RUTHIE IN THE SKY

The Next Phase

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:49:00 +0000

"Ruthie In The Sky" ended with my last post in March 2020. I'm now going to go through the entire blog and pull what I want to keep. The rest of the material will be permanently deleted.

I've wanted to do this for a long time. Now that I have a nice home (where I've lived for two-and-a-half years), a good computer (and an even better phone), I'm finally ready to get to work.

--Ruthie Rader

Redwood Falls, Minnesota

Private Message Between Us

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 03:01:00 +0000

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

-Between Us-
~~~~~~~~~~

You want to keep the last bit of the wind
But you can't own what you won't let in
Freedom has always been your second breath
But you believe you'll lose it after death...

You moved too fast in your youth
And never grabbed hold of the truth
Now your beautiful ocean eyes
See endless waves of cold, clear lies...
__________

Oh Brother, how I grieve
For what you refuse to believe
I want to take your pain today
But you're just too far away
__________

So I will just sit here and sing this song
While the sun turns off in the sky
Cast aside what is wrong (between us)
And love you until you die.

~Ruth Rader

Private Message

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 03:31:00 +0000

PRIVATE MESSAGE

And My Issues Are Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 17:35:00 +0000

I watched a documentary about singer/songwriter Bill Withers on Tubi TV this morning.
I love his attitude toward life! His story is a strong shove toward a smile.

So now I'm smiling.

The sun is out and the snow is glistening on the frozen lake. It looks pretty from three
floors up.

Amazon music is serenading my mood that has been happy since I took my first hot,
award-winning sip of coffee this morning. My rent is paid, my apartment is cleaned
up (sort of) and I feel like a rich woman today!

I'm going to do some drawing this weekend and talk trash with my compatriots on
Twitter.

2019...and my wishes are easy...

My hope is to enjoy a couple of Twins games, visit Blue Earth again and check-out
one other area in Minnesota this Summer.

I recently found out about the second place. It is unique in the whole Country
for several significant reasons. Can you guess where it is?

Until then I am going to be very grateful for my awesome manager, my friendly
neighbors, the kind bus drivers and my home.

Last night the sunset was stunning!

As the sun descended in the sky its color spread out in red, yellow, orange and gold.
It looked like the other side of the lake was on fire. I sat in my upholstered rocker
and watched it shimmer and shine until it was gone.

I know that I have some significant health issues. And I know that the doctor
that I will eventually see is probably going to give me some news that I don't want to
hear. I should be receiving some serious medical attention now. But I am going to
hold out a little bit longer before I finally walk into the hard truth.

This is another best time of my life. So this survivor will embrace the incredible
experiences that I hope that I get to enjoy this year.

And like I typed out in the very first post in this blog back in December of 2004:

Here It Comes!

And The Storm Will Come in, Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 15:52:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS/DRAWING/DESIGN BY RUTH RADER
with PicMonkey software

The weather changed drastically this evening. Right now the snow is blowing at twice the
volume and velocity since I filmed the video clip below. Ladies and Gentleman...I am now
in the middle of a blizzard.
The tree limbs are swaying so hard that they sound like angry drums beating out a rhythm
to the storm.
What was not in the forecast is now unleashing itself over little Redwood Falls. The
barometric pressure is noticeably low and the wind is high. Yeah, it sure is.
But the most noteworthy part of this weather is the fact that the storm behind this onslaught
is in a mighty, ever-growing mass of more of the same thing.
***SNOW!***
I am receiving my wish. Wow!

The storm blew through here last night, furious and fast and now it is raining. *Laugh*
And in these last days of this waning year, I keep thinking that if I knew a year ago
what I know now...I would be flabbergasted!

Never in my wildest dreams.

So I have learned that life is filled with surprises...one minute I was flicking my windchime
outside a rental house in Nebraska, then I was sleeping in an old van in Yellowstone Park,
then I was swatting too many flies in Montana, then I was thumbing a ride in the cold wind
in North Dakota, then I was riding out an early snowstorm at a Visitor Center in northern
Minnesota and then I woke up here.

I said it before and I'll say it again: People watch reality shows because they have never
lived like I have.

Like Bruce Springsteen sang..."Come on up for the rising."

Be who you really want to be.

I am looking forward to 2019. Find Out What Celebrating Life Means In 2019!
__________

From my third-floor vantage point ( I will never be able to live at ground level again) I can
see a line of vehicles crossing the bridge that spans the lake. I am in love with the big
window that faces my fantastic view. I haven't lived at this height since I rented the cracker
box (room with a bathroom) in Portland, Oregon back in 2004.

That's of course where this blog was born. I lived up on the sixth floor there but my view
there was nothing like the one that I enjoy now.

This is the land of huge trees where acrobatic squirrels run, hang and jump across sprawling
limbs. The lake (when it isn't frozen over and covered with snow) glitters in the sun. Birds
with large wingspans hover and arc in the wind while deer with fluffy white tails chew on
feeder fare in the evening.

I am now in Minnesota, Baby! Redwood Falls is a rural, natural playground.

Christmas happens everywhere. Ed Snowden and his partner Lindsay Mills sent out a
Christmas card recently.

The photo is both unique and whimsical. I love it.

Lindsay can travel. But Ed can't come home.

Some people here call Edward Snowden a traitor who should be hanged. I see him as
a good man who could really make people in this Country think. Right now we are stuck
with a terrible mistake known as Donald Trump. What we should have is Ed and
Lindsay.

Sometimes life is totally unfair.

I hope that Trump is "re-routed" while Ed and Lindsay find a closer connection to the
United States in the coming year.

Goodbye Kyron Horman

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 22:08:00 +0000

Kyron Horman disappeared on June 4, 2010. I began posting about Kyron shortly after that date, including this post from July 17, 2010. Month after month, year after year, I faithfully sent out posts like messages in bottles...hoping that my words would help find that missing young boy.

Eight years later, I'm done posting.

There was a time when everyone searching for Kyron worked together as a cohesive team online.
That is not the case anymore.

Recently I came across a pathetic patch of bad thinking regarding Kyron. I probably would have
ignored it and continued to another website except that a link to this blog was included in the
discussion. And the words surrounding that link were not nice.

I posted several paragraphs of feedback and logged off.

Today, someone that I thought had more common sense than she actually does, asked people to join her on that same website. She wants to discuss Kyron there. I've decided that she'll
do it without me.

And this blog will continue without any further postings about Kyron Richard Horman.

Enough.

Good Luck.

I'm sorry Kyron. You're the only one that I will apologize to.

KYRON HORMAN MISSING CHILD CASE

Happy By Sky-Tinted Water

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 23:45:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

As I sit here listening to the song, "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue tonight,
I realize just how very blessed I am. I don't take any of what has happened over the
past two months for granted. There is no one in this entire State of Minnesota who
is happier...I finally have what I prayed for and I am so thankful. I sincerely am.

Hmmm.*

More to come. (Psst...I'm drawing again.)

The Call From Redwood Falls--Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 06:57:00 +0000

SCREENSHOT/RUTH RADER

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

The snow is beginning to fall outside the window. Big fat flakes are fluttering down
and reminding me that WINTER is finally here. There is no turning back to July.
This is it.

And I will enjoy it all from the warm safety of my new home. Oh, I will probably go
outside tomorrow and take photos in the snow. But tonight I will just enjoy the beauty
of the growing outline of white sparkling on the trees.

The fact that I am here is a miracle. It really is.

I stepped off the bus in Dickinson, North Dakota with two tote bags, a backpack,
my wheeler and very little money in my pocket. I reserved a night at a hotel but I was
dropped off at a truck stop. I didn't even have enough money for a taxi ride to the
room that I had already paid for.

Then I found a guy working behind the fuel desk. I told him that I had just gotten off
the bus and needed to get to my hotel room. He offered to call a taxi for me and then
I added that I had no money to pay the driver.

The guy smiled and called the taxi service anyway.

I got a free ride with the NICEST cab driver that I have ever met.

The next morning, I took a city shuttle bus (where did I get the money?) to the public
library. I updated my blog and hitched a ride to a rest area outside of New Salem,
North Dakota. The next day I was picked up by a wonderful couple who drove me
all the way to a visitor center/rest area in Moorhead, Minnesota.

I stayed there for several days and when the snowstorm there subsided, my new
friend drove me down to Wahpeton, North Dakota and checked me into a hotel there.
The next day, I boarded a shuttle bus that took me across a river and back into
Minnesota.

I walked from the library in Breckenridge, Minnesota to a highway and stuck out my
thumb. A local cop came by and we had a nice chat. Then a County deputy stopped
his rig and threw a fit.

He told me to stop hitchhiking and swore that he'd throw me in jail if he saw me doing
it again. I told him that the State trooper in Moorhead didn't have any problem with
me thumbing a ride.

His ignorance escalated but I wouldn't give in an inch.

He finally drove away and a man who was walking his dog came over and offered
to help.

His name is Andy and he ended up driving me out of that County and into the small
town city of Wheaton, Minnesota. He bought me a room at an honest to goodness
Mom and Pop motel that is located right at the side of a rural highway. The Wheaton Inn
was supposedly established in 1977. But I think that it might actually be older than
that.

The next morning, Andy's wife Alicia totally surprised me when she knocked on my
room door. She took me out to breakfast and then dropped me off on a highway just
outside of town. But soon the cold wind and a road construction crew forced me to
walk back into town.

I switched highways and instead of going south, I headed east. I believe that change in
direction has everything to do with where I am now.

I covered myself with a thin blanket and put out my gloved thumb. Soon, a man with a beard
and a friendly grin pulled over his rig and stopped. He is a preacher in another community
and he was very happy to assist me .

We drove on to his home where he picked up his wife. Then we went down to the
community of Morris, Minnesota. It started to rain as I walked into a Chinese restaurant
with my new friends.

They bought me dinner there and then drove me over to a nice hotel where I stayed for
the night.

Now, I assume that you are seeing an amazing pattern here. None of the people who
crossed paths with me knew me before they met me. None of them know each other.

And yet...

God brought them to me, one by one and made sure that they each kept me safe, warm,
fed and ever closer to what is now my forever home.

Coincidence?

No.

I left the hotel and walked across the highway the next morning. Then I assumed the
position in my wheeler and put out my thumb.

An older woman named Hazel stopped and offered me a ride. We were just loading my
wheeler into her trunk when a woman rolled up in a minivan. She put down the window
and glared right at me.

I felt a chill and saw a black ribbon fall over her face in my mind's eye. I knew that she
had been sent by the Dark One to bring harm to me.

She looked at Hazel and asked, "Do you know who she is?"

Hazel pointed to her rig and told me to get in. I did. Then Hazel spoke with the woman for
a minute before joining me.

Ms. Republican MiniVan called the police. Hazel and I sat and waited for the cop to arrive.
When he came he ran my name and then handed me back my ID with a smile.

Hazel drove me all the way down to Willmar, Minnesota. Then she gave me a beautiful
blanket decorated with snow flakes and polar bears before driving away with a wave. That
blanket now covers my bed.

The wind picked up and so I wrapped myself up in the new blanket and shivered. I only put
out my thumb when a vehicle appeared. Eventually one pulled over and a kind young man
got out and walked over to me.

His name is Fernando.

He and his wife brought me down to the small town of Olivia, Minnesota. Olivia is all
about corn. I mean it just is.

PHOTO BY FERNANDO

Fernando got me a room at the Sheep Shedde Inn that was established back in
the 1940's.

The next day, one of the housekeepers drove me out of town and left me on the
side of the highway. The cold wind blew in my face and I hoped that the sun
would eventually warm me up.

A white pickup truck flew past me and after a couple of minutes...it returned.
The truck door opened and that is when I met Rick.

The first thing Rick did was put me in his truck and then he drove me back into
town. He had some business to take care of and so he left me in the capable hands
of the owner of the local coffee shop.

When Rick returned, he bundled me back into his truck and drove me straight
down to Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

Rick waved his magic wand, I signed a year lease and this apartment is now mine.

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

The view outside my window is lovely tonight. The snow is still falling. And I believe
in miracles.

Recognition From Redwood

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:12:00 +0000

PHOTO BY ALICIA/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

My friend Cory (I have met him and his wife, Alicia) is a cop. Alicia captured this
tender moment before Cory went to work this morning. I took one look at it and smiled.

Cory. He is an amazing man. We are direct opposites on several levels but not
where it really counts.

He is completely connected to his community and committed to his family. There are
no wild turns in his life or his job.

One day, years ago, Cory pulled an angry, frustrated thorn out of my paw. We met
on the shoulder of a very busy highway. When he stepped out of his rig, I gave him a
baleful glare. At that point, he was the last person that I wanted to see and I let him
know it.

But Cory approached me with gentle kindness. He bent down to my level and asked
me how I was doing.

I verbally let him have it.

Officer Cory didn't react like I expected him to. Instead, he traded my frustration for
genuine concern.

I wanted him to leave. But Cory remained and calmly conversed with me.

Yes, there is much more to this story. But I will not share it here. What I will say is
that all these years later, Cory and I are still friends. He has a great family. His
beautiful wife Alicia is the epitome of kindness. His children are the blessings in his
quiver that is blessed by God.

Tonight, I wonder once again...what would have happened if Officer Cory hadn't
stopped that day. Everything that has happened to me is connected and has brought
me to where I am today. And tonight I know that I am in the best place that I have
ever been.

I hope that the world loves Cory as much as he loves the world. And I pray that
Cory's children appreciate the memories that their Dad is making with them now.
God bless you, Cory. Stay safe.

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

Thomas Kolding: Think Beyond Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 02:56:00 +0000

Sometimes some words just need to be said. Now is the time to say them.

The Call From Redwood Falls--Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 06:19:00 +0000

ALL PHOTOS/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

When I boarded the bus in Miles City, Montana for the short ride to Dickinson, North Dakota I
never thought that I would end up right where I belong.

But I'm here.

I hitchhiked from Dickinson to where I am now: Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

I left an old, dirty and over-priced mess behind. The studio that I rented in Miles City cost me
$480 every month. Halfway through my rental period there, both the puny kitchenette sink
and the old bathtub backed up.

I didn't have a separate bedroom and now that I do, I sure enjoy the
pleasure of not sleeping in the living space. I have clean, modern appliances and a nice sized
sink in my kitchen. I also have a real counter with a microwave on one side and a K-cup
coffee maker on the other.

This apartment features a new air conditioner (which I'm sure I will appreciate next Summer)
and a hardwood floor in the kitchen-living space area. I have an upholstered rocker, my own
WiFi, very nice pictures in lovely wood frames that I'll have hung up soon. I also have a
perfectly-sized wood table and two matching boutique metal chairs with suede cushions.

There is a very large window in the living space and it features a third-floor view of the
gazebo (we have our own), the bench swing, the lamp posts, the trees and the lake. I love
the view! I have enjoyed some intense sunsets from that window. I also love to watch the
wild birds and hawks and soaring bald eagles. It's a natural panorama.

The people here have helped me acquire some nice knickknacks and of course, the pictures.
Every week I add one more thing to my new home.

I have a blow-up mattress for my bed right now. But I have nice bedding, blankets and a
new copper pillow (no "My Pillow" for me! Not after I found out the truth about the owner
of that company!) that allow me to sleep comfortably.

My bedroom has a tall window, a closet and carpeting.

The bathroom is spacious with a large sink, two-option super flush (it really is!) toilet and
a fiberglass shower.

This building suffered a fatal fire during the winter of 2013. But the building was remodeled
in 2017 and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October of that year.

My apartment has been updated and is worth the $220 per month that I pay for it now.

Here are some photos of my apartment:

BAD RUTHIE! I DIDN'T MAKE MY BED!

THE COMMON LOUNGE AREA ON MY FLOOR

NIGHT TIME PHOTO OF THE GAZEBO

VIEW FROM MY BEDROOM WINDOW

VIEW FROM MY LIVING SPACE WINDOW

VIEW FROM MY ROCKER CHAIR LATE IN THE DAY

VIEW FROM WINDOW INCLUDING MY GLASS DUCK

DAYTIME VIEW OF GAZEBO, GROUNDS, LAKE

Now you may be asking: How did I get here?

That I will discuss in part two of this post.

Somewhere Down The Road

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 06:15:00 +0000

PHOTOS/VIDEO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

PRIVATE MESSAGE:

I suppose you want to know what I'm up to. You could just ask me but that would make too
much sense, now wouldn't it?

You think if you gather enough information through a third-party that you'll find out all that
you need to know.

No, you won't.

I think it's funny. In a sad sort of way.

I am well aware of your inquiries, just so YOU know. And I enjoy telling a few people
something and then turning around and telling a few more people something else.

So figure it out, genius. You're the one with all of the wisdom, right?
__________

A kind couple at a rest area near New Salem, North Dakota put me in their fancy rig
and dropped me off at the Visitor's Center in Moorhead, Minnesota. That run moved
me forward 239 miles. Nice ride.

When I arrived at the Center, storm warnings were being posted for that entire area.
I had the feeling that something fierce was on its way in and I didn't have much
money to use toward food.

So I contacted a friend back in Miles City, Montana who ordered a pizza for me
and it was delivered to the Center. When I stepped outside to get the pizza from the
delivery person I noticed that the wind was picking up.

The next morning the storm blew in with a wild fury. The snow flew
sideways across the park while the wind howled. So naturally I bundled-up and
walked out into the storm with the intention of getting a ride south on Interstate 94.

That didn't happen.

After an hour, I faced defeat and returned to the Center. By that time, I was cold,
chilled and half-frozen.

The folks at the Center gave me mugs of hot coffee, big pumpkin spice muffins,
sandwiches, soda, potato chips and tart red apples. Then a man brought me a
sleeping bag and a plump pillow with a navy blue slip over it. They opened up a
storage room and told me that I could stay there for the rest of the day and
overnight, too.

So I did.

Today the man who loaned me the pillow and the sleeping bag, drove me down
to where I am now. I am spending the night in this hotel and then I will put my
thumb back out tomorrow morning.

Somewhere down the road, my new home awaits. I just know it. *Smile*

-Wink-

Just Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 21:39:00 +0000

A FAST PHOTO OF ME AT THE LIBRARY
IN DICKINSON, NORTH DAKOTA

I am gone. Some people know that now. Some are just finding out. Gone.

I left on a Jefferson Lines bus last night, crunching on gas station Asian snack
food and chasing it down with a bottle of Seagram's ginger ale.

We rode down a dark and almost empty Interstate highway. Our driver barely
got to use his low beams.

Now I am ready to go find what I should already have: Decent housing with a
reasonable and affordable price tag.

I'm going to leave here soon. My belly is empty and so is my billfold. There's
snow in the forecast and I have no definite guarantees of anything.

But I am fed up with the way I was being treated in Montana and so I have
moved on. Now I am heading east.

I will do my best to provide updates.

Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 22:48:00 +0000

This is all that I could come up with today. It's big and I have to reduce the size yet. And I
had to do it on the back of one of the pages of my lease agreement. *Laugh* I only had
ten colors which isn't near what I usually use. Plus I had to use a regular ballpoint pen
instead of a gel nib.

I kind of like it, though...enough to use it.

The photo with my name on it is mine. I swooped the lens around my Christmas tree last
December. Then I edited it and came up with that very interesting light shot.

I know that the picture doesn't look like me. It's more of a caricature and captures the
"inner me."

But I had fun, which is the main point of making this picture.

Hurricane Florence is bearing down on the East Coast and is apparently going to be a
whopper. The body of a young female hiker was found today in Oregon. Donald John
Trump is still stuck on stupid. And the Minnesota Twins may or may not win their game
tonight.

I don't have to worry about all that.

I am safe and secure tonight. "No regrets, Coyote" as Joni Mitchell used to say.

Bring on Autumn! I am a year older now and ready to walk through the leaves again.

Have a wonderful day tomorrow.

Love,

Ruthie.*

They Cut The Wrong Christian

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:37:00 +0000

I was removed from the membership roster of a group on Facebook this morning. The decision is
noteworthy because the group touts itself as being "hate-free." And Christian.

Yeah, Christian.

Ahem.

I was labeled as a "Russian bot" and then cut from the group. This means that the sainted
admins insulted me and left me with no ability to respond or defend myself.

Am I a Russian bot?

Nyet.

__________

No eti khristianskiye litsemery vse ravno privyazali menya k etomu puti. Eti glupyye, grebanyye,
zhopy.
__________

Say Hallelujah!

But before the ax fell, I took a screen shot of a discussion that I had with a young lady named
Michele Lamendola.

Tap on the image (above) to read what Michele wrote.

We were discussing Donald John Trump and Christian Democrats.

I asked Michele's permission to post her words in this blog. She graciously agreed.

Neither one of us posted anom...amon...anonm...without including our name. (Ask Trump how
he pronounces that word.)

And while Trump can't seem to properly pronounce the word "anonymous"...I can't seem to
maintain open communication with Christians online. Nope.

I will be 63 or so on Monday (September 10) and I'll celebrate my continuous connection to
the real God on that day. For it is He who gave me my life and still maintains it today.

That I believe.

And He hasn't banned me once. Our link is solid.

Amen.

The Mighty Pen Of Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:54:00 +0000

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

AND TRUMP SAYS...

BOSTON GLOBE MASTER LIST

NEW YORK TIMES MASTER LIST

They're unique but all connected...over 300 members of the media...taking a stand today

against Donald Trump's condemnation. They will not be maneuvered, they will not

knuckle-under and they will never be silenced.

Trump might want to turn their lights out but it won't happen. The media

on the Boston Globe master list will continue to seek out the truth and report it...ALL

OF IT.

Reputable media outlets like CNN, Washington Post and the New York Times will

continue to deliver what needs to be said. Trump will never coerce them into doing

otherwise.

Somewhere along the line, Trump decided that he would put his hand into the media's

pocket and manage it...article for article, video for video and word for word. And if a

particular news outlet didn't cooperate...then Trump declared it to be fake and

infested with liars.

He condemned many media outlets and labeled them as "the enemy of America."

The problem is that when Trump said that...he pointed the mirror the wrong way.

Trump doesn't realize that people in this Country are capable of standing up, closing

ranks and separating truth from fiction. They will set things right.

We are the United States of America...we do that here.

And we don't need a fool like Donald John Trump to grant us permission.

Every publication, every television channel, every radio station, every video, every

photograph, every social media website and every blog...will do its part to discover,

broadcast and share the truth about Trump.

Until that vile individual has nowhere left to hide.

Ruthie On The Road--Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:25:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

I hitchhiked from Hastings, Nebraska to Custer City, South Dakota before turning back south
to Fort Collins, Colorado. Then I headed west to Dinosaur, Colorado and traveled north
through Yellowstone Park to the State of Montana. I am now living in Miles City on the
eastern side of the State. I will stay here until next Spring.

I am living in a studio apartment with my own private WiFi, cable signal on a flat screen TV,
a large refrigerator, an 1100-watt microwave oven and a small coffee maker. This residence
costs a king's
ransom but I will be able to survive here throughout the Winter.

Another heat wave is set to arrive this weekend. We aren't
getting any rain and haven't received any measurable precipitation for over a month. It is very
dry here. The dust swirls with the flies in the hot afternoon wind.

I am dreaming of Autumn now: Yellow leaves, pumpkins and hot cider in an old mug. Listening
to Simon & Garfunkel on Amazon music while sleet slashes against the windowpane. I never
had a conventional TV set-up in Neligh...now I am looking forward to watching old movies on
something larger than my laptop's 17-inch screen.

And I have a friend who lives close by. She is a neighbor and we talk all of the time. That
never happened once while I was in Neligh. I have even gone to more than one church
service here in Miles City.

So I have transitioned from hitchhiking down the road to obtaining a new picture ID at the
local DMV.

And now that plate of fried pickles and that cold bottle of Pig's Ass beer is just a nice
memory.

I shivered to my bones one night while high in the mountains near Rustic, Colorado. And
then I got a new sunburn as I sat by the side of a rural road in Harlowton, Montana.

Now I am going to take it easy for awhile. Yay, me!

I Hate Fort Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:47:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

I felt so free and happy on the side of the highway yesterday. Yes, freedom was mine
when I sat in my wheeler and felt the wind from the grasslands ruffle my hair.

And then I arrived in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I hate Fort Collins. The people here are snooty, stuck-up and don't know me at all. They proved
it last night. Yes, they did.

Wherever I went with my wheeler last night, the people of Fort Collins just dismissed me as a
brainless homeless person. When I asked for directions or information, the people grabbed their
children and their dogs and hurried away from me. They left me standing on the sidewalk, dissed
and totally stunned.

The local homeless shelter refused to feed me because they said that I arrived there too late for a
meal. Domino's Pizza refused to deliver a pizza because they said that they "don't cater to
homeless people."

Finally, in an act of total desperation, I asked a young couple if they would be honest enough to
help me. I had enough money to get a meal but I needed to give it to them to complete the
transaction. I asked them if they would take my money and bring me back some food and drink.

They refused my money and brought me back some dinner.

But they are visiting from Arkansas...not residents of Fort Collins.

No one realized that I was suffering from the effects of a bad sunburn while I sat on a bench in
middle of the night last night. No one except that kind-hearted couple from Arkansas considered
my needs at all.

Shame on you, Fort Collins. You were once a true blessing to travelers on the road. Now
you're just a mecca for Ugly Americans. No open hands...just closed doors.

If you, Dear Reader, ever have the opportunity to visit Fort Collins, Colorado...don't.

Just don't.

In Love With My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 19:16:00 +0000

PHOTO BY BARB GREEN/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

What a day it has turned out be!

Yesterday, I started back on my journey back to Oregon...or Minnesota...or North Dakota...or Colorado.

THE BEGINNING

A 42-year-old man stepped out of a BMW and stood in front of me in bare feet. He was
well-dressed, clean cut, carting his bike and travel gear in the back seat of his tidy vehicle.

He offered to give me a ride 40 miles up the road and I accepted. A half-consumed bottle
of Starbucks coffee sat in the front console of the car. He had yuppie written all over him.

He started to ask me questions after he pulled his rig back on the highway. I responded by
asking him about him.

And that's when the words first floated into the open space between us.

"I'm thinking of taking my life" he said. And he spoke the words like he just asked me to
pass the salt.

Experience has taught me not to display a major reaction when a driver tells me something
like that (it's happened several times before). Instead I asked him why he said what he did.

For the next forty miles, the man spoke his peace. I chose my responses carefully. I was
completely aware that I was in very close proximity to him the whole time.

But I also knew that God was right there with me, too.

And so I told the man about his silent passenger. I told him about God.

We parted ways in a carbon copy of Nebraska's rural small towns. I don't know his status
now.

Then this morning, I read about Anthony Bourdain and Emily Glass...two totally
unrelated cases of suicide over the past few days.

And when I woke up this morning, I thanked God for keeping me in love with my own
life.

By The Light Of A New Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 00:46:00 +0000

SCREEN GRAB FROM KATU-TV WEBCAM/DESIGN/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

Freedom. That's where I am tonight. I am in absolute freedom. Portland is still considering the
perfect possibility of creating its own Major League baseball team. And the Pacific Ocean is
whispering to me. Soon...soon...by the light of a new moon.

Facebook: We Are That Fascinating

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 22:23:00 +0000

GOOGLE TRACKING MAP OF WHERE I WENT ON THE ROAD IN 2017
CLICK TO SEE A LARGER IMAGE

A Grand Inquisition in Washington DC climbed all over Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
for the past couple of days. I sat at my kitchen table here in rural Nebraska and watched some of the
proceedings. And there were times when I just wanted to reach out and smack some of those
pompous, political piss ants as they asked their stupid, asinine questions.

I don't know how Zuckerberg kept his cool...but he did. His behavior was patient, sincere and
professional. And that is more than I can say for many of the pinheads who all but attacked
Mark Zuckerberg for hours.

It was obvious that the Government Machine resents Zuckerberg because he is wealthy, wise
and powerful. And it makes no difference to me if Zuck "stole" some or all of the idea for
Facebook. He is the one who holds the boss baton now and it is he who will continue to mold
and shape Facebook.

I haven't always gotten along with Facebook. But that business has provided me with a place to communicate, share photos and store videos. I appreciate that. And Facebook has never
charged me a dime. So I just ignore the ads and soldier on with my own agenda.
I joined Facebook in 2009 and have been creating and storing memories
there ever since. I have quite a collection now.

So Facebook in the form of it's CEO was called on the carpet in the midst of a data piracy
hissy fit. But Facebook isn't the only entity that has thumbed its nose at the idea of
Government intervention and subsequent regulation. Google has been scrutinizing its users
for years.

The map that is featured above is proof of that.

The map illustrates my activity on the road in 2017. The red dots represent the rail, bus
and hitchhiking travel which Google faithfully followed like a shadow connected to my
smart device.

I didn't know that the maps existed until last night. I found them by accident after I took a
deep dive into Google's services. The Big G diary features a complete list of every motel,
hotel, rest area and residence that I stayed at last year. Now I know what time I arrived at
Attica, Indiana or Bradford, Pennsylvania. Google even reminded me where I went
when I visited those communities...every park, restaurant and store, too.

I don't care that Google filed away all of that data. I'm glad that it did.

Facebook began its online trek in February of 2004. I began this blog in December of
that same year.

I'm sure that Facebook really has no regrets and neither do I.

If you don't want to be scrutinized then stay offline. Or accept that we who walk on the
World Wide Web will be watched.

We are that fascinating.

Round File Government Interference And Regulation!!!

You know that is what this brouhaha is really all about.

PHOTO/EDITS BY RUTH RADER
CLICK TO SEE A LARGER IMAGE

Private Message

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 03:20:00 +0000

Private Message: The walls are thin. Count them. I got your message. Bells*

Ode To A Wind Chime

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 04:50:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS BY RUTH RADER

My wind chime will dance in a very warm Spring breeze tomorrow. The National

Weather Service is forecasting a high of 66F and I am delighted! As you can

see in the above photograph, there is barely any snow left on the ground. (However,

in the spirit of true disclosure, that may change by Friday morning.)

And while I bask in the gentle Spring sunshine, students and concerned citizens are

going to take a very important walk. At 10am across all time zones,

the NATIONAL SCHOOL WALK-OUT will begin.

Last month, on the annual day of love...Nikolas Cruz did the unthinkable. Now he may

be facing the death penalty.

And so tomorrow...the walk-out will take place....the National Rifle Association will

continue to make disgraceful excuses for not supporting tougher gun laws...spiteful

conservatives will make stupid decisions about their fellow human beings...and we

will all wonder what sort of greeting the now late Stephen Hawking offered up today

when he finally met God.

Yes, the weather is slowly changing and as it does...my little wind chime will

continue its carefree dance in the wind. Because, you see...that's all it has to do.

What Beautiful Really Is

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:32:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS/DESIGN BY RUTH RADER

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TO WEAR STONEMAN DOUGLAS HATS AT SPRING TRAINING

I am watching the movement develop between the students of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas
High School and the legislators backed by the National Rifle Association. It's getting
very interesting.

I want to see the Minnesota Twins with their new hats on. And I mean everybody who will be
at Spring Training in that ball club. You know who you are.

Why am I including my photographs of flowers in this post?

Because I want to remind the citizens of my Country what beautiful really is.

Courage and solidarity for a righteous cause is beautiful. Right now, every person who is
supporting the movement for sane gun control legislation is a beautiful person. Those who
cling tight with hateful fingers to the National Rifle Association are selfish fools and Ugly
Americans.

I won't have anything to do with their ugly.

Be Positive. Be Proud. Be Passionate. Do the right thing.

Be beautiful on the path that you walk.

Be the beautiful side of America.

Stay strong and march it through!

Play ball.

Happy Heart Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Rader) — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:41:00 +0000

PHOTOS/EDITS/GRAPHIC DESIGN BY RUTH RADER

Yesterday I was on a media website when a guy wrote that I probably have never done anything

"exciting or adventurous" in my life. He claimed that was the reason that I didn't understand

(the subject matter that we were discussing at the time.)

I decided that his arrogance would be fun

to play with and so I responded and wrote: "Nah, I've never gone beyond my own safe circle of

security. I've just stayed on the sidelines and now I'm just an aging old hippie."

"I knew it!" he declared. He actually believed me. What a hoot!

There are too many stereotypes being flung around these days. And that's preventing many

people from really connecting to each other and to the truth.

ON THE ROAD...MAY 2015

The guy has absolutely no idea how many stunts I pulled over the years. And if I showed

him this blog, my email and photographs...he would probably fall over in absolute

astonishment.

Many people did see me...though...from Alaska to the Gulf Coast. And from Maine to

California. I went out, sat down and just put out my thumb. And most of the time I had no

idea who I would meet, what I would eat or where I would sleep on any given day. I just

assumed the position with nary a dollar in my pocket and winged it.

ON THE ROAD...JULY 2012

Now I am collecting and compiling stories and photographs from my email account. There

are many good tales and pictures that I would love to share with you but this is not the way

that I plan to do it. But trust me, I have thousands of both! This has turned into a remarkable

project that I am really looking forward to publishing.

And when I do...I hope a few more people will get to know me a little better.

My friend is dreaming of Spring. I am too. She will go to church while I compose this

valentine. And we will both watch this new year evolve like the curve of a

young, green leaf.

And no matter who you are or where you are, if you are kind then I hope that you have a nice

Ash Wednesday St. Valentine's Day. And remember...you are loved. Even by the mysterious and

untamed and sometimes unknown me.

And remember to stop at a flower display and smell the roses, too!