To make the paragraph break in a comment after a quote in italics, on the next line under the quote, type BRBR with open and close brackets < > on either side of each BR. Then leave a space line. When you preview, the break will look huge, but when you hit publish, it will be right.
I can't show you, because the BRBR disappears into a space when I use the brackets.
If anyone has a better explanation, I will post it.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Dog Would Put Mr Darcy To Shame
Kudu
From The Telegraph:
One of the Dog's admirable qualities is an instinct for friends with elegant owners, and it is a glamorous gaggle that gathers around the bandstand on this fine May morning. We are in Battersea Park, across the river from Chelsea, and one or two of the hacking jackets on display are cut with just a little more dash than is strictly necessary for dog-walking.
How can you not like an article with a first paragraph like that?
They are all there – the sniffers and trotters, the sprinters and plodders, the yappers and slobberers, the shaggy and the soignée. While they do their doggy thing about our feet, we, their masters and mistresses (or perhaps their servants?), do ours. We talk.... This easy-going social intercourse is the great revelation of dog-owning in middle age. If you are accompanied by a dog you can talk to anyone, and anyone can talk to you – about anything.
Those of you who remember back to my blog's beginning may recall that I once had a picture of Jane Austen next to the link to my profile. She's my all-time favorite fiction writer in the whole world, and I've read her few published works over and over. Whenever I see or hear something about Jane or one of her characters, I perk up, so, of course, when Lapin sent me the link to the article with Mr Darcy's name in the title, I paid attention.
But I digress. The writer goes on to say that "a dog is just a dog". But wait! That's not quite the case, is it? A dog is much more than "just a dog", or the dear creatures would not gain such a strong hold on our affections. We would not take the trouble with our dogs if they were "just dogs". It's not we humans who own them; they own us. For heaven's sake, we pick up their poop and sometimes clean up their pee. Is that not true love?
The reward is that dog-walking becomes like reading a novel, or watching a play; disbelief is suspended and, for an hour or so, we are given licence to escape ordinary life. Fantasy flourishes, and really quite trivial moments in a dog's life become a source of wonder to be repeated, discussed, laughed about and even worried over with its human family.
The novel the Dog and I enjoy in Battersea is at the Jane Austen end of the market. He can do a noble profile that would put Mr Darcy to shame. One of his admirers bought him a collar while skiing in St Moritz which is studded with golden cows; it gives him the slightly foppish air of the Alexander Pope dog whose collar carried the legend: "I am his Highness' Dog at Kew;/Pray tell me sir, whose dog are you?"
The Dog who owns the writer even received a proposal of marriage at Battersea Park, but only after a thorough investigation of his pedigree. Apparently, the article is the beginning of a series which will follow the further adventures of Kudu and his human.
When I walk Diana in my neighborhood, the folks we meet generally do not have dogs with them. On the occasions when we meet a dog and his/her human, we may have a word or two about the dogs, but nothing novel length or even short story length. Dullsville, some might say, but I would never say that. I like my quiet walks. Diana never talks to me. She just makes ME heel and stop whenever she wants to mark a spot or take a poop, which she leaves for me to pick up and tote home.
It's Only An Earring
A man is at work one day when he notices that his co-worker is wearing a rather feminine looking earring. The man knows his co-worker is usually a conservative, ordinary kind of guy, and is curious about his sudden change in fashion sense.
He comments to his friend, "I didn't know you were into earrings."
"It's not such a big deal," comes the sheepish reply. "It's only an
earring."
His friend falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to ask, "So, how long have you been wearing an earring?"
"Ever since my wife found it in the car."
Don't blame me. Blame Doug.
He comments to his friend, "I didn't know you were into earrings."
"It's not such a big deal," comes the sheepish reply. "It's only an
earring."
His friend falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to ask, "So, how long have you been wearing an earring?"
"Ever since my wife found it in the car."
Don't blame me. Blame Doug.
National Aboriginal Day of Prayer
From The Anglican Church of Canada:
ENGLISH
Collect of the Day
Creator God,
from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name.
You have rooted and grounded us
in your covenant love,
and empowered us by your Spirit
to speak the truth in love,
and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness.
Mercifully grant that your people,
journeying together in partnership,
may be strengthened and guided
to help one another to grow into the full stature of Christ,
who is our light and our life. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 19
Philippians 4:4-9
John 1:1-18
Prayer over the Gifts
Creator, you bless us
with many good gifts
returned to you from your creation.
Feed us with the Bread of Life,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface for Weekdays
Prayer after Communion
Great Creator, you have fed us with bread from heaven.
continue to renew us in your truth,
to give light to our minds
strength to our bodies,
and seal us with your Holy Spirit.
We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.
Sentence
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
FRENCH
Collecte
Dieu créateur, de qui toute famille au ciel et sur terre tient son nom,
tu nous as enracinés et rattachés à la terre dans une alliance d’amour,
et tu nous as donné, par ton Esprit
la force de proclamer ce qui est vrai, avec amour,
et de cheminer avec justice et constance.
Dans ta bonté, accorde à ton peuple
de poursuivre son pèlerinage dans l’unité,
d’être renforci et guidé afin que chacun aide l’autre
dans l’atteinte de la pleine stature du Christ,
notre lumière et notre vie. Amen.
Off.
Dieu créateur,
tu nous a comblés de toutes ces bonnes choses qui viennent de la terre.
Reçois maintenant ces dons, fruits de ta création,
que nous t’offrons, et nourris-nous
du Pain de Vie,
ton fils Jésus Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.
Preface des jours de semaine
Lectures
Is. 40:25-31
Psaume 19
Phil. 4:4-9
Jean 1:1-18
Postcommunion
Créateur de l’univers,
tu nous as permis de partager cette nourriture céleste.
Sans cesse, renouvelle en nous ta vérité,
éclaire nos esprits de ta lumière, donne force à nos corps,
et ________ -nous avec ton Esprit Saint.
Nous te le demandons au nom du Christ. Amen.
Sentence
Les cieux rancontent la gloire de Dieu, le firmament proclame l’oeuvre de tes mains. Psaume 19:1
Translation into Aboriginal Languages is in process.
Thanks to Ann for the link.
ENGLISH
Collect of the Day
Creator God,
from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name.
You have rooted and grounded us
in your covenant love,
and empowered us by your Spirit
to speak the truth in love,
and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness.
Mercifully grant that your people,
journeying together in partnership,
may be strengthened and guided
to help one another to grow into the full stature of Christ,
who is our light and our life. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 19
Philippians 4:4-9
John 1:1-18
Prayer over the Gifts
Creator, you bless us
with many good gifts
returned to you from your creation.
Feed us with the Bread of Life,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface for Weekdays
Prayer after Communion
Great Creator, you have fed us with bread from heaven.
continue to renew us in your truth,
to give light to our minds
strength to our bodies,
and seal us with your Holy Spirit.
We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.
Sentence
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
FRENCH
Collecte
Dieu créateur, de qui toute famille au ciel et sur terre tient son nom,
tu nous as enracinés et rattachés à la terre dans une alliance d’amour,
et tu nous as donné, par ton Esprit
la force de proclamer ce qui est vrai, avec amour,
et de cheminer avec justice et constance.
Dans ta bonté, accorde à ton peuple
de poursuivre son pèlerinage dans l’unité,
d’être renforci et guidé afin que chacun aide l’autre
dans l’atteinte de la pleine stature du Christ,
notre lumière et notre vie. Amen.
Off.
Dieu créateur,
tu nous a comblés de toutes ces bonnes choses qui viennent de la terre.
Reçois maintenant ces dons, fruits de ta création,
que nous t’offrons, et nourris-nous
du Pain de Vie,
ton fils Jésus Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.
Preface des jours de semaine
Lectures
Is. 40:25-31
Psaume 19
Phil. 4:4-9
Jean 1:1-18
Postcommunion
Créateur de l’univers,
tu nous as permis de partager cette nourriture céleste.
Sans cesse, renouvelle en nous ta vérité,
éclaire nos esprits de ta lumière, donne force à nos corps,
et ________ -nous avec ton Esprit Saint.
Nous te le demandons au nom du Christ. Amen.
Sentence
Les cieux rancontent la gloire de Dieu, le firmament proclame l’oeuvre de tes mains. Psaume 19:1
Translation into Aboriginal Languages is in process.
Thanks to Ann for the link.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Gay Student Elected Prom Queen
From the LA Times:
Sergio Garcia stood in the gymnasium and told the senior class at Fairfax High School not to worry: If he was elected, he wouldn’t wear a dress.
“I will be wearing a suit,” Garcia said, “but don’t be fooled, deep down inside, I am a queen!” Garcia, 18, spent most of his years at Fairfax openly gay and wanting to be part of the prom court — but not as king.
He felt prom queen better suited his personality, so he decided to seek that crown, running against a handful of female classmates. He said it started as a bit of a stunt and challenge — he wasn’t sure the school would allow it — but that his campaign for queen ended up being serious and sparking dialogue about gender roles on campus.
Ya gotta love 'im. Go Sergio!
...Fairfax, located at the intersection of Melrose and Fairfax avenues, has often been at the forefront of the gay rights struggle.
It has a Gay-Straight Alliance student group and Project 10, an onsite support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, was launched at Fairfax in 1984 after a social worker wanted to help an openly gay man who was harassed by other students.
....
"The young people, they are not involved in this whole argument about gay rights," Uribe said. "They think this whole fight is silly. They just accept people for who they are.
“Gender bending is just kind of in,” she said.
The young people have it right.
Sergio Garcia stood in the gymnasium and told the senior class at Fairfax High School not to worry: If he was elected, he wouldn’t wear a dress.
“I will be wearing a suit,” Garcia said, “but don’t be fooled, deep down inside, I am a queen!” Garcia, 18, spent most of his years at Fairfax openly gay and wanting to be part of the prom court — but not as king.
He felt prom queen better suited his personality, so he decided to seek that crown, running against a handful of female classmates. He said it started as a bit of a stunt and challenge — he wasn’t sure the school would allow it — but that his campaign for queen ended up being serious and sparking dialogue about gender roles on campus.
Ya gotta love 'im. Go Sergio!
...Fairfax, located at the intersection of Melrose and Fairfax avenues, has often been at the forefront of the gay rights struggle.
It has a Gay-Straight Alliance student group and Project 10, an onsite support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, was launched at Fairfax in 1984 after a social worker wanted to help an openly gay man who was harassed by other students.
....
"The young people, they are not involved in this whole argument about gay rights," Uribe said. "They think this whole fight is silly. They just accept people for who they are.
“Gender bending is just kind of in,” she said.
The young people have it right.
Adventures At Walmart
Oh yeah! I went to Walmart yesterday. You folks get to read about my every visit, because I seldom venture to the big box, and every trip is memorable. I'm close to phobic about going there. By his request, my grandson and I went to buy his birthday presents yesterday. He headed straight for the aisle which displays Lego Star Wars toys, games, etc.
When I go for myself, I have my list, I go directly to find my items as best I can, and then I'm out. Yesterday, it did not go that way. GS had to look at every toy in the aisle before he made his choice, just to be absolutely sure that there was not something that he would like much better lurking somewhere on the long line of shelves.
He took his time, and I was patient with him, thinking of this as "quality time" with grandson as we chatted during his search. He's the child whose parents divorced three years ago, and who also has been diagnosed with ADHD. His report card was very good at the end of the year, all "A"s and "B"s, and his reading level is above average, which was joyful news, as he struggled with reading at the beginning of the school year. He's quite good at math, a gift he surely did not inherit from his paternal grandmother.
Finally, finally, he chose his gifts within certain price limits, and I went on to find the two items that I needed, shampoo, and another POS alarm clock to replace the one that I purchased not so very long ago, but which had gone bad already. I could not find the alarm clocks. Of course! They were not in the same place where I found the POS clock that I needed to replace. I wandered the vast store looking for an employee, but nary a one to be found. We wandered and we wandered to likely places where the clocks might be, but no clocks. Again, finally, finally, I found an employee who very kindly walked me to the shelf with the clocks. I went a little more upscale, moving from approximately $8.00 to $12.00, in the, no doubt, vain hope that the clock was not a POS.
In truth, this visit was not as traumatic as some, because making my GS happy was the purpose of my being there, and it was not simply about my pedestrian need for stuff that I can't buy anywhere else, and we chatted as we roamed.
On to checkout, always a challenge at Walmart. The only quick-access checkouts were the self-serves, so I chose one, although the self-checkout generally does not work out for me. Twice during the process, I was prompted to bag items that were already bagged. What did I do? Not place them in the bags just right? With not enough force for the machine to register that they were there? GS helped me with the buttons on the machine for payment for the purchases, and we were finally done. He wanted a pretzel on the way out, and I told him that I would not go through the checkout line just for a pretzel, but - oh joy! - the pretzels were in a booth.
I know that some of you who read this post work at Walmart, and you need your jobs. Others of you must shop at Walmart or even like shopping there, and that's fine. Some of my anxiety about Walmart is due to my eccentricities, but not all of it. Walmart seems to overburden their employees by not having enough of them around and also is not generous with benefits, as many of their employees are part-timers with no benefits and low salaries. Then their stores are big, ugly boxes, which are an assault to the eyes inside and out.
All done with Walmart for a few months. Yay!
Disclaimer: Grandpère sometimes shops for groceries there. I try not to. Chacun à son goût.
When I go for myself, I have my list, I go directly to find my items as best I can, and then I'm out. Yesterday, it did not go that way. GS had to look at every toy in the aisle before he made his choice, just to be absolutely sure that there was not something that he would like much better lurking somewhere on the long line of shelves.
He took his time, and I was patient with him, thinking of this as "quality time" with grandson as we chatted during his search. He's the child whose parents divorced three years ago, and who also has been diagnosed with ADHD. His report card was very good at the end of the year, all "A"s and "B"s, and his reading level is above average, which was joyful news, as he struggled with reading at the beginning of the school year. He's quite good at math, a gift he surely did not inherit from his paternal grandmother.
Finally, finally, he chose his gifts within certain price limits, and I went on to find the two items that I needed, shampoo, and another POS alarm clock to replace the one that I purchased not so very long ago, but which had gone bad already. I could not find the alarm clocks. Of course! They were not in the same place where I found the POS clock that I needed to replace. I wandered the vast store looking for an employee, but nary a one to be found. We wandered and we wandered to likely places where the clocks might be, but no clocks. Again, finally, finally, I found an employee who very kindly walked me to the shelf with the clocks. I went a little more upscale, moving from approximately $8.00 to $12.00, in the, no doubt, vain hope that the clock was not a POS.
In truth, this visit was not as traumatic as some, because making my GS happy was the purpose of my being there, and it was not simply about my pedestrian need for stuff that I can't buy anywhere else, and we chatted as we roamed.
On to checkout, always a challenge at Walmart. The only quick-access checkouts were the self-serves, so I chose one, although the self-checkout generally does not work out for me. Twice during the process, I was prompted to bag items that were already bagged. What did I do? Not place them in the bags just right? With not enough force for the machine to register that they were there? GS helped me with the buttons on the machine for payment for the purchases, and we were finally done. He wanted a pretzel on the way out, and I told him that I would not go through the checkout line just for a pretzel, but - oh joy! - the pretzels were in a booth.
I know that some of you who read this post work at Walmart, and you need your jobs. Others of you must shop at Walmart or even like shopping there, and that's fine. Some of my anxiety about Walmart is due to my eccentricities, but not all of it. Walmart seems to overburden their employees by not having enough of them around and also is not generous with benefits, as many of their employees are part-timers with no benefits and low salaries. Then their stores are big, ugly boxes, which are an assault to the eyes inside and out.
All done with Walmart for a few months. Yay!
Disclaimer: Grandpère sometimes shops for groceries there. I try not to. Chacun à son goût.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
"Lessons Life Taught Me"
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio:
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Thanks to Ann.
Note: Regina Brett is not 90 years old. Thanks to Paul, the BB, for the correction.
Guilty confession: I do not research this sort of post. I takes 'em as they comes.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Thanks to Ann.
Note: Regina Brett is not 90 years old. Thanks to Paul, the BB, for the correction.
Guilty confession: I do not research this sort of post. I takes 'em as they comes.
Please Pray....
From David@Montreal:
strange how Life works at times
many of us are still reeling under the harsh unfairness of Terri-Lynn's death
our anger at the system she had to suffer, and our concern for her very young son
and to make it even more personal for many of us, there is the cruel irony of dear Doxy suffering the loss of one of her oldest friends with Terri-Lynn's death- literally within days of her joyous marriage to BF
and I've just received a call for prayers for Rosemary- who very much brought Terri-Lynne very much to mind.
the conditions are radically different. Rosemary has a husband who works for the Canadian govt. and of course living in Canada she also has the extraordinary benefits of our National Medicare system.
that said, she is the mother of two young sons, whose treated breast cancer set off wide-spread cancer in the lymphatic system, and yesterday they dicovered the first tumor on her brain. and yet, my dear sister Jennifer who is supporting her, tells me that Rosemary is a picture of almost a perfet picture of health- the last person one would expect to be told they have only three months life to live.
Rosemary still has a couple more weeks of chemo ahead of her, and then they want her to have a full course of radiation therapy- a treatment schedule which to my mind at least could seem to contradict the life prognosis.
So prayers for Rosemary, her heroic husband and her two young sons please.
i'd also beg your continued prayers for my very dear cousin Frank and his heroic wife Carol; Frank's battling his lekemia with genetic therapy and now c-difficile.
prayers for our Jane who is buzzing up to Boston and then to Halifax
prayers for my neighbour Robert, battling lukemia with radiotherapy
prayers for a certain cherised sister in St. Louis, and William: both of whom have some discernment ongoing
prayers for John & Mary, and John's sister our beloved Elizabeth and her spouse Barbara, who are all dealing with the reality of John's alzheimer's diagnosis
I might also suggest thanksgiving for the radiant example of our dear Doxy and BF- who so recently reminded us of the radiant beauty, generosity and grace of true love
thank-you my giants of prayer and pratice- living blessings each one of you
love always- always Love
strange how Life works at times
many of us are still reeling under the harsh unfairness of Terri-Lynn's death
our anger at the system she had to suffer, and our concern for her very young son
and to make it even more personal for many of us, there is the cruel irony of dear Doxy suffering the loss of one of her oldest friends with Terri-Lynn's death- literally within days of her joyous marriage to BF
and I've just received a call for prayers for Rosemary- who very much brought Terri-Lynne very much to mind.
the conditions are radically different. Rosemary has a husband who works for the Canadian govt. and of course living in Canada she also has the extraordinary benefits of our National Medicare system.
that said, she is the mother of two young sons, whose treated breast cancer set off wide-spread cancer in the lymphatic system, and yesterday they dicovered the first tumor on her brain. and yet, my dear sister Jennifer who is supporting her, tells me that Rosemary is a picture of almost a perfet picture of health- the last person one would expect to be told they have only three months life to live.
Rosemary still has a couple more weeks of chemo ahead of her, and then they want her to have a full course of radiation therapy- a treatment schedule which to my mind at least could seem to contradict the life prognosis.
So prayers for Rosemary, her heroic husband and her two young sons please.
i'd also beg your continued prayers for my very dear cousin Frank and his heroic wife Carol; Frank's battling his lekemia with genetic therapy and now c-difficile.
prayers for our Jane who is buzzing up to Boston and then to Halifax
prayers for my neighbour Robert, battling lukemia with radiotherapy
prayers for a certain cherised sister in St. Louis, and William: both of whom have some discernment ongoing
prayers for John & Mary, and John's sister our beloved Elizabeth and her spouse Barbara, who are all dealing with the reality of John's alzheimer's diagnosis
I might also suggest thanksgiving for the radiant example of our dear Doxy and BF- who so recently reminded us of the radiant beauty, generosity and grace of true love
thank-you my giants of prayer and pratice- living blessings each one of you
love always- always Love
The Wedding Of The Year
Here they are, my friends Doxy and Dear Husband. Aren't they beautiful? The ceremony was lovely, everything in proper order, all the participants playing their roles perfectly, everyone getting their lines right. I don't believe that I have ever been to a wedding in which the couple were so obviously and romantically in love with one another. Doxy and Dear Husband seemed quite relaxed and thoroughly enjoying themselves at their wedding.
Doxy's dress was gorgeous and so very flattering, showing off her lovely coloring and graceful figure. The tiers upon tiers in the skirt of her dress were beautiful. Dear Husband is fit and handsome, and he cut no mean figure in his well-tailored cassock. He reminded me of a character from an Ingmar Bergman movie, looking a bit Lutheran to me. Is it all right for an Episcopal priest to look a little Lutheran?
Bishop Michael Curry, who officiated at the wedding, preached a terrific sermon. HE PREACHED! I wanted to shout, "Amen!" more than once, but since I am a proper Episcopalian, I settled for vigorous head-nodding. My friend Jane R. is not so proper, and she let out an "Amen!" or maybe more than one.
The choir, of which one my hosts for my stay is a member, performed beautifully.
To the right is a view from the rear of the handsome pair walking together.
Thanks to Paul for the pictures of Doxy and Dear Husband. Mine did not come out good.
The Rogues Gallery, minus one, in church, pretending not to be rogues. Left to right: LJ, PJ, Jane R., Paul, and Fran
How about Jane's lovely hat? Oh the irony of Paul surrounded by women! But we all love him so.
Paul, Doxy, and Daughter of Doxy
What can I say about Daughter's hair? Words can't describe its beauty. See for yourself. She would not allow me to photograph her from the front, although I would not have published the photo. I don't why because she's quite pretty.
The Js, LJ and PJ
Only KJ is missing. PJ is melting in the humidity. I didn't notice it, because I live my life in high humidity.
Me and Bishop Michael
What was so funny? I can't remember.
Fran and Angie, Doxy's sister
Angie is a woman after my own heart. I loved meeting her. And she's beautiful, too, as is my dear friend Fran. All my friends are beautiful. This picture is stolen from Fran's Facebook site.
Fran and Jane R. outside the church
Fran and Jane R. both look lovely, but Jane is now wearing her beautiful blue hat. Thanks to Paul, the BB, for the picture.
And a grand time was had by all. I already miss my blogger friends. I have more to tell and more pictures. Before the accounts of my trip to the wedding are over, I may bore you to death.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Liberty University - No More Democratic Club
From the Washington Post:
Liberty University will no longer recognize its campus Democratic club because, officials say, the national party's platform goes against the conservative Christian school's moral principles.
Officials at the private Lynchburg school, which was founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell, said they made the decision after receiving complaints from trustees, parents and donors.
"They really are great kids and good friends of mine," said Jerry Falwell Jr., who became the school's chancellor after his father died in 2007. "It's just an issue of what Liberty's mission is."
Falwell's words reminds me of the words spoken by opponents of equality, "Some of my best friends are gays and lesbians."
What surprises me is that there are any Democrats at all at Liberty University.
Liberty, which has 11,500 residential students and 35,000 online students, has had a College Republicans club for years. The College Democrats formed in October and worked aggressively to elect Obama president.
The college officials "let the Liberty University College Republicans stay on campus, but they don't let us," said Brian Diaz, 18, the club's president. "Sounds like censorship to me."
Diaz was informed in a May 15 e-mail from Student Affairs Vice President Mark Hine that the club, which has about 30 members, will no longer be able to use Liberty's name or be eligible for funding because of the party's stand on abortion rights and gay rights issues.
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Mathew D. Staver, dean of the university's school of law, said Liberty recently came up with new guidelines for all student groups. On May 15, a campuswide review began. The recognition of only the Democratic club has been revoked. Staver said the students can continue to meet in certain locations on campus, and school officials have encouraged them to find a parent organization that supports a "pro-life, pro-family" platform.
I commend Notre Dame University for not backing down from honoring President Obama at their commencement in the face of tremendous pressure and likely loss of income from donors who were opposed to the invitation.
Thanks to Lapin for the link.
Liberty University will no longer recognize its campus Democratic club because, officials say, the national party's platform goes against the conservative Christian school's moral principles.
Officials at the private Lynchburg school, which was founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell, said they made the decision after receiving complaints from trustees, parents and donors.
"They really are great kids and good friends of mine," said Jerry Falwell Jr., who became the school's chancellor after his father died in 2007. "It's just an issue of what Liberty's mission is."
Falwell's words reminds me of the words spoken by opponents of equality, "Some of my best friends are gays and lesbians."
What surprises me is that there are any Democrats at all at Liberty University.
Liberty, which has 11,500 residential students and 35,000 online students, has had a College Republicans club for years. The College Democrats formed in October and worked aggressively to elect Obama president.
The college officials "let the Liberty University College Republicans stay on campus, but they don't let us," said Brian Diaz, 18, the club's president. "Sounds like censorship to me."
Diaz was informed in a May 15 e-mail from Student Affairs Vice President Mark Hine that the club, which has about 30 members, will no longer be able to use Liberty's name or be eligible for funding because of the party's stand on abortion rights and gay rights issues.
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Mathew D. Staver, dean of the university's school of law, said Liberty recently came up with new guidelines for all student groups. On May 15, a campuswide review began. The recognition of only the Democratic club has been revoked. Staver said the students can continue to meet in certain locations on campus, and school officials have encouraged them to find a parent organization that supports a "pro-life, pro-family" platform.
I commend Notre Dame University for not backing down from honoring President Obama at their commencement in the face of tremendous pressure and likely loss of income from donors who were opposed to the invitation.
Thanks to Lapin for the link.
Friends Of Jake In Anaheim
IT is exploring the idea of a blogger meet-up in Anaheim, California, during General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July. See Friends of Jake in Anaheim if you are interested.
Sadly, I won't be there except in spirit, but I hope that many of you will be able to gather and get to know one another in real life.
Sadly, I won't be there except in spirit, but I hope that many of you will be able to gather and get to know one another in real life.
Now She's Gone
From Doxy:
She was beautiful. Big brown eyes and a veritable mane of dark brown, unruly hair. A crooked tooth gave her a interesting smile.
She was sarcastic and wry. I was always glad that I wasn’t the subject of her witheringly funny scrutiny. She could cut through bullshit in about two seconds flat. You never wondered what she thought about anything--she was always happy to tell you.
....
She was fiercely loyal to her friends, including me. And she was loving--to her son, to her family and friends, and even to a few people who didn’t deserve it.
....
She died because, when she started having pain and other symptoms almost five years ago, she didn’t go to the doctor because she couldn’t afford it. What might have been easily curable had it been caught early was a death sentence by the time she was no longer able to bear the pain and dragged herself to the emergency room.
She died because the people in this country are so fucking selfish that they have fought healthcare reform tooth and nail.
Please read Doxy's entire beautiful and furious elegy for her friend, Terri-Lynn.
Excerpts from Terri-Lynn's poem, "Where I'm From":
I am from the wild tangle of honeysuckle
the salt-cured planks of the pier
the cool green sanctuary under the willow tree.
....
I am from Jesus loves me
just as I am.
I am from dinner on the grounds and I'll fly away oh glory
and Jesus Christ Superstar.
....
I am from pirates and poets and painters
All of the gifts; none of the glory.
I am from Mason's shrine and Granny's cedar chest,
from Daddy's photographs and Tracy's poems.
May Terri-Lynn rest in peace and rise in glory.
May Terri-Lynn's son find a home where hearts overflow with love and arms open to take him in and embrace him.
May God heal the broken hearts of Terri-Lynn's son and all who loved her and somehow, some way give them peace.
If you felt rage rise in your throat as you read the story, Jane R. in her post titled "Killed By the Health Care System" tells you what you can do to channel your rage into action so this will never happen again.
Lord, have mercy.
And Then There's This
From The Advocate:
In a bold move that takes a new approach to achieving marriage equality, two attorneys who argued opposing sides of the 2000 Bush v. Gore lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court have filed a challenge to Proposition 8 in federal court, The Advocate has learned.
Theodore B. Olson, the U.S. solicitor general from 2001 to 2004 under President George W. Bush, and David Boies, a high-profile trial lawyer who argued on behalf of former vice president Al Gore, filed the suit May 22 in U.S. district court on behalf of two California gay couples.
The attorneys argue that relegating same-sex couples to domestic partnerships instead of granting them full marriage rights is a violation of the equal protection and due process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
I'm not a lawyer. I know. What a surprise! Therefore, this is posted without commentary, except with respect to the words in bold print, I say, "Didn't I tell you?"
Thanks to Lapin for finding the link.
UPDATE: More discussion of this story in the comments to my Cal Supremes Say "No" to Equality post.
In a bold move that takes a new approach to achieving marriage equality, two attorneys who argued opposing sides of the 2000 Bush v. Gore lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court have filed a challenge to Proposition 8 in federal court, The Advocate has learned.
Theodore B. Olson, the U.S. solicitor general from 2001 to 2004 under President George W. Bush, and David Boies, a high-profile trial lawyer who argued on behalf of former vice president Al Gore, filed the suit May 22 in U.S. district court on behalf of two California gay couples.
The attorneys argue that relegating same-sex couples to domestic partnerships instead of granting them full marriage rights is a violation of the equal protection and due process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
I'm not a lawyer. I know. What a surprise! Therefore, this is posted without commentary, except with respect to the words in bold print, I say, "Didn't I tell you?"
Thanks to Lapin for finding the link.
UPDATE: More discussion of this story in the comments to my Cal Supremes Say "No" to Equality post.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Interesting - Or Not?
AT 5 MINUTES & 6 SECONDS AFTER 4 A.M., ON THE 8TH OF JULY, THIS YEAR, THE TIME AND DATE WILL BE:
04:05:06 07-08-09
THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL THE YEAR 3009!!!
(I had a deep feeling that you just needed to know this) :-)
Aren't you glad you are in my address book read my blog?
Doug strikes again.
04:05:06 07-08-09
THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL THE YEAR 3009!!!
(I had a deep feeling that you just needed to know this) :-)
Aren't you glad you
Doug strikes again.
Refuting Dick Cheney On Torture
From Brave New Foundation:
Matthew Alexander was the senior military interrogator for the task force that tracked down Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq and, at the time, a higher priority target than Osama bin Laden. Mr. Alexander has personally conducted hundreds of interrogations and supervised over a thousand of them.
"Torture does not save lives. Torture costs us lives," Mr. Alexander said in an exclusive interview at Brave New Studios. "And the reason why is that our enemies use it, number one, as a recruiting tool...These same foreign fighters who came to Iraq to fight because of torture and abuse....literally cost us hundreds if not thousands of American lives."
I trust Matthew Alexander's word over Dick Cheney's on torture any old day, any old time.
What I can't understand is why the major TV media continue to give Cheney and his daughter air time to spew their lies. What's wrong with them?
In Solidarity
Read IT's reflections on what her marriage means to her.
When we got married in October 2008, it caused us to reflect on why it was so important, and why it felt so different. Of course, it has not changed what we mean to each other. I have loved my beloved partner-spouse for many years with every part of my being, nothing different there.
This past weekend, I attended the wedding of my friends Doxy and Dear Husband, which I will write more about later. At the end of the wedding service bulletin, are these words:
"Even in our joy, we do not forget our friends and loved ones who are barred by secular law and religious tradition from making the commitment we are making today. We pray for the day when all couples who wish to enter the covenant of marriage will be able to do so, and we will continue to work for the inclusion of all the baptized in the life and ministry of the church"
Doxy and Dear Friend (now Dear Husband)
Let us pray for all those in California who will be affected by the decision of the court.
The idea for this post is shamelessly stolen from my dear friend Fran.
UPDATE: From Yahoo News:
The California Supreme Court upheld a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, but it also decided that the estimated 18,000 gay couples who tied the knot before the law took effect will stay wed.
The 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George rejected an argument by gay rights activists that the ban revised the California constitution's equal protection clause to such a dramatic degree that it first needed the Legislature's approval.
The court said the people have a right, through the ballot box, to change their constitution.
Not good. How sad that the judges conclude that rights already given may be taken away by a majority vote.
At least, those who are married get to stay married. The judges probably decided that based on convenience. Think what a nightmare it would be for the bureaucrats to have to undo marriages. How would they procede? With divorces? Annulments?
UPDATE 2: See IT's blog for more news on the California Supreme Court decision.
Medical Advice To Live By....
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'
AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Thanks to Ann.
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'
AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Thanks to Ann.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Please Pray For Frank And Carol
From David@Montreal concerning Frank, who has leukemia, and who has undergone gene therapy, preceded by treatments to destroy his immune system in order for the gene therapy to be effective, and for Frank's wife Carol:
acting on my intuition I blew the budget & called Frank last night
and spoke with both Frank and Carol
both of them sounded worn down at the moment- though Frank did his best as usual to sound both positive and grateful
he particularly asked me to thank 'all those incredible individuals out there you've got walking in prayer with us through this' to quote Frank, 'i still can't quite believe it' and Carol told me, more than once in the rough spot he's told her he's got to 'make it,' 'just too many people counting on me for any other option.'
the latest challege is c-difficile,
and Frank has been given medication, but been asked to stay away from the hospital until its beaten-- 'unless things become critical'
of course we are also waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall GVHD which can be anticipated any time within the first hundred days; the result of the genetic material being only a 9/10 match.
as i said both Frank and Carol sounded particularly worn down, and for the first time he hinted to me of the possibility of a future without him.
Carol spoke of the hardship of not even being able to attend her parish Church last Sunday as they are in isolation. and Kerri, their youngest daughter and my God-daughter has just been confirmed as being pregnant, however F & C cannot see either her or their other 2 daughters and grandchildren
i confess there were tears i hung up.
so, dear siblings in faith and practice I'm asking for prayer- for their spirits, for this latest challenge
acting on my intuition I blew the budget & called Frank last night
and spoke with both Frank and Carol
both of them sounded worn down at the moment- though Frank did his best as usual to sound both positive and grateful
he particularly asked me to thank 'all those incredible individuals out there you've got walking in prayer with us through this' to quote Frank, 'i still can't quite believe it' and Carol told me, more than once in the rough spot he's told her he's got to 'make it,' 'just too many people counting on me for any other option.'
the latest challege is c-difficile,
and Frank has been given medication, but been asked to stay away from the hospital until its beaten-- 'unless things become critical'
of course we are also waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall GVHD which can be anticipated any time within the first hundred days; the result of the genetic material being only a 9/10 match.
as i said both Frank and Carol sounded particularly worn down, and for the first time he hinted to me of the possibility of a future without him.
Carol spoke of the hardship of not even being able to attend her parish Church last Sunday as they are in isolation. and Kerri, their youngest daughter and my God-daughter has just been confirmed as being pregnant, however F & C cannot see either her or their other 2 daughters and grandchildren
i confess there were tears i hung up.
so, dear siblings in faith and practice I'm asking for prayer- for their spirits, for this latest challenge
THE WORD From Ellen - Just DANCE!
Thanks to Elizabeth at Telling Secrets, via Lisa at My Manner of Life comes the video of Ellen DeGeneres giving the commencement speech at Tulane University - that's TU in my beloved native city of New Orleans. Yes, it is. How proud I am that the powers, whoever they are, had the audacity and the wisdom to invite Ellen to speak at their commencement exercises. It's likely one of the best commencement speeches that I have ever heard.
All right, so it's 10 minutes long, and you don't have time, or you don't want to take the time, but you should watch anyway. It doesn't feel like 10 minutes, and I promise you that you won't be sorry if you do. Remember that Ellen is also a native of New Orleans, so she is my sister in a very special way.
Elizabeth and Lisa both posted the video, but I had to have it. I believe that they and you will understand why.
Memorial Day - Remembering The Fallen
Note: Picture and parts of the post taken from my Memorial Day tribute last year and the year before with the numbers of dead in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan changed. As of today the number of the fallen from the Iraq War stands at 4300 and the number in Afghanistan at 687. Last year, the numbers were 4081 for the Iraq War and 506 in Afghanistan. When will it all end? When will the bodies stop coming?
The picture moves me greatly. Some years ago, a video surfaced showing the deeply respectful manner in which the caskets were transported to and loaded upon the planes headed for Dover Air Force Base, but it soon disappeared due to directives from the Bush maladministration, for "security reasons" and "respect for the fallen and their families". I don't recall that names were visible anywhere, and I'd think that many families and friends of the fallen would have cherished the portrayal of the loving respect with which the brothers and sisters in arms treated the remains of their loved ones. But it was not to be.
President Obama lifted the ban on media coverage of the remains of the fallen arriving at Dover, so long as the families don't object, which is exactly how it should be. The families' desire for privacy must always be respected.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those in all our wars who gave everything in the service of their country. We honor them for their courage and dedication to duty. We extend our sympathy to their families and friends, whether the loss is recent or from long times past. We stand with you. We mourn with you.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between many peoples,
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. Micah 4:1-4
Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, we pray for all those who have died in wars. We pray the they may rest in peace in the perpetual light of your love. We pray for your blessing upon the families and friends of all those who have died in service to their country. Console them for their aching loss. Bring them healing of body, mind, and spirit. Give them strength and courage to go forward, and Lord God, above all else, give them your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts.
They Wouldn't Pay Me
PJ, Fran, LJ, and Jane
I asked them for money, but they didn't pay up, so here it is. The photo is in very poor condition, blurry, with white spots, but it serves it's purpose as revenge because they would not give me the cash I demanded. I blurred the face of the precious boy, because I'm careful about pictures of children on my blog, but I wish you could see him. By all means, click on the picture to get the large view of the "grown-ups". You won't be sorry.
Dear Friend
It's hard to believe, isn't it. The man pictured in the previous post is in disguise. The picture above is what he looks like without his disguise. He would not give me money, either.
The pictures are from Dear Friend's birthday party which included music from the 50s. I can't tell you how much I wanted to dance, but, had I done so, I may have been in bed for the rest of my visit because of the sorry state of my knees, I enjoyed watching my friends and especially the children dance. Paul and I were going to have a slow dance, if the music had been right, but that didn't happen.
More to come.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Je Suis Rentrée Chez Moi
Dear Friend and Doxy at DF's birthday party
I'm home from one of the most beautiful weddings that I have ever attended. Just look at Doxy and Dear Friend. Isn't she the most gorgeous bride-to-be? And isn't he the handsomest groom-to-be evah? Paul's pictures from the wedding are better than mine, so I'll steal his later and post them here.
Yes, we partied, partied, partied at one celebration after another. Dinner parties, dance parties, birthday parties, wedding parties. It was a great trip. I'll write more later, probably much more, and post more pictures, some of which will embarrass my blogger friends. Paul scooped us all with his pictures.
It's good to be home.
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