"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 22, 2016

Music, Yard Work & Cursillo


My Slow Takes

1. We started our week with music by the “All County Elementary Honors Choir.” Our granddaughter Eryn was one of the singers that performed at the Chesterfield County Public Schools Fine Arts Festival. She was one of over 175 students selected from all the county schools. It was impressive performance which included “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Shenandoah,” “Bill Bailey,” and “Amani Utupe.” 

2. The Jubilation Choir held their Spring performance entitled “Welcome to Our House.” Two of the members, who are part of the choir, also sing at the Church of the Epiphany. Jeanine 
LaRue and Mary Ann Eads. Dee and I always enjoy their performances and this one was beautiful. Two of the songs performed were “When I’m Sixty-Four” and “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Songs originally performed by The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. Two different generations of music.   

3. April 21,1973, Tony Orlando and Dawn’s song, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” reached number one in the “Billboard Hot 100.” It stayed number one for four weeks.


4. Dee and I spent the week clearing weeds, planting shrubs and flowers and getting everything ready for the summer. There is still more to complete, but the yard is looking good.

5. Gnats were bothersome this week, but I learned that they are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. So, I spray my hat, back and shoulders and wear a dust mask. It seems to work pretty well.

6. Next week is the Central Virginia 480th Woman’s Cursillo weekend. Please pray for the team members and candidates.


7. Carrie Underwood - “Temporary Home.”




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

Friday, April 15, 2016

Mercy, American Pie & Roy


My Slow Takes

1. I finished reading “beautiful Mercy’” from Dynamic Catholic. Matthew Kelly has put together an unusual book with the assistance of twenty-six different authors. The chapters are short so reading is easy. I chose to read two chapters a day which allowed time for reflection on what I read. The book provided a another way of looking at the love that God has for me.  So, get a copy and read it, you won’t be disappointed.


2. Danny Willett won the The Masters 2016. In second place were Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood. I would have liked to see Jordan win his second Masters, but maybe next year. Read about it here.http://www.augusta.com

This is a nice photo of Jordan helping Danny with his new “Green Jacket.”


3. On April 10, 2005, Tiger Woods won his fourth Masters. He has an impressive record, which can viewed here.

4. Paul’s Bods has a link to “Dioramica 2016,” which is a convention of hobbyists. This is a special convention, being held in Munden, Germany. The focus is on 1/72 scale dioramas. Follow this link to see a list of the exhibitors which includes a short biography and photos of some their work. 

5. Don McLean was one of my favorite artists. His song, American Pie, was recorded in May of 1972 and was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 from January 15 through February 5 of 1972. Yes, I owned a vinyl of his album American Pie. The video shown here is suppose to be an interpretation of the great song.


6. There is a Briartun miniature update here, just in case you missed that post.

7. Roy Orbison - “Blue Bayou.” This is a great song that makes me dream of lounging on the beach with a margarita in one hand and a good book in the other.





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

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Horses and a Wagon

I finished the five horses that will be used for the wagons. Also completed is the dowel sided baggage wagon. The wagon is from Hinchliffe Miniatures.  

Next in line are a couple of baggage carts. After that I have one water wagon.

Donald Bates leading the horses out for wagon assignments.


Dowel sided baggage wagon.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Pocahontas, Merle & Golf


My Slow Takes

1. I did well selecting the two teams that would head to the March Madness final game. It would have been really good if I had picked the winner, but I didn’t. Just in case you don’t know who won, or you missed the final basket, here it is.

2. On April 5, 1614, Pocahontas married John Rolfe. Read details from “This Day in History.” Go to "Biography" for further information on Pocahontas.

3. Winter made an attempt to sneak back this week. We had a couple of nights where the temperatures went below freezing. Fortunately it was a feeble effort.

4. I’ve been looking at building a dice tower for my gaming activities. Currently I use plastic bins for rolling the die. It works well enough, but a dice tower works a wee bit better. Here are a couple of “build it yourself” ideas.



5. Merle Haggard, age 79, has joined his friends in heaven. Please pray for him and his family.



6. “The Bottle Let Me Down.”


7. The Masters starts this week and will run until April 10. CBS has full coverage here. There is more coverage at the PGA website.




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

Friday, April 1, 2016

Easter, Friends & Stewball


My Slow Takes

1. A correction to my last post. Tridium, although spelled correctly, should have been spelled, "Triduum." My apologies for not editing better.

2. Dee and I hosted an afternoon reception on Easter Sunday. It was a celebration for Eryn and Hailey, who enjoyed it very much. Family, friends and Msgr. Shreve were in attendance.

Some of the food.

The Ladies

3. Stephen brought hardboiled eggs for the annual egg-tapping game. This year Pam won the game.

Pam is on the far left.

4. On Thursday Dee and I helped Pam and Tony setup for the annual Spring Bizarre Bazaar. Pam’s booth contains beautiful wine glasses which she paints herself. 

Me, Dee, Pam & Tony

5. My picks for the “Final Four.”

Villanova Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels.



6. Happy April Fool’s Day!


7. Peter, Paul & Mary - “Stewball”




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