"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis De Sales

Friday, November 30, 2012

My Slow Takes (Vol. 76)


1. The Irish Lads finished with a perfect 12-0 season after a battle with USC Saturday evening. The fourth quarter stand at the goal line with just minutes to play was inspiring and exciting. A tribute to the dedication of defensive line and their coaches.

The next game is the BCS title game on January 7. It will either be Alabama or Georgia. Which ever one it is, it will be a tough game. Go Irish!

2. Dee and I tried a new restaurant last week. Poe’s Pub, located on East Main Street in Richmond, Virginia. We started with the Nachos appetizer, which turned out to be enough for three or four people. We did manage to get through most of it. For the main course, Dee had the “Commonwealth” burger dressed with caramelized onions, mushrooms, bacon and Swiss and cheddar cheese.  I had the North Carolina pulled pork BBQ complete with homemade coleslaw. Both sandwiches were served hot and timely. An excellent meal served by a warm and pleasant waitress. 

3. Monday night our men’s group watched episode IV of the DVD series “Catholicism.” This episode centered on Mary ... “explained as an-ongoing presence, an actor in the life of the Church.” It was a beautiful tribute to Mary as Father Baron continues to teach us about our Church. One interesting new thing that I learned was that after Mary appeared to Juan Diego, over a period of approximately six years, “Six million Aztecs converted to Catholicism,.”

4. The cardboard bike, a new innovative design created by an inventor from Israel, Izhar Gafni. He said it could be sold for $20 and possibly be given away free to those who are too poor to buy one. If his cardboard product can hold up to bicycles then that would open up other markets for cardboard related products.


5. A couple of pictures of one of my cowboy heroes, William Boyd. Born June 5, 1895, died September 12, 1972. He played the role of Hopalog Cassidy making over sixty movies.
  



6. Congress and the President appear to be handling the “Fiscal Cliff” issue as though it were a “soap opera.” We could probably call it “All My Politicians,” or “Guiding Budget.” The writers are gearing up for an episode that will supposedly surprise all of us. Stayed tuned, it’s not hard to miss anything because it’s in front of us every day.

7. Next week is Pearl Harbor Day, December 7. Please remember those who gave their lives. 


Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.



Friday, November 23, 2012

My Slow Takes (Vol. 75)


1. Saturday was Senior Day at Notre Dame. Manti Te’o has been named as one of the finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award for 2012. The win over Wake Forest brought their record to 11-0 with an undefeated season at home. Great news, great playing and a great season. The next game, against Southern California, will not be easy. I would like to see a 12-0 record but I’m happy with the games they’ve played and the exciting season they’ve given us. 

2. The Richmond Spiders defeated William & Mary to win the Capital Cup. The season record for 2012, 8-3. That makes 11 conference championships and three CAA  conference championships. This has been a great season!



3. Deacon Steve gave his first Homily at our church last weekend. He is a parishioner who was ordained earlier this month. He shared his journey of becoming a deacon and thanked the parish for it’s support. We are blessed to have him stay with us and I look forward to working with him. 

4. “Durendal” is the sword that was made famous in the “Song of Roland.” The poem describes Roland as laying over the sword just before he died so that the Saracens would not take the sword. There is no mention as to where the sword was taken. The Rocamadour Shrine in France supposedly has the sword stuck into the rock and chained so that it can’t be removed. Fordham University has further information about the poem.. 

There is also a story that states the sword was taken by the Saracens. 
This is a fictitious novel written by Harold Lamb





5. I do not participate in the “Black Friday” chaotic, shopping frenzy. I enjoy sleeping in and I really don’t need anything.

6. The Avria & Aubrey Trapletti Charity Fund Benefit was a success. They raised approximately $50,000. You can follow the continuing story on Facebook.

The Twins

7. Yesterday we shared Thanksgiving with Todd, Lauren and Katerina at their home. Joining us was Patrick, Elizabeth and their children. Lauren and Elizabeth prepared the dinner which was excellent. Dee made her famous apple and I ate a little bit of everything. Thank you Lord for a beautiful day.

Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.



Friday, November 16, 2012

My Slow Takes (Vol. 74)


1. Notre Dame won over Boston College bringing their record to 10-0. Last week I showed an incorrect stat of 6-0. Please forgive me. The Richmond Spiders enjoyed Senior Day beating Delaware on their home turf. The Spiders are now 7-3.

2. My Veterans Day remembrance:
          Edward Trimble, WW1 My grandfather
          Paul P. Forgette, WW2 My Dad
          Frank Siracusa, WW2 My Father-in-law
For those who have served our country, deceased and living. You are all in my prayers. 

3. Quotes from Christin’s Quote Book. These are reflections on aging which helps me put things in perspective as I approach the next stage of my journey. 

  • There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.  ~Author Unknown
  • I recently had my annual physical examination, which I get once every seven years, and when the nurse weighed me, I was shocked to discover how much stronger the Earth's gravitational pull has become since 1990.  ~Dave Barry
  • Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.  ~Quoted by Francis Bacon, Apothegm 
  • Wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age.  Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.  ~Tom Wilson
  • Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.  ~Author Unknown 
  • In dog years, I'm dead.  ~Author Unknown
4. November is Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to pay tribute to the traditions and culture of a people who are part of our history and lives. My Dad’s family includes Native American blood. According to my cousin Brion’s research our Great Grandma Felicie was from the Turtle Mountain Chippewia or Metis of Canada.  

5. This is a picture looking out our office window. When I walk into the room there’s this beautiful orange aura that brightens the entire office. God at work.


6. There is a website, Arwen-Undomiel, which is dedicated to the “Lord of the Rings” and things associated with L.L. Tolkien. I found my name in the Elvish language; Nibenon. (Nee-benn-on).

7. I was looking through some old things that I had written, “long, long time ago” and found four, original from the paper, “Peanut” strips. The time period was about 1970, I was single, working and going to college. My inspiration came from different things, one of them being “Snoppy.” Enjoy the comics.

  

Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.


Friday, November 9, 2012

My Slow Takes (Vol. 73)


1. Our Fair Trade Bazaar was last weekend and it was successful. The team put everything together on Saturday and each worked the different Mass schedules with me. The items that are bought helps our neighbors all over the world by helping them to achieve a sustainable income. In partnership with SERRV, Catholic Relief Services, and Equal Exchange.

2. Saturday football results had a win for the Richmond Spiders and Notre Dame. I was working at Church and didn’t get to see them although I started watching the Irish Lads 
before I left. Just before returning home I checked the Notre Dame Insider app to see what happened and saw a score of 20-6 in favor of the Panthers. I thought the game was over but when I arrived home and turned on the television it was 23-23 in the second overtime. A crazy ending. 

Notre Dame 6-0 and Richmond Spiders 6-3.

3. Deacon Rick is heading back to his hometown in Wisconsin. A new job opportunity for him. He will be missed but remembered by the parish. He is a friend, a spiritual leader and remains in my prayers.

His last Homily left us with a message which he called “The Main Thing.” 

“Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.”

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:28b-34

Thank you Rick and may God continue to bless you and your family.

4. Tuesday, November 6, 2012, Halo 4 is here. The saga continues and I’m one of the gaming crowd that owns and has followed from the beginning. It is my favorite game. Brett Molina of USA Today describes the “action powerhouse.”

5. Post election thoughts can be read at this blog. The author and I made our Cursillo together back in September 2012. His article is much better than what I could have written.
Thank you John.

6. New time, old time has worked well this week. I still wake up early, just an hour sooner than last week.

Here is some information when it started, why it started and how it has changed. 

7. Please read my Tuesday blog, SCID Awareness. The picture of the twins will warm your hearts.

Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SCID Awareness


I am supporting two beautiful little girls who have an immune syndrome disorder called SCID. Their mother Audra has a Facebook page and there is a fund raiser going on as well. They need your prayers and donations if possible. Thank you.


Avria & Aubrey Trapletti Charity Fund Benefit
Where: Pluma, 100 Colony Drive, Irwin, PA 15642
When: Saturday, November 17, 2012 - 4:00pm - 10:00pm.
Events: Live Entertainment: Boogie Hustlers & the Duo of Rachel & John,

Food, Chinese Auction, Vendor Tables, Door Prizes & More...
Suggested Minimum Donation - $12 in advance/$15 at the door.
* Only tickets sold in advance will qualify for door prizes. ** Tickets required for entry.
For advance ticket purchases mail checks for tickets made payable to the Avria & Aubrey Trapletti Charity Fund to:
Avria & Aubrey Trapletti Charity Fund c/o Albensi Laboratories
1061 Main Street
North Huntingdon, PA 15642

~ A printable order form can be found at www.albensilab.com (Look for link at the bottom of the Homepage) ~
• Tickets can also be purchased in person with check or cash at the Albensi Laboratories reception desk at the address above from 8:00am - 4:30pm.
• For more information contact Laura Albensi at 724.864.8880/laura@albensilab.com or Laura Hoffman at 724.837.1354/laura166@aol.com.

Avria and Audrey



Friday, November 2, 2012

My Slow Takes (Vol. 72)


1. Notre Dame’s Saturday night game against the Oklahoma Sooner's was different from what some of the sports announcers talked about earlier in the day. Although the score seemed one sided, it was tied 13-13 with nine minutes left in the forth quarter. Another exciting finish for the Irish Lads as they added another win. A record of 8-0.

2. It’s Sunday night and Hurricane Sandy is moving closer north. We have a high wind advisory from 8AM Monday until 6AM Tuesday. Winds will be 20 to 35 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH. This will probably bring down trees and cause power outages in our area. I pray there will be little structural damage and no injuries or fatalities.

3. Randy Booth shared some very interesting thoughts on the Presidential election. His ideas on politics and religion and how they relate to each of us are simple and honest. I have learned and experienced things during my lifetime. I know there will be more and I know that it is not always going to be easy. I have no regrets and I hold no grudges. I just keep enhancing my faith and put my life in God’s hands.

4. It’s Tuesday morning and we have come through the storm with no damage and still retain power. Unfortunately those in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are having serious issues. Lord thank you for helping us and please help those who are in the midst of the storm.

5. Halloween night was very sparse this year. We only went through one bag of candy. Perhaps our neighborhood children are growing up.

6. General Motors announced a profit of $1.48 Billion dollars. I read the rest of the article and found out we, the taxpayers, still have a poor “return on our investment.”

“GM shares closed Wednesday at $25.50, up $2.22, or 9.5% That remains well off the November 2010 IPO price of $33 and below the about $53 needed for the government to break even on the 2009 bailout.”
Perhaps when GM makes a profit they could send each of us a tax free check. It would put the money back in our hands and we may use more wisely than Congress. Just a thought.
7. Please vote next week. It’s important for each of us to support whichever candidate we follow. Many men and women fought and died so that we may have this freedom. 

Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.