Always Faithful, Doberman, Military Working Dog, MWD, World War II Memorial, War Dog Cemetery located on Navel Base Guam – Photo © by Beverly & Pack – Courtesy of PhotoDropper
I remember when my father passed away in 1999. He was a WWII Veteran. They paid tribute to him by presenting a 21-gun salute and playing taps at his funeral. It was a moving ceremony for my sister and me. I know he would have been honored.
Young Girl Praying Outdoors – Photo Provided by © Fotolia ― Courtesy of MSN Clipart
Can you remember a time, when you wanted something so bad, you prayed and prayed for it? I can ― a couple of times, actually, that stand out for me. Once was when I was a child and the other was when I am an adult, married with a young family and new residents in the mountains.
Thanks to a fellow blogger, Susan at “Finding Our Way Now”, for one of her stories that reminded me of this one particular time when I am an adult. I had completely forgotten about it and had to dig through my journals to recapture the events of what happened. Continue reading
Looking out from the Pagoda – Photo © 2014 by Pat Ruppel
I’d like to introduce a new feature called “Pat’s Walkabouts”. For a change of pace, I will occasionally post photos and videos of places I visit around these Colorado Rocky Mountains of mine and wherever our travels may take us. You’re invited to join me on these adventures where we can walk about, explore and see the sights. I hope you’ll enjoy sharing these beautiful places with me. Continue reading
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2014 Pat Ruppel 
Poem © Jim Ruppel
When, in a distant place by the sea
And I was young and free and alone
I searched for a special someone
To walk beside, someone I didn’t know
AND YOU WERE THERE.
Later, when we left the sea
And came to the mountains
The vastness of this new place
Filled me with fear
BUT YOU WERE THERE.
I roamed from job to job
From trouble to trouble
Searching for something from within and without
Yet never quite finding and feeling the doubt
YOU WERE THERE.
And now in this time of finding
This time of happiness and joy
This time of reaching and growing
This time especially for sharing
YOU ARE THERE.
© Jim Ruppel
The world can be unsettling, at times, especially if you listen to the news. You don’t know what’s going to happen next or how to prepare. You can take comfort, when you have a constant in your life you can always count on, whether it be a companion, friend, pet or a special place. I know this to be true in many ways. Let me tell you how it began to unfold for me. Continue reading
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2014 Pat Ruppel 
Easter Lily — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis Courtesy MSN Clipart
I’m wishing you love this Easter holiday. I hope, no matter what you’re doing this Sunday, it will be happy and inspired with reverence.
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
