Footprints On My Heart

Do you know what these are? Look closely...can you see them?

No, not just footprints! They are proof that my family has been here and had a good time!



They were in the pool and they were back and forth in the house. They were in the kitchen getting snacks and into the cooler for cold drinks. They were taking a shower or even taking a nap. There was food and laughter, fun and love.

If you listen (yes, listen) you can hear the giggles and shrieks, the stories shared and the memories being made.

They are evidence that a happy family has been through here, and left not only footprints in the hall...

... but Footprints On My Heart! Blessings indeed!

Can One Make a Difference?

Have you ever thought about it - can one person really make a difference? Here is a modern fable from "The Carabou" by Kurt Kauter:




"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," the coal mouse asked the wild dove.

"Why, nothing more than nothing!" was the answer.





"In that case I must tell you a marvelous story," the coal mouse said. "I sat on the branch of a fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow. Not heavily, not in a giant blizzard, no, just like in a dream, without any violence. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,741,952!"




"When the next snowflake dropped gently onto the branch - nothing more than nothing, as you say - the branch broke off."

Having said that, the little coal mouse flew away. The dove, since Noah's time an authority on the matter, thought about the story for a while and finally said to herself: "Perhaps there is only one person's voice lacking for peace to come into the world."


One persons voice, one persons actions can make a difference! One person who, as Mother Teresa said, cares enough to do some small thing in a great way. She told us, "God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through."

Think about it, then go make a difference...You can do it!

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

Nothing is going to get better.

It's not. ~Dr. Seuss~

Up, Up and Away

On the way to church last Sunday, we saw several hot air balloons inflating, getting ready for an early morning flight. Byron and I started laughing remembering an early November morning and an unexpected surprise!























On a clear bright Saturday about a week after Thanksgiving, we had the front door open enjoying the cool morning breeze. Drinking our coffee and reading the paper, the dog suddenly started barking and we could hear a strange "fshoosh
fshoosh" out front. When we went out to investigate, a large hot air balloon was settling down in front of our house!

We are fairly rural up here and don't have too many neighbors, but quite a few were gathering out front. They must have heard the excitement too!

The balloon pilots were very friendly and told us they were getting ready for an upcoming "Fox and Hounds" run, which is like a relay race. They were checking out our location as a landing spot. They gladly answered everyone's questions and demonstrated the equipment on their balloon.

Among the group gathered was a little brother and sister, about 5 and 7 years old. They were with their grandparents who were keeping them for the day. They were so excited to be so close to such an amazing thing! When one of the pilots asked, "Who would like a ride?" they started jumping up and down with their hands raised high. "Can we Grandma, please? Please?"

Neither of the grandparent's were able to get in the basket, so Byron volunteered to go up as the "adult" on board. Secretly, he would have been waving his hand too! The two little ones were helped into the basket and then Byron stepped in and they closed the basket door. As they started to rise, the little boy said, "Boy, mom and dad are NEVER going to believe this!"

I thought about the Polaroid instant camera setting in the office. The boys had used it the day before to take some work pictures. As I ran to retrieve it, I hoped there was also some film left. What luck - there were two shots left! I grabbed the camera and ran back out front.

The special balloon ride was fairly high over the desert in front of the house, and the two little ones were waving and calling down to their grandparents. The pilot started the descent and as soon as I could clearly see their beaming faces, but still see the balloon in the air, I snapped two quick pictures, and set them aside to develope. When they stepped out of the basket I handed each of them a picture and told them, "Now mom and dad will believe you had a great balloon ride!" The grandma thanked me with tears in her eyes.

The pilots were getting ready to give a few other neighbors a ride as the family walked back to their home. Byron said he had pointed out several landmarks for the kids, including grandma's house. What a great day and what a great experience for everyone!

Up, up and away - you never know what surprises may happen in your own front yard!

When is the Night Over?

I love this story from the Tales of the Hasidim. Words to think about:





An old rabbi was asked by his students how they could tell when the night was ended and the day had begun.


"Could it be," asked one student, "when you can see an animal in the distance and tell whether it is a sheep or a dog?"


"No!" answered the rabbi.







Another asked, "Is it when you can look at a tree in the distance and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?"


"No!" said the rabbi again.


"Then when is it that you can tell the night is over?" the pupils demanded.

"It is when you can look at the face of any man or woman and see that it is your sister or brother. Because if you cannot see this, it will still be night."

Very wise words. Can you see?

The House By the Side of the Road

I came across this beautiful poem written by
Sam Walter Foss (1858 – 1911)
I love what it says about being no different than any other person and not judging. I'll just let the beautiful poem speak for itself:



The House by the Side of the Road

·There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
·Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat
Nor hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
·I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
·I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
·Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

...What else is there to say but: AMEN!

Everything Old is New Again

How's this for totally random thoughts? I was thinking about storing leftovers...and how Everything Old is New Again!
I remember setting up my own domestic environment in the early 1970's. I longed for everything to be NEW and MODERN and CO-ORDINATED. None of that old, out-dated stuff for me! As soon as I could afford it, I would furnish my perfect world with only the best!

When my mother got her new house (way back in the 50's, mind you!) her Frigidaire came with a set a matching food storage boxes a lot like these:

And she also had various sizes of these little clear glass boxes with lids for storing left-overs.

A close friend of mine at the time also recalled with disdain those little stretchy bowl covers that looked just like (can you believe it?) shower caps!!

The two of us being MODERN and very "WITH IT" housewives planned to have only matching sets of Tupperware! We hosted several parties so we could acquire all the bowls and serving pieces we needed. They even came in colors to match the MODERN kitchen - Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Spice Orange!

Hey, it was the best thing to happen to us women since we got the vote...

Alas, funny how things change after 40+ years...or rather come back around again. After years of failing to find the right lid for the right bowl (yes, I know there's a little matching letter on them. Just wish I remembered that before I filled the bowl with hot chilli!) or having an avalanche on lids fall on you when the cupboard is opened or the plastic is all stained and blistered from micro-cooking...SIGH.
I recently ordered those little stretchy bowl covers that look like shower caps! They fit on nice glass bowls and are easy to find. They all stuff into one small drawer and take up very little room. And after a few uses, you can throw them away!

Oh yes, Everything Old is New Again!
...and I'm pretty sure my mama is laughing from somewhere above!

Grandma From the Grave

A dear friend recently posted beautiful pictures of her Virginia garden in all its Springtime glory! In one picture was a lawn chair like the ones above, and I thought of a funny incident with my honey.

Byron's maternal grandma, Mary Siddons, was a lady not too fondly remembered by the family. I know, that's a sad thing to say...but it was true. She was bitter and angry and difficult to get along with.

Shortly after the Robinsons moved to Las Vegas she moved into the house next door. The "boys", all six at home, were assigned chores at grandma's weekly. They mowed the lawn, brought the trash out, washed her car and various other projects. But never once did she ever thank them! They remember that more often than not she complained about what should have been done; or how it could have been done better. Didn't make for many fond memories to say the least.

The crabbiness seemed to get worse the older she got. Now I have this theory that old age doesn't really mellow a person, it just consolidates what was always there. Grandma Siddons sort of proved that theory. She didn't enjoy the grown boys and their families, and she certainly couldn't tolerate the great-grandchildren! She was crabbiness indeed!

After she died the families were offered a few things from her belongings. Byron chose a green lawn chair. We had just finished a new pool and patio and it was something we could use. A few weeks later we were enjoying the company of one of Byron's brothers out on the patio. Byron was sitting in the green lawn chair as he and his brother were remembering grandma and her crabby nature.

Just as Byron said, "This is the only thing the old lady ever gave me, and I'll bet she wouldn't even want me to have it!" the chair flew out from under him and he landed hard on the cement! It was just as if someone had jerked it away! After a few stunned moments, we all started laughing. Byron said, "Well I guess the old crab hasn't changed a bit!"
Sad but funny memory...hope we leave better ones for our loved ones!

(c) CH Robinson, May 2011
Painting "Three Chairs" (c) by Marcia Crosby, 2006

The Angle of Repose

Believe it or not, I have been thinking about the Angle of Repose.

Most of us have no idea what the Angle of Repose is - an engineering definition of "steepest slope angle at which a particular sediment will lie without cascading down.












You may still not understand that description, but you can see examples of it all around...

Some man made examples are:



The gravel slopes on the sides of the freeways, engineered to remain stable;





the piles of rock materials being separated and graded in a working aggregate mine;




corn, wheat and other grains stored in open bunkers;



and open coal storage mounds.

You can even make your own simple example by pouring out a little pile of salt or sugar on the table. The crystals will form a little pyramid with evenly sloped sides.
That, my friend, is the Angle of Repose!





So now your mind is saying, "Oh, of course I know what the Angle of Repose is!"
Without knowing the scientific exacts of the principle, you can recognize it.


You also see examples in God's own nature:

Scree, also called talus, is a term given to an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders;






and of course that beautiful slope of fresh snowfall every skier longs for!

!!!DANGER!!!

But there is also danger in this Angle of Repose! The delicate balance that has been achieved can be quickly disturbed and the "Repose" destroyed! One must journey carefully, or the entire slope comes sliding down! Usually with devastating results!

An avalanche sends crushing tons of snow thundering down the mountain. The roaring cascade uproots trees and boulders in its path and buries any structures and humans along the way. Total destruction!


Tree roots growing through a bank destroys the slope and a railroad track is obscured. The mighty Iron Horse is literally stopped in its tracks!

Rain soaked soils no longer maintain adhesion and homes slide down the hill. Dreams and lives in ruin...

Whether the cause is nature or man made, the loss of the Angle of Repose is a devastating fall! The same is true in our everyday life.

The term also seems to suggest to me a tranquil and calm place in our lives.

We are peaceful in our own Angle of Repose. We rest comfortably where everything seems to be in balance. Then something occurs to upset that delicate balance ~

we lose a loved one; a relationship ends; we're down-sized out of a job; severe financial troubles;
a medical condition; unexpected news that leaves us sliding quickly down a slippery slope!

Isn't it comforting to know that God will restore us to an "Angle of Repose"? It's true! The promises are found throughout His Word. Here are just a few:

Psalm 62: 5 – 8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge

Psalm 37: 7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Many, many promises to return us to our Angle of Repose! That's pretty powerful stuff! Thank you, God of Peace and Repose! We can truly rest assured in your love and peace!

And that's what I've been thinking about the Angle of Repose.

Thoughts on Gramma Goddard's Birthday

Have you ever thought about it ~ if you died tomorrow, who would come to your funeral? What would that say about the life you have lived? I think I realized how beloved my Gramma Goddard, mama's mother, was at her funeral in May of 1981.

Just a few weeks before Byron's Grandmother Siddons had died. She was Esther's mother and had lived a closed, seemingly angry life. She seemed so unhappy and was never pleased with anything or any one. Even the little ones couldn't bring a smile out of her! At the funeral home there were just a few people; mostly there as friends of the Robinson family. No church services or a pastor who knew her. Even her sister and husband had traveled from the Midwest because it "was the proper thing to do." Very impersonal and sad, a lot like the life she had lived. We hosted a lunch at a Mexican restaurant for the few attendees. The best memory my girls had of that day: Aunt Jane and her husband had never ate Mexican food and wouldn't even try the chips and salsa!

On the other hand, the church was packed to capacity for Gramma Goddard's funeral! Friends and family had traveled from near and far to say goodbye to this dear lady! There were songs and stories, tears and laughter, and lots of love shared! People kept bringing platter after platter of good things to the church hall to feed all the people gathered.

I remember thinking how different one was from the other - and knew I wanted to live a life that would leave the same warm and loving legacy as Gramma Goddard.

Mary Siddons had a lot of material things in her life. Not exactly "rich", but very nice clothes, jewelry and even a fur or two. China and silver and fancy furniture and always a nice home. Married to the owner of a car dealership, she always has a new car. Only one daughter, but seven grandchildren and many great grandchildren. But she never seemed to connect to her family. There were no fun loving memories nor times or stories...

Mary Goddard, on the other hand, lived a pioneer life with very little material things. Her family members were the original settlers of Southern Utah and they made do with whatever was on hand. She married a bit later in life and raised her four surviving children in a two-room house that had originally been a railroad shack. There was no indoor plumbing and a big iron stove for cooking and heating. Clothes and home goods were made on a treadle sewing machine. Food was home grown and home canned. Lots of grandchildren and great grand children. And each one knew how much they were loved and all the family stories! Lots of shared fun.

I think the big difference in Mary Goddard's life was the love that was shared and the strong faith they held! Gramma Goddard would have been 112 on February 22, 2011. She always loved that she shared a birthday with President Lincoln, and they had both come from humble beginnings! She even giggled when the President Day weekend idea was created, "just for her."

The picture above is one of my favorites! Gramma Goddard is sitting on the couch with Grampa Frank. They're holding my cousins Jimmy and Bruce Munford and Elaine Goddard. I'm sitting front center with my sister Mary and brother Denny. And that bright loving smile is what I remember most about her! Lots and lots of happy memories!

So I hope I'm living a life that will leave the same loving thoughts and memories for my friends and family. And I hope there's standing room only at the church on the day of my funeral...

All About Valentine's Day

The Legend of St. Valentine’s Day
St. Valentine’s Day is a celebration that dates back to the 2nd Century in honor of a priest named Valentinus in Rome. The Roman Empire was forcing the enlistment of young men to fight in their newly conquered territories. Single men were sent directly the front battle lines. Many marriages were taking place in the hopes of preventing this. The Emperor ordered that all marriages were banned!
Valentinus protested this edict, saying that the people and the Church should be able to continue with the holy bonds of matrimony. For supporting the banned lovers, the Roman authorities ordered him imprisoned. According to legend, Valentinus, while in jail befriended his jailer’s blind daughter and miraculously restored her sight. Before he died, he sent the girl a note signed, “from your Valentine.” The execution occurred on February 14, 270. People were shocked and after his death, thousands of mourners tossed small gifts and letters of love into the prison yard in memory of his life and his devotion to love.


When the Church elevated Valentinus to Sainthood, February 15 was already the pagan feast of Luperccalia. This was a raucous celebration where a young Roman man chose a “mate” for the holiday by drawing her name from a box. The Church replaced this bawdy pagan feast with St. Valentine’s Day, a holiday for friends and lovers to exchange tokens and notes of affection.
Although today most people send paper or e-mail Valentines, there have been many other ways to express sentiment on St. Valentine’s Day. Victorian jewelry sent secret messages with stones set into a pin or bracelet. The stones were arranged by the first letter of the gem’s name. Thus, a line of ruby, emerald, garnet, ruby, diamond and sapphire spelled “regards.” A piece a jewelry shaped like a snake with its tail in its mouth meant “eternal love.” A heart shaped locket holding the giver’s hair expressed true love.


There were also many superstitions connected to St. Valentine’s Day activities in centuries past. If a girl pinned a bay leaf to her pillow or ate the white of a hard-boiled egg before sleep, her true love would appear in her dreams. Your lover would arrive soon after visiting a graveyard on St. Valentine’s Eve. Running around a church and singing a special song would also guarantee that your heart’s desire would come into your life.


Other early customs are also no longer a part of our celebrations. In the days before postal service, a Valentine note was attached to an apple or orange and tossed through an eligible girl’s window. In some parts of England, groups of children went door to door “Valentining”; singing love songs in the fashion of Christmas carols. But today, most of us send a Valentine card. In America, this custom started with hand-made cards in the 18th century and continued with commercial cards that were first introduced by Esther Howland of Worcester, Ma. in 1847

However you choose to celebrate, its interesting to know the history and customs behind St. Valentine’s Day!
Wishing you a Happy St. Valentine’s Day with all my Love!

Thinking of Dogs

Don't know why, but for the past few days I've been thinking about family dogs that have passed. Guess I've been watching more Animal Planet lately...
Anyway, most of episodes have an evaluation of a dog's social skills before their adoption. I was reminded of my old Shadow dog:

Funny, I've looked and can't locate any pictures of him, but he was a big ol' lovable mix of black lab and ???. He was already a senior boy when we met and his teeth were very ground down in the front. The foster people said he had probably been left alone in a yard and chewed on rocks out of boredom.

We met at an adoption clinic at a PetSmart. The people in charge were trying to match me with a very rambunctious collie mix. I have stability issues and that wasn't happening! I was drawn to Shadow's pen because he looked so calm and intelligent. So I asked if I could take him out for a trial. You are encouraged to walk around the store with the dog and see if you bond. He was very happy to be out the pen and responded to my commands very well.
He was tugging at my heart and I was seriously considering him as a new family member, when an incident just around the corner settled the issue for both of us! We started down another isle and suddenly a young girl about 8 or 9 appeared. She obviously had Down's Syndrome and was very happy! She saw Shadow, dropped to the floor directly in his face, grabbed both of his ears and shouted, "Doggie!"
Now remember, I didn't know this dog at all! I had no idea if he was familiar with or liked children! (And that was a consideration for me as our granddaughters were both little ones.) I had visions of a bite to the face or worse; I was even thinking, "Well, he's not mine and I'm not responsible, and..."
Shadow immediately sat down and looked up at me for a response. When I said, "Okay," he reached out his big ol' tongue and gave her a kiss! The little girl giggled with glee and they visited for a few minutes until her mommy caught up with her. She apologized if her daughter had been "bothering us." I told her she actually had made it final that Shadow was going home with me! I didn't really explain (didn't want mommy to have a heart attack) but I knew this was MY dog!
Shadow lived with us for quite a few years and was a sweet addition to our family! He loved Amanda, protected Emily and loved to travel. He enjoyed the pool and would come to the steps and help me gain my feet to exit. The girls at the Starbucks shop loved him and would fill a cup with whipped cream just for Shadow whenever we came by. We made his last years comfortable and he gave us all the love and loyalty he had.

It's true, dogs really do leave pawprints on your heart! Miss you, Shadow!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Aunt Claudia's Pretty Good Diet Tips

So now, Aunt Claudia is ready is venture into "Diet Land" ...

and here are the Pretty Good Diet Tips

she has learned over the years:

No need to feel yucky anymore! She sets her mind to better habits.

Oh why did I eat that entire box of chocolates and the butter cookies?

1) The internet can be a great source for healthy food plans and sensible exercise programs!

Just pick one that fits your lifestyle.

Who knew there were so many programs out there?

2) Find some new hobbies to take up your time - or rediscover some old favorites:

Now let's see, knit one, purl two, skip one...

Dance is always fun and good to get you moving!

♫♪ You put your front paw in ♪♫ You take your front paw out ♫♪

♪ You put your front paw in and you shake it all about ♪♫

Or take up music - it soothes the soul...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

3) Make new friends. Step outside your circle!

So your name is Bunny? My name is Tiger - nice to meet you!

And remember - good friends will stick with you through (ahem) thick and thin!

4) Start an exercise program.

I'll catch you (pant-pant) I'll catch you (gasp) I'll catch you...

Swimming is good!

Who said felines don't like water? Just don't call it the dog paddle, please!

Try exercising with a good friend.
How many calories do you figure we've burned so far?

5) Start a healthy, sensible eating program:

Get lots of low fat dairy...

Direct from the source. Can't get any fresher than that!

Include plenty of fresh fruits...
Are any of these chicken flavored?

And lots of good veggies!

Wait - I think my friend Bunny would like these much better!

And try to get at least two servings of fish a week.

Now that's more like it!

6) Make an effort to get outside at least once every day.

Hmmm, very interesting...too many (pe)e-mails to count...

Take your human for a nice long walk, it's good for them, too!

Come on, let's go
Even a nice nap in the sunshine counts!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz**YAWN**zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Of course, before making any changes in your lifestyle habits,

be sure to consult with your medical professional!



And remember ~ L♥ve yourself no matter what!!!



Now, Aunt Claudia knows these
Pretty Good Diet Tips are tried and true...
she has lost hundreds of pounds over the years using them!

Hehehe - now let's all go pussy footing into Diet Land!