the Catholic Church victoriously had banned. Seems that the concept didn't go over too well.


Selling the Girbaud clothing line

Then there was this one for a gambling web site showing the disciples gaming at the dinner table.


Where are the slots?

One of my all time favorites is this "Fast" supper. Playing on words. I can't believe the Catholics left this one alone.


Fast food supper

Someone had to be pretty creative, I thought, to come up with this Star Wars last supper. Luke Skywalker is in the "Jesus" position though. I would have thought sure as hell that Obiwan would have been seated at the focal point.


In a galaxy far far away

Then there's this Lego comparison to Leonardo's original. From what I can find out, Leonardo Da Vinci painted the famous work 1500 years after Christ. What version of whatever did he read or look at to get his idea of what they looked like, how they were positioned and what they might ave eaten?


Legos?

At any rate, Spring is here in the Northland. This is one of the few times in recorded history that there was NO snowfall in March up here. A balmy 70 degrees today is forecast, yesterday was a pretty nice day bit windy, from the South, carrying the warm moist air. I think I already heard Mrs. Spadoman complaining about the humidity.

All this talk about supper made me hungry. And the change of seasons makes for a change in diet and with the Daylight Savings Time in effect, dinner, or supper if you call it that, time has changed too. I'll leave you with a recipe for a nice looking and tasty light accompaniment, or stand alone, Rotini Salad. This dish develops flavor as it sits and marinades in the refrigerator, so it's okay to make it the day before.

Joe's Italian Rotini Salad

2 Cups cooked and cooled Rotini Pasta, (spiral shaped, can be plain, or in colors)
1/2 Red Onion, chopped
2 Stalks celery, chopped
1 Small can Black Olives
1 Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
1/2 Cup, (or more) Shredded Mozarella Cheese
1 Cup cooked Shrimp, Crab or faux Crab (optional)

Mix all together and toss thoroughly with Italian Salad Dressing


Joe’s Italian Salad Dressing

1 Cup Olive Oil
1 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 Cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder
1/2 Tablespoon Oregano
1/2 Tablespoon Basil
1/2 Tablespoon Parsley
1/2 Tablespoon Onion powder
1/2 Tablespoon Black Pepper
A little Salt, or salt to taste

Note: Measurement of spices is NOT an exact science, add more oil and vinegar if you over did it on spices, and vice versa.

Mix together and shake well

Pour onto salad, toss well, allow to chill

Serve


I had to add this one, It's from Brother Kvatch:


Battlestar Gallactica Supper



Lastly, from my friend Beth over at Beth's Blog. She posted this some time ago. I saved it as I felt these points to Ponder were worth pondering again. Check out Beth's Blog. A lot of good stuff on there, everyday!

Now, Have at these Points to Ponder.

Points to Ponder

Labels: Humor

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?



Why do you have to "put your two cents in"..but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"?

Where's that extra penny going to?



Why does a round pizza come in a square box?



What disease did cured ham actually have?



How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?


Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?



If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?




Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?



Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?



Why do doctors leave the room while you change?

They're going to see you naked anyway.



Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?



If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?



Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?



If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?



Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!



If Wiley E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?



If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?



If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?



Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?



Why did you just try singing the two songs above?



Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?

Peace to all

Ruby Tuesday 03/30/2010

Here it is, Ruby Tuesday already. I did Shadow Shot Sunday and had a recipe for Monday, but never got around to it. Quite busy around Spadoville these days. But I reme,ber a time not so busy when me and the missus jumped into the car and headed off in a Westerly direction. We drove right through Minnesota and into South Dakota, veered North and found ourselves near Jamestown, North Dakota before nightfall.

It was on the return trip, back through Minnesota that we found a rural County Highway that had a scenic designation loop logo. It was in Otter Tail County, MNand it was as advertised, a beautiful scenic byway. We came across many sights. There was Inspiration Point and the town of Vining with all the sculpture. Then there was this row of home made bird houses along the barbed wire fenceposts that seemed to number in the hundreds!


Otter Tail County, MN Scenic Byway Map

I liked this vintage red barn. I have more photos from this trip, but this is the Rubt Red one that gets top billing. By the way, Ruby Tuesday is the brainstorm and creation of Mary T/The Teach, who writes the Work of the Poet Blog. You can get a list of other Ruby Tuesday participants as well as find out how you can join in on the fun.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Peace.

Shadow Shot Sunday # 97, March 28, 2010

Besides being Mrs. Spadoman's birthday today, it is also Shadow Shot Sunday, or SSS as it is so nicknamed here and there. I'm not making any commitments about doing this every Sunday for the rest of the millennium, (or rest of my life, whichever comes first), but I'm doing it today, as I did last week. It's a fun Meme, and it originates from a blog named Hey Harriet that hails from Australia. Queensland somewhere. For the actual rules and guidelines for Shadow Shot Sunday, please go HERE.

This shadow shot was taken two years ago when I lived along the South shore of the Great Lake Superior in a small two room shack we called The Cabinette. It was right outside our window, this Eagle, and I scrambled for the camera and took some shots before it flew away. We oftentimes have seen Eagles in the trees along the shore, and out place was right on the shore. It wasn't very often that we got any camera shots as the comings and goings of these magnificent birds were never predictable.

I wish I could tell you the set up that I used on the camera or that I did some fancy framing and aiming and orchestrated this shot in any way shape or form. All I remember is twisting my body around trying to get the camera to point up at a sharp angle from the window while crawling over the sofa and end table without knocking over the lamp or dumping the pile of books that was there, all the while making sure I didn't move too quickly or make any loud noises to chase away the visitor.

It was an immature Bald Eagle, still brownish in color, not yet grown into the black bodied older one with the white tail and head. The sky was gray. I did not shoot this in black and white. I miss living there at The Cabinette. We had to move away, but I visit the lakeshore often, even though it is 175 miles away from my current abode. By the way, Mrs. Spadoman's birthday keeps me quite busy. We celebrate the eve of the event, and the lead in and out time of one week before and at least a week after. Lucky I have time to post at all!

Peace to all

Only the Good Friday, March 26, 2010

Can you name the artist of this original work of art?


I posted a YouTube of sorts today. It isn't from YouTube, it was from another site, and it's a slide show. Some beautiful pictures of sunsets, sun rises, clouds and other natural scenes with wording on each photograph. I originally received this from a friend. This particular friend happens to be a very spiritual person. She doesn't send too much in the way of "pass this on", so, I took a long serious look at it. It came to me as a Powerpoint Presentation.

It has an interesting premise. It gives the viewer an example of the population of the earth as the number 100, then puts into perspective how many people are what nationality and race as well as religion. It also breaks down how many are illiterate or sick and how many actually have a computer. All the data based from sources that gather such information. A few frames into it and it puts forth an idea that if we looked at the world this way instead of the way most of the white population of the USA think about the world, we'd realize WE are the ones in the minority, and not only that, WE here in America are definitely a blessed people.

The Grandkids and I had a discussion riding to school the other day about what a blessing is. I tried my hardest to break it down without going into the whole God thing, at least not from a religious standpoint. I wish I had this slide show. It would have made my presentation and explanation a lot easier.

Anyway, the "Good" is that we have it "Good" compared to most of the population on planet earth. Even those that have it bad have it "Good". I mean, and I've said this before, we flush our toilets with potable water. The people on welfare using food stamps can shop in the same store as someone who doesn't need to pinch pennies and check prices. It makes me realize that even though I didn't choose what country I would be born in and what color my skin would be, that I could possibly be blessed to have such bounty, and I'm in the middle class, not the upper class.

But as I think about all of this, and I am heavily into thought and emotion over this, I feel the greater "Good" is that I realize it. I realize how fortunate I am when I think of the people in Haiti, the peaceful people amongst the Palestinians, those who are persecuted in Darfur and other outposts of the world where they do not share in the land of plenty.

While traveling yesterday, I listened to public radio. The program was about a couple from England who disregarded the whole trash rubbish recycling and pollution problems of the world for years, and then morphed into these people that would accept the challenge unto themselves to use only one trash can, or dust bin as they called it, for all the trash they generated in the course of a full year. They succeeded and are spreading the word about using plastic as packaging and the trash it creates. That program had me thinking too. We have so much, even the poorest unwrap things and generate trash here in America.

I don't know. The "Good" is that I realize I can go farther when it comes to my own back yard, and I can take the next step in realizing the whole world isn't American. Lastly, before I let this go and let you see the slide show, I have been reading a few books lately and going here and there on the blogs. For some reason, it has been called to my attention that many people from other countries view the Americans as obese, or at least fat, generally. As I struggle with diabetes control, I am reading other peoples opinions about times they have traveled to our shores and their observation is that overall, most Americans are victims of gluttony. I am, and I admit it. And I am ashamde that I don't see the harm it can do , no, has done, to me

I got a lot of "Good" things to think about, and more "Good" things that I need to be doing for myself, my health and the Sacred Mother Earth. One person doing one thing one day is how any change gets started. Changes in how we treat ourselves, how we treat our land, and how we treat each other. I learned awareness of that, and that is "Good" for a Friday.

Only the Good Friday is a creation of Shelly of the This Electic Life blog. She makes a "good" point. She says, "The point of this little exercise is simply to look at the world in a different way. When we look for the good, we will see it." Check out her blog and find the link with the simple guidelines for Only The Good Friday.

Here's the slide show. Just click on each picture to move it to the next frame.

GLOBAL VILLAGE 12

View more presentations from HBCUkidz.

Peace to all

Ruby Tuesday 03/23/2010

Here are a few photographs for this weeks Ruby Tuesday Meme. Ruby Tuesday is a creation of Mary T/The Teach, who pens the Work of a Poet blog. You can participate in Ruby Tuesday if you wish. Read the guidelines when you visit Mary's site and join in the fun.

In the meantime, here are my submissions. The first is a tattoo. It's on my right shoulder, and it honors the memory of my daughter Maggie. She was lost in an automobile accident in 1991. She was just shy of her eighteenth birthday. She loved red roses and red lipstick. So there's one of her Ruby Red lips as well.


The Tattoo


Margaret Ellen "Maggie" Spado in 1991

After that, I had to add these two photos I took rather quickly yesterday. The first Robin of Spring around my yard. The same Robin on the ground, then up in the branches of a leafless early Spring larch. Robin's breasts are orange, really, but they are known as Robin Red Breast, so I'll include this harbinger of Spring in the Ruby class for today.


You know that Spring is here....


When we see the first Robins of the season up here in the Northland

Hope you have a great day.

Peace to All