Merry Christmas, everyone!
from California
Valerie & family
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Blogging course
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Weeds
I despise yard work. The worst kind of yard-work is weeding. Saturday I took on the task of weeding a front bed, which was terribly over-run by grass and some weeds.
“How did it get that way?” you may ask. To be honest, I was too lazy to keep it up all summer. I didn’t totally ignore the problem, however. I periodically sprayed weed-killer on the invading grass. I was satisfied that I had done my job. But now I know how shallow and short-lived the satisfaction was. The dead-looking grass was good – I felt successful in my war. But it was unsightly. I also discovered some unintended consequences on Saturday. Overspray from the weed killer had done its job on a couple of small bushes we had planted in the spring. Weed-killer does not play favorites!
Mad at myself, and frustrated with the weeds, I dug in, vowing to rid the bed of all of them, roots and all.
I used various garden tools to stir up the soil to make it easier to pull the weeds. But that wasn’t enough. I got down on hands and knees and dug even more to attack individual roots. I knew that if I didn’t get the roots, the weeds would grow back. My work progressed well most of the time. But there were times when a root would snap off and I was unable to get the entire root. I eventually realized that I could never get every root.
There was another problem with a few bushes in the bed. The weeds were so interwoven with the bushes, that it was really difficult to extract the weeds and their roots without causing some harm to the bushes and their roots. Eventually, I was successful, but it was slow going because I didn’t want to harm the bushes.
Sweaty, tired and aching, I looked back and saw the results of my labors. I know, however, that no matter how thorough I was, the weeds will return in the spring. I also now know that if I attack them early and often, the job will be much easier.
As I thought about it, I realized that sin in my life is much like those weeds.
“How did it get that way?” you may ask. To be honest, I was too lazy to keep it up all summer. I didn’t totally ignore the problem, however. I periodically sprayed weed-killer on the invading grass. I was satisfied that I had done my job. But now I know how shallow and short-lived the satisfaction was. The dead-looking grass was good – I felt successful in my war. But it was unsightly. I also discovered some unintended consequences on Saturday. Overspray from the weed killer had done its job on a couple of small bushes we had planted in the spring. Weed-killer does not play favorites!
Mad at myself, and frustrated with the weeds, I dug in, vowing to rid the bed of all of them, roots and all.
I used various garden tools to stir up the soil to make it easier to pull the weeds. But that wasn’t enough. I got down on hands and knees and dug even more to attack individual roots. I knew that if I didn’t get the roots, the weeds would grow back. My work progressed well most of the time. But there were times when a root would snap off and I was unable to get the entire root. I eventually realized that I could never get every root.
There was another problem with a few bushes in the bed. The weeds were so interwoven with the bushes, that it was really difficult to extract the weeds and their roots without causing some harm to the bushes and their roots. Eventually, I was successful, but it was slow going because I didn’t want to harm the bushes.
Sweaty, tired and aching, I looked back and saw the results of my labors. I know, however, that no matter how thorough I was, the weeds will return in the spring. I also now know that if I attack them early and often, the job will be much easier.
As I thought about it, I realized that sin in my life is much like those weeds.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Flood
A little excitement last night. A water main in front of our house broke. The 85" gash had water gushing down our front yard, nearly into our front door. See http://picasaweb.google.com/vernon.keszler/WaterMainBreak for photos.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Book: Joshua and the Children
OK - so I'm hooked on these "Joshua" books. They're not really a series. It's as though Joshua/Jesus drops in for a few months and touches lives in a specific place in today's society.
Joshua and the Children
, by Joseph F. Girzone, is another fascinating story, albeit a little harder to comprehend. It depicts a society where there is terrorism and bloodshed between Christian denominations - perhaps similar to what life was like in northern Ireland. In this story, Joshua cleverly undermines the hatred by reaching out to the children. As in his other books, there are many profound insights. For example, in one conversation Joshua makes the following statement: "To be perfectly human, as God made us, should be our goal. If we appear to be religious or pious, we've missed the point and our piety becomes a caricature and unauthentic. Real holiness is the natural growth of the human personality to its full maturity as an individual, and in the process, becoming a beautiful person. That is all God wants of us."
Here's another interesting thought: "The overriding interest of God is not perfect happiness or perfectly just societies in this world. It was not a just or perfect society in Jesus' day, and yet he was interested not in revolutions to resolve that problem, but in people focusing their vision on God and finding peace within themselves."
A great story, and many very interesting and challenging insights - too numerous to expound on here. However, here's one last one. Joshua was talking to an old priest who was frightened to die and meet God. In part, here's what Joshua had to say: "Jesus tried so hard to help people understand that God loves them as they are. He knows they are human. He made them that way and it is human to be weak and imperfect. God did not intend to make humans little gods. He created each individual to do a little job, to make their little contribution to help others and perfect his creation, and gave to each just what he or she needs to do that job. The rest of the personality is imperfect, but that's all right. The person will grow to become, in God's good tim,e what He wants that person to become. As long as people love God and care for others, they need never be afraid of meeting God."
Joshua and the Children
, by Joseph F. Girzone, is another fascinating story, albeit a little harder to comprehend. It depicts a society where there is terrorism and bloodshed between Christian denominations - perhaps similar to what life was like in northern Ireland. In this story, Joshua cleverly undermines the hatred by reaching out to the children. As in his other books, there are many profound insights. For example, in one conversation Joshua makes the following statement: "To be perfectly human, as God made us, should be our goal. If we appear to be religious or pious, we've missed the point and our piety becomes a caricature and unauthentic. Real holiness is the natural growth of the human personality to its full maturity as an individual, and in the process, becoming a beautiful person. That is all God wants of us."Here's another interesting thought: "The overriding interest of God is not perfect happiness or perfectly just societies in this world. It was not a just or perfect society in Jesus' day, and yet he was interested not in revolutions to resolve that problem, but in people focusing their vision on God and finding peace within themselves."
A great story, and many very interesting and challenging insights - too numerous to expound on here. However, here's one last one. Joshua was talking to an old priest who was frightened to die and meet God. In part, here's what Joshua had to say: "Jesus tried so hard to help people understand that God loves them as they are. He knows they are human. He made them that way and it is human to be weak and imperfect. God did not intend to make humans little gods. He created each individual to do a little job, to make their little contribution to help others and perfect his creation, and gave to each just what he or she needs to do that job. The rest of the personality is imperfect, but that's all right. The person will grow to become, in God's good tim,e what He wants that person to become. As long as people love God and care for others, they need never be afraid of meeting God."
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Book: Joshua: A Parable for Today
Joshua: A Parable for Today
I first "heard" this book on audio driving to and from Weslaco TX a few years ago. Decided to read it. A powerful story.
This is a story about Joshua, a quiet and simple man who supports himself as a carpenter. His insights, however, are profound. For example, "It is difficult ... for people to think in spiritual terms. The world of the senses is so vivid and so real. The world of the spirit is real to God, perhaps, but to human beings it is hard to believe it even exists. For someone to talk about it makes people uncomfortable, yet it is important that they be reminded of the spiritual world."
As anticipated, the topic of "religion" comes up: "God never intended that religion become what it is today. Jesus came to earth to try to free people from that kind of regimented religion where people are threatened if they don't obey rules and rituals invented by the clergy. Jesus came to teach people that they are God's children and, as God's children, they are free, free to grow as hum beings, to become beautiful people as God intended. That can't be legislated."
Joshua's interaction with people, both friendly and adversarial, is very inspiring. He deals with conflict head-on, but without judgment. He provides a magnificent model for us.
I first "heard" this book on audio driving to and from Weslaco TX a few years ago. Decided to read it. A powerful story.This is a story about Joshua, a quiet and simple man who supports himself as a carpenter. His insights, however, are profound. For example, "It is difficult ... for people to think in spiritual terms. The world of the senses is so vivid and so real. The world of the spirit is real to God, perhaps, but to human beings it is hard to believe it even exists. For someone to talk about it makes people uncomfortable, yet it is important that they be reminded of the spiritual world."
As anticipated, the topic of "religion" comes up: "God never intended that religion become what it is today. Jesus came to earth to try to free people from that kind of regimented religion where people are threatened if they don't obey rules and rituals invented by the clergy. Jesus came to teach people that they are God's children and, as God's children, they are free, free to grow as hum beings, to become beautiful people as God intended. That can't be legislated."
Joshua's interaction with people, both friendly and adversarial, is very inspiring. He deals with conflict head-on, but without judgment. He provides a magnificent model for us.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cancun photos
For those of you who haven't signed up for facebook, here's a link to our Cancun photo album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6146&l=7a5df&id=656447358
Monday, July 16, 2007
Book: Joshua and the Shepherd
Read a great book while in Cancun: Joshua and the Shepherd
by Joseph F. Girzone.
This is a fascinating story about a clergyman who is frustrated with the legalism of the church he so loyally loved and served. He was frustrated that they were no longer good shepherds to the people, but were consumed with the administration of the organization. The people were serving the organization. The church was less and less serving the people. For example: "The problem of divorce and remarriage troubles me. Almost half of our people have no hope of ever seeing their marriages recognized by the Church. They are technically cut off from the life of the Church and the sacraments. That is not right. The Good Shepherd never cut Himself off from people who were hurting and had difficulties with the law. We say they are sinners and unworthy to receive Christ. That is arrogant and hypocritical. That was the way the Pharisees treated people, and Jesus condemned them for it... We are shepherds and gentle guides, not moral policemen. Judgment belongs to God."
The mysterious and wise Joshua appears from time to time and coaches this clergyman as he slowly bucks the system and begans to make dramatic and effective changes to his church and in people's lives. Denominational barriers are broken. The insights of Joshua are thought-provoking for all of us. Could changes like this be possible?
by Joseph F. Girzone.This is a fascinating story about a clergyman who is frustrated with the legalism of the church he so loyally loved and served. He was frustrated that they were no longer good shepherds to the people, but were consumed with the administration of the organization. The people were serving the organization. The church was less and less serving the people. For example: "The problem of divorce and remarriage troubles me. Almost half of our people have no hope of ever seeing their marriages recognized by the Church. They are technically cut off from the life of the Church and the sacraments. That is not right. The Good Shepherd never cut Himself off from people who were hurting and had difficulties with the law. We say they are sinners and unworthy to receive Christ. That is arrogant and hypocritical. That was the way the Pharisees treated people, and Jesus condemned them for it... We are shepherds and gentle guides, not moral policemen. Judgment belongs to God."
The mysterious and wise Joshua appears from time to time and coaches this clergyman as he slowly bucks the system and begans to make dramatic and effective changes to his church and in people's lives. Denominational barriers are broken. The insights of Joshua are thought-provoking for all of us. Could changes like this be possible?
Monday, July 2, 2007
Facebook anyone?
I always thought facebook was for college kids, but I've been reading more about it regularly. I think recently I read where 1 million people join facebook each week [I think...don't quote me].
Then, just read this on another blog:
Then, just read this on another blog:
from Scobleizer - Tech Geek Blogger bySo I joined a few days ago. It's interesting, and easy. Some neat features, too. Check it out and be my friend.Fred Wilson of AVC blog notes that most users of Facebook are younger. Hmmm, why are the New York VC’s always hinting to us old fogeys that we’re too old to “get it?”
I’ve been on Facebook about a month now. I have just about 2,000 friends. Almost none of whom are “young enough to be in college.”
Do not miss what’s happening to Facebook. It is turning mainstream.
One trend that bloggers don’t want to talk about? A number of my blogging friends have seen their traffic go down lately. They assume that their readers are off in social networks. I think they are absolutely right.
Pownce, for instance, started less than a week ago. Already 400 people have friended me there.
But, what do I know? I’m too old to get it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Happy Birthday, Verle
Finally on the final stretch to the big 5-0!
Hope you have a great day.
- Vern & Cindy
Hope you have a great day.
- Vern & Cindy
Sunday, June 10, 2007
News from Valerie
I've seen your photos of the wedding and of Dad's slides. I recognize many of the faces from back in Winchester, but don't remember many names.
We went to Las Vegas a few weeks ago to attend Tabitha's graduation ceremony. She graduated with her MBA from the Univ. of Phoenix. She actually has 3 classes left and won't be done until Sept., but didn't want to wait until next year to go through the ceremony. She is doing very well with the company she's working with--Travelzoo.com.
Mark Jr. flew from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas that weekend, as he had just finished with his classes. Nelly, Doreen and her baby were able to fly there for the weekend, too. Little Theo is adorable! I'll have to send pictures.
Mark Sr. is finishing this quarter of classes tomorrow night. Then he takes one class this summer, but mostly will be working on his dissertation. He'll be visiting several community colleges this summer in preparation of sending out surveys in the fall for his research.
This is my last week of school. I'm already starting to plan for next school year.
Take care.
Valerie
We went to Las Vegas a few weeks ago to attend Tabitha's graduation ceremony. She graduated with her MBA from the Univ. of Phoenix. She actually has 3 classes left and won't be done until Sept., but didn't want to wait until next year to go through the ceremony. She is doing very well with the company she's working with--Travelzoo.com.
Mark Jr. flew from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas that weekend, as he had just finished with his classes. Nelly, Doreen and her baby were able to fly there for the weekend, too. Little Theo is adorable! I'll have to send pictures.
Mark Sr. is finishing this quarter of classes tomorrow night. Then he takes one class this summer, but mostly will be working on his dissertation. He'll be visiting several community colleges this summer in preparation of sending out surveys in the fall for his research.
This is my last week of school. I'm already starting to plan for next school year.
Take care.
Valerie
Photos uploaded
Hi all,
I'll followup with individual emails. I've started using Picasa to organize and categorize photos, and it has an automatic upload feature to a google site. So I've begun using that. To get to it, you can go to http://picasaweb.google.com/vernon.keszler There's also a link on the right.
The album I've posted call Dad random photos came from two boxes of slides. One was labeled churches and confirmation classes; the other was apparently from a trip to the Canadian Expo and driving around the northwest. Verle is in one of the photos so may recognize some of the locations. I mainly just plucked out the ones that had mom or other family in them, and one rare one of dad, napping on a couch.
Feel free to comment on these.
- Vern
I'll followup with individual emails. I've started using Picasa to organize and categorize photos, and it has an automatic upload feature to a google site. So I've begun using that. To get to it, you can go to http://picasaweb.google.com/vernon.keszler There's also a link on the right.
The album I've posted call Dad random photos came from two boxes of slides. One was labeled churches and confirmation classes; the other was apparently from a trip to the Canadian Expo and driving around the northwest. Verle is in one of the photos so may recognize some of the locations. I mainly just plucked out the ones that had mom or other family in them, and one rare one of dad, napping on a couch.
Feel free to comment on these.
- Vern
Friday, June 1, 2007
Way to go, Cindy
Here we come, Cancun Mexico!
Cindy started with Southern Living at Home (SLAH) in February, and in 4 very busy months has earned a free trip to Cancun. I get to go along, although I have to pay my own way. So, we're off to Mexico July 8 - 12. If you want to check out where we're staying, it's the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort. Looks beautiful.
She has also achieved the next level in SLAH, known as 2-star Director. Way to go Cindy!!
- Vern
p.s. If you want to learn more about SLAH, check out her web site at www.southernlivingathome.com/cindykeszler I've also added the link on the sidebar.
Cindy started with Southern Living at Home (SLAH) in February, and in 4 very busy months has earned a free trip to Cancun. I get to go along, although I have to pay my own way. So, we're off to Mexico July 8 - 12. If you want to check out where we're staying, it's the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort. Looks beautiful.
She has also achieved the next level in SLAH, known as 2-star Director. Way to go Cindy!!
- Vern
p.s. If you want to learn more about SLAH, check out her web site at www.southernlivingathome.com/cindykeszler I've also added the link on the sidebar.
New back-yard visitor/resident
Saw traces of this guy while Iva was here - several skins. Now, finally saw him long enough to get this photo.
Found out he's a harmless red-bellied watersnake - see this website to see
information and other photos.
http://www.uga.edu/srelherp
A local professor says that sometimes they are more yellowish on the chin and belly like this one.
A few mornings ago, woke up to a churning pond pump - the water in the pond had gotten too low. I went out right away to add water, and took a flash-light (it was only 5:30 am) to look in on the pump. Guess who was there! He had his head poked partway into the pump compartment, and he quickly backed away. That evening, I went to check on the pump again, and he was curled up under water in the bottom of the compartment. Cindy got the neighbor (at this point, didn't know if he was harmless, or a poisonous water mocassin) to help. We scared him out of the pump, but he very quickly slipped into the pond under the big rock. We tried, but couldn't get him out of there. Haven't seen him since.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Lindsay & Brad wedding
Well, we survived and all went well. I posted a few of our own photos on www.famster.com/keszler
The wedding photographer's photos are now up at www.branchcarter.com
At the site, click Menu, then Online Proofing. Follow the instructions from there.
The wedding photographer's photos are now up at www.branchcarter.com
At the site, click Menu, then Online Proofing. Follow the instructions from there.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Family News from Arizona
Since I can use email (basically!) and not the Blog, thought I’d send out a few paragraphs. The end of January Dick had another squamous cell cancer surgery done. It was on the top/back of his head this time. The area, in a circle, was a bit bigger than a 50 cent coin. All flesh inside that circle was cut out, down to the bone. Wet dressing changes daily using the med Ziox…..and now, the area is full of new cell growth. Now we’re into dry wound care for a few weeks. Soon it will be all done healing; the human body is absolutely amazing. And, Dick will have a whole new area to show off as battle scars on his head! And the pulmonary problems from last summer are just a memory, thank goodness. He's had no troubles at all in that department since they did the procedure to quote 'plug the thinning area' with the gel stuff that was put thru that tube in his side.
Also in January my brother Jim had another Mayo hospital stay for a couple of days. More little mini-strokes occurred and they kept him overnight in the hospital to get him started on a new medication. Mom had been okay, just aging as she liked to say….but then her back was hurting enough to go see the doctor about it. Now, she’s into comfort physical therapy being given to her. No exercise-type, they use heat, electrical stimulation, massaging heat. But, we’re only into the 5th visit (tomorrow, Monday) and there are at the minimum 7 more to take her to.
Hope it helps.
Scott had sent us an email from a website, about an award he received. Thought I’d give you the website to find it:
www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews dropping the index/ works ok, so just click away....
Click on 1st one, SIGNAL
At the top, for choices, click on News by Chapter
In the Chapter box choices, click on Hampton Roads
(in the photo Scott is on the left)
Click on more details….and the award news comes up
You know, we do think about all of you….often. We just don’t get at writing or calling….
Take care, everyone
Sent with love, Mary
Also in January my brother Jim had another Mayo hospital stay for a couple of days. More little mini-strokes occurred and they kept him overnight in the hospital to get him started on a new medication. Mom had been okay, just aging as she liked to say….but then her back was hurting enough to go see the doctor about it. Now, she’s into comfort physical therapy being given to her. No exercise-type, they use heat, electrical stimulation, massaging heat. But, we’re only into the 5th visit (tomorrow, Monday) and there are at the minimum 7 more to take her to.
Hope it helps.
Scott had sent us an email from a website, about an award he received. Thought I’d give you the website to find it:
www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews dropping the index/ works ok, so just click away....
Click on 1st one, SIGNAL
At the top, for choices, click on News by Chapter
In the Chapter box choices, click on Hampton Roads
(in the photo Scott is on the left)
Click on more details….and the award news comes up
You know, we do think about all of you….often. We just don’t get at writing or calling….
Take care, everyone
Sent with love, Mary
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Alexandra's birthday
Just a quick note for now. Made a quick weekend trip to Wisconsin for Alexandra's 5th birthday. Stayed at Adam's and Jen's and had a great time staying up half the night playing games or the Wii. Alexandra was, as usual, a bundle of energy.
See photos at Famster.
- Vern
See photos at Famster.
- Vern
Sunday, January 21, 2007
More photos from the archives
Here are Valerie and Vicki at their Augustana College graduation. Grandma and Grandpa Rogers came, too.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Art Garfunkel's library
Some of us will know who Art Garfunkel is. From the mental_floss Blogs:
Every now and then I stumble upon something online that just blows me away.... Anyway, today I happened upon something ever so slightly more elevated, but just as mind-blowing. On Art Garfukel's website, one can browse the titles of EVERY book he's read since – strapped in? – JUNE OF 1968!!!! You simply have to see this to believe it.
I was fascinated to learn, for instance, that in 1969 alone, Art read over 20 books, including Philip Roth's Goodbye, Columbus and Portnoy's Complaint, Malamud's The Assistant, Jospeh Heller's Catch 22, Voltaire's Candide, Tolstoy's War and Peace, Shakespeare's Hamlet, and Brontë's Wuthering Heights. And that's just the beginning of '69! And don't forget that 1969 was a year the famous duo was on tour in the wake of the success of "The Sound of Silence."
I guess what boggles the mind is not only that he had so much down time to consume books of some heft, but that he kept track! Who remembers what I read 30 years ago?!
For more fun, check out Art's "Favorite Books," too!
Every now and then I stumble upon something online that just blows me away.... Anyway, today I happened upon something ever so slightly more elevated, but just as mind-blowing. On Art Garfukel's website, one can browse the titles of EVERY book he's read since – strapped in? – JUNE OF 1968!!!! You simply have to see this to believe it.
I was fascinated to learn, for instance, that in 1969 alone, Art read over 20 books, including Philip Roth's Goodbye, Columbus and Portnoy's Complaint, Malamud's The Assistant, Jospeh Heller's Catch 22, Voltaire's Candide, Tolstoy's War and Peace, Shakespeare's Hamlet, and Brontë's Wuthering Heights. And that's just the beginning of '69! And don't forget that 1969 was a year the famous duo was on tour in the wake of the success of "The Sound of Silence."
I guess what boggles the mind is not only that he had so much down time to consume books of some heft, but that he kept track! Who remembers what I read 30 years ago?!
For more fun, check out Art's "Favorite Books," too!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
American Thinker: Will the Next Attack Get our Attention?
Here's a very interesting article:
What will our politics look like the day after the next time jihad comes home to America?
Ever since September 11, 2001 political leaders of every stripe have been telling us that another catastrophic attack is inevitable. Consensus regarding terrorism begins and ends with the cliché "when not if."
Our leaders speak as if they can avoid responsibility for the next attack by predicting it. They don't seem aware that a grieving and enraged public isn't likely to get much satisfaction from a chorus of "I told you so."
The rest at http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/will_the_next_attack_get_our_a.html
The rest at http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/will_the_next_attack_get_our_a.html
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Just testing this new blog to see if I can get it to work. Nothing much new here. We haven't had nearly as much snow as northern NM and Colorado have gotten the past couple of weeks. Jim is doing fine, except every time he stands up from sitting down, he has to go to the bathroom. Making slow progress with the incontinence side effect of his surgery. (Doctors say it takes 9 months to a year to regain bladder control.) Doctor says his surgery was successful in removing all cancer. Will have to check his PSA every 3 months to make sure.
Vicki
Vicki
Monday, January 15, 2007
Vern's first car
Started scanning old slides. Here's my first car - 1967 Chev Impala. I remember Dad saying we'd never have our own cars until we were on our own financially. With Dick's help, this happened between my freshman and sophmore years of college. I remember writing my first huge check for this beauty - for $1,111.15! This would have been the summer of 1971.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
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