Old Olive and Me

Sorry to say Brittany's a no show again.
Funny how I've just about forgotten her face.

Just called Ray to get out to coffee.
Woke him up... uh-oh. He'll be alright.

Do Your Thing

I continue with the short sleep schedule.
Woke up after four hours. Felt rested.
Have to find things to do until dawn.
Think I'll take out the trash and read.

Have an appointment for coffee with Ray.
But first I'll spend some time waiting on Brittany.
We'll see if her attention-getting has any validity.
My toes, manicured, are ready for anything.

What's 'er name?

I waited. She didn't show. Maybe tomorrow.

Learned

 

Looked into a book on ethics a while ago pertaining to Jewish ethics generally and the Decalogue specifically. (I don't remember the text.) The author observed that the first five commandments related to man's duties toward God; the latter his obligations to his fellows.

Now the thing is, if Hebrew is written from left to right, are the preceding five pictured above on the right side facing? I have to surmise so.

Funny to recall how to describe damage and such to objects --  LSF = left side facing.

Anyway, I have refreshed myself of said Decalogue such that for me and my house, we will serve The Lord and truly keep His commandments. Presently at coffee, looking for the young lady who caught my attention last week, I am firm in this regard.

I'd made a mistake. I confused beaux with belle; have to let her know somehow. Is an object beaux and a person belle? I don't know and no one to ask conveniently. (Good thing there are a lot of Bible scholars in the vicinity.) The parchment above is most beautiful. 

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

                                                                                                1 Timothy 1:12-17

Of Saints

She's not here.

When you're looking for someone to "be there" and she's not and you miss her... what is that? Perhaps she'll be in later. When you can't ask someone else whether that's the case or not... what is that? When you are moved to write about it... what is that?

Love?

Paranoia?
Fantasy?

Well, should she arrive:"How are you this morning?"
Je suis très mauvais. Je suis sorti de mon alimentation.
"Huh?"
I should definitely take it easy with her.

So I wait patiently to see her come.
Should she arrive, I'll be happy.
Meanwhile, the place is full of queers.
The manager must be an adherent.

Metaphysics

I'd noticed that Justine the bartender has classic features... e.g., a Roman nose.
Told her this and inquired as to whether she was Greek or Italian.
Well, she said she was Chaldean. It took a moment to register. "Mesopotamia!"
She was impressed. We got along famously. She's got several rings on her fingers.

Sustained

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14 and thanks be to God from Whom all blessings flow.
Yes, I feel reinforced and sustained by this scripture. Hallelujah.
So much to do; so much to live up to; so much to reinforce myself.

His Grace Composes

Last evening was a special time after a long day. I'm working until midnight covering for a colleague who's taken the holiday off. Memorial Day. Did my best earlier to make it a noteworthy occasion. The Facebook routine allows for some, how shall I say, multi-media expression.

Through text, photos and music I related some of my life... losing Kenny in 1968 to the wonderful summer of open heart surgery in 1974.

Concurrent to Richard Nixon's impeachment, I was working at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. At the time, I concurred with Peter Rodino and the committee. But one of the heart surgeons had a different take; "The king must die."

I figure Nixon's in paradise now, after saving then sparing the Republic. It's problematic as to whether or not the Kennedy boys are. Suffice it to say my attitude has changed.

Nixon was a poker player. From what I gather, he cleaned up in Bora Bora while in the Navy. Set himself up nicely after the war. Of course, John Kennedy was asleep at the wheel when the Jap destroyer T-boned the PT boat. Well, that's how I see it today. Should I "stand correction," I'd be the first to make amends. In the meantime, the Big Lie persists courtesy of the ditzes in the MSM.

Anyway, getting over all that, after having been a Kennedy adherent, I do my shift.

Was lucky today! I found a Moncrief translation of Volume I of Remembrance of Things Past along with a collection of John Milton at a bookstore on the east side. Had an interesting "conversation" with the owner. Both will be re-reads after thirty years.

"I once had an English teacher who said that Satan was the hero of Paradise Lost. Later, I met a Navy chaplain to whom I said, 'I thought Satan was vanquished by Christ on Calvary.' He shook his head indicating the negative." The owner was unresponsive. Most people in Phoenix are.

Even so, so glad I picked up these books. I've got a bunch to read over the summer. Not to mention all the Bible study coming up. I hope my mind holds up. I really do.

Avoid Contention

Much looking forward to Bible study tomorrow.
Hope everyone's OK and ready to participate.
One fellow looked quite angry with me last week.
I trust he'll have gotten over it; we should talk.

Sleep tight?

I don't believe it! Layed down for a good night's rest and woke up three hours later.
Had put everything out of my mind. Had some wings. Totally relaxed. Carrumba!
Took this earlier today on Camelback. The Luke dealership. The balloon is up.
Went to the Denny's on Bethany. To Wal-Mart next. Need socks and ear buds.

Land ho!

 

The blasters are going off all around. Not much else going on.
Her name is Brittany and I've got to remember fast. Took a while.
Bretagne est très belle! Est-elle ma femme? Comment procéder?
Have to approach the bar and let her know I've got the goods.
On them. Them's gonna git it good. Right up the proverbial wazoo.

Best of Bad Situation

 

Had a big plate of spaghetti for dinner at five and was asleep on it by six-thirty. When I layed down, I thought I'd sleep for some duration but woke up at nine-thirty. Wide awake; what to do? There were several options but I felt I had to get moving, get out, and eventually get online.

Decided to go to the neighborhood "Irish" pub to finish digesting and watch the sports highlights. (I had originally intended to go see the Heat/Pacers game after work.) They've got half-pitchers of pop for two bucks. Three gets you two with the refill. (Such a deal.) I got the bartender to switch the TV to Sports Center and "hung out" a while waiting on events and hoping for some human interaction. Not much going on and not much in the way of society.

I then decided to write up this blog entry. I took the picture above and thought of the obligation not to drink, which is easy for me. As I was writing the bartender approached. "You took a picture of the bar?" I nodded my head... I thought I was in trouble, as if I couldn't without permission or something. "Just one of the drafts." I replied. "I keep a blog; you know, what are you up to?" She said something I've forgotten, but was amiable otherwise - I was not in trouble. She's waited on me several times before and I told her I didn't drink because not only was I an ancillary medical person but also a Baptist. I laughed as I said, "I'm not an alcoholic." as if in denial or something. She was most gracious and took it in stride. I told her I liked to watch sports with a crowd and was just stopping into a neighborhood place toward that purpose. She said that, yeah, playoff time is a busy one; she takes it in stride.

On the way out I thanked her and asked her name. Justine. Well, now.

Thinking presently about the church covenant; I should get a copy. It was mounted on the wall of the sanctuary but has disappeared. No booze! Like I said, that's easy. But mixing with winebibbers another thing entirely! Tactical witnessing is called for. Another employee, a sort of major domo who serves as a bar back cum bouncer, is an old friend from Red Hook, Brooklyn and a Marine. He was very ill last year and I placed him on the prayer list at church without his knowing it. Bowel cancer. He had surgery. Last week he told me he got an excellent report from the VA and is cancer free. Tonight I told him we were praying for him. He was moved.

 

My, my... we shall see him tomorrow for the Rangers in Boston. Can't wait.  

Busy Work

Whiling away again, waiting on the clock to move on, do a workout; go to work.
Well, working a bit here. Blogger changed the formatting since I last used it.
I just discovered how to enlarge the photos on the page. The question...
shall I go back and adjust all the recently posted pictures? Think I will.

Mystified

So funny. Went to Heard Museum to take some shots in the courtyard.
Some good ones posted to Facebook. (Beryl will like them, I'll bet.)
This one here I figured had some mystical significance, like a Kokopelli.
I'd no idea what it was... looks like a hippopotamus to me, of a sort.

At coffee, a Navaho woman sat across. I approached and asked her what it was.
"It's just a bear." I was terribly amused. Making something of nothing, as Iris put it.
In passing, I asked her again whether it had any meaning beyond the mundane.
"In Navajo culture the bear is a protector." That made my day, thanks be to God.

Fields of Glory

It was a surprise to see that a coffee place I once went to had changed hands.
Was asked to leave the previous proprietorship after calling a barista a whore.
She flirted with a customer, the customer in front of me, as I waited on service.
When I sat down and she commenced to flirt with others alongside, I said that.

So I'm glad that there are different owners so I can go back comfortably.
Centrally located, a see and be seen sort of a place, I'll mingle a bit.
Should be interesting as to whether I run into any old acquaintances.
And a formidable witnessing venue it will be, I'm sure. "Vaya con Dios."

Do Over!

Am back falling asleep soon after finishing work.
Was up just past midnight and over to Denny's.
Decided upon getting some night shots; headed for Trinity.
Cathedral, that is. Nice ride down Central, Undistracted.

Have got to read Romeo and Juliet again. Directly.
Promised someone I'd get the Friar Lawrence role down.
Suppose I can download it presently - like right away.
Problematic getting involved. She deserves a break.

First Shot

I'd put my camera in the glove box of my truck yesterday.
(Stowed it there, not on the bench, with a security interest in mind.)
Don't you know that, when the box cinched closed, it got crushed.
This morning, going to use it, discovered the LCD screen had cracked.

So I decided to splurge and get a decent automatic camera.
It's a Nikon 20 mp unit. Yet to explore the features and ability.
I prayed over it... hesitant to spend the money, but I need it.
Above is the first picture I've made with it. No problems.

 

Blooming

A very busy Saturday just wrapped up.
There was a meeting of men at church for breakfast.
I got my truck serviced and had lunch with a friend.
And a wedding in the afternoon of a couple at Love Baptist.

Then I ate and took a nap. I had thought I'd go to the pub to see the Knicks but decided not to. I was tired. I was not all that interested. The Knicks are not favored and indeed they lost. All there would have been was to while away the time with a few friends. The nap was a better use of the time on the one had, but on the other, my sleep schedule is out of whack again. I shall have to read or watch some movies until church at 8 in the morning; just past midnight now. God knows I should do some housekeeping!

Got to visit with the pastor at the meeting and the wedding reception. Somehow I've got to get word to him that a long time ago God told me to  minister to ministers - I've got some astounding experiences of having done that. I will keep on doing it, by the grace of God and the love of Christ Jesus. Oh, I did manage to tell him the yarmulke story at the men's meeting. Where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is liberty.

Relaxation

The pastor preached on honoring one's mother and father.
Coincidental to being with Papa in spirit watching hockey.
The Rangers lost and I remembered my mother saying,
"Live in hope; die in despair." Somewhat obtuse. Annoying.

Presently at Denny's going through the online routine.
My mother was a great cook and an excellent homemaker.
I miss her too. It was tough listening to the pastor.
No children of my own, so parenting not an issue with me.

But dealing with "young people" can be annoying too.
Mostly under these service circumstances.
Most are very cooperative and hard working.
Some think themselves superior to the customer!

Old story: some want to compete rather than make friends.
Fortunately, this local Denny's has some friendly folks.
I'm comfortable here and they're very kind. Sweet.
I've no Internet service at home, and am dependent.

Zounds!

At one coffee place, the waiter told me about Bev Doolittle.
That's her piece above. Sioux and Comanche toward Custer.
Well, that's what we figure and all. Make the paint, we gather.
At any rate, pretty good "action figures" for the boys, you see.

So I move to another place for the breakfast rush.
They're getting swamped and holding they're own OK.
When, all of a sudden, from out of nowhere... sitting alongside the service area, in front of the counter, up against the window as an R.C. guy (collared) approached across the room. He was laying hands on a girl he was with as they placed their order. Then another girl cozied up. As they waited for their "beverages" they chortled and flirted with each other. It was pathetic, you see.

As they got the outrageously marked up drinks and wandered away, I said to myself, "He's pimpin' the ladies." Then, turning... "No - womans."

 

Had my camera but no shot; 4th Amendment, you see.

Swish

                                                                                                                                   (c) Barton Silverman/NY Times


Meanwhile, back at the Knicks/Pacers...
Mello takes them on; we just can't keep up!

Into the Chill

Went to a local pub to watch Rangers/Bruins in playoff game.
Rangers lost and I was getting very bored. Nature of circumstance.
A couple of longtime acquaintances there; nothing new.
Had they won I wouldn't have considered it a waste of time.

To Win

HA!

What would Lord Acton say?

WHAT A PUTZ.

                                                           

                                                        (c) Doug Mills/The New York Times

His Grace Not Interested

How do I tell the pastor of my dilemma?
Had to refrain from killing a few people.

Wait on The Lord

So it looks like someone's the one. She's in a relationship though. A pickle.
She utterly beautiful. Devastating so. I see her healing me pronto. Easy.
Do I bide my time? Do I intercede? Shall I make a move? All of it?
I've got a plan; her friend can supply me with some information. Easy.

Any Day Now

Places in the past; captive of them.
People in the past; captive to them.
Incidents in the past; captive through them.

Release me, oh Lord, from these banes.

Killing Time Squared

Presently at coffee place waiting on Facebook activity.

It's very loud in here. So loud I can hear the crowd and the music through my earphones. There's a fellow wearing a pistol sitting at the table next to me who's very loud indeed. So like I'm going to ask him to keep it down? Ha!

Also waiting to see if anyone I know stops in.

So very lonely, sorry to say. Good thing work soon. 

Killing Time

Waiting on a Bible study.
Hebrews 8; read it already.
Have already forgotten it!

Lord, have mercy on my mind.

Sleep On It

Dealt with Satan at a Starbuck's yesterday; much distraction.
Not much else to do... whiling away... Facebook connections.
Well, an evil woman, to say the least - simply distracting.
Thinking of someone much different. Beautiful. Saved.

Deadly Serious

Didn't ask permission from Howard for this shot.
There's a photo of Starbuck's #1 in Seattle here.
Would like to take a picture of the picture...
have to go through hoops, for Christ's sake.

Vain? Perhaps need some assertiveness training.

Tight Shot

Do not fail, I said to myself, to give God the glory.
Never been on a motorcycle in my life!

Neat swoosh above; belongs to Navaho friendly.
We kibitzed at Starbucks for some time. Way cool.

Arizonan Standoff

I set up a battle between these two faux critters. For the shot.
(Surely the tortoise would be withdrawn in the confrontation.)

Wise as serpents, harmless as doves... so we believe.
Yet how withdrawn we Christians are. Unfortunately.

As A Whistle

My Nurse Practitioner wasn't too happy with my blood pressure today.
Here's the sink at her office. The lock was broken. I had to take a dump.
So funny... I told her and she had an assistant look at it... "Not broken."
Well, the lock didn't latch and the door was out of plumb. Dysfunctional!

Close Enough

A fellow was playing next door to Bitzie Mama's in Glendale.
My best attempt at copy-catting the French Horn piece.
The one with the Mercury dimes on the valve buttons.
Will find it and post it later. Right now tied up otherwise.

Cream and Raw Sugar

Coffee place on Bethany Home.
Have to be careful... kidneys are ill.
A gallon of water a day, I've been told.
Think I'll visit Irene tomorrow. She'll love it.

This Too Shall Pass

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

      Galatians 5:22-24

The pastor at Love Baptist preached on this this morning.
I've not overcome completely. I'm very tired though. Weary.

Please God I find the means to see it all through.
Yes; it was some powerful preaching. Yet subtle.

Forward, please...

I've been up since 7pm last night.
Tried to sleep, but couldn't.
Long day ahead; chance for a nap later.
For now, girding myself for church.

Historical Perspective

I've another, previous blog here.

Let's consider this a continuance.

Digesting

Well, been an awful long time between posts!

Fell asleep this afternoon on a full belly.
Took in an all-you-can-eat Chinese lunch.

Thought I'd check in here and report.

                                                 I'm just fine, thank you.

Much looking forward to church. Bible study, worship service... singing in the choir.
It's all good and I feel blessed to be there.