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Spring-like Morning Adventures

Posted in Uncategorized, Wildlife on February 28, 2012| Leave a Comment »

    

Abby!

  Another day looking more like late March than late February. I needed to get outside and do some nature snooping and shooting. Yesterday, another day of spring found me being domesticated. I had some chores such as changing oil and filters in the cars; raking; washing cars….                                                                                   

Mergansers

   I was to visit a friend sometime around 10:30 to do some shooting. However, after running a few errands, I elected to stop at the mouth of Cowanshannock Creek and the Allegheny River. One never knows what one might see along these waterways.

I was looking about when quacking sounds could be heard towards my left. Common or American Mergansers!The waterfowl were exiting the Cowanshannock Creek and entering the Allegheny. The eight birds were about 40 yards from me and not overly concerned over my presense.I managed a number of photos prior to their flight across the river’s width.

Larry

I drove up the hill of my friend’s driveway. I was happy to see Larry Delaney and later the exuberant excitement of his dog. Abby is still a three-year old puppy at heart!The three of us walked around the woods with Abby running all about searching for chipmunks!         

A third, and new, friend named Ruger was with us too. We used a man-sized target to experiment with the shooting ranges and laser sight. I did better than I expected since I seldom shoot revolvers as I once enjoyed. I shot from about 25 feet to as close as three steps. The close range  shots was actually shooting from the hip. Needless to say many shots would have been  fatal if a real-life scenario would be happening.

Larry and I had some good conversation as our morning evolved. I wish to thank him for his hospitality.

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A Surprise for Big John

Posted in My Art, Uncategorized on November 27, 2011| 2 Comments »

First of all I have never met John. He is a dear friend of a dear friend of mine. My friend is Randy Tost. Randy has had John come to stay at his abode to hunt deer. This has become their tradition now for a number of years.

Randy is a unique fellow. He is special. He is a retired teacher with oodles of great traits. Kindness is just one of them!  Another positive trait is thoughtfulness.           

The Painted Egg

  

Close up- Tost photo

   Earlier this fall, Randy contacted me about an idea he had for a surprise gift for John. Indeed, the idea was an interesting one. It seems last spring Randy and John discovered the remnants of a turkey nest. The turkeys were gone but the eggs’ shells remained minus the newly hatched poults. Randy gathered a couple of the shells that were almost complete in shape. (Except where the peep removed itself)

Randy and "his" egg

   The egg shells, at his home, eventually gave Randy the idea of painting something on the shell as a gift. He mixed plaster-of-Paris and carefully filled the void for strength. I told Randy the task was doable and the decision to paint a feather on it was made.  I painted a turkey feather on the shell and sprayed several coats of clear varnish on it.     

Moss-lined wooden box (Tost photo)

           

The gift was made now that John arrived to hunt. The secret remained until now. I understand John was “eggsited” with his unique gift!

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“Israel”

Posted in Historical, Spiritual, Uncategorized on August 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The following words are something you usually won’t see within my writings.  With the constant threat to the Jewish people and Israel I felt a need  to write  my thoughts on the nation and people. Of course, the “blog” will be only a very brief history of Israel.

The Assyrian man, Abraham was called by God. Abraham believed what was spoken  to him allowing the man to be deemed righteous. People don’t usually understand that Abraham was a pagan at the time of his calling. Because of his belief the Abrahamic Covenant was established between he and God. The covenant included a promise that Abraham would have many descendents to cover the earth. A nation would be established and the lands promised  would include the great river in Egypt and the Euphrates River. (Genesis 15:17-20)

Isaac was born from Abraham and Sarah and Jacob was the son of promise with Isaac the father. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Jacob’s (Israel) 12 sons would eventually become a nation of people living in the land of Egypt. (This is the Twelve Tribes of Israel.) These people would become like slaves to Egypt as time passed.  Through Moses the people were released from bondage and with time entered into the lands we now know as Israel. (The Promised Land.)

The long lineage continued for generations but not without issues. The nation’s failures to be obedient lead them back and forth through captivities of various pagan, Gentile empires. At the time of Christ’s birth, Israel was in Roman control. In the year 70 A.D., the Roman wrath came upon the nation and the temple was destroyed and the people were greatly dispersed.

Many years went by when talks of a Nation of Israel began to become heard. World War 2 saw the Jewish people  murdered by the millions by the Nazi-controlled Germany and others. This is the “Holocaust”. Talks began anew and in 1948, the Nation of Israel was once more. Immediately, war broke out and in 1967 Jerusalem was again under Jewish control.

Israel, today, is one of the United States’s closet allies, at least for now. The land is surrounded by countries and organizations that have one goal in mind…the elimination of the Jews.  Iran comes to mind with the outspoken leader saying he wants to drive them into the sea.

As someone who has studied Bible prophecy for many years I can’t help to wonder how much longer  Israel, as before will see the terrible times, once again engulf the nation and the Jewish people. Few nations support the countries right to defend. I shake my head and disbelief at many of the anti-Israel events and words from the leaders of various countries and the United Nation.

Anti-Semitic thoughts will continue to grow. I know Israel will be facing some terrible times ahead. A remnant will survive the wars that are to come. The future will find Israel at peace with the Kingdom, once again, and the borders extended to the locations listed above.

That is why I stand with Israel. Commonsense dictates this to me as well as Biblical knowledge.

I realize this is a very brief account of Israel’s history. I hope these writings have spurred some interest and an urge to learn more.

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Zoo Day

Posted in Misc. Nature, Uncategorized on June 29, 2011| Leave a Comment »

   Laurie likes the zoo. I can’t argue that fact! We went early to avoid the bulk of the crowd. This makes for a much more enjoyable visit. I enjoy the vegetation and flowers just as much as the animals. The keepers have done a great job with various plantings and landscaping. Many areas resemble natural habitat. And this is outside of the areas where the animals roam.    

Purple Coneflower

Lion in the grass

I actually enjoy the aquarium section of the zoo as much as anything. Strangely, in the aquarium section I enjoy the fish native to our area of Pennsylvania more than the exotics. Call me weird!                                              

Springboks

                                                  

We were fortunate to be at the polar bear area exactly when a trainer was about to work with the polar bear…through the glass, of course! The bear has learned many commands from the trainers. He mentioned the polar bear is the least trustworthy of all the bears. they are extreme predators and may mistake an action of someone leading to an attack. This particular bear weighs in the 800 pound class.                                               Brook trout

Globe Thistle

   A native red-wing blackbird caused much torment to an ostrich. I wonder if the bird had a nest nearby.

The trip was a pleasant excursion for the two of us. the day was beautiful too.                                

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      Elk  Yesterday, on the 28th, I went for a walk along Buffalo Creek from Worthington, Pennsylvania to present-day Shadyside. (Used to be known as Yellow Dog.) I saw two longbeards, a deer, kingfisher; carp, suckers and bass. The evening before I saw a deer from my deck. One never knows what might appear in my wildlife enhanced habitat yard.

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A Walk

Posted in Uncategorized on June 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »

  

ATV caused erosion

  I had a mild asthma issue and was feeling a little sluggish. I had a few errands to conduct and I decided I would force myself to walk along a dead-end township road to attempt to reinvigorate myself. the road is in Rayburn Township, Armstrong County here in good old Pennsylvania.                                             

This is a road the township leaders recently allowed ATV travel. I left the road to travel past a  gate (that was knocked or pulled over) into various side roads; gas lines and old logging roads. The garbage thrown about and erosion caused by the ATV and 4-wheeling traffic was astounding and disappointing. I have always had problems as to why mankind insist of destroying and vandalising  property.

Cottontail

  I traveled along wooded areas and did see one deer and two rabbits.                                                           

Oxeye daisy

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Franklin Union Baptist Church

Posted in Uncategorized on June 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

    I enjoyed a great and enjoyable morning at the Franklin  Union Baptist Church located near Worthington, Pennsylvania. The event was a Father’s day breakfast and, unfortunately for them, me as a speaker! The ladies of the church supplied a great breakfast buffet. Yum-Yum!

I spoke and discussed how my paintings begin from early sketches to the final painting. The young people really asked me some questions following the talk. I tried to encourage them.                                             

The church

        

Pastor Scott Jones and sons

  The pastor of the church is Scott Jones, a very nice young minister. I met some new individuals and had the opportunity to see some good friends. Hope they enjoyed the day!

Later on a played music at the First Methodist Church in Butler, Pennsylvania. This event always is well attended. Great people and some great ministers. Reverand David Panther and Pat Nelson.

 From the nature side of my life, I saw a doe and her two fawns on Thursday and my first firefly of the season too.

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Day 3 Gobbler Season

Posted in 2011 Spring Gobbler Season, Uncategorized on May 3, 2011| Leave a Comment »

    Bob didn’t show at our predetermined meeting place. I waited until 5:15 A.M. and drove up the road to where I usually park. I sat in the darkness and waited to hear a gobble greet the morning , but was disappointed to hear nothing, but the increasing rain. A tour to listen and call would be the next step.

My calling was producing nothing. At one point, after calling, I began walking downhill only to spook a turkey of undetermined gender. Why didn’t this bird answer my calling?  No one can say why a turkey will one day answer and other days totally ignore a call.

Beautiful wetlands!

  I left this area and went about a mile away to check for activity. At 9:15 I received a gobble to my calling clear across the hill. I hurriedly took off in the general direction until I approached a field. I, cautiously, peeked through the vegetation and quickly noticed that the gobbler was NOT in the field.

I approached the  wood line and field intersection and called twice. No answer. I thought the rain and terrain may be keeping my love-sick calls from being heard by the gobbler. I elected to move farther upslope and call again. WRONG MOVE! I had taken two steps when the gobbler exited the woods into the field. Our eyes met and the tom escaped back into cover. If only……………

I did, however, see seven deer and another hen in a field. I saw some squirrels, catbirds and indigo buntings. (first time this year)

Spring Beauty

   Bob and I are going to try again in the morning. the weather is supposed to improve over night.

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Thoughts on Good Friday

Posted in Spiritual, Uncategorized on April 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »

In Matthew 12:38-40 some important words are told: Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign; BUT no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

I have always been a self-thinker with many things. Many years ago while in my late teens to mid-twenties, I first asked myself the question as to how a Good Friday crucifixion could be three days and three nights leading to the resurrection. You noticed I stated here that I asked myself. I didn’t dare ask a trained pastor or priest this question. I figured in my mind that a probable reason is known to the trained individuals and left the thoughts wander off.

However, at times these thoughts would resurface. I discovered an explanation once that the Jews considered even one hour of a day as an entire day. So, a few hours of Friday evening, all day Saturday and and hour into Sunday would make this three day-three night promise fullfilled. I didn’t buy it!

I kept my thoughts privately, until a dozen years or so, I discussed it and received looks of confusion. I wrote these thoughts down and kept them.

I believe that the Good Friday concept happened somewhere way back among some church leaders who didn’t take into account Jewish laws and ways of counting days and nights and their different sabbaths. The tradition has flourished over the years.

In John 19:31, it is stated, Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath for that day was a high Sabbath… (Jewish sabbaths begin at sunset and go through the following day until sunset again). This high sabbath spoken in John can occur any day of the week and is referred to as one of the “annual Sabbaths”. This particular one occurred during the Feast of Unleavened Bread known as “Chag Hamatzah”. This is over the Passover week. So Jesus’ body would need to be entombed before sunset under Jewish law.

We know from scripture the women went to the tomb very early on the 1st day of the week which is a Sunday.

To allow for the 3 days and 3 nights as told by Jesus Himself the High sabbath would need to be on Thursday of that year with a Wednesday afternoon crucifixion.

By writing the days and nights down, I found it easier to follow.

Wed.    night    Thur.  night         Fri.      night     Sat (weekly sabbath)   night  Sun

1 night             2 nights               3 nights

Day 1                    Day 2                     Day 3

Jesus, to fulfill His own promise would have been resurrected anytime after the Saturday’s sabbath ended at sunset.

Something to think about.

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Outdoor Sightings

Posted in Uncategorized on April 15, 2011| Leave a Comment »

 

Nice looking country

  I beautiful and pleasant day was on hand and some outdoor related events needed to be part of this day. I elected to visit State Lands 247 near Center Hill, Pennsylvania. The object was to enjoy a walk and see some critters.

I purposely drove in to the game lands via a different route. I figured I might see my friend Frank Maus along the way. I did! Unfortunately, I couldn’t chat long since I was located along some bad curves on the road. We bid a see ya and both went separate ways.

     My walk wasn’t long before I began hearing some gobbling turkeys. I decided I was hearing, at least, three birds. Later I saw a gobbler along a trail. The hike continued along until I heard another gobbler about 100 yards from me. I stepped among some brush and let out three soft yelps. Several gobbles later then silence. A few minutes on I could see the gobbler working towards me. I managed about six photos. Unfortunately, most were blurred some due to the bird’s movements and close vegetation that caused hazy images.

Turkey Vulture

Eight turkey vultures circled me for about 40 minutes this morning. I surmised they were hoping I would fall over to supply them with some fresh carrion. I fooled them by not succumbing to their desires. Several soared over me while at the house planting too. I wonder if they know something about me that should concern me.

Wild leek (Ramps)

  Other critters of the day included a grouse drumming on his log. I saw one deer; some geese; a pileated woodpecker; a fox squirrel and a grey squirrel. I found some wild leek. I think I may have started this planting of leeks many years ago by planting some seeds. I would carry seeds from my personal supply at home.

White-Throated Sparrow

   Another first for the season was the white throated sparrow. Quite a handsome little fellow.

Later, I stopped at a friend’s to ask permission to dig up a few white birch trees to replant at my home. We chatted a bit and an hour later I was planting trees among my landscaping.                                    

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Grace Christian School in West Kittanning

Posted in My Art, Uncategorized on April 8, 2011| 2 Comments »

The Grace Christian School located in West Kittanning, Pennsylvania held an art event this day. Stacey Phillips, an art teacher, requested for me to bring in some art for several classes. I was happy to attend, after all the school is about  one mile from my home. We discussed several options. We decided I would demonstate drawing with the youngest classes. The two classes I demonstrated with consisted of kindergarten to 3rd grade and the second class covered 4th and 5th grades.

All students were given paper and pencils as I slowly drew a panda bear head in steps. I used the “circle method” to build up to this bear’s cartoonish face. These young ones enjoyed this very much as I walked around checking on their progress.

The second class actually continued on with their drawings. Several requested to me if they could do more to their drawings. I told them the art is their drawings. This, of course, brought about alien hats; sharp metal teeth and a hodge-podge of other interesting additions.

The third class were 6th and 7th graders. Panda bear heads would not be as fun so I showed some of the various steps I used on the Gettysburg painting called the “Wheat Field”.  They were very interested as they observed my rough sketches and notes and so forth. They enjoyed asking questions on this painting and the two other wildlife paintings I had brought along.

To learn more about the school check out: www.gracechristiankittanning.com

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