Check out Roseann's post I Love My Couch at her blog, "Being Peace".
Thanks be to God, to all who prayed and sent good wishes, to the staff at the hospital, and to all who helped in any way for Roseann to return home.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
George Herbert - Priest And Poet
Portrait by Robert White, 1674
I like to note George Herbert's feast day, but yesterday, I missed it, because I read the readings for Anna Cooper's feast day by mistake. Anna Cooper is quite worthy of note in her own right, but I have my special saints. Sorry about that. I read the Lectionary offerings for Herbert today.
Readings:
Psalm 23 or 1
1 Peter 5:1-4
Matthew 5:1-10
PRAYER
Our God and King, who called your servant George Herbert from the pursuit of worldly honors to be a pastor of souls, a poet, and a priest in your temple: Give us grace, we pray, joyfully to perform the tasks you give us to do, knowing that nothing is menial or common that is done for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
An excerpt from one of Herbert's poems:
THE FLOWER
How fresh, O Lord, how sweet and clean
are Thy returns! Even as the flowers in spring,
to which, besides their own demean,
the late-past frosts tributes of pleasure bring.
Grief melts away
like snow in May,
As if there were no such cold thing.
Who would have thought my shrivelled heart
could have recovered greenness? It was gone
quite underground, as flowers depart
to see their mother-root, when they have blown;
where they together
all the hard weather,
dead to the world, keep house unknown.
....
And now in age I bud again;
after so many deaths I love and write;
I once more smell the dew and rain,
and relish versing. O my only Light,
it cannot be
that I am he
on whom Thy tempests fell all night.
These are Thy wonders, Lord of love,
to make us see we are but flowers that glide;
which when we once can find and prove,
Thou hast a garden for us where to bide.
Who would be more,
swelling through store,
forfeit their paradise by their pride.
George Herbert
Image from Wiki.
David Brooks On Jindal Speech
I'm sorry , but I must do it. A good definition of an obsession, don't you think? Besides, David Brooks (he who turns my brain to mush) is my favorite NYT columnist.
Mike the Mad Biologist says:
While I almost feel sorry for him, what the hell is Brooks thinking? "A promising politician?" Your guy is a creationist and believes in casting out demons. Sweet baby Intelligent Designer, I had to use the post tag of "Demonic Possession" to talk about the man. Jindal is a f**king loon. That's your problem, not the delivery or the strategy.
I never feel sorry for Brooks.
UPDATE: In the interest of truth, I add that Bobby is not a creationist, but an advocate of teaching Intelligent Design in the science classroom.
Mike the Mad Biologist says:
While I almost feel sorry for him, what the hell is Brooks thinking? "A promising politician?" Your guy is a creationist and believes in casting out demons. Sweet baby Intelligent Designer, I had to use the post tag of "Demonic Possession" to talk about the man. Jindal is a f**king loon. That's your problem, not the delivery or the strategy.
I never feel sorry for Brooks.
UPDATE: In the interest of truth, I add that Bobby is not a creationist, but an advocate of teaching Intelligent Design in the science classroom.
Two Ladies Talking In Heaven
1st woman: Hi! My name is Sherry.
2nd woman: Hi! I'm Sylvia. How'd you die?
1st woman: I froze to death.
2nd woman: How horrible!
1st woman: It wasn't so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm & sleepy, & finally died a peaceful death. What about you?
2nd woman: I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV.
1st woman: So, what happened?
2nd woman: I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic & searched, & down into the basement. Then I went through every closet & checked under all the beds.. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, & finally I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack & died.
1st woman: Too bad you didn't look in the freezer---we'd both still be alive...
Thanks to Lapin for a Saturday morning laugh.
2nd woman: Hi! I'm Sylvia. How'd you die?
1st woman: I froze to death.
2nd woman: How horrible!
1st woman: It wasn't so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm & sleepy, & finally died a peaceful death. What about you?
2nd woman: I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV.
1st woman: So, what happened?
2nd woman: I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic & searched, & down into the basement. Then I went through every closet & checked under all the beds.. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, & finally I became so exhausted that I just keeled over with a heart attack & died.
1st woman: Too bad you didn't look in the freezer---we'd both still be alive...
Thanks to Lapin for a Saturday morning laugh.
Friday, February 27, 2009
At The Audubon Zoo
This could be Berani, the orangutan that I posted about a while back, who escaped from his enclosure and stood staring at the spectators for a few minutes before he jumped back in, but I'm not sure. Whoever he is, he gave us quite a show by climbing to the very top of a tall pole and then sliding down a diagonal pole, like a child sliding down a bannister. I hope the pole was well-sanded.
I don't like zoos all that much, because the animals are all in enclosures, no matter how great the effort to make a suitable habitat. While many of them seem quite contented in their enclosures, others do not. One leopard was prowling the perimeters of his, obviously wanting out
The flamingos at the New Orleans zoo are orange, not pink, but still display colorfully.
The gorilla in the fetal position? Or is he just taking a nap?
One of the white alligators. I remember when they were about 8 inches long. I'd guess that they're about 5 feet long now.
And last, but not least, more backsides. The two youngest, climbing a tree.
Oh, My Goodness! Not "Really" True!
From TPM Muckraker:
Looks like the game is up.
Remember that story Bobby Jindal told in his big speech Tuesday night -- about how during Katrina, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a local sheriff who was battling government red tape to try to rescue stranded victims?
Turns out it wasn't actually, you know, true.
....
Jindal had described being in the office of Sheriff Harry Lee "during Katrina," and hearing him yelling into the phone at a government bureaucrat who was refusing to let him send volunteer boats out to rescue stranded storm victims, because they didn't have the necessary permits. Jindal said he told Lee, "that's ridiculous," prompting Lee to tell the bureaucrat that the rescue effort would go ahead and he or she could arrest both Lee and Jindal.
....
But now, a Jindal spokeswoman has admitted to Politico that in reality, Jindal overheard Lee talking about the episode to someone else by phone "days later." The spokeswoman said she thought Lee, who died in 2007, was being interviewed about the incident at the time.
Pecadillo! Pecadillo! Why don't the bloggers leave Governor Jindal alone?
Take note that it was first xgz at Daily Kos and then TPM who scooped the big media on the story. Who knows when BM would have unearthed the story, if ever.
UPDATE: Apologies to Big Media, Keith Olbermann, who said on Wednesday evening, "It looks like he made it up."
H/T to JCF in the comments.
UPDATE 2: The very, very, very, very latest from Jindal staffer, Tom Teepell, "This is liberal blogger B.S. The story is clear." Read TPM Muckraker to find out exactly how clear the story is.
"I Like Being Old. It Has Set Me Free."
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the60's &70's 50's & 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .. I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car. But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!
From my daughter-in-law. Thank you, C. This is one of the nicest presents that I have received in my whole life.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car. But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!
From my daughter-in-law. Thank you, C. This is one of the nicest presents that I have received in my whole life.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Azaleas In Bloom
Above, for your pleasure, as a go-to-sleep picture or a wake-up picture, depending on where you live, is an azalea bush in full bloom in our back garden.
Today Grandpère and I, along with our daughter, took five children to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. We had a lovely time, and now I am home and exhausted. I'll write more about our adventure later.
Below is a back view of the gang, excluding me, at the zoo.
For Doxy
From Smiley Anders column in The Advocate:
The economy is so bad that some people must get out their Greenspan and cook poke sallet.
The economy is so bad that some people must get out their Greenspan and cook poke sallet.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
More Good News On Roseann
Dear Mimi,
I've just spoken with Roseann, and to my relief she sounds so much better, we were even sharing a laugh. She is still being treated for the original infection, but she felt so much better after the dialysis today. The nuclear medicine scan that was done showed a deep contusion of the bone. No Break. She is still receiving pain medicine, and that will probably be for a short while longer.
I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am for her.. Pass this on to Maddy please, and again I thank you so much for being willing to help pass on these notes.
Blessings,
Sue
Sue, I'm honored to pass the word on to our blogging community and especially pleased when the news is good. Thank you for keeping us informed.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
I've just spoken with Roseann, and to my relief she sounds so much better, we were even sharing a laugh. She is still being treated for the original infection, but she felt so much better after the dialysis today. The nuclear medicine scan that was done showed a deep contusion of the bone. No Break. She is still receiving pain medicine, and that will probably be for a short while longer.
I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am for her.. Pass this on to Maddy please, and again I thank you so much for being willing to help pass on these notes.
Blessings,
Sue
Sue, I'm honored to pass the word on to our blogging community and especially pleased when the news is good. Thank you for keeping us informed.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Jindal Is The New Bill Clinton
How the mighty have fallen. And newspapers wonder why they are losing readers. I know, I know. I'm beating this subject to death, but it's not every day that our guy fails so spectacularly. Sadly, it's getting to be a regular thing for the Washington Post writers to get it very wrong.
From Michael Gerson at the Washington Post:
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal -- selected to deliver the Republicans' Fat Tuesday response to President Obama -- might also be voted the man least likely to let the good times roll. Slight, earnest, deeply religious and supremely wonkish, Jindal resembles neither his flamboyant predecessors as governor nor his reveling, 30-something contemporaries on Bourbon Street.
You can say that again. But wait!
Some have compared Jindal to Obama, but the new president has always been more attracted to platitudes than to policy. Rush Limbaugh has anointed Jindal "the next Ronald Reagan." But Reagan enjoyed painting on a large ideological canvas. In person, Jindal's manner more closely resembles another recent president: Bill Clinton. Like Clinton (a fellow Rhodes scholar), Jindal has the ability to overwhelm any topic with facts and thoughtful arguments -- displaying a mastery of detail that encourages confidence. Both speak of complex policy issues with the world-changing intensity of a late-night dorm room discussion.
....
At this point in the election cycle, no Republican can be considered more than the flavor of the month. But this is an appealing one.
I'd wager Gerson didn't watch the speech before he wrote his column. What's missing from the comparison is the total lack of charisma on Jindal's part. Clinton engaged as he policy-wonked.
A late-night dorm discussion? Does Gerson have the right stuff to be a columnist for a major newspaper?
And yes, I do know that President Obama gave a fine State of the Union speech last night.
From Michael Gerson at the Washington Post:
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal -- selected to deliver the Republicans' Fat Tuesday response to President Obama -- might also be voted the man least likely to let the good times roll. Slight, earnest, deeply religious and supremely wonkish, Jindal resembles neither his flamboyant predecessors as governor nor his reveling, 30-something contemporaries on Bourbon Street.
You can say that again. But wait!
Some have compared Jindal to Obama, but the new president has always been more attracted to platitudes than to policy. Rush Limbaugh has anointed Jindal "the next Ronald Reagan." But Reagan enjoyed painting on a large ideological canvas. In person, Jindal's manner more closely resembles another recent president: Bill Clinton. Like Clinton (a fellow Rhodes scholar), Jindal has the ability to overwhelm any topic with facts and thoughtful arguments -- displaying a mastery of detail that encourages confidence. Both speak of complex policy issues with the world-changing intensity of a late-night dorm room discussion.
....
At this point in the election cycle, no Republican can be considered more than the flavor of the month. But this is an appealing one.
I'd wager Gerson didn't watch the speech before he wrote his column. What's missing from the comparison is the total lack of charisma on Jindal's part. Clinton engaged as he policy-wonked.
A late-night dorm discussion? Does Gerson have the right stuff to be a columnist for a major newspaper?
And yes, I do know that President Obama gave a fine State of the Union speech last night.
Faux News Didn't Like Jindal's Speech
From Think Progress:
BRIT HUME: “The speech read a lot better than it sounded. This was not Bobby Jindal’s greatest oratorical moment.”
NINA EASTON: “The delivery was not exactly terrific.”
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: “Jindal didn’t have a chance. He follows Obama, who in making speeches, is in a league of his own. He’s in a Reagan-esque league. … [Jindal] tried the best he could.”
JUAN WILLIAMS: “It came off as amateurish, and even the tempo in which he spoke was sing-songy. He was telling stories that seemed very simplistic and almost childish.”
When you're a Republican, and you've lost the members of the panel at Faux News, you're in deep doodoo.
Think Progress has a compilation of the "lowlights" of Jindal's speech on video at the link above.
BRIT HUME: “The speech read a lot better than it sounded. This was not Bobby Jindal’s greatest oratorical moment.”
NINA EASTON: “The delivery was not exactly terrific.”
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: “Jindal didn’t have a chance. He follows Obama, who in making speeches, is in a league of his own. He’s in a Reagan-esque league. … [Jindal] tried the best he could.”
JUAN WILLIAMS: “It came off as amateurish, and even the tempo in which he spoke was sing-songy. He was telling stories that seemed very simplistic and almost childish.”
When you're a Republican, and you've lost the members of the panel at Faux News, you're in deep doodoo.
Think Progress has a compilation of the "lowlights" of Jindal's speech on video at the link above.
"...You Are Dust...."
...We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed....
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 331)
We didn't pray the "Confession of Sin" from the Rite One Eucharist, but it would have been fine with me if we had. I like the old prayers from time to time. My sins and wickedness are surely manifold, and it's a good thing for me to occasionally acknowledge that to be so. I'm feeling sorry and determined to do better, and clean and shriven, at least for the moment.
As I left church today, I told the rector that I was rid of my manifold sins and wickedness, and he laughed and said, "Yeah, for 5 minutes". I think he's on to me.
Update On Sunny - "Life Is Uncertain"
Sunny received a heart transplant a few days ago.
Sunny update:
Mom reports that Sunny opened her eyes and Mom told her she had her new heart for 36 hours. Her eyes got really big and Mom asked "are you happy?" and Sunny nodded "yes."
If all goes well, assist pump comes out of the aorta today and perhaps Sunny comes off ventilator as well. Prayers must be working.
GN
Thanks be to God and all who prayed or sent good wishes.
Sunny update:
Mom reports that Sunny opened her eyes and Mom told her she had her new heart for 36 hours. Her eyes got really big and Mom asked "are you happy?" and Sunny nodded "yes."
If all goes well, assist pump comes out of the aorta today and perhaps Sunny comes off ventilator as well. Prayers must be working.
GN
Thanks be to God and all who prayed or sent good wishes.
Ash Wednesday - "God Be Merciful...."
"Ash Wednesday" - Carl Spitzweg
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’
Luke 18:9-14
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Imposition of ashes:
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Break A Leg, Governor Jindal!
Piyush (Bobby) Jindal
Dear Governor Jindal,
I saw you on the TV when you said that you will take all but 1% (give or take a percentage or two) of Louisiana's portion of the stimulus package, because you stand on the principle that the federal government is spending too much money. Some might say that a principled stand would be to refuse the entire amount. Some might say that if you take any of the money and continue to criticize the stimulus bill, then you are a hypocrite. I would never say that.
I am sooo looking forward to your eloquent words which will follow the SOTU speech. I've heard you speak live, and I'd only urge you to slow down a bit and not include a litany of facts and figures that will send most viewers reeling.
Remember, too, that many of your constituents may be drunk or sleeping off their Mardi Gras revels by the time you get your TV time. Have you forgotten your constituents? You're a traveling man now, raising money for "your next term as governor", but we're still here waiting for you to remember that you are governor of our state, which is in dire need of leadership, what with the budget deficit and all. We make allowances for you now that you are a star on the national stage, but a little TLC from time to time would be greatly appreciated by the folks back home in Louisiana.
Respectfully,
Louisiana Citizen Mimi
UPDATE: Louisiana Sen. David Vitter, of consorting-with-prostitutes fame, another brilliant Rhodes scholar, comments on Jindal's speech:
Bobby offered a compelling positive alternative to empower people and does not simply grow the government.
Yes, senator, and up is down, and black is white, etc., etc., etc.
Watch Out For The Baby!
When I posted about the king cake tradition in south Louisiana, someone in the comments asked about the danger of swallowing the baby that was tucked into the king cake by the buyer.
The funniest thing I've read today comes from Blondius Maximus, who works at a bakery in New Orleans that makes king cakes. The words are a tad more x-rated than most of what I post here, or I'd just copy and give credit. If you want a laugh and a real taste of New Orleans style talk, go read Blondius Maximus at Live Journal.
H/T to Athenae at First Draft.
PS: After today, no more king cake for you!
Very Sad News From Roseann - Please Pray
from Roseann
I am back in the hospital. Last night I started running a temp of 102 and I can't move my left leg at all. It can bare no weight and any position other than supine is beyond painful. I didn't go to dialysis yesterday because I couldn't move. When my temp spiked I called Gary and he came home to take me to the ER. He couldn't move me so he had to call the ambulance. Long story short, the nephrologist said if I hadn't come in I probably wouldn't have lived through the night. My potassium level was so high my heart was about to shut down. They put me right on dialysis at midnight and kept me on until 4:30. Also, my ob/gyn called yesterday and is concerned about a possible relapse of the cervical cancer.
If you look up "snake bit" in the dictionary it has my picture.
I'm back at St. Vinnie's.... My very favorite aide works on this wing. She sat and cried with me last night until I got it out of my system.
Not trying to be dramatic here but I don't think I have much time left on this earth. Please pray for Gary.
Love, Roseann
Please pray for Roseann and Gary.
UPDATE: Mimi, roseann is going to have a bone scan which will show up a hair line fracture if it is in the hip. she sounded better this afternoon.
Thanks for the update, Sue. A bit of better news, thanks be to God and all you pray-ers and senders of good thoughts and good wishes.
I am back in the hospital. Last night I started running a temp of 102 and I can't move my left leg at all. It can bare no weight and any position other than supine is beyond painful. I didn't go to dialysis yesterday because I couldn't move. When my temp spiked I called Gary and he came home to take me to the ER. He couldn't move me so he had to call the ambulance. Long story short, the nephrologist said if I hadn't come in I probably wouldn't have lived through the night. My potassium level was so high my heart was about to shut down. They put me right on dialysis at midnight and kept me on until 4:30. Also, my ob/gyn called yesterday and is concerned about a possible relapse of the cervical cancer.
If you look up "snake bit" in the dictionary it has my picture.
I'm back at St. Vinnie's.... My very favorite aide works on this wing. She sat and cried with me last night until I got it out of my system.
Not trying to be dramatic here but I don't think I have much time left on this earth. Please pray for Gary.
Love, Roseann
Please pray for Roseann and Gary.
UPDATE: Mimi, roseann is going to have a bone scan which will show up a hair line fracture if it is in the hip. she sounded better this afternoon.
Thanks for the update, Sue. A bit of better news, thanks be to God and all you pray-ers and senders of good thoughts and good wishes.
Diana Says, "Happy Mardi Gras!"
My guardian, Mimi, is not going to a parade today. Neither am I. Canines are not welcome at the parades, not even canine bishops, fully vested. My other guardian, Grandpère, is going with his son and daughter-in-law to a parade. Mimi says one parade per season is enough. I think she is already in the Lenten season. I will cut back on my treats for the penitential season, except for Sundays. Sundays are not Lent, so the humans tell me.
Have a great day. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mimi taught me a little French.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Short Love Story
A man and a woman who had never met before, but were both married to other people, found themselves assigned to the same sleeping room on a Trans-continental train.
Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over sharing a room, they were both very tired and fell asleep quickly.....he in the upper bunk and she in the lower.
At 1:00 AM, the man leaned down and gently woke the woman saying, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to reach into the closet to get me a second blanket? I'm awfully cold.'
'I have a better idea,' she replied. 'Just for tonight, let's pretend that we're married.'
'Wow! That's a great idea!' he exclaimed.
'Good,' she replied. 'Get your own damn blanket.'
The End.
Don't blame me. Blame Doug. (Slightly edited)
Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over sharing a room, they were both very tired and fell asleep quickly.....he in the upper bunk and she in the lower.
At 1:00 AM, the man leaned down and gently woke the woman saying, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to reach into the closet to get me a second blanket? I'm awfully cold.'
'I have a better idea,' she replied. 'Just for tonight, let's pretend that we're married.'
'Wow! That's a great idea!' he exclaimed.
'Good,' she replied. 'Get your own damn blanket.'
The End.
Don't blame me. Blame Doug. (Slightly edited)
And Good News From Arkansas!
From ABC24-CW30 EyeWitness News:
CLARKSVILLE, AR (AP) - Arkansas Presbyterians have endorsed a church constitutional amendment that would allow non-celibate homosexuals to serve as ordained ministers, elders and deacons.
The 116-64 vote for the rule change within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) took place after a debate on Saturday, February 21, 2009 and was greeted with silence.
The denomination's national General Assembly approved the amendment in June; the measure goes into effect if a majority of the church's 173 presbyteries approve it.
The Presbytery of Arkansas has roughly 15,300 members. It narrowly rejected a similar proposal in 2001.
The times they are a-changin'.
Thanks to Keakin, who is from Arkansas, in the comments.
CLARKSVILLE, AR (AP) - Arkansas Presbyterians have endorsed a church constitutional amendment that would allow non-celibate homosexuals to serve as ordained ministers, elders and deacons.
The 116-64 vote for the rule change within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) took place after a debate on Saturday, February 21, 2009 and was greeted with silence.
The denomination's national General Assembly approved the amendment in June; the measure goes into effect if a majority of the church's 173 presbyteries approve it.
The Presbytery of Arkansas has roughly 15,300 members. It narrowly rejected a similar proposal in 2001.
The times they are a-changin'.
Thanks to Keakin, who is from Arkansas, in the comments.
Best Oscar Speech Award To Sean Penn
As he took the stage to accept his prize for playing slain gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk, Penn gleefully told the crowd: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns."
He followed with condemnation of anti-gay protesters who demonstrated near the Oscar site and comments about California's recent vote to ban gay marriage.
"For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support," Penn said. "We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
From the AP via The Advocate.
Note: The video stopped and started for me on the first play, so, if that happens, I suggest that you let it play through once, go do something else, then come back to watch without interruptions.
“Life Is Uncertain”
From Georgianne:
I am sending this to a few friends just because it is a great story.
Those of you who know me well know that I don’t really believe in a benevolent god or even a sense that there is a balance of good and bad in the universe that puts things right or helps us make sense of insanity. I have gone 'round the world and god is nowhere to be found.
“Life is uncertain”
But, every now and then just being alive and in the right place at the right time makes sense.
Where do I begin?
My good friend’s daughter has been waiting for a heart transplant for three years. I have known the family since the children were babies. They are my soul family. One of the kids came down to Florida to watch my dog while I went to Folk Alliance. Of course, the insanity is that as soon as I am unavailable and the youngest daughter is out-of-town, a fatal accident occurs in Chicago, the heart is alive and beating, and the match we are waiting for is rushed to the transplant center in Minneapolis. I am in the air and out of comms, Carla is alone in Florida…you get the picture. Carla had been afraid to leave Minneapolis for the last three years for obvious reasons, but she came down to Florida to watch my dog...
The good news is that I get back to Florida just as Sunny is being prepped for surgery and we are all in touch, and in the emotion of the horrible moments of waiting, Carla (whom I have known since she was 4) tells me that she cried for a year after I got married, because she really believed I would end up lost to the family forever. Of course that never happened, but kids worry, and here we are 30 years later going through the most intense experience ever.
We are still waiting and Sunny is not out of the woods, but we are all together, even though some distance is separating us right now. Carla has decided to stay with me for a few days until Sunny wakes up. She feels too fragile to travel.
But the circle is even wider.
My daughter had suggested I go see a singer at the folk conference that she “knew I would love.” So, I go hear this singer, and my daughter was correct. It is music that is not self-centered, but life affirming and loving in every sense of the word. It is “god-like.”
This singer reaches out to me as I am leaving, stops me, and says she is “moved somehow” to give me her CD. I do not know this person, but a connection is made. I explain about my daughter and she knows her because of the music business.
It gets better.
While Carla and I were waiting for news about Sunny’s new heart, we play the CD.
Here you go:
“Before You Leave”
by Ellis:
“Every star at night is a beating heart
That someday will fall
Young and old they are bright
And make a grand exit
I know life is uncertain
Nothing’s turned out like we planned
I want to do something
Maybe just hold your hand
I know life is uncertain
Things don't turn out like we planned
And I want to do something
I'm not sure if I can"
Sometimes life makes sense and we all meet up in the right place and at the right time.
GN
UPDATE: we are still waiting but heard sunny opened her eyes and smiled and she is PINK now!!!
Thanks be to God! Please pray for Sunny and her family and friends.
UPDATE 2, from GN in the comments:
Thank you all so much. Update is that Sunny is on "slow recovery," but all OK so far.
I looked on Ellis' site and here are lyrics..turns out she is giving song away because it was written for friend of hers who died of cancer...I did not know this. ~GN
I am sending this to a few friends just because it is a great story.
Those of you who know me well know that I don’t really believe in a benevolent god or even a sense that there is a balance of good and bad in the universe that puts things right or helps us make sense of insanity. I have gone 'round the world and god is nowhere to be found.
“Life is uncertain”
But, every now and then just being alive and in the right place at the right time makes sense.
Where do I begin?
My good friend’s daughter has been waiting for a heart transplant for three years. I have known the family since the children were babies. They are my soul family. One of the kids came down to Florida to watch my dog while I went to Folk Alliance. Of course, the insanity is that as soon as I am unavailable and the youngest daughter is out-of-town, a fatal accident occurs in Chicago, the heart is alive and beating, and the match we are waiting for is rushed to the transplant center in Minneapolis. I am in the air and out of comms, Carla is alone in Florida…you get the picture. Carla had been afraid to leave Minneapolis for the last three years for obvious reasons, but she came down to Florida to watch my dog...
The good news is that I get back to Florida just as Sunny is being prepped for surgery and we are all in touch, and in the emotion of the horrible moments of waiting, Carla (whom I have known since she was 4) tells me that she cried for a year after I got married, because she really believed I would end up lost to the family forever. Of course that never happened, but kids worry, and here we are 30 years later going through the most intense experience ever.
We are still waiting and Sunny is not out of the woods, but we are all together, even though some distance is separating us right now. Carla has decided to stay with me for a few days until Sunny wakes up. She feels too fragile to travel.
But the circle is even wider.
My daughter had suggested I go see a singer at the folk conference that she “knew I would love.” So, I go hear this singer, and my daughter was correct. It is music that is not self-centered, but life affirming and loving in every sense of the word. It is “god-like.”
This singer reaches out to me as I am leaving, stops me, and says she is “moved somehow” to give me her CD. I do not know this person, but a connection is made. I explain about my daughter and she knows her because of the music business.
It gets better.
While Carla and I were waiting for news about Sunny’s new heart, we play the CD.
Here you go:
“Before You Leave”
by Ellis:
“Every star at night is a beating heart
That someday will fall
Young and old they are bright
And make a grand exit
I know life is uncertain
Nothing’s turned out like we planned
I want to do something
Maybe just hold your hand
I know life is uncertain
Things don't turn out like we planned
And I want to do something
I'm not sure if I can"
Sometimes life makes sense and we all meet up in the right place and at the right time.
GN
UPDATE: we are still waiting but heard sunny opened her eyes and smiled and she is PINK now!!!
Thanks be to God! Please pray for Sunny and her family and friends.
UPDATE 2, from GN in the comments:
Thank you all so much. Update is that Sunny is on "slow recovery," but all OK so far.
I looked on Ellis' site and here are lyrics..turns out she is giving song away because it was written for friend of hers who died of cancer...I did not know this. ~GN
Sunday, February 22, 2009
US Military Advisors In Pakistan
From the New York Times:
BARA, Pakistan — More than 70 United States military advisers and technical specialists are secretly working in Pakistan to help its armed forces battle Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the country’s lawless tribal areas, American military officials said.
The Americans are mostly Army Special Forces soldiers who are training Pakistani Army and paramilitary troops, providing them with intelligence and advising on combat tactics, the officials said. They do not conduct combat operations, the officials added.
....
Despite the political hazards for Islamabad, the American effort is beginning to pay dividends.
A new Pakistani commando unit within the Frontier Corps paramilitary force has used information from the Central Intelligence Agency and other sources to kill or capture as many as 60 militants in the past seven months, including at least five high-ranking commanders, a senior Pakistani military official said.
It seems to me that we fight the same wars over and over in different countries. Is the secret involvement in Pakistan really paying dividends? Are they truly capturing or killing the leaders of the Taliban and Al Qaeda? I don't know. I have very little trust in reports of this sort. The 70 advisers and specialists are, I'm afraid, the thin-entering wedge to a war in another country.
Yet the main commanders of the Pakistani Taliban, including its leader, Baitullah Mehsud, and its leader in the Swat region, Maulana Fazlullah, remain at large. And senior American military officials remain frustrated that they have been unable to persuade the chief of the Pakistani Army, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, to embrace serious counterinsurgency training for the army itself.
We can't police the whole world. Seems to me that I've had that same thought quite a few times over the years.
BARA, Pakistan — More than 70 United States military advisers and technical specialists are secretly working in Pakistan to help its armed forces battle Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the country’s lawless tribal areas, American military officials said.
The Americans are mostly Army Special Forces soldiers who are training Pakistani Army and paramilitary troops, providing them with intelligence and advising on combat tactics, the officials said. They do not conduct combat operations, the officials added.
....
Despite the political hazards for Islamabad, the American effort is beginning to pay dividends.
A new Pakistani commando unit within the Frontier Corps paramilitary force has used information from the Central Intelligence Agency and other sources to kill or capture as many as 60 militants in the past seven months, including at least five high-ranking commanders, a senior Pakistani military official said.
It seems to me that we fight the same wars over and over in different countries. Is the secret involvement in Pakistan really paying dividends? Are they truly capturing or killing the leaders of the Taliban and Al Qaeda? I don't know. I have very little trust in reports of this sort. The 70 advisers and specialists are, I'm afraid, the thin-entering wedge to a war in another country.
Yet the main commanders of the Pakistani Taliban, including its leader, Baitullah Mehsud, and its leader in the Swat region, Maulana Fazlullah, remain at large. And senior American military officials remain frustrated that they have been unable to persuade the chief of the Pakistani Army, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, to embrace serious counterinsurgency training for the army itself.
We can't police the whole world. Seems to me that I've had that same thought quite a few times over the years.
Scenes From The Parade In Thibodaux
Float
Another Float
Thibodaux High School Band (My children's Alma Mater. My daughter was in the band.)
One Twin With Loot
Other Twin With Loot
Can You See Me? (My hat was woven out of strips from palmetto leaves by a Houmas Indian woman.)
Grandpère's Bad Photography (I'm reaching to strangle him for taking my picture twice with half my head cut off.)
A Replica Of Our Humble Cabin Home On A Float
UPDATE: I forgot to say the parade passes on the street right in front of my church. After the 10:30 service, we have a potluck lunch and then watch the parade from there.
Another Float
Thibodaux High School Band (My children's Alma Mater. My daughter was in the band.)
One Twin With Loot
Other Twin With Loot
Can You See Me? (My hat was woven out of strips from palmetto leaves by a Houmas Indian woman.)
Grandpère's Bad Photography (I'm reaching to strangle him for taking my picture twice with half my head cut off.)
A Replica Of Our Humble Cabin Home On A Float
UPDATE: I forgot to say the parade passes on the street right in front of my church. After the 10:30 service, we have a potluck lunch and then watch the parade from there.
Is There An Editor In The House?
Cruel!
He Loved His Wife.
Help This Man.
Help!
If It's Only Slight....
Thanks to Lapin.
He Loved His Wife.
Help This Man.
Help!
If It's Only Slight....
Thanks to Lapin.
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