Loving One Another

Posts tagged ‘pets’

Fireworks, Music, and Parades


I’m watching the TV fireworks broadcasts in New York, Minneapolis, Cookesville, and Houston … big cities with great big fireworks displays all over the USA tonight.

Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com

But, the music to go with the fireworks just didn’t do it for me. San Francisco and Chicago Symphonies are wonderful, but no, sorry, I need PATRIOTIC music to go with the fireworks! Rhapsody in Blue?? Just didn’t fit!! Try this one:

Oh, maybe we are trying to avoid the subject of battles on this holiday?
Wasn’t it a battle won that won our nation’s freedom from England?

Well then, how about this one:

Or how about celebrating our Independence Day
by recognizing our
INTERDEPENDENCE?

We need one another …
We need our One God…
We need to celebrate and
STRIVE FOR UNITY.

Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com on Pexels.com

One thing that unifies us is our love for family, right?
We all want the world to be a better place for our children.
A modern version of “The World is One” is playing now.
Ah yes, our children unite us.
Did you get to spend time with your children or grandchildren today?

Sienna and Xander, my great-grandchildren brightened my day.
Isn’t that little Sienna a cutie?
TazE is peeking around the corner here.
Xander is a Mickey Mouse fan!
Here is Hope, our granddaughter, and her husband, Drew –
– parents of those two dear great-grandchildren –
We’re so glad they came to visit today.

On my post this morning, I told you we were not going to have our Ennis 4th of July Parade this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, our neighbors, the Welnas, fixed that problem. They have their grandchildren visiting them, and so we had a private parade provided by the kids! (With a little help from their moms and grandparents)

We brought our chairs and a flag out to the front lawn when we heard the parade coming.
TazE saw them coming… she was all ears!!
Low Budget – High Quality
Best Parade Ever!!
Grandpa Welna, the parade leader
Two moms, two grandparents and three little boys…
One of the boys dropped his bike and ran after TazE!
They gave their necklaces to us… such fun!
And notice the other child in the parade –
He’s the little one asleep in the stroller!
Here are the two moms… great sports…
Helping their little ones experience their very own parade.
Too much fun!
How about this patriotic grandma?
Sue Welna is such a good sport!
Don’t you love her antennae?
Bob & I have never enjoyed a parade more than this one!!

Oh, by the way,
remember that one surviving petunia
I showed you a few days ago?
Look at our wheelbarrow now!
The antelope don’t like that solar light…
Good tip for keeping your plants safe from your neighborhood animals!

I hope you had a Happy Independence Day.
You can see we did!
Our Pastor Steve and his dear wife, Elaine, joined us for BBQ dinner.
That was the frosting on the cake of a great day.

See ya tomorrow, my friends.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek

Category:

blessings, children, Family, flowers, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, holidays, Love, Montana, music, pets, relationships

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Learning to Say No


Saying no is hard
I much prefer the word YES
Do you understand?

Health is compromised
Saying YES to everything
So, learn to say NO

“Not yet” is better
It doesn’t sound so harsh
It keeps doors open

I like open doors
Closed doors are a frustration
You know what I mean?

But there are those times
When limitations are placed
On us – and we rest

Today is that day
I say YES to getting help
No to stubbornness

I let God define
What I am doing today
Happiness is rest!

I seek happiness
By letting others help me
Thank God for helpers!

Satisfying rest
Is good for the heart and soul
God bless you, my friends!

We had a wonderful sunrise this morning in our Madison Valley.

These are the beautiful roses Bob got for me yesterday to help with my healing. Aren’t they gorgeous?

The view from my bed is beautiful… and I brought a few of the roses into my bedroom so I could enjoy them while I rest and read my devotionals and say my prayers. My prayer list keeps growing! I started it in January… and just keep adding to it. This is just page one of two!

God is good. He hears our prayers… and He responds. I feel His loving comfort today. Thank you for being here with me as I recuperate from yesterday’s hernia surgery.

TazE is here in bed with me, too.
Sweet puppy!

Have a restful day – if you can.
Practice saying NO when the time is right!

See ya tomorrow.
Hugs from JanBeek

Category:

Belief, blessings, contentment, Faith, flowers, friendship, Giving, God, Gratitude, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, pets, Poetry, prayer, relationships, respect

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Montana ATV Father’s Day


If you lived in Montana – west across the valley from the Madison Range – with two mountain ranges north and south of you filled with trails for All Terrain Vehicles, and you had an ATV, how would you spend Father’s Day?

Yup, you guessed it! We went on “Lucille” (our red-headed ATV who is a BALL) up into the Tobacco Root Range to the top of the world this afternoon.

Come and take a ride with us… way up to the snow area where snow drifts caused us to have to turn around and head back down. We’ll start up there and head down

Below that snowy area, there is a gorgeous lookout where we can view the valley below. I took a few photos from that lookout to share with you.

Looking east to the Madison Valley and the Madison Range.
See our Boston, TazE, by the road there?
Looking west from the Lookout
The fields were covered with beautiful little flowers.
On our way up to tha lookout, we stopped at Sureshot Lake.
TazE appreciated the break after the bumpy ride down.
You can see the lake below to the right of the window.

We saw twice as many campers in the camping areas this trip compared to any other year, and we’ve been traveling this route for nearly ten years. During this COVID-19 pandemic, word has gotten out. Montana is a great Big Sky place… with lots of fresh air, space, and unbelievable beauty.

And this “crowd” of campers is nothing compared to what you’d experience in California or Florida or other vacation destinations!

Time to head toward home…. there’s our Madison Valley down there.
These are called “Jack Fences.” They don’t have to be buried, so they survive the snow and freezing temperatures longer than posts that need to be pounded in.
Tucked back into these mountains are some really beautiful horse farms.
TazE knows when we get close to home. She gets up and goes on high alert!
We’re happy you joined us for our Father’s Day adventure.
Back to the pickup near this lily pond in McAllister.
Time to put “Lucille” on the trailer and go home for a barbecue.

Here’s lookin’ at you!
Happy Father’s Day, my friends.

Til next time – Happy Trails to You!
See ya tomorrow.
Love, JanBeek

Category:

flowers, holidays, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, pets, photography, Travel, trees

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Love those Bostons!!


Did you know Boston Terriers are the one breed created in the USA?

The Boston terrier breed originated around 1875, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased from Edward Burnett a dog named Judge (known later as Hooper’s Judge), which was of a bull and terrier type lineage. … The American Kennel Club cites Hooper’s Judge as the ancestor of all true modern Boston Terriers.

It’s very appropriate that this adorable furry friend should greet you on Memorial Day 2020. The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname “The American Gentleman.”

Our TazE brings us such joy. We bought her from a breeder in Indiana after seeing her with her four siblings in a picture on-line. We were going to name her “Angel,” but then we met her two weeks later when she was delivered to us by a http://www.U-Ship.com helper. (That’s a story I wrote about a couple of years ago on JanBeek at https://janbeek.blog/2018/08/26/a-love-affair-with-bostons/)

Meeting her, seeing her bounce and be in constant motion, we realized she was no “Angel.” With the help of our son’s creative advice, we named her “Taz” (for the Tasmanian Devil) and “E” the ears that dominated her presence. She has calmed down now. Her sweet soul kept me company today and helped me have a very Happy Memorial Day weekend. I hope you had one, too.

On behalf of our sweet TazE (notice how she is turning white around her eyes as she ages) – and us (the 2Beeks) we wish you a very meaningful Memorial Day evening. God bless you, dear friends.


Did you have a memorable Memorial Day weekend?
Tell me about it.
See ya tomorrow.

Love from JanBeek & TazE

Category:

Animals, friendship, holidays, Love, pets, relationships

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Dog Days


There’s no time like now
To enjoy some great dog days –
So, sit down and smile!

Don’t need a Monday
for TazE to do this stretch.
We call her “Frog Dog!
TazE was perky
As a puppy in basket.
She’s a snuggler now.
Whether at home or
in the car, she’s a snuggler.
Loves to burrow in!
Burrows in the car
using my coat for blanket.
Hey, go get your own!
In this pandemic,
TazE’s a great companion.
Have you a dog pal?
Knowing a dog’s hug
is unconditional love.
It’s personified!
Today’s Hope’s birthday.
Happy 26th birthday
to Granddaughter Hope!!

There’s no sweeter love
than the love of a puppy!
It fixes all ills.
We’ve loved six Bostons
during our 58 years.
Each still part of us.
Boston Terriers
are always good and fun sports –
– in every season!
Is your dog lazy
with soulful eyes and sad look?
Or full of sparkle?
Photo by Goochie Poochie Grooming on Pexels.com

Whether sleek, fluffy,
great big, small, or in between,
dogs are good buddies.


A day with a dog
is a happy day, indeed.
I can testify!
Whether big or small,
dogs always make life’s journey
more joyful travel.

Do you have a dog
to ease your earthly journey?
I would love to hear.

Maybe there’s a cat.
They travel a different road!
Is yours a lap cat?

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com

If you’re like Derrick,
You have a bird’s company.
Their songs cheer your days.

derrickjknight has “Nugget.”
Have you met him?

I’m all about finding cheer and comfort and companionship in these pandemic days. Where is your happy source (besides your spouse or God)??

Have a Delightful Dog (or cat or bird) Day!!
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Animals, blessings, Family, friendship, Haiku, happiness, Love, pets, Poetry, relationships

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Four Ways To Overcome Fear


Sometimes this COVID-19 feels like we’re walking through the “Valley of the Shadow of Death,” especially when we see the staggering statistics from Italy and realize how quickly the virus is spreading in places like New York City.

A friend told me today he feels we’re living in a period akin to the Great Depression or the Dust Bowl era. Songs are being composed about it. There are thoughtful essays being written. Scientists are creating impressive graphs showing the statistics of known contagions to death tolls and analyzing the relationships to age and climate. Novels will be written that will be classics in the decades to come.

How do we live through this “Valley of the Shadow of Death” without fear?

There are the usual responses: pray, sequester and meditate, have faith, bury your head…

But, while I do believe in the power of our Maker, and I pray daily for the Source of all comfort to bring us healing and peace, there are a few other ways I keep myself FROM feeling the gloom that seems to be enveloping so many. You probably have a list of ways, too. I’d love to have you share yours with me.

Here are my four favorite remedies for avoiding the paralysis of fear:

  • Music – sing, play, or listen to uplifting songs on YouTube or XM Radio. I love seeing those folks on their balconies in Italy making joyful music together, don’t you? I just listened to Bono and Will.i.am singing a song they wrote for/to the Italians. Google it! Music soothes the soul and uplifts the spirit.
  • Write – as a blogger, you know how therapeutic it is to put words on paper, in a journal, on a card to a friend, or here on WordPress. Write about what keeps you positive and passionate.
  • Connect – on the internet or by phone, through a window or across a fence. I just installed a new app on my phone and iPad. It’s called ZOOM. Do you know it? The basic version is free. It’s like FaceTime, but it works on other platforms besides Apple products. My friends in California and Bob & I had a great conversation. It was like sitting across the table from our friends who are 1200 miles away from us. We miss them and it lifted our spirits to see and reconnect with them.
  • Walk – when the weather permits, go for a walk with your dog or a friend or both. I did that yesterday in our Lion’s Club Park. Yes, we practiced social distancing, but we could chat and laugh and encourage one another. It’s good for body and soul. And TazE loved it, too.

Do tell your dog he’s gotta walk, too!

Tell me, what ways do you avoid walking in the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” these days?

What are your favorite ways of avoiding fear?

Thanks for dropping by.
Visit a while, okay?
Add your ideas below.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Animals, blogging, books, Faith, friendship, happiness, health, Life's Challenges, Love, music, nature, peace, pets, relationships, Serving One Another, writing

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What Can You Do?


So I went outside
The sky was crispy and clear
I enjoyed the walk

Fun in the kitchen
Resulted in a fresh loaf
Baked in Switzerland

Gorgeous scene out our daughter’s window
in Sierre, Switzerland
This bread looks great, but turned out a little dry.
Too much flour, DeAna said.
Top one is the original try.
Bottom one is beer bread.
Turned out just right
DeAna just sent me the recipe for the Beer Bread –
and here are the directions:
Try it!

Let’s let the bread cool
While we take a healthy walk
The hills are alive

That’s our daughter DeAna
and our grandson, Nicky

There’s a lovely view
From high up in the Swiss Alps
Above Rhone Valley

Climbing a mountain
May not be in your sweet spot
How about cuddles?

Aussie Quokka
Doesn’t this sweetheart make you smile?

You can cuddle now
With beloved furry friend
Or with a sweet child

My daughter-in-love, Monika,
with my great-granddaughter, Cosette

If bread and cuddling
Are not your favorite things,
Try this healthy meal!

Not into cooking?
You can trim your dog’s toenails
Or play with your cat.

Not Bob’s favorite chore!
And TazE hates it!
Photo by Alena Koval on Pexels.com

What else can you do?
Try turning on some YouTube
And dancing a while.

If the weather’s great
Go out and knock on a door
Leave some of that bread!

Be sure after you knock on the door,
you run away and hide.
Social distancing, you know?
And besides, be a go-giver anonymously!

What to do today?
You have a lot of choices.
Which one do you choose?

Thanks for visiting.
I’m headed for a walk with TazE.
Bob’s finished with her toes.
See ya later!

Category:

Animals, children, Family, food, friendship, Giving, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, pets, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another, Sharing

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Take Time to Smell the …


Take time to smell the flowers

Along life’s busy road

Their fragrance fills your senses

And lightens your heavy load

Flowers are companions

Like pups, our furry friends

Who give love unconditionally

No faking – no pretends

Flowers lift our spirits

In ways little else can do

Take time to smell the flowers

I’m sending these to you

Have a blessed day!
Take time …

See ya tomorrow

Category:

Animals, flowers, friendship, happiness, Love, pets, Poetry

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Friday Morning


It’s Friday after Christmas –
The tree is standing there
With lights and ornaments sparkling
But underneath, it’s bare.

Presents all were given
To our loved ones with a smile,
But now the family’s leaving –
Traveling off many a mile.

We created quite a ruckus
As we laughed and reminisced.
Sisters and their families far away
Were in our hearts, but missed.

A dozen of the Beekman/Payne Family

It’s a quiet Friday morning –
The family is mostly gone.
I sit alone with my memories
In this beautiful early dawn.

What memories of Christmas
Float in your heart this day?
I hope they all are happy ones –
As loved ones are safely on their way.

Grandson, Sam, beat me by two points in ping pong. But, I gave it a good fight… 23 to 25!
I enjoyed helping Monika prepare our Christmas salad and asparagus.
I hold happy memories of Jordan being the attentive daddy…
Ty & Monika’s dog (more like a horse), Nakota, loved his present!
Sharing OUR treats was okay, but don’t try to take HIS bone away!
My favorite part of Christmas

It’s not the Christmas presents
Given from under the tree;
It’s the present of love’s presence
That means the most to me.

God gave us His Son on Christmas morn.
We celebrate the JOY of Jesus’ birth.
Celebrate the gift of LOVE He gives to us
With our friends and family here on earth.

Merry Christmas weekend to you, my friends.
May Christmas live on in your heart.
May you always remember His gift of grace –
And pass that love and peace along – do your part!

Happy Friday. from Bob & Jan.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Sending love and hugs…
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Animals, blessings, children, Christmas, Family, food, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, peace, pets, Poetry, prayer, Sharing

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Sally’s Place & Chickens


My sis, Sally, lives at the Masonic Village. It’s a lovely place. We enjoyed a tour this afternoon.

A lovely sitting area near the entrance… and a beautiful meeting room where church services are held each Sunday:

Bob & I had lunch with my sis at her home’s “Friendsgiving” celebration.

The staff really got into the spirit by dressing up for the occasion.
Then we went home – and were greeted by cheery Lily.

Jodie’s standard poodle, Lily, was smiling to Hello. Such a sweet pup!!

Then Mary, their sheepadoodle, came to join in the greeting. Such beautiful dogs.

We were greeted also by a variety of their chickens… fascinating!! I wonder which one of these provided the eggs for our breakfast this morning? The eggs were as varied in color as the chickens are!

This Sussex lays brown eggs.
This gal lays green or blue eggs! She’s a Whitening.
Isn’t this a handsome guy? The hens hover around him!
This is Charlotte – a Polish bantam. Her eggs are tiny and cream colored.
This one lays deep brownish-red eggs. She is a Maran.
She wouldn’t stand still!!
This is a golden Wyndotte. She lays brown eggs.

Don’t you love this wonderful variety of hens and roosters? Such fun! There are about 80+ birds in Liam’s flock.

And Liam has a business selling “Liam’s Great Eggs.” He has a growing clientele… can’t even keep up with the demand! Come on, hens, keep on layin’. This is such a great learning opportunity for us all!

Pick out the eggs you want for your breakfast tomorrow~

See ya in the morning.

Category:

Animals, blessings, children, Family, food, health, Life's Challenges, Love, nature, pets, Sharing

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