November 29, 2009

SO THERE!!

Filled as it is with hopes, struggles, worries, uncertainty and sometimes sadness and disappointment, raising children can be quite a challenge.  So much so that sometimes we wonder why in the world would anyone want to have a child, much less more than one!

This is why:


Because without children, you don't get grandchildren!!

November 25, 2009

LET'S TALK TURKEY

As Thanksgiving looms, I find myself reflecting on what I am most thankful for this year.

I am, of course, thankful for my loving wife of 40 years, whose constant faith, love and support are what has brought meaning and purpose into my life.  I am also thankful for four beautiful children.  If anyone has "made us proud", they have!  I am especially grateful that my kids have grown into adults that are (mostly) compassionate, loving, and kind, and who have been blessed with equally wonderful spouses/fiancĂ© for whom I am also thankful.  And the grandkids!  We mustn't forget the grandkids!! What a joyful blessing they are!

I am also thankful for my extended family: brother and brothers-in law, sisters and sisters-in-law and all the (grand)nieces and (grand)nephews.

I'm thankful for the quirky sense of humor that is so prevalent in our family.  We are fun to be around, if I do say so myself!

I'm thankful for friends who are more like family, friends like Bob and Helen, Keith and Chris, Mick and Bev (listed alphabetically by male so as not to show preference), and for friends who have made life so interesting and fun, like Big J and Janet, Young Wade, Dr. Bob... the list goes on and on.

I'm thankful for the many "men of God" who have been influential in my life in so many ways: Fr. John Licari (RIP), Fr. Seiler, Fr. John Arnone, Fr. Deo, Fr. Godfrey, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Andrew... again the list goes on and on!

I'm thankful for my faith, for a God who is willing to look beyond my many faults and failings and allow me to serve Him and His Church.  It is to Him that I pray constantly for a return of unity and harmony within our family.  To Him be Honor, Power, and Glory, now and forever!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

November 24, 2009

THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!!

Hey, Gisselle!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

November 19, 2009

VIRUS ALERT

Virus Warning

You have just received the Amish virus. Because we don’t have any computers or programming experience, this virus works on the honor system. Please manually forward this virus to everyone on your mailing list and then delete all the files from your hard drive.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Amish Computer Department


From Coffee Klatch by way of The Happy Catholic.

November 15, 2009

GUITAR HERO

Got this in an email from my brother in OH.  Thanks, Bill, this is hilarious!!

A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his Custom Taylor guitar.

During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: "Good luck with that one, pal."

So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 5.5 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician
and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: "Good luck with that one, pal."

Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.



After the amazing response to his first video, here is his follow-up.

November 12, 2009

I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER*

* (my emphasis in bold, my comments in red)

"What does it mean, really, to be a Catholic? After all, being a Catholic has to mean something, right?

Being a Catholic means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe AND accept the teachings of the Church, especially (but not only) on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially." - Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, RI

November 10, 2009

November 8, 2009

MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT!!!

8 and 0, BABY!!  The Saints are 8 and 0!!  They've got to quit spotting the other team a couple of touchdowns, though.  It's not good for my blood pressure!

It was a really good weekend.  Gave a homily on FAITH at all the masses.  Fr. Deo was the presider at the 8AM Mass.  It's always great to see him!  Looks like he'll be off to Rome in the next few weeks to give his doctoral dissertation.  We wish him success.

 After lunch we were surprised when Ian walked in the door.  He had walked all the way to the Point from his house!  So we drove him back, and had a nice visit with DLG and kids.  BB nailed the riding a two-wheeler while we were there, with G'ma's help.  Got to say "Hi" to MD, Jack and the Dirty Mexican, too!

Next comes two two-day weeks (Wednesday is a holiday).  Life is GOOD (mostly).

November 2, 2009

WEEKEND UPDATE

Today is the Commemoration of All Souls. "
Death is then no cause for mourning, for it is the cause of mankind's salvation. Death is not something to be avoided, for the Son of God did not think it beneath his dignity, nor did he seek to escape it." - St. Ambrose

It turned out to be quite a weekend, with everyone every which way. Friday saw H1/DIL1 arrive from Houston after a 6-hour trip that dragged on into 8 hours due to bad weather. Saturday Linda had a special Mass and breakfast with Catholic Daughters. Fr. Deo was supposed to preside at the Mass, but he is down with the flu (so please pray for his speedy recovery). DLG, DIL1, H2GF and Ian all went to the Garden District Bookstore to meet Charlaine Harris, author of the Southern Vampire (think True Blood, Sookie Stackhouse, (Eric if you must))series and have some books signed. Meanwhile MD, H1 and H2 went to Voodoo Fest. DIL1 and H2GF joined the guys after the book signing was over.

Linda and I attended Mass Saturday evening. Saturday night Linda and DLG took witch BB and vampiress Molly-moo trick-or-treating in the Point. Both girls were just adorable!!

Sunday morning I upgraded Linda's laptop to Windows 7, 'cause I was bored.  Then, before H1/DIL1 hit the road, we all gathered at Fujihana for a sushi lunch.

All in all, a nice weekend, but short. Looking forward to H1/DIL1's next visit!!