390 Years Ago Today Work on Plymouth Settlement Begins

The first permanent European settlement in New England begins to take shape. My ancestors William and Susanna White, with their two sons, Resolved and Peregrine, were among those desperately in need of shelter. Peregrine, my next generation ancestor, had been the first European born in the New World—born aboard the Mayflower while it held off-shore and advance scouts searched for a safe harbor for the ship to land. Now these "pilgrims" (though the term was not yet in use then) of the Mayflower were hastily building dwellings to shelter them from the advance of their first North American winter.

Sadly, that first year, half of the original 102 settlers would die—among them my ancestor William White. Susanna would remarry—to fellow Mayflower passenger Edward Winslow. My ancestor Peregrine White lived a full and prosperous life to the age of 83. He and his wife, Sarah, daughter of William and Elizabeth Bassett, had seven children. Jonathan White, born in 1658, was my next ancestor in the line.

Mince Pie Recipe From 1624

From the papers of King Charles I of England:

For six Minst Pyes of an Indifferent bignesse.

Take halfe a peck of the finest Flower, 2 li[bra]s of Suger, 2 li[bra]s of Butter, a Loyne of fatt Mutton, w[i]th a little of a Legg of Veale to mince w[i]th it, 2 li[bra]s of Reasons of the Sunn, as many Currons , of Cloves, Mace, and Nuttmeggs one ownce.

For the Paist mingle 1 pound and a halfe of Suger w[i]th the Flower and breake in the Yolkes of six Eggs, then worke it together w[i]th 3 parts of the two pounde of Butt[e]r. Set of a little water, and let it Seethe, then scym it and put in the 4th Parte of the Butt[e]r, and when it is melted, Scym it cleane from the Water, and work it w[i]th the Paist.

For the Meate. Let it be seasoned w[i]th Pepper, and mingled with halfe a pound of Suger, the other Frute and Spyce, the Raisons must be stoned, & some of them minced amongst the meate, the others put in hole, put in the Joyce of two Orringes and one Leamond, and the Ryne of them smale minced.

When the Pyes are filled slice Dates and stick in the top, and when you sett them into the oven Wassh them over w[i]th the yolkes of Eggs, and pynn them upp in Papers.

Showboat Branson Belle

Todd Oliver and his amazing talking dogs sail into nautical history.

The final performances of Todd Oliver and Showstoppers on the Showboat Branson Belle will be on December 26-31, 2010, ending more than a decade of uproarious laughter, standing ovations and encores.

Oliver will move his amazing act to the Jim Stafford Theatre in 2011.

Peggy and I have sailed several times on the beautiful Belle, but we missed the recent grounding due to high winds that kept some 600 passengers and crew aboard from Saturday night, Dec. 12, into the next Sunday morning. The stranded passengers were offloaded at Poverty Point.

The final performances of 2010 will be aboard a stationary Showboat.

Peggy greeting Irving and Lucy. Todd Oliver in the red coat.

Christmas is always special aboard the Belle.



The curtain comes down on Todd Oliver's remarkable run at the Belle.

390 Years Ago Today My Ancestor Peregrine White Landed in the Mayflower

December 18, 1620, 102 seekers after religious freedom landed at Plymouth Rock in the Mayflower after an arduous voyage of 3 months and 12 days. They were dubbed pilgrims by William Bradford, who would become Plymouth's first governor. Three of my ancestors came ashore then — not unusual since a high percentage of Americans can trace their lineage back to the Mayflower.

As it happens one of those ancestors was the first European born in the New World — Peregrine White — born aboard the Mayflower while it held off-shore and advance scouts searched for a safe harbor for the ship to land.

"The names of those which came over first, in the year 1620, and were by the blessing of God the first beginners and in a sort the foundation of all the Plantations and Colonies in New England; and their families…
"Mr. William White and Susanna his wife and one son called Resolved, and one born a-shipboard called Peregrine ..."
William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed.
Samuel Eliot Morison (New York : Knopf, 1991), p. 442.

Springfield Catches Edges of Blizzard

Blizzard Conditions Blanket Midwest
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS -- The inflatable roof of the Minnesota Vikings' stadium collapsed Sunday and roads were closed throughout the upper Midwest as a storm that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow in some areas continued to crawl across the region.
A blizzard warning was in effect for parts of eastern Iowa, southeastern Wisconsin, northwestern Illinois, and northern Michigan, according to the National Weather Service. Surrounding areas including Chicago were under winter storm warnings.

[Missouri had stiff winds and night flurries with some wind chills around zero.]

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2010/12/12/weather-service-warns-state-midwest-blizzard/#ixzz17wDLoVAU

Words of Hope

"The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful."

—Elizabeth Edwards, shortly before her recent death from cancer

Forest in Israel Ablaze

Arrests over deadly forest fire that has taken the lives of at least 42 people

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries, reporting from Israel

CARMEL FOREST, ISRAEL (ANS) -- Two people have been arrested over a forest fire which has claimed at least 42 lives in Israel.

They are being questioned about a campfire authorities believe may have sparked the worst tragedy of its kind in Israel's history.

“We're talking negligence at the moment,” said Police spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld.

Officials said the blaze was likely to have been started by a picnic fire. The blaze, which broke out Thursday (December 2, 2010), tore through the Carmel Forest above the northern city of Haifa. Thirty-seven of those killed were prison officers, whose bus was caught in the flames as they tried to reach a nearby jail to help evacuate it.

Foreign firefighter aircraft, including UK helicopters, have joined in the battle to contain the fire which was still burning out of control yesterday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the fire an “unprecedented disaster” as an estimated 13,000 acres have burned so far.

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated and 42 people have been reported killed so far including 40 prison security personnel who were killed when the bus they were traveling on veered off the road and exploded into flames.

A spokesperson for For Zion’s Sake Ministries, says, “Israel is suffering the worst drought since it's rebirth in 1948 which has of course added to the dryness of the forests.

"Also adding to the menacing fires are the strong Shirav winds that have been fanning the blaze and enabling it to spread almost reaching Haifa University.”

Meanwhile, in a rare appeal for international aid, Prime Minister Netanyahu has urgently requested assistance from Russia, Greece, Italy and Cyprus for firefighting forces as the flames enveloping Northern Israel blaze out of control.

“For Zion's Sake Ministries” says that it is commited to assisting in this emergency by participating in the evacuation of those in immediate danger and by providing food, shelter and spiritual support to those in immediate need.

"We also will be involved in the rebuilding of the affected areas and financially blessing those families who have lost their homes to fire," added the spokesperson.

If you wish to help, please go to: http://forzion.com/bless-israel/support-fzs/

Note: Dan Wooding is in Israel at this time as part of an Evangelical Press Association media tour organized by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Dan Wooding, ASSIST News Service

Oregon Ducks Win Civil War Game, Go to National Title Game

The Ducks beat the Oregon State Beavers, 37-20, to go 12-0, and will head to the BCS championship in Arizona against Auburn. Heisman trophy contenders LaMichael James of Oregon vs. Auburn's Cam Newton.

Way to go, Ducks! One more!

47 Years Since JFK Was Shot

A Facebook friend asked the question Where were you on November 22, 1963? JFK assassination. Here's what I said:

Harry Ells High School, Richmond, Calif. Between classes I ran into a friend. "Did you hear?" he asked. "What?" "Kennedy's been shot." I didn't believe him. Next class was chemistry. We were due to take a test. Students were crying. The teacher told us there was nothing we could do to change what had happened. He made us take the test.

"HARRY POTTER" GRAVESITE DRAWS TOURISTS TO RAMLE, ISRAEL

There is a new tourist draw to the Holy Land. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the Bible. The Israel Department of Tourism released this today:

New York - November 19, 2010: Inspired and intrigued by the final tale of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, travelers from around the world are flocking to the Israeli town of Ramle to visit the gravesite of "Harry Potter."

In reality, the grave belongs to a deceased British soldier who incidentally shared the name with the famous wizard, and who was killed in battle with an armed band in Palestine in 1939 during the period of the British Mandate.

"Harry Potter's grave is an intriguing and coincidental attraction for travelers visiting Ramle," says Haim Gutin, Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America, "and it adds some extra excitement for Harry Potter fans arriving in Israel."

Every year, thousands of travelers come to Ramle, located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, to visit the town's archeological sites, ancient caves and UNESCO-recognized White Mosque.

I wish instead we would see a revival of interest in traveling to the Holy Land because it is the land of the Bible.

Burney Falls Through 51 Years ('55, '57, '06)

1. Burney Falls, 2. Burney Falls 1957, 3. Burney Falls, California

Little change in more than half a century. All photos by my family.

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

We Honor Our Veterans on This, Their Day

It's Veterans Day!

Anniversary of Dempsey's Kick

40 years ago today Tom Dempsey kicked the longest field goal in NFL history, 63 yards, for the N.O. Saints, winning a game 19-17 over the Detroit Lions with no time on the clock. Never broken (tied once). Dempsey was born with only part of a right arm and with a club right foot. All things are possible.

Giants Closer Is a Believer

Brian Wilson talks about his faith and the surprising meaning of the arm-crossing he does after each save.

Giants Win the World Series

I've been rooting for the San Francisco Giants since 1958. They are finally the World Series champions.

Third World Series Game Today

Giants up 2-0 on Rangers. Rooting for San Francisco's first World Series title.

World Series 2010

"The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" —Russ Hodges (1951)

San Francisco beat Philly to go to their fourth World Series since coming to the City in 1958. Tonight the Series begins. I hope the next quote is: "The Giants win the Series! The Giants win the Series! The Giants win the Series!"

Leroy K. Horn c.1913

We have very few photos of my dad as a child. My sister Ellene brought this one of him at about 3 years old. Looks like it was fall. We believe this was in Arizona.

Family Reunion

Have both my sisters here now. Here is a vintage shot of the 3 of us, along with my cousin Ron (standing).

Offered a Local Drink in Gadara, Jordan

Drink at your own risk. OK, I did, as did several others in our group. Tasted like grape juice (not fermented).

Summary of a Great Sports Week

One of the best ever for 3 teams I root for:



[AHN:]

Gabbert Passes For Over 300 Yards, Mizzou Knocks Off No. 1 Oklahoma

Columbia, MO, United States (AHN) - Blaine Gabbert passed for 308 yards and a score and De'Vion Moore rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown, as Missouri toppled top-ranked Oklahoma 36-27 Saturday.

Missouri pulled away by scoring 17 straight points in the second half to send its home crowd into a tizzy.

Giants Go to World Series!

Beat Phils, 3-2, in Philly and win series 4-2. Will face Rangers Weds. in World Series. I've been a Giants fan since they came to the Bay Area in 1958 and they've never won the Series. Will 2010 be the year?

Competition

Competing carpet stores share a middle wall and a sidewalk in downtown Amman, Jordan.

PE Connections with Chaplain Joseph Gibilisco

Assemblies of God Pastor Care Director Dr. Gary Allen and I visit with Lt. Col. Joseph Gibilisco, chaplain in the U.S. Army.

PE Connections with Eric Treuil

My interview with Eric Treuil, Chi Alpha South-Central Area Director.

Crocs of Costa Rica

Wild crocodiles infest the Rio Tarcoles in Costa Rica. I shot these in June 2010 when I was in Costa Rica for a week of ministry.

Throw the Bums Out

Stanford & Oregon Roll

The 2 NCAA Football results I was glad to see yesterday:

No. 16 Stanford Downs Notre Dame, 37-14

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Sports Network) - Nate Whitaker connected on all five of his field goal attempts and two-way player Owen Marecic scored on consecutive plays from scrimmage in the fourth quarter, as No. 16 Stanford cruised past offense-starved Notre Dame, 37-14.

No. 5 Oregon Downs Arizona State, 42-31

TEMPE, Ariz. (Sports Network) - Darron Thomas threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another score, as fifth-ranked Oregon opened its Pac-10 slate with a 42-31 win over Arizona State at Sun Devil Stadium.

My interview with Curt Harlow

New PE Connections with Curt Harlow, Chi Alpha West Coast Area Director, just posted on AGTV.

Ditka on Singletary

I am Ken. And I am a Forty-Niner fan. I feel this confession is important. I am one of the frustrated faithful.

Football has not been kind to Niner fans for a bunch of years. We were reminded of this last night when Jerry Rice's #80 jersey was retired. There stood Joe Montana behind him. Steve Young had been on the pre-game. Those were the days.

But the glory days have long been over for the Prospectors. Forget about championships, wins have been hard to come by. And we had no chance at all last night facing the New Orleans Saints, right? Well, we had a chance. And when we scored the TD and replay gave us the 2-point conversion to tie the reigning Super Bowl champs with a little over a minute to go, I didn't even cheer. I felt it was inevitable.

When the Saints' 3-pointer knuckled through with no time left on the clock, I turned off the TV, kissed my wife, and went to bed. (I stayed up late for this? Games are 2 hours later here in Missouri than in my old California home.)

The Niners played great most of the time, and indeed could have beaten the Saints ... if it hadn't been for several bonehead plays. Oh, well. This is my reality. And at least I'm not a Cowboys fan.

But there was a highlight for me ... not in the game, but in the pregame show. I don't usually watch it, but since my Niners were making a rare Monday night appearance I turned it on.

The highlight came from something commentator Mike Ditka said. I can't believe I would ever be impressed by something said by Iron Mike, the legendary player and coach of the Chicago Bears who many fans loved to hate.

Talking about Singletary, perhaps the best middle linebacker ever, who played for him on the Bears, Ditka actually talked about his Christian faith and his character.

He said that Singletary was a man "driven by his faith.'

Ditka said that Singletary has made it clear that the priorities of his life are "faith, family, and football," in that order. And then Ditka said what really mattered. He said that Singletary lives what he says.

Near the end of the segment, Ditka said that as good as Singletary is as a football player and coach, "he's even better as a person."

High praise. High-light!

Competition at My Favorite Fishing Hole

This great blue heron was actually standing right in my preferred spot when I arrived last week. This was taken after he moved a short distance off. Not surprisingly, I caught nothing in that spot. It takes a lot of fish to fill this big bird up.

PE Connections with Gina White

My interview with Gina White, Chi Alpha Director at the University of North Carolina.

Our Suspicions Are Correct

From Andrew Malcolm of the LA Times:

We now know that federal employees across the nation owe fully $1 billion in back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

As in, 1,000 times one million dollars. All this political jabber about giving middle-class Americans a tax cut. Thousands of feds have been giving themselves one all along -- unofficially. And these tax scofflaws include more than three dozen folks who work for the president with that newly decorated Oval Office.

The Post's T.W. Farnum did some research and found that out of the total sum, just 638 workers on Capitol Hill owe the IRS $9.3 million in back taxes. As in, overdue. The IRS gets stiffed by the legislative body that controls its budget. How Washington works.

...
Privacy laws prevent release of individual tax delinquents' names. But we do know that as of the end of 2009, 41 people inside Obama's very own White House owe the government they're allegedly running a total of $831,055 in back taxes. That would cover a lot of special chocolate desserts in the White House Mess.

In the House of Representatives, 421 people owe a total $6,524,892. In the Senate, 217 owe $2,774,836. In the IRS' parent department, Treasury, 1,204 owe $7,670,814. At the Labor Department, where Secretary Hilda Solis' husband had some back-tax problems before her confirmation, 463 owe $7,481,463. Eighty-one workers for the Federal Reserve System's board of governors owe $1,076,733.

Over at the Justice Department, which is so busy enforcing other laws and suing Arizona, 1,971 employees still owe $14,350,152 in overdue taxes.

Then, we come to the Department of Homeland Security, which is run by Janet Napolitano, the former governor of Arizona who preferred to call terrorist acts "man-caused disasters." ...

Within that department, there reside 4,856 people who owe the tax agency a whopping total of $37,012,174.

Full article here.

PE Connections with Sarah Malcolm

Pentecostal Evangel Editor Ken Horn visits with Sarah Malcolm, National Chi Alpha Training Team

Oliver Squirrel

Next General Council in Phoenix

Make plans now to be a part of the 54th General Council in Phoenix, August 2011. generalcouncil.org

Interview with Dr. George O. Wood & David Grant

The World AG Congress is the topic as Dr. George O. Wood, Chairman of the World AG Fellowship, and David Grant, Director of Eurasia Development and founder of Project Rescue, visit with Editor Ken Horn.

The Congress will be held in Chennai, India, Feb. 6-9. Visit worldagfellowship.org for more info.

PE Connections: Terry Broadwater

My interview with Terry Broadwater, Director of the Chi Alpha Network.

Emperor Moth Caterpillar

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Juvenile

Scissor-tails love barbed wire for some reason. This one doesn't even have his long tails yet. I photographed him on the same stretch of barbed wire I photographed an adult previously.

Beautiful birds.

Common Whitetail Dragonfly

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

On a favorite host plant, Rue.

Zebra Swallowtail, a Delicate Beauty

Currently Appearing in Springfield

Gulf Fritillary


Monarch


Black Swallowtail female, distinguished by the blue band on hindwing. The male has yellow.

Variegated Fritillary

Common in the Ozarks.

The Red-Spotted Purple

When I was a child I had a book of butterfly stamps. My favorite butterfly was one called the Red-Spotted Purple. I thought it was beautiful. There were none of these butterflies in California so my goal was to see one some day. But I wasn't sure I ever would.

It was a lot of years before this happened. We moved to Missouri in 1997 and I found that they are abundant here! Because of all the hiking I do, I see them frequently. Two nights ago as I was walking a trail, I found a Red-Spotted Purple on a bench and coaxed it onto my finger. When I returned that way 20 minutes later it was still there and I again coaxed it onto my finger.

The butterfly I thought I might never see, I now see regularly. And I still think it's beautiful.

It's now one of my favorite photographic subjects. God's art.

AG Chapel 8/17/10

My friend and fellow Bethany U. alum, Bob Cook.

My Dad c.1918

Leroy Kenneth Earl Horn. One of the few pictures I have of my dad as a child.

Black Swallowtail Up Close

Butterfly close-up from below.