Appreciating Earth

From: Thich Nhat Hanh
For many years he has told a story about two astronauts going to the moon. When they arrive, they have an accident and find out that they have only enough oxygen for two days. There is no hope of someone coming from Earth in time to rescue them. They have only two days to live. If you asked them at that moment, "What is your deepest wish?" they would answer, "To be back home walking on the beautiful planet Earth." They would not want anything else. They would not want anything except to be walking on Earth, enjoying every step, listening to the sounds of nature and holding the hand of their beloved while contemplating the moon.
We should live every day like people who have just been rescued from the moon. We are on Earth now, and we need to enjoy walking on this precious, beautiful planet. The Zen master Lin Chi said, "The miracle is not to walk on water but to walk on the Earth." We can enjoy every minute of our lives. Take joy.

Bats in the house!

Well, not exactly in the house but LaVern is thinking in the chimney. Now I know most of you are freaking out whereas I told LaVern we need to get a bat house installed by fall (before lighting up the wood stove). I want them to stay!! Those little guys will eat 1000 mosquitos EACH in an hour! Maybe that is why we don't have mosquitos. hmm Will have to read up on them. My understanding is that some hibernate during the winter and others migrate. There are even barn bats but I'm not sure if they are friends with the barn swallows. One is never too old for learning. Bats, a good thing. (I'm chuckling while posting this as at my parent's, the city just drove around last night spraying the entire town for mosquitos. Can you imagine the cost? And the harm from the chemicals? They told people to stay in)

Rainwater collection

I just read an article recently where in Colorado two new laws were recently passed that exempt certain small-scale rain water collection systems. Yes, up until then it was illegal to collect rainwater in the state of Colorado. People were doing it but hid it from view. Utah and Washington state still have restrictions. Big government claiming ownership over that water. Some days I just have to shake my head. I don't think they would mind our collecting the rain water in our area this year. The ground is really satuated right now. I see a few rain water collection systems on the Amish farms. The women love the rainwater for washing their clothes.
Heading back to Nebraska today. Will probably spend a day at the folks and then drive back to Iowa on Thursday. So no more daily blogs. :-(

Hiking

My brother and I left this AM at 5:00 and drove about half way between Loveland and Estes Park. We first went on a mile trail to an overlook. Came back down and decided to take the Summit Trail. It was a 4.75 mile hike but I only made it half way. I couldn't believe how the altitude affected me this time. Too long living on the flatlands! This was a moderate to difficult trail and a steady climb but we enjoyed it. It would probably take 6-8 hours round trip so will have to plan that for another visit. Beginning your day with a hike like this is excillerating and refreshing at the same time. But even a walk down the road, out in the country near Diagonal, Iowa would be just as good!