MI-5 ... Back Together Again

This week’s questions have to do with scrapbooking---well, not really, but kindda. Today’s questions have evolved from those five themes.

1. BACK COUNTRY –
   

Tell us about your furthest excursion from “civilization”. How far
away into the Back Country did you go? What did you miss most
about civilization? Can you give us a tip about survival?

I've been to South America a few times. One of the most "back country" places was Yarina Cocha, Peru. Its a missionary camp in the Amazon River Basin - way out near the jungle city of Puculpa. I was younger then, but missed what I would miss today, CHOCOLATE! However, it was there that I learned about "cacao" (pronounced ka-cow') which is now used by some American candy companies. South American natives have been making a chocolate-like substance using the cacao plant for generations. How did I survive that experience? ALWAYS BOIL THE WATER!

2. MOON DOGGIE –

This is a kind of a Hawaii/Surfing/Being Carefree/Relaxing kind of theme. Tell us about Hawaii, surfing, being carefree, or relaxing.

The term "moon doggie" takes me back to childhood on Florida's East Coast. Surfing was huge when I was a kid. Although I only surfed a few times, my older brother was really into it. So I was around surfers quite a bit, and I definitely got into the lifestyle. Back then, moon doggies were 'beach bums'. And in tropical climate, one can 'bum' around the beach year-round. It was definitely "carefree" - except when we needed money.

3. ANIMAL COOKIES –
   

Tell us about your favorite snack food as a child. Is it still around to buy today?

At one time I LOVED a certain kind of moon-pie. You can't buy them from the same company anymore ... they probably contained some cancer-causing carcinogens. However, a good Maine 'woopie pie' is very similar in texture and tastes just as good.

4. TINKERIN’ –
   

Do you like to tinker with things? Do you like to take things apart and put them back together again? What has been your biggest tinkerin’ project?

I DO like to tinker now & then - usually on my motorcycle. And I seem to be doing basic home improvements quite often, I suppose that could qualify as tinkering as well. But I don't like to tinker just for the sake of tinkering. I like to have a goal or reason to tinker. Like when I rebuilt the engine in my 1977 Honda Accord. But if its not productive in any way, I 'm ain't "tinkerin".

5. BELLA –
   

This paper is very feminine. Bella is also the main character of the “Twilight” books, which are very popular right now. This question will take us from one extreme to the other---first, tell us about something (or someone) that is very “feminine” and then tell us something about “vampires”. Extra points if you can weave the two themes into one answer.

WOW, that's a word I haven't seen for a while. Well, I think my wife is quite feminine. She has soft skin, sometimes wears girly dresses, and has a wonderful nurturing side to her personality. She has always been a TERRIFIC mother to our children. But injure her children in any way, and she may draw blood!

Well, what will we do this year? This Thursday will be a special day established for Americans to pray. The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7th. But will we Americans pray? ... and to whom will we pray?

Last week I found a picture posted (Associated Press) of President Obama being depicted as America's savior - complete with out-stretched arms and a crown of thorns. I was SO offended by the sacrilege, I refuse to post the picture here. But I fear THAT depiction expresses what many Americans believe.

In May of 2007 I was on the front lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. I went there for a 24 hour prayer vi dual being advertised by an on-slaught of radio spots and e-mails I had received in weeks prior. What I found when I got there I will never forget! The District was full of excited tourists spending a sunny day strolling the mall and visiting memorials, but NOBODY was praying. It's true! There was chairs and tables set out with temporary signs about prayer, but nobody was there to pray. I sat down and cried.

So to whom do Americans pray this Thursday? The picture mentioned earlier suggests that we pray to our President. Does that offend you? - I HOPE SO! Is any man the ultimate power source in the world today? I think not! At least that's not what the Bible says.

So let's TURN TO GOD, AMERICA !!!