Jeremiah ~ bike jump at camp

This is a video that was taken at Fairmount Family Camp. Jeremiah is daringly jumping a couple of teens. Who says that camp doesn't teach our kids to do amazing things.

My Regent University experience/CBN

Admiral Vern Clark ~ prof at Regent.
700 club images.

Cindi's family reunion

Somethings just make you go hmmm...

A door at Lakeview...no stairs...why?

More family pictures

Jon's target practice

Jon sent this target board with a note: "We weren't aiming for black but for clusters of five!" It is his souvenier for us.

He has just under 40 DAYS until he graduates from Boot Camp and starts school at IWU.

Here are some family pictures from our trip

We visited family last weekend...my sister's family...my mom's cat...next to the shore of Lake Erie, where I grew up.

rick carder

During the drive home through Bowling Green, OH

These are GIANT wind mills that generate eletricity in Ohio.

WOW - They are huge...

We will see Jon in just 50 DAYS!

Emergency last night!

Okay, you would know I would post this one! Nearly fourteen years ago
we had the misfortune (though we love animals) of delivering eleven
puppies in our home - literally! We eventually farmed these dogs out
and a couple went to family. Here is a funny story via email that was
just sent to me about go ol' Eliza Jane - given to Janel and Ty. You
gotta love it!

-----Original Message-----
From: Carder, Cindi
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 1:56 PM
To: Carder, Rick
Subject: Emergency last night

Janel called me this morning to tell me that they had to call the fire
department and gas company last night around midnight. Due to the
storms, Eliza had become anxious and wanted in the house from the
garage. Janel wasn't letting her in. Eliza then proceeded to chew
through the flexible metal gas line there in the basement causing a gas
leak.

She said we could have OUR dog back!

Cindi

From $3,000 TO $7,000 PER FAMILY TAX REFUND!

John McCain got my attention tonight during a C-SPAN presentation when he said the magic word; the word that is on the minds of every American; money!

The McCain plan is comprehensive and not just flattery mumblings from a charismatic showman. I love what McCain suggests in his speech. He addresses the major issues confronting us today. He spoke often about the fuel prices and centered his message on the family-not politics as usual. He spoke of real solutions with a real plan~not patty-cake lip service.

McCain offers real answers! He not only tells of his plan and goes beyond tearful stories. He is experienced and honest and real. He doesn't shift his answers; he tells it like it is and follows up with solutions that can work. He speaks of things that failed (like his and other's immigration policies) but offers new efforts.

His stories are not just flowery and puffed up stories but he speaks of one with experience.

When he said, "To love your county is to love your countrymen," he comes across as one who has been there in the struggle with full integrity.

One note for Obama.
Obama, you should have debated McCain. Your avoidance of this opportunity undermines your ability to lead. If your plan works, you should be able to defend it.

The debate continues. God has blessed the USA. We are grateful that we still can have constructive debate.

Oh, by the way, McCain is letting me use my my hard earned money. It is money I earned and i think I know how to invest it into my country's needs and obligations.

The price of gas

When I got gas recently I noticed this sign on the pumps. It shows how we get the fuel and somewhat how it is priced. It shows that only 1 percent of profit goes to the local stores. One percent isn't bad when you realize the number of people that get fueled up daily.

What is a surprise to me is the amount that the feds receive; 15 percent! WOW! The feds can save us money just by reducing their tax. This % can reduce my price over 60 cents per gallon. I wouldn't mind that!

Now I know that it is costly to drill, ship and refine the oil. Certainly new research and new produces (modes of transportation) can be provided. Yet, an immediate solution is found through an act of congress. The Democrats can do something now! But they haven't and probably won't.

As for the oil companies, they too can act but only if congress lets them by providing drilling rights in the U.S. Again this looks bad for congress; they don't seem to want to act.

Hmmm, what is the solution? Drive less? Why should the consumer be limited? We are never encouraged to consume less by any other industry. A local Kmart never has told me to by only one pair of jeans. Even when the sign says "limit one" I am never stopped when I buy two. This prohibition is once again the argument of most Democrats.

Gas prices are a strange market. It is the only market the guesses at the future based on the reserve levels. In other words, the price of oil per barrel is priced based on the demand and the amount of the reserves. Those who sell the oil know that we have an incredible appetite for more. But not just the U.S. But more over China and India; new industrial nations with new middle class societies. These new consumers are also thirsty for oil. This complicated set of conditions make the global oil market equally complicated. Perhaps the answer here is more long-term.

I believe that our politicians will take advantage of our vulnerabilities and feed our fears. Therefore, congress will not tell us the truth. WE MUST TRUST ONLY OUR (THE U.S. CITIZEN) ABILITY TO VOTE AND PERSUADE OUR REPRESENTATIVE TO WORK FOR SOLUTIONS THAT BRING IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS ~ LIKE LOWER PRICES AND CONGRESS' ABILITY TO (ENABLE AND)PRESSURE THE OIL COMPANIES TO DRILL, DRILL AND DRILL THUS MAKING US THE SOURCE OF OUR OWN RESOURCES.

Just a thought for those that enjoy visiting family who live across the county.

our family fireworks...small but fun

more video with Philharmonic playing

more videos from Marion's fireworks

video fireworks in Marion

4th of July in Marion

Marion does the 4th with high society

Sitting next to the river across from the Star Financial YMCA we listened to a majestic ballet of the Philharmonic best musical arrangements. What a superb gathering of Marion residents.

It is here that the 4th of July was celebrated with thousands of fellow Marionites. With all the festivities of their First Fridays activities the community shared with one collective presence.

See my pictures of the lights, sounds and fireworks.

AHHHH the life of a duck

Jossy's ducks are given a bath and they love it!

My fathers garden

First picture is my grandparent's marker.

Second image is my father's garden.

I took a day off and traveled to see my parents one day this week. I am fortunate to still have both my parents living. My father is over 72 years old. He is a very active person.

He still splits his own firewood, mows his own lawn (which is nearly five acres), and grows a large garden. (see images)

My father and mother have worked hard their entire lives. I suppose that we all have learned the if you are going to succeed in life you will have to work hard. They led by example.

THE FATHER IN HEAVEN has also taught us of a work ethic. His word tells us in the Proverbs of this by reminding us of the blessings that we inherit from hard work. The fruit of our labor is His to give ultimately but as we work hard The Lord adds to it His blessing. We eventually see a harvest from our efforts.

Jossy has gotten glasses

4th of JULY...FAMILY FIREWORKS