Things Happen, Life Happens...

Things happen and life happens. Different situation arise daily that we must make decisions about. Some things are small and some things are very big or even life threatening. We don't really know how we'll act, but sometimes the way we react to smaller things will make us strong for those things that are almost earth shattering to us. Our guidebook, the Bible, is the greatest guide that we can follow in our life. God's word gives us 10 Commandments in Exodus 20 that cover just about all our temptations. He even has a plan for salvation in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." My thought for today is to study God guidebook and prepare for the future.

You cannot tailor make the situations in life, but you can tailor make the attitudes to fit those situations before they arise.
-Zig Ziglar
Breaking News... Punxsutawney Phil Saw His Shadow...

Great news... Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning and we should have about six more weeks of winter. Given the way we've had so much snow, we welcome more snow and not rain for the next six weeks.

Like I said in my last post, this is always a fun time in the middle of winter. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has had this Groundhog Day tradition since 1887. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 97 times since then. They do not have records for nine years and he has not seen his shadow 15 times. It sure makes for a great fun festive time for these folks, I'd love to be there, maybe, someday. Anyway, you folks in Pa can keep on skiing!
Anxiously awaiting to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow...

I always look forward to this day in winter. It's a fun day and it's my guess that he will, at least, if it is sunny like it is here in Ohio. Let's see...

Going On To Pursue ...


" Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace." 2 Timothy 2:22


I don't think that there is a lot more to say than that this is a
scripture verse that is quite comforting in today's world. The
scripture is always relevant to all generations!
It Must Run In The Family ...



My daughter's husband left the garage door up when he left for work. Her neighbor across the street called her, but Beth didn't recognize the number so she didn't answer. The neighbor calls again and she still doesn't answer, so the neighbor calls the police. The next thing my daughter knows the police are banging on the door. It totally scared my grandson who is half dressed and had his shirt off, but a Santa hat on and Beth is still in her pj's because she is nursing her baby and hasn't actually got her day off to a start.


The police knock so loud that it scares Isaiah and he starts screaming from the top of his lungs. Beth goes to the door to see what's the matter and the police ask her if she is o.k. She's embarrassed, but glad the neighbor cares. She programed her number in the phone so that it will pop up when she calls - so the lady can check on her and she'll answer.

We laughed about it when she called me. What else can you do?

I had a similar experience a few month's ago. I have the habit of leaving my pajamas on and cleaning before taking my bath. Sometimes, it is up into the morning before I bath. Especially, if I am going to be leaving for the day. One morning, I got a loud bang on my front door. I was shocked to see that it was two sheriff detectives who were asking questions about someone that had lived in the neighborhood. Hopefully, from experience, they know that everyone doesn't keep the same schedule.

Maybe the old saying,... that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, applies!
An Old Saying...

An old saying that I just love is, "Wake up and smell the coffee!" I just love the smell of a freshly opened can of coffee because it is so rich and strong. Coffee is just a relaxing pleasurable drink. It warms you up when you are cold, it relaxes you at events and it wakes you up in the morning. There's nothing like a good cup of coffee by yourself or with family & friends.


So, why not... take time for a nice cup of coffee!
Human Looking Robot

Ingenious Invention, a human looking robot invented by a Canadian named Le Trung. This robot looks like a woman in her 20's. Actually, I think she sounds more like she's in her 30's. She can do tasks, recognized things and talk. It is an amazing invention that could make this guy a multimillionaire if he can market it right.

I know everyone thinks that we are being run out of the market place by technology, but since all workers aren't created equal literally. Because some aren't worth their pay, this could be a great breakthrough. These robots could be used to work for the handicap, elderly and be a companion for those who are lonely.

I see amazing possibilites for a human looking robot. Safety, by having a robot that can contact authorities if someone is being hurt or robbed, as well as a labor saver. I could sure use help in my garden. Wonder if she can pull weeds, hoe and harvest vegetables?

This is truely a remarkable invention in spite of all the nasty comments this guy is getting from people. Hopefully, we can learn more, and say it isn't what they say, I'm sure someone will make it possible soon.

Check it out here.

On A Cheery Note...


Isn't the fall weather great. It is starting to cool down and the leaves are starting to turn. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It has such pretty red, orange, yellow, gold, green and brown colors.

I'm still canning and freezing, but that is winding down also. The garden is quite weedy because I haven't had time to tend to it, but it will be cut down and tilled in pretty soon. And, the crops are starting to be harvested. So, it's fall in full swing.

Today, we remember 9/11. It was a sad day for our country, but a vivid reminder that we should always be on the watch for terrorists. Pray for American and the families that lost loved ones on 9/11, their lives have been changed forever.


God Bless America!
Remembering The Sundays of Our Youth...

I love remembering the Sundays of our youth. Sunday worship in our best suits and dresses. Ladies with pretty hats and hankies. Men with 3 piece suits and sometimes a hat. We all piled in the car and went to Grandma & Grandpa's for Sunday dinner. Picnics, family reunions and Sunday gatherings in the park. Or, just a plain old Sunday nap after a quiet dinner at home.

Sunday has always been a day of worshiping our Lord, and then, resting and spending time with the family. If we can only get away from today's rush, rush and get back to Sunday basics.

Have a good Sabboth Day and keep it holy.
Coffee With Connie...


One thing that I love is coffee. That is why I named this blog Coffee With Connie. This blog is intended to just be a discussion of the current events and things of interest to the people that I have coffee with.


It is probably going to be a lot political in the next several weeks, but I will try to add human interest, special events that I am aware of and who knows, whatever I find interesting. Hey, it's my blog. :)


So, come and sit down, get your coffee and let's see what we can come up with in the coming weeks and months.


Have a good day... start it out with a good cup of coffee.

The Republican Convention Goes On....



I got to watch the Republican convention on a www.foxnews.com last night. It was so exciting!

I really enjoyed Fred Thompson's speech. George Bush gave a great speech, as usual. He may not be an eloquent speaker, but he speaks from the heart. I really like George and Laura Bush, even though, they are not popular with the news medias. I believe they are a great couple who are quite sincere. Laura did a great job as well as Cindy McCain.

One outstanding thing, I've gained a total respect for John McCain. I did not realize what this man has gone through for his country. He suffered greatly during the Vietnam War as a POW. Any guy, that can go through all that torture and remain true to his values and country deserves my vote. I truly believe, he'd put his country first and do what is best for it's citizens.
God Bless America!

Quite frankly, this is the first convention that I've ever watched and I'm not a young lady. In fact, I've been voting 42 yrs. I just haven't been into watching or listening to conventions. I guess this exciting new Sarah Palin nomination has inspired me to watch what is going on.
September....

School is back in session, gardening is winding down and the weather is changing. Pretty soon the beautiful fall colors will come. I always look forward to the beauty of fall. I think this will be one beautiful fall and very welcome.

I've been canning green beans, peaches, pears, and fruit cocktail. I have also frozen green beans, corn, peaches, and strawberries. We are just beginning to get the tomatoes & squash. Anyway, it has been a very busy, fun, and productive summer.
How Exciting... Palin for Vice President 2008 ...

I wasn't able to make the McCain rally in Dayton, Oh because of a very important program that I needed to attend, but I was so excited when I listened to the announcement and speeches at the rally on the radio. I spent and hour or so laughing and crying at such a remarkable decision...

Check this out...



What an awesome choice... what an awesome change... someone who's already a great leader, a real go-getter, and knows true family life and values. Sarah Palin loves our country, it's people and supports our servicemen.

Vote McCain Palin 2008 !
Putting Food Up For Winter

These are certainly busy times for those of us who are putting food up for winter. It reminds me of the scripture about the ants and how they prepare for winter. It is wise to consider that seasons do change and food costs change. Food is always higher out of season. In this day and age, we have to deal with high fuel costs which make everything higher. It is a sensible decision to can, dry and freeze your own food.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest."
-Proverbs 6:6-8

Just a thought, and there is still time. So many things are available now, for example, peaches, apples and pears, plus so many vegetables like green beans, corn, tomatoes and squash etc.

The first year is the biggest expensse with canning because you have to buy the jars and the canning equipment. After the first year, the produce and lids will be your biggest expense, excluding time. Yes, time is money, but health for a life time is something to be considered too. You know what is going in your food. Look at all the preservatives you'll be missing. Now, that is something to think about!
08/08/08

Don't you just love those dates that end up like this. Today, would be a good day to bounce off the date and do something neat, or maybe something fun like a blog article on what I 8 (ate) on 08/08/08. :) See what you can come up with.

Just a fun thing!

Exciting New Educational Tools...




While searching the web this morning, I ran across this really great article on Human Remote Control Teaching which uses robots in the classroom. This is a great idea. Of course, this article takes place in England, but we Americans are starting to get on top of things with Web Classes, Clep Classes and mixed home and school computer class instruction.

I am all for using as much helpful programs, equipment and mixed instruction as possible. For one thing, everyone does learn different. We are not animals to be herded into a classroom and sit in front of a teacher for hours on end and then come out educated. Some students need a little more time to take in what they are learning, and then again, some students absorb things quickly. The quick learners are held back, and the slower learners are rushed beyond their abilities and struggle. It makes for a bad situation.

There are those fast learners that can benefit by this type freedom of learning, excel and graduate a lot sooner than they would otherwise. They can achieve a lot more because they are free to go forward. These are the go-getter's.

Those that need a little more time to absorb what they are studying, can excel slower, but better because they have been able to get the basics that they need and not be rushed onto new subject matter. They are still learning, but at a slower pace. This relieves undo pressure on these students.

Another great benefit, parents can be more involved in their childrens education. They can see what they are being taught and be a part of the study process for the computer programs that they do at home. For too long, public school teachers have had a free reign and talked about anything that they wanted without being held accountable to teach the given subject. This will eliminate a lot of unnecessary talk and get right down to the subject at hand. Real education, we are all for that.

The new technologies will save us educational dollars because we will need less teachers. The teachers, that we do have, will not have to have as much interaction and will be soley responsible to see that the students are doing their work. Teachers can be tutors for those who need help instead of carrying a heavy load with classroom teaching and preparation. Computers with only educational material on them, study guides and tests are greatly needed. This is a true educational breakthrough.

One further note, there will be students that this type of learning will not work for. Those students will need a greater degree of hands on teaching because of personal needs. Some students just do not know how to study and get things done. That is where early teaching of good study skills, following directions and obedience come into play. Hopefully, in time and with a little help, all students can become good learners.

Anyway, the future of education is getting exciting! Any high school or college classes that can be completed at home is a plus for the educational system. Any classes that can be computerized and streamline at school is, also, a plus for the educational system. This will work for both public and private education.
Get This...

Get this, Donald Trump says that the world has too much oil and that the oil producing countries are deliberately making the price high. The oil producing countries are deliberately causing a recession. This goes along with something that I read some time back in an Israeli newspaper.
They said that the Middle Eastern Countries were trying to ruin our economy on purpose. You know, I do believe both of these reports.

This high gas is just not reasonable and the way the congress is suppressing help for the consumer is not reasonable either.

Just my thoughts...
Higher Prices Are Coming...

Grab a cup of good hot coffee and let's talk...

It looks like higher prices are coming to our retail stores. High fuel prices are killing our economy and this democratically controlled congress is not willing to let us drill here, drill now, and pay less. They are deliberately trying to put us into recession and keep us beholding to foreign oil. That is wrong!

I don't know congressional reasoning, but it looks like they think that they know it all. They feel more sympathy for some bird, tree or plant in America than the families that live here. Worse, maybe just keeping their control of peoples lives. Animals have a way of adjusting to the nature around them. People have to live, work and play with the resources they have. I believe, most Americans are economical and care about the environment and preserving nature. They do it naturally because they like to live a safe, healthy lifestyle. Extremest cause problems for our people because they are self serving people. When Americans are denied a fair price for the gas and fuel they need to run their businesses and families, and when those that represent them will not let them do what makes common sense. It is time to get rid of those in Congress who are not for America, it's people and using it's own resources first. We need to drill here, drill now, and pay less. It just makes sense.

We are on the brink of new technology that will help give us options in the future. But now is now and we need cheap gas now. China has cheap gas and they are buying SUV's and large vehicles because they like them. We have the oil, we have the need for cheaper gas and we have the need for bigger vehicles. I care about my safety, so I won't be downsizing any time soon , in fact, my vehicle will be worn out by the time that I get rid of it. Unless, there is an American auto maker that will give us good high mileage options at a very reasonable price and a decent size to go with it.

Higher fuel prices is what is killing our economy. Congress knows this. My question is, "Why does this democratically controlled congress want us to pay higher fuel prices which causes higher food prices and higher retail prices? Just don't tell me it is for the environment because I don't believe it. What is their real reason? " Now that is something to seriously think about...
A New Search Engine...

Today, I read about a new search engine that has been started, that is called, Cuil. It is suppose to have the largest web-page index. It also searches for and ranks pages on their relevance and content.

I'd say they are worth giving a good try. Personally, I like to compare search engines all the time. Some of the search engines that I use are Dogpile, Altavista, Google and yahoo.

Up to now, Dogpile is the one that I use most because it uses combined search engines. But, I will Cuil a good try.