What color are "Candy Club" Lilies? I had an idea in mind, but had to wait a couple of days. before the flowers bloomed and I could be 100% certain. I guessed right!
Pink!
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Stuff and Events of Interest to a non-PC wife and mom of 6 kids+
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
Female Heart Attack: Best Description Ever
FEMALE HEART ATTACKS ARE DIFFERENT
Women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have ... you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack.
I had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking, 'A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.
A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation--the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.
After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasms), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR).
This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws. 'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening -- we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself and the cat, Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!
I lowered the foot rest dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else... but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in a moment.
I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the Paramedics... I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to un-bolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.
I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the radiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications?') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.
I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was all ready to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stents.
Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand.
1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body, not the usual men's symptoms but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up... which doesn't happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!
2. Note that I said 'Call the Paramedics.' And if you can take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER - you are a hazard to others on the road.
Do NOT have your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road.
Do NOT call your doctor -- he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later.
3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure). MIs are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17)
9.4.2020
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Sunday, February 25, 2018
Billy Graham: Only 4th Private Citizen to Be Honored at Capitol Rotunda
Who are the other 3 private citizens bestowed this rare distinction? They are --
- U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob J. Chestnut, Jr., (1940–1998) and Detective John M. Gibson (1956–1998)
2 Capitol police officers who died in the line of duty |
| pc: US House of Representatives |
- Rosa Parks, activist of the Civil Rights Movement
 |
| pc: Library of Congress |
Billy Graham's favorite Bible verse
Billy Graham @ The Capitol Building
Individuals Who Have Lain in State or in Honor
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Saturday, February 24, 2018
Recent MacKenzie Childs Favorites
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| Parchment Check cannister; used as a flower vase |
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| matching cannisters |
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| Platter; big enough for a turkey |
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| Great Vase; and great, big Owl |
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| pretty dishes & cupcakes |
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| 3-quart casserole pan |
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| Globe Vase. I luv flowers! |
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| MC ice bucket used as a flower vase |
11.04.2020
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Thursday, February 22, 2018
Preacher Billy Graham, Class of 1943
Billy Graham preached the gospel to 215 million people in live audiences in 185 countries and territories at more than 400 crusades, missions, and evangelistic rallies. His influence for the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ is beyond human measure. He provided spiritual counsel to every president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama and was sought out by countless other political and religious leaders around the world spanning several generations. Renowned for his humility, transparency, simplicity and integrity, Billy Graham proved faithful to the end as a "prophet with honor."
From the day he first set foot on Wheaton's campus in September 1940, and soon met his beloved wife Ruth, Dr. Graham remained a booster of Wheaton College. Through the years he went out of the way to encourage each of Wheaton's presidents. It was because of his love for Wheaton that the Billy Graham Center is one of the most prominent buildings on our campus.
I was just starting high school when the Graham Center was dedicated and Billy Graham preached to a huge crowd on Wheaton's front campus. I was there that day, sitting on a picnic blanket and listening to Dr. Graham preach the gospel he loved to proclaim—the good news of forgiveness for sin and the free gift of eternal life through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like countless others who heard Billy Graham preach, I re-committed my life to Christ.
Now the Lord has taken Billy Graham to heaven. It is where he belongs, and where in recent years he has been ready to go. When I met with Dr. Graham during my first year as president of Wheaton College, he spoke freely and openly about his hope to be with Jesus soon.
In his 1997 autobiography, Just As I Am, Dr. Graham wrote,
| I don't know the future, but I do know this: the best is yet to be! Heaven awaits us, and that will be far, far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine. As the Bible says, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (I John 3:2). This is the hope of every believer. It is my hope, and I pray that it will be your hope as well. I know that soon my life will be over. I thank God for it, and for all He has given me in this life. But I look forward to Heaven...Most of all, I look forward to seeing Christ and bowing before Him in praise and gratitude for all He has done for us, and for using me on this earth by His grace—just as I am. |
Lisa and I, along with other members of Wheaton's community, will be traveling soon to attend Billy Graham's memorial service in Charlotte. Please join us in praying for Dr. Graham's ongoing legacy and for all who grieve the passing of one of the church's most effective evangelists.
Philip Ryken
President
Wheaton College, IL
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Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Biggie the Pug Dog: Favorite at Westminster
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| Biggie, pc: Mary Altaffer AP |
Biggie was a crowd favorite at this year's 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show He won for the Toy Group, but not for Best in Show. A Bichon Frisee won the coveted title.
Biggie has a famous/accomplished dog-cousin named Rumble -- last year's winner for best of his breed. Rumble inexplicably died at the young dog-age of 3 years on June 5, 2017 (the same week he had gotten a Flu shot, hmmmmmmm).
Here's Biggie & Rumble's story:
Biggie the pug, a Westminster Best in Show finalist, steals hearts with sad tale
(by Lisa Guttierez)
Fans at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show have taken one dog in particular to their hearts this year: A little pug named Biggie who brings a sad tale.
With velvety black ears and a confident strut, Biggie won the Toy Group on Monday, which means he will compete for Best in Show Tuesday night.
Biggie is a cousin of a champion pug named Rumble — best of his breed at Westminster last year — who died unexpectedly last summer.
Biggie’s handler, Esteban Farias, said Monday’s win was for Rumble.
“This is unbelievable,” he said. “It’s a dream come true. And I have a little friend who is looking for us up in the sky. And this is for him.”
Rumble was in the prime of his life and show career when he died at the age of 3, according to The Canine Chronicle.
With movement described as flawless, a balanced body and a beautiful head, Rumble was a champion from an early age, a “little prince” of a dog.
He was the top pug and top toy breed in the country, with 42 Best in Shows to his credit, and a “picture of health” when he died, according to the Chronicle.
Taking his regular morning walk on June 5, 2017, Rumble collapsed and died instantly.
The week before he had just received a wellness exam and his initial flu vaccine, a “jump-start” on a nasty flu that caused grave concern in the show community last year, according to his breeder. He didn’t show any problems with the vaccine.
“With all of Rumble’s accolades and accomplishments, his loss wasn’t mourned because of his winnings or his status as a show dog, but instead for the beautiful dog he was inside and out,” his Texas breeder, Kristy Ratliff of Hill Country Pugs, told the Chronicle.
“He was truly an outstanding representative of the pug breed, and he will be admired for generations to come.”
Pugs are always popular at Westminster, but Biggie’s family connection to Rumble quickly endeared him to fans. (Some people thought Biggie was Rumble’s son.)
Watching Biggie come into his own in the competition ring has been emotional for Rumble’s breeders, recognized as among the top pug breeders in the country.
The cause of his death remains largely a mystery.
One month after he died, Ratliff wrote on Facebook that the final report on his death, which had “clearly left no stone unturned,” was inconclusive.
“So, as you can see, we have closure, without definitive closure,” she wrote.
Sad Tale
Honoring Rumble
Rumble, the Winner!
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Monday, February 19, 2018
George Washington: His Last Day on Earth
Most Americans know that the Father of our Country was also a military general without which the United States never would have gained independence, and those who remember their social studies classes will hopefully recall that his tenure as president set the standard for chief executives being understood as public servants rather than monarchs.
There’s much more to Washington’s life and example, of course, and even history buffs and political junkies might not be aware of the grim, remarkable details of the very end of his time on earth.
In 2014, Dr. Howard Markel of the University of Michigan wrote a piece for PBS NewsHour detailing the rapid onset of the illness that claimed Washington’s life, as well as the “excruciating” nature of the attempts to treat him.
It all started the day before at his Mount Vernon estate, when the retired general and president began to experience coughing, a runny nose, and hoarseness in his voice as a result of spending the day in harsh winter weather and declining to change into dry clothes for dinner for fear of being tardy.
At 2 AM the next morning, Washington’s condition had woken him up with “profound shortness of breath” with a “pronounced fever” following a few hours later, leading to the fetching of his 40-year physician, Dr. James Craik.
The details of Washington’s treatment are not for the faint of heart; they involve the uneasy, obsolete medical practice of bloodletting:
At 7:30 a.m., [Mount Vernon overseer George] Rawlins removed 12 to 14 ounces of blood, after which Washington requested that he remove still more. Following the procedure, Col. Lear gave the patient a tonic of molasses, butter and vinegar, which nearly choked Washington to death, so inflamed were the beefy-red tissues of his infected throat […]Dr. Craik entered Washington’s bedchamber at 9 a.m. After taking the medical history, he applied a painful “blister of cantharides,” better known as “Spanish fly,” to Washington’s throat. The idea behind this tortuous treatment was based on a humoral notion of medicine dating back to antiquity called “counter-irritation.” The blisters raised by this toxic stuff would supposedly draw out the deadly humors causing the General’s throat inflammation.At 9:30 a.m., another bloodletting of 18 ounces was performed followed by a similar withdrawal at 11 a.m. At noon, an enema was administered. Attempts at gargling with a sage tea, laced with vinegar were unsuccessful but Washington was still strong enough to walk about his bedroom for a bit and to sit upright in an easy chair for a few hours. His real challenge was breathing once he returned to lying flat on his back in bed.
Two more rounds of bloodletting were attempted afterward, with the fourth helping him a bit — but it didn’t last. Incredibly, to the agonizing end, Washington was the personification of dignity:
He told Dr. Craik: “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I should not survive it; my breath can not last long.” Ever the gentleman, even in extremis, the General made a point of thanking all three doctors for their help […]At 10 p.m., Washington murmured some last words about burial instructions to Col. Lear. Twenty minutes later, Col. Lears’ notes record, the former president settled back in his bed and calmly took his pulse. At the very end, Washington’s fingers dropped off his wrist and the first president of our great Republic took his final breath.
Multiple physicians intensely debated Washington’s cause of death at the time, and whether alternative procedures could have saved his life, and in fact modern medicine isn’t even entirely sure today, though according to Markel, “acute bacterial epiglottitis seems most likely.”
It’s definitely ugly to think about how painful and harrowing that death must have been, but it’s comforting to think that if anyone went on to claim his heavenly reward of eternal peace, it would be the man to whom we owe so much.
George Washington, US President
Washington's Excruciating Last Hours
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Saturday, February 17, 2018
How to Clean Your Precious Original Artwork
... all your money won't another minute buy-- Dust in the Wind, by Kansas
Hopefully, other Art lovers will agree that each is quite precious when the time comes to sell one or a couple. BTW, I was at the artshow when the mosaic-like artwork by J. McMillan was on display. I wish I had been the one who had bought it. Same with the painting of the old man and his pipe.
I found the how-to-clean Art article below helpful so as not to damage artwork. We have yet to own an Erin Hanson original work of Art, but she is very much on our radar.
One common question we get asked at The Erin Hanson Gallery is “how do I clean my painting?” This is a vital piece of knowledge that every art collector should have in his or her repertoire. Whether you are a serious or casual collector, it’s important to know how to care for the pieces you cherish.
That said, “how to clean art” isn’t something commonly taught in schools. Art curators and conservationists are specially trained in this area, but few outside this select group know what they are doing when it comes to caring for their art. That’s why we’ve provided a step-by-step how-to guide for you to follow when cleaning your Erin Hanson paintings.
How to Clean Your Painting:
1. Take the painting down and place it face up on a sturdy, well-lit surface. We recommend you cover the surface with a towel or something similar to avoid scratching the table's surface. A clean table with direct lighting is your best painting-cleaning station...
Read the rest of the article ---> HERE
San Diego Gallery
Erin Hanson: How to Clean My Original Artwork
15.05.2020
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Thursday, February 15, 2018
POTUS Obama & Democrats: Off-With-Their-Heads Tendency Through Art
Mr Obama & his subtle promotion of racial tensions...
Whenever a former president and first lady leave office, it isn’t long before they have official portraits commissioned specifically for the purpose of being displayed in the Smithsonian Museum’s National Portrait Gallery.
According to CNN, the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle were unveiled on Monday during a small ceremony in Washington.
Obama’s portrait featured the ex-president seated in a wooden chair in front of a backdrop of green leaves and flowers that seemed poised to envelop him and the chair, as if he were in an overgrown garden of some sort
The portrait was painted by an artist named Kehinde Wiley, who has now become the first black artist to paint an official presidential portrait for the Gallery.
According to The New York Times, Obama specifically chose Wiley as his painter in October of 2017, after Obama reviewed portfolios of the work of nearly 20 different artists.
Wiley’s claim to fame is adapting classic pieces of artwork to the modern-day by imposing young “urban” men and women in regal poses against bold backgrounds.
One such example noted by The Times is that of a painting of late singer Michael Jackson atop a horse, meant to resemble the classic portrait of Spain’s King Phillip II mounted on a white charger with a great battle scene in the background.
But there are other pieces of Wiley’s that have been adapted and modernized from the classics that are a bit less absurd and definitely more grim, particularly one which seems to advocate for racial violence.
According to The Daily Caller, Wiley has produced two similar paintings that purport to spin off the tale of Judith’s beheading of Holofernes, a story found in the Book of Judith.
In that story — part of the Catholic Bible proper but considered apocrypha by Protestants — a Jewish woman named Judith seduced and then beheaded an Assyrian general named Holofernes who was set to destroy her people — a story that has been told through classic artwork on numerous occasions in the past.
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| pc: artnet |
But in Wiley’s version, Judith is a black woman instead of Hebrew, and the decapitated head of Holofernes is not that of a male Assyrian general, but instead is that of a dead white woman.
As acolytes of the former president are quick to remind us, Obama was supposed to have bridged the racial divide in this country with his election. Unfortunately, his tenure in office only served to broaden that gap and leave racial tensions even worse than they were prior to his entering the White House.
The fact that he [Obama] specifically chose an artist to paint his official portrait who has in the past depicted a proud black woman holding aloft the severed head of a white woman will do nothing to alleviate that perception — and could conceivably make things worse.
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| pc: Washington Times |
Imagine for a moment the outcry from the left if President Trump were to commission a portrait of himself from an artist known for painting white people holding the severed heads of black people.
I think we already know how that would go.
Portraits Break New Ground
Kehinde Wiley
Kathy Griffin & Decapitated Head
2 Women
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Galileo Galilei: Floating Thermometer
The floating thermometer was not invented by Galileo, but is named after him because "... he discovered the principle on which this thermometer is based—that the density of a liquid changes in proportion to its temperature".
Daughter's gift from me and hubby. Fascinating to watch.
Galileo Galilei
Density
Galileo Floating Thermometer
Floating Blue Thermometer
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