Rain = green

Lately I've been admiring the unusual amount of vivid green on the hills around Fallbrook. Even plants that are hardly ever green--that Baja desert variety which hides the life in its roots--have blushed a little green following weeks and weeks of rainfall.

I suppose it's human nature to desire what we don't have. When I lived in Portland for five years, it was sunshine that sounded good about nine overcast months a year. Now, I crave rain. This week has been sunny and balmy--the sort of weather we're known for in San Diego--and it's been great. I think the sunshine is a blessing, too. It's just hard not to love all the green, nor wish for more.

Ills, automotive and physical

It starts on Jan. 19, when my neighbor backed into my car and thrashed the hood. Before I could take the car to the repair shop, I came down with a really bad cold and took three days off from work.

Two Tuesdays ago, I get my car back from the auto shop and I'm like, Sweet! It looked great, new hood and all. Then on the one-week anniversary of that happy occasion, on the one-week birthday of my new hood, a young guy pulls out in front of me in Escondido and I've got this:

And this:

And this:

This is what the whole thing looks like from the front. For once in my life, it looks better than it is. The bumper is actually trying to fall off every time I turn around...

Add to all of that the fact that Dori is now sick with the flu, and you've got a glimpse into our last month or so.

However, I must say, I am thankful that I have a car. And when I was sick, I was thankful that most of the time I have good health. Perspective, I have learned, is a true blessing necessary to perseverance and faith alike.

Nothing like an ill spouse and a wrecked car to remind one...

...things could be worse, and they're not. Praise God.

A few shots

As I was reviewing my blog, I noticed I hadn't posted any pictures in a while. So to add a little color, here are some around-the-yard photos from last week... so much to shoot around our little house...

Sweet climate change Web site

Today, as I was trolling for news on the World Wide Web, I came across a Web site addressing climate change that I immediately appreciated for its approach. It's called "Climate Debate Daily," and it pits the arguments supposedly proving a man-made warming trend against the arguments opposing that idea--side by side.

The simple fact that the arguments opposing global warming are even given a place on the page may make it feel like the site is biased, but I would argue that's just because we're all used to seeing the issue presented as if there were no serious debate over the scientific merits of global warming theory. While Al Gore is busy flying all over the planet spreading his gospel, neither he nor the reporters covering his events nor his audiences even think to mention that well-educated, intelligent people disagree with his message. So if the debate interests you even a little bit, I'd recommend checking out this site.

Word of the day: 'Swum'

Of all the past-tense oddities of the English language, this has to be one of the oddest. It's my word of the day simply because I don't think I've ever said it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would doubt myself if I ever did use "swum" in a sentence. And you would laugh at me. Admit it!

Blogger's note: Books, and especially dictionaries, are full of good words. Feel free to leave a comment sharing one of your favorites, and keep watching for more of mine.

I voted

This morning, I donated my "I VOTED" sticker to my wife, who forgot to grab one on her way out. But I really did vote. Our polling place happens to be the First Christian Church of Fallbrook, the oldest remaining church in town. Several of our good friends have gotten married there over the past few years, and voting inside such a venerable establishment just makes me happy.