Winter Wonderland

Most frigid up north. Blooming occuring here. This from church. They've quite a few rose bushes. Glad to go this morning. Getting along fine with the folks.

Set a spell... we'll talk. God will provide.

Solitary Life

But a good one! Just picked up Jewish rye bread and liverwurst. Going home. Relax.
Church tomorrow. Still waiting on cultivating friends there. Very insular people here.

Philistines!

Now this is an exquisite picture. We'll see how it goes down with the friendly folks on Facebook. (Oh, please, please like it... like me... affirm me... support me... validate me... give me une raison d'être... please! 

There's an idea - could spend the afternoon reading the Oxford Dictionary. When I was a kid, I used to spend hours reading a 1940s publication of the Lincoln Encyclopedia, something like Collier's, not so detailed as Britannica, which I read at the library. It was a hand-me-down from a neighbor, Mrs. Sternberg. I would do these sort of things. Read Information Please Almanac from cover to cover. Same sort of existential dynamic as at present (reading about things and history no one ever talks about in real time) where it was isolated but most edifying. But, yeah, when there's no affirmation, well, self-esteem gets double-bound; you're wasting your time - useless information.

Some recent time ago, I had cause to secure my high school transcript. I don't recall taking IQ tests specifically, but do remember taking them. It was noted therupon. I never knew, they never told me. I've a 140 IQ. That's pretty high. Imagine being such and not being in any society where it's affirmed. Quite a drag? Understatement. Psychiatrists have related to me this is problematic insofar as an active mind goes where there is no one to communicate with nor thrive. I spend my life listening to other people bore me stiff. But I'm 'nice' about it.

Wazzup?

I'm sitting most comfortably in my easy chair sipping a fine cup of coffee wondering why should I go out and have one with strangers. It used to be inviting, going to a coffee house, chat with the regulars, run into acquaintences. No more. Funny to recall seeing artwork, usually pedestrian student pieces (FOR SALE LOL) on the wall. I like the above... what could I get for it?

But I know it's just graphic manipulation and I like it more giving it over to old friends on Facebook. Some of them go back to high school and quite a few are older and don't get around much. They appreciate the content. 

I will be getting up and out shortly. The laundry's done. I have clean clothes but only a nominal interest in local goings on. Just get a walk in somewhere and a few shots to keep me occupied. 

Ah... just thought of soccer players in local park.
Sounds like a plan. Action shots. Yeah.


Follow up: no play in the parks! Just drove by two of them... almost vacant! That is if one can call the boring lots parks. This town has no soul.

Howdy, Folks!

Took a ride north up Cave Creek Road and went to the Veterans' Cemetary where my parents repose. Naturally, I took some shots. They'd love them. Have been watching the landscaping thrive... somewhat. They're developing turf adjacent for more columbariums but doesn't look too disruptive. 

Give It Up

Sheridan's memoirs have gotten very interesting. He's pictured here at Appomattox in the center, the first fellow in a blue suit. He was part of the calvary envelopment which trapped Lee in central Virginia, capturing his expected supplies, his army starving. Meade came up from Petersburg and that was it. General Grant is at the desk and he looks better than he's been reputed to be in written reports. Lee turned out in fresh bespoke uniform, Grant said to be wearing GI that spoke of his humility.

I'm aware of Sheridan's postbellum career as an 'Indian fighter' but between then and the surrender he was much involved in Reconstruction where the U.S. Army was effectively the only law enforcement agency with regard to the pertinent acts of Congress and the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution which unreconstructed rebels were loathe to comply with. He commanded the Texas and Louisiana District of the southern states departmentalized for that purpose. Former belligerents were compelled to take an oath upholding the Constitution and all the former Confederate states were directed to write new state constitutions reflecting the new status quo; until they effected their reconstructed local governments, their office holders, if not previously at arms, were provisional - the Army imposed until 1876.

Sheridan's effort's much motivated with concern and support for newly Freedman and he removed many a recalcitrant trouble-maker. Another story of how these people, like Bedford Forrest, became Night Riders engendering Ku Klux Klan, the 'Lost Cause' narrative subsequent that these terrorists saved the South from African-American participation in governance. Blacks were a majority in many jurisdictions, Louisiana being one of them.

And how long that irascible trouble went on! I''ve vivid memories of reading the newspapers upon the disappearance of the Freedom Riders; NY press really played up what was later portrayed in "Mississippi Burning". I even remember their names: Cheney, Goodman and Schwerner. Perfect recall too of escorting  African-American students into University of Alabama. 1963. It was broadcast live... the Standoff at the Schoolhouse Door.

 Plate: History.com    

In My Moccasins?

Smokin' deal. Got semi-obsessed after looking at some moccasins at WalMart. Something comfy. Used to wear the Crocs - very much so, but they gave me a callose, for the rubber friction I guess. They tend to expand, especially in the heat, and there's more rubbing in the footplay. Sandals preferred to sneakers; toenails lookin' good. But need a change.

I suppose, after the Christmas shopping, inventory is depleted. Nothing my size. So I go online - same story. Commence the search... inventories depleted everywhere! Finally find these at Kohl's. $15 - which was complementary to the one's I saw a WalMart which got me going in the first place. Then 20% off for initial online order. Deal!

Ordered them last night and put them on this afternoon. Some anxiety (for all the logistics having to drive crosstown) about sizing; you know how that goes. Would they be wide enough, inexpensive shoes not specified wide are usually quite narrow. Fit pretty good. Not exactly trekkin' shoes but I'm not going far.

In passing, saw this caduceus pin. Relatively pricey compared to utility.
I am newly covered from tip to toe; like, way together. Open an airway!

Buoyant Mood

Couldn't have had a more peaceful and quiet day. Got all shots done from yesterday.
After posting to Facebook for some dear friends, felt just sick of the rest of it.
Sick and tired of people copying and pasting with no discussion nor interest in
anything beyond a thrill in clicking enter. Need to expand friendships next year.

Heading to the water myself. Feel cold. Can't wait to hop into the hot tub.
Let's see... weekend's coming up. Feel like some music somewhere. Something...
different. Got notice of an Irish gig in Cave Creek. We'll see. Maybe the Nash.
Need to get out. Absolutely no plans for New Year's beyond staying out of traffic. 

New One On Me

Worked out graphical issues. Not bad.
App only works on Android; PEG file.
Needs to go to JPG otherwise. Sheesh.
Need find shortcuts. Decorative piece.

I suppose I'm within autistic spectrum. 
Really 'get into' process from composition
to specifications to adjustment to finish.
Time flies as all else zoned out. Determined.

Clamp

Well, here you be, old coot. Off your arse!

I did get out and ambulated in Cortez Park, the Arbor Project underweigh. Mean to turn out pictures of them there trees there after going through all the cybernautic hoops. Saw several cormorants and a blue heron too. Talk about exciting!

Had a thought about being provided with experiences to blog about, but, consider this: one does so at great peril. Relate information about your job, your colleagues or your customers and you just might find yourself without said employment. Even as a free agent, I am cognizent of the privacy and litigious issues. If I make mention of anyone, I realize the risk. There might be a dilemma insofar as perhaps working out a bad experience hereby, a talking cure, if you will, but it's on the cusp of 'get over it' and jousting with windmills.

Oh, I've had plenty of experiences to yammer about but it's an ethical issue too. Not so much in my present circumstance as in previous ones. Upon the HIPPA spectrum.

Received the troll from a patient's wife for Christmas some 25 years ago. Alzheimer's. His name was John... forget hers but she was from Texas. Wore her bonde hair in a French twist and was she glad to see me three times a week. She cared for him at home but personal care was an issue as he'd get belligerant. He was showered, shaved and ambulated round the block. We did chair exercizes and Simon Sez. He never knew me.

From 1973 to 1976 I worked in surgery and hospital central supply. Took care of the instruments and supply logistics - suture, sterile dressings and linen, those sort of things. When not busy, got to watch. Learned a lot and many surgeons are natural teachers. 

Odd to consider Universal Precautions. I was universally exposed! Unless they knew there was a microbiologic pathology; we called it a dirty case - that called for the heightened vigilance routine today. When the instrument pan inclusive of instumentation particular to the procedure was done with, it came to me for cleaning.

The scrub nurses would rinse them in a bowl and brush most of the gristle off. I'd arrange them for fine cleaning with an antiseptic detergent in a sonic washer. The microbubbles generated by the vibrations scoured the stainless steel, especially the hinges of the scissors and forceps. 

Cleaned. I wore latex gloves and scrubs but would still get splattered. Then I reset the pan such that the procedural set was complete and in order. Then they'd be autoclaved for next day's schedule. Anyway, much paraphernalia cleaned one way or another before being packaged for steam or gas sterization.

A hoot to recall working with the electronic techs at that time as the very expensive leads and probes measuring vascular flow were not disposible. They were usually good enough to clean them themselves before giving them over for packaging and gas sterilization. They called the tangle of wire after an open heart procedure 'spaghetti'. Yeah, I've been plenty immunized.

Git!

'Trying' to get motivated to get out of mine easy chair and seize the bleeding day. Somewhat stumped as to what to do.

I thought I might go over to Biltmore Fashion Square, establish myself on a bench and take photos of women coming out of Saks. Naaa.

I'm so beyond rocks! I'll think of something.

Saw the story about the Jackson Magnolia removal yesterday. The trunk has been split for years and it's buttressed by cables attached to a pole driven into the ground adjacent. Every time Marine One takes off, there's fear it will fall over. OK. We understand. This morning, something pops up... it's Melania!!! She's the villain(ness) here. This is her doing. This is terrible.

I've got it! As much as I'd like to meet a fashion plate at the Biltmore whose honor and virtue I'd defend to the death, I shall shoot some trees!

.

Airing Out

Did go for a walk under Piestewa. Still feeling this application out.
It seems keen for florals but don't know about the rocky landscapes.

This looks good. Difficult working with adjustments. Only works on Android,
so can't do these on laptop using cursor pad. All on phone with stylus.

Looking up at peak from trailhead. No, I didn't climb. Problematic.
Complicated; PEG format needs to convert to JPG for laptop tweak.

It's got Van Gogh waviness to it. Would be nice to do large print, however -
multo-pixelated original processing reduces by half. Resolution issue hence.

Connecting the Dupes

Oh, my... you go, girl.

How ridiculous all this has been. All of them currying favor from the Clintons, seemingly angling for choice pickin's in Her Griftness' inevitable administration. What kills is the grifters have been getting away with this sort of appalling networking for more than a generation.

Going back to 1992, I recall hearing that, after making a donation to Goodwill, the Clintons took a deduction for their UNDERWEAR. For years they've been attending to their precious careers kissing up and, here, being kissed up to. "How we admire you." Nauseating. 

Cold Out There

The internet was supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. After waking up this morning, yes, indeed, I go online. What's happening? 

The Donald is playing golf when he shouldn't be because he said he's going back to work but he's playing golf!  A nekid woman attempts to rip off the baby Jesus! Things are still crazy for the most part in Locostan yet church-goers in Mosul were very happy. The Caliphate has fallen!!!

A woman tasks her son to shoplift, then abandons him when he's caught. Lovely mug shot. Christmas is over. Otherwise, plenty of cleavage. 

Such is life? Well, I did pay my electric bill. 

I'm looking forward to taking a ride,  taking a few shots and continue fiddling with my painterly apps. I may or I may not encounter another human being with whom I might have a conversation. Sorry to say that is unlikely. The biggest decision I need to make today is whether or not I will wear long or short pants. Believe I'll go with long ones.

Seat of War

That's the archaic term used to describe the scene of bellicose activity. Such it was for the Shenandoah Valley in western Virginia as it was also the locus of agricultural fecundity supplying Confederate armies with foodstuffs and fodder. It was more or less held by them until General Sheridan was dispatched by General Grant to clear them out in late summer of 1864.

Appreciating Sheridan's memoirs. Very astute and diiligent officer. His combat experience and success in the Cumberland campaigns driving the Confederates out of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee brought him to Lincoln's attention. Vouched for by Grant, who now commanded as General-in Chief preparing the Army of the Potomac for a Spring offensive into eastern Virginia for the purposes of defeating Lee and capturing Richmond, assigned Sheridan command of his calvary divisions. He again performed superlitively in the Wilderness Campaign.

Stalemated by Lee's maneuvers and threatened by a flank movement through the Shenandoah by General Early, the Union command sent Sheridan to confront him and, essentially, despoil the area such that it could no longer victual the rebels.

Such a beautiful place, this seat of war. If I had a 'bucket list' this would be on it. Situated between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies, it's repute, as mentioned, is legendary. I imagine it's 'built up' some since then.

I've seen the lovely rolling country of Virginia southwest of Washington. Had an uncle who worked at the Pentagon and lived in Fairfax County. Visited in early '60s. Hard to imagine it the scene of carnage.

Plate: William L. Sonntag

Betwixt

I'm just after looking through a series of photographs published by the NY Times of images portraying the last year. 80% of them drew politicized captioning. Suffering humanity... except where some agitation against the Donald presented. It's all very tiresome.

I swiped one here. Cropped; will I get caught? The entrance to the Holy of Holies - the Supreme (THAT MEANS THE MOST VERY HIGH AND MIGHTY.) Court of the United States of America - THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. There is a reason.

I read that the pope said the birth of Christ was sort of a political event too. His parents were like refugees, the imputation being you're responsible for the human replicants being mindlessly spawned by rampant sex in Africa then cravenly lured to Europe by images on the Internet. Or that the turmoil created by idiots seeking to reestablish the Caliphate along with a Muslim American politician I sure didn't vote for interfering in Syria is my problem too. Go away, pope.

OK. So much for the  Church. Now for the State. The Holy Family went to Bethlehem because the government mandated it. We're supposed to be overawed by it. Here, a temple of coercion; massive and solid. Leave us alone.

It's the columns that seem so. (Cropped the people below on the steps out.) I think to use the blog like the columnists do, making commentary... but how vain is that?!! Really, I just like to write and I wish I had more experiences to write about. Apolitically.

Life, liberty and some little happiness.
Certainly have no counsel on retainer.

Christmas Morn

Tooling along with new editing application.
Feel like kid with toy. Seriously; looks good.

An old cactus patch in front yard. Very...
must be near thirty years old by now.

The best thing to do with old can!
And best to use silk flowers, eh?

Keeping Occupied

Getting the hang of the app downloaded the other day. Does nice florals but what I love is the background. Have to get out into the terrain to see how it does there. Hopefully early next week.

Just sent off Christmas greeting to the siblingers. Haven't heard from them, of course. Truth to tell - I've lived in Phoenix near them since 1981. Not one telephone call nor e-mail; how're you doing, etc? Ever. How cold does it get? LOL They hate me for some reason and I suspect it's jealousy of some sort. They're too cowardly to tell me what their problem is. I still pray for them that they come to know The Lord and be saved. They really are strange people. 

Guess I shouldn't say that but it is very strange. No communication. My father used to say "He's not my son." in the double binding and I suppose they took their cue from that. Brutal situation. Best to keep my distance. It's an unfortunate situation but, from what I gather of family relations, commonplace. All sorts of judgemental crankiness.  

Christmas Cheer

A very Merry Christmas to my phantom readers. I was a choir boy. Loved this...

Some time ago, I befriended a Pakistani pastor on Facebook. Over the years I sent him some little funds towards his ministry. Some of it went to a nice Christmas party for the kids last week. Wish I could help more. Imagine... the Gospel preached in the Punjab! Brave people.

Well, St. Nick was a Greek and Galatians 3:28 goes to all cultures; definitely. This is my Christmas gift, to see all the photos sent! Warms the cockles of mine heart. Wonderful.

Cheers indeed. Heavenly Father, be with them all as Your will is done. Amen.

Try It

Have downloaded another arsty app.
Just sitting in the tub figuring it out.
Not so hot. The image, I mean. 
I'm quite limber. Yes, feeling no pain.

What if?

There was a sparrow flitting in the bush but I wasn't fast enough. Settled for the fleur-de-lis plus. Was thinking... about the kids... how lucky they are with regard to computing. 

I recall doing math with a slide rule, before calculators! One had to use your imagination transposing numeric statements to graphical images. Imaginary images like conic sections in the Calculus. Now, the screen instantly displays. Same goes for literature; just pull the books up. You don't have to go to the library to use the encyclopedia!

But most of all, if you had a girlfriend, you could send her flowers every day. Unless it's an intrusion, of course. And mention how blue the sky.

We're number 5, we're number 5...

Saw yesterday that Phoenix is 5th largest city in U.S. 

Didn't we see this before? We're jockeying with Philly.

So the story goes on... is Phoenix really a city?

Lightweight stuff from the Republic. Am I really here?

I suppose it can be considered a very modern city, with few civic attachments, if you will. What's coming is even more detachment from environs, I reckon, as virtual interaction becomes virtually normal. The kids are very much imprinted this way, much being made of how their family relations suffer for their engagement with 'friends' and strangers online. Yes, a very different state of affairs from old paradigm of being part of some group in all the subsets of the set of where it's at.

I mean, it's the same anywhere... here, Philly, NYC, Paris, Ho Chi Minh City...
get your money out, keep moving, don't provoke the powers that be. That's it.
If you've got a porch or a patio you can sit on and watch the birds, you're lucky.
Pulled the photo up from file. Making gifts for family. We'll see how it goes. Here.

All I Want

For Christmas? Peace. Good will. A truce. Made a post on Facebook about the Incarnation. Somewhat snarky, somewhat preachy. Sectarian matter. Bible believing versus 'my take' on things. I thought it rather good. Thank You, Lord, for the favor.

Couldn't help but recall minor disputations with the good sisters. LOL

Further thought led me to ponder the matter of a 'personal' relationship with Jesus Christ. One hears this often from the pietists and I agree with such an endeavor. But it sounds so formulaic. The relationship is inherently, intrinsically personal. Then shared - if you're prompted to do so. Like Moses, God will put the words in your mouth; I believe He helped me with the words of the post.

Thus some little disappointment there were no 'likes' for the sharing. No "Amens!" from the church people neither. I thought... what is the nature of the relationship? The apostles called Jesus Rabbi. Teacher. Yes. To subscribe and adhere to His words. Beyond assured salvation, a disciple. That's the relation. Nobody likes it!!? Well, maybe too personal, eh?

Where can one start but from The Beatitudes and feel blessed. Poor in spirit? Alone at Christmas? No problem... in His Kingdom, not of this world. I shall not want.

Rally

Having done with the French Revolt, I'm riding with Little Phil Sheridan upon another.
His early career, prior to the civil hostilities, had him all about Oregon and Washington.
Some familiar places, many not... such an expanse, especially east of the Cascades.
I'm settled in for holidays' duration, no society foreseen. I'll be fine with my buddies.

Tree's Up

Funny. I set this up the other day. Yes, that's my Christmas tree. And that's my Benedictine. Very tasty stuff. Unlike the smoking habit, I've no craving for alcohol. It was an issue when I was visiting Francesca... had to have a drink occasionally to help her feel OK about having to serve it up to alcoholics. That'd be depressing for me, to know I was enabling. "What's your poison and all that." She couldn't have known I'd taken a pledge at church not to imbibe. Another failure? 

Anyway, after taking the shot, I poured the brandy back into the bottle. LOL Not at this time, thank you. But I did have some yesterday. As I wait to go to Bible study this evening, I mean to ask what their position is on this matter. Some people are adamant abstainers. I like occasionally. On occasions. John the Baptist was a Nazarene - strict abstinence. Maybe that's where the demand comes from. Most of the issue turns on drunkenness, not a taste every now and again. I think, more practically, the prohibitive attitude derives from a time when men were drunk all the time. And having to go fetch your husband from the saloon. Not to mention the debilitating effect it has on behavior, especially the loss of any threshold between impulse and action with regard to violence. Mean drunks beside the point.

Miss my Dad, who exhibited such behaviors.
Come Christmas Eve, we'd have a Scotch together.

Failure

The dusky horizon has transmuted for the clouds. Layers of lavender, puce and red. Take my word for it as my viewpoint presently obscured by the installations on the modern grid. I had thought to take a ride earlier to an observation post looking westward but, well, there are sunsets every day, are there not?

I failed in my quit smoking regime. I am habituated to having one with coffee just out of bed, then surfing the net. I had thought I'd smoked the last one in a pack but I found another, unopened. I opened and zoned all the negatory out.

I habitually blame matters like this on being alone. As if... if I had someone to do it for, zoning out all the damage I do to myself. Always alone. I imagine that if there were lips to kiss that would not be unless - the old joke, like kissing an ashtray. 

Azure

All there is to say is blue. Superb. The sky crystal clear. Nothing more to say.

The vehicle cranks up. Another day. Have I mentioned how blue the sky is?

I would there were other people to see with. It's just so blue. 

Just There

How lovely, I think. Along the way of a bit of a trek. A very short one. Need to address this.

A very good day. It's phenomenal how much one's dispostion and mood change with the cooler weather. Not quite as irritable. Taking each day as it comes. 

I should be walking more. I have been eating more carbs and sweets as I don't go out of the evenings any more. Bad habit... cookies and reading. Another one, of course - smoking.

I've decided I've had my last cigarette. Cold turkey. I make the declaration as I somehow must be made to be kept honest. Will I keep my commitment? Please God I do.

Hence expect better wind and cardio function.  Take a little while. I'll keep you posted. 

Sincerity

Another thing; Paul says to pray constantly. I don't pray much. When I'm in a jam, yeah. For what and for whom problematic. I should do so more often. I do trust in Him.

Have a devotional app too. Amen.

The bud's from church. I need them.

Wot's Hoppenin'

Finally got all the apps on the phone re-installed.
Some new ones too. A police scanner. LOL
Once had a bedbound patient... listened in constantly.
And, yes, I remember Pottsy too. Interesting.

Romans, cont'd

It was a coincidence. The pastor was preaching on how grace overwhelms condemnation. About human failing. He said that he had a problem with legislating morality. We already know that God made the perfect law and it was broken, continually. Thus grace. On the way out after the service, I mentioned to him, "The more perfect the law, the more creative the criminal." He cited a verse from Romans, this one, I believe... it happened so fast in passing. Have to go back and ask him again. I look forward to more conversations, but his time is limited in the comings and goings.

Proceeding from Chapter 8; "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." We all fall short. Yes. We plead upon the blood of Jesus and will not be disappointed. We are forgiven. Released. Yet, I inventory the many little bondages I am captive of. Physical and mental. Call upon The Lord; we are assured. Live in The Spirit and nothing can separate us from Him. 

Rhetorically, Paul makes his case, citing the Prophets. Again, believe and you won't be disappointed. Then, personal advise: don't presume yourself better for having been saved; be happy and share the goodness...

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. (12:9-12) 

I've done my best to be a good servant but often have those presumptions. Personal issues oftentimes go to reactive behaviors. And how to determine what is evil, I mean the everyday taken for granted things. Is Scotch whiskey evil? Am I being snarky? Is that evil? I downloaded this yesterday and will have a look. I do know the early councils did instruct the disciples to stay out of taverns. Ah... Paul says to behave properly...

Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (13:13-14)

OK. I understand. Yet do not judge. And accept secular authority as ordained by God. He ends with exhortation towards perseverance, encouraging our goodness and having us see that in others without prejudice, accepting one another as we are, human and redeemed, striving in peace toward God. James spoke of drawing near unto God. He will be with you.

Plate: Caravaggio - The Conversion of Saul 

Bridge to Nowhere

Brief walk in park this morning. Nothing to see here - move along. LOL I've taken pictures of just about all worth looking at. There were no significant birds. (Sorry, ducks.) No shots to be had. This one from the other day, nothing much at all. 

Am settled down in coffee place for duration. Get briefed. Get Romans finished. Get some apps loaded onto new phone. A conversation or two depending on who drops in. If the fancy strikes me, I'll write something up for Facebook. 

Am finishing up Carlyle's history of French revolution; a dense read. I did get a better understanding of the conflict between the Girondists and the Jacobins, not to mention the havoc caused by Royalist counter-revolution and the attempted invasion by Brunswick, all of which lead to The Terrors. Carlyle is sympathetic to republicans but appalled at the blood lust. He makes a pathetic portrayal of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette more or less wearing the pants. The final chapters takes us to Napoleon, who, at first, ameliorated the deadly situation before he too became a despot.

Wait a minute. They didn't wear pants. How does one say 'knickers' in French.
Oh, I remember... breeches. Culotte. Elle portait le pantalon; Louis était indécis.

Elle est morte fièrement. Just recalling a sketch of her going to guillotine.
Internet a bridge to the past, to wonder. But, still a sense of nowhere here. Now.

Reminds Me

I've adored this tune since first I heard it in misty past. Late 60s? Very moving.

Of course Coltrane's long gone too. Heroin addiction. So very sad. Moving.

Unfortunate that musical genius is bound (moreso then) to liquor trade too.

Draws a crowd indeed. One could listen alone but it's a communal experience.

After the Rain

Some showers overnight, leaf fall consequently. These on church campus. Blessed services. The evening one Advent concert. Very nice. Always somewhat difficult, the Christmas season, alone. Uplifted nevertheless.

Busy day getting new phone formatted and up to speed. Some problems eventually resolved.  Camera and finishing app working fine. Did not get chance to finish Romans but did submit testimony toward membership. All is well. Pictures look good. Have idea for next post.

Vigil

Sitting, waiting, hoping that there has indeed been a mix-up and that the package was not stolen from my patio, among the things I did was to read Paul's letter to the Romans. I've only ever skimmed through it, especially since it was so significant to the Reformers. The just shall live by faith. 

First off, can I presume that, instead of solely to the congregation of believers in Rome, it was written to me? I don't mean in a delusional sense, but am I worthy to make that presumption? Do I believe as did Paul and the people he wrote to?

(Meanwhile, the UPS truck has arrived. Still complicated. The driver says he was the one who left the delivery note and that he did not leave the package. He then said that, although I was on his route board, the package was not on the truck! Well, a relief to know that and have him affirm it. So I go to call local Customer Service to arrange a will-call for Monday. Again, complications. Waiting on return of supervisor to sort it out.)

Do I believe as they did? I can't say that I do. Paul believed Jesus was the Son of God, indeed that He is God. I do so as well. He believed He was returning. I think the immanence of this prospect has waned through the ages. Paul believed... soon. I don't know. Paul believed God, the Father and the Son, created the world and all in it. I'm subjected to the 'scientific' skepticism of that and don't believe so much as I'd like to know. We take it on faith. And there are scientists who, the beginning undetermined, aver there's something still more we don't know about quantum events, so to speak, where, literally, anything can happen. So, I believe that with God, all things are possible. I believe differently, if you will.

(Got in touch with supervisor. He has the package! I prayed over this. Thank You, Lord. I was feeling sorry for myself, living again in hope. My mother used to say, tongue-in-cheek, "Live in hope, die in despair." Sometimes a despondency grips me. I'm so glad. On the way to pick it up, my mood uplifted, I was almost chipper! Got the phone. It's charging.)

I only got to Chapter 7. The just shall live by faith. Judged for our sins, we are forgiven; all sin against the law and fall short of the glory of God. We are saved through His graciousness nonetheless. I shall have to finish this later after reading the rest and thinking it through. No... I believe. Church tomorrow.

(Took some shots while at the UPS facility. I was very happy. Saw some marigolds.)

Mini-crisis

Oh, have I got the birdbrain blues tonight. The other night I placed my phone on the top of my truck cab as I futzed around with arranging stuff on the bench. Short-term memory issue! Yup... I left the phone there and pulled out of a parking lot. 

Upon arrival at destination a short distance away - no phone. Tracked it to middle of Bethany Home Road nearby. Yup... fell off truck. Found it. Yup... crushed. Always something! Some concern about memory issue but have always been absent-minded.

Fortunately insured. Made a claim yesterday. Set for delivery replacement today. I was assured I didn't need to be there. I get home this afternoon to find a note signifying a UPS delivery attempt. They will try again tomorrow.

I go to the tracking page on their site. It says they delivered! Left by the door. Didn't see anything. So I contact Customer Service. Yup... they reiterate it's delivered. Oh, this is going to be some hair pulling, I tell you. I feel like such a birdbrain. I need to calm down and hope it all works out.