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.

IQ Tests

Yesterday as I read some familiar comics in the Houston Chronicle I noticed a tag that promised a FREE IQ score. I went to it and it was page after page. When I got to the familiar pictures and which one came next, etc. I went quickly and got it over with. That only partially explains the results which are:


Your IQ score is:
You scored 118 on Tickle's IQ test.

There's more to intelligence than a single number, a single score or a single label. Tickle uses four distinguishable Intelligence Scales in the Ultimate IQ Test. By analyzing your individual scores on those four scales, we are able to look beyond the raw IQ score into how you process information and thereby determine your Intellectual Type.
How do you relate to other IQ test takers?

Your Intellectual Type Is: Word Warrior
You are equipped with a verbal arsenal that enables you to understand complex issues and communicate on a particularly high level. These talents make you a Word Warrior.

Whether or not you recognize it, your vocabulary is your strongest suit—use it whenever you can. Since your command of words is so great, you are also a terrific communicator — able to articulate big ideas to just about anyone. Your wordsmithing prowess will also help in artistic and creative pursuits. The power of words translates to fresh ideas off paper too. Since you have so many words at your disposal, you are in a unique position to describe things in an original way, as well as see the future in your mind's eye. In short, your strengths allow you to be a visionary — able to extrapolate and come up with a multitude of fresh ideas. And you are in good company — bask in the brilliance of Word Warriors who have walked before you. William Shakespeare let loose the power of his pen. His ability to articulate the most subtle nuances of human nature and to create colorful characters are why his stories still have a major impact — even 400 years after he first wrote them. Whether you put pen to paper or use your understanding of the words around you to come up with creative approaches to problems, your potential as a Word Warrior is terrific.

The Cookie thing

You Are a Fortune Cookie

You're a rather normal person, except that you have extraordinary luck in life. People want to be around you (even when they're a little sick of you), in hopes of being lucky too!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

The program said to copy this and post it. Maybe the "nuts" won't show, but th words are there.

JRT

Musings

So, last night after my typical 1 1/2 hours of 5-6:30 TV with the news and Jeopardy I turned to FOX-TV to watch the World Series. Rain Delay. I read some in the latest issue of TIME and turned the TV back on to watch the game. Rain Delay. The Weather Channel made it look as if it would be more than a delay. I came downstairs to the MAC to write up the minutes of an afternoon meeting of the Peace Studies Executive Committee. It is always easier to interpret my “scratches” if done soon. Back up to the TV and there is regular programming. A good chance to finish Bob Woodward’s “State of Denial”. I’ve been reading it since the beginning of the month. Finished. Now there will be time to get at Grisham’s latest which I got from some birthday money.

At some point yesterday there was a call from my Doctor assuring me that the sonogram of my aorta showed no change in the small aneurysm first discovered 4-5 years ago. Now the only medical thing I have on the horizon is to check in with the surgeon who placed a couple of stents near the end of September. I see him Nov. 13th. Then it is time to get ready for Thanksgiving here with about 20 relatives.

Thanks to philippaalan

***You Have Your Sarcastic Moments***


While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge.
In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead!
And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in.
Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.


How Sarcastic Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/howsarcasticareyouquiz/

The Birthday Boys

We had a great time Saturday night with the rest of the local Taylors plus a Meeker: John and Jean, Jim w/ Pete, Mark and Rosanna, Ambrose, and Dennis and Lisa Meeker. Dinner at one of our finer restaurants courtesy Mark and Rosanna, and dessert later to John and Jean's: berry pie and chocalate cake. We, of course, missed Betty who would have been 81 today. Lisa had just turned 49 on Columbus Day (the real one), and Pete turns 45 on the 26th. He plans to play all of his old 45's at a party just as he played his 33's 12 years ago.

Blessings to all for your remembrances

Friday the 13th

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"

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.”

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!

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.

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?

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.

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?"

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.

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.

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.