West "By God" Virginia

At last a football game worth watching. The WV Mountaineers beat up big time on the Okies. The Sooners were listed as #3 in the final Bowl Champion Series ratings to West Virginia's #11. So much for computers. As a Marshall graduate it does not pain me at all that WVU did such a a great job in their 48-28 victory - and without Slayton. The Freshman, Noel Divine stepped in and did a great job. And in regard to the above phrase - West "By God" Virginia" - I heard it at least 3 times during the telecast. As one who regularly heard people in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Montana tell me that they had "a friend in Norfolk" or in "Richmond" and I had to remind them that I was from "West 'by God' Virginia." And while I have no desire to move back there, I've always been proud of the Mountaineers stance at the time of the Civil War, and I don't want people to think that I'm a Virginian.

Another Muse

It is hard to believe that I have gottn bored with football. Well, I do look up once in a while, but a good read tops most of what I've seen on TV lately, and I don't think it all relates to the writer's strike. I started Nora Robert's Blood Brothers last week and picked it up after Church yesterday and finally finished it at about the time the Sunday night football gamer ended. I can't even tell you who was playing or who won witout checking the paper. I'd read an earlier book months ago with the same title - Blood Brothers, but that one was about the Jewish-Palestine relationship between Isaih and Ishmeal. Basically Hebrew and Arab Christian. Robert's writes about three kids who celebrate there mutual 10th birthday by blood bonding and setting off a lot of trouble for their small community every seven years. They are now at 3 times seven and are finding out a lot about the whole situation. Unfortunatly it's one of Nora's triplicates so I guess I'll now have to find the sequels.

In the meantime Ihave Gary Wills "Head and Heart" to be read along with a bunch of books which came under the Christmas Tree.

And furthermore - HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

DEJA VU all over again!

We had a glorious week-end with family visiting both from North Dakota and from Montana. The NoDaks came in around 9 o'clock Friday night so we caught up a little before bedtime. Ice Cream and Pete's cookies were well received. On Saturday Annie and Bill come over and we planned to go to Jake's for dinner. Andrew was expected. His parents went a bit early to stop by John's and Jean's to pick up an old photograph John called about. Turned out to be a copy of a Christmas Card Betty and I had sent out from our days in Davenport, IA. I had superimposed head shots of Ken, Ann and Jimmy on a picture of a coal fired train engine I had taken earlier. It probably dates from 1953 or '54. Andrew came in from Bozeman just as the rest of us were leaving the house. Good timing!

Anyway, Sunday afternoon after Church we were all sitting around the front room and the second and third generation adults and grown children were deep in memories as I sat and listened. All of a sudden in seemed to me that I was the kid again back at Grandfather Taylor's listening to all of my Uncles and Aunts in conversation about their past history and present activities. And then today in the comic strip "For Better or Worse" it all came back again. April, the teen aged daughter is asked to sit at the kitchen table with the young children since there isn't enough room at the table in the dining room and the children need someone to watch over them. As she listens to the "yackty-Yack" from the adults she mutters to herself - "Bonus". No that I felt than my hard-of-hearing was any sort of bonus yesterday. It was simply great having them all present and enjoying their "catching-up".

And a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

He's back!

It's been a long time since you found me here. Not much happening. Life is not dull, but not much happening. For the last few weeks I've been going to Choir practice to help our Choir in its production of "The Birthday of the King". It was not exactly a cantata since there were many speaking parts of Bibilical chracters between numbers, and there were many more solos than Choir selections. We produced it Friday night to a big audiance and Sunday evening to a full house. It was a challenge since I stopped regular choir participation when I turned 80. (Well, after all practice was on Wednesday nights, but so was "The West Wing.") I went back after Betty's death, but some of the numbers were much to much so I stopped again.

I saw my Cardiologist yesterday. She suggested that I might feel better if I lost some weight. I found it hard to believe that I had topped 173. We've scheduled a follow up echo cardiogram for January to see if there has been any major change in the stenosis of the aortic valve. Otherwise the visit was fairly uneventful.

Jimmy's family will be coming in from Dickinson late Friday for a week-end visit. We'll have dinner at Jake's with Pete as our waiter. There will be 7 of us: myself, Cec, Jonathan, Natalie, Ann, Bill and Andrew. I'm truly looking forward to this time even if I'll have to order lightly.

That's probably it until after Christmas.

Fiesta Time

It is in the holiday-fiesta period at Rocky Mountain College. A couple of weeks ago I attended the Annual Thanksgiving meal with the price of admission some nonperishable food for the area Food Bank. Tonight it is the Annual Yule Log Dinner. When we first came here there was a real yule log fire, Cliff Clark as Santa, and the singing of carols. Lately it has been the dinner along with some theatrics by the drama people. I plan to be there. At least its a chance for a balanced dinner for a widower.

Last night Pete (son) and I went to the Annual RMC Choir program of Lessons and Carols. Various students and staff members read from the Bible stories of prophecy and anticipation, and the Choir and other members of the Music Department perform. The First Presbyterian Church was packed for the 3 o'clock performance, and it is probably the largest church auditorium in town. One family said that they had come in the afternoon this year because the evening is "so packed." I've been many times, but not at the 7 o*clock. This year there was more instrumental music than in previous years. On the last number the congregation joined in singing "O Come, All Ye Faithful." When the Soprano's came in on the high notes at the end of each chorus it was thrilling to these old ears.

I had checked the list of choir members in the program. Fifty-six in all. One name I recognized as the last name of students who were enrolled while I was still on staff. After the program I approached a young lady and told her how good the concert had been and said that I recognized one name in the Choir. Surprise, Surprise. She turned out to be the one. She was not, however related to the previous students even though she was from the same town in Montana.

Good eats

Got this from a Blogger who I check regularly. It's a Montana Omelette. I drool,but do not indulge. After all those aren't Egg Beaters. I was thinking of lunch today, and the universal PBJ came to mind. After all, there is grape and strawberry jelly in the fridge. I've eaten peanut butter with a lot of toppings. Pickles, banana, etc. And then I though of the small sandwich grill sitting on the stove and remembered a Mr. Food item from several years ago. "Are there any marshmallows around?" And there they were. A few small ones in a nearly empty bag. Why not? A grilled peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich. It was delicious. And, Phillipa, the Skippy has palm oil not soy.

Celtic Woman

Such beautiful women and such beautiful music, and to think I almost missed it being sold on football as we get close to the end of the season. And it was good to watch as the Mountaineers of West Virginia beat up on UConn. WVa will probably be listed at the top or second in the BCS poll this week. But then I turned to PBS to watch my Saturday Britsh shows, and there they were with a Christmas special. Of course PBS was in its fund raising mode, but the "commercial" segments weren't so bad when one waited for the music. As well as the singers there was the lovely blond violinist whose sound and technique were excellent. And now they closd with a novel presentation of "Let it Snow." And the concert ends with a well deserved standing O.

Thanksgiving 2007

The Taylor's of Montana had our annual Thanksgiving Dinner this year at brother John's. Rosanna (their daughter-in-law) was, I understand, a big help. Ken brought the sweet potatoes down from Helena; Annie brought pies over from Ashland, MT; I brought mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce; and Pete made gravy and took along his apple crisps. The turkey and other trimmings were provided by the host family. We've been doing this since 1961 with alternating years between John & Jean and Betty and me. Often the NoDaks are with us, but this year conflicts entered the picture and they couldn't make it. Of course Betty and Jimmy were with us in spirit only both having died. Betty in December 2005, and Jimmy in August 2006. The last time all of my children were together was at Jimmy's funeral. The above picture shows my current family who were with us this year - including my grand daughter, Stephanie with her husband (the tall one) John Huss. I'll likely see them again in February when I go down to Texas for David's marriage to Suzanne, who will become Steph's step mother. We missed the Oregon crew, but I did get to visit with them over Labor Day. Family is wonderful, and I give thanks regularly for them all.

Weather Report

Had a new experience today. I was sitting in my car waiting for the traffic light to change and was suddenly aware that my car was shaking. The wind was that strong. The large flags at Perkin's and at a used car dealer were straight out, and stuff was blowing all over the place, Our apple tree still has lots of apples on it, but many are now on the ground. The ones still up are essentially bird food now. I guess one should not be to surprised about a shaking sedan. The local news yesterday showed an 18 wheeler blown over on I 90 near Livingston. Cross winds in that area can be truly fierce.

While I was out shopping at Costco I found a new John Grisham -- Playing for Pizza. He labels it a Novel and not Mystery. It seems that Grisham is in this mode after A Painted House, and Skipping Christmas

O.K. Here's a Muse!

i was writing to family the other day and commented on our kids. Somehow or other i used the phrase “my kids”. This didn’t sound quite right. They are mine, but they are also their mother’s even though she is now dead. I have wrestled with this format before and have now decided that they are “our kids”,. when I really think about it she probably had more to do with their upbringing than I did,. She was a stay-at-home mom until Pete was in the sixth grade. I was on the road a lot for the college and then on the Board of the American Baptist Churches.

Another thought has insinuated itself recently. I have often commented on how much I miss my love. Recent thoughts about how the Bible talks about what people are doing in heaven around the heavenly throne have caused me to wonder: does she miss me? Some how that answer will have to wait. And I am sure she is not alone. She’s finally met her in-laws, shares with her own father and mother, and she now is with Jimmy and knows our twins who died at birth.

My God indeed bless us all wherever we might be.

follow up

Some how or other this did not get published couple of weeks ago when I first wrote it - 10/28/07. For what it's worth here it is now,


There isn't really much to say about last Friday's Post. I made four loaves of bread and took a couple over to brother John's to share with him and Jean and with Mark and Rosanna. The Saturday breakfast is always a good occasion. The breakfast on Thusday was also interesting. I first met Linaya Leaf in the Fall of 1990 when she came on staff at RMC. She is a graduate of Linfield College and was raised in the Swedish Baptist Church - a part of Northern Baptist when we still went by that name as a denomination. She has her PhD from U. Oregon and teaches English and Theatre at Rocky. She regularly tells the story of how I invited her to Church and told her that I would meet her "out front". We both had scrambled eggs and french toast. She found it hard to believe that I could drink my coffee black. "You're certainly not Swedish." Actually, as I told her, she is young enough to be a daughter - 63 last summer. She was raised pretty much in Beaverton, OR and graduated from high school there. Her father was a lawyer, and was very interested in seeing that his grandson, Aaron, became a lawyer. Some one would be needed to look after the real estate holdings in the Seattle area.

Shopping

I decided last night that I should someway use my two cup sourdough starter since it had been a long time sitting in the fridge. If I was to make bread I needed to check to see that I had yeast, etc. Nope! Had to go to the store. Couldn't find my warm jacket since the temp was in the mid-40's. Not downstairs. Maybe I left it at Rocky Wednesday since I was at a meeting there on Wednesday night. Nope, I had worn it to Choir practice Wednesday night. Maybe there? Then, again, did I wear it Thursday morning on the way to breakfast with Linaya. (More about that later.) We went to Stella's not having been to her "new" place since she moved. I checked at Church since it is always nice to have a chat with Robin, the Secretary. She was my gal Friday for the 20 months I was Interim there. No Jacket. I went on down to Stella's and there it was. It is a jacket Jimmie gave me when he was working on the oil fields. I'd hate to lose it.

Anyway, back to shopping. I stopped by the IGA and all I saw going into the store were middle aged and older ladies. When I got inside there were a few men who appeared to be husbands along with their wives. Those were the day! Now I have to do it all myself - in what seems to be "ladies land". Well, us guys have to eat also.

Confused Republicans

"Romney also said he made a slip of the tongue Tuesday when he accused Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, instead of Osama bin Laden, of urging terrorists to congregate in Iraq."

The next thing we know he will be confusing Joseph Smith with Jesus Christ.

You Can Win Some

The last major post on this site was a couple of weeks ago when I suggested that one can't win them all. It's still true. While Marshall is still losing (last nigh to Southern Mississippi), and Rocky Mountain College lost for the umpteenth time against the Butte Miners - The Red Sox came back from a 3-2 deficit to win the American League championship. The Patriots won and Denver won on a last second field goal - actually there were 2 seconds left on the clock. So!! You can win some.

The past week-end was also a winner when a host of RMC students of the 1970's returned to campus for reunion. I found that hose cute chicks of the 70's that I wouldn't dare have touched are now ready to give the old man a hug. And I have some suspicion that I've always been an old man to them. "Why, Professor Taylor, you haven't changed a bit." Oh? Did I always look like I was 83? It was great to be with them again, and I actually recognized some of them without checking the name tag.

That's not a CFL above

Pedro got me on this one. Not enough electricity to even light a nightlight.

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Surprise

I would never have guessed that I was almost a blogging addict.

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Winners?

Well, you can't win them all. My Alma Mater, Marshall University (then College) can't win any of them. I was waching them take on Memphis the other night (also a non-winner), and it was not difficult to understand why Marshall is 0-5 for the season. Their Center can't do his job, and various linemen have visions of glory. For example, on one play the guy had a fumble right under him and instead of falling on it he tried to pick it up. Memphis got the ball back. The game was so poorly played that I turned the TV off and finished Volume 7 of the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling IS a winner. And two out of three of my favorites won their first play-off game in baseball yesterday: The Rockies and Boston. Now if the Yanks can lose today it won't be a bad start to the Play-offs.

Great Week-end

What a good few days it has been. After my visit to Oregon the last week of August and first of September to visit my two sons, their wives and sons (5 of the latter), I was privileged to have my oldest son and my only daughter visiting this past week-end - the end of September. And yesterday I had to good fortune to have breakfast with my twin brother, his wife, two of their three children and spouses. This morning at Church it was good to sit between Annie and Pete and to join both in singing. And as well as that my good friend from Rocky's facuty was back after a two week absence due to an appendectomy. It was good to see her doing well. Last night (Saturday) I went to the annual Democrat Steak Fry and saw a number of friends, left early with some left over steak and came home to find that Annie had returned from her Librarian Conference and was able to satisfy her hunger at least in part. Tonight (Sunday) Pete brought home some rib-eye, he bar-b-q'd it and we had baked beans and salad and a good wine for supper with Ken providing the wine. It is heartening to have a large family all of whom love each other. PEACE TO ALL.

Real Age

I recently took the RealAge quiz. Turns out that I am 90.9 years old as I turn 83 next month. There are things I am doing right, and a long list of things I could be doing better. For example: they think my med use is wrong. So what are my docs doing? And with a tendancy to angina my exercise program ain’t going anywhere or I might not make it even to 85. Guess I could eat more fish.

Things about life style that make you younger

Good sleep levels
Limited or no secondhand smoke exposure
Parents relationship
Daily vitamin
Pneumonia vaccination
Healthy resting heart rate
No drinking and driving
Folic acid intake
Good oral hygiene
Education level
Safe driving speeds
Vehicle size
No lower body disability
Safety belt or airbag usage
Daily aspirin use
Ex-smoker
Daily breakfast
Ideal blood pressure
Diverse diet
Calcium intake
Vitamin E intake

Most of these make your RealAge older!

Lycopene levels
Low fruit servings
Low unsaturated fat
Lack of flexibility exercises
Heart attack
Flossing habits
Potassium levels
Low grain intake
Low vegetable intake
Low omega-3 intake
Strength training level
High BMI
Workout schedule
Vitamin C intake
Medication use
High red meat intake

Nerd Test

O.K. So I took the thing againN. Let's see what it says. Incidently the picture was drawn by the Rev. Dr. Roland Bainton, a well known thelogiann of the mid to late 1900's on a visit to Rocky Mountain College.

You Nerd

Having nothing more to do at the present I took the Nerd Test. I then outlined the code which would copy the results to my Blog, but forgot to hit "copy". I'm not about to do the thing over, but I tuned out to be a Literature Nerd. The test is Nerdish. It made no effort to believe that a widower would be taking it. Or a retiree.

Actually I guess I am a Lit Nerd. I read Volumes 3 and 4 and most of 5 of the Harry Potter series while in Oregon. Finished 5 at home and finished 6 last night before going to bed. I'm looking forward to 7 next week.

It is cool in Billings today. When I got up around 6:30 this morning the furnace was going. We had nearly an inch of rain yesterday afternoon and evening. Most welcome!

Trip West

The last week of August and the first week of September I was priviledged to visit my two sons in Oregon, their wives and 5 grandsons. It was a great visit and except for a couple of nights out for dinner and a Saturday morning soccer game I did little but read volumens 4 and 5 of the Harry Potter series. The first dinner was with Paul and Louise at the McGrath Fish House in Beaverton, and the second dinner was with Will, Karyn, Caleb, Luke, and Zack at the Spaghetti House in Portland. I had eaten there several years ago at Brandon's high school graduation. The Soccer match included the twins, Lukas and Zackary. Their team won 3-2.

On Saturday before Labor Day Paul and Louise took me into Washington to view Mt. St. Helens. Larry went with us, and it was good to have a chance to catch up with his doings. I encourage him to start a blog about his studies and plans. The picture, of course, is of St. Helens with some evidence of steam as it continues to be active. My first experience of this volcano was years ago when it was first threatening to erupt. I was visiting a niece in Salem at the time. She was in Law School then. The eruption occured shortly after I got home and it left its trail of dust all over Billings, some 600 miles away.

Someone at Church yesterday asked me if I had driven to Portland. I assured her that I had not. Horizon Airlines flies non-stop between Billings and Portland and it was an uneventful flight both ways. On the way home it appeared that there had been fairly heavy snow in the mountains in Idaho. Saturday night it got to the low 40's in Billings and the furnace was running Sunday a.m. when I got up. It is supposed to warm up some later this week. It is good to be home.

Computers**%^$#

I will probably never learn how to make the best use of a computer. Yesterday Larry asked if I had ever used Garage Band. No, that hasn't happened. He said that he would write a tune for me. I still don't know how to access it. The biggest frustration during this trip to Oregon has been the failure of my ISP to send e-mail. Received, but not sent. Paul tried some changes and tne senrt a not to Internet Montana, but no response from them. It suddenly dawned on me today that I have gmail on this machine. It worked!

It's a lovely day here inn Hillsbore, OR for Labor Day. We are spending most of the time watching Tiger and Phil close out a golf match. Now, it's time for lunch.

Peace all.

New Blogger

It was fun to turn Larry on to Blogging yesteday. He had hardly gotten home before he was at it. Family who would like to see what he's up to - here's the address: http://www.larzilation.blogspot.com/

Chris. You need to check this out,

Grandfather

Saturday

We have just gotten back to Paul's and Louise's after a trip up to St. Helen's Mountain. I was very impressed by the scenery with all of the trees the Weyerhause lumber company has had planted after the devestation of the May 1980n eruption. It is hard to believe that that was over 17 years ago. I was in Salem, OR at that time when the mountainn was still just threatening to erupt. I have some pictures so will add more about this part of my trip when I get back to Billings.

Failed e-mail

I attemped to send this e-mail today, but for some reason mail will not go out even though I am able to get mail, and to access Sarfari with Will's neighbors wireless.

Arrived in Portland yesterday to be met at PDX by Willie, Karyn, Caleb, Lukas and Zackary. The flight from Billings both here and back is non-stop, and yesterday was completely uneventful. The only landmark I really made out (since I was in an aisle seat) was Mount St. Helens. It stuck up high and was flat on top. No question as to what I was seeing. We either did not come near Mt. Hood or it was on the other side of the plane.

Last evening Paul and Louise came over and shared with us in a delicious dinner. I slept well in a familiar bed and this morning Will's family and I all went to the MOSAIC Church. Guitars, drums and old hymns with a modern beat. The speaker for the morning spent about 40 minutes dealing with good neighborliness. Actually it was quite a good service. Will tells me that this group is aligned with the Missionary and Alliance group.

Karyn provided me with a Jimmy Carter novel, The Hornet's Nest. So far I've read about 100 pages dealing with 18th century settlement in the South before the Revolutionary War. Interesting stuff.

Not much else to report at this time. Caleb has just begun to get supper ready for this evening.

Travel Plans

I'll be on my way to Oregon in a couple of days. Plan to visit two sons, their wives and 5 grandsons. Well worth the price of admission. I'm flying, and the more I think about it I realize how much easier it was to throw a bunch of stuff in the trunk of the car and drive over. It's probably a lot wiser to fly!

In the meantime I've been reading this month. Finished two of Dr. Robin Cook's latest dramas. "Critical" which is all about post-surgery infection made me moderately glad that I didn't have that knee surgery after all. The earlier one, Crisis, was good. I plan on taking it with me since I've learned that one of the grandsons has a passion for Cook. I've read his stuff over the years myself. The third book (I finished it last night) was the second one in the Harry Potter series, The Chamber of Secrets. Now I'm hooked and will have to read some more.

For any readers who are suffering from the heat, I got up this a.m. and it was in the mid-50s here in Billings. I also noticed that the rear window of the car out front was covered with a fairly heavy dew. Thank goodness it is not yet frost. I may get a chance to Blog while in Oregon, if not I'll see you next month.

Busy Day

How could it be so long since I last Blogged? Not much to say, I guess. As I was finishing up some stuff in the basement awhile ago it occurred to me that I have been busy today. Up, got breakfast, read the Gazette, checked the Internet and e-mail, finished U.S. News and World Report (finished Pete's copy of TIME last night), did my laundry, washed the car, got lunch - actually some pasta salad Pete had made for supper Monday, planned supper and now I'm on my way to meet with my Democrat Koffee Klatch friends. If I'm lucky I'll remember to buy some bread as we are down to the last heel.

It's been a nice day. Not terribly hot, and the smoke doesn't seem to be as heavy as earlier in the week. My eyes have been itching a lot and I've assumed it is the smoke in the air. Not so itchy today. I was glad to see on the Morning Star Blog that they are not in danger of fire-just lots of smoke blocking out the sun. I guess that I've "mused" enough for this time.

Sturgis here we come

Well, not actually to Sturgis, SD. I did leave Thursday morning and drove over to Ashland, MT for an overnight with Ann & Bill. It has been a long time since I'd been on the road, and since the Honda had anything by town miles on it. Just before I was ready to leave Billings my Pastor called. His Father-in-Law had died and he need to go to Oregon to be with family. "Would you be averrable to preach Sunday?" It is communion Sunday so I can easily fill the duty at this time. It did not interfere with my trip out of town. In the six plus years Ross has been with us he has only asked me to fill the pulpit under this kind of circumstance. Never with two=three week, a month notice. Should I be flattered? Actually I'd rather not be back in the pulpit after the 20 month Interim 1998-2000. But one does one's duty to the congregation at least. And I've found a Communion Meditation I used back in August 1998 which can easily be brought up to date.

But back to Sturgis. It's that week-end again. Without thinking I planned the trip to Annies for the time when dozens, literally dozens, of motorcyclists are on the road going to the big Rally. They passed me on the way over, and they came at me on the way back. Sometimes a single, but mostly in groups of 3 to 5, and at least one "parade" of seven. Some drivers had a lady with them, but most were singles. Abut 50% were wearing helmets. Few had standard riding gear such as leather clothing. I set me cruise control at 65 for most of the trip and generally had the road to myself most of the time.

It was a good couple of days, and now to the rewrite.

KITCHEN GUY

Or is that Mr. Food? Last week I watched the last mentioed do a dish with chicken, of which I have a lot of Costco frozen pieces. It was Chinese Chickdn Chow Mein. Looked easy enough and healthy so I looked it up on the net and printed out the recipie along with one for Sloppy Joes. ( I have several 1 lb. packages of hamburger in the Fridge as well.) Pete fixed supper Sunday night after the Democrat Annual Summer Picnic. We had chicken there and salmon at home. So, last night it was my turn. Pete will be at the restaurant the rest of the week so I scounge. I went to the store to get additional ingrediants like Chow Mein noodles, scallions, and a bag of mixed veggies - (lettuce, carrots, broccoli, etc.) Since we had the window air conditioner going in the front room I closed the door to the kitchen and set the oven at 425. It was like 100 degrees outside. I didn't look at a thermometer in the kitchen, but thought of Betty and how she usually had a fan going in there in the summer. Many things about the house remind me of her. To get back to Mr. Food. I cooked the chicken, got the soy sauce mix ready, sliced the scallions and made some tea. When it came time to put it all together I got out a large pan (the one I cook corn on the cob in) and mixed it all up. We sat down to dinner at 5:30 and watched the evening news as we ate. We then watched Jeopardy and the Seattle Mariners as they beat the LA Angels 2-0. After the evening news and the balance of the game I went to bed and watched some of Leno and some of Letterman. Neither had a guest worth staying up for so it was lights out. Ooops! I now remember that I had not prepared or use the Chow Mein noodles. Oh, well. We were both satisfied, had some ice cream and cookies later in the evening and did not go to bed hungry. AND there is enough of the stuff left that I can cook a handful of noodles and finish it off for supper tonight. All's well, that ends well. I still remember by dear wife, but I don't always remember process.

Harry the Potter

Well! I haven't read any of this set, but people seem to be finding out where they belong - so, why not?

You might belong in Gryffindor,Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart.

Gryffindor

Brave. Daring. Bold. Chivalrous.
Gryffindor is most often seen as, "the best house," of Hogwarts. Of course, that title can't go to any house in particular, as they all have praiseworthy traits. We know the most about Gryffindor than any other house. To be in Gryffindor usually means you're brave, and borderline reckless.

Occasionally we see Gryffindors with other admirable (and not so admirable) tendancies, but most often we see bravery, however hidden it may be. Even if you think you might be a bit of a nervous wreck, chances are if you're in Gryffindor you have boldness hidden within you, only to emerge in a time of need.

To be a Gryffindor can be similar to saying you're most like a knight, showing bravery and chivalry. You can be very honorable. However, don't let pride be your downfall. Congratulations on being sorted into Gryffindor!

*smack* Have none of you read Hogwarts: A History!?

Ancient History

It is often amazing the stuff I find around the house as I still try to deal with Betty's death. The other day I found an old business file "box" which contained letters dating back to my high school and college days. Many of them were from gals I once dated or had Church contacts with through W.Va. Baptist Youth Fellowship days. This trove has traveled with us throughout the country, and Betty took care to see that it was preserved. Among the letters I found this gem, and thus the picture above. On the left is James (now Jim), and on the right is John. The letter was postmarked Huntington, W. Va. Dec. 8, 1930. We would have turned 6 in October and I suspect the picture was a birthday picture taken at Grandfather Taylor's. The outside indicates that the letter is to "James Ray and John Roy Taylor" from Saint Nicholas, North Pole. It reads:

Dear twins: For I take it that you must be for I think you were on my liast last year for some presents because one of you had been ill for some time before our dear Christmas time. At that time there were not so many fathers out of employment and our forces coould be more liberal but this year with so many papas and mamas not able to buy the presents wanted by their children we will have to divide up but will try to get as much as possible of what you want so you will not be disappointed. So be good boys and tell your older brothers and sisters to also be good and await my appearance with pleasure.

Yours lovingly,

Saint Nicholas

The letter was then signed inn pencil: Santa

The reference to illness was to James who contracted a form of Spinal Menengitis on Armistice Day just after turning 5 years old. He was blind for a number of weeks with sight finally returning in the right eye. He's been one-eyed since, but doesn't miss much. I surely don't remember this note, but do remember very clearly the depression years, and am thankful that out Father always had a steady income - not much, but steady.

Peace

The Peace Plant was given to me by a very special family at the time of Betty's death in December 2005. It bloomed at that time and not again until recently. This, of course, reminds me once again of the nature of eternal life. I am often comforted by the concept of God's eternal now. The same yesterday, today, and forever. It may be many days, month, years before I am with her in heaven, it is already true in God's time. Peace to all.

Spiritual Style

So much for David's test. I'd say this is pretty much on target including the last paragraph. They didnt't label me a curmudgeon for nothing.

Jcurmudge

You are a Sage, characterized by a thinking or head spirituality. You value responsibility, logic, and order. Maybe that's why you were voted "Most Dependable" by your high school classmates. Structure and organization are important to you. What would the world be like without you? Chaos, that's what! Your favorite words include should, ought, and be prepared. What makes you feel warm and fuzzy? Like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof it's tradition! tradition! tradition!
Because you love words, written or spoken, you enjoy a good lecture, serious discussions, and theological reflection. Prayer for you usually is verbal. You thrive on activity and gatherings of people, such as study groups. Sages on retreat likely would fill every day with planned activities, leaving little time for silence or solitude.

We need Sages for your clear thinking and orderly ways. You pay attention to details that others overlook. Sages make contributions to education, publishing, and theology. You often are the ones who feel a duty to serve, give, care, and share with the rest of us.

On the other hand, sometimes you seem unfeeling, too intellectual, or dry. Can you say "dogmatic"? You may need to experience the freedom of breaking a rule or two every now and then. God's grace covers Sages too, you know!
Famous Sages:

Mr. Spock | Dilbert | Elrond
Dietrich Bonhoeffer | Maya Angelou | Linus (Peanuts)
Yoda (Star Wars) | Andy Griffith | Mr. Miyagi
The Buddha | Rodin's The Thinker | Moses
Matthew (the Gospel writer) | Tiger Woods

I'm a Dash

Your Score: Dash

You scored 30% Sociability and 41% Sophistication!

There's no denying that you have a certain flair. You don't mind being around others, especially your little brother, the hyphen, but you rarely emerge except when needed. You respond well to those who know how to treat you, but have only contempt for those who don't--you tend to embarass them every chance you get. Your only enemy is the colon--he will sometimes try to move in on your turf.

Results of a test listed on Phillapa's Blog

Thunderstorm

As I listened to the 10 o'clock news last night the weatherman talked about increased heat as we head into Summer and that there was the possibility of "scattered thunderstorms". I was to sleepy to stay up and watch some Letterman repeat or to listen to Jay Leno with some sleasy sexual innuendo about Hillary or Bill, or some grade school teacher having intercourse with a student. I went to bed. My mind was busy with some kind of dream material when I was literally shocked awake by a clap of thunder directly over head. At least it sounded "overhead". I got up to close the windows opened to cool things down for the next day. About the same time Pete got out of bed and we talked about the loudness of the thunder. After we had both gone back to bed there was some additional thundeer and ligtening, but it turned out pretty much as the weatherman had said - A Thunderstorm. When I got up this morning there was sparse evidence of there having been any rain. But - whooo - that one clap will be a long time in memory.

Father's Day

What a great day for Dad. At Church this morning I realised that I have something in common with God. We are both "Fathers". The main difference is that He had only one son, and I have had eight. Of course Jimmy is now dead (himself an honored father) and one son didn't make it past 24 hours. AND, I have an honored daughter. When the Pastor asked for congregational prayer this moring (something I don't take lightly) I thanked God that He let's us call him Father, and that I am myself a father.

Then, this afternoon I sat for most of the day enjoying the U.S. Open Golf match with my youngest son and receivng telephone calls from all of the others - Ken, Ann, David, Will, and Paul. It was good to catch up with them and to know their love for the "Old Man." Be it here known that I love each of you, your spouses and your own kids.

Dad

OoPS!

Dear daughter (Morning Star) suggests that I tell this tale of a planned hospital visit. When the date was set for knee surgery I informed a number of friends including my Pastor. Later (well 2 or 3 times) he asked about the date. I chided him on his memory, and we had a laugh. The morning following the scheduled surgery (which, by now, you know was cancelled) I got a call and finally recognized the voice as that of Pastor Ross. The night before I had sent an e-mail to my blogger list of "Baptist Friends". Ross asked about my health, and told me that he had called the Clinic the previous night and was talk that Yes, they had a Jim Taylor and he was in ICU. Ross showed up at the usual time they will let visitors in (8:30 p.m.) and was told that he couldn't see Jim until 9 o'clock. He sat in the waiting room waiting and doing some reading, etc. At around 9 he went in and when he got to the area where "Jim" was it was a total surprise to both parties.

I checked my Baptist Friends list and found that I had somehow neglected to include the Church e-mail address. I thanked Pastor for his good thoughts and was pleased that he had followed up with the phone call.

There, DD, have I done my duty?

Bum Knee

Several years ago I was in a car/pedestrian accident. I was the pedestrian. I was in Glendive, MT on my way to visit son Jimmy and started across the main street in a pedestrian walkway. The cars in three lanes had stopped and I didn't notice the one in the inside lane - on my blind side. The driver didn't notice me either untl to late. She slammed on the brakes, but I was hit on the left knee and sent flat out landing full body to the pavement. X-rays at the local hospital were taken and nothing was broken. I drove on to Dickinson, ND, bought a cane, and completed my visit. In the summer of 2005 Betty and I drove from Bilings to Lake George, NY. Along the way I began to feel real pain in the left knee. It didn't get any better over or back. That summer I had an X-Ray taken and it revealed that the knee was bone on bone. We were busy the rest of the summer and I thought that I might have surgery in the winter. Sadly, Betty died in early December so there would be no one at home to look after me so nothing was done.

This Spring I decided that the knee wasn't getting any better and that I might as well explore surgery. I went to the surgeon I had talked with before. More x-rays and same results. We decided to go ahead with an operation. Turns out that Dr. Fischer has as his primary physician the same guy I go to. He talked with Dr. Gerstner who suggested that it might be wise to have me checked out by my Cardiologist since I have a histoy of two by-pass surgeries and had just had stents placed last September. The Cardiologist is new to me having replaced my previous doctor who has retired. She immediatly ordered an Echo Cardiogram and a Nuclear Stress Test with an Angiogram to follow. I got the impression that I had done pretty well on each of these. On the treadmill I got my heart rate up to over 120 before there was any Angina. It was interesting to hear what the man who was to do the Angiogram said when he heard who his next patient was to be. "What's he doing back here?" I felt that it is good to be known.

Tuesday morning, with Surgery schedule for Wednesday, Dr. Fischer called me at home. He had had a conversation with Dr. Zirpoli about the Angio. Zirpoli told him that my chances of sigificant heart problems consequent to such surgery were about 1 in 4. Fischer then told me that any decision about proceeding was up to me. I am not immobile. The main problem is getting down on my hands and knees (something I seldom have to do) and putting a sock on the left foot. I decided that I could continue to live with that and told him I'd prefer to cancel. It was than that Dr. Fischer was able to say that that was a wise decision.

I cannot thank these people enough for their care and evaluation of my condition. Other people may have problems with their medical situations. I haven't found that to be the case ever during my 45 plus years of being a patient at the Billings Clinic - formerly the Billings Deaconess Hospital. I know that this a long recital, but it has really been for my own benefit. If you have finished it - thanks.

Busy sort of day

Well, maybe not that busy. I saw my new Cardiologist this morning. She was scheduled at 8:20 a.m. and showed up about 8:40. We had a nice talk, she listen to my heart and made the usual comment of one listening for the first time. There is one heck of a murmer due to some opening in an aortic valve. I remember my Internest saying some time ago: " I wish I had a student with me now." Any way the visit was scheduled by my orthopedic surgeon who wanted approval of the heart people before committing knee surgery. I had an echo exam this morning and will have a nuclear stress test next Tuesday at 7 a.m. The results to be reported to me by Dr. D . . . on Wednesday.

I came home, had some breakfast, did some work on the computer and then went shopping for some stuff to help fill the larder for when I am gone from June 13 to ??? for the new Knee. Or is that "knu knee"?

Pete and I have now gotten the freezer in the basement empty and all our appropriate goods are in the new Refrigerator/Freezer. There is a bit less room now for frozen goods, but it will be enough for the two of us and the occasional guest.

I just read the Sunday sermon from a Pastor in Iowa that I find very thoughtful. He calls attention to the fact that in the Church Year June 3rd in Trinity Sunday and he quote a couple of ancients who had their own idea of the difficulty of dealing with the concept of "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity." To wit:

It is possible to ruin a perfectly good worship service by talking about something like the Trinity. The British preacher Colin Morris once said, “Any preacher with good sense will call in sick on Trinity Sunday.”

John Wesley once said, "Show me a worm that can comprehend a human being, and then I will show you a human being that can comprehend the Triune God."

Martin Luther's comment was even more to the point. "To try to deny the Trinity endangers your salvation,” he said; “To try to comprehend the Trinity endangers your sanity."

It's a great sermon if you are interested. Here is his URL; http://www.geocities.com/fbcames/

Memorial Day 2007

Watching TV tonight (May 27, 2007) I have had some angry and some tearful thoughts about the United States involvement in the War against Iraq. When we first went to war in that area there seemed to be some legitimate reason to be so involved. Iraq under the leadership of Saddam had invaded another small country. Our President, George H.W. Bush, was able to get the backing of many other countries and an all out, well planned, assault took place with the Gulf War soon over - mission truly accomplished.

Our current attack quite apparently was ill conceived and little if any thought was given to the possible outcome of such attack. Some have suggested that the current President was angry at Saddam because his father had possibly been threatened by that regime. The thinking was expressed that Iraq was in the process of going nuclear. It is not clear that this was all made up “out of whole cloth.” Among those on the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS tonight was Gen’l Colin Powell. I have often felt sorry for the part he played before the United Nations with a lot of false information he was fed by Rumsfeld and others.

Most of all what has got me “ticked off” tonight was a story on 60 Minutes about the National Guard troops of Iowa (I lived in that State for four years) who have been in Iraq expecting to be home by now and who are now required to spend another three months on foreign duty because of the Surge. A defence posture that our President now feels will lead to victory. He declares that he wants to spread democracy. My question is what gives him the audacity to believe that he can determine what sort of government people want to live under. For my part, I’d like to live under the kind of government I grew up with in my youth - the 1920’s, the 1930’s, the 1940’s. Not the kind of government that decides whose house might be searched with impunity, or whose name can be put on a “no fly” list because it resembles that of another who is a suspected terrorist.

The other thing that touched my heart tonight was the story of Jim and Sarah Wade as told during the Memorial Concert. Jim’s crew was ordered to turn around and retrace the path they has just come. His Humvee set off an IED which they had passed over safely the first time. He lost an arm and a leg and had severe brain injuries. Fortunately prompt medical care and relocation to Walter Reed was positive. The most positive thing, however was the continual care and protection provided by Sarah. Some sort of clerical error considered him dead and he was cut off the pay roll for a couple of months. Sarah got him well enough that they were finally married in the Court House rather than the wedding she had dreamed of. They were at the Concert this night. I could not help but think of how many other wounded veterans have been inadequately treated both physically and monetarily.

How long, O Lord? How Long?

Past History

I had occasion yesterday to clean out my bedroom closet. There were some shoe boxes there with a lot of past corresspondence. The first envelope I saw was addressed to "James R." I know immediately who that was from. Only one person has ever addressed me in that way. Probably from my addressing her as "Harriet C." I first knew this lovely young lady in College as "Harriet". Her family called her "Betty" since there was a grandmother (Mom) called "Harriet". When we were married I suggested that Clarkson was to good a name to lose completely so instead of Betty her legal name should be "Harriet C. Taylor". We weren't into hyphens back in 1949. Any way, the letter to James R. was a birthday card in October 1980 when I was still in the hospital from my second heart by-pass surgery. This sweet thing had written on the card: "To my next to new Husband from his old wife: and signed it Betty which she scratched out and wrote "Harriet."

Among the keepsakes were several letters addressed to Betty Clarkson from various guys who were in the military during WW II. One of them had the temerity to address her as, "Dear Sweetheart". Another talked about what a great gal she was. She did do her part during the war by keeping in touch with the military. I've seen these letters before so it was no big deal. The picture is from 1943 so one can easily see how guys might be enamored by such beauty. I'm glad she matured and saved all that for me. And is it any wonder that I still miss her.

Joke?

For lack of anything else of importance at this time here's a joke from The Huffington Post

Bush at the Pearly Gates

Einstein dies and goes to heaven. At the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter tells him, "You look like Einstein, but you have NO idea the lengths that some people will go to sneak into Heaven. Can you prove who you really are?"

Einstein ponders for a few seconds and asks, "Could I have a blackboard and some chalk?"

Saint Peter snaps his fingers and a blackboard and chalk instantly appear. Einstein proceeds to describe with arcane mathematics and symbols his theory of relativity. Saint Peter is suitably impressed. "You really ARE Einstein!" he says. "Welcome to heaven!"

The next to arrive is Picasso. Once again, Saint Peter asks for credentials. Picasso asks, "Mind if I use that blackboard and chalk?" Saint Peter says, "Go ahead." Picasso erases Einstein's equations and sketches a truly stunning mural with just a few strokes of chalk. Saint Peter claps. "Surely you are the great artist you claim to be!" he says. "Come on in!"

Then Saint Peter looks up and sees George W. Bush. Saint Peter scratches his head and says, "Einstein and Picasso both managed to prove their identity. How can you prove yours?"

George W. looks bewildered and says, "Who are Einstein and Picasso?"

Saint Peter sighs and says, "Come on in, George."

George Bush and the Queen

While visiting England, George Bush is invited to tea with the Queen. He asks her what her leadership philosophy is. She says that it is to surround herself with intelligent people.

Bush asks how she knows if they're intelligent.

"I do so by asking them the right questions," says the Queen. "Allow me to demonstrate."

Bush watches as the Queen phones Tony Blair and says, "Mr. Prime Minister, please answer this question: your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or sister. Who is it?"

Tony Blair responds, "It's me, ma'am."

"Correct. Thank you and good-bye, sir," says the Queen. She hangs up and says, "Did you get that, Mr. Bush?"

Bush nods: "Yes ma'am. Thanks a lot. I'll definitely be using that!"

Bush, upon returning to Washington, decides he'd better put the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the test. Bush summons Jesse Helms to the White House and says, "Senator Helms, I wonder if you can answer a question for me."

"Why, of course, sir. What's on your mind?"

Bush poses the question: "Uhh, your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"

Helms hems and haws and finally asks, "Can I think about it and get back to you?"

Bush agrees, and Helms leaves. He immediately calls a meeting of other senior Republican senators, and they puzzle over the question for several hours, but nobody can come up with an answer. Finally, in desperation, Helms calls Colin Powell at the State Department and explains his problem.

"Now lookee here, son, your mother has a child, and your father has a child, and this child is not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"

Powell answers immediately, "It's me, of course."

Much relieved, Helms rushes back to the White House, finds George Bush, and exclaims, "I know the answer, sir! I know who it is! It's Colin Powell!"

And Bush replies in disgust, "Wrong, it's Tony Blair!"

View from the kitchen

For the last several days as I have stood at the kitchen sink this apple blossom has called to me. All of the other blossoms have long since dropped off, and I assume are about the business of "making apples". I can only think of how much joy this single beauty would have brought to Betty. Now that she is gone I'm the one who spends time at the sink washing up yesterdays dishes. And enjoying its purity. Long may she bloom.

We were young & carefree - Once

I've always loved this picture. It was taken somewhere at a reststop/picnic area on the Oregon Coast as we were traveling to Bandon for a visit in the summer of 1985. Betty would have been 59 and I would have been 60. We were, indeed, still young and carefree. We took the hats with us as they somehow spoke to our joy together. That beautiful smile of Betty's is in nearly every picture I have of her including all of the pictures taken at our wedding and reception.

Ancient Letter

May 1, 2007

The stuff you find when going through old files. E.g. this letter to my mother on Air Corps stationary over 63 years ago. And I have one written a year earlier while I was still in High School just before turning 18. It pretty much decried the War. Here’s the later one.

Hamilton Field
11 November 1943

Dear Mother:

Armistice Day! That strikes a familiar tone doesn’t it? No School. Banks closed. Stores closed all or part of the day. But not so on Hamilton Field. Work goes on just the same in striving for another day. Not an Armistice day, but a day of unconditional surrender. On this day twenty-five years ago the order to “cease firing” went down the line, but not today. The order is fire and fire again. Push the enemy back relentlessly until he gives in to utter defeat. Twenty five years ago the munitions factories began to shut down; their task done. Now the order is to “work harder” and increase production towards victory. Still we paused today for a minute to pay tribute to those who lost their lives over two decades ago that there might not be another war, and, ironically, to those who have given their lives in this war the result of the last. At eleven o’clock every man and woman on the post stood at attention while taps was played and then went back to work to help bring about a day of peace. One short minute of tribute and many days of sweat to resolve that those “dead shall not have died in vain.”
Chaplain Shiery got his orders yesterday and moves on to the Chaplain’s replacement pool at Lowery Field, Denver, Saturday.
Everything has been distressingly quiet around here today,. Fred is still in the hospital and Chaplain Close is out on a trip to the satellite bases. Chaplain Smith has been in and out all day and Chaplain Burke (Catholic) is in “frisco so his ass’t isn’t here either. I’ve just had the Chapel to myself most of the day. There hasn’t even been many calls, although I did take a call from a woman who is the head of the Christian Endeavour for Marin County and she wants me to see if I can get some fellows to speak at the 1st Congregational Church for a special program for Service Personnel. I may do it myself if I can get out. It’s been so long since I spoke before a group that it would be a pleasure to do a little something. The trouble is getting a pass. I may be able to get one through the Chapel.
Well, I don’t have any more news and I really should go up to visit Fred so I’ll close for now.
Love,
James


Fred was a fellow from Little Washington, PA. Not sure why he was in hospital. I was at Hamilton for over seas replacement, but by the end of the Month had been discharged and sent home. I got duty as a Chaplain's Assistant. It beat the heck out of other kinds of KP, etc. one had to do while waiting decisions.

On Eating out

Tonight I was by myself since Pete was out to a Bar-B-Cue with friends. K-Mart had a special on soda (Pepsi) and also had advertised Turf Builder +2 in this morning's paper. I thought to buy that stuff and go on out to dinner. The fertilizer was not available so I went down to Lowe's and found that they had the stuff in a spray bottle. Much easier to use than getting out the spreader. Since I was in the territory I decided to go to Red Lobster and try the shrimp special. It was very filling and good.

The only thing wrong with the evening is that I was alone. The last time I was there was a couple of years ago with Annie, Pete, and Betty. The last time I was out to eat was with David and Pete at Famous Dave's. Before that it was nearly a year ago at Perkins with Willie and Karyn and David following Jimmy's funeral and I had driven them to Billings to catch a plane. I'm here to tell you that eating out alone is not pleasant. I kept thinking of how long Betty took to eat her salad. The meal always came before she had finished. I kept looking across the table and there was nothing but empty space. Supper at home by myself isn't so bad. It is unlikely that I will go out on the town soon for supper. Guess I should have just gone to Arby's for take out and brought it home.

Waiting

I've sent this out recently to family, but thought to share it again with any who happen to read this Blog. April 14, 2007

I have a lot of correspondence and stuff from years past that I look at once in a while. Here’s another stab at poetry. It is dated 5/17/51: I was at Penn State and Betty was in Ceredo with her parents and our first son, Kenneth. She joined me toward the end of June. We moved to Davenport, IA later that summer.

Darling,

We wait for a lot of little things.

Wait for subways, busses;

Wait for phones to ring;

Wait for the cloudy day to pass.

Wait for night to come, and

Wait for it to go.

Wait for summer’s sun, and

Wait for winter’s snow.

Wait for things that matter;

Wait for those that don’t.

Wait with anticipation,

Wait with aching heart.

Wait, and curse the waiting

Wait for you.

Wait!

Fifty eight years ago this day I was privileged to marry this lovely young lady. We shared our life together for just over 56 years when she died after a brief battle with leukemia just a few short weeks after her 80th birthday. I will be forever grateful that all 7 of our children were with us when we celebrated the birthday. A number of them were here for the Thanksgiving that followed and 3 of them with spouses and childrenn were with us in ICU when her gracious heart stopped beating. Just a few months later I lost a son who had been fighting lung cancer for a number of years. It is a good feeling to know that he was with us for the Birthday and Thanksgiving, and that he is now with his Mother. It is also a source of strength to know that I still have a big, loving family of children, daughters and son in-law, and grandchildren. I cherish them all, and I cherish life.

US Constitution

I saw an interesting bumper sticker this afternoon as I was coming out of the grocery store parking lot: "Repeal the 17th amendment". I had to admit to myself that I surely did not know what the 17th amendment was all about. Putting US Constitution in Google brought up multiple sites. No problem, but the problem of why one would want it amended. It simply says that Senators shall be elected by popular vote.

Amendment 17 - Senators Elected by Popular Vote. Ratified 4/8/1913.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

The only reason I can think of as to why there might be such a movement is the obscene amount of money being raised by
Senators and Representatives to "buy" their way into office. In particular PAC money.

Doctor's Visit

I've just returned from a visit with my Internist. All the stuff about Medicare and uncaring doctors is given the shift by my man. He was originally Betty's doc and I started going to him when my Cardiologist suggested it might be well to have a "regular" doctor. My appointment was for 9:30 a.m. and I was called into the office on time. Instead of the 5-10 minutes often mentioned by others I was tested throrougly and passed pretty well. I left the office around 10:10 a.m. My Cholesterol was a total of 157. These are better figures than ever before. The LDL was 110 with a reference range of 0-159. HDL was 34, in the low end of the range. Trilycerides were at 65 which is in the middle of the normal range. The results in total blood work were all within normal range considering I had fasted for 14 hours. Lungs sounded good and BP was 120/71. I see him again in October.

Actually I do feel good health wise, and am glad to be able to do my every day activities inspite of the knee conditions. I started to say "knee pain", but that would not be quite true. It is periodic and not severe and it is a rare occasion when I take acetominophin.

Two Lips

After Pete shoveled the 8 plus inches of yesterday's snow off the driveway we drove to Mark's and Rosanna's place in the hills south of the Yellowstone. I had been hesitant about this drive earlier because of the snow, but brother John called and offered us a ride. Well, if he can make it so can I. Actually the snowplows had been out, it was warming up, and the drive was basically without consequence. We had a good visit with family and by 11 o'clock as we headed home the snow was pretty much gone from the roads, and some were actually dry.

When we got home as I got the mail I noticed the above tulips in bloom next to the house. What to do, but to get a picture to share with all.

I am not a gardener!

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

If this thing works you will see what kind of flower I am although the quiz philappa posted is obviously for the opposite sex. At least the Canna post says something about my curmudgedness. The "preview" shows that it works.

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

Snow

It was i the mid-70's in Billings, MT last Sunday when a friend asked if we were through with snow for the year. I reminded him that we still had to get through April. My memory goes back several years to a truly heavy snowfall in mid-April which covered most of Eastern Montana, and with a temperture in the sub-zero range, much of early Spring growth had to start all over again.

Well, we didn' t have to wait for April, of course. When I got up this morning the ground was white and it was snowing heavily. Now, about noon, the sun is shining and the snow is not long for this land. At least it was a wet one and so the promise of using the lawn mower in late April has some merit. It has been pretty dry around here for much of the Winter and any moisture is welcome - especially when we don't have to shovel it.

Peace

For the last several years I have been a member of the Board of the Institute for Peace Studies at Rocky Mountain College. I have served as Secretary for the Board since 2002. Tonight we will be having a Spring Fling banquet as a money raiser to benefit our various projects such as an annual Festival of Cultures on Peace Sunday in June to celebrate the diverse population of this area; an annual Peace Camp for youngsters who need to learn how to deal with conflict in their lives; a mid-winter symposian for women in the area so that they can learn to deal with finances and live comfortably even though their wages are often less than that of men in comparable jobs. We have also held periodic Symposia dealing with understanding international conflict -such as the Palestinian problem. This is a part of our educational focus. We attempt to educate and not "take a stand".

This Blog all started bcause I have been thinking of how Jeanette Rankin of Montana voted against the US going to war both at the time of WW I and again WW II. That was during in epoch when the Congress could vote on whether or not we go to War. Rankin was, of course, outvoted, but each year the Institute has awarded a Jeanette Rankin Peace award to some person with close ties to Montana. The first to receive this award was Sen. Mike Mansfield. Most recently it has gone to a local lady who has worked diligently for fellow black citizens in Billings including serving as a prison chaplain. A couple of years ago I was able to nominate Sen. George McGovern who has a home in Stevensville, MT as well as in South Dakota. He was a gracious recipient. The Billings Gazette has declared this Award as one of the most prestigious in Montana.

My own prayer is for Peace. Several years ago I was asked to lead the Invocation at one of our Board Meetings. It went like this:

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; God of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; God of Sharon and Arafat; Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth; we pray for your presence in the lives of all, and we pray that the peace that passes understanding might prevail in our lives, and in a world torn by war and genocide. We seek your blessing and your guidance in our work as an Institute for Peace. In the Spirit of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Update

But not much to update. I suppose one does not have to add a title. I spent most of the morning in West Billings doing some shopping. Some coupons to cash in at Costco. And a need to stop off to get some milk. Went past the Par-3 golf couse where I've spent a lot of time in past years, but not since my left knee went bad. That showed up mostly on our trip to upstate NY for the Taylor Family Reunion in 2005. Anyway - the parking lot at the course was pretty full. It seemed that most of the players were on the driving range warming up. I did my chores yesterday by raking the evergreen cones off the front yard. The neighbors have a really big evergreen which gives me a lot of shade in the late afteroon so raking is not to bad in recompense. This afternoon it is Coffee with my Democrat friends and then to the Court House to liscence the car. One of my fondest memories is Betty and I each writing a substantial check for the '05 Honda Accord two years ago for the trip east. the '95 which we had bought 12 years ago this month is still running in good order.

Lent and Easter

Dave Russell is an American Baptist Pastor in Ames, Iowa. He publishes his sermons regularly on Geocities at the following address: http://www.geocities.com/fbcames/ I look at them regularly because he typically follows the Lectionary which my own Pastor does not. I'm not sure he even knows that there is one.

For the 1st Sunday in Lent Russell calls our attention to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness for 40 days. He points out a fact of interest that it is the Devil who tempts Jesus. The middle temptation is for power. It is suggested that we Americans often fall short here because we think of our selves as a powerful nation. Jesus, of course, turned the Devil down. He would not be the "decider" and at the same time worshp at the shrine of evil. Makes one wonder as to what temptations to power our own President has.

Another thing Russell said of particular interest to me was that Jesus never told his Disciples "what to believe". He simply asked them to "follow me!" Our newly proposed by-laws at First Baptist talk at length about what to do with those whose beliefs may differ greatly from the majority. I can accept the fact that my own beliefs (for example about "gay unions" and "abortion") probably differ from the majority, but I'm not going to get in a big fight about it in the congregation. But I can't see "churching" a person because his or her beliefs are outside the main stream.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

A good visit

This picture was taken Saturday February 3, 2007. Left to right are Annie, David, Ken, Jim and Pete. David came for a visit the previous Monday night and left for Texas early Sunday morning. He works with Sally Beauty in Denton, TX. Ken came down from Helena on Thursday for a couple of nights. Annie came in Saturday morning with husband, Bill, and Pete lives with me at the present time. The cause for this Saturday gathering was a promise to take them all to Lunch Saturday so we could be together for at least a brief time. We did all get to lunch after which Ken left for home. Annie took David and me and Bill to supper that evening. Pete was working at Jake's Restaurant recently mentioned in TIME magazine as one of Montana's finest steak restaurants. I took most of them to Famous Dave's for David's birthday dinner. He will be 51 come Saturday - a birthday he shared with his older brother, Jimmy, who succumbed to lung cancer last August. Jimmy would have been 53 this week. David took Ken and Dad to dinner at Santa Fe Red's Friday night. That's a fairly new place in town. We'd call it "West-Mex." It is no stretch of truth to state that I ate to much.

Now they are all gone, but it was a great week and Mom would have loved it.

Bible Quiz

As did Annie, Ken, Pete, and David - I also took the challenge. Here's their answer:

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ken credits Handel for his 100%. I guess as a Seminary grad I had better scored high. I remember answering a question to identify various OT people on the final in Old Testament that the guy whose donkey spoke as "He road a smart ass." No response from the Prof, but I did pass the course.

Fuel Prices

I filled up my 2005 Honda Accord the other day at COSTCO at $1.949 per gallon. Lacking little else to do this evening I looked at some notes about vacation travels in the recent and not so recent past. First was a trip to Cacapon State Park in eastern West Virginia the summer of 1993. We put 5763 miles on our 1987 Honda and paid an average of $1.16 per gallon for gasoline. In the summer of 2005 we drove 5656 miles in an almost new '05 Honda and paid an average of 2.223 per gallon. At least the price has come down from 2 1/2 years ago, but it is a long way from cheap - as least what we citizens would tend to think of as cheap.

It has been a fairly busy day for a change. A 9 a.m. Church Endowment Committee, a noon Seniors Lunch at the Church, the class I am auditing this semester from 3-5 pm, a quick visit to a funeral home to visit with long time friends at the death of their mother, and the annual Candle Light dinner at Rocky Mountain College in celebration of the first meal on campus when someone forgot to turn on the electricity so the students as cold meat and potatoes by candlelight. It is celebrated every year in late January and is probably the only time students get to sing the Alma Mater - "Rocky Mountain we all love thee, Alma Mater of the West. We raise our cry to glorify the College we love best."

It's now been over 12 years since I retired, but this Dinner is always a chance to greet friends of yore. (None of us are "old friends")

Please address me as:

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: The Most Honourable Jim the Inchoate of Chignall Duntisbourne Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Tag, You're It

Thursday January 18, 2007
I've Been Tagged!

Philippa tagged me with this: Seven Things.

1. Name a book that you want to share so much that you keep giving away copies:
“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albon - if I had them. I refuse to give my only copy: or even lend it.

2. Name a piece of music that changed the way you listen to music: Overture to 1812

3. Name a film you can watch again and again without fatigue: Not a movie goer.

4. Name a performer for whom you suspend of all disbelief: Judi Dench

5. Name a work of art you’d like to live with:

Michelangelo's The Pieta. Having seen this piece of work in real life, it is nothing short of miraculous in its beauty.
It works for me. I saw it many years ago at St. Pats in NYC

6. Name a work of fiction which has penetrated your real life:
The Da Vinci Code - It’s fiction. Let it rest.

7. Name a punch line that always makes you laugh: I laugh a lot.

Heart Surgery

Last night David Letterman was bragging about how he had survived 7 years since major by-pass surgery on his heart. It seemed to me that 7 years wasn't really that long. I had my first go-round of by-pass in the summer of 1973 - seven years. It was done again in October 1980. I thought at the time that 7 years wasn't very long. The second procedure did well for past over 25 years. I did have a couple of stents put in last September as a result of some pressure and angina. The symptoms at the time were not life threatening, but it seemed wise to the cardiologist to do something. So far - so good. I look forward to many more years with family and friends.

Snow Day

Well, it was only 5 inches here in Billings. We all went to school anyway. Even I, myself, went to the class I am auditing at Rocky Mountain College. It is sponsored by the Institute for Peace Studies of which I am a Board member and Secretary. The lecture today was entitled "Whose Tomorrow" and dealt with problems in the past such as the Great Depression and what was done in the face of despair and controversy to make sure that there would be a "tomorrow". Now, what is to be done to assure the people of Iraq that they may have a tomorrow?

The title of this muse has to do with the fact that one of our 4 major high schools has had to cancel classes today and on Friday because of a busted water main that flooded the boiler room and other areas of Skyview High. And these days are traditional end of semester test days. Oh well. Somebody will figure it out. I don't have to.

How about that? I checked the spelling and the only word highlighted was "skyview". Spellcheck wanted to hyphenate it. As if I know how to spell - hyphenate.

What a week!

Well, not quite a week yet. It is only Wednesday. Pete and I watched the Championship Bowl game Monday night. Even tho' it was the so-called top two college teams in the nation I found that I was actually bored. Nothing has really lived up to the Fiesta Bowl with Boise State's last second comebacks both in the 4th quarter and in overtime. Of course there was Romo's faux pas when the Cowboys got beat at the end of the game because of a failed field goal. (Try saying that real fast.)

I did watch our President tonight. The most exciting part of this night was when I finally got out of my chair and found that the ground outside had turned white. And I've spent way to much time trying to get my picture back on this page that Google has really screwed up for us "Blogspotters". And my MAC doesn't want to deal with Picasa at all.

At least maybe the cold for the balance of the week will slow down the Lilac bush from bursting forth with leaves.

JT

Funerals

This has been an interesting week-end. I've spent an inordinate amount of time in front of the TV watching the loading and unloading of a casket and observing the scenery around DC and Grand Rapids, MI - and in listening to the eulogies for Jerry Ford by various dignitaries. As I have remarked to some friends, as much as I dislike Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfield I have gained a new appreciation of them as they delivered their remarks about their friend. And I have gained an appreciation of President Ford which I did not really have during the time he was in office. I have felt that Betty Ford has to be a very strong woman as she has seemed to bear up under the multiple services at the Rotunda, the National Cathedral and the final service today in Grand Rapids. But, then, I was myself married to a strong woman named Betty. And I have, of course, thought often of her these last few days. Actually, these services have had their own healing benefit.

And, of course, I've spent a lot of time this week-end watching professional and college football. West Virgina won, and the Fiesta game with Boise State was not to be missed. Those last second come-backs are what makes the game interesting.

-J-

I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus

I was serving as Interim Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Billings, MT, and the Choir Director and Organist were producing a Christmas play of sorts with the members of the Children's Choir. That was in December 1999. I was playing Santa Claus. What else is Santa to do when Mama shows up under the Christmas Tree? And, besides that, she was always ready for a kiss. And so was I.

I was stitting in Church Christmas Eve when a young lady came up behind me to wish me a Merry Christmas and then said that she had a picture for me. When she brought it back I was easily reminded of that happening - and one of the last things I remember her saying to me a year ago while she was in the hospital. At the end of a visitation I always kissed her with the promise to be back. Just a day or two before she died she said with some force: "Do you call that a kiss?" And then we did it right. Last year at the traditional New Year's Eve gathering at brother John's I clearly recall my feelings of loss. There was no one there for me to hug and kiss and wish a Happy New Year.

Real Money

Ever since the headlines declared that W would be asking the Congress for another 99 BILLION for the so-called war in Iraq an old phrase has been going through my mind. At first I was attributing it to Arthur Vandeberg late of the US Senate, but after a bit of research I find that it was allegedly a quote by Edward Dirksen, Senator from Illinois. "A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you are talking about real money." Further search states that Dirksen never said it, but someone quoted him as the source. He told one reporter that he never remembered saying it, but that is sounded so good he never bothered denying it. Regardless of where the phrase came from it certainly rings true in ths time of Republican "rule". One can only trust that the incoming Congress will be much more judicious in spending my money.

It's Expensive

So much for the idea of possibly getting a new computer when Apple finally comes up with its new OS. The Water Heater developed a leak over the week-end and needed to be replaced. Since I didn't have any idea of where to turn off the water at the heater I turned off the water at the central valve. It is amazaing how much one depends on having a ready supply of water, not necessarily "hot" water. Being without leaves on in "hot water" with the dishes and dirty clothes piling up. I checked prices Sunday at Sears, Lowe's, and Home Depot and after talking with Pete about a friend of his who might get us a discount, I went with Home Deport with the promise of prompt installation. We did get lucky there. Monday morning the company who does their installation had a cancellation and I was able to contract the installation for Monday afternoon. Job accomplished with all of the required safety updates. The old heater was put in probably 18-20 years ago after a major leak with a flooded basement. This time the leak was a slow one and not much of a problem cleaning up. I guess that the thought of this kind of thing happening had been on my mind for sometime since the heater was getting along in years. My own joint fluids are giving me trouble as I get along in years. The final cost will be in the neighborhood of $800. So much for a new computer anytime soon.

Prsidential Liars

The other day I began to wonder what it is about the U.S. Presidency that causes the office holder to become a liar - at least a mis-informer. W has almost begun to tell the truth about Iraq after leading us into that mess with lies about WMD's. Bill Clinton became well known for his statement "I did not have sex with that woman." Southern boy believes that "sex" is coitus and not fellatio. Regan kept us in the dark about the Iran-Contra affair as long as he could. Even Eisenhower lied to the Russians about the over-flight of spy planes until one was brought down over Soviet territory. Do you suppose that we will every be able to elect a thoroughly honest person as President? Not that many of us ordinary citizens would meet that standard.

God's timing

Today is the one year anniversary of Betty's death. I keep wanting to say things like "passing", but let's face it, it was death. I had a giant poinsettia put on the Baptistry opening at Church in memory, and numerous of her friends commented on how beautiful is was and how they missed her. The Pastor spoke on the birth of John (the Baptist) and of how God acts in His own good time and not always in ways we understand. It made me think of Betty's sentence to me when I came home from Church a year ago: "Take me to the Clinic." She had not gone that day nor two or three Sunday's prior. I just thought she was having trouble with her leg and the ortho she had been wearing. The diagnosis that day was - leukemia. Room was made for her on the Cancer Ward and we made the decision to begin treatment. Little did I suspect that she had probably been developing this condition over a period of time. The 80th Birthday Celebration in early October did not portend such a problem. All of our Children were with us along with a number of grandchildren and brother John's family. Those from out of town had long since gone home. My perception of the Hospitalization changed today. What if she had died at home? We would have been pretty much alone,. As it was when she went into the Hospital the children began to come back - this time with spouses and grandchildren. A rich time of visitation went on for two weeks and when death came she was surrounded with family. God's timing was right. And there is at least some comfort in knowing that she did not die alone. The tears do not come as often as they once did, but the heart still feels its loss. TIME magazines recent article on the death of the spouse said that where there is true love over many years that grief is not as devastating. My own experience would attest to that, but I now know what Jake Otto meant when he told me time and again long after his wife had died: "I still miss her."

God

46 years ago I wrote the following poem. I didn't plan it or give it a lot of thought. It was one of those things that just "came to me". Today I shared it with my senior citizen friends at Church at our fairly regular last Thusday luncheon.

Advent I

GOD
Enmanned,
Is often more than I
can understand.
And, yet at Christmas
time each year the
beauty and the wonder
of His birth ignites
my heart and in that
Holy fire, once more,
I am a child myself
and do believe the
Mystery -- Emmanual!!
God with us!

JRT 11/29/1964

One More Tme

See below. I'm still learning this stuff.The guys are Caleb, Lukas and Zackary.

Readers All

I looked forward with some trepidtion to the anticipated visit of three young grandsons who were coming to visit the week of Thanksgiving. Life has been pretty quiet around here since this time last year while Betty was in the hospital and I was pretty much livng alone. Nothing to fear. As you can see they have been good citizens. Reading much of the time and helping their Uncle Pete clean up the leaves from the apple tree in the back yard. Caleb even produced his famous pasta dish for supper one night. Now they are out with their parents for lunch with an old college buddy of their Dad.

Now I'm looking for forward to Jimmy's family coming in tonight and Annie and family tomorrow. We'll have 19 for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Turkey Day 2006

Last year we had Thanksgiving dinner at my brother John's house with Jean and many of the family. My dear Betty kind of looked forward to that gathering, but she was in the hospital with advanced leukemia and died on Dec. 3rd. Son Jimmy was with us with his family from North Dakota and he died in August after a long battle with lung cancer. (A non-smoker.) This year I am blessed with the gathering and look forward to Jim's family along with 4 of my remaining 6 children and the families of those who are married: Annie and Bill from Ashland, MT with Andrew and Willie with Karyn and their three sons from Portland . Also Ken in from Helena and Pete who is now living with me. John and Jean will be represented with Mark and Rosanna and his son, Ambrose.

This past week while watching the food channel on how to deal with the Turkey I noticed the use of a meat thermometer which can be inserted in the meat and the "read-out" on the outside of the oven. So today I went shopping and got one. That means I won't have to be opening the grill and letting out the heat from time to time. Yes, that's right. I said "grill". Two years ago I cooked the bird outside while the oven was used for other preparations, and it was well received. With 19 people expected - mostly adults - I have a 23 pound turkey not thawing in the fridge. I've read that it takes 24 hours per 5 lbs for the bird to thaw,. That means it should be ready for preparation on Wednesday and then to the grill on Thursday while the visiting ladies take their turn in the kitchen. It should be a glorious reunion with a touch of sadness.

Peace!

OOPS!

Yesterday I tried to share a list of things I have done in life. The idea first came from a blogging neice. Unfortnately the items which I had bold faced on my original list did not show up as BF in the blog. So - it has been deleted.

Another problem in my life has arisen. My MasterCard account has been delivered to Bank of America and I cannot any longer access it. That means I'll have to be sure to send them a check when the statement comes. AND the card will no longer be used. I certainly do not like the games some of these outfits play.

j curmudge

Genetics at work

So much for IQ tests. Three of my children have taken the test spoken of below, and all three have higher scores than mine. The all have that extra X Chromozone from thier Mom. I was particulary taken with the notice that the daughter scored well in the Math area since her mother was a Math student in college.