Somehow or other I fell for the Google thing and it remains to be seen if I stay. I got an e-mail from them asking me to respond if I wanted to stay. I didn't respond, but the thing still required me today to sign in to Google. We'll see!
It's a beautiful day here in Billings, MT. Tonight is the annual Democrat Steak Fry at a new location. There will probably be a big crowd as most local and State candidates will be there as well as the Party faithful and the usual "hangers-on". Last night I went to a Church function to discuss a new set of by-laws. They seem to do the job pretty well, but spend a lot of words talking about how we will go about reconciling friction. "Do unto others . . . " seems to be to weak. At least the document requires a 2/3ds vote of those present and voting to change any denominational affiliation. I guess I'd rather it was set a 3/4ths, but there is probably little danger of First Baptst ever leaving the ABCUSA. At least I won't be around. In a couple of days I turn 82 which is really old age for a Taylor male.
Saw a cardiologist the other day and he suggested increasing my Lipitor from 40 mg to 80 mg per day, and to come back in 6 weeks. A date was set and I find that I am scheduled to see the Surgeon who dd the stents a couple of weeks ago on the very next day. I'll cancel the Cardiologist, as it seems a bit ridiculous to be seeing so many doctors back to back. I have an appointment with my Internist (annual visit) next week.
So much for "musing"
Friday, October 13, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Comment
Growing older certainly is interesting. Last night I had dinner with a couple of former Rocky students who entered the College the same year that I went to work there - Fall 1961. He majored in Business and made his “fortune” in the market while working in the Twin Cities. At this time he is back in Billings and teaches a course on investing at RMC. Both are in their early 60’s. It was great fun talking over old times. Sunday morning if read with sadness of the death of a former student who died in an accident when she apparently overcorrected and rolled her car on a highway just north of Billings. Punky (Marianne) Wesbrook was 61. I remember her as an accomplished pianist who studied with Jean Lawson back in the early 60’s. The point is that I am 20 plus years older than these students, but they are also at retirement age - or close thereto. I guess that one just has to get use to the fact that “young” people do pass on while some of us are stll “hanging on.”
Friday, October 06, 2006
Party Time
This weekend last year we were all looking forward to a big family party celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. It all started when Paul and Louise wrote that they would be coming to Billings to celebrate their 10th Wedding anniversary and Louise's birthday. The next thing we knew as that Willie was also planning to come. Jim and family would be here as their 20th Anniversary was also in October. Ann and Bill would come as many of the rest would be here as would Ken. They are all in Montana already. Since all of the rest were coming I made it possible for David to come as well That way all of the kids would be here for their mother's 80th birthday. In less than two months time she passed away from acute leukemia and septic shock. Ten months later Jimmy would succumb to lung cancer which he had fought for a long time. My memories remain deep for the good times we had and the fact that all could be together for that one last time. With us as well as our kids were all of twin brother John's family with their daughter Lisa also having an October birthday. Louise's parents also came up from Colorado. It was a time of great celebration. Let's see: Birthdays; Louise, Cecilia, Lisa, John, James R., and Pete. Anniversaries: Paul and Louise (10), and Jim and Cec (20). What a great time!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
What a week!
It has been an interesting few days this week. I’m copying some e-mails which tell the story better than I could just blogging.
September 25, 2006
Dad had a heart attack this afternoon. He is doing well as is at Billings Clinic Room 2204 ATU. There was some blockage in the grafts from the by-pass surgery. They put in a couple of stents and he is doing well. He has good color as was talking to us before we left. He'll be in for a couple of days
He had gone shopping this afternoon and a had little pain and thought it was gas since he had just eaten. KMart was having a sale on soda so he was hoping to get some but they were out so he went to Target . The pain wasn't getting better so he went home. When it still didn't pass he called 911. Before he knew it there was a fire truck at the house followed by an ambulance. I was at a movie, So up until I got home it was a normal Monday.
The neighbor motioned to me when I pull up the street and told me that the grandfather who lived in that house had a heart attack. I said, "you mean my Dad!?" " He wanted to let you know was a Deaconess" The calm in her voice told me that Dad had talked to her so I wasn't in a panic. I just went in the house grabbed my cell phone and went to the hospital.
Please keep Dad in your prayers
Pete (Son)
September 26:
Your dad does indeed look good. When I arrived, he was sitting in his chair watching TV. He was unplugged from the monitors around the bed and they had him hooked up to a radio telemetry gizmo that he had stuffed into the pocket on his gown. This allows him to walk around freely while they monitor him remotely. He had still not seen the surgeon, so no decision had been made with respect to a time for release. He looked ready to go home, as far as I could see, but the hospital was being cautious. From what he told me, your dad was not feeling any significant discomfort from the procedure, and he was probably feeling better than before because he is now getting better circulation to his heart.
Mark Taylor (Nephew)
Hi Everybody,
We just got back from Billings and a visit with Dad. He seemed in good spirits and not incapacitated at all. In fact before we left he was yawning and I said "You look like you could use a good nap." He replied that with not much to do but walk around and lie in bed it was pretty boring. Sounds good to me. Can't be bored if you're in pain.
Anyway, I called the hospital as soon as we got home to see if he's getting out tonight because when we left he wasn't sure. He said they decided that they would keep him overnight for "some reason," but he will be going home tomorrow morning. He said to be sure to tell everyone that he is all right.
EVERYONE, DAD'S ALL RIGHT! (add as many Praise Gods or Hallelujahs as you want)
Love always, Annie (daughter)
Finally got the doctors at the Clinic to release me this morning. Blood pressure, heart rate, etc. were all in good order. The Emergency people took good care of me and so far I am walking without any angina. The surgeon is muttering something about an enlarged opening in the Aortic valve. I am to see Dr. Zirpoli in about a month to discuss that situation. Last December Dr. Burg, my cardiologist since retired, didn't think it was bad enough that surgery would be needed at my age - soon to be 82. We'll see. I
certainly want to get the best input possible before going back to the hospital.
I want to thank all for the telephone calls, the e-mail notes, the prayers, and the good thoughts. I am particularly in debt to Pete for handling things so well.
Love to all, Jim, Dad, Grandfather, etc.
September 25, 2006
Dad had a heart attack this afternoon. He is doing well as is at Billings Clinic Room 2204 ATU. There was some blockage in the grafts from the by-pass surgery. They put in a couple of stents and he is doing well. He has good color as was talking to us before we left. He'll be in for a couple of days
He had gone shopping this afternoon and a had little pain and thought it was gas since he had just eaten. KMart was having a sale on soda so he was hoping to get some but they were out so he went to Target . The pain wasn't getting better so he went home. When it still didn't pass he called 911. Before he knew it there was a fire truck at the house followed by an ambulance. I was at a movie, So up until I got home it was a normal Monday.
The neighbor motioned to me when I pull up the street and told me that the grandfather who lived in that house had a heart attack. I said, "you mean my Dad!?" " He wanted to let you know was a Deaconess" The calm in her voice told me that Dad had talked to her so I wasn't in a panic. I just went in the house grabbed my cell phone and went to the hospital.
Please keep Dad in your prayers
Pete (Son)
September 26:
Your dad does indeed look good. When I arrived, he was sitting in his chair watching TV. He was unplugged from the monitors around the bed and they had him hooked up to a radio telemetry gizmo that he had stuffed into the pocket on his gown. This allows him to walk around freely while they monitor him remotely. He had still not seen the surgeon, so no decision had been made with respect to a time for release. He looked ready to go home, as far as I could see, but the hospital was being cautious. From what he told me, your dad was not feeling any significant discomfort from the procedure, and he was probably feeling better than before because he is now getting better circulation to his heart.
Mark Taylor (Nephew)
Hi Everybody,
We just got back from Billings and a visit with Dad. He seemed in good spirits and not incapacitated at all. In fact before we left he was yawning and I said "You look like you could use a good nap." He replied that with not much to do but walk around and lie in bed it was pretty boring. Sounds good to me. Can't be bored if you're in pain.
Anyway, I called the hospital as soon as we got home to see if he's getting out tonight because when we left he wasn't sure. He said they decided that they would keep him overnight for "some reason," but he will be going home tomorrow morning. He said to be sure to tell everyone that he is all right.
EVERYONE, DAD'S ALL RIGHT! (add as many Praise Gods or Hallelujahs as you want)
Love always, Annie (daughter)
Finally got the doctors at the Clinic to release me this morning. Blood pressure, heart rate, etc. were all in good order. The Emergency people took good care of me and so far I am walking without any angina. The surgeon is muttering something about an enlarged opening in the Aortic valve. I am to see Dr. Zirpoli in about a month to discuss that situation. Last December Dr. Burg, my cardiologist since retired, didn't think it was bad enough that surgery would be needed at my age - soon to be 82. We'll see. I
certainly want to get the best input possible before going back to the hospital.
I want to thank all for the telephone calls, the e-mail notes, the prayers, and the good thoughts. I am particularly in debt to Pete for handling things so well.
Love to all, Jim, Dad, Grandfather, etc.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Books, Books, Books
As an old man with bad knees and a history of heart trouble I find that reading is a good way to pass the time. When I get up in the morning I take a couple of pills and read the paper for a while giving them a chance to go to work as directed. After eating I finish up the paper and then go check a couple of newspapers on line. Who am I kidding? I read the hometown WV paper to see if any of my classmates have passed on and then some funnies which are not in the Billings Gazette. I tend to check the financial market sometime in the morning and get my "Sue Fix." Betty let me do that. Sue is Sue Herrera on CNBC. Pete will often bring in a copy of USA Today after lunch and I peruse that for a while. When things "slow" down I'll pick up a book. In the last few weeks I've finished the following:
Hillerman Skeleton Man
Javier Sierra The Secret Supper
Wangerin The Book of God: The Bible as Novel
Lescroart The Motive
Lescroart A Certain Justice
Friedman The World is Flat
Elias Chacour Blood Brothers
Goodwin Team of Rivals
David McCoullough 1776
J & F Kellerman Double Homicide
Currrently I'm reading a fascinating book about Red Auerbach, noted Coach of the Boston Celtics. It is by Feinsten and is entitled with on of Red's favorite phrases: Let Me Tell You a Story
O.K!? It may not be as many as the current resident of the White House claims to have read, but has good variety. Who knows what is next?
Hillerman Skeleton Man
Javier Sierra The Secret Supper
Wangerin The Book of God: The Bible as Novel
Lescroart The Motive
Lescroart A Certain Justice
Friedman The World is Flat
Elias Chacour Blood Brothers
Goodwin Team of Rivals
David McCoullough 1776
J & F Kellerman Double Homicide
Currrently I'm reading a fascinating book about Red Auerbach, noted Coach of the Boston Celtics. It is by Feinsten and is entitled with on of Red's favorite phrases: Let Me Tell You a Story
O.K!? It may not be as many as the current resident of the White House claims to have read, but has good variety. Who knows what is next?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Go Herd!
Last Saturday we watched as my alma mater, Marshall University, got thoroughly beaten by Kansas State. This week they take on Tennessee. Doesn't look good as far as gridiron history at Marshall goes. On Sunday we watched as Chad Pennington of the New Yori Jets football team won their game, and Monday Brian Leftwich of the Jacksonville Jaguars won. Both Chad and Brian are former quarterbacks of the Big Green Thundering Herd. It was an interesting week-end.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Age doesn't matter
What a "gas". I'm out to lunch with two of my sons. The oldest (mid-50"s) and the younges (mid-40's) and what do they begin to talk about. Their aches and pains. Here am I - low 80's - and they want to talk about how shoulders and arms hurt. My only response to such talk by younger people is to assure them that it doesn't get any better with age. Actually about the only problem of that type that I have now is in finger joints. And that typically comes and goes. And, of course, there is the question of "is it angina or is it gas?"
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Political Polls
It’s Saturday afternoon. I had just got up from my afternoon nap when the phone rang. The caller indicated that he was calling for some sort of Public Opinion Poll and would like to ask my opinion on some things. I told him to go ahead. The last time this happened it was a Friday night in the middle of Monk and I hung up. The previous Friday there had been a call about the same time and I had missed most of the episode. Any how, this caller had better “luck”. The first question had to do with which did I think was most important, the education of our children or health care for seniors. Ridiculous! I said that I could not answer that question as they were both important. He final moved on after trying to get me to make a choice. The second question was easier. Do you intend to vote in the November election. I told him that I always voted. Next: Will you vote for John Tester or for Conrad Burns? “i’ll vote for Tester.” Do you consider yourself a Democrat or a Republican. When I commented that I had been a Democrat all my life the pollster wanted to know if I were a strong Democrat, moderate Democrat, etc. I again responded that I had been a Democrat all my life. I assume he marked his paper “Strong Democrat.” Who knows. Such a stupid way to seek the answer to people’s politics. Why not simply ask are you Democrat, Republican or Independent? And, who do you intend to vote for as Senator in the next election? Makes one wonder about the validity of such polls as they are reported by so-called independent polls or those solicited by political parties.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Tennis anyone?
So? What do you think Pete and I have been doing these past few days? It was great fun to watch Agassi defeat Baghdatis in the first round. I kept wondering, though, how come he couldn’t put away a guy who was obviously having physical problems. It was just as much fun to watch most of the match again as it was played over and over again due to rain delays for the rest of the matches. Then to watch again as he took on Becker (not Boris), and survived for 4 sets before the back finally gave out and he made his last appearance on the Arthur Ashe Courts. It certainly is exceptional when the guy who loses the match gets more applause and cheers than the guy who wins. I haven’t caught Lindsey Davenport yet, but I’ll cheer for her every time. I guess that a lot of people are sorry that Serena Williams was beaten, but we won’t have to listen to her “grunts” any longer. And I can spend some time tonight at the Computer since there is more rain in The Big Apple.
Of course, I did catch the last few minutes of the Miami-Florida State game last night before Becker came on. That’s the nightly 9:30 p.m. ritual before the 10 O‘clock News and then to bed.
Well, I tried to upload a tennis ball here, but it didn't work from the image I have.
Of course, I did catch the last few minutes of the Miami-Florida State game last night before Becker came on. That’s the nightly 9:30 p.m. ritual before the 10 O‘clock News and then to bed.
Well, I tried to upload a tennis ball here, but it didn't work from the image I have.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Musings
Annie and Bill came in today from Ashland (Eastern Montana) for overnigt. I had bought hamburger and stuff for a cook-out so that was all accomplished with no trouble. I also tried out a new recipe from Mr. Food called Million Dollar Potatoes. They turned out well. The Recipie is on his web site which I get at KULR.com. I suspect there are copyright stipulations so will not give it away. Pete had made some cookies Friday night so later tonight we will have some ice cream and cookies.
While talking together the phone rang. It was Grandson, Christopher. He wanted me to be among the first to know that Kristi (the wife) is pregnant and had just confirmed that news this afternoon. I was more than please that they thought of me for this great news, and I can only wish for them the very best. I performed their wedding post-Christmas 12/27/2003 in Texas. Both Chris and Kisti are finishing up their Bachelor's degrees this semester at U. of Texas, Tyler. Me, a great grandfather. What next. I can only grieve that Betty is not with me to share this news, but I'm sure she knows and is pleased.
While talking together the phone rang. It was Grandson, Christopher. He wanted me to be among the first to know that Kristi (the wife) is pregnant and had just confirmed that news this afternoon. I was more than please that they thought of me for this great news, and I can only wish for them the very best. I performed their wedding post-Christmas 12/27/2003 in Texas. Both Chris and Kisti are finishing up their Bachelor's degrees this semester at U. of Texas, Tyler. Me, a great grandfather. What next. I can only grieve that Betty is not with me to share this news, but I'm sure she knows and is pleased.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Farmer's Market
Brother John and his wife, Jean, have been having Saturday morning coffee and rolls for quite a while now. It is basically a gathering of family in Billings, and occasionally Lisa and Dennis from Red Lodge. (Lisa being john and jean's daughter.) Today I invited them over for sourdought waffles. Mark brought along his waffle iron (just like mine) and I was able to keep the group of 6 satisfied with warm waffles and coffee. There was 2-3 cups of batter left and a little coffee. Guess that no one went away hungry.
This has been a good happening as we sit around and reminisce (What do you know? I spelled that word correctly.) I'm sure that it is one way the younger generation(s) learn about our past, and we learn something about their experiences growing up. The "s" after generations is to indicate that Ambrose, Mark's son is often with us. So there are 3 generations.
Incidently, it is called "Farmer's Market" because it started a Summer or two ago when the other Taylors began to delay their Saturday breakfast until they had been to the local Farmer's Market in downtown Billings.
This has been a good happening as we sit around and reminisce (What do you know? I spelled that word correctly.) I'm sure that it is one way the younger generation(s) learn about our past, and we learn something about their experiences growing up. The "s" after generations is to indicate that Ambrose, Mark's son is often with us. So there are 3 generations.
Incidently, it is called "Farmer's Market" because it started a Summer or two ago when the other Taylors began to delay their Saturday breakfast until they had been to the local Farmer's Market in downtown Billings.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Compulsive Buyer
O.K. I have to admit it. I went to Costco yesterday to use a $3.50 coupon for Kleenex. We seem to use a lot of it. As I went in I was handed one of those perpetual sheets with more coupons. This one promised an extra $10 off an Epson Photo copier which was already reduced $40. I have been thinking of replaciny my copier for some time and this seemed to be the right time. I have an older Epson printer and it has worked quite well so I tend to trust Epson. This Epson Stylus Photo RX620 will copy text and graphics, photos, slides and negatives It is supposed to do 35 mm Slides and well as 35 mm film strips, In addition to copies it is also a printer. All this for $150. And it will fit in the vacant space on my table. I intend to take my time setting it up as there is no particular hurry.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Speaking of Rocky
Rocky Mountain College made the top 10 of the first tier of Best Comprehensive Colleges.
Rocky is listed in the top 10 for the Comprehensive Colleges in the Great Schools, Great Bargains category in the latest issue of the US News and World Report.
Comprehensive colleges are those in which a liberal-arts education is complemented by professional programs such as Rocky's aviation, equestrian and physician-assistant programs.
The Best Schools, Best Bargains category is for those colleges that offer high quality academic programs compared to the net cost.
This is the 10th consecutive year that Rocky has been ranked in the first tier, top 10 in the West by the magazine in both the best academic and best value categories.
"We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and hope Montana will share in the accomplishment of being so highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report," Rocky President Michael Mace said.
Rocky was ranked highly for its student-retention rate, small class size (averaging 14.5 students in a class), student-faculty ratio of 13-1, alumni support, percent of faculty who are full-time, and freshmen entering who are in top 25 percent of their class.
Rocky is listed in the top 10 for the Comprehensive Colleges in the Great Schools, Great Bargains category in the latest issue of the US News and World Report.
Comprehensive colleges are those in which a liberal-arts education is complemented by professional programs such as Rocky's aviation, equestrian and physician-assistant programs.
The Best Schools, Best Bargains category is for those colleges that offer high quality academic programs compared to the net cost.
This is the 10th consecutive year that Rocky has been ranked in the first tier, top 10 in the West by the magazine in both the best academic and best value categories.
"We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and hope Montana will share in the accomplishment of being so highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report," Rocky President Michael Mace said.
Rocky was ranked highly for its student-retention rate, small class size (averaging 14.5 students in a class), student-faculty ratio of 13-1, alumni support, percent of faculty who are full-time, and freshmen entering who are in top 25 percent of their class.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Fair Time
After my Wednesday Coffee Klatch with a group of Democrat friends (One of whom was having a birthday so we had cake), I went to the Montana Fair. Last summer I was there with my wife, and we didn't quite get to everything because of problems she was having with walking. We did the 4-H exhibit and saw some of the animals and the "Quilt" show. That one includs a lot of beautiful quilts along with other household decorations and the Jam, Jelly, baking, etc., entries. One of or our long time friends was always winning blue ribbons in that sequence. Both she and Betty are now gone to a greater reward. This time I managed to get my weary knees around the whole fair ground. I fully intended to eat some high cholesterol food as my supper, but the prices were obscene. I did have an icecream cone at the 4-H exhibit. They charged only $1 and the cup was full. On the grounds I would have had to pay at least $1.25 for a single dip. I came home and had a microwaveable Healthy Choice. And then watched Boston finally win one.
While walking the midway at the Fair I saw a former student from Rocky who began working at the Metra arena while still in college. He had transferred to Rocky from another Church related college where he had had some problems. I worked with him from time to time to make sure that he was satisfied with us and that the graduated. Since I last saw Bill he has moved up in the organization and now is General Manager of Metra. For those not in the know Metra is a large building which hosts indoor football, high school basketball, high school graduations for Billings' 3 public high schools, has concerts, rodeo, etc. It is always to see one of our graduates succeed, especially one I had a role in. Another winner is the current Chief of Police who has often sought me out for any kind of help I might be able to give. Our recent Superintendent of Schools is also an RMC grad. The School Board did not renew his contract after 3 successful years as superintendent. He apparently worked more in the District with teachers and on behalf of students that giving guidance to the Board. They hired someone who will tell them what to do.
While walking the midway at the Fair I saw a former student from Rocky who began working at the Metra arena while still in college. He had transferred to Rocky from another Church related college where he had had some problems. I worked with him from time to time to make sure that he was satisfied with us and that the graduated. Since I last saw Bill he has moved up in the organization and now is General Manager of Metra. For those not in the know Metra is a large building which hosts indoor football, high school basketball, high school graduations for Billings' 3 public high schools, has concerts, rodeo, etc. It is always to see one of our graduates succeed, especially one I had a role in. Another winner is the current Chief of Police who has often sought me out for any kind of help I might be able to give. Our recent Superintendent of Schools is also an RMC grad. The School Board did not renew his contract after 3 successful years as superintendent. He apparently worked more in the District with teachers and on behalf of students that giving guidance to the Board. They hired someone who will tell them what to do.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Broken Circle
Jim Ken Annie David Willie Paul Pete
This last week had been one of mixed emotions. My son, Jimmy, died last Monday at the age of 52 after a four year battle with lung cancer. I spent most of the week in Dickinson, ND with his family. There was great joy as the Taylor's and the Hellman's got together; and there were many tears and much grief as we all remembered what this man has meant to us over the years.
For the last several years when the Taylor clan has been together we have managed to get a picture line-up of the oldest to the youngest. The above picture shows what a space is left. Both Jim and his mother are absent from us and together in heaven. It may be a long tme before we are all together again.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Life is Good
It's been family time the last few days. Pete and I went out Saturday to a new Mexican restaurant (Santa Fe Red) on Saturday night for supper. Ken came in on Sunday from Helena to be in Billings for a week. I unfroze some salmon and cooked it in the ne Rotisserie for Sunday supper. Annie came in on Monday so I took them all out to Cactus Creek (a western type steak house) that night. Pete doesn't work Monday nights so there was four of us. Annie stayed over and cooked up some Taco Salad for supper last night before she left for home. Tonight Ken called (he's in town as a part of his job evaluating drug treatment programs) and took me out. He was interested in trying the Santa Fe Red place so we went there and had a nice sandwich along with fried onions and pickle. Amanda was a most gracious waitress and a lovely young lady. When we got back to the house we turned the TV to PBS for Mostly Mozart. It is a real pleasure to have a chance to visit with the family. I never quite know whether to say "with the kids" or "with the children" all of them being in the so-called middle years whether they want to hear that or not. BUT they are family. And I love them all.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Learner Type
This is Trudy's fault!
***You Are a Visual Learner***
You tend to remember what you see, and you have a good eye for aesthetics.
You excel at art, design, and computer programming.
You would be an excellent film director - or the next Bill Gates!
What's Your Learning Style?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourlearningstylequiz/
***You Are a Visual Learner***
You tend to remember what you see, and you have a good eye for aesthetics.
You excel at art, design, and computer programming.
You would be an excellent film director - or the next Bill Gates!
What's Your Learning Style?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourlearningstylequiz/
Capital Punishment
The ACLU of Montana has itself all in a snit about Capital Punishment. There is some feeling among them that if a man is to be put to death it ought to be “humane”. They seem to be saying that there is no proof that the criminal does not feel pain before death occurs. That, in some way, the barbiturate which is supposed to deaden pain is not sufficient and is not administered by someone qualified in medicine. The case in point at this time is that of a man who has been on death row for many years and has given up the battle to delay his execution further. I say, “Let him die.” I asked a medical friend who is a member of ACLU the other day about their position and he said in effect that he was not a part of that action. My point is that the ACLU doesn’t seem to take into consideration the suffering the murderer placed on the three he killed and the continued pain to those who survive. Maybe leathel injection is to kind for a guy like this. Even Saddam has asked for the firing squad.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Reading
I’ve been reading “The Book of God” (The Bible as a Novel) by Walter Wangerin, Jr. Daughter, Annie, gave me this 10 years ago as a Father’s Day present. I know that I have read it before because there are familiar markings in it. It is an interesting read for while the typical Biblical language isn’t there the stories ring true. Last month as I was reading Philip Yancy’s “Disappointment With God” he frequently talked about taking time off to reread the whole Bible from cover to cover. Been there, done that. This seemed to be a better way to approach such a venture. My reading today has dealt with the Exodus from Egypt and the time of the Judges. In light of the present history of Israel it is quite interesting. Time and time again we read that the people strayed from their covenant with Yahweh and were in big trouble until they repented.
I have mixed feeling about what is happening in Lebanon , in Gaza, and throughout the Middle East. Who started it, and how long ago. Is the bombing of civilian targets in order to kill an enemy justified. Is this “an Act of War” or is it a malignancy? And what is the response of the United States if in this indiscriminate bombing an American citizen is killed or injured?
Unfortunately the United States government doesn't have a leg to stand on. How can we decry what Israel and the Hezbolla and Hamas are doing in light of our own behaviour? For example the alleged mistreatment of suspected terrorists.
I have mixed feeling about what is happening in Lebanon , in Gaza, and throughout the Middle East. Who started it, and how long ago. Is the bombing of civilian targets in order to kill an enemy justified. Is this “an Act of War” or is it a malignancy? And what is the response of the United States if in this indiscriminate bombing an American citizen is killed or injured?
Unfortunately the United States government doesn't have a leg to stand on. How can we decry what Israel and the Hezbolla and Hamas are doing in light of our own behaviour? For example the alleged mistreatment of suspected terrorists.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Sunday doings
Church this morning as usual. Pete didn’t get in until late last night (early a.m.), so he was still asleep when I left. A lovely young lass who now teaches at Rocky Mountain College in the Theatre Department has been siting with us. She is originally from Beaumont, TX and has been home visiting the last couple of weeks. Actually Linaya Leaf, who is a long time friend and colleague at the College invited Sarah to worship with us. It is obvious that she was brought up in the Church. She knows the hymns and she finds the passages in her Bible that the Pastor is reading from very easily.
When I got home from Church I turned on the TV to watch the finish of the British Open, finished the morning paper and made my usual sandwich for lunch. I had to take care of some financial things related to the Endowment fund of the Church (I’m Treasurer), and then did some Internet searching of no consequence.
By keeping windows shut during the day it has actually stayed pretty comfortable in the house. That ended today with our 101 degree temperature. It was warm enough that I suggested to Pete that we go out to some place with air conditioning to have dinner. He mentioned a new Mexican place just a few blocks from home so we went there. It WAS cool, and it seemed that many people had the same idea as it was crowded. Nevertheless we had quick seating and good service. The waitress’s name tag said “Steevie.” I asked her what her real name was and she said “Stephanie”. She didn’t like the “Stephie” bit so had gone with the other. Now we are home and I am blogging so that I can be downstairs where it is much cooler.
When I got home from Church I turned on the TV to watch the finish of the British Open, finished the morning paper and made my usual sandwich for lunch. I had to take care of some financial things related to the Endowment fund of the Church (I’m Treasurer), and then did some Internet searching of no consequence.
By keeping windows shut during the day it has actually stayed pretty comfortable in the house. That ended today with our 101 degree temperature. It was warm enough that I suggested to Pete that we go out to some place with air conditioning to have dinner. He mentioned a new Mexican place just a few blocks from home so we went there. It WAS cool, and it seemed that many people had the same idea as it was crowded. Nevertheless we had quick seating and good service. The waitress’s name tag said “Steevie.” I asked her what her real name was and she said “Stephanie”. She didn’t like the “Stephie” bit so had gone with the other. Now we are home and I am blogging so that I can be downstairs where it is much cooler.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
