Earthquake in Cali!

Chelsey and I (Danielle) survived our first California earthquake tonight - 5.6! We were sitting on our couch when our condo began to sway. The couch moved a little and the window blinds shook, but nothing too bad. Shira (roommate #3) came home a few minutes later to inform us that we have an earthquake safety kit in the closet! So we busted out the flashlight, granola bars and blanket - none of which was really needed. You never know though ... we hear the aftershocks can be pretty intense. Chel's still rolled up in a fetal position in our front yard. I'll lure her in with some chocolate ice cream. We've made counseling appointments to face our recently developed illness: seismophobia (fear of quakes). Here's the Chronicle's article about the quake:
http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2007/10/30/chronicle/archive/2007/10/30/BA19T3RCD.html

Father God as Christmas decorator

Just when we earth-dwellers think we have a corner on the decorating market! Isn't this the most gorgeous photograph taken at Mt. Diablo's Curry Point? Just beautiful! Not sure what kind of tree would produce such luscious buds, but I am rethinking my holiday decorating; Au natural, I say!

Thanx to our Favorite Paparazzi, Glenn Moore of Tracy Press fame, for his superb photographic skills. And to God our Father for delighting all the God-noticers.

Hoping we'll all become God-noticers this holiday season. Let all the earth Rejoice!

St. Olaf weekend

Laura Wilde - Carmen - possessed the stage in all her sultry glory; her large Voice rich as custard. "Viva Vox!" I told her. Living Voice! She said it will mature in her late 20’s. As Gabe would say, “That Voice is going to grow up to be Something!!”

I didn’t want to leave St. Olaf’s with it’s rainbow trees. The center quad featured a ringing singing chime fest, each bell commemorating a student or teacher who died during their tenure at the college. Being one of the finest music training schools in the nation, I guess no one should be surprised that the lives live on in song. "All Life Matters" read the pogoda caption. I stood underneath and let the music rain down on me. I didn’t want to leave.

The chapel reminded me of Notre Dame. The minstrel students meandered back in to resume rehearsal for their Vesper’s concert. The freshmen male choir sang back and forth from their balcony perch ”We have seen thy salvation, O Lord,” with the vesper’s choir responding from the stage. Back and forth they sang. I was enraptured and never wanted to leave. I wondered if they served meals and a person could just dwell there.

Story about Mrs. M

Who is great at hugs? Mrs. M. She teaches math and reading excellently to me. Mrs. M thinks cookies are delicious. My teachers always compliment me walking down the hall. Her voice sounds pretty. Also she enjoys riding bike on the bike trail. Sometimes she is sad and sometimes she is happy.


I asked Dustin about the sad/happy reference and he said with trepidation, "The time you got the flowers. You cried." That was last Valentine's Day when my student, Stacey, sent flowers to school. I told the children how much it meant to me. Tender-hearted Dustin remembered how choked up I was. What a Dear!

Chello...then goodbye

Morgan was not happy when at the 11th hour we announced that we had to go home. She went limp as a dishrag hugging Aunt Suz and I was weepy when Morgan said, "Care, why do you have to go? It's important that you stay with me."

Stick a fork in me, I was done...

3 day weekend in SpearFish

Walking down the street with 1000 balloons singing "I love a parade" ~ now that was fun. I got to hand out balloons to some chilluns during the Black Hills State Homecoming parade while greeting all the folks. Like my Daddy, I never met a stranger I didn't adore.

The flaming maple tree center stage at Spearfish Park touted the brightest and best fall colors I've seen so far this season. Morgan made a leaf angel and then we ran rings around that glorious tree. WhEEE!!