Smaller is Better and Less Expensive !

This story comes to you from Olympia, Washington. A woman who says she doesn't really need anything except for a smaller place has done so by building herself a 84-sq-ft. dream home (roughtly 10' by 20') and relying on solar energy and a propane tank to run her day to day utilities and uses. Dee Williams is quite content with her new home and doesn't see the need to have a larger one. I know a few friends in Ohio and North Carolina that would probably do this just to save some money on expenses as well. Someone making $35-$40 thousand a year can find themselves having a lot of extra money in the bank that can be used on other necessities. As the cliche goes "You Go Girl".

Abandoned Railroad Bridge Across The Maumee River

While walking the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath yesterday I came across this abandoned railroad bridge, thinking of my friend Greg who likes anything associated with the railroads I took this picture.

Indian Burial Mound... Mound Cementary

In June I spent Saturday evening on this Indian Mound located in Mound Cementary Marietta, Ohio on the Ohio River watching the sunset. It was very peaceful, no one in sight, birds singing loudly, winds blowing the trees (keeping me cool) and the sun slowly sinking in the west. I felt very close to nature.

Metroparks Coneflowers

On a walk through Oak Opennings Preserve Metropark I came across these beautiful yellow Coneflowers. Native Americans used this plant for its yellow-orange dye made from the blossoms. The leaves and blossoms also make tea when brewed.

What's This!

I was very surprised to find "Shadow" our family cat sleeping in my car. He doesn't like cars; at least that is what I thought by his reaction when we take him to the vet.

Pilot Mountain State Park

The last several years when visiting family in North Carolina we have picniced on Pilot Mountain, rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau, offers a commanding view of the countryside. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this majestic peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. The drive up and down to and from the summit is very steep with lots of curves making if very enjoyable. The landscape views are wonderful especially when the hawks are drifting on the air currents in front of you. If your in the area I would suggest that you visit Pilot Mountain State Park.

Treating Depression!

Someone I love dearly is suffering from depression and I can attest that the treatment of mood disorders is not a simple matter. It is not so simple as diagnosing depression and writing a prescription for Zoloft or Effexor. The individual causes of depression are diverse and poorly understood. The antidepressant medications used to treat it are just as diverse and matching a drug with an individual is not a clear cut decision. Individual symptoms, co-existing illness, tolerance of side-effects, and other medications previously tried are just a few factors that must be considered.

Bend View Metropark!

Today I visited Bend View Metropark which offers an unequaled view of a 90-degree bend in the Maumee River. The park is only accessible by hiking 2.2 miles from Farnsworth Metropark and following the Towpath Trail of Miami and Erie Canal. It is worth the walk for what is the best view along the Maumee River Valley.

Fort Defiance!!

Few people today recognize the importance of Fort Defiance in American history. It is from this place that General Anthony Wayne lead an army against the Indians and defeated them in a battle called Fallen Timbers in present day Maumee Ohio thus acquiring the territory that is now the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. I visited Fort Defiance Dec. '06 and took this pictures. There is not much left to see.

Fort Defiance....A Little Known Fact!

Today I was engaged in a conservation about property lines and state boundaries in NW Ohio. To stimulate conservation I related a little know fact that all property and boundary lines north of Defiance Ohio to Canada are measured of the baseline of the flagstaff located at Fort Defiance. Fort Defiance was built by General Anthony Wayne in August 1794 at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers and played an important role securing lands for a growing nation. Two hundred years later actions taken by our ancestors are affecting everyday life from state boundries, county lines, townships, personal property in NW Ohio to the taxes we pay all because of a flagstaff located at Fort Defiance, Defiance Ohio.

Tecumseh Outdoor Drama

I recently attended the Outdoor Drama TECUMSEH at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre complex in Chillicothe, Ohio and can say without a doubt this drama is the most mesmerizing outdoor drama in the nation. The action and storyline of this chapter of American history makes a very compelling story of one mans struggle to save his people and their heritage. This drama is performed in the very place Tecumseh lived and portrays the hardships and struggles of the Shawnee and the efforts of Tecumseh to secure a lasting peace with the Great White Father. I would strongly recommend this drama to anyone. You will not be disappointed. This drama was simply awesome!

What Cost of Freedom!!

I heard on the news today that 10 American Solders died in combat operations in Iraq over the weekend. The human sacrifice for this flag is very high. I pray its not in vain. God Bless This Flag.

MY Blog Introduction!

I created this blog in hope of creating a dialog of good idea's that are needed in America. A dialog that is open to everyone to everyday issues that we are subjected to. I will also demonstrate how issues of today have been repeated in American history and how solutions of the past that worked can be used today. I sincerely hope that everyone who visits this site will enjoy the content and contribute good idea's for America.

Disclosure!

This policy is valid from 01 June 2007.

This the personal blog of glen. For questions about this blog, please contact great.rapids@gmail.com.

I at times am compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Other times I review things just for the heck of it. I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely mine and they of course come without any guarantee except you are getting my opinion.

It is the belief of the owner of this blog posting these paid posts does not present a conflict of interest anymore than writing recommendations on products or websites that he recommends and is not compensated for would. This content may not always be identified, because if the owner of this blog was interested in turning his blog into looking like a walking advertising section he would do what some of the "A List" bloggers do and have blatant advertising on his sidebar.

To get your own policy, go to www.disclosurepolicy.org or better yet do what I did and create your own.