"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, September 25, 2015

Fr. Kiel & Pope Francis


My Slow Takes

1. The Richmond Spiders defeated the cadets from Virginia Military Institute (VMI). They now have a 2-1 record. Their next opponent is Maine, another home game. The Irish Lads won their game against Georgia Tech. They are now 3-0 and play Massachusetts, at home on September 26th.

2. On September 24, 1966, The “Monkees" made the “Billboard” top 40 with “Last Train to Clarksville.”


3. In June, I wrote about the ordination of Father Matthew Kiel. He has a website, “Opening the Doors of Mercy.” Please take a moment to visit his blog page. It is very enlightening.

4. On Tuesday evening our parish, the Church of the Epiphany, held an evening of witnesses, readings and song. Our Director of Christian Formation, Sarah, put together this gathering. She was supported by Deacon Arthur and Deacon Stephen. Music was provided by Andy and his band along with a guest pianist, Jean, from Blessed Sacrament Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. My favorite song of the evening was “It Is Well With My Soul.”  

Chris Rice, “It Is Well With My Soul.”


5. The Pope is in the United States and Rev. John Kazibwe, our pastor, will be in Washington D.C. where he will be concelebrating at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. We, at the Church of the Epiphany, are extremely proud  

U.S. Air Force photo - Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant
6. The Greater Hampton Road men’s Cursillo weekend is this week, 9-24 thru 9-27. Please pray for the team members and candidates.

7. Continuing with “country legends,” this is a song by Don Gibson. “Oh Lonesome Me.”



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

Friday, September 18, 2015

Football, The Beach and Sherry


My Slow Takes


1. College football has started again. The Richmond Spiders are sitting at 1-1 and face VMI this Saturday at home. The Irish Lads, after an exciting game against the Virginia Cavaliers, are at 2-0. They face Georgia Tech on Saturday and will also be playing at home.



2. I usually don’t write about the NFL, but this year the Buffalo Bills have a starting quarterback from Virginia Tech. His name is Tyrod Taylor and he's from my hometown of Hampton, Virginia. So, I might be writing a little about the Bills this season. The Bills are 1-0 as they face the Patriots, at home, this Sunday.  

3. Dee and I were at the beach last week and were blessed with great weather. The food, drinks and companionship were terrific. Here are some photos.

Dinner at the beach
Me and Dee
Me and the "Ladies"
4. On September 15, 1962, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons reach the “top of charts” with “Sherry.”


5. My favorite cowboy hero was Hopalong Cassidy. The actor that portrayed him was William Boyd. On September 12, 1972, at the age of 77, he died. His horse’s name was “Topper,” and his side-kick was Red Connors, played by Edgar Buchanan.

Topper and "Hoppy"
6. The UCI Road World Championships are in Richmond, Virginia from September 19-27, 2015.


7. This is a great song by Marty Robins, “Ghost Riders in The Sky.”



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

Friday, September 4, 2015

Allan W. Eckert, A Poem and Edsel


My Slow Takes

1. The French and Indian War in North America is a time in history I enjoy reading and gaming about. I purchased a new set of rules for that period while at Historicon 2015. I want to paint some figures and setup a scenario for the rules. I turned to “Wilderness Empire” by Allan W. Eckert, for some refresher history. This is probably the third time I’ve read the book and I still enjoy his style of writing. He has a website which shows his list of publications.



2. A poem for September.


"Autumn Is Here"
Pumpkins in the cornfields
Gold among the brown
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down
Birds that travel southward
Lovely time to play
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

Author: John Muir

3. The television series, “Falling Skies,” has ended. The invading aliens have been defeated and earth is ready to rebuild. I enjoyed watching the program and especially like actor Noah Wyle as Tom Mason. A history teacher who leads a group of people as they defend the planet earth. The other series Mr. Wyle starred in was “The Librarian.” This character was a historian as well, but his focus was protecting artifacts with the help of Judson, played by Bob Newhart. 

4. My good friend Dick had a cochlear implant surgery procedure completed this week. He is doing fine and will be proceeding with the rehabilitation process to learn how to hear with the new device. I was not familiar with the device until Dick started explaining it to me and our friends. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has information on it’s website.  

5. September 4, 1957, the Ford Motor Company showcased its new 1958 Ford Edsel. The car was a horrible failure and  the Edsel company closed down after the 1960 model year. 

This is a 1957 Edsel television commercial.


6. Bobby Bare - “Tequila Sheila.”


7. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!








Go over to "Fountains of Home,” where Christy is hosting more takes this week.