This was sent to me in an e-mail today . . .
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Soul Food - 9/30/08
From Today's Reading: Amos 1-9
"I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
- Amos 5:21-24
"I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
- Amos 5:21-24
Recently Read
I picked up this book reluctantly. It looked "okay, not great" but I really wanted something new to read and it had a dawg on the cover (pay attention marketing departments!).
This is also a book I reluctantly came to enjoy. For starters, the author is a poet. Although I do indeed read poetry just about every day, I almost never read any poems that are more than a couple of pages long. For me, non-fiction is like water - you need it to live and there is plenty of it. Fiction is like beer - you don't necessarily need it but it sure tastes good on a hot day. Poetry is like vodka - water (non-fiction) and alcohol (fiction) that has been distilled down to something that is powerful and should be enjoyed in small doses.
For the sake of the analogy, non-fiction should be served by the liter, fiction by the pint and poetry by the ounce. Reading a poem that goes on and on for pages and pages is like trying to drink a liter of vodka - before long, I start to get sleepy or sick. Not that this book is one, long 216 page poem . . . it isn't - but the author certainly has a poet's style and sometimes it felt like it might be a little too poemish . . .
And yet, every time I told myself that I would quit the book at the end of a chapter, there was a thought, a saying, a turn-of-phrase that kept me interested (for those paying attention, I have been quoting often from the book lately in my "quote of the day(s)" postings).
The book is a memoir largely about loss and despair surrounding a man (the author), a couple of his companions and his two dawgs.
All in all, a good read. Thoughtful and insightful if not trending towards the "navel gazing" at times (he said as blogged . . . .).
If you are going through a difficult time, it won't cheer you up - but it may give you another way of looking at the pain you are feeling.
Recommended (with caution).
Quote of the Day
The narcissism of depression is a hole with very steep sides.
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
The Silken Tent
by Robert Frost
She is as in a field a silken tent
At midday when the sunny summer breeze
Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,
So that in guys it gently sways at ease,
And its supporting central cedar pole,
That is its pinnacle to heavenward
And signifies the sureness of the soul,
Seems to owe naught to any single cord,
But strictly held by none, is loosely bound
By countless silken ties of love and thought
To every thing on earth the compass round,
And only by one's going slightly taut
In the capriciousness of summer air
Is of the slightlest bondage made aware.
She is as in a field a silken tent
At midday when the sunny summer breeze
Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,
So that in guys it gently sways at ease,
And its supporting central cedar pole,
That is its pinnacle to heavenward
And signifies the sureness of the soul,
Seems to owe naught to any single cord,
But strictly held by none, is loosely bound
By countless silken ties of love and thought
To every thing on earth the compass round,
And only by one's going slightly taut
In the capriciousness of summer air
Is of the slightlest bondage made aware.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Once By The Pacific
by Robert Frost
The shattered water made a misty din.
Great waves looked over others coming in,
And thought of doing something to the shore
That water never did to land before.
The clouds were low and hairy in the skies,
Like locks blown forward in the gleam of eyes.
You could not tell, and yet it looked as if
The shore was lucky in being backed by cliff,
The cliff in being backed by continent;
It looked as if a night of dark intent
Was coming, and not only a night, an age.
Someone had better be prepared for rage.
There would be more than ocean-water broken
Before God's last 'Put out the Light' was spoken.
The shattered water made a misty din.
Great waves looked over others coming in,
And thought of doing something to the shore
That water never did to land before.
The clouds were low and hairy in the skies,
Like locks blown forward in the gleam of eyes.
You could not tell, and yet it looked as if
The shore was lucky in being backed by cliff,
The cliff in being backed by continent;
It looked as if a night of dark intent
Was coming, and not only a night, an age.
Someone had better be prepared for rage.
There would be more than ocean-water broken
Before God's last 'Put out the Light' was spoken.
Raspberry Kielbasa over Cheese Grits
"This is a quick and easy recipe, but very impressive because of the unique flavor. One of my family's favorites." Recipe Here
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Quote of the Day
The world in which the AppleTV works 65% of the time is the same world in which rose petals come out unicorns's noses when they sneeze.
- Lileks
- Lileks
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Quote of the Day
It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers. In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor-geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late. Accordingly, I am readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I will, in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact.
- General Robert E. Lee - 1863
- General Robert E. Lee - 1863
Two Tramps in Mud Time
by Robert Frost
Out of the mud two strangers came
And caught me splitting wood in the yard,
And one of them put me off my aim
By hailing cheerily "Hit them hard!"
I knew pretty well why he had dropped behind
And let the other go on a way.
I knew pretty well what he had in mind:
He wanted to take my job for pay.
Good blocks of oak it was I split,
As large around as the chopping block;
And every piece I squarely hit
Fell splinterless as a cloven rock.
The blows that a life of self-control
Spares to strike for the common good,
That day, giving a loose my soul,
I spent on the unimportant wood.
The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.
A bluebird comes tenderly up to alight
And turns to the wind to unruffle a plume,
His song so pitched as not to excite
A single flower as yet to bloom.
It is snowing a flake; and he half knew
Winter was only playing possum.
Except in color he isn't blue,
But he wouldn't advise a thing to blossom.
The water for which we may have to look
In summertime with a witching wand,
In every wheelrut's now a brook,
In every print of a hoof a pond.
Be glad of water, but don't forget
The lurking frost in the earth beneath
That will steal forth after the sun is set
And show on the water its crystal teeth.
The time when most I loved my task
The two must make me love it more
By coming with what they came to ask.
You'd think I never had felt before
The weight of an ax-head poised aloft,
The grip of earth on outspread feet,
The life of muscles rocking soft
And smooth and moist in vernal heat.
Out of the wood two hulking tramps
(From sleeping God knows where last night,
But not long since in the lumber camps).
They thought all chopping was theirs of right.
Men of the woods and lumberjacks,
The judged me by their appropriate tool.
Except as a fellow handled an ax
They had no way of knowing a fool.
Nothing on either side was said.
They knew they had but to stay their stay
And all their logic would fill my head:
As that I had no right to play
With what was another man's work for gain.
My right might be love but theirs was need.
And where the two exist in twain
Theirs was the better right--agreed.
But yield who will to their separation,
My object in living is to unite
My avocation and my vocation
As my two eyes make one in sight.
Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes,
Is the deed ever really done
For Heaven and the future's sakes.
Out of the mud two strangers came
And caught me splitting wood in the yard,
And one of them put me off my aim
By hailing cheerily "Hit them hard!"
I knew pretty well why he had dropped behind
And let the other go on a way.
I knew pretty well what he had in mind:
He wanted to take my job for pay.
Good blocks of oak it was I split,
As large around as the chopping block;
And every piece I squarely hit
Fell splinterless as a cloven rock.
The blows that a life of self-control
Spares to strike for the common good,
That day, giving a loose my soul,
I spent on the unimportant wood.
The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.
A bluebird comes tenderly up to alight
And turns to the wind to unruffle a plume,
His song so pitched as not to excite
A single flower as yet to bloom.
It is snowing a flake; and he half knew
Winter was only playing possum.
Except in color he isn't blue,
But he wouldn't advise a thing to blossom.
The water for which we may have to look
In summertime with a witching wand,
In every wheelrut's now a brook,
In every print of a hoof a pond.
Be glad of water, but don't forget
The lurking frost in the earth beneath
That will steal forth after the sun is set
And show on the water its crystal teeth.
The time when most I loved my task
The two must make me love it more
By coming with what they came to ask.
You'd think I never had felt before
The weight of an ax-head poised aloft,
The grip of earth on outspread feet,
The life of muscles rocking soft
And smooth and moist in vernal heat.
Out of the wood two hulking tramps
(From sleeping God knows where last night,
But not long since in the lumber camps).
They thought all chopping was theirs of right.
Men of the woods and lumberjacks,
The judged me by their appropriate tool.
Except as a fellow handled an ax
They had no way of knowing a fool.
Nothing on either side was said.
They knew they had but to stay their stay
And all their logic would fill my head:
As that I had no right to play
With what was another man's work for gain.
My right might be love but theirs was need.
And where the two exist in twain
Theirs was the better right--agreed.
But yield who will to their separation,
My object in living is to unite
My avocation and my vocation
As my two eyes make one in sight.
Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes,
Is the deed ever really done
For Heaven and the future's sakes.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Soul Food - 9/26/08
From today's reading: Isaiah 1-8
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
- Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
- Isaiah 7:14
Keep your Kids Away From Booze
From DadLabs:
The wife and I have known children who have "boos" and they work great . . . until you lose the "bla-bla" or whatever it's called and then THEY FREAK OUT.
Being the uneducated first-time father that I am, it seems to make sense to try and avoid giving your kids "boos". Keep switching things up - the first time they want something bad enough to melt down over it . . . "misplace" it. Permanently.
If that doesn't work - the cloth diaper gig seemed like a good idea. Just keep that thing washed EVERYDAY as some kids get attached to the smell, of all things.
Better yet, get your kid to bond with a paper towel - those things are everywhere . . .
The wife and I have known children who have "boos" and they work great . . . until you lose the "bla-bla" or whatever it's called and then THEY FREAK OUT.
Being the uneducated first-time father that I am, it seems to make sense to try and avoid giving your kids "boos". Keep switching things up - the first time they want something bad enough to melt down over it . . . "misplace" it. Permanently.
If that doesn't work - the cloth diaper gig seemed like a good idea. Just keep that thing washed EVERYDAY as some kids get attached to the smell, of all things.
Better yet, get your kid to bond with a paper towel - those things are everywhere . . .
Quote of the Day
We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?
- Robin Williams in The Dead Poet's Society
- Robin Williams in The Dead Poet's Society
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ode to Joy
So that last Olympic video reminded me of the "Ode to Joy" which just might be my favorite hymn.
I googled "Ode to Joy" and THIS was the first thing that popped up . . . . um . . . soo . . . . . yeah . . .
Seriously, back to work now . . .
I googled "Ode to Joy" and THIS was the first thing that popped up . . . . um . . . soo . . . . . yeah . . .
Seriously, back to work now . . .
Do You Remember When?
I was reminded of this great Olympic moment today . . . I seem to remember that the identity of the final runners was so secret that the runners themselves did not know who they would be handing the flame to next . . .
What did You Do Today?
From an e-mail we received . . .
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house And there was no sign of the dog.
Proceeding into the hall, he found the coat hanger had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, and the fridge door was wide open. Dog food was spilled all over the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'
She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?'
'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.
She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house And there was no sign of the dog.
Proceeding into the hall, he found the coat hanger had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, and the fridge door was wide open. Dog food was spilled all over the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'
She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?'
'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.
She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'
Linernotes
On the CD we gave out at the baby shower, I included a song by Barenaked Ladies entitled "Snacktime". I realized later that the callers on the song are all famous folk:
Geddy 'BBQ Potato Chips' Lee
Harland 'Blueberry Pie' Williams
Lyle 'Watermellon' Lovett
Sarah 'Chocolate' McLachlan
Martin 'Olives' Tielli
David 'Sembei' Suzuki
Jason 'Mac & Cheese' Preistly
Gord ' Peanutbutter and Crackers' Downie
Weird Al 'Honey Roasted peanuts' Yankovic
Janeane 'Microwaved Chocolate Donuts' Garofalo
Gordon 'Pasta' Lightfoot
Geddy 'BBQ Potato Chips' Lee
Harland 'Blueberry Pie' Williams
Lyle 'Watermellon' Lovett
Sarah 'Chocolate' McLachlan
Martin 'Olives' Tielli
David 'Sembei' Suzuki
Jason 'Mac & Cheese' Preistly
Gord ' Peanutbutter and Crackers' Downie
Weird Al 'Honey Roasted peanuts' Yankovic
Janeane 'Microwaved Chocolate Donuts' Garofalo
Gordon 'Pasta' Lightfoot
I'm Nobody
by Emily Dickinson
I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us - don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know!
How dreary to be somebody!
How public like a frog
To tell one's name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!
I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us - don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know!
How dreary to be somebody!
How public like a frog
To tell one's name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!
The Nields
I heard about this album on the radio and recognized some of the tunes. It sounds like a pretty good record but, alas, ITunes does not carry it . . .
Soul Food - 9/25/8
From today's reading: Jonah 1-4, 2 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 26
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah's Anger at the Lord 's Compassion
But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
- Jonah 3:10-4:4
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah's Anger at the Lord 's Compassion
But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
- Jonah 3:10-4:4
Quote of the Day
The first day of fall was gorgeous – actually, is gorgeous, since I’m sitting outside at the moment outside my daughter’s school. She’s playing on the jungle gym, aka the Concussionarium, with the other kids. . . .
It’s a good thing no one ever asked me to design a playground set; it would be one inch off the ground and made of Nerf.
- Lileks
It’s a good thing no one ever asked me to design a playground set; it would be one inch off the ground and made of Nerf.
- Lileks
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Real Estate Hotwire
For the last 10 years or so, I have e-mailed a weekly Real Estate Newsletter to my clients.
It is now a blog.
Check it out if you are so inclined.
Feedback is welcome!
It is now a blog.
Check it out if you are so inclined.
Feedback is welcome!
Right-of-Center
TMST points to a "Political Compass" test that gives you an idea of where you fall on the Liberal vs Conservative / Authoritarian vs Libertarian scale.
How did I do?
Take a look:
Pretty balanced, I would say - which comes as something of a surprise to me . . . I thought I was a little more extreme than that . . . (not like that crazy authoritarian-right-wing nut-job over at TMST )
;-)
How did I do?
Take a look:
Pretty balanced, I would say - which comes as something of a surprise to me . . . I thought I was a little more extreme than that . . . (not like that crazy authoritarian-right-wing nut-job over at TMST );-)
Kitty Kitty
From an e-mail I received:
Tiger Temple or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Thailand and has been a sanctuary for many endangered animals including several tigers that walk around freely once a day, and can be petted by tourists. The temple received several tiger cubs where the mothers had been killed by poachers. As of 2007, over 21 cubs have been born at the temple and the total number of tigers is about 12 adult tigers and 4 cubs.
The tigers are tamed by being fed with cooked meat to avoid giving them a taste for blood. The staff keep the tigers under control and the abbot will intervene if a tiger becomes agitated. They are treated as family members in the temple and visitors are asked to give a donation if they want to take photos with the tigers.
Tiger Temple or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Thailand and has been a sanctuary for many endangered animals including several tigers that walk around freely once a day, and can be petted by tourists. The temple received several tiger cubs where the mothers had been killed by poachers. As of 2007, over 21 cubs have been born at the temple and the total number of tigers is about 12 adult tigers and 4 cubs.
The tigers are tamed by being fed with cooked meat to avoid giving them a taste for blood. The staff keep the tigers under control and the abbot will intervene if a tiger becomes agitated. They are treated as family members in the temple and visitors are asked to give a donation if they want to take photos with the tigers.
Soul Food - 9/24/08
From today's Reading: 2 Kings 12-14, 2 Chronicles 24-25
They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' "
But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD's temple. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah's father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, "May the LORD see this and call you to account."
At the turn of the year, the army of Aram marched against Joash; it invaded Judah and Jerusalem and killed all the leaders of the people. They sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. 24 Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hands a much larger army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash.
2 Chronicles 24:18-24
They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' "
But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD's temple. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah's father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, "May the LORD see this and call you to account."
At the turn of the year, the army of Aram marched against Joash; it invaded Judah and Jerusalem and killed all the leaders of the people. They sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. 24 Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hands a much larger army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash.
2 Chronicles 24:18-24
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Quote of the Day
It isn't that one wants to live for the sake of a dog, exactly, but that dogs show you why you might want to.
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
Gardening Update
It's time to aerate, fertalize and reseed your lawn!
(or in my case, stumble around in the dark after work, flinging fist-fulls of seed in the general direction of the bare spots . . .)
(or in my case, stumble around in the dark after work, flinging fist-fulls of seed in the general direction of the bare spots . . .)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Orthopedic Update
I had a certain amount of anticipation when we went to the Ortho yesterday. I think it is because, so far, we have been playing defense with Annie's situation - repairing and recovering from the situation at birth.
I sort of feel like casting her legs and starting to straighten her feet would be one of the first offensive things we do - takin' it to 'em, so to speak - and so I am eager to get the process started - as difficult as it may be.
The big thing holding up the ortho procedure is the healing of Lu-Belle's back. The PS has said that Annabelle can have all the exercises and procedures other physicians deem necessary so long as she stays off her back.
Unfortunately, the ortho said yesterday that she doesn't want to begin the casting process until the PS gives the go-ahead for Annie to lay on her back.
So we rescheduled for another 6 weeks - 11/3.
It is what it is.
At least we can get through her first Halloween without two casts on her legs (maybe it would have added to the costume? . . .) I think Thanksgiving is a much more cast-friendly holiday . . .
Annie's next Dr appt is with the PS on 10/2 . . .
I sort of feel like casting her legs and starting to straighten her feet would be one of the first offensive things we do - takin' it to 'em, so to speak - and so I am eager to get the process started - as difficult as it may be.
The big thing holding up the ortho procedure is the healing of Lu-Belle's back. The PS has said that Annabelle can have all the exercises and procedures other physicians deem necessary so long as she stays off her back.
Unfortunately, the ortho said yesterday that she doesn't want to begin the casting process until the PS gives the go-ahead for Annie to lay on her back.
So we rescheduled for another 6 weeks - 11/3.
It is what it is.
At least we can get through her first Halloween without two casts on her legs (maybe it would have added to the costume? . . .) I think Thanksgiving is a much more cast-friendly holiday . . .
Annie's next Dr appt is with the PS on 10/2 . . .
Pork Apple Burgers
"A sweet and savory taste treat your family is sure to enjoy. Serve with a slice of pineapple on a toasted bun."Recipe Here
Mending Wall
by Robert Frost
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbour know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
"Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours."
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
"Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't it
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbours."
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbour know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
"Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours."
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
"Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't it
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbours."
Soul Food - 9/23/08
From today's reading: 2 Kings 5-11
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17
64 Years Ago Today
FDR defends his dog
On this day in 1944, during a campaign dinner with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, President Franklin D. Roosevelt makes a reference to his small dog, Fala, who had recently been the subject of a Republican political attack. The offense prompted Roosevelt to defend his dog’s honor and his own reputation.
On this day in 1944, during a campaign dinner with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, President Franklin D. Roosevelt makes a reference to his small dog, Fala, who had recently been the subject of a Republican political attack. The offense prompted Roosevelt to defend his dog’s honor and his own reputation.
Quote of the Day
. . . in truth, the silence of the species is one of the secrets of their appeal. Of course, they make sounds - a range of them, whimper to growl to full-throttle bark - but anyone who loves a dog has had the experience of being looked at by a creature who seems to be on the verge of speech, or who seems to wish to speak.
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
Monday, September 22, 2008
Anne Rutledge
by Edgar Lee Masters
Out of me unworthy and unknown
The vibrations of deathless music;
"With malice toward none, with charity for all."
Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,
And the beneficent face of a nation
Shining with justice and truth.
I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,
Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,
Wedded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!
Out of me unworthy and unknown
The vibrations of deathless music;
"With malice toward none, with charity for all."
Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,
And the beneficent face of a nation
Shining with justice and truth.
I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,
Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,
Wedded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!
146 Years Ago Today
Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation
On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issues a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which sets a date for the freedom of more than 3 million black slaves in the United States and recasts the Civil War as a fight against slavery.
On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issues a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which sets a date for the freedom of more than 3 million black slaves in the United States and recasts the Civil War as a fight against slavery.
Bacon Roasted Chicken
"My family loves this chicken! It is always so tender and moist and is a perfect Sunday dinner. The bacon helps to 'baste' the chicken while it cooks. Recipe can be adjusted to any size whole chicken." Recipe Here
Quote of the Day
Love for a wordless creature, once it takes hold, is an enchantment, and the enchanted speak, famously, in private mutterings, cryptic riddles, or gibberish. This is why I shouldn't be writing anything to do with the two dogs who have been such presences for sixteen years of my life. How on earth could I stand at the requisite distance to say anything that might matter?
- Mark Doty from Dog Years
- Mark Doty from Dog Years
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Another Thank You
Although the wife is officially in charge of the "thank you" cards, there are a few that I also wanted to thank personally. Amongst those would be our family.
My wife's parents flew down from Seattle the day after Annabelle was born and were here 3 1/2 weeks supporting us, encouraging us, and paying for a seemingly endless supply of gas for the cars while doing a seemingly endless supply of dishes and laundry and watering etc.
They were joined by my wife's sister and her daughter along with my wife's brother and his wife - all who pitched in and made the month of August far more bearable than it otherwise would have been.
Just as that side of the family was packing up, my mother came down and stayed with us for a few days pitching in by sanding drywall in the family room just for starters.
You pick your friends but you don't pick your family - by default, that can cause us all to question each other's sanity from time to time - but when the chips are down and the rubber is meeting the road, we should all be so lucky to have a family that rolls up their sleeves and jumps in (how's that for mixing metaphors).
Thank you for all your sacrifice, encouragement and support. We love you guys (even the crazy ones).
My wife's parents flew down from Seattle the day after Annabelle was born and were here 3 1/2 weeks supporting us, encouraging us, and paying for a seemingly endless supply of gas for the cars while doing a seemingly endless supply of dishes and laundry and watering etc.
They were joined by my wife's sister and her daughter along with my wife's brother and his wife - all who pitched in and made the month of August far more bearable than it otherwise would have been.
Just as that side of the family was packing up, my mother came down and stayed with us for a few days pitching in by sanding drywall in the family room just for starters.
You pick your friends but you don't pick your family - by default, that can cause us all to question each other's sanity from time to time - but when the chips are down and the rubber is meeting the road, we should all be so lucky to have a family that rolls up their sleeves and jumps in (how's that for mixing metaphors).
Thank you for all your sacrifice, encouragement and support. We love you guys (even the crazy ones).
Soul Food - 9/21/8
From today's Reading: Obadiah 1, Psalm 82-83, 2 Kings 1-4
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
"You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not."
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.
- 2 Kings 2:9-11
Point of Interest:
The accounts of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 1-4 closely resemble the accounts of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
"You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not."
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.
- 2 Kings 2:9-11
Point of Interest:
The accounts of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 1-4 closely resemble the accounts of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels.
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
by A. E. Housman
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
Quote of the Day
To choose to live with a dog is to agree to participate in a long process of interpretation - a mutual agreement, though the human being holds most of the cards.
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
- Mark Doty in Dog Years
228 Years Ago Today
Benedict Arnold commits treason
On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold meets with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British, in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word "traitor."
On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold meets with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British, in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word "traitor."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Quote of the Day
We are here on earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I do not know.
— Matthew Arnold
— Matthew Arnold
How to Hug a Baby
If you think you've spotted a baby, verify by employing classic sniffing techniques. Baby powder is a dead giveaway.
Flatten the baby before actually beginning the hugging process.
Flatten the baby before actually beginning the hugging process.
Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up.
If a camera is present, you will need to execute the difficult and patented hug, smile, and lean in order to achieve the best photo quality.
Soul Food - 9/20/8
From today's reading: 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18-23
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
- 2 Chronicles 20:14-15
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
- 2 Chronicles 20:14-15
I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed
by Emily Dickinson
I taste a liquor never brewed,
From tankards scooped in pearl;
Not all the vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an alcohol!
Inebriate of air am I,
And debauchee of dew,
Reeling, through endless summer days,
From inns of molten blue.
When the landlord turn the drunken bee
Out of the foxglove's door,
When butterflies renounce their drams,
I shall but drink the more!
Till seraphs swing their snowy hats,
And saints to windows run,
To see the little tippler
Leaning against the sun!
I taste a liquor never brewed,
From tankards scooped in pearl;
Not all the vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an alcohol!
Inebriate of air am I,
And debauchee of dew,
Reeling, through endless summer days,
From inns of molten blue.
When the landlord turn the drunken bee
Out of the foxglove's door,
When butterflies renounce their drams,
I shall but drink the more!
Till seraphs swing their snowy hats,
And saints to windows run,
To see the little tippler
Leaning against the sun!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Plastic Surgery Update
First off, thank you to those who have sent in child care / funding ideas. We will be looking into the various programs and will keep everyone updated - please keep the ideas coming as they occur to you!
So we made our weekly trek to the PS yesterday. The good news is the - what do you call it? Wound? Opening? Spot? Anyway, the "area of concern" on Annabelle's back is looking much better. It is about 3/4 clear of all the unhelpful white junk.
The Dr. said we don't have to come back for two weeks unless we see something that concerns us - which is a real blessing.
Here are the instructions:
1) Change and clean the dressing once a day (more often if wetness is showing through the bandage)
2) If there is white stuff, we use the $80-a-tube ointment and bandage it all up with just gauze and tape.
3) If there is no white stuff, we don't need to use the ointment and we are supposed to use a special $20-a-piece dressing.
The Dr's best guess it that this will take about 8-10 weeks before it is fully healed - barring complications.
The other good news is that the Dr saw no reason to delay other therapies and treatments so long as Annie stays off her back.
So here is the Dr schedule for the next two weeks . . .
- Monday, 9/22 - Orthopedics - we should be getting the ultrasound results on whether Annie's hips are dislocated or not and, depending on the Dr's judgement, we may be getting the first of the casts on Annabelle's legs to begin straightening her feet.
- Friday, 9/26 - I go in for my own Dr. check-up (don't get me started)
- Tuesday, 9/30 - The Public Health Nurse will stop by the house just to check on everyone and answer any questions
- Thursday, 10/2 - Plastic Surgeon
I remember when 4 Dr appts in two weeks seemed like a lot . . . now it doesn't seem so bad . . .
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
So we made our weekly trek to the PS yesterday. The good news is the - what do you call it? Wound? Opening? Spot? Anyway, the "area of concern" on Annabelle's back is looking much better. It is about 3/4 clear of all the unhelpful white junk.
The Dr. said we don't have to come back for two weeks unless we see something that concerns us - which is a real blessing.
Here are the instructions:
1) Change and clean the dressing once a day (more often if wetness is showing through the bandage)
2) If there is white stuff, we use the $80-a-tube ointment and bandage it all up with just gauze and tape.
3) If there is no white stuff, we don't need to use the ointment and we are supposed to use a special $20-a-piece dressing.
The Dr's best guess it that this will take about 8-10 weeks before it is fully healed - barring complications.
The other good news is that the Dr saw no reason to delay other therapies and treatments so long as Annie stays off her back.
So here is the Dr schedule for the next two weeks . . .
- Monday, 9/22 - Orthopedics - we should be getting the ultrasound results on whether Annie's hips are dislocated or not and, depending on the Dr's judgement, we may be getting the first of the casts on Annabelle's legs to begin straightening her feet.
- Friday, 9/26 - I go in for my own Dr. check-up (don't get me started)
- Tuesday, 9/30 - The Public Health Nurse will stop by the house just to check on everyone and answer any questions
- Thursday, 10/2 - Plastic Surgeon
I remember when 4 Dr appts in two weeks seemed like a lot . . . now it doesn't seem so bad . . .
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
A Good Idea
I pulled this off a friend's private blog this morning . . .
"The look in her eyes when I had to tell her she had to go home with the drains, new exercises, and no breast. I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies. So there I sat with my patients, giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank You' they muttered."
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show support. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the link. You need not give more than your name, state, and zip code.
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show support. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the link. You need not give more than your name, state, and zip code.
Scientists Find Oldest Living Animal, Then Kill It
Via the Evangelical Outpost:
British marine biologists have found what may be the oldest living animal — that is, until they killed it. . .
"Its death is an unfortunate aspect of this work, but we hope to derive lots of information from it," postdoctoral scientist Al Wanamaker told London's Guardian newspaper. "For our work, it's a bonus, but it wasn't good for this particular animal."
British marine biologists have found what may be the oldest living animal — that is, until they killed it. . .
"Its death is an unfortunate aspect of this work, but we hope to derive lots of information from it," postdoctoral scientist Al Wanamaker told London's Guardian newspaper. "For our work, it's a bonus, but it wasn't good for this particular animal."
It's Elementary
So there is this gizmo that will rate your blog in terms of the level of education and person would need in order to understand what you have written.
How does TDR rate?
I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing . . .
How does TDR rate?
I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing . . .
Pied Beauty
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
GLORY be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
GLORY be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
Soul Food - 9/19/08
From today's reading: 1 Kings 17-21
And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
- 1 Kings 19:9b-13
Point of Interest:
The Isrealites believed that a savior-king in the mold of King David would once again come to rescue the nation and that Elijah would return from the dead to announce the coming of the king.
This is why, in the New Testament, people speculated whether John the Baptist or Jesus were Elijah returned from the dead.
The gospel accounts tell us that both Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus during his ministry ( Mark 9:2-4 )
And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
- 1 Kings 19:9b-13
Point of Interest:
The Isrealites believed that a savior-king in the mold of King David would once again come to rescue the nation and that Elijah would return from the dead to announce the coming of the king.
This is why, in the New Testament, people speculated whether John the Baptist or Jesus were Elijah returned from the dead.
The gospel accounts tell us that both Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus during his ministry ( Mark 9:2-4 )
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Channel Firing
by Thomas Hardy
That night your great guns, unawares,
Shook all our coffins as we lay,
And broke the chancel window-squares,
We thought it was the Judgment-day
And sat upright. While drearisome
Arose the howl of wakened hounds:
The mouse let fall the altar-crumb,
The worms drew back into the mounds,
The glebe cow drooled. Till God called, "No;
It's gunnery practice out at sea
Just as before you went below;
The world is as it used to be:
"All nations striving strong to make
Red war yet redder. Mad as hatters
They do no more for Christés sake
Than you who are helpless in such matters.
"That this is not the judgment-hour
For some of them's a blessed thing,
For if it were they'd have to scour
Hell's floor for so much threatening ....
"Ha, ha. It will be warmer when
I blow the trumpet (if indeed
I ever do; for you are men,
And rest eternal sorely need)."
So down we lay again. "I wonder,
Will the world ever saner be,"
Said one, "than when He sent us under
In our indifferent century!"
And many a skeleton shook his head.
"Instead of preaching forty year,"
My neighbour Parson Thirdly said,
"I wish I had stuck to pipes and beer."
Again the guns disturbed the hour,
Roaring their readiness to avenge,
As far inland as Stourton Tower,
And Camelot, and starlit Stonehenge.
That night your great guns, unawares,
Shook all our coffins as we lay,
And broke the chancel window-squares,
We thought it was the Judgment-day
And sat upright. While drearisome
Arose the howl of wakened hounds:
The mouse let fall the altar-crumb,
The worms drew back into the mounds,
The glebe cow drooled. Till God called, "No;
It's gunnery practice out at sea
Just as before you went below;
The world is as it used to be:
"All nations striving strong to make
Red war yet redder. Mad as hatters
They do no more for Christés sake
Than you who are helpless in such matters.
"That this is not the judgment-hour
For some of them's a blessed thing,
For if it were they'd have to scour
Hell's floor for so much threatening ....
"Ha, ha. It will be warmer when
I blow the trumpet (if indeed
I ever do; for you are men,
And rest eternal sorely need)."
So down we lay again. "I wonder,
Will the world ever saner be,"
Said one, "than when He sent us under
In our indifferent century!"
And many a skeleton shook his head.
"Instead of preaching forty year,"
My neighbour Parson Thirdly said,
"I wish I had stuck to pipes and beer."
Again the guns disturbed the hour,
Roaring their readiness to avenge,
As far inland as Stourton Tower,
And Camelot, and starlit Stonehenge.
Soul Food - 9/18/8
From today's reading: 2 Chronicles 13-17, 1 Kings 15-16
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
This Day in History
215 Years Ago Today . . .
Capitol cornerstone is laid
On this day in 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone to the United States Capitol building, the home of the legislative branch of American government. The building would take nearly a century to complete, as architects came and went, the British set fire to it and it was called into use during the Civil War. Today, the Capitol building, with its famous cast-iron dome and important collection of American art, is part of the Capitol Complex, which includes six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings, all developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
35 Years Ago Today . . .
Carter files report on UFO sighting
On this day in 1973, future President Jimmy Carter files a report with the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), claiming he had seen an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in October 1969.
During the presidential campaign of 1976, Democratic challenger Carter was forthcoming about his belief that he had seen a UFO. He described waiting outside for a Lion’s Club Meeting in Leary, Georgia, to begin, at about 7:30 p.m., when he spotted what he called "the darndest thing I’ve ever seen" in the sky. . . .
During the presidential campaign of 1976, Carter promised that, if elected president, he would encourage the government release "every piece of information" about UFOs available to the public and to scientists. After winning the presidency, though, Carter backed away from this pledge, saying that the release of some information might have "defense implications" and pose a threat to national security.
Capitol cornerstone is laid
On this day in 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone to the United States Capitol building, the home of the legislative branch of American government. The building would take nearly a century to complete, as architects came and went, the British set fire to it and it was called into use during the Civil War. Today, the Capitol building, with its famous cast-iron dome and important collection of American art, is part of the Capitol Complex, which includes six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings, all developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
35 Years Ago Today . . .
Carter files report on UFO sighting
On this day in 1973, future President Jimmy Carter files a report with the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), claiming he had seen an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in October 1969.
During the presidential campaign of 1976, Democratic challenger Carter was forthcoming about his belief that he had seen a UFO. He described waiting outside for a Lion’s Club Meeting in Leary, Georgia, to begin, at about 7:30 p.m., when he spotted what he called "the darndest thing I’ve ever seen" in the sky. . . .
During the presidential campaign of 1976, Carter promised that, if elected president, he would encourage the government release "every piece of information" about UFOs available to the public and to scientists. After winning the presidency, though, Carter backed away from this pledge, saying that the release of some information might have "defense implications" and pose a threat to national security.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Child Care - Open to Suggestions . . .
So . . . .
We applied for Supplemental Social Security and were denied on account of our millions that we have been hoarding in the crawl space under the house - go figure.
I did look into the home-nursing care. The program is through MediCal and they basically send you a babysitter for up to 40 hours a week who happens to be a registered nurse. The person I spoke to was very helpful and started running through the questions . . .
"Is your daughter on a respirator?"
"No"
"Does your daughter have a feeding tube?"
"No"
"Does your daughter have any mental developmental issues?"
"Not that we are aware"
"Tell me about the medications she is on."
"She isn't taking any"
Starting to see where this is going? It doesn't sound like we are going to qualify for in-home nursing care aside from the occasional consults with the developmental folks.
I briefly looked into seeing if there were any supplemental income programs that would pay the wife to stay home from work and I haven't found anything conclusive (other than the 6 weeks the EDD might pay for - which we have applied for).
We did tour the Together We Grow child care program yesterday and I was very impressed. This is also paid for through MediCal but even if your MediCal does not cover it, you can pay out of pocket to send your child there. Consequently, many of the children there do not have any medical needs. It seemed to me that the ratio was about 50/50 typical to extraordinary kids. I have no idea how much it costs.
Which brings up another issue. . . I called MediCal and asked them to send me an application. They sent me a stack of forms that amounts to doing your taxes while having a root canal. I finally got around to attempting to tackle it all last week and one of the forms mentioned that once we are approved, we would receive a Benefits Identification Card or "BIC" card.
"Wait a second . . . ." I thought to myself. I reached for my super-binder and sure enough, we had already received a BIC card - but I had never returned the paperwork. I have a vague recollection from the NICU that some medical conditions are automatically aproved through MediCal and I think the helpful staff at Mary Birch may have just submitted the paperwork for us.
All that to say, we are trying to confirm if we are approved by MediCal and, if so, at what level.
Which leads me to MY POINT. As any first time parent will tell you, the prospect of leaving your child in someone else's hands while you schlep off to a stoopid J.O.B. is a crummy one. You might as well tear your heart out and hand it to a stranger for safe keeping 8 hours a day.
Add to it the medical concerns surrounding Annie Lu and it's just a lousy situation.
So . . . . . If anyone has any input on how we can navigate these waters, we are all ears - especially if you have any info on any of the following:
- Any sort of supplemental income funding that will allow one of us to stay home with Annabelle
- Any sort of funding that might help defray the cost of child care (if that is route we must take)
- Any infant child care programs in the San Diego area that you would recommened (after my discussion with the home-nurse care coordinator, I am not so sure that Annabelle couldn't be put in a typical day care setting - provided the staff was attentive to her situation)
Annabelle will be six weeks old tomorrow and that is just about the minimum age most child care programs require before they will care for your wee one. So it seems to me that next week will be the first week that we do whatever needs to be done.
Please be praying with us for solutions!
Updates to follow . . .
We applied for Supplemental Social Security and were denied on account of our millions that we have been hoarding in the crawl space under the house - go figure.
I did look into the home-nursing care. The program is through MediCal and they basically send you a babysitter for up to 40 hours a week who happens to be a registered nurse. The person I spoke to was very helpful and started running through the questions . . .
"Is your daughter on a respirator?"
"No"
"Does your daughter have a feeding tube?"
"No"
"Does your daughter have any mental developmental issues?"
"Not that we are aware"
"Tell me about the medications she is on."
"She isn't taking any"
Starting to see where this is going? It doesn't sound like we are going to qualify for in-home nursing care aside from the occasional consults with the developmental folks.
I briefly looked into seeing if there were any supplemental income programs that would pay the wife to stay home from work and I haven't found anything conclusive (other than the 6 weeks the EDD might pay for - which we have applied for).
We did tour the Together We Grow child care program yesterday and I was very impressed. This is also paid for through MediCal but even if your MediCal does not cover it, you can pay out of pocket to send your child there. Consequently, many of the children there do not have any medical needs. It seemed to me that the ratio was about 50/50 typical to extraordinary kids. I have no idea how much it costs.
Which brings up another issue. . . I called MediCal and asked them to send me an application. They sent me a stack of forms that amounts to doing your taxes while having a root canal. I finally got around to attempting to tackle it all last week and one of the forms mentioned that once we are approved, we would receive a Benefits Identification Card or "BIC" card.
"Wait a second . . . ." I thought to myself. I reached for my super-binder and sure enough, we had already received a BIC card - but I had never returned the paperwork. I have a vague recollection from the NICU that some medical conditions are automatically aproved through MediCal and I think the helpful staff at Mary Birch may have just submitted the paperwork for us.
All that to say, we are trying to confirm if we are approved by MediCal and, if so, at what level.
Which leads me to MY POINT. As any first time parent will tell you, the prospect of leaving your child in someone else's hands while you schlep off to a stoopid J.O.B. is a crummy one. You might as well tear your heart out and hand it to a stranger for safe keeping 8 hours a day.
Add to it the medical concerns surrounding Annie Lu and it's just a lousy situation.
So . . . . . If anyone has any input on how we can navigate these waters, we are all ears - especially if you have any info on any of the following:
- Any sort of supplemental income funding that will allow one of us to stay home with Annabelle
- Any sort of funding that might help defray the cost of child care (if that is route we must take)
- Any infant child care programs in the San Diego area that you would recommened (after my discussion with the home-nurse care coordinator, I am not so sure that Annabelle couldn't be put in a typical day care setting - provided the staff was attentive to her situation)
Annabelle will be six weeks old tomorrow and that is just about the minimum age most child care programs require before they will care for your wee one. So it seems to me that next week will be the first week that we do whatever needs to be done.
Please be praying with us for solutions!
Updates to follow . . .
Quote of the Day
"You were born to run. Maybe not that fast, maybe not that far, maybe not as efficiently as others. But to get up and move, to fire up that entire energy-producing, oxygen-delivering, bone-strengthening process we call running."
FLORENCE GRIFFITH JOYNER and JON HANC, Running For Dummies
FLORENCE GRIFFITH JOYNER and JON HANC, Running For Dummies
Busy Day Barbeque Brisket
"Brisket is rubbed with spices and liquid smoke and then cooked in a slow cooker with barbeque sauce until tender and juicy. This calls for just enough barbecue sauce for that smoky flavor while still allowing the flavor of the meat to come through. Hint: It's even better if you marinate it in the dry rub overnight."
Recipe Here
Ologies
Okay, I am starting to lose it here so I thought I would try and get it all down on "paper". . .
There is: Neurology, Urology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Physical (PT)/Occupational (OT) Therapy . . .
My HMO pays for those and California Children's Services (CCS) picks up where my HMO leaves off . . .
CCS specifically pays for the PT/OT through MTU (can't remember what MTU stands for) . . .
Early Start which will send a nurse out to our home once a week for developmental activities and that is paid through the State of California . . .
The County also sent a nurse out to our home last week and will again this week (I have no idea what this is for, how it got started or who is paying for it - I checked and she is not with the Early Start program as far as I can tell) . . . . .
Then there is the Employment Development Department of California (EDD) which will pay the wife 1/2 her salary to stay home for six weeks and care for the wee one . . .
Then you have Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) through the federal government which may send you $$ each month depending upon your income and/or disability . . .
Then there is MediCal, again through the State of California - which, so far as I can tell, may help pay for nurse-supervised child care . . .
So unless I am missing something, that is a total of 11 different health care providers and 6 funding organizations for a grand total of 17 separate entities to keep track of - all of which have their own accompanying paperwork . . .
Today I called Together We Grow, a nurse-supervised child care program that I had spoken to about three weeks ago regarding a tour . . . the receptionist wanted to know if, in my phone conversation three weeks ago, the supervisor of TWG and I had ironed out the application and funding process . . .
"I have no idea" was my response.
I left the supervisor a message - she will call back . . . .
UPDATE:
I just found out about two more MediCal funded programs - full-time home nursing, of which Maxim is an example and In Home Support Services which pays a mother to stay home with her child - I haven't looked into either one yet . . .
There is: Neurology, Urology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Physical (PT)/Occupational (OT) Therapy . . .
My HMO pays for those and California Children's Services (CCS) picks up where my HMO leaves off . . .
CCS specifically pays for the PT/OT through MTU (can't remember what MTU stands for) . . .
Early Start which will send a nurse out to our home once a week for developmental activities and that is paid through the State of California . . .
The County also sent a nurse out to our home last week and will again this week (I have no idea what this is for, how it got started or who is paying for it - I checked and she is not with the Early Start program as far as I can tell) . . . . .
Then there is the Employment Development Department of California (EDD) which will pay the wife 1/2 her salary to stay home for six weeks and care for the wee one . . .
Then you have Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) through the federal government which may send you $$ each month depending upon your income and/or disability . . .
Then there is MediCal, again through the State of California - which, so far as I can tell, may help pay for nurse-supervised child care . . .
So unless I am missing something, that is a total of 11 different health care providers and 6 funding organizations for a grand total of 17 separate entities to keep track of - all of which have their own accompanying paperwork . . .
Today I called Together We Grow, a nurse-supervised child care program that I had spoken to about three weeks ago regarding a tour . . . the receptionist wanted to know if, in my phone conversation three weeks ago, the supervisor of TWG and I had ironed out the application and funding process . . .
"I have no idea" was my response.
I left the supervisor a message - she will call back . . . .
UPDATE:
I just found out about two more MediCal funded programs - full-time home nursing, of which Maxim is an example and In Home Support Services which pays a mother to stay home with her child - I haven't looked into either one yet . . .
If a World-Renowned Musician Plays in a Subway, Is it Still Worth Listening To?
I may have posted this before but I came across it again and find fascinating:
Teaser Graphs:
It was 7:51 a.m. on Friday, January 12, the middle of the morning rush hour. In the next 43 minutes, as the violinist performed six classical pieces, 1,097 people passed by. Almost all of them were on the way to work, which meant, for almost all of them, a government job. . .
Each passerby had a quick choice to make, one familiar to commuters in any urban area where the occasional street performer is part of the cityscape: Do you stop and listen? Do you hurry past with a blend of guilt and irritation, aware of your cupidity but annoyed by the unbidden demand on your time and your wallet? . . .
On that Friday in January, those private questions would be answered in an unusually public way. No one knew it, but the fiddler standing against a bare wall outside the Metro in an indoor arcade at the top of the escalators was one of the finest classical musicians in the world, playing some of the most elegant music ever written on one of the most valuable violins ever made. . . .
So, what do you think happened? . . .
Teaser Graphs:
It was 7:51 a.m. on Friday, January 12, the middle of the morning rush hour. In the next 43 minutes, as the violinist performed six classical pieces, 1,097 people passed by. Almost all of them were on the way to work, which meant, for almost all of them, a government job. . .
Each passerby had a quick choice to make, one familiar to commuters in any urban area where the occasional street performer is part of the cityscape: Do you stop and listen? Do you hurry past with a blend of guilt and irritation, aware of your cupidity but annoyed by the unbidden demand on your time and your wallet? . . .
On that Friday in January, those private questions would be answered in an unusually public way. No one knew it, but the fiddler standing against a bare wall outside the Metro in an indoor arcade at the top of the escalators was one of the finest classical musicians in the world, playing some of the most elegant music ever written on one of the most valuable violins ever made. . . .
So, what do you think happened? . . .
The Darkling Thrush
by Thomas Hardy
I leant upon a coppice gate
When Frost was spectre-gray,
And Winter's dregs made desolate
The weakening eye of day.
The tangled bine-stems scored the sky
Like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh
Had sought their household fires.
The land's sharp features seemed to be
The Century's corpse outleant,
His crypt the cloudy canopy,
The wind his death-lament.
The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I.
At once a voice arose among
The bleak twigs overhead
In a full-hearted evensong
Of joy illimited;
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,
In blast-beruffled plume,
Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.
So little cause for carolings
Of such ecstatic sound
Was written on terrestrial things
Afar or nigh around,
That I could think there trembled through
His happy good-night air
Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew
And I was unaware.
I leant upon a coppice gate
When Frost was spectre-gray,
And Winter's dregs made desolate
The weakening eye of day.
The tangled bine-stems scored the sky
Like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh
Had sought their household fires.
The land's sharp features seemed to be
The Century's corpse outleant,
His crypt the cloudy canopy,
The wind his death-lament.
The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I.
At once a voice arose among
The bleak twigs overhead
In a full-hearted evensong
Of joy illimited;
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,
In blast-beruffled plume,
Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.
So little cause for carolings
Of such ecstatic sound
Was written on terrestrial things
Afar or nigh around,
That I could think there trembled through
His happy good-night air
Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew
And I was unaware.
Soul Food - 9/17/8
From today's reading: 1 Kings 12-14, 2 Chronicles 10-12
After Rehoboam's position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel [b] with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam. With twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen and the innumerable troops of Libyans, Sukkites and Cushites that came with him from Egypt, he captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.
Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the LORD says, 'You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.' "
The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The LORD is just."
- 2 Chronicles 12:1-6
Point of Interest:
1 Kings 12:1-17 tells the story of the split between the nothern 10 tribes of Israel and the Southern two. Jerusalem is located in the territory of Judah (one of the Southern tribes).
After Rehoboam's position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel [b] with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam. With twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen and the innumerable troops of Libyans, Sukkites and Cushites that came with him from Egypt, he captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.
Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the LORD says, 'You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.' "
The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The LORD is just."
- 2 Chronicles 12:1-6
Point of Interest:
1 Kings 12:1-17 tells the story of the split between the nothern 10 tribes of Israel and the Southern two. Jerusalem is located in the territory of Judah (one of the Southern tribes).
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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