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About bigskybuckeye

Born in the Big Sky Country of Montana and now living in the Buckeye State of Ohio, Richard is the creative mind behind Big Sky Buckeye. Retired after 40 years of teaching, I enjoy writing, photography, traveling, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Transitions (Haiku Series #353)

Repurposed

Raking piles of leaves

Trees now empty of color—

Autumn’s leftovers

Photo by Polesie Toys on Pexels.com

Unhurried

Morning’s icy breath

Winter playing hide ‘n seek—

Goodbye autumn friend

Photo by Christina & Peter on Pexels.com

Treasured

Lonely tree branches

Always full of memories—

Final leaf falling

Photo by David Kanigan on Pexels.com

From My Journal (11/25)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

The forwarding experience of any season tempts us with a brief taste of what is to come.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated November 25)

Tom Clancy Quotes

Photo by Krivec Ales on Pexels.com

The point of life was to press on, to do the best you can, to make the world a better place.

Fix your eyes forward on what you can do, not back on what you cannot change.

Tom Clancy (1947-2013) was an American author who pioneered the techno-thriller genre.

Monday Memories: Enduring Words

In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been recited countless times in school classrooms, at the beginning of meetings, sporting events, and other instances.  The original 29 words were inspired by the writings of Francis Bellamy (from 1892) and became official in 1923.  In 1954, the words, “under God” were added.  These 31 words mean much more than just a mere collection of words.  

Photo by Jonathan Meyer on Pexels.com

I pledge allegiance

 

We the People, commit to stand

With loyalty across this land

 

To the flag

 

Stars and Stripes shall forever fly

Old Glory standing proud and high

 

Of the United States of America

 

Solidarity, stand as One

United, never be undone

 

And to the Republic

 

A more perfect Union shall spring

Shining democracy will ring

 

For which it stands

 

Tested, resilient, and upright

Faithful courage, nation’s birthright

 

One nation under God

 

Built upon God’s eternal love

Divine guidance comes from above

 

Indivisible

 

Inseparable and lasting

Forged by trial and fire’s casting

 

With liberty

 

Covering this land of the free

Freedom from sea to shining sea

 

And justice for all

 

Conquers inequities with care

Truth and righteousness come to bear 

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

I have posted this video before, but it is worth a second look.  Here is American comedian, Red Skelton, sharing his interpretation of the words’ meaning in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”  

Originally published January, 2021.

From My Journal (11/24)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

As Americans, may we continue to see our precious flag as a testament to the collective goodness which has created and preserved this nation.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated November 24)

Henry Clay Quotes

Photo by Mat Brown on Pexels.com

Honor and good faith and justice are equally due from this country toward the weak as toward the strong.

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.

Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American lawyer and statesman.  He served in both houses of the American Congress.  He spent his adult life in the state of Kentucky.

 

Love One Another

From the words of American Christian author, James Dobson:  “It is important to know that you have to work to keep love alive, you have to protect it and maintain it, just like you would a delicate flower.”

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Encouraged to trust Father’s Word

Hope sown with Christ’s patient love

Precious seeds of kindness

Heaven harvests from above

 

Cultivated with Father’s grace

Eternal light never ends

Rejoice with Spirit’s peace

Fragile love strengthens to mend

 

Answered with Father’s faithfulness

Calvary pays debits of man

Love rises with new life

According to divine plan

 

Called by Father, who always cares

Love each delicate flower

Maintain, always protect

Backed up with mercy’s power

 

Commanded by Father above

Always love one another

Just as faith’s Savior loved

Every sister and brother

 

Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

From 1 Corinthians 13:13:  “And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.”

From My Journal (11/23)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

God’s love breaks down barriers through His grace.  Then our eyes are opened to the genuine nature of His love.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated November 23)

J. C. Ryle Quote

Photo by Daniel & Hannah Snipes on Pexels.com

If you love Christ, never be ashamed to let others see it and know it.  Speak for Him.  Witness for Him.  Live for Him.

From Isaiah 43:10:  “You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.  Before Me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after Me.”

John Charles (J. C.) Ryle (1816-1900) was an Anglican bishop in the United Kingdom.

Trivia’s Facts and More (11/22)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

I start with M, and end with X, and have a never-ending amount of letters.  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

On November 11, 1889, Washington becomes the 42nd American state.  Named for President George Washington, it is the only state named for a former President.

Here are a few interesting facts about Washington:

  • Capital City:  Olympia
  • Largest Cities:  Seattle (755,078), Spokane (229,447), Tacoma (222,906)
  • State Bird:  Willow Goldfinch
  • State Flower:  Coast Rhododendron
  • State Motto:  Alki (By and By)

Nicknamed the “Evergreen State,” Washington’s landscape is nearly 50 percent covered in forests.  Forest climate zones border both the western and eastern boundaries with the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains.  The interior region is more arid and better suited for dryland and irrigated agriculture.

Five active volcanoes are located in the Cascade Range.  The tallest is Mount Rainier at 14,410 feet above sea level.  The peak’s native name is Tahoma, and it is located 59 miles south-southeast of Seattle.

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens collapses from a cataclysmic volcanic eruption.  While Mount St. Helens remains an active volcano, scientists continue to monitor all of the active volcanoes as much of Washington’s population lives within a significant danger zone.  

Washington is well-known for its agricultural produce as it leads the nation in harvested apples, sweet cherries, pears, and red raspberries.  Nearly 8 billion pounds of apples are harvested each year, which is about 60 percent of the annual crop in the United States.

Washington’s topography is filled with many vistas, which welcome countless visitors to the state.  Here is a sample of its natural and manmade wonders:

  • Hoh Rainforest:  Only temperate rainforest located in the continental United States
  • Waterfalls (too numerous to list all):  Colonial Creek, Marymere, Nooksack, and Spokane
  • Grand Coulee Dam:  One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the nation (completed in 1942)

The largest city, Seattle, offers numerous attractions.  The Evergreen Floating Bridge brings vehicles over Lake Washington.  The Space Needle still stands after being built for the 1962 World’s Fair.  Pike Place Market continues to be an attraction for visitors who want to experience its lively atmosphere as well as purchase produce, seafood, and artwork.  

top left and MOVING clockwise: state capitol in olympia, mount st. helens before its eruption, mount st. helens after its eruption, SEATTLE’S evergreen point floating bridge, nooksack falls, seattle’s pike place market, willow goldfinch, spokane falls, seattle’s space needle, mount rainier, hoh rainforest, grand coulee dam, coast rhododendron.  (Courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Mailbox.