Mother's Day

It is good to have great thoughts of all the mothers and the surrogate mothers in this Taylor Family. There's Ann, Cec, Janet, Ronda, Louise, Karyn, Jean, Sharon, and all the nephews and cousins and their wives, etc., etc. Pete wore a shirt to Chuch this morning with his mother's picture on it. One dear friend told me later that when she saw the picture from her place in the choir that she teared up and couldn't sing the second verse of the hymn. This friend had visited Mom on Friday before her death on Saturday. As for me as I sat listening to others talk about their mothers I found my self thinking that my own mother died in my arms; and I stood at the bedside of my children's mother and watched the heart monitor as she "flat lined." Both of these women were truly loved and are greatly missed. And I am a better person because of them. I must admit, however, it is the dhildren's mother whom I miss daily and deeply.

RIP, Harriet Elizabeth.

James R.

New TV

The Pastor spoke this morning of kid dreams about driving the family car. Getting in the seat and pretending. I told him later than my family didn't own a car. I could remember brother Norman carrying me the 3-4 blocks to the streetcar to take me to the doctor's at age 5 after recovering from spinal menengitis. He commented then about how hard it is for children today to believe that his generation (50's) didn't have TV. I told him that at one point we didn't have a TV so that the kids would do their homework and read. Well, they're all grown up now and left home (o.k.! One of them has returned and is more than welcome to this "old man"). We've had a TV, but I was no longer able to read the small print. So yesterday I had a brand new 42" HDTV installed. Now to get down to the Cable people and see if I can afford to upgrade that service. Even so, it's a great picture as is. And David wanted to see a picture.

Peace to all.

And I do mean all. I've just been reminded of an officious columnist whose column I read once in a while in the Denton, TX newspaper - Ann Coulter. Thank God she isn't carried by the Billings Gazette. Yet, I'm sure she has a right to her warped opinions. David Crisp, that comment is all your fault. I truly meant to comment simply on my own current activity. I'm sitting here by the front window with an occasional look at this flower. Friends from Church gave it to me when Betty died 2 1/2 years ago, It has bloomed, I think, 3 times in that period of time. Always two pure white ovals. She would have loved it. Pete makes sure to take good care of it, and I simply prize its beauty. Thanks, Sue. Thanks, Don.

Spring has Sprung??

Here I am at the computer in my basement office and all of a sudden there is the light rumbling sound of the furnace. In one of the comic strips in todays Billings Gazette there is some argument as to the nature of global warning. Living in Montana this Spring would make one wonder just how correct Al Gore is. Of course we don't have any ice shelves breaking off. There is, however, the fact that the glaciers in Glacier Park are a lot smaller now than they were in the 1960's when I first saw them. I guess I'm glad for a cold Spring. It does delay the snow melt from the mountains so there will be wate for irrigation this Summer, and the grass is not yet ready to cut.

No News is Good News

On of my favorie bloggers is a local newpaper man. In commenting on the past week of tragedies in Billings he commented today on the belief that maybe the above title is what one might wish for. There were extensive firs in several areas of the town and local area. On young man died in an apartment comples fire - he was 21-22 years old and his name was James R. Taylor, no relation to the writer with the same moniker. A 5 year old drowned at a party with many of the fire victims. A 24 year old surgery nurse was killed in an altomobile accident when a couple of young guys ran a stop sign with their SUV and T-boed her Toyota. That was all the early part of the week. This week-end an old man died outside his house in the cold weather apparently having locked himself out; and another young person (a passanger) died following a traffic accident. No News is Good News.

Actually there was some good news. Billings had about 1 1/2 inches of wet snow Sunday afternoon with moisture badly needed. Today the sun is bright and cheereful and the ground is open to receive its drink. And I seem to be in relatively good health.

Anniversary

It was 59 years ago today that Harriet Elizabeth (Betty) and I were married. When she died in 2005 we had shared over 56 of those years in love, passion, and parenthood. Six of our seven children remain. The youngest is 46 the oldest is 58. I was 18 and in military basic training when my father died at age 59. My mother died in my arms at the age of 57. In many respects I have been most blessed, but not a day goes by that I don't miss my dearest Harriet and her eternal smile. Thank God for the record of photography.

She was "Betty" to her family and pretty much to herself. Her grandmother was Harriet. I first knew her as Harriet and that was always the name of affection. And that is the way she signed letters and cards to me.

Celebration Time

It has been quite a week. Blood was drawn on Wednesday and all measures were good or a point or two off. The next day visit with my Internist was positive as he took good time to evaluate and converse with me. No sense of urgency. Today my youngest brother Lee turns 79 and a phone call this morning at breakfast with brother John was positive. Earlier in the week I was able to have a birthday dinner with my youngest (and oldest) daughter who also shares a birthday with her Uncle Lee. She turns 56. Son Willie and his wife Karyn are celebrating thier 22nd marriage anniversary. If my dear Betty was still living, on Monday we would celebrate 59 years of wedded bliss. Well, it was mostly bliss. I think of her often and there will be yellow roses in the Sanctuary tomorrow in her memory. I will take a bud or two to the crypt to share with her. She was passionate about flowers, and roses were special.

Short book

I've had a Border's gift card lying around for some months now and decided to go find out how much it was worth. Besides there was nothing lying around the house that I wanted to read. There wasn't a lot left over from the day I bought "Audacity of Hope" so I looked in the recent paper back section. There was "for one more day" by Mitch Albom. Since I had already read "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Five People You Meet in Heaven", it was worth a try. About 200 short pages I have read it this afternoon. A good read about a guy who has a hard time reconciling time with both his father and his mother. Things get resolved as he is close to death. Albom apparently likes to deal with that subject. It is, however, a good read.

Spring is springing in Billings today with temps in the 60's, I see in the Huntington, WV paper that they are having heavy rains. Montana could certainly use that. Billings is nearly 2 inches below normal for the year.

Surprise, Surprise

I decided yesterday that I'd best get gsoline at $3.099 yesterday before it goes up again. At Costco with my AMEX card I save 9 cents: 3¢ at the pump and the additional ¢¢ at refund time next year. When I came home and began to update my expense program I referenced the grocery chrge to Quicken and then took the pump receipt. SURPRISE! It read 22.893 gallons of premium at $3.189 per gallon - $73.81. When I filled my tank the receipt was there already when I put away the hose. I thought then that that was quicker than usual. Obviously the guy before me had a bigger tank that my Accord and an engine that called for premium, and had left thr receipt. But, then, if I had let my tank go to near empty it would cost me over $40 to fill up. Guess that I won't be hitting the road anytime soon. Of course my charge will be on my AMEX account which I check fairly regularly to mke sure there are no strange charges.

March One

Yesterday was an interesting one. By noon the temperature was near mid-60's. By 3 o'clock when I was out shopping (and getting a tire repaired) the wind had come up and it was in the mid-40's. Nevertheless I would have to say that March has come in like a lamb. Not unusual for Billings. It may very well go out like a lion.

Pete, bless his heart, noticed that the tire was flat and took it off for me before I went to Tire-Rama. They had supposedly repaired it some weeks earlier. He was also a good help as we got ready to host the rest of the Billings family Saturday a.m. for sourdough waffles.

Another Church Dinner

I was sitting at home Saturday minding my own business when the phone rang and one of the long time members of the Church (is that better than saying "one of the older women"?) called and wondered if I was going to the "Sentimental Journey" dinner that evening. I had not planned to go for several reasons, but since she had "an extra ticket", and was encouraging me to join her, I decided "what he heck!" The dinner is an annual thing sponsored by one of the ladies Circles, and is usually pretty good. Last night it didn't meet expectations. Mostly vegetarian with a small piece of chicken. The Cauliflower and broccoli were all right, but nothing to write home about. The big mound of rice cried out for some picante or other sauce. I noticed that not much of it was eaten by anyone else at our table.

The entertainment was, however, worth it. The musicians took over and sang many of the old favorites of my generation: "I can't stop loving that man of mine", "Smoke get in you eyes", etc. And then the Choir Director (an old southern boy) came on an did an Elvis impersonation. "Hound Dog" was particularly good. And I got home in time for "Waiting for God", one of my favorite British comedies. I spent the rest of the evening with "Havana Bay" by Martin Cruz Smith.

Texas trip

I was going to say that it was a wild, whacky week-end, but that was way to much alliteration after "Texas trip." I'll just say it was great for most of us and glorious for the couple pictured here. I debated this trip for a time and suddenly realized that there would be several grandsons there I had not seen since Christmas 2004. As it turned out there was half of the dozen all there. Christopher, Stephanie, Jonathan, Nathan, Geoffrey, and Natalie. I have had a chance to see the other six in the last half year.

It was also good to meet most of Suzanne's family. We were all well treated. David and Suzanne took us all out to a pre-wedding dinner Friday night. Winona Dees (Suzanne's motherr) and sister Diane saw that there was an ample repast following the morning wedding. Sunday night I was able to take most of the grandchildren plus Cecilia out to dinner. Cec had rented a car with GPS so I rode out to the DFW airport with the NoDaks. Christopher is designated to get pictures from everyone so more will be available soon - or look of the Taylor Facebooks.

If it ain't one thing

it's another. Earlier this month I visited my Optician. He was concerned last year that I might be developing glaucoma. I was back this morning for a follow-up and an OptoMap of the retina. That and another test indicate there are some preliminary indications of the problem, including borderline pressure. I was given some drops to use at bedtime and scheduled for a followup visit at the end of the month. Again, I have a concerned doctor who wants to make sure that further change does not take place. No mention was made of the cataract.

I'll be busy tomorrow finishing up preparations for the trip to Denton and goingto the bank for travel funds and for a roll of the latest gold president dollar - Monroe

Activities

I sat and watched most of the Grammy Awards, etc. Sunday night. Since Grand Old Opry went away I've lost complete track of today's music and "country" singers. What the heck is "Rehab" all about? Then they went back to Gershwin. I don't belive that I have ever heard "Rhapsody in Blue" butchered so badly. Enough already. And 3 1/2 hours plus. They need to take some lessons from the Academy Awards.

Then on Monday afternoon I had a visit with Billings' finest Cardio Surgeon, Dr. Scott Milliken. We talked very frankly and at length about my failing aortic valve, and the possiblities of surgery. It was clear that the man had taken a long look at my extensive medical history. I've been seeing doctors at Billings Clinic since the Fall of 1961, and had have by-pass surgery twice. The final decision was up to me. "I'll would be honored to do your surgery" the man said. BUT it was clear to me that as long as I am able to function the same decision was made (by me) as was made in regard to knee replacement. Let's delay this until it is absolutely necessary, and even then it has already been a long and fruitful life. Taylor males don't typically live into their 80's.

And there IS family on the other side.

Confused?

Last post when I commented that I was "done" I simply meant to tell DD that I had finished the book she wanted next. Not that the Curmudgeon was through Blogging. I'm still sweating out the Turbo Tax thing. Every time I redo it I get different figures. Oh, well. It is still a couple of months to April 15, and I have a wedding to go to next week-end down in Texas. I'll try to update readers one what the heart surgeon has to day Monday afternoon.

Frigid here in Montana over the week-end with a promise of the mid-30's next week.

The Appeal

I'm done!

Reads

I finally finished Michael Gruber's "Valley of Bones" last night while keeping an eye on CNN for election results. I was also able to read the first chapter of "The Appeal" by John Grisham. The first book was very interesting with the story of a hillbilly girl who has more facets to her personality than seems possible; plus a PhD female with health problems who keeps putting off a visit to a doctor, and Detective Jimmy Paz, who has a strange Cuban mother. It turned out to be a good read. Grisham starts out as typical Grishman. I'll probably finish it before the week is out.

I got a kick out of the local Republican County Chairman who commented about how democracy was at work with the Montana Republican Caucus. Democracy?? Taking the vote away from the majority of the citizens. How does that add up to a truly democratic process? Thankfully us Democrats will have our regular Primary in June,.

New Book

I bought a copy of John Grisham's latest book - The Appeal - at Costco yesterday. When I went to add it to my Goodreads list as one to be read it did not appear in a search either of Goodreads or at Amazon. Today (Sunday) I listed "JohnGrishman" in Goodreads and the title still does not appear. I listed the title and it showed up among a long list of books with the word "appeal" in the title. I look forward to reading it as soon as I finish "Valley of Bones".

Otherwise Pete is busy getting dinner ready before he leaves to watch the Super Bowl with friends.

Tagged by Trudy

So!? Get the book that is closest to you and: Find page 123, Read the first 3 sentences and then post the next two. The books closest to this computer are a Schfield reference Bible, a copy of the NRSV of the Bible and the New Testament in the New English Bible edition. The passage on page 123 from Luke is the tale of the so-called Podigal Son. Sentences 4 and 5 read: "He had spent it all, when a severe famine fell upon that country and he began to feel the pinch. So he went and attached himself to one of the local landowners, who sent him on his farm to mind the pigs."

The earlier sentence says that he took his inheritance and went to "a distant country." You don't suppose that was Iowa do you? I have deep memories of driving past pig farms in that "far counrtry," having lived there for four years.

I really don't have anyone to tag.

Uncle Curmudge

Winners - Losers

Once again, you can't win them all. The Patriots won and the Pack lost. Oh, well! At least Eli Manning looked like a real quarterback. And Pete and I were able to watch in relative comfort indoors. Even so, we made it to a Church Pot Luck dinner and so missed the first half of the second game. AND it has been 0 degrees in Billings the last couple of days with our heaviest snow fall to date. I'm fortunate that Pete is here to take care of the shoveling.

We are now on Facebook as a Taylor Family group with 14-15 members so far including a number of grandchildren.