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.