Outdoor Solar Lighting

Brighten up around your home and garden in the evening with outdoor solar lights. There aren't any wires to install. Place your lights in the ground, attatch to railing or house and let the sun do the rest. The lights charge up during the day and then light up at night. Enjoy outdoor lighting that is safe and cost effective since the only expense is in the origianl purchase itself.

Check out these sights for solar lighting if you cannot find in stores them near you.

www.gardeners.com
www.solargardenstore.com

While we enjoy a nice cup of coffee in our air conditioned rooms, let me fill you in a new, old, piece of mowing equipment.

Push Lawn Mowers

I was reading a study this morning on reel push mowers. After that, I checked out the web site for American Lawn Mower Co. in Shelbyville, IN. This is for a reel push mower that has been around for about 100 yrs. The neat thing about it is that there is no pull string, no spark plugs and no $3.50 gal. gas to fuel it. The exercise is great!

No, I do not have one, but I have seen them recently in stores. The great thing is they are becoming more readily available in retail stores around us like WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes etc. The drawback possibly would be if a person wasn't physically able to push, but I understand they push easier than the old, old models. If you have a small yard, need the exercise, care about pollution & want to save money, this might be the solution.

It might not be for you, it you have an extremely large lawn, but lawns can be broken down into sections. Just consider!

Check it out at:
www.reelin.com

Creation Museum

Great news! It is finally open and well worth the trip to visit the Creation Museum. May 28,2007 was the Grand Opening of the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky, which is just outside of Cincinnati, OH.

The first day of opening reports around 3,000 people visited the museum. There was a long line of people waiting to get in at the times of estimated visitors.

The Creation Museum brings Bible facts to life by providing culturally relevant biblical and scientific answers from a biblical worldview. The museum has computer-generated visual effects, murals and realistic scenery, life sized people and dinosaur animatronics and over fifty exotic animals. The special effects theater is complete with sea breezes and rumbling seats.

The museums goal is to provide excellent service to their guests and to our Lord, for His glory.

Admission:
Adult - (13-59 yrs) $19.95
Senior - (60 yrs & up) $14.95
Children - (5-12 yrs) $9.95
Children - (under 5 yrs) Free
Planetarium with admission, $5
reservations@creationmuseum.org. - for group rate reservations for 15 or more

Check out the website listed here to download a $5 off admission coupon.

www.creationmuseum.org

Time for coffee...

You ask me," why two blogs?" The story is that I started Coffee With Connie in 2006, but lost my log in details, so I did not use it for a long time. I started my family blog this Spring. After Blogger got all their new blogging and old blogging together, I could get into Coffee With Connie. I've always intended for Coffee With Connie to be like a chat over coffee about whatever is current news, consumer products, home, garden, crafts or just friendly discussion etc. My family blog is just that ... a family journal. They are not intended to be alike, but sometimes may cross over a little. If you read both, I hope you enjoy them.

Memorial Day

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect
us. Be with them and bless them today and in future days to come. Amen."

http://www.defendamerica.mil/


Today is the official holiday take time to remember those who are in the service and working to keep us safe!

Memorial Sunday

This Memorial Sunday let's take time to remember those who served in the military and fought for our freedom. Let's take time to remember those who have served since 911 to keep harm away from our shores. Thank you for making it possible for us to worship God this Sunday in peace. God Bless You, troops!

Dear Lord,
We praise and thank you for America
where we can worship you the way we
believe.
Thank you for keeping fighting away
from our shores and for those who work
to catch the evil ones.
Thank you for the soldiers who have risked
and given their lives for our freedom.
Thank you this Memorial Sunday that we
can worship you in peace and freedom.
God Bless America and those who love it.
Amen

Memorial Weekend

Bringing up memories of the past and of the loved ones who have gone on. This memorial weekend we will get together, place flowers on the graves of our departed friends and relatives, and honor our servicemen who have given their lives for their country.

God Bless America!

Morning Coffee

I like to have my early morning coffee outside when it is warm. I find that very relaxing and a great way to start the day. Of course, that's when you see all the outdoor work that needs done, but enjoy what you have done already also. The work will always be there.

I don't really read much outside. I'm not set up to do that. I have the wrong type of seating. I like a nice comfortable chair to read in. So... spoiled! Also, I do a lot of computer search to find daily news and that is not a good outside activity. Some do it but I don't.

Fun news!
I'm sure we could also consider it good news. Sheep Poo Paper is a new paper process using sheep manure which is sterilized, washed and mixed with other recycled paper to make paper. This is paper and cardboard stock when finished. The washing water is concentrated fertilizer for local growers.

The manufacturing company that makes the sheep poo paper is in Wales, UK . This is an environmentally friendly process. It is a creative way to use sheep manure at the same time. I have listed the company web site that makes this paper below for your information. They discribe the manufacturing process and they sell the paper products. Or... if you are the crafty type they sell a papermaking kit.

www.creativepaperwales.co.uk

National Geographic Bee
Great story about a 14 yr. old girl ,Caitlin Snaring, who won the National Geographic Bee. The Washington state girl was one of ten finalist and the only girl. She was the second girl to win in 17 yrs. The neat part about the win is that she is "home schooled." She credits home schooling that gave her ability to win becauese of the flexibility to study in preparattion. She studied around 60 hrs. a wk. She won a $25,000 prize which she plans to use for college.

The Ronald Reagan Diaries
I've read a couple articles this week about the Ronald Reagan Diaries which are now public. The diaries are an account of his days in the White House. Reagan was a man who spoke well of others and was reluctant to criticize even those that disagreed with him. He worked to make America great and he fought the threat of communism.

His daily journal showed that Reagan was a simple, but perceptive and brilliant man. He sought to find the good in people. He had a great faith in God. He recorded his thoughts about God,his family and country.

The Reagan Diaries are described as being the most detailed presidential records in American history. A prolific writer, Reagan who was the 40th US President, was one of the few presidents to keep diaries since John Adams. The Reagan Library Foundation with HarperCollins publishers are printing the diaries.

These diaries will be well worth purchasing not only for history, but also, because they are the writings of a brilliant, humble, moral & ethical president.

McCormick
Check our www.mccormick.com for great recepies, products and even a chat. I found it in my search of good news of the day.

They have a great "Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies" recipe. Check them out!

Have a great day!

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for some discussion...


Let's talk about scrapbooking. I love to do scrapbooking. I do three types, well two types of actual scrapbooking, the third way is crafting like cardmaking or pictures scraping to share.

One type of scrapbooking is the digital to the right that I did in 2002 on a trip to Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio. This is the first page of my project. It has our destination, a picture from the zoo (my most favorite animal there), and the group of friends that went.

I also do scrapbooking from scrap, which is where it probably gets its name. I start with my papers of choice and add the embellishments which can be ribbons, other paper objects related to the event or handouts.

I hope you enjoyed this discussion. If you do not scrapbook, you might want to give it a try. It grows on you!

This & That

I was reading about Jerry Falwell's funeral today. Over 33,000 people viewed his body in the last 4 days. He was a well respected preacher and conservative leader. A great moral legacy for history. It looks like he trained two fine leaders that will take his place. This will be great!

Since the media pretty much controls what we see, hear and read, we lack in good moral leaders for examples. I am tired of news headlines of movie stars, sports figures or political leaders that have no moral value. Celebraties that are continuously moving in and or out of their love affair. Scantilly dressed, drinking, drugging and crazy acts are displayed before our culture daily. Movies are so violent and/or sexual. These people want to change our morals and our culture. They sure do not set good moral examples. I say turn the tv off and read a good book, play board games, yard games or do something with the family. That would be a good positive thing to do.

Which brings me to another question. Why aren't there balance news anchors. They are predominately liberal, democratic, non-church going anchors. In all other areas of work you cannot discriminate - so why can the media discriminate? Let's look for some answers!

I read somewhere last night, possibly the drudgereport, about President Bush being a well looked up to individual around the world. Evidently, the US, UK, French and a few other countries that do not like him leave the wrong picture. Then again, the news media controls what is reported, and we do not get the true picture. We just need more middle of the road sites like Fox news.

Come on lets get with it and look for the good news!

The Old Barn

The old barn was worn
Looking rugged and gray.
The siding was broken.
With places decayed.

The roofing was bent
Looking Rusty and torn.
Holes were a plenty.
It looked forlorn.

It’s color all gone.
Leaving only a tint.
It’s only imagined.
What color it’s been.

Hidden secrets
Remain of days gone by.
Never revealing
Changing times and why.



Connie Lavy (c) 2006


Watercolor picture by Connie Lavy 2006.

Good Auto News!

Now, if the articles I'm going to comment on aren't good news, I don't know what is. If we demand a change maybe it will happen fast. Yesterday, my husband and I were discussing this very possibility. This morning, I read several articles that totally surprised me and backed up the first one that I read. Pleasantly, of course!

Chevy Sequel, an electric fuel cell vehicle.

General Motors has developed a car that runs on Hydrogen. It has no emissions. It has been tried out on the road and goes up to 100 mile per hr. This Chevy Fuel Cell Car Goes 300 Miles Without Refueling -- on Hydrogen. Awsome!

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and only omit water vapor. This is a real breakthrough. Evidently, the Chevy Sequel was introduced back in 2005 at the North American Internation Auto Show which was held in Detroit Michigan. Last fall, the first drivable Sequel appeared using a lithium-ion battery and a lightweight aluminum structure.

This is History in the making! A future that does not depend on OPEC or any pertrolem product. A choice will be available. 300 miles on a tank of hydrogen fuel. How's about that?

Watch for the program release this fall when GM plans to test drive around 100 of these vehicles in various areas of the country. They will be doing market research called, "Project Driveway."


Check it out at:
http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/

The LORD Is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

"Let's have a nice cup of coffee while we discuss a Fox News article about the graduating class of Liberty University in Lynchburg,Va. I think it is well worth the read." Connie

This was the first commencement without Jerry Falwell who founded Liberty University in 1971. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke to Liberty University's graduating class Saturday in Lynchburg,Va. He said that they should use Christian ideas to confront the growing radical culture of secularism.

The graduation ceremony was held four days after the death of Jerry Falwell, it's founder. The football stadium was packed with about 17,000 somber mourning attendees. In tribute to Jerry Falwell, the graduates chanted, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!

Some of the things that Gingrich said were, "A growing culture of radical secularism declares that the nation cannot profess the truths on which it was founded... We are told that our public schools can no longer invoke the creator, nor proclaim the natural law nor profess the God-given quality of human rights... In hostility to American history, the radical secularists insist that religious belief is inherently divisive and that public debate can only proceed on secular terms...Too often, the courts have been biased against religious believers. This anti-religious bias must end..."

Gingrich who might possibly decide to run for President by Fall 2007, made harsh reference to judges' who overreach the law to seperate the church and state. He also understands that just because a Christian dies the battle doesn't disappear. Someone else with lead the battle. The efforts will go on.

Liberty University is a Baptist University founded to project fundamental Christianity & is to train conservative lawyers, politicians and judges. Falwell realized that the country is in a battle for it's Christian beliefs against the evil forces of abortion & liberal culture changes to our lifestyles. Jerry Falwell, Jr. is the new chancellor of the school. They pledge to carry on with Falwell's Christian's Rights legacy.

Jerry Falwell founded the Moral Majority in 1980. The moral majority was credited with helping elect President Ronald Reagan. He also started many more endeavors. I am sure he will go down in history as a Christian who wasn't afraid to back down in the battle. He stood for the morals taught in God's word. From what I've read he was a humble man, a loving man that his church, school,peers and family appreciated. What a legacy!


Jerry Falwell's funeral is set for Tuesday.


.

Link to article that I've commented on.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,273974,00.html
www.foxnews.com
www.falwell.com

Note:
Sometime back, Neut Gingrich confessed that he had done wrong in the past. This is probably the reason he was able to speak to this group at the graduation ceremony. Gingrich gave a great speech.

Bouquet of Towels

Unique gift for the kitchen. The kitchen towels and dish clothes are made into a bouquet of flowers. A sprig of flowers and a bow are added for this attractive arrangement.



Directions: "Kitchen Towel Bouquet" This takes 5 dish towels, three solid towels, three print, plaid or check towels and 4 dish clothes. Take one of the solid towels and bring the bottom up 3/4 of the way to the top. Roll a print towel longways and then fold up about 3/4 of the way. Do the same with the solid towel, then print, solid and end with a print towel. Fold the dish clothes to meet in the middle and then roll them. Place the dish clothes in the solid towel ends to resemble buds. Bring the towels together close to the bottom to resemble a corsage. Bind the gathering spot with a wired ribbon and make a bow. Tuck a small bunch of flowers in the front for a finishing touch.

How about joining me for a nice cup of fresh coffee...


This is a digital scrapbooking page that I did in 2005. It is a part of a three page project that I did on "This Is My Life!" I did Past, Present & Future Plans. I had them all on my computer, but cannot locate the future plans to print out. I just know it's around some where. But, what folder did I put it in?
You may ask... why future plan? Well, down the road, I can look back and see what I planned to do. It is kinda like holding yourself accountable. "Plan your work and work your plan", a thought by Rudyard Kipling.

Good Fresh Coffee

Have a good fresh cup of coffee! I really like coffee. I was about 18 yrs. old before I had my first cup of coffee. It was at a little drug store diner in Dayton, OH. I was working and I wanted something to drink with my lunch that did not have lots of calories.

Now I drink coffee for pleasure and the awsome taste. I love to open a new can and smell the aroma. I do get most of the can used before it becomes really stale. It can be frozen and then taken out to prepare. This helps keep it fresh tasting. The only thing about that is freezer space in my kitchen refrigerator.

I ran across this interesting web site on coffee. www.coffeefool.com I do agree with then that freshly ground coffee is best, but I just haven't gotten around to purchasing a coffee grinder yet. Hmmm.... maybe, I will.

Well, sit back, have a nice cup of coffee and try to find some good news for the day!

Looking for Some Good News

While I was checking the internet for some good news, I thought I'd check out "Grit."
I use to buy this little mag years ago and I found it online some time ago. Well, they do have something unusual. "Farm" related rings such as tractors, cow & pig etc.
Can you immagine an animal or tractor noise coming from your phone when someone calls. I'd say it would take a real "ham" to use one of these rings. lol :)

Check it out at www.grit.com

Weed Torch

One of the neatest tools available is the weed torch. It is a garden torch that runs off a 14oz. to 16 oz. propane tank. You torch the center of the weed by holding the flame about 2" above the center. This kills the weed. The neat thing about the garden weed torch is that you do not need to use chemicals. Of course, it works best on young weeds and you do not want to use it on an enormous amount of weeds. If your weeds are ahead of you, use roundup and then use the garden weed torch to kill the new ones that come. I think you will really like this tool.

George Fourman Grill

I like using my George Fourman Grill. It is large enough to grill for two. I like to use it to grill chicken breasts as well as steaks and hamburgers. The fat drains into a pan provided with the grill. The grill is easy to clean after use. Just remove the two trays and soak a short time in water. Wash and dry for next use.
Happy grilling!

Container Gardening Is For Everyone
By Connie Lavy

The versatility of container gardening is for everyone. Container gardening allows everyone the opportunity to garden no matter where they live and at any time of year. Containers can be moved and rearranged easily to change your decorating look or for the plants growing conditions.

Container gardening can be a beautiful tablescape or hanging basket. There are an enormous amount of decorative containers to purchase that fit your style and plants that can be container grown. You can grow your plants inside or out.

Gardening centers and nurseries carry plants, soil, fertilizers and containers for gardening projects. They can help you design a planter for sun or shade and care instructions. They can help you choose plants that will grow inside or out and plants for year round beauty.

But, for the first year the best way to start is with a prepared planter. These can be purchased at garden centers or department stores. The arrangement of plants are already put together for you and all you need to do is care for it. You can keep it in the purchased pot or transfer it to a pot that fits your decorating theme. You have an instant garden.

By purchasing an instant garden already put together, you can experiment and learn the basics of container gardening. You will learn to know the needs of the plants and not feel overwhelmed by trying to learn how to care for it all at once. Gradually, as you learn about these plants, you can extend your knowledge by researching plants in books and viewig videos on container gardening.

The satisfaction of growing beautiful flowers, vines and greenery will start you on your gardening journey. The versatility of container gardening is an advantage to everyone because of space and mobility.