I have applied stucco once in my life, but today was my real introduction to "laying stucco" on a large area, it's important to know the proper words, have the proper tools and know that by the end of the day, you may not be able to move certain parts of your body, have multiple cramps in multiple muscles, blisters, and have areas of your body that may never be the same again. It's also important to know that the "scratch coat" is only the first of three layers which must be applied to the entire area before the project is finished.
I had never heard the words; hock, lath, weep screed, j molding, corner moulding or brown coat and a host of other terms which were foreign to me until I got involved in the "Marketplace" project at the Passion Play. I was involved in staining the fascia, soffits and eaves, as well as patching parts of the OSB which then needed to be covered with tar paper before the stucco process could be undertaken and applying wire screening to prevent birds from building nests in the exhaust vents. I also helped with some of the demolition work on the arches which will be replaced with a different kind of arch structure, the terms for which I think were in a language other than English.
It's been fun to learn new skills, work with people who know what they are doing and are able to guide a rookie in being of some use to them in their work. So many people have been mentors, teachers, masters and foremen as I just pitch in where I can. Right now I need to pack in some more liquids, drink a bunch of pickle juice to combat the cramps which are starting to attack my hands and legs, and get into the shower and get the quikrete dust and dried mortar mix off my arms and legs and get some moisturizer on areas of skin which feel like every bit of moisture has been extracted. Stucco work......is really hard work. Maybe tomorrow I can do something else...........unless the "boss" wants a repeat performance.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
August 27, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Glory Days
This has been an unusual two days at the Passion Play. Our C and D parking areas between the Passion Play amphitheater and the Christ of the Ozark Statue have been taken over by the "Eureka Springs Foul Air Volkswagen Klub Overflow Show". Hundreds of VW bugs, busses, vans, beetles, rabbits, classic and late model in every condition imaginable have been on display in what are normally empty grass fields. There has been a steady parade of "entrants", gawkers, aficionados and people just out for a day of entertainment. The Eureka Springs Trolley extended its route through the display area and there has been music, food and fun for the attendees. Right now it's thundering and starting to rain so the general direction of travel appears to be outward.
In the "old days", the parking areas were full five nights a week with Passion Play attendees numbering between 2500-4000 per night. In those same old days, Karen and I owned a VW bug and a VW bus in which we travelled all over the country, and broke down in many of the places we travelled to. It was a fun life for us and a glorious time for the Passion Play. It harkens back to the time Bruce Springsteen wrote about in his song "Glory Days" and it seems that many of the shows participants are still longing for those olden days and spending a lot of time and money recreating those days and maybe lamenting the changes which have confronted us of late.
I look back with a wide range of emotions to the days gone by and occasionally wonder "what if" or "if only I had.....", but more often I have taken an attitude of the Glory Days yet to come and the realization that what we have now will not come with us, that the stuff we treasure so highly now is nothing more than stuff, and will become someone else's when we are gone.
It was fun to walk through the car display area earlier today, look at the cars and the people and hear some of the "memories", but it was more fun to take my place in The Holy Land and talk about Moses, Elijah, Jesus and the other Bible characters, visit with people about the Passion Play and build on the past to anticipate the Glory Days to come.
Later this evening we will present the Passion Play again. I wonder how many VW's will still be in the parking lot with their owners sitting in the amphitheater, All we can do is continue scattering seeds and hope some lands on good soil. God will water the seed, the Holy Spirit will make it grow and Jesus will be glorified.
Sent from my iPad
In the "old days", the parking areas were full five nights a week with Passion Play attendees numbering between 2500-4000 per night. In those same old days, Karen and I owned a VW bug and a VW bus in which we travelled all over the country, and broke down in many of the places we travelled to. It was a fun life for us and a glorious time for the Passion Play. It harkens back to the time Bruce Springsteen wrote about in his song "Glory Days" and it seems that many of the shows participants are still longing for those olden days and spending a lot of time and money recreating those days and maybe lamenting the changes which have confronted us of late.
I look back with a wide range of emotions to the days gone by and occasionally wonder "what if" or "if only I had.....", but more often I have taken an attitude of the Glory Days yet to come and the realization that what we have now will not come with us, that the stuff we treasure so highly now is nothing more than stuff, and will become someone else's when we are gone.
It was fun to walk through the car display area earlier today, look at the cars and the people and hear some of the "memories", but it was more fun to take my place in The Holy Land and talk about Moses, Elijah, Jesus and the other Bible characters, visit with people about the Passion Play and build on the past to anticipate the Glory Days to come.
Later this evening we will present the Passion Play again. I wonder how many VW's will still be in the parking lot with their owners sitting in the amphitheater, All we can do is continue scattering seeds and hope some lands on good soil. God will water the seed, the Holy Spirit will make it grow and Jesus will be glorified.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
August 24, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. One Guarantee
One day we will die. Unless Jesus returns and takes us with Him into the clouds to be with Him forever in Heaven, there is one guarantee we can depend on; One day we will die. We are not guaranteed a set number of years, a retirement after years of working for a retirement, Social Security, or the health at retirement to be able to travel or afford to travel. The only thing we can be sure of is that we will some day die in the course of our day, or just wake up dead.
Every day we hear on the news of famous people who have passed away, learn that friends have died or that some natural disaster has claimed the lives of scores of people in some far-off place we may never have heard of. No one is immune and all of us are impacted by the report that there has been an accident or illness which has claimed a life, or an argument has escalated into a homicide or an act of terrorism has cost innocent people their lives.
This week has been no different. We lost some friends in a horrible accident in Colorado and our former pastor and his wife were with them, and were nearly killed in the same accident. Another former pastor lived within a few hundred feet of the accident site and his wife was able to be with and comfort the surviving couple as they grieved the event which had just taken place. One of our close friends here at the Passion Play just lost her father, and another has been diagnosed with cancer, and we hear on the news of those who have died in the floods in Louisiana and today in the earthquake in Italy. There is no end to the "bad" news and there are many who angrily ask "where was God when those "bad" things happened? But the truth is; God IS THERE, in every event. And, those who die and those who live trusting God, resting in the hope He offers to those who do believe in Him will live with Him in Eternity if they die now or in eternity with Him if they survive now but die later.
That last sentence may need to be read again because it doesn't sound like it makes sense, but it does. It is that truth which allows us to grieve the earthly loss of Josh and Sherri, pray for Rob and Joy as they grieve that earthly loss and know that God IS in control and will one day reveal to those of us who trust in Him why grief is part of the blessings we experience. Yes, we will die.......but for those who have Jesus as the foundation of their life........that's the GOOD NEWS. THANK YOU, JESUS.
Sent from my iPad
Every day we hear on the news of famous people who have passed away, learn that friends have died or that some natural disaster has claimed the lives of scores of people in some far-off place we may never have heard of. No one is immune and all of us are impacted by the report that there has been an accident or illness which has claimed a life, or an argument has escalated into a homicide or an act of terrorism has cost innocent people their lives.
This week has been no different. We lost some friends in a horrible accident in Colorado and our former pastor and his wife were with them, and were nearly killed in the same accident. Another former pastor lived within a few hundred feet of the accident site and his wife was able to be with and comfort the surviving couple as they grieved the event which had just taken place. One of our close friends here at the Passion Play just lost her father, and another has been diagnosed with cancer, and we hear on the news of those who have died in the floods in Louisiana and today in the earthquake in Italy. There is no end to the "bad" news and there are many who angrily ask "where was God when those "bad" things happened? But the truth is; God IS THERE, in every event. And, those who die and those who live trusting God, resting in the hope He offers to those who do believe in Him will live with Him in Eternity if they die now or in eternity with Him if they survive now but die later.
That last sentence may need to be read again because it doesn't sound like it makes sense, but it does. It is that truth which allows us to grieve the earthly loss of Josh and Sherri, pray for Rob and Joy as they grieve that earthly loss and know that God IS in control and will one day reveal to those of us who trust in Him why grief is part of the blessings we experience. Yes, we will die.......but for those who have Jesus as the foundation of their life........that's the GOOD NEWS. THANK YOU, JESUS.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, August 21, 2016
August 21, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Let's Celebrate
It's been fun watching the Olympics the past few weeks and seeing gifted athletes celebrate their victories and near victories, while many more did not win medals but were able to celebrate the fact that they represented their country on a world-wide stage. In a few weeks we will see the ParaOlympics where everyone who participates will be a winner in the eyes of all of us.
On a more local level, Karen and I are about to go to dinner with Jerry and Renee to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary. That's pretty good for a couple who are younger than us, have four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way. They got an early start, but are going strong and still serving the Lord with Campers on Mission. Tomorrow we will be going to dinner with Dick and Joan to celebrate his 89th birthday. Dick has been the Tabernacle Priest here at The Great Passion Play for 28 years, is a retired Navy man and former pastor in Eureka Springs. They are a great couple and still eager to be part of TGPP and share their experiences and knowledge with others.
We have been so blessed to be around a wide variety of people who are trying to make a positive difference in the world in the places God calls them to serve. It's good to celebrate our "victories", but it's even better to know that the biggest victory is yet to come; and we can celebrate it now with assurance and expectation. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
On a more local level, Karen and I are about to go to dinner with Jerry and Renee to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary. That's pretty good for a couple who are younger than us, have four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way. They got an early start, but are going strong and still serving the Lord with Campers on Mission. Tomorrow we will be going to dinner with Dick and Joan to celebrate his 89th birthday. Dick has been the Tabernacle Priest here at The Great Passion Play for 28 years, is a retired Navy man and former pastor in Eureka Springs. They are a great couple and still eager to be part of TGPP and share their experiences and knowledge with others.
We have been so blessed to be around a wide variety of people who are trying to make a positive difference in the world in the places God calls them to serve. It's good to celebrate our "victories", but it's even better to know that the biggest victory is yet to come; and we can celebrate it now with assurance and expectation. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, August 18, 2016
August 18, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. One Day at a Time
Whenever we start thinking "up the road" we are reminded that we can plan all we want, but you have to live in the moment and get through each day before the planned plans will come into play, maybe. Our schedule at the Passion Play goes into slow motion for the next three weeks, as we have only Friday and Saturday performance days until Labor Day (September 4th) when we return to three performances a week until the end of October.
We do have non-performance tasks to accomplish, but if it rains, as it is right now, many of my outdoor tasks have to be delayed for clear weather. The Olympics, fortunately for us, is on the one network channel we are able to get on our tv, so that has been a welcome change of pace from the Ninja Warriors, Judge Judy and America's Got Talent judges and questionable talent, and the questionable talents of our presidential candidates. It has been fun to watch even if we have to endure so many NBC hosts, broadcast personalities, endlessly repeated commercials and ex-athlete experts with annoying voices and judges who seem to need instant replay more than NFL officials. It is fun to see the wide variety of sports and the wide variety of participants from around the world.
In any event, we go from day to day, pray for the ministries and people we serve, ask for God's hand on our friends and family, and make plans for the weeks and months ahead and wait to see how they will be realized or changed and what needs to be done thereafter. In a few weeks we will have been RV owners for three years, and soon thereafter will be "full-timers" on the road since December, 2013. It's been one day at a time, but it has gone quickly and it has been a wonderful experience. Wouldn't want to change too much of it, and so grateful God opened the door and allowed us to drive thru it.......with Karen doing all the driving.
Sent from my iPad
We do have non-performance tasks to accomplish, but if it rains, as it is right now, many of my outdoor tasks have to be delayed for clear weather. The Olympics, fortunately for us, is on the one network channel we are able to get on our tv, so that has been a welcome change of pace from the Ninja Warriors, Judge Judy and America's Got Talent judges and questionable talent, and the questionable talents of our presidential candidates. It has been fun to watch even if we have to endure so many NBC hosts, broadcast personalities, endlessly repeated commercials and ex-athlete experts with annoying voices and judges who seem to need instant replay more than NFL officials. It is fun to see the wide variety of sports and the wide variety of participants from around the world.
In any event, we go from day to day, pray for the ministries and people we serve, ask for God's hand on our friends and family, and make plans for the weeks and months ahead and wait to see how they will be realized or changed and what needs to be done thereafter. In a few weeks we will have been RV owners for three years, and soon thereafter will be "full-timers" on the road since December, 2013. It's been one day at a time, but it has gone quickly and it has been a wonderful experience. Wouldn't want to change too much of it, and so grateful God opened the door and allowed us to drive thru it.......with Karen doing all the driving.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, August 15, 2016
August 15, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. When it Rains.........
Today was one of those cloudy, grey, 70'ish days with the weather forecast predicting intermittent rain from early to late. It looked like it would be a stay-inside-type day, a day to read, sew my crosses, watch the Olympics and rest up from resting over the weekend.
Since it wasn't raining at 8:30, I went out and decided to work with James on the Marketplace behind the Eastern Gate. He's building an area for craftsmen to make and sell their wares on performance days. He designed the area, has had some help, but there is a wide variety of work to be done and it has been mostly a one-man project. Until today, I hadn't been involved, but with the lighter performance schedule the next three weeks, I wanted to help him where I could, and today seemed like a good day to ease back into work after my heart cath and the prospect of a short work day
At 4pm I ran out of steam, and at 4:10 it started raining. So, it turned out to be a full work day working on the roofs, felting, stapling, nailing, bolting supports and laying ceramic tile on one section. It was good to get back to work, but the short work day never materialized. At least it was cool and a welcome change from the blistering heat we have had for the past 6 weeks.
Now, it looks like it will be raining for a while. The radar shows a good patch of moisture on the way from Texas, so it's setting up like a good evening to stay inside, read, sew my crosses, watch the Olympics and rest from working when I thought I would be resting. Our friends Jerry and Renee will be arriving back from Florida in a while so we will share dinner, relax and do all the other things from the previous sentence. What a life we lead. What a Great life we lead. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
Since it wasn't raining at 8:30, I went out and decided to work with James on the Marketplace behind the Eastern Gate. He's building an area for craftsmen to make and sell their wares on performance days. He designed the area, has had some help, but there is a wide variety of work to be done and it has been mostly a one-man project. Until today, I hadn't been involved, but with the lighter performance schedule the next three weeks, I wanted to help him where I could, and today seemed like a good day to ease back into work after my heart cath and the prospect of a short work day
At 4pm I ran out of steam, and at 4:10 it started raining. So, it turned out to be a full work day working on the roofs, felting, stapling, nailing, bolting supports and laying ceramic tile on one section. It was good to get back to work, but the short work day never materialized. At least it was cool and a welcome change from the blistering heat we have had for the past 6 weeks.
Now, it looks like it will be raining for a while. The radar shows a good patch of moisture on the way from Texas, so it's setting up like a good evening to stay inside, read, sew my crosses, watch the Olympics and rest from working when I thought I would be resting. Our friends Jerry and Renee will be arriving back from Florida in a while so we will share dinner, relax and do all the other things from the previous sentence. What a life we lead. What a Great life we lead. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, August 12, 2016
August 12, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. The Heart of the Matter
All went well in Little Rock after the initial glitches. The procedure did not reveal any problems with my heart which needed further roto-rootering or other medical intervention. We will have a few medication changes and an upcoming down-going (endoscopy) to check my esophagus. That may be the cause of my chest pressure and hopefully solve my discomfort. In any event, the VA has been wonderful and as I tell everyone, they treat me like a *****General. (That's Five Star General").
I am on a no work schedule for a few days to prevent problems with the access site for the catheter. Don't want to have any arterial bleeding which would be pretty serious, so rested yesterday and will be a "tourist" at the Passion Play today. Will do the Holy Land Tour, listen to all the presentations and watch the Play from the audience instead of on the set. It will be a good change of pace.
We did return to the RV to find a mouse on one of the sticky pads. That makes three for our PP stay this year. Hard to determine where they come in, but this one brought some D-con in with him, so we have a general idea where he had been exploring. Caught our second lady bug last night, and have put out some Home Defense to be somewhat proactive in preventing their return. The chiggers have been leaving me alone the past week or so, so we are doing well. The heart of the matter is.......we are blessed........we are thankful........we are rejoicing in all that God has done for us. Thank you again for all your prayers and concerns for us. GOD IS GOOD.
Sent from my iPad
I am on a no work schedule for a few days to prevent problems with the access site for the catheter. Don't want to have any arterial bleeding which would be pretty serious, so rested yesterday and will be a "tourist" at the Passion Play today. Will do the Holy Land Tour, listen to all the presentations and watch the Play from the audience instead of on the set. It will be a good change of pace.
We did return to the RV to find a mouse on one of the sticky pads. That makes three for our PP stay this year. Hard to determine where they come in, but this one brought some D-con in with him, so we have a general idea where he had been exploring. Caught our second lady bug last night, and have put out some Home Defense to be somewhat proactive in preventing their return. The chiggers have been leaving me alone the past week or so, so we are doing well. The heart of the matter is.......we are blessed........we are thankful........we are rejoicing in all that God has done for us. Thank you again for all your prayers and concerns for us. GOD IS GOOD.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
August 9, 2016. Little Rock, AR. "You've Got to Laff at Life"
My oil business co-worker in the late 70's, Dick, had a very lighthearted, carefree approach to life. His favorite expression was the title of this post, and we tried to laugh as much as possible to keep up with him, but mostly we laughed at him and the situations he encountered. That applies to our day of travel, but mostly to our experience at the VA for my heart cath pre-op appointment and our evening so far.
Most of the situations we encountered will have to wait for explanations in person, rather than in writing which could subject me to legal action for libel, slander, defamation and a host of other retaliatory actions. After all we are to love others......... But we did have a good visit with the assisting surgeon and feel comfortable with what to expect tomorrow and what the possible dangers are. When we returned to the hotel, provided for by the VA, we came up to our room and promptly had to evacuate down 10 flights of steps due to a fire alarm which turned out to be a false alarm. Fortunately the thunder and lightening downpour took place after we were allowed back in the building, but before the elevators were put back in service. Needless to say, we didn't walk up the 10 flights, but waited for the elevators to run. It gave us a chance to thank the three trucks worth of firemen and visit with some of the other vets being put up at the hotel awaiting their procedures tomorrow.
We also were given a reprieve in reporting to the hospital from 6:30 to 7:30, so we can "sleep in" an extra hour tomorrow. It looks like they will be able to do the surgery through my wrist rather than the other option where the chiggers have claimed ownership. They will prep the chigger-zone just in case, which will give the doctors and nurses a good "laff" when they see the damage the little varmints have done.
Time for the Olympics and hopefully a restful night. Thank you for the prayers and good wishes. God is still on His throne, and has all the details, including the "laffing" under control. Talk to you in a few days.
Sent from my iPad
Most of the situations we encountered will have to wait for explanations in person, rather than in writing which could subject me to legal action for libel, slander, defamation and a host of other retaliatory actions. After all we are to love others......... But we did have a good visit with the assisting surgeon and feel comfortable with what to expect tomorrow and what the possible dangers are. When we returned to the hotel, provided for by the VA, we came up to our room and promptly had to evacuate down 10 flights of steps due to a fire alarm which turned out to be a false alarm. Fortunately the thunder and lightening downpour took place after we were allowed back in the building, but before the elevators were put back in service. Needless to say, we didn't walk up the 10 flights, but waited for the elevators to run. It gave us a chance to thank the three trucks worth of firemen and visit with some of the other vets being put up at the hotel awaiting their procedures tomorrow.
We also were given a reprieve in reporting to the hospital from 6:30 to 7:30, so we can "sleep in" an extra hour tomorrow. It looks like they will be able to do the surgery through my wrist rather than the other option where the chiggers have claimed ownership. They will prep the chigger-zone just in case, which will give the doctors and nurses a good "laff" when they see the damage the little varmints have done.
Time for the Olympics and hopefully a restful night. Thank you for the prayers and good wishes. God is still on His throne, and has all the details, including the "laffing" under control. Talk to you in a few days.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, August 6, 2016
August 6, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. How the World has Changed
The Summer Olympics in Rio opened last night and it will be exciting to watch athletes from around the world compete in various sports over the next few weeks. The Olympics used to be reserved for amateur athletes, but now allows professionals to compete and many of the athletes are not only well paid, but the top earners in their sport.
In 1936 the Olympics were held in Berlin and the Games were a showcase for the Third Reich and the impending Nazi campaign to conquer Europe and the world. This year the Games are being protected by nearly 90,000 military personnel who are seeking to prevent groups of radical terrorists and ordinary protestors from interfering with the events and keeping them from harming those wishing to enjoy Rio and the athletic competition.
We once again have the spector of illegal drug use looming over an entire national team much like we did when the East German's in the '70's were messing with drugs, sex changes and other ways of enhancing their medal count. Some things don't seem to change.
But most of all I am trying to understand how we have the Summer Olympics in a country where it is actually winter. I'll be waiting for the ABC Wide World of Sports intro with the ski jumper going off the side of the ski jump, crashing and burning down the hill......but hold on......this is NBC and their armada of famous announcers, show hosts and expert commentators. We wouldn't want this to turn into a network competition......we have enough of that with the Donald-Hillary "road show".
2016.........oh how the world has changed.
Sent from my iPad
In 1936 the Olympics were held in Berlin and the Games were a showcase for the Third Reich and the impending Nazi campaign to conquer Europe and the world. This year the Games are being protected by nearly 90,000 military personnel who are seeking to prevent groups of radical terrorists and ordinary protestors from interfering with the events and keeping them from harming those wishing to enjoy Rio and the athletic competition.
We once again have the spector of illegal drug use looming over an entire national team much like we did when the East German's in the '70's were messing with drugs, sex changes and other ways of enhancing their medal count. Some things don't seem to change.
But most of all I am trying to understand how we have the Summer Olympics in a country where it is actually winter. I'll be waiting for the ABC Wide World of Sports intro with the ski jumper going off the side of the ski jump, crashing and burning down the hill......but hold on......this is NBC and their armada of famous announcers, show hosts and expert commentators. We wouldn't want this to turn into a network competition......we have enough of that with the Donald-Hillary "road show".
2016.........oh how the world has changed.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
August 3, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Hog Days of Summer
We've all heard the expression "dog days of summer" referring to the hottest time of the year and the laziness and lethargy which accompany them. While the origin of the expression has more to do with astronomy and various constellation positions, I have coined a new term to describe the extreme heat and humidity we are experiencing in Arkansas this year- the "hog" days of summer. I can vouch for the lethargy and laziness which has accompanied this past month and continues on into August. It's hard to get outside and do what needs to be done and not end up in sweat-soaked clothing and the constant need to force fluids into us so we can sweat it out again.
It has been brutal standing and working in the sun and even after the sun goes down there is no real relief until the AC of our motor home after the Play is over. Walking up over 100 steps from the floor of the Play set to the top of the amphitheater puts a real cap on the activities of the day and reminds me that hog days are hog nights as well. Next week we will be in Little Rock for my medical procedure and that will give us some relief from the outside heat, but add some medical heat to our agenda. We are being optimistic about the exam on Tuesday and hope that the situation can be remedied by medication rather than surgery. One day at a time, for now; so we will do what needs to be done to endure the heat and get on to the cooler days and pleasant evenings of post-Labor Day in the Ozarks.........without wishing our time away........
Sent from my iPad
It has been brutal standing and working in the sun and even after the sun goes down there is no real relief until the AC of our motor home after the Play is over. Walking up over 100 steps from the floor of the Play set to the top of the amphitheater puts a real cap on the activities of the day and reminds me that hog days are hog nights as well. Next week we will be in Little Rock for my medical procedure and that will give us some relief from the outside heat, but add some medical heat to our agenda. We are being optimistic about the exam on Tuesday and hope that the situation can be remedied by medication rather than surgery. One day at a time, for now; so we will do what needs to be done to endure the heat and get on to the cooler days and pleasant evenings of post-Labor Day in the Ozarks.........without wishing our time away........
Sent from my iPad
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