"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, April 24, 2015

Travis, Cardinal Joe, and Hockey


My Slow Takes

1. Prayers for a Richmond, Virginia fireman, and his family, who discovered that he has cancer.
Travis Preau of Engine 22 "C" Platoon, RFD.
2. I finished reading “The Gift of Peace” by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.” It is not a book that I would have chosen on my own. Our good friend Maureen brought it to our home. When Dee finished reading it she handed to me and asked if I wanted to read it. I said yes, not knowing what it was about. After reading it I realized it was one of those “God whispers” that sneak up on me every once in awhile.

Cardinal Bernardin starts his book with a hand written letter to us, the reader. It is dated November 1, 1996. He says that his book is not an autobiography but a reflection of the last few years of his life. He reminds us, ““that if we “let go,” if we place ourselves totally in the hands of the Lord, good will prevail.””

It is not a detail of his life, but a glimpse of his struggles, achievements and contributions. His lesson, to me, “when we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is nonessential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us. And we become instruments in the hands of the Lord.”

Cardinal Bernardin died of pancreatic cancer on November 14, 1996. I now pray for his soul and will continue to do so. I recommend that you read his book.


3. Beth DeCristofaro wrote about death in her article, “Forever In Me.” She reminds us that death is troubling but it should not be “anxiety-producing.” We should be prepared for it as were the Apostles, “living fully in the trust of Christ’s love and within His embrace is our path up until the moment of our physical end on earth.”
 With that in mind she recommends that in preparation for our journey to consider the completion of the necessary form to designate a health care agent. There are two websites for further information. The USCCB and the Dioceses of Arlington and Richmond, Virginia.  

4. “Fire bikes” are actually used by Fire Departments throughout the world. More information at Wikipedia. The photo below looks to be an older version.


5. Lucas Hinch made headlines this week when he shot and “killed” his Dell XPS 410. He was arrested for “discharging a firearm within city limits." If only he had purchased a Mac.  

6. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been around since 1926. They are one of the “regional six” league members of the NHL. Although they are not currently playing for the Stanley Cup 2015, they have done better. On April 25, 1964, the Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup. This was the third consecutive Stanley Cup victory for Toronto.

7. This is my favorite Charlie Pride song, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.”




Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Kitchen, Amen Corner, and Trees.


My Slow Takes

1. We are going to remodel our kitchen. This will take a couple of months and I will provide updates and photos as we progress. 
Current cabinets and sink.
Current cabinets and range.
2. The Masters is my favorite golf watching weekend. This year’s tournament was one of the best in a long time. Five players were in the double digits at the finish. Jordan Spieth, of course, set all sorts of records. My favorite, Phil Mickelson did well coming in second with Justin Rose.

Click on “Amen Corner” to see a video of the naming of these three holes.

This is the Par 3 hole at Amen Corner.
3. From “Christin’s Quote Book.”

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” –C. S. Lewis

4. I’m dreaming about the beach already.

Photo by Dee
5. My neighbor bought some trees five or six years ago and paid about $3 a tree. They were “end of the season close outs.” He didn’t think they would live. So he gave one to me and it has done quite well. I believe it’s an Eastern Redbud.

Photo by me
6. Our Dogwood in bloom. Todd and his wife Lauren gave us this tree about seven years ago. It’s a special “family” tree that I enjoy every spring.

Photo by me
7. Linda Ronstadt - “Silver Threads And Golden Needles”




Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Washing of Feet, Spring, Mom and The Browns.


My Slow Takes

1. Our granddaughters, Eryn and Hailey, help Dee with one of the Outreach Programs at church. This year the oldest was recognized for her service by having her feet washed at Mass on Holy Thursday. She was awed by the experience and happy that she could be part of the Tridium celebration.

2. Matt Maher - “Christ is Risen.”


3. Monday was a beautiful spring day, with warm temperatures and plenty of sun. Dee and I worked in the yard cleaning out the mulch beds, trimming bushes and trees. When we work together it doesn’t seem like work. We are together, helping each other and sharing in the work load. There is a feeling of accomplishment and partnership.

4. Thursday we celebrated the birthday of Dee’s mom, Lucy. She turned 93 and is still going strong. Her ailments are arthritis related, but her mind is sharp. Mom plays cards, Wii bowling, Scrabble and Rummikub. All of which she is quite good at. We keep telling her that she will make Willard Scott’s “Smucker’s Jar” acknowledgement when she reaches 100.

Mom, Me & Dee - Christmas 2014
5. On April 9, 1859 Samuel Clemens received his steamboat pilot’s license. He piloted for two years until steamboat traffic was stopped because of the Civil War. There was a boatman’s call, which noted the depth of the river at two fathoms deep. This was the minimum depth that a steamboat could safely navigate in. The term was, “Mark Twain.” This pseudonym was used by Mr. Clemens when he started writing in 1861.


6. Prayers for one of my oldest friends Ed. He is in the hospital and may have to have his leg removed.
A "Younger" Ed
7.  The Browns - “Little Jimmy Brown”





Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.