Life on the (L)edge

ANOTHER DECEMBER TO REMEMBER - Part Deux*

2012-01-26T12:17:00.000-06:00

*Sorry it's so late.

As has become the family tradition, Christmas dinner was hosted by Major Dad and DLG. MD is an amazing cook, and the menu for the day was equally amazing! In addition to a ham and prime rib, Linda and I added turkey with dressing and gravy. The table was so heavily laden with food that there was barely room for plates and silverware! I think everyone had a wonderful time! It was especially nice that Fr. Deo and Seminarian Mark were able to join us for the dinner. All in all, Christmas was awesome!

Just two days after Christmas we got to celebrate once again! This time it was H2FGFNW's (hereafter referred to as DIL3) birthday. Having already done the cupcake routine twice this month, we opted to go back to the Chantilly Berry Cake from Whole Foods. As always, a delicious hit!

Mid-week MD/DLG and family went to H-town to visit H1/DIL1 for New Years, as is their annual custom. Rumor has it that much fun was had and copious amounts of fireworks were set off! Since Notre Dame Seminary was shut down for the holidays we invited Mark to spend a few days with us, which he did. For New Year's Eve, Linda and I, Mark, H2 and DIL3 strolled up to the levee to watch the New Orleans fireworks. Although overcast, the fireworks show was still quite a display! We all had a great time, and welcomed the New Year with no hangovers (mostly).

As with much of the rest of the country we are having a very mild winter, with temperatures running in the upper seventies, then dropping down to near 30, then back to the 70s again. Great cold/flu weather!! Wishing everyone the happiest and most prosperous New Year!!!

ANOTHER DECEMBER TO REMEMBER - Part One

2012-01-07T15:04:00.000-06:00

Decembers are always a busy time of year for most everyone. I sometimes think that we take it to a whole new level!!

December started off with a Linda's birthday present, a trip to the Covington Christmas Extravaganza (craft fair) on Friday, December 2. It's an annual event for us made special this year because not only did H2FGFNW go, but H2 came along, as well!! It was a beautiful, cool, sunny day and everyone had a good time.

The day after the craft fair Linda and I went to Drago's for her birthday dinner. It was, as usual, pretty awesome! We had charbroiled oysters as an appetizer, then jumbo lobsters for dinner. And to top it off, we were able to park right next to the front door, and were seated immediately, both of which are a rare occurrence on a Saturday night at the Metairie location!! The only slight glitch was the darkness in the dining room. Linda ended up forgetting her jacket, so we had to pass by on Monday to pick it up. That Sunday we tried a little different approach to the traditional birthday cake, an assortment of cupcakes from the Cupcake Factory. Yummm!!!

H1's birthday was the following weekend. We spent that weekend wishing he and DIL1 were back in New Orleans. :-(

The third weekend marked my birthday which we celebrated with dinner at O'Brien's Grill on the Westbank. It is an "a la carte" style steak restaurant that was an amazing dining experience, made more so by Angelle, who booked our reservation for us, then worked that evening as our server. She was great! The food was great! The evening was great! Once again we did the cupcakes with the rest of the family as the birthday cake.

Thursday before Christmas we finally put up our tree. Feeling like a change, this year it was an all angels tree, decorated entirely with angel ornaments. It came out pretty well, I think. I had no idea we had so many angel ornaments!!

More to come!!!

A PRE-CHRISTMAS EVE FUNNY

2011-12-23T08:23:00.000-06:00

Son (to Dad): What is love?

Dad: Don't hurt me.

Son: Don't hurt me?

Dad: No more.

GIVING THANKS

2011-11-25T08:22:00.000-06:00

It is the morning after the day which was Thanksgiving, 2011. I am still awash in the warm and happy memories of the day previous. It was a long day, which began at 5am (actually it began at 3pm on Wednesday when I started baking the potatoes for "twice baked") with Linda preparing the stuffing that would go into the turkey. At 6am I started on the turkey, opening the package, rinsing the bird, filling the empty cavities with stuffing and finally putting it into the oven.

After checking emails and a quick stop at FB, the rest of the morning began with a scrambled egg breakfast, then on to getting the dining room ready for dinner, with occasional stops for to watch a bit of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Preparations included getting out new tablecloths, bringing out the card table for an extension to the dining room table, locating the folding chairs, getting down the fine china and taking out the fancy silverware. And, OH!! Don't forget to put extra bottles of wine in to chill!

With dinner planned for "around 2-ish" we managed to get it wrapped up and on the table before 2:30! The happiness of having almost everyone home for this particular holiday is practically indescribable! We missed having Michael and Hannah with us, but they were in our hearts as we all (Kenny and Gisselle, Dean and Brenda, Patti and Jerrod, Ian, Bridget, and Molly, Linda and me, joined by Fr. Deo and seminarian Mark sat down to enjoy a minor feast of major proportions!

It was a day that brought to light how very many reasons we have to give thanks to God for all the blessings we have been given. Wonderful, loving, happy and healthy family, good friends, a house that truly is a home filled with love!

Now it's time to get on with the post-Thanksgiving cleanup!!

Wishing you all God's blessings on this "Black Friday", when people begin their Christmas shopping in earnest... and I pray that we don't lose sight of what we have to be thankful for and why, that we don't lose sight of the "reason for the season" that is Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we get ready to enter in to the Christmas season, let's try to keep Christ in Christmas! Dominus Vosbiscum... et cum spiritu tuo! The Lord be with you, and with your spirit!

ME, AT WORK

2011-10-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

Just keep me in the dark, and cover me in excrement...

GOLDEN OLDIE MY A**

2011-10-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

October has been a pretty special month this year, so far. H2/H2FGNW took a 10-day trip to Del Rio to see her family. They invited Linda and I to come also, since it was over a three-day weekend. We decided to extend our trip also, so we went to Del Rio for 4 days, then returned to Houston for another 4 days to visit with H1/DIL1. Let me just say that both legs of the trip were wonderful. The weather was great and we certainly couldn't have asked for better company.

Now that we're home again, and back to the "old grind" I'm already looking forward to Christmas, when the whole family will be together once again. Although I knew how good I had it before, well, you know... what with the entire family living within a 4-mile area, that point has been driven home many times over, now that we have family displace (permanently) to Houston, and some living in Kenner which, while in the "greater New Orleans area", is still a 20-30 minute drive on a good day.

I have to ask, do the political candidate debates frustrate you as much as they do me? I don't watch them, and I don't like to hear about them during news broadcasts. It just seems totally ludicrous to me that we are supposed to take seriously a group of people who get up on stage and hurl darts at one another for months on end, sometimes with great acrimony, only to turn around once a candidate has been selected and tell us how great that person is, and what a wonderful choice he/she is and how we should definitely vote for that person. REALLY?!?!

Let me take a moment to ask for prayers for my extended family. They are going through a crisis situation and the outcome is unclear at the moment. Please pray for a satisfactory solution for all concerned, and know that you have my prayers and thanks in advance!

OH EM GEE, am I getting old!!! As I write this I'm listening to the "Solid Gold Oldies" channel on cable. Almost all the songs are from my junior high/high school years! And I always thought oldies were what my mom and dad listened to! Now, where DID I put that cane,again?

Let me close by wishing Major Dad a Happy Birthday later this month, and a happy All Hallow's Eve to everyone!! God's blessings be with you.

YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD, I'LL TAKE THE LOW ROAD

2011-10-03T10:49:00.000-05:00

It was pretty much a great weekend! The Holy Name of Mary Parish fair was held, with perfect weather and record attendance! LSU and the Saints won their games! Linda made AWESOME tapioca pudding Sunday, which we had for dessert after the burgers, nachos and fries from the fair.

We were scheduled to attend a pre-retirement seminar on Thursday, just to weigh our options. Neither of us plans to retire for another couple of years. When it was announced that the funeral for Archbishop Philip Hannan would be held on Thursday afternoon, we decided to try and slip out early from the seminar to attend the funeral. Then we found out that I was requested for a funeral on Thursday morning, for a friend who passed away, so now we are NOT going to the pre-retirement seminar after all. It will be a busy Thursday!

Then comes FRIDAY!! Road Trip!!

The plans are to depart NOLA at the crack of dawn, driving straight through to Del Rio, TX. After visiting for a few days we will head back home, stopping in Houston for several more days to visit H1/DIL1. Looking forward to getting toasted!!!

EBBS AND FLOWS

2011-09-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

We are home from our retreat. It was the third annual combined retreat, with deacons and wives from both New Orleans and Houma-Thibodeau. It was great to reconnect with many brother deacons and their wives.

This year's presenter was Deacon Dr. Peter Gittens, from Toronto, Canada. A university professor of theology and philosophy, he led us on a spiritual reflection of Mary, Mother of God, perpetual virgin, who was assumed body and soul into heaven.

OK. So I started this post over a week ago and am just now getting back to it.

First, to continue with the retreat. It was more of a mini conference than a retreat for me, because there wasn't much silence and reflection going on in between the talks. Admittedly this was my own fault. It was just too easy to wander into the cafeteria area for a cup of coffee and sit down and chat with other retreatants until time for the next scheduled event. Since more than half of the couples were from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, it was an opportunity to meet or get reaquainted with them, so the time wasn't exactly wasted. Still, I don't think I came away as refreshed as I would have if I had tried a little harder to spend time in quiet reflection. Put that on my to-do list for next year!!

The following Tuesday I was on call for JPSO and got a callout to respond to a request for a chaplain at the family of a suicide victim. It was a young man (late 30's, I think) who left behind a wife and two children, ages 13 and 7. The suicide had taken place in another location, thankfully, but it didn't make the visit any easier. Seeing the grief, the self-recrimination, watching as people felt their lives collapsing in on themselves, it is just heartbreaking. It is so hard to try to offer some little bit of comfort without being pushy, or preachy, or feeling like a complete interloper into their pain. To compound the situation, the mother of the victim had already lost one 20 year old son, I think in an accident, and recently her husband had died of a heart attack. She was, understandably, devastated. The mother arrived about an hour after I did, so it was like responding to two calls at once. Please pray for the families, especially the wife, the mother and the children.

The mood picked up later in the week when we went to MD/DLG's house for cake and ice cream to celebrate Molly-moo's fifth birthday!! She was adorable, and absolutely the center of attention! And, it is always nice to see BB and Ian. An added bonus was seeing Ian the day before when he met us, in between classes, for lunch at New Orleans Food and Spirits. Can't get enough of Ian!! He's really grown up to be a fine young man!

This week we had a very nice time with H2/H2FGFNW and 3/Angelle at Izzo's Illegal Burrito. That was outstanding!! It was a burrito/nacho/taco/salad place that operated like Subway. You told them what you wanted, then what you wanted on it, and watched them put it together. Most definitely dee-lish!!!

Later in the week we had Chinese with KenEllie at a new (to us) restaurant (Little Chinatown) over on Williams Blvd. The cuisine was different, in a good way, from the places we usually go to, but still very tasty. After dinner we went to Starbucks for coffee and casual conversation. All in all a most enjoyable evening!!
Starting to count the days until we head back to Del Rio and Houston for visits. We can't wait!! Bob, Irma and BV are always wonderful to visit, and we can't ever see enough of H1/DIL1!! It should be a very nice trip.

WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THIS SAND? AND CACTUS?

2011-09-15T10:10:00.002-05:00

I seem to be in a desert, both spiritually and emotionally, which has been going on for some time, hence the lack of postings. Hopefully the weekend deacon couples retreat that Linda and I are about to attend will help somewhat.

We are relieved that a recent incident involving H2, his partner, and two miscreants and a shooting ended in (thankfully) minor injuries to the partner's hand, and the arrest of the two law-unabiding citizens.

In October we head back to Del Rio/Acuña with H2/H2WFGF, with a stop in Houston to see H1/DIL1. With any luck Linda will come home with another pair of fancy boots, a little dressier than the last pair she bought.

That's about it for now. Hopefully the creative juices will begin to flow once again very soon. Take care and God's blessings!!

POSTPOURRI

2011-08-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

I am humbled. I work with people whose faith is so much deeper and stronger and richer than my own. While I struggle with my relationship with God, I have a friend who gets to see his guardian angel. And not only that, but the guardian angels for his whole family, and for his wife's family as well. It's a long, but beautiful story, and I hope that someday he will share it with everyone. Meanwhile, my poor guardian angels are working overtime, and I'm keeping them busy, for sure!!

This past month was a stressful one. My place of employment had to "cut back" on the project I'm assigned to, which meant that 20 people would be let go. Although the life of a contractor is a precarious one at best, still it was hard to watch people who I've worked with for the past year, or more, and who I've come to regard as my friends, as well as coworkers, have their lives thrown into such turmoil! A few were able to find work on other projects, but most are out in the job hunt. What makes this doubly hard for them is that anther project had shut down only two - three months earlier, putting a large group of people with similar skills into the job market ahead of our people. It is especially painful when it is a result of misdirection, mismanagement, poor planning and government bureaucracy that is at the root of the problem.

Several of my deacon brothers have gone on to their eternal reward in the past several weeks. Please pray with me that our Lord greets them with, "Welcome, good and faithful servant." They were all good and holy men. They will be missed. Pray also for their families in their time of sorrow.

St. Maximillian Kolbe pray for us!

REST IN PEACE, CRISTINA MARIE

2011-07-29T11:05:00.001-05:00

It has been a rather sad week. Tuesday morning, as I was the on-call chaplain for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, I got a call just as I arrived at work, asking if I could accompany one of the sheriff's on a death notification call. The sister of another deputy had been "found unconscious and unresponsive in her car" (this later turned out to be not quite an accurate statement of events) and taken to the hospital where she had died. Meeting up with the sheriff's lieutenant, we went to the parents' house. The police officer son had only just gotten off the night shift and hadn't been contacted. Of course, the parents initially thought it had something to do with their son, but their concern quickly turned into horrible grief as the reality behind our visit began to sink in. We tried to console, as best we could, the mother and father. A younger brother was present, as well, who tried to be strong and in control. This was, without a doubt, the worst thing I've had to do in my life!

We had been with the family for about an hour when the older brother showed up. It was at that point that I finally put two and two together (deputy's name, and the district in which he worked) and realized that I knew him, he was one of H2's best friends. This only made the tragedy of the whole situation hit that much closer to home!

If you are reading this, please pray for the repose of the soul of the young lady, and for her family. And may God have mercy on the "friends" whose actions contributed to her untimely death!

Anniversary Trip - Segunda Parte

2011-07-15T13:06:00.002-05:00

So, Sunday we leave San Antonio and head to Del Rio, home of H2FGFNW's sister and parents. We had originally planned to stay at the same La Quinta we stayed at for the wedding last July and dropping in on the In-Laws (ILs). I dropped them an email letting them know our plans and suggested that it would be great to see them while we were there. They, however, insisted that we stay with them, which we did. They are truly the nicest people!! When we got there, the mom-in-law (M-I-L) (and don't you DARE even TRY to go there!!!) had the makings of a wonderful dinner of chicken enchiladas already on the stove.

Monday morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast of tacos con huevos y cherizo (cherizo sausage and egg tacos). Linda and M-I-L went to Acuña to do some shopping while I stayed home to study for class the following Saturday. When they returned, Linda mentioned that many of the shops we had visited are now closed because the tourist activity has decreased dramatically. Still, she managed to have a good time and even bought herself some new boots!!

For dinner that night we had a delicious roast that father-in-law (F-I-L) had marinated in pineapple juice and M-I-L had cooked, along with red and green HOME MADE salsas (both caliente y más caliente! (hot and hotter)), and chicken empanadas. Delicious!!!

Tuesday, our anniversary, we started our day with an "American" breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. Keep in mind that M-I-L has been doing all the cooking!! She is a fabulous cook!! After breakfast BV took us to the Whitehead Memorial Museum. It was small, but very interesting with a lot of static displays and exhibits such as an old railroad station, fire engines, an indian cave, different types of barbed wire (literally hundreds!), and the resting place of the "Hangin' Judge" Roy Bean!!! It was a lot of fun! Thank you, BV, for taking the time to act as our tour guide!!

For lunch we met M-I-L for BBQ at the Hot Pit restaurant in downtown Del Rio. It was quite tasty. Next was a malted milkshake dessert at the Emporium. This is a quaint little shop that caters to the wimsical and crafty, as well as having a really nice old timey soda fountain area. Their milkshakes are delicious!! BV, Linda and I went straight there, while M-I-L ran an "errand". When she returned she presented us with a beautiful arrangement of lilies. They made the trip home and are still in full bloom!

From the Emporium we went to the Val Verde Winery. It's a local business that has been owned by the same family for over 100 years, and has a citation from the state to prove it! A young lady there gave us a very pleasant tour which we followed up with some wine tasting. We ended up purchasing a case of various wines they produce, along with a set of stemless wine glasses.

A visit to Del Rio wouldn't be complete without stopping to say "Hello" to Fr. H. Clay Hunt, III, who said the Mass for H2/H2FGFNW's wedding. It was both great, and surprising, to see him! Last year he mentioned that he had a Harley-Davidson. This year we got to see it, along with his new "look". Check it out!!

and, from last year for comparison,

After our visit with Fr. Clay we returned home to collect everyone and headed off to the Cripple Creek Steakhouse restaurant for our anniversary dinner. It was a bit late and F-I-L wasn't able to join us, but M-I-L, BV, and her long-time friend and classmate (LTF) joined us. It was a great ending to a very nice vacation. That is, until the wait staff showed up with the sombreros and boa to sing to us!! Thanks, BV!!!

Wednesday dawned bright and too early. As we prepared to leave M-I-L fixed us our last awesome breakfast of the trip... omelets!! Then it was hugs all around, load up the truck (thanks, again H2!!) and head home!

Sadly I had awaken with an awful pain in my lower jaw, so after driving to just past San Antonio I turned over the driving duties to Linda. Then, to make matters worse, as we drew near Houston the skies opened up and she had to drive through a torrential downpour, during rush hour, through Houston and on toward Beaumont. But once the rain quit the skies cleared and it was an uneventful ride the rest of the way.

All in all, a great 4th of July, an AWESOME 42nd anniversary, and I cannot say enough how blessed I am to have such a wonderful, loving, caring, giving wife and family. And we are truly blessed to have wonderful children-in-laws and that we get along so well with their parents!!

That's it... I'm dry!!

Anniversary Trip - Part I

2011-07-14T15:01:00.002-05:00

So Friday morning, July 1st (Happy Anniversary to Kenny and Gisselle, you're the favorites), Linda and I left for San Antonio to meet up with my sister, her boyfriend, her son and his wife, and our niece and her husband and kids. It was a nice, uneventful trip made especially nice because H2 lent us his (drool!!) Ford F-150 Super Crew (thanks!! You're the favorite) for the trip!!!

We, of course, waived in the general direction of H1/DIL1's home as we drove through Houston. DLG/MD and family were there for the holiday. H1 had repaired my tablet computer (he's the favorite) and DLG was bringing it home with them when they returned (she's the favorite) saving us from having to stop on this trip. Not that we wouldn't have enjoyed seeing everyone, but San Antonio is a 9 hour drive from NOLA!!! Even in H2's truck it's still a long haul!
We arrived in time to check in to our hotel and go to dinner with the entire group. We had a really excellent Mexican dinner. The food was great, atmosphere nice, and company awesome!

Saturday we went to breakfast at The Guenther House restaurant. It is in a beautiful old house that was home to a flour mill magnate. We actually dined outside, under a canopy. Once again, the food was excellent (you'll probably notice a "food theme" throughout) and the setting picturesque.

After breakfast we returned to the hotel, then walked to a couple of blocks over to the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. Wow!! Makes our Riverwalk mall here in New Orleans pale in comparison! We pretty much strolled along the river looking at vendors and into restaurants and admiring the architecture (San Antonio has done a great job of maintaining some beautiful old buildings in the downtown area).

The "U" shaped part of the river is apparently man-made. It makes for a nice, leisurely walk along the riverside with plenty of places to stop and rest or pop into an establishment for something to eat or drink.

After everyone had returned to the hotel, dinner was ordered from a nearby "family" restaurant that had been recommended by the front desk. It was not their best day, apparently, as the pizzas we had ordered took more than twice the "45 minutes" to arrive, although the place was only a 5-minute walk from the hotel! While waiting on the pizza a few of the group ran out for some Mexican takeout to add to the pizzas. We all sat in the hotel lounge area and had dinner.

After dinner it was back to the Riverwalk. This time we took the river cruise. It was fun, and informative, and while not exactly cool, at least it wasn't HOT!!! While on the cruise we noticed some lighted carriages on the streets above, so we decided to take a carriage ride, too. That turned out to be quite an adventure!!

Our carriage ride started off well. We jumped a big line because we were willing to share a carriage. Everything was going well, and we were enjoying the ride until the driver, a very nice older woman, decided to give us our money's worth and took a longer route. We had just commented on the other carriages that had turned at the last corner, and she started to explain why she hadn't gone the same way when all of a sudden the horse, John (really Big J, that was his name), a 7-year old Percheron, reared up on his hind legs, then started trying to back up. The driver tried to get him going again, but that only agitated him more. He continued to back up and pull against his harness until the front wheels of the carriage were locked into a tight circle. We went around in a circle three times until finally Linda and our nephew, Tim, were able to get out of the carriage and get hold of John's bridle (that's why Tim's the favorite).

That seemed to calm him down, but by that time he was completely out of the carriage rails and had broken his harness. The rest of the evening was spent waiting for another carriage to come and take us back to the drop off point. The carriages are pretty, all lit up, and all pulled by small draft horses. No one was hurt, and we ended up not having to pay for the ride, so it all worked out.

Sunday morning we got up and joined everyone for breakfast, this time at the Magnolia Pancake Haus. This restaurant was crowded, and it was in one of the many small malls that are so common now. But the food was excellent, we didn't have a terribly long wait, and the company, as before was awesome!!!

After breakfast we said our goodbyes to everyone, returned to the hotel, loaded up, checked out and headed for Del Rio. That will be another post!!

CATCHIN' UP

2011-06-29T15:08:00.002-05:00

Well, Father's Day came and went. The weekend was great! It started Friday with lunch at the Westbank NOFS with H2 (Happy Birthday to you!!) and Ian, followed by a viewing of Green Lantern. Lunch was awesome, the movie not so much. If you haven't seen it, wait for the DVD. It's not that it was bad, it just wasn't as good as some of the other comic-book venue films have been.

Saturday was dinner with KenEllie at China Doll, followed by Bridesmaids. If you haven't seen Bridesmaids yet, do so at your first opportunity. It was hilarious!! Not for kids, though!

On Sunday we went to Mass with DLG and the kids. Then off to Centro Americano restaurant for lunch. Good food, great company!!

The weekend ended with me going to Gulfport, MS on the Valk. I spent Sunday night in the Navy Lodge at the Seabee Center, then attended the Experienced Rider Course on Monday. After completing (successfully, I might add) the motorcycle safety course I returned to NOLA on Monday afternoon.

Last weekend I finally got my act together and hooked up Linda's flatscreen TV in the front room by the treadmill. After she tried it out the first time I asked her what she watched. She replied, "Cake Boss". Is that like the rabbit used to encourage the greyhounds at the racetrack?

This Friday Linda and I are heading to San Antonio and Del Rio and Acuña for the 4th of July weekend. We're going to spend a couple of days in SA with family, down from New York and Dallas. We've never been to the San Antonio Riverwalk, or to the Alamo. It should be a blast! A possible added bonus would be Texas de Brazil (perhaps my favorite restaurant of all time!!) for our anniversary dinner together. Then it's on to Del Rio and from there we hope to spend at least one day in Acuña for some shopping and sightseeing. And maybe a couple of cervezas, too!!

Happy 4th of July to all!!!

XOOM, XOOM, XOOM

2011-06-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

This is my first blog post using the Xoom tablet. Ooh!! Ooh!! Big J, I'm lovin' it. I just wish I could have gotten 3G wtih Sprint. iPad uses AT&T, and Xoom uses Verizon. I don't know why no one uses Sprint!

Watching the weather is not encouraging (except where riding is concerned). It just one hot day after another!! Mid-90s day after day. Little or no rain most days makes a ride in to work absolutely beautiful and the ride home hot, hot, HOT!!

Looking forward to Father's Day. Looks like a family gathering at Centro Americana Restaurant is in the offing. All I can say is, "AWESOME"!!

And, oh, when did we move to the wild, wild West? It seems that the folks in River Ridge are having a coyote problem... the 4-legged kind! Packs of the critters are attacking and killing cats in the community. I imagine they've been driven out of the wild by the flooding of the Atchafalya basin. Thank heavens the Army Corps is beginning to close the spillways.

Tomorrow being hump day, I guess I'd better call it a day and get some beauty sleep so I can attack the rest of the week with some gusto.

Wishing everyone a good evening, and a great day tomorrow.

WHY DON'T I EVER LEARN?

2011-06-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

You'd think after watching (and waiting... waiting... waiting) season after season of Sopranos, then True Blood, and now Game of Thrones that I would learn. I get hooked, I can't wait for the next episode, then all too soon the season ends! Watching as GoT heated up last night, then a preview of the season FINALE!!! Argh!!

Did I mention my second career as a student? I've managed to stretch what should be a 4 year (max) program into 10+ years trying to get my Masters. Theoretically the course I'm currently enrolled in (Faith and Science) is the last one I need to fulfill the course requirements. I still need to take the comprehensive exams in the 4 areas, so it looks like next May should (it had better!!) wrap it up!

Summer came early to NOLA this year with record temperatures in April and May, almost no rain to speak of until last week. We've finally settled into the summer routine of scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms that are so common this time of year. Still, we're looking at highs in the upper 90s for the next several days.

Driving by the Lakefront everyday going to work is a treat. It is always a beautiful drive, but with the lake being a few feet higher than normal because of the spillway being opened it is even more striking.

It's hard to believe that almost 6 years have passed since Katrina. So much has happened and yet so much remains to be done. We still have hundreds of abandoned or partially restored homes in the city. Businesses and services are still in the process of returning to many areas. It's a long, sometimes painful process, one that so many more communities are facing because of the flooding of the Mississippi river and some of its tributaries.

Finally, if you are an X-Men fan and haven't seen X-Men: First Class, you're missing what may be the best movie out of all the X-Men movies. If you do go see it, watch for some interesting cameos!!

Take care and God bless!!!

SOMETHING TO READ IF YOU WERE LEFT BEHIND

2011-05-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe that May is almost over and the official start of hurricane season is just around the corner!! Where does the time go?!?!

May is a busy month this year. Mothers' Day, DLG's birthday, Molly-moo graduated from Pre-K and Ian graduates (TOMORROW) from high school!!! DLG's birthday found Linda and I with the granddaughters for the weekend. We certainly enjoyed having them over!! Linda was able to attend Molly's ceremony and thoroughly enjoyed that, as well. Tomorrow evening will bring the whole family together (yay!!) for the next few days. We're really looking forward to everyone being in town.

May also signaled the start of my summer class "Faith and Science". This should be the last formal class I need for my degree. Next will be the 4 comprehensive exams and, hopefully, graduation next May. Hopefully this will bring to an end what turned into a career move, having taken almost 10 years to finish, with breaks for Katrina, the cancellation of the program at Notre Dame seminary, the start of a new program at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, and the program moving from OLHCC back to NDS. It's been a long haul, but worth it for what I've learned about my chosen faith, the people I've met and the experiences we've shared along the way.

Please continue to pray for the families recently devastated by the tornado in Joplin, MO, and for all the families suffering from the flooding Mississippi and its tributaries. And don't forget Japan and Haiti and the souls of the faithful departed, too!!

God's blessings to all!!!

I GOT MY HAPPY FACE ON!!

2011-05-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

OK... I ask you, how can I NOT smile every day when I come to work when this

is looking at me on my computer screen?!?! She had just come from the beauty parlor and was on her way to getting pictures taken. How sweet and innocent looking!! Not a BIT of Irish temper in this one!! Hah!! Dream on!!

The GRANDson is graduating!! He actually has only a couple more days of school, then he's done, except for the actual graduation. That should be worth at least a dozen more gray hairs. Talk about feeling my age.

Last Saturday H2, H2FGFNW, Ian and I went to see Fast Five, the lastest in the Fast and Furious movie series. It was pretty much as expected... hot cars, action, and The Rock!! It was all TOTALLY believable, except for the part where Vin Diesel beat up on The Rock in what was basically a bar brawl. Yeah, right! Do you want some Vin-o to go with what The Rock is cookin'? Admittedly Vin is pretty big, muscular dude, but next to Dwayne Johnson he looked small and a little soft. Just saying.

If you're a SciFi/Fantasy type and haven't yet checked out Game of Thrones on HBO, what are you waiting for? It's already up to episode 3 and is heating up quickly. Check it out.

Treme. (Whistling the theme song to myself and tapping my foot) I really enjoyed the first season. The start to the second season seems to me to be a bit disjointed. Maybe the creators are trying to bring all the new viewers up to speed right away but it was just too much of too little as they bounced from character to character and sub-plot to sub-plot. At least that's how I felt. Hopefully it will settle down. Still, the music is pretty darned awesome!

Have you heard about Osama bin Laden? He's dead... nuff said!

Still struggling with the weight loss thing. It doesn't help when you go out Friday night with H2/H2FGFNW for Reginelli's (Italian), and then Saturday go out with KenEllie to D'Itali's (Italian). But it was sure dee-LISH!! And the company in both cases was AWESOME!!

Apparently analysts are saying that the GNO (Greater New Orleans) area is becoming something of a booming job market. Good to hear, I hope it's true. We could sure use an upturn in the economy here.

So I hear that the Army Corps of Engineers blew up a levee, virtually destroying an entire town, in order to save a city further down river. So a LOT of flooding in one place is better than a little flooding in a lot of places? Interesting concept. Tell that to the townsfolk that lost everything. Makes perfect sense, right? Build a levee to protect, blow it up to protect, then rebuild it. $$ + $$ + $$. And add to the cost of all that construction/destruction/reconstruction the cost of "making it right" (ACOofE's words) for the townspeople.

And OH, by the way, if you ain't here, in New Orleans, then we miss you!! Come see us. SOON!

I OBJECT, YOUR HONOR!! (OVERRULED!!)

2011-04-28T10:08:00.001-05:00

It's finally here, the last day of jury duty!! It has made for a long month. The ritual of arriving, checking in, sitting in the jurors' lounge for hours on end waiting to be called, the anticipation/trepidation as names are called (will I be called? why are they calling a jury at 2PM?), going up stairs to stand in line outside the courtroom, then being herded (yes, like cattle) into the courtroom only to sit for another hour as the judge and various lawyers and defendents go through the motions of "clearing the docket" until it's actually time to sit a jury, all combine to make for a very long and very stressful day.

Easter was pretty awesome! As I have almost every year, I sang the Exultet at the Easter Vigil. Nobody complained, and noone jumped up and ran out of the church holding their hands over their ears, so I guess that was a good sign. The only glitch was when I stumbled at the foot of the sanctuary while holding a cup of the Precious Blood. Struggling to not spill any, I went down pretty hard. I'm sure the building shook, and the walls swayed as I landed... but I didn't spill a drop!!!

Easter Sunday we had a very nice dinner with family gathered either in person, or via the internet! H1/DIL1 were linked in via computer, although no sound made for a very interesting meal time. The grandkids LOVED it! Dinner was good and we had, in addition to family, Bob and Joan, friends from when I was stationed on the USS Moosbrugger who are now retired and travelling the States in a camper, and Matt, a coworker of H2, with NOPD. We did miss H2FGFNW (former girlfriend, now wife) who had to work. But we made her a full plate which she had as soon as she got off. Everything was delish (thanks, Major Dad, for the awesomely awesome deviled eggs!!) and I think everyone had more than enough to eat.

It's after 10AM, so they should start calling for juries soon. A very Happy Easter Season to you all!! Christ is Risen!!

A LITTLE MORE OF THIS, AND THAT

2011-04-22T13:21:00.000-05:00

Jury duty is just that, a duty!! Boring, boring, boring!! It wouldn't be so bad if I were picked each day to at least go to the jury pool and watch the lawyers do their stuff... but waiting in the jury lounge is almost painful... ok, it IS painful. Thankfully, only two more days, and I rearranged my schedule so next Wednesday and Thursday are jury days. Then I should be safe for at least two or three years!

Yesterday H2, MD and I took a L-O-N-G bike ride. It was the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, held by the Pat Taylor Foundation at the Circle Bar Ranch in Mississippi. The GPS said it was a three hour trip, but add to that a couple of gas stops, one of the cops' motorcycle battery died on the way, and it took a wee bit longer than expected. Once we got there, most everything had pretty muched wrapped up. We had missed all the good food, so we were all pretty hungry. After having a quick soda and looking around a bit, we headed to Nells Grill, a place I found via the GPS that was only 4 miles from the ranch. Oh, and did I mentioned that the sky had darkened considerably about the time we arrived, and most of the other riders had hightailed it out of there? So naturally, our luck being what it is, we were .8 miles from the restaurant when the rain hit. We were soaked by the time we arrived.

Nells (that's the way it is spelled, no apostrophe) Grill turned out to be a tiny little place way out in the boonies, but it was clean, the people (looked like a grandmother, mom and daughter where working) were friendly and, I don't know if it was just because we were so hungry, the food was delicious! Big ol' greasy burgers, with the buns warmed on the skillet, fried dill pickles, french fries, corn poppers (little fritters), it was all good! We sat and talked and ate while the storm passed, then headed for home, taking it slow on the wet roads and gradually speeding up as they dried out.

With the long trip up, the rain delay, and then the ride back, I barely made it to church for the 7pm Mass for Holy Thursday. I was still in my bike boots and jeans when I vested for the service. It was all good, though, and everything went smoothly. A long day, after all, but in a very satisfying way.

Today I wore the same shirt I had on on April 1st, and took the same route I had taken then. I have to admit to some butterflies in my stomach as I approached the overpass where I went down on the Shadow. The Valk was as sure-footed as ever, and got me to work with no problem!!

Next up... EASTER!!! Yeah, Baby! That's what it's all about!! Wishing you all the happiest and holiest Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!!

A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

2011-04-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

April is trucking along quickly, although it didn’t get off to the greatest start I could have hoped for. On April 1^st I managed to “total” my Honda Shadow (VT1100), only recently purchased from Major Dad, while on the way to work. Although I wasn’t wearing gloves, I did have a jacket on or the damage to my arms would have been much worse than it is. My knuckles and elbows on both hands and arms took a pretty good beating. The bruise on my backside is HUGE (but, then, so is said backside!)!!

April is also my month for jury duty at Orleans Parish Criminal Court. This involves going twice a week (either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) to sit in a jury pool, waiting to be called up to one of 12 courts as a prospective juror for a trial. So far I have not been chosen, although I was called to a courtroom once.

Next Thursday (Holy Thursday) is looking to be a busy day. If my Honda Valkyrie (GL1500) gets out of the shop in time I plan to go with H2 on a ride to Mississippi with a group of his police officer friends. It’ll be a good ride and a good time to get “back in the saddle” after the accident.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) is right around the corner. It got me to thinking that the last time I went to Jazz Fest DLG was pregnant with the grandson who is graduating from high school next month!!! Wow!! Guess I’m a huge fan of Jazz Fest, huh?.. NOT!!

This morning as Linda and I headed off to work I noticed that the temperature was 76 degrees. This at 7AM!! And it’s only mid-April!! What does the summer hold in store for us?!?!

One last comment… Stephen Colbert’s American Dream (a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream) is the BOMB!!! Delicious!!! Try it, you’ll like it!

MIGRAINES SUCK!!!

2011-03-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Migraines Suck!!!

'NUFF SAID!!!

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!

2011-03-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

Kenny ,

I'm glad it's your birthday. Happy Birthday to you!!!

IT'S OVER!!!

2011-03-08T22:28:00.001-06:00

Mardi Gras 2011 is winding down! It’s been a good one for our family this year. My brother came down from Ohio to spend the week and enjoy the craziness that is Carnival in NOLA. I think he’s had a good visit, with lots of parades, good weather, and a trip to the French Quarter today. Since we were having company, Linda and I took off both Friday and Monday, and of course we were off for Fat Tuesday. It’s going to be very hard dragging ourselves to work tomorrow!

This past Friday we went to our granddaughter’s school for the Krewe of Pre-K parade. It was really cute! Each student decorated a wagon, then their 8th grade “sponsor” pulled them around the school in a parade. Molly-moo was cute, the “floats” were pretty neat, and it was really a lot of fun.

H2 had to work every day that there was a parade, most of the time Uptown on St. Charles Avenue. He got a break on Saturday when Endymion had to reschedule their parade due to rain, but then on “Bacchus” Sunday he had to work extra hard, as Endymion followed Bacchus on the Uptown route.

We also had both granddaughters sleep over for three days so that DLG could go to Houston for a book signing. The girls were fun, and I think they had a good time while at our home. Our grandson spent some time with us Sunday at Bacchus, then he met up with Major Dad and helped with the post-parade cleanup until the wee hours of the morning.

Shout out to Ed, who rode in Thoth. He hit me with a huge bag of 72” beads!! It was great!

Next comes Ash Wednesday and 40 days of Lent. A time for inner reflection, resolutions, and spiritual growth. I’m struggling with what I want to accomplish (or at least attempt) this year. Rather than just giving something up, I prefer to look for things that are more positive, that contribute in some way to my spirituality, or at least make a positive change in my life.

Wishing everyone a very productive Lenten season as we look forward to Easter. May God’s blessings be on you all, my family and friends.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT HAD BREATHED IT'S LAST...

2011-02-28T15:48:00.001-06:00

OMG!! There's still a little life in Lot(L)!!

February turned out to be quite a month…

Linda and I flew to Denver, CO, for the 50^th wedding anniversary celebration of our very dear friends, “Uncle” Mick and “Aunt” Bev. The flights to and from were non-stop, relatively short, uneventful, and essentially painless if you don’t consider the 7 AM departure from New Orleans, and the 11:30PM arrival back in NOLA. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather. Denver had been experiencing sub-zero temperatures the week before, but it climbed to sunny mid and upper-50’s while we were there.

At the reception following Saturday evening Mass (that was an experience in itself), Linda and I sat with several Colorado natives. One of the ladies mentioned that she had been a member of the original Denver Broncos’ cheerleaders. I’d guess she was referring to the Pony Express cheerleaders.

During the reception Mick and Bev’s family announced that they were bringing some of New Orleans to the evening. They led us all in a 2^nd line, followed by the Electric Slide. One of the ladies at our table leaned over to me and asked if we really did those dances in New Orleans. I replied, “Absolutely! At every dance, reception, or other opportunity that presents itself!!”

A week later H1/DIL1 came to town. It was a great (BUT SHORT) weekend, with the family getting together on Saturday for home made pizza (we made 12). Sunday we got together again, this time for home made lasagna, before H1/DIL1 hit the road back to Houston. Good times!!

Not only have I been remiss in my posting frequency, but I’ve exacerbated the situation by neglecting to congratulate my grandson on earning a FULL scholarship to Xavier University of New Orleans to their Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy program. So, WAY TO GO, IAN!!! Can I have a “Whoot, Whoot”!?!?

BB had a birthday this month. Happy Birthday, BB!!

She is growing SO fast. Linda and I gave her a starter Pandora bracelet which I think she was very pleased with.

Now we’re looking forward to my brother coming in for the rest of Carnival season. He’s a veteran parade goer, and even rode in a Mardi Gras parade (Krewe of Morpheus) one year. If the weather holds, it should be a spectacular visit, and loads of fun!!

Oh, by the way, if you find yourself in need of “more cowbell”… believe it or not… there’s an app for that!!!

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?

2011-01-11T13:42:00.000-06:00

Started on December 17th: "Every year I vow that I will start earlier next year. And every year I don't. That's right. The tree, the lights, the ornaments... they're all still packed away from last. year.

I don't know why it's so hard to get the tree out and up every year. As much as I really enjoy looking at other peoples decorations, and as much as I enjoy our tree once it's up, I'm really not a big fan of actually trimming the tree. I can understand how some people decorate their tree and then leave it up in a corner year round!

Part of the issue is, I think, that we don't take our tree down until the Epiphany. That's because all the days leading up to Christmas are actually part of Advent. Christmas day begins the 12 days of Christmas, so rather than getting "12 Lords a Leaping" on Christmas day, as the commercial world would have you believe, one should actually get "A Partridge In a Pear Tree" on Christmas morning.

But, we forget what Christmas is really all about. It's about the birth of Jesus, the Christ. Emmanuel. King of Kings, Lord of Lords. God's gift to mankind, the promise of redemption... our hope of salvation realized. We forget what should be first and foemost in our minds and hearts in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas, that mystery of our Faith... Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. And so, while we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, we also prepare for His return, as "with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man".

The days and weeks leading up to Christmas..." and that's where I stopped. Before Christmas. And hadn't returned until today. So, procrastination reigns supreme in 2011, apparently!!

AAAAAaaaaaa-anyway, we did leave the tree up until January 6th. Actually, we left it up even longer, but didn't light the lights any longer.

Christmas was nice, not too overdone. Gifts were more restrained this year as, like the rest of the world, we're finding our budget strained by today's economic situation. But that didn't impare our ability to laugh, to love, and to linger over an excellent Christmas dinner with family, held at Major Dad/DLG's house. In the spirit of the season, I think the traditional dinner table conversation managed to stay out of "the gutter" for most of the day! Whoda thunk it???

2010 was not without its ups and downs, but mostly ups. Perhaps most notable was H2's wedding to H2GF (now DIL3). This brought together family and friends from all over to Del Rio, TX for the rehearsal and wedding, and on into Ciudad Acuña, Mexico for the reception (as well as some pre-wedding activities). It was definitely a great time.

Also in 2010 I became a volunteer chaplain with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. This involves going on "ride-alongs" with deputies during their shifts. I've only been on a couple of ride-alongs so far, but the professionalism of the deputies I've ridden with is pretty impressive!

2011 has started with a fizzle, as the Saints' road to a "Two Dat" came to a screeching halt at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. Time to focus on next year and not dwell on the past. Seems like we did a lot of that this season, dwelling on the successes of the previous year, when it was pretty obvious that it was a different team that was squeaking by its opponents this season.

On the flip side, LSU did win the Cotton Bowl (GEAUX TIGERS!!!)! And Auburn, taking the national title, put the SEC on top once again!

Here's hoping for a wonderful 2011!! Linda and I are heading to Houston this weekend to visit H1/DIL1, and we're taking DIL3 with us. We're looking forward to a nice visit. Hopefully the weather holds for us. The cold isn't so bad, as long as the sun is shining!!

Carnival season is extra long this year, with Easter being in April. Hopefully some family members will be able to come for some of the fun! It's always a great time of year for parties, beer (or wine, or daquiris, or...), crawfish, beer (or wine, or daquiris, or...), parades, and did I say beer (or wine, or daquiris, or...)?

Have a wonderful New Year, and may God's blessings be yours in abundance!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, H1

2010-12-09T22:07:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!!

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

2010-12-09T13:30:00.000-06:00

So much to be thankful for, and so little time!!

A week ago Wednesday evening I was studying for a final exam for a theology class I'm taking, when my wife, Linda, came into the room and said that H1, who lives in Houston, had been in a motorcycle accident. Details were scarce, but first indications were a broken ankle, broken hip, possible spinal injury and perhaps internal damage, as well.

Prayers were said, prayer requests were sent out via FB, email, phone, etc. H2, along with DLG, started making plans to go to Houston to be with H1/DIL1. I decided to go along, too.

By Thursday night (prayers already efficacious) it had been determined that the ankle was not broken, and there was no injury to the spine!! Still some concern about internal injury so the surgery on the hip was delayed while more tests were done. Ultimately it was determined that H1 had shattered the ball of the femur of his right leg, and cracked the pelvic socket. The surgeons used a metal plate and screws to piece the ball back together. This was instead of doing a complete hip replacement, since H1 is fairly young and healthy.

On Friday H1 drove DLG and I to Houston. KenEllie drove also, and were at the hospital when we arrived, early that evening. H1 had been through the surgery, and was already sitting up in his bed looking quite good, under the circumstances. So good, in fact, that he was released and sent home around noon on Saturday! Wow!!

KenEllie drove back to NOLA with DLG on Saturday. H1 and I stayed in Houston until Monday. On Monday we crossed paths with Linda, who is in Houston this week, helping with H1 and enabling DIL1 to return to work.

We have been offering prayers of thanksgiving all week long. This ordeal could have had such a different outcome. Six to eight weeks of crutches and rehab is nothing compared to what might have been!!

Many, MANY thanks to all who prayed to long and hard for H1 and DIL1 and all the family!! We are truly blessed with wonderful family and friends who have given us much needed emotional and spiritual support. We love you all!! God bless you!

ADVENT, ANYONE?

2010-11-30T12:42:00.000-06:00

From The Curt Jester (with my highlighting):

Being that this is the first week of Advent I thought it might be useful to give some information about this season. Advent is a shortened form of the the word Advertisement, of course you probably already knew that. This time of year we get blasted by advertisements day and night to buy gifts and to attend sales. There are some groups that contend that Advertisement actually starts on Black Friday and that this is in fact the first day of the Celebration that merchandisers consider Good Friday. During the season of Advertisement we are suppose to be of good cheer for some amorphous reason that is never quite mentioned. Rumor has it that it all leads up to the event of some child born a while ago that takes place on Christmas Day. Who this child was is not important, just that we should know that the season is all about family and buying stuff. During Advertisement people say Happy Holiday’s to each other. The reason for this is that during this time Malls decorate with lots of Holly so people have considered this to be Holly days. There are also other joyful greetings like Season Greetings and 40 percent off. People spend time in thanks that they have not yet exceeded their credit limit and they might forget that they have a Savior, but they will remember the savings. During the season of Advertisement the days are still 24 hours but are measured in shopping days instead. It is also a tradition for this season to be some what penitential. Penances such as having to park in overflow parking two miles away from the mall are common. After Christmas comes Advertisementide. This is the ad season of after Christmas sales and even more discounts. Later on in the shopping season comes the season of Lent. This is because you have to get money lent to you to pay off your shopping bills.

There are also some customs associated with Advertisement such as the Advertisement Wreath. Each week you take all of your junk mail and roll it up and tighten it with a rubber band and place it in your Advertisement Wreath. The third week it is traditional to use advertisements from red tag sales. You can also make or order an Advertisement Calendar. though most calendars come without advertisements this is a special edition where you mark off shopping days so you know when to panic when you haven’t got everything on your list. So relax and have a happy Advertisement for whatever reason we are suppose to be sellebrating.

HONEY!! WHERE ARE MY PANTS WITH THE ELASTIC WAISTBAND?!?!

2010-11-26T11:59:00.000-06:00

Turkey, ham, candied yams, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, crawfish corn stuffing, sausage stuffing, cornbread stuffing, deviled eggs, vegetable tray, pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, bread pudding... and I'm sure I've missed something!! OH EM GEE, what a feast!! I'm sure I ate way too much!!

I think everyone had a great time yesterday. After dinner we watched the Saints-Dallas game. Worked off a few pounds just sweating through the 2nd half!! GEAUX SAINTS!!

After riding the Valk to work this morning, I'm watching a cold front pass through, hopefully quick enough to get the rain out of here before I leave for home this evening. It's pouring outside right now (12PM).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T12:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends! May God continue to bless you all. Hopefully we can all stop for a moment today to acknowledge all that we have to be thankful for... family, friends, health, all which lead to true happiness. (you might notice I left out "wealth" which does NOT lead to TRUE happiness.) I, personally, want to especially thank God for my family and all the love, joy, sadness, hope, sorrow, anger, laughter, hurting, and healing, support and strength that comes with being a family. May we never forget what it means to be "family".

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!

2010-11-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Gisselle!!!

THANKS GIVING

2010-11-22T10:36:00.000-06:00

Since this Thursday is Thanksgiving, I want to share with you all just some of what I am thankful for.

1. A loving and forgiving God, who sent his Son to redeem us, in spite of our sinfulness and unwillingness or inability to change.
2. A loving wife, mother, and best friend. The person who completes me, and without whom I would never have known what true happiness is. Thank you, sweetheart. I love you!
3. Children and grandchildren who are kind, generous, and loving.
4. Children-in-law who love my kids, and complement (as opposed to compliment) them in so many ways.
5. My siblings, siblings-in-law, nephews, nieces, their spouses and children. As wild, wacky, and crazy as we are, I would not trade my family for anyone or anything!! What can I say, we are just FUN to be around!!!
6. Good friends and co-workers, both present and past (Miss ya, Big J!!).
7. The opportunity to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ through the Church as a deacon.
8. My mom and dad who taught me about love, and honor, and courage, and responsibility. I miss them.
9. Days that are sunny and warm, and perfect for riding motorcycles.
10. Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Shed, Texas de Brazil, Casa Garcia, Central American Restaurant, etc... I love me some grits!!!

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!! Bring on the BIRD!!! And STUFFING!!!

CONGRATS!!!

2010-11-14T09:14:00.001-06:00

I just want to shout out a "WAY TO GO" to my favorite grandson!! He's a high school senior and consequently has been sending out applications to a few of the colleges/universities with good pharmacy programs. Friday he heard back from his first one. He received his first (hopefully of many) acceptance letter from Auburn University!! Awesome! We are really proud of him!!

It isn't LSU, but at least they're Tigers!!

JUDAS, WOULD YOU BETRAY ME WITH A KISS?

2010-11-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

From Erin over at And Sometimes Tea:

In Spain Pope Benedict XVI is offering, once again, a truthful view of the matter--that a life lived in communion with Christ is a life that is full, and rich, and joyful, but a life lived apart from Him in pursuit of worldly pleasures and treasures is a life dessicated, empty, and ultimately meaningless and sad. As meaningless and sad, in fact, as betraying love with a kiss aimed at hate--no, not like the poor misguided handful of protesters, but like Judas, who is their true model, and whose fate may God spare any of us from sharing.

THIS AND THAT

2010-11-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

I am, at some point, going to get my life back and will start posting regularly again. In the interim... went to New Orleans Food & Spirits for lunch today. It was a real treat, as we don't go there anymore since starting the diet. Couldn't help thinking back to the days when Young Wade, Little Lori, Dr. Bob, Big J and I would go there at least once a week! Good times... good times... sigh...

A quick shout-out and congrats to DIL1 for getting a promotion at her workplace. It's nice to be rewarded for being a hard-working and dedicated employee. You deserve it!!

Thanksgiving is bearing down on us, and it looks to be an especially good one this year (even without the awesome election results). Looks like H2W's parents are coming, and her mom indicates that she wants to do all the cooking! AND, hopefully SIL-O and family will be coming, as well. What a treat it will be to see everyone again!!

More exciting news! S2, and possibly S3, will be coming for Mardi Gras!! Not only that, but my brother is considering coming, too, which would be totally rad (trying not to say "awesome" so much, but it would be awesome!)!! The door is open to any others that would like to make it an event. Maybe T&K from the big D-town? Hoping that H1/DIL1 will make it in. Trying to give lots of notice so that plans can be made.

That's all I've got for now. Take care and God bless!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAJOR DAD!!!

2010-10-29T23:54:00.000-05:00

I had to get it in before midnight!! Hope your birthday weekend is great!! Thanks for the dinner and the movie was (s)awsome!! In 3-D, no less!

GEE, BUT IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK HOME*

2010-10-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

*Home is where I want to B-E-E-E-e-e-e-e! -

Back from an AWESOME road trip weekend! Linda and I, Major Dad and his friend Greg spent some 20+ hours on our motorcycles cruising the highways and byways of SE Louisiana, Mississippi and a little corner of Tennessee (better known as Memphis).

Day one was Friday, which began with breakfast at the Chateau ( "the Teau") Coffee Café, after which we hit the road. We took US-61 (Airline Hwy in NOLA) and rode it all the way to Natchez, MS. After a quick lunch we hit the Natchez Trace and followed it to Jackson, MS. The weather was sunny and beautiful, the ride was peaceful (50MPH on the trace) and scenic. Toward dusk we started to see quite a few deer along the side of the road. When it was time for a gas stop, we were on the outskirts of Jackson, so we decided to "hole up" for the night at a Comfort Inn. After checking in, we went to the IHOP next door for supper, then it was back to the rooms to get some sleep.

Saturday morning we hit the road around 8 AM. A stop for a quick breakfast at Mickie D's, then we hopped onto I-55 and headed North for a ways. At our first gas stop we got off I-55 and onto US 51. It was a scenic two-lane highway that paralleled I-55. Along the way we stopped at several small country (and I emphasize "country") establishments for refreshments and a bit of leg stretching. Seems that we were still a bit stiff from the day before... go figure!! We arrived in Memphis at around 5:00 or 5:30 PM and checked into the La Quinta Inn that Linda and I had stayed at after our Katrina evacuation. Ah... the memories keep on comin'!! After check-in and a quick freshen-up, we got back on the bikes and headed into downtown Memphis, to Charlie Vergos' Rendevous restaurant for some genuine dry-rub (although we didn't know it at the time) BBQ. After a 20 minute wait we found ourselves seated at a nice corner table. It was ribs all around, large of course, with a split plate of ribs and brisket for me. Good food, and great company!! Leaving the Rendezvous, we took a short stroll over to Beale Street to take in the sights and sounds, then it was back to the hotel, with a quick stop at Coldstone Creamery for dessert. Once again, it was "lights out", as everyone was pretty well worn out from two days of riding.

Sunday morning we checked out of the La Quinta and headed to Brother Juniper's restaurant, next to the University of Memphis campus. It was a pleasant surprise to see that they have become so popular that they bought the coffee shop in the area adjacent to the original restaurant and made it into a coffee bar/waiting area. The restaurant area is a little bit more roomy and comfortable now. Again, about a 20 minute wait for a table, and then we sat down to some excellent omelettes, home fries, toast, cheese grits, biscuits and gravy, coffee, OJ, all most excellent breakfast fare!! I had my favorite, the Garden and the Lamb omelette. Made with spinach and roasted lamb. DEEEEE-LISH!!! After breakfast we gassed up and headed South once again. We hopped on US-51 again, and drove by Graceland. We say Elvis' airplane, one of his caddies, and lots of people lined up at the entrance. It was Elvis everything (including the Heartbreak Hotel) for several city blocks. After several hours on US-51 it was obvious that the horses wanted to be back in the barn, so we got back on I-55 and headed on home. The only breaks at that point were a couple of gas stops, lunch at a Subway, and then we were home, once again.

All in all it was three really beautiful days weather-wise, with wonderful traveling companions, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves and have the aches and pains to prove it (not to mention some pretty sunburned cheeks and noses)!!!

We're already looking forward to our next ride, hopefully with more family members and friends to come along. Maybe not quite such a long ride this time. Perhaps the Shed? Maybe try the one in Lafayette?

Anyway, it is great to be back home!!

ROAD TRIP!!!

2010-10-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

OK. Just a quick note to let everyone know that we (Linda and I) are going on a road trip this weekend, on the Valk!! Major Dad is riding his new (to him) VTX 1800. Hoping that John-boy and maybe H2 will join us. We're gonna leave tomorrow morning after breakfast and ride to Natchez, MS, then on the Trace to Jackson... Plan is to overnight in Jackson, then Trace to Tupelo, where we'll cut back to Memphis, TN... After another overnight in Memphis, we'll kick off the return trip home with breakfast at Brother Juniper's, next to the University of Memphis campus. Interstate will be avoided throughout, and a good time is anticipated for all. The weather is looking pretty great!!

I'M LATE!! I'M LATE!! FOR A VERY IMPORTANT DATE!!*

2010-09-13T12:33:00.000-05:00

*Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland...

Busy, busy, busy!!! The frenetic pace of life has resumed after a brief lull following the family wedding in July. I am back in class, studying the Old Testament, with 22 other persons pursuing an advanced degree in Theology. Although we meet only 5 times during the semester, we have a tremendous amount of weekly reading and written assignments to complete. In addition, the new (since July 1) pastor of our parish wants to continue having me preach at all masses, every other weekend. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Chaplaincy program meets once a month for continuing education, which happens to be tonight. Tomorrow evening is a Safe Environment workshop (mandatory attendance), and Friday – Sunday is our annual couples’ retreat, which is in Schriever, LA. Add to the mix the monthly baptism seminars, KC meetings, and working full time, and it starts to get a bit overwhelming. Oh, and I almost forgot, once we (newly trained JPSO chaplains) receive our uniform shirts and our credentials, you can add a minimum of 10 – 12 hours a month supporting JPSO. Hopefully I’ll have something of interest to post now and then. It’s been a long dry spell as far as blogging is concerned!

In the mean time, I ask for prayers for a few personal special intentions, and particularly for those who are in need of God's special graces and strength to cope with difficult situations in their lives. May God grant us increased faith, hope, and especially love, because "the greatest of these is LOVE"!!

TO HANNAH

2010-09-13T10:27:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday!!

We Miss You!!

PRAYERS REQUESTED

2010-09-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

I have several special intentions for which I am asking for prayers.

Thanks, in advance!!

God Bless!

Buenos días , ¿Cómo estás?

2010-08-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

H2 and H2GF are a done deal!! The wedding and honeymoon are over, and they are back at home and at work. So now does she become Mrs. H2? Or DIL3? Hmmmmm?

The wedding event was beautiful, with everything working out perfectly despite glitches occurring at virtually every step in the planning process. The first indication that Good Karma was on vacation was when the wedding invitations arrived, only to discover that my middle name had been misspelled! Fortunately there was ample time for me to search the internet to find the exact font used, track down matching paper (which had to be specially ordered and cut into 8 ½ by 11 sheets, then recreate the invitation. No problem!!

Next came the bridesmaid dresses. Two were sent to Dallas arrived, one was late; two were sent to Del Rio, one arrived, one was late; but they all arrived with just enough time to ensure that the ladies were beautiful for the big day.

The tuxedoes were a story in themselves. I got a call the day before we were to leave for Del Rio to say that my tux was not ready yet, but would be the next day. This didn’t help me much, since we were planning to leave at 5:30 AM, so they offered to send it to San Antonio where H2 was going to pick his up. After setting that up, got a call from Kenny, who offered to pick up my tux when he picked his up, and he would bring it to Del Rio. Fine. Problem solved, right? Right… except when Kenny went to pick up the tuxes, HIS jacket didn’t fit and they couldn’t find one that did. So he had to stop in Houston, where the main warehouse is located, to get fitted for a jacket. Again, problem solved, right? Right. Except that when H2 went to pick up his tux in San Antonio, there were no shoes!! Solution? Call Houston and just happen to catch H1 and Major Dad at the tuxedo rental store picking up their tuxes, and having them bring a pair of shoes for H2!!

Still, all is taken care of in plenty of time for the wedding, yes? So now it’s Saturday at 3:00 PM and the wedding is about to start… except… the mother-of-the-bride, as well as the Maid of Honor, having gone to the reception hall in Acuña to pick up the bridal bouquet and flowers for the church, is stuck in the traffic jam that is the border crossing back into the U.S.!! The priest, Fr. Clay, is unruffled, and announces that we will pray the rosary for the peace of mind of the delayed persons struggling to get to the wedding.

Finally, the wedding ceremony begins (about 45 minutes late). The wedding singer’s voice is lovely, the procession is beautiful and everything goes as planned. I have the honor and pleasure of being the deacon at the Mass, and also officiating the marriage rite. During the ceremony, the couple is joined together with a wedding lazo (a double looped rosary), symbolizing their unity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later they, together, go to a statue of the Blessed Virgin to place flowers and say a prayer. It was here that, due to the slight discrepancy in height between the newlyweds, the lazo broke, much to the dismay of the bride! Once again, Fr. Clay was up to the challenge, offering comforting words describing the love of the groom for the bride having “burst” the lazo by its sheer magnitude!! Well done, Fr. Clay!!

After the wedding ceremony is finished the newlyweds are taken off for pictures. The reception, in Acuña, MX, doesn’t begin until 7:00 PM. So most of the family and friends of H2 fill in the time gap with a trip to a local vineyard for some wine tasting and a short tour. Everyone had a great time and many purchases later it was off to the reception.

It was decided to meet up at our motel and leave as a group to go to the reception. But… no one knew where it was!! Then we got a call from the groom wanting to know where everyone was, and to hurry up and get to the reception hall! So we asked for directions. H2 said someone would come by to lead us there. Of course, we didn’t wait long enough. Picking up some tourist maps (you know how great they are!!) we set off in 6 cars for the reception. Crossing the bridge over the Rio Grande we entered Acuña. We then set off in the general direction we knew we were supposed to go. Trying to get more specific directions was complicated by very haphazard wireless service, but when we drove OUT of Acuña, it was time to stop and get some assistance. We turned around, managed to get H2 on the phone while heading back into town. After being COMMANDED to “pull over! Don’t move! Where are you? Wait, we’ll send someone” we did just that. Within 10 minutes we were intercepted and led to the reception hall!

What followed can only be described as the absolute most fun I’ve ever had at a wedding reception in my life!! It was truly fabulous. An excellent “show” band, La Guardia Grupo Musical provided music and entertainment for the evening, with a brief interlude when a mariachi band arrived to play for the newlyweds!! I think everyone had a great time, if the pictures that have been posted on FB are any indication!!

So the entire wedding experience was not without a few glitches, but it was also, without a doubt, an experience that will be remembered for years to come!!

My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the friends and family who braved the airlines, highways, border crossing guards, and border taxis to make this event such a special one!! I truly love each and every one of you and wish you all God’s blessings!!

WHILE ONE HONEYMOONS, ANOTHER CELEBRATES AN ANNIVERSARY!!

2010-08-01T17:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Jerrod and Patti, aka, Major Dad and DLG!! We love you and wish you many more!!!

¿Habla usted español ?

2010-07-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

The wedding day is drawing nearer! Tonight is the rehearsal, and then tomorrow afternoon, the wedding. So far no MAJOR glitches have been encountered.

We left NOLA for Del Rio, TX at 6:30 AM Wednesday, arriving at our destinatino at 6:30 PM. H1/DIL1, traveling with MD/DLG and family left Houston just as we were passing through, but a late lunch stop had them arrive about an hour after us.

T and A (don't EVEN go there), Sisters S2 and S3, and very good friends B&H and their daughter K were already in Del Rio and, of course, H2 and H2F had arrived last Friday so as to take care of last minute details (e.g., the marriage license!!).
Yesterday, we all went on a shopping excursion to Acuña, Mexico. The sun was brutal and, with the exception of the restaurant we stopped at for lunch, the shops were hot and not air conditioned. They had fans blowing which at least moved the air until an unexpected power outage left them in the dark. Still the group had a good time and bought many souvenirs. We had a wonderful lunch at Manuel's restaurant where they accomodated all 18 of us with no trouble. While enjoying a leisurely dinner, we were entertained by a troubador, who played a guitar and sang songs in Spanish.

In the early evening my brother and his girlfriend, Big Boy and his wife Brittney, Brett, and SIL-O and family arrived. Shortly after, MD/DLG, S2/S3, H1/DIL1, Bro/BroGF, B&H, and Linda and I went to a place called Rudy's for some pretty darned good BBQ and a lot of socializng and catching up, which eventually continued back at the motel in the lobby. As mid-night neared, KenEllie arrived, settled into their room, then joined the group until about 1 AM, when we all retired for (what was left of) the night.
Several of the younger members of the group, (BigBoy/BBWB, Brett, T&A (I said, don't even go there!!!), H2F's brother along with H2, went to a local establishment to "toast" the groom into the wee hours of the morning. I can hardly wait to see what kind of shape they are in today!!

Looking forward to the arrival, today, of three nephews, niece, a niece-in-law, C & V, UncleM/AuntB, and Miguel to round out those coming for the groom (H2). Also, a trip to a local winery and another trip into Acuña are on the agenda. This afternoon I,with H2/H2F, will meet with the priest, then we will have the wedding rehearsal, and finish with dinner for everyone at the Ramada Inn. It looks like another busy day.

Should have some pictures up on Fb soon, so check it out!! Please pray for our soon-to-be married couple and everyone who travelled here for the wedding. We pray for a joyous wedding, and safe trip home for everyone.

More to come... stay tuned!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IAN!!!

2010-07-18T16:15:00.002-05:00

TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

2010-07-05T07:24:00.000-05:00

It has been

wonderful years!!
Looking forward to many more!!
I love you with all my

PSST... KENNY!! GISSELLE!!!

2010-06-30T22:30:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary!!!

We LOVE You!!!

BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT

2010-06-22T18:17:00.000-05:00

From The Deacon's Bench this was too good not to share!!

APOLOGIES

2010-06-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

I know it's been almost three weeks since any kind of post at all. I don't know if it's work, or the upcoming wedding or what, but I'm just kind of dried up as far as ideas. Keep the faith. Hopefully the spark will return and I'll be posting more frequently.

JUNE - DEDICATED TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

2010-06-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Invocation to the Sacred Heart

O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee;

for I fear all things from my own weakness,

but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.

Amen.

HAS SENILITY STRUCK?!?

2010-05-26T17:56:00.000-05:00

We (Linda and I) leave for Houston the day after tomorrow, off to scope out H1/DIL1's new home. We thought it would be a nice change for Ian, after school and all his leg issues, to maybe get away for a weekend, so we invited him along for the trip. Long story short, Ian is staying home to wallow in the precious silence of a house free from little sisters, while Grandpa and Grandma are taking BB and Molly-moo to Houston. BB, who is seven (I think... might be eight... Hey, I'm OLD, OK?!?!) and MM who is three, which is just an extension and amplification of the "terrible twos". Are we NUTS?

Hopefully all will go well. Both girls dearly love Aunt Hannah, and then there's Molly's "MY Michael!", so the girls are all excited about going. If we can just get through the six hours in the car part on each end of the trip I think we'll do OK. At the very least, there should be some bloggable moments in the near future!

I can't remember if I posted that we are getting a new priest at our parish, and I'm too lazy to check. So... We're getting a new priest at our parish!! Fr. Michael, who grew up in Wisconsin, but has been in NOLA for most of his priestly life (since 1974 or thereabouts) takes over the reins on July 1st.

Linda and I went to Mass at Fr. Michael's parish two weekends ago to watch him in action, and to introduce ourselves. Turns out he's a former biker, and already new that I ride. He expressed a desire to rekindle his passion for the open roads once he gets to Holy Name of Mary. I can hardly wait to drag him out to The Shed!!!

I would like to ask for prayers, especially through the intercession of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, for my good friend and brother deacon, Paul. He is at MD Anderson after having been diagnosed, for the third time, with thyroid cancer. Thanks, in advance.

Wishing everyone a happy, and safe Memorial Day weekend! God bless!!

And Sometimes Tea: Manufacturers of angertainment

2010-05-15T08:41:00.002-05:00

From the always enlightening and thought-provoking Red Cardigan: And Sometimes Tea: Manufacturers of angertainment. I've had this concept floating around in my brain, but was having difficulty putting it into words. Mark Shea of NCR may be on to something.

Linda and I were recently discussing how the media seems to no longer be able to report the news without trying to make every story a "sensational" story, one that grabs our itnerest. It seems like they try at every opportunity to turn what should be at best a one-liner into a front page exposé.

Case in point... As most people are aware, the Gulf Coast is trying desperately to avert or avoid another major disaster caused by the explosion on and subsequent sinking of an oil rig. This is of MAJOR concern to the entire area. It's impact will be far reaching on the coastline, the marine wildlife, the fishing industry, the restaurant industry, and on and on. In other words, BIG NEWS!!

Two nights ago a man, member of a wealthy LA farming family that contributes generously to political campaigns, was arrested outside Harrah's casino for several charges, including public drunkenness and pointing a gun at law enforcement officers. He is also a political appointee to a state commission that oversees the State Police. The day after it happened the story was reported on the 10 PM news broadcast. It was also noted that he had immediately resigned from the commission. Not a problem. What becomes a problem, IMHO, is that this particular news station decided that this was such a major story that they actually tracked the governor down while he was working on the oil rig crisis to "follow up", NOT on the oil rig disaster coverage which is ongoing, but on the gun incident which, except for the subsequent hearings, is over. Please!! Let's have some priorities, people!! Really!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR DAUGHTER. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

2010-05-11T12:16:00.000-05:00

I didn’t realize just how badly I’ve been slacking off until I checked the date of my last post. Mea culpa!! (that’s “My bad!!” in the Extraordinary Form)

This post will probably take me forever to finish, I guess because I’m feeling OLD today. It’s my daughter’s 40th birthday! And so she writes on HER blog just how OLD she feels, which of course is like saying, “Gee, Pops, I’m old, so YOU must be ANCIENT!!” Thanks, so much, daughter dearest!! And Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

Still working on wedding plans for Dean and Brenda. July seems to be looming on the horizon. So far everything is going about as smoothly as any wedding prep, I’d imagine. Our biggest glitch (ok, MY biggest glitch) is what to do about a rehearsal dinner. Del Rio is a SMALL town in Texas. We are trying to set up a dinner to accommodate somewhere around 50 people. The closest we came was a place that could do 25, but that would be “pushing it.”

The bride’s parents, who are wonderful people, have offered their home as the location for the rehearsal dinner. Now I’m struggling with what to serve, who will prepare, etc. Initially I thought perhaps a good old-fashioned New Orleans shrimp boil. We did that for Patti’s wedding and it worked well. But that would involve transporting fresh shrimp or trying to cook frozen shrimp without it getting overcooked and difficult to peel. Not insurmountable problems, still… Then the Deepwater Horizon went down in the Gulf and fishing waters are being closed daily. There may not be any shrimp to purchase come July!! And crawfish season is well over by then, so no option there.

Other thoughts bouncing around in my head…

Spiedies? Not too difficult to do AND there will be other spiedie “experts” there who I might be able to talk into lending a hand. This option has the additional upside of answering the question that so many have asked recently, “What is a spiedie”?

Also under consideration is having a local restaurant prepare New Orleans’ red beans and rice, gumbo, and jambalaya for 50 and transporting/reheating in Del Rio.

Maybe I’ll just print a map to the nearest Mickey D’s and have everyone meet there!

Stay tuned!!

MY APOLOGIES, BUT...

2010-04-27T09:09:00.001-05:00

I've turned on comment moderation for the time being. I've been getting quite a few comments of late that I consider to be "spam". I've never used comment moderation before, but I'm going to give it a try. Please bear with me!

*UPDATE* - Disregard. I've decided to wait a bit and monitor the spam type comments for awhile.

WHY WE SUFFER. HOW WE SUFFER. WHAT WE GAIN FROM SUFFERING

2010-04-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

This most excellent Homily by Bishop Slattery of Tulsa, OK, given at the Pontifical High Mass in the Extraordinary Form, at Washington, D.C.

Give it a read... it's worth it!!

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY SISTER

2010-04-24T10:53:00.001-05:00

Sara,

This is my response to your comment and question, "We are all one in Christ Jesus. We all worship the same God. Why is it a cause for sadness if your friend is choosing a different way to worship the same God you do? When I take communion, it is no less moving and powerful to me whether I believe that the bread and wine truly are the body and blood of Jesus or not. Is that really something that separates us?"

I agree with you that we all worship the same God. Also, insofar as we are baptized Christians, we are all brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, and in that respect we are all one. That does not mean that I believe that all faith communities are equal, and therefore it doesn’t matter to which you belong.

It is always wonderful to hear from you. It is even better when we happen to be online at the same time and use the video thing to talk to one another. But the phone, email, video all pale in comparison to having you in the same room with me.

That is the way it is with the Eucharist. I am convinced of the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine changed into His Body and Blood. This is fundamental to my belief as a Catholic. It is not something on which I can compromise. I believe that Jesus spoke clearly and plainly when He said, “my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” And when He asks, “Does this shock you?” and “Do you also want to leave?” I, like Saint Peter must answer, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

I am convinced that the Catholic Church IS the same church founded by Christ when, to Saint Peter, He entrusted the keys to the Kingdom and in which resides the complete deposit of faith. I believe that the Church, although sinful in her human nature also has a divine nature, and that divine nature is guided and protected by the Holy Spirit so that she is forever the custodian and guardian of the Truth and I believe in the infallibility of her teachings on faith and morals.

All that being said, I believe that that Truth is alive and active, in varying degrees, within the various Protestant and other Christian communities because Jesus also said “whoever is not against you, is for you” and, as regards the salvation of all men, “nothing is impossible for God.”

With all my love,
Dean

A FRIEND IS LEAVING THE CHURCH...

2010-04-12T11:10:00.001-05:00

and I am truly saddened by it. I asked him, "If, as a Catholic, you believe in the Real Presence, that Jesus Christ is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Holy Eucharist, then how can you leave the Church for a faith community that doesn't believe? And, if you don't believe it, then perhaps you have already left."

"Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?"
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you?
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."
As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.
Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."" John 6:60 - 68

HAPPY EASTER!!

2010-04-04T19:47:00.001-05:00

The Triduum is OVER!! It was a busy, but fruitful three days!

Holy Thursday began the Triduum, the holiest time of year for Catholics. After working all day, Linda and I went to the Mass of the Lord's Supper held at 7PM. It was a beautiful service, the altar servers did an excellent job, which really helped to enhance the whole experience. There was the usual touch of sadness as the altar and sanctuary were stripped bare of all decorations and coverings.

Friday morning I attended 10 AM rehearsal for the 3 PM Good Friday service. After much reflection I decided to try singing the Prayers of the Faithful, something I've never done before. I think it went okay. Father asked me to preach, so I gave a short homily. Then home again to begin thinking about the Mass of the Lord's Resurrection (the Easter Vigil Mass) on Saturday.

Saturday morning dawned sunny and beautiful. After breakfast and coffee I began rehearsing the Exultet for Mass that evening... with breaks in between for a little facebook. At 10:10 the church called and asked if I had forgotten about the 10 AM rehearsal! There I was, totally oblivious to the time, still in my pajamas. So I ran a brush through my hair, threw on some clothes and rushed over to the church for rehearsal.

The Vigil Mass started at 8 PM with the blessing of the fire and the lighting of the Easter candle. It was another beautiful liturgy, with wonderful music provided by our organist and cantor (cantress?). The Mass was, sadly, only lightly attended, but in the congregation were our very good friends, Keith and Chris.

After Mass (at around 10 PM) Linda, Keith, Chris and I went out for a late dinner. Not knowing of too many places that would be open at that hour, we ended up at IHOP. We ate and talked for almost 2 hours, catching up on all that has happened in our families since we had last gotten together. I think we all had a great time. Then it was home to bed.

Sunday morning was spent getting ready for our traditional family Easter dinner. This year we decided to have it at H2F's apartment, so we prepared most of the food at home, then carried it to her place. All together we had myself, Linda, Major Dad, DLG, Ian, BB (Bridget), BB (big Brigitte),Molly-moo, H2, H2F, and Fr's Deo and Sebastian, from Uganda and Tanzania respectively. We sorely missed H1/DIL1 and KenEllie, whose presence would have made the day complete! Still, we were able to assuage our disappointment a bit with ham, potatoes (both mashed and sweet), corn, green bean casserole, dinner croissants, and of course, Major Dad's awesome devilled eggs! Apple pie and ice cream and coffee rounded out the meal.

We are now into the Octave of Easter (8 days). Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter season. *Rejoice heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels!

Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

*from the Exultet, or Easter Proclamation

WELCOME!!... OR, WELCOME HOME!!

2010-04-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

REFLECTIONS ON THE CROSS, AND ON MARY, FOR HOLY THURSDAY

2010-04-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

From the typically inspirational Anchoress:

... anger at God is normal. And God has big shoulders, He can take it.

I have found that when it is too much to think of God, it’s easier to think of Mary, who “never did anything to deserve it,” -who spent her whole life only saying “yes” to Him, and in service to His biggest project, ever- but who still had to stay at the foot of her son’s cross and watch him die a most horrible death, after having endured terrible cruelty.

Even she didn’t know what was going to happen next. A mother grieves the unbearable loss of her son, through Passover, and then goes to anoint his body only to find it gone!

What sort of torment is this? Then he is back (!) but he is no longer hers alone, if he had ever been – and for the rest of her life, as she watches His church take shape and form, and helps where she can, she still has all of those memories – the memories a mother cherishes – of an infant tugging at the collar of her gown, looking to nurse, of her son and his loving six-year-old hugs, the scraped knees, the scampish days, the meals they shared. None of this could have been easy for Mary to remember or to reconcile with her human self, or her maternity. He is God. But he was her son, and always will be. He is her son. Her little lad. Her God.

And this is why we call Mary the “Help of Christians.” When it gets very hard, when we feel a little disconnected from God, whether we want to be disconnected or not, when we feel we have been given an unjust burden, we can look at Mary and realize that yes, she kept the faith, but she knew everything we know about how hard life can be. She’s lived through it, and if we ask her to, she’ll pray for us in our suffering.

The cross. The Mother. The Son. Nothing in the Gospels is extraneous, or there without purpose. It is all meant for us, for our understanding and our consolation, too.

People often ask me why Catholics find it necessary to keep the Crucifix before them. “The victory was in the resurrection, not the death; Catholics focus on the wrong thing – the cross should be empty…”

Well, yes. The victory is the resurrection, but its gotten to through the rest of it.

While the empty cross brings us hope and promise, we are still humans living human lives with all of the pain and frailty and questions and hurt that implies; when one looks at the Crucifix, one finds not a morbid and bloody corpse, but The God Who Knows, not because he is conveniently all-knowing, but because He actually submitted to life, lived it, endured it, went through it all, just as we do.

Jesus lost his own beloved step-father, Joseph, he knows what we know. When we look at the Crucifix we see that there is no human situation that Jesus did not come to know. Feel betrayed? Feel humiliated? Being mocked and sneered at? Feel abandoned? Feel unjustly hurt? Feel loss? There, on that crucifix is the God who has known every one of those feelings, and has submitted to them – in order to save us, but also in order to draw us near, to gather us into a consolation, a consoling embrace that says…“I know what you’re feeling…I know what you’re thinking…we are actually all in this together, and quite outside of time.”

It’s hard to remember all that. The Crucifix is the reminder.

FR. TONY IN LOS ANGELES 10...

2010-03-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

This one wouldn't embed properly... Here's the link~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSqqk9tY2Ec

FR. TONY RICARD IN LOS ANGELES 1 - 9... ENJOY!!!

2010-03-27T09:20:00.003-05:00

PLEASE JOIN ME IN PRAYING FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI

2010-03-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI

Our Father

3 Hail Mary

Glory Be

V. Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and not hand him over to the power of his enemies.

V. You are Peter.

R. And upon this Rock I will build my Church.

Let us pray,

God our Father, Shepherd and Guide, lookk with love on your servant, Pope Benedict XVI, the pastor of your Church. Grant that his word and example may inspire and guide the Church, and that he, and all those entrusted to his care, may come to the joy of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Saint Peter, pray for us.

TWISTED SISTER?

2010-03-16T14:21:00.004-05:00

It was a great five days!! Sara arrived at midnight Wednesday. While Linda and I were at work on Thursday, Sara and Brenda went to the Quarter for café au lait and beignets, and also went to the Aquarium. In the evening, it was off to Aunt Leni's for char-grilled oysters, with Sara, Brenda, Linda, and KenEllie, after which we all returned home for some delicious Chantilly Berry cake from Whole Foods, and a viewing of The Proposal.

Friday both Linda and I stayed home to spend time with Sara. Lunch was pizza at Mo's. Dinner at FujiHana to celebrate Kenny's Birthday with DJ, Brenda, Kenny and Gisselle, Sara and Linda.

Saturday Linda and I, DJ/Brenda, and Sara took a motorcycle ride along the River Road (West Bank side) to the 310 bridge. Crossing over, we went out Airline Highway to Sorrento where we turned on to Hwy 22 for a leisurely meandering route back to Pontchatoula. From there we hopped on I-55 and hitailed it back to NOLA, going straight to FujiHana (yet again), this time for BB's birthday party! Taking up two hibachi tables, we had a great time, enjoyed the good food, and Bridget and friends seemed to enjoy themselves, too!

Sunday started off with me preaching at both 8 AM and 11 AM masses. Then Linda, Sara and I took another ride. This time we went around different parts of NOLA that Sara hadn't been to yet. Rode by City Park, the new Holy Cross HS campus, and down through the French Quarter, before returning to the West Bank. From there we went to P&J's for a shrimp "burl". Major Dad cooked up about 40 pounds of shrimp, so we feasted on shrimp, potatoes, shrimp, corn, shrimp, mushrooms, sausage, artichokes, and did I mention... shrimp?!?!

Monday I called the boss and got the day off. Linda, Sara and I rode (again!!). This time we met Skip from Mandeville and his wife. He had "rescued" Sara during her epic motorcycle journey to Colorado when she found herself out of gas in front of a (closed) gas station in Colorado. We joined Skip and his wife at the 'Teau and had a great time meeting, greeting and catching up. Then it was back home again, once more going through the French Quarter, just because it's so much fun when your on a motorcyle. Resting up we watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall, then off to P&Js for some shrimp bisque cooked up by Major Dad from the leftovers of the day before. It was truly "kick ASS" bisque!!

Today it was back to work. Sara will be flying out in about an hour and a half. All in all it was a terrific visit and we can hardly wait to see Sara, and everyone else, in July for the wedding.

So, there you have it, Sara's visit, in a nutshell.

Take care, and God bless!!

SMILING FACES, SOMETIMES...

2010-03-08T09:18:00.001-06:00

I have no good excuse for not posting the last couple of weeks, other than that I've had nothing to say. It's been a pretty quiet time. I've moved my desk at work (for about the 10th time!). Same job, different view.

The RCIA class that I'm leading is going well. I've tried to avoid being involved in RCIA ever since ordination. It just didn't feel like what I was being called todo. Having been "stuck" with it this year, it is proving to be a real learning experience for me. I'll stop short of saying that I'm glad I got roped into it, but I am learning a lot more about the fundamentals of my faith, which is a good thing.

Moving on slowly toward the July wedding. It's coming faster than it seems. So much to do... still trying to plan the rehearsal dinner, although as it stands now it's looking like a good ol' Louisiana shrimp boil is in the offing! Should be a lot of fun.

It's going to be really great getting everyone together. Family and friends that we only see occasionally, all gathered together in one place at the same time!! Del Rio will not know what hit it!! Hurricane Herrick and Co. is blowing through!!!

Speaking of... S2 is flying in from PA Wednesday night, so our first day will be Thursday, her birthday. Happy Birthday (early), Sis!!! We can hardly wait. It's going to be a fast and furious visit. Thursday birthday, Friday birthday (Kenny), Saturday birthday party (BB and friends), Sunday preaching (Fr. Deo was gracious enough to handle the Saturday evening Mass for me)... and hopefully a nice motorcycle ride in there somewhere! Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it!!

We're starting to warm up, a few degrees at a time, with cold fronts passing through every several days, bringing rain. We still have at least one good cold snap in the wind, since the Navy hasn't shifted to their summer uniform yet. Every year the Navy finally shifts into the summer uniform and shortly thereafter we get the last cold snap of the season. Without fail!

With the huge disasters in Haiti and Chile and the flooding in France, the the mudslides in the Archdiocese of Tororo, Uganda have gone largely unnoticed. From what I've learned, three villages were completely destroyed by this disaster. We are praying for the people whose lives have been affected. Also, we are working with Fr. Deogratius Ekisa to learn how we can most effectively help the people of that area. More on that to follow.

And speaking of Uganda, it's time to start planning our next trip. Perhaps in 2012. When we went in 2005 we were accompanied by DLG, and also our very close friends (and brother deacon) "Uncle" Mick and "Aunt" Bev. DLG had a great time and wants to bring the grandkids next time! Perhaps some of my siblings would like to take a journey to the "dark" continent? After all, you'll have your passports... why not?!?!

Sad to report, the "dismantling" of the New Orleans Saints has already begun. It seems that one of the fans favorite players, Scott Fujita, has signed with the Cleveland Browns. Just goes to show, it's not about the game, it's about the $$$. So who's going to be next?!?!

Lent is moving right along, and Easter is just around the corner. Time to start rehearsing the Exultet!! Probably the longest 6 - 7 minutes of my life! (Although it probably seems MUCH longer for the congregation!!)

I have several special intentions for which I am asking for prayers. Thank you, in advance, and God bless you!

ST. MICHAEL'S RIDERS, A CATHOLIC MOTORCYCLE GROUP

2010-03-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

EMBRACE LIFE

2010-02-27T17:28:00.000-06:00

With a h/t to the American Papist

TO LINDA, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

2010-02-14T11:04:00.000-06:00

HAPPY

ST. VALENTINE'S

DAY

LIFE IS GOOD IN WHO DAT HEAVEN!!

2010-02-08T09:49:00.001-06:00

I would have liked to post something memorable, something socially significant about the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV, but words fail me. All I can say is that the Saints will win the Super Bowl when pigs fly!!

Oh, and the guy in the picture is NOT Peyton Manning!!

WHO DAT?!?!

DREW DAT!!!!

THINKIN' 'BOUT H1

2010-02-04T17:56:00.000-06:00

BLACK AND GOLD - SUPER BOWL

2010-01-25T12:03:00.000-06:00

WHO DAT!?!?!
It was a stellar ending to a not so stellar weekend. After spending the better part of two days laying in bed or sitting around the house close to the kleenex and wrapped up in a snuggie, I was finally able to drag myself into the shower late Sunday afternoon, then watch the Saints-Vikings game.

I had to pass up lunch at Texas Roadhouse with KenEllie (although LINDA WENT) and then a Mexican feast at MD/DLGs (although LINDA WENT). At least I got to see the playoff game and watch the ball sail through the uprights to clinch a win and the Saints first EVER trip to the Super Bowl.

Now it's on to Miami to face homeboy and hometown favorite Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts! I hope the play by play is a little less bias than they seemed to be yesterday. It almost seemed as if the sportscasters were really pulling for Brett Favre over the Saints. It was pretty much all they talked about. After the game Scott Fujita, in response to a question about Favre, replied, "Tonight is not about Brett Favre, it's about the Saints." I couldn't agree with him more.!!

The bottom line is that, although many will be pulling for Manning because he is a "favorite son", the fact of the matter is that a)he is NOT a Saint and b)he never has been a Saint, to the Who Dat Nation should have no problem knowing who to be rooting for!! GEAUX SAINTS!!

A BENEVOLENT BRIDE

2010-01-21T09:41:00.000-06:00

I guess I've been a bit distracted since my last post. The whole situation in Haiti is occupying a lot of my thoughts. I didn't even give a shout out "Who Dat!!" after the Saints beat the Cardinals last Saturday. Now we're looking ahead to the Vikings and Brett Favre this coming Sunday. They are the only thing left standing in our way to the Super Bowl. There doesn't seem to be very much "trash talking" going on for this game.

It's hard to trash talk about the folks from Minnesota when you hear about this particular couple from Duluth.
With a h/t to The Deacon's Bench:

Duluth native Leah Bogen and fiance Will Nicholson were eating breakfast and chatting about wedding plans on Sunday morning in their Maple Grove home. At the same time, Bogen was reading the newspaper and was struck by a story from Haiti that included leg amputations and unsafe medical conditions.

The contrast of the earthquake devastation and the party planning struck her.

She made a decision right then and there to donate the money they planned to spend on the reception dinner — 25 percent of their wedding budget — to people in Haiti. Her fiance didn't need any convincing.

No "bride-zilla" there!! As I mentioned in my homily last weekend, it seems that these natural (and sometimes man-made) disasters such as Katrina, the tsunami, 9-11, and now Haiti's earthquake(s) tend to bring out what is good and caring in people. While natural disasters are often nature's way of renewing and rebuilding the earth,they also often result in suffering, pain, and loss of life. One positive result is the magnificent outpouring of love that is the world-wide response to these tragedies.

Please pray for the people of Haiti and for all who suffer; physically, mentally or spiritually.

WHEW!!!

2010-01-09T16:11:00.000-06:00

The Christmas season is over and still a few days before Carnival is in full swing. We packed away the Christmas decorations today. Next is the tree (artificial) and then we're done!

While relaxing I've been paging through a book given to me by KenEllie that is terrific! Beautiful pictures and the meditations are wonderful. Thanks, again, KenEllie for the book! It's awesome!

It's 4PM and the temp here in NOLA has climbed all the way up to 35!! Looks like another cold night. The 12 foot high ceilings are great in the summer when it's hot, but guess where all the heat goes when it's cold!

Speaking of Carnival (see first sentence), we've got plenty of room if anyone is thinking about checking out this unique experience! Company is always welcome!!

Congrats to my niece, Rachel, who found out she is going to have a baby BOY! Plans are to name him Duncan Joseph. Again, congrats and our prayers are with you for a happy, healthy bundle of joy!!

And best of luck to Big J and Janet as they adjust to their newest addition, Andie. Hope she settles in quickly and quietly so J can get his beauty sleep.

GLOBAL WHAT?????

2010-01-08T10:03:00.000-06:00

The temperature was 29 degrees this morning when we left for work. 29!! Here in New Orleans!! I mean, in the SOUTH, people!! What is wrong with that picture? And I can't help but wonder just how cold it would have been had we not been in the grips of this Global Warming thingy!! It boggles the mind!

Had a great New Year. H2F's parents, sister and cousin came to NOLA, arriving on her birthday. They stayed a whole week, so we got to visit. The only drawback was they insisted on cooking every night, and not just a little snack, either! We had a roast beef dinner, a ham dinner, a turkey dinner, well... you get thte picture. Great food, not so great for the midsection.

New Year's eve H2, H2F, sister, cousin, Big Boy, Big Boy's wife and little Big Boy and I walked up to the ferry landing to watch the fireworks. It was a pretty perfect night, with no low lying cloud cover, so the fireworks display was really great! The only downer was that apparently a 60 year old guy had just dropped dead up the street from us at around 10:30PM. We had police cars, firetrucks and emergency vehicles flying by the house. It wasn't until H2 arrived home from work and walked up the street that we found out what had happened. Of course he had to announce to the neighbors (within earshot of me, of course) that, "A guy dropped dead. But he was pretty old. He was 60." Thanks, bud!!

And, if you want a chuckle, check out this story.

GOODBYE 2009, WELCOME 2010

2009-12-31T21:49:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

YOU SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-12-31T17:09:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a Happy New Year, as well!!!

AWESOME QUOTE!!

2009-12-30T11:02:00.000-06:00

“If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world. Look for the Church that is hated by the world, as Christ was hated by the world. Look for the Church which is accused of being behind the times, as Our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior, as they sneered at Our Lord because He came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil, as Our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils. Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible, as Pilate rejected Christ because he called Himself the Truth. Look for the Church which amid the confusion of conflicting opinions, its members love as they love Christ, and respect its voice as the very voice of its Founder, and the suspicion will grow, that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world, then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly, it is other-worldly. Since it is other-worldly, it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ Himself. … the Catholic Church is the only Church existing today which goes back to the time of Christ. History is so very clear on this point, it is curious how many miss its obviousness…”
- Bishop Fulton Sheen (from the preface to volume one of Radio Replies)

h/t to Msgr. Charles Pope of the Archdiocese of Washington, via The Deacon's Bench.

GEEK HEAVEN

2009-12-29T12:32:00.000-06:00

I'll admit it... I'm a little bit geeky (R U a little bit rock and roll?) and it shows at my desk.

Nice, huh? And don't miss my Pope Benedict XVI bobble-head!!

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Señorita Brenda!

2009-12-27T10:11:00.001-06:00

Update: Dinner at Casa Garcia... the birthday girl!!

BEST WISHES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

2009-12-22T09:11:00.002-06:00

Time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May the Peace that is Christ and the Joy that is the salvation He brings be yours today, tomorrow and forever!!

HAOH2*

2009-12-22T08:58:00.000-06:00

*Happy Anniversay, Officer H2!!!

It was one year ago today that H2 entered the New Orleans Police Academy!

CONGRATS TO SIL-O, RN, BSN, MSN

2009-12-15T10:10:00.000-06:00

A HUGE congrats to Maggie on earning her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of South Floriday!! Way to go, Mags!!!

She's the one in the cap and gown!!

BANDOLIERS IN LITURGICAL COLORS?

2009-12-10T10:18:00.000-06:00

Fr. Z over at WDTPRS had THIS to say about a question sent in by one of his readers:

I have a question for you. Suppose during a EF Mass, a gunman or threatening person enters the church, and opens fire. What can be done within the rubrics to protect the Blessed Sacrament, the priest, the servers, and the congregation? Please keep in mind that the congregation is made up of slow, aging men, who no offense to them, really can’t protect anyone.

Read the comments, as well!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!!!

2009-12-10T08:37:00.000-06:00

DIL1 already set the theme so here's a continuation... Nothing like the original:

Happy Birthday, Michael!!

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER (NOT THE LEXUS ONE)

2009-12-09T09:32:00.001-06:00

December is always a busy month for everyone, and Linda and I are no exception. Just birthdays alone are enough to keep us busy. We have birthdays on December 3rd (Linda turned 23 yet again!), December 10 marks H1's entry onto the world scene, December 16th is yours truly's b'day, of course the birth of our Lord and Savior on the 25th, and SIL-O on December 31st. Now we've added H2F (formerly H2GF) on December 27th! Whew!!

Then there's the Covington Craft Fair which always falls on Linda's birthday weekend, so we take that Friday off to go to the fair. This year it was just the two of us. In past years Aunt Bev and Uncle Mick, and DLG would go, too. Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook already know that this year was especially nice because... why???... because they had CRACKLINs!!! Oh, my, yes!! Yummy!

If all that wasn't enough, add to the mix a trip to Orlando/Tampa to attend SIL-O's graduation from USF with a Master's Degree in Nursing. That is this weekend coming, so we'll be heading that way on Friday, with a scheduled return to NOLA on Monday.

And finally, I'm scheduled to preach three out of four weekends this month! Whew! The New Year can't come to quickly if you ask me!!

There's still plenty of time for some good Advent self-reflection and preparation, though. Keeping in mind that Jesus is the reason for the season, Advent is a time to ask ourselves if we are truly prepared, that is, in a right state of mind and spirit to meet and greet the savior of the world. A popular hymn/song nowadays in many Catholic churches goes, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love". If we were to meet Jesus at His second coming this month, or this week, or today, could we truly say that we are living up to His commandment to love one another?

The Christmas season brings out the best in most of us. We are filled with a spirit of giving, and take joy in bringing smiles to the faces of our family and friends with that perfect gift, or in sharing a bountiful table of delicious treats... But as Christians, do we let this spirit of love and giving extend beyond our tight circles of family and friends to those less fortunate? Do we "feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, or visit the sick and imprisoned", especially during this season? With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and parties and visiting, can't we take time out to pick up a couple of blankets, or some bags of socks, or a sweater or two, and donate them to a local homeless shelter? Giving with no thought of getting, now THAT is the spirit of Christmas!!

God bless you, and may your Christmas be Happy, healthy, and filled with LOVE for Jesus, and for one another!!

¡Feliz cumpleaños, mi amor

2009-12-03T09:27:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to the woman who makes my life complete!!!

I love you more than words can ever say!

SO THERE!!

2009-11-29T14:07:00.002-06:00

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!!

LET'S TALK TURKEY

2009-11-25T12:04:00.004-06:00

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/fiancé 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.

THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!!

2009-11-24T16:20:00.001-06:00

Hey, Gisselle!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

VIRUS ALERT

2009-11-19T10:49:00.000-06:00

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.

GUITAR HERO

2009-11-15T09:20:00.000-06:00

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.

I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER*

2009-11-12T13:59:00.000-06:00

* (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

THE CRESCENT CITY, THE BIG (SL)EASY, CHOCOLATE CITY

2009-11-10T14:31:00.000-06:00

Why do we love living in New Orleans? My lovely and talented daughter puts it into words far more eloquently than I ever could!

WHAT KINDA KOOL-AID DO THEY SERVE IN WASHINGTON?

2009-11-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

WHAT ARE THEY THINKING???

MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT!!!

2009-11-08T19:48:00.001-06:00

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).

WEEKEND UPDATE

2009-11-02T21:33:00.002-06:00

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!!

BIRTHDAY WISHES

2009-10-29T09:06:00.001-05:00

Today is Major Dad's birthday and we want to wish him a very Happy Birthday!!

WHERE'S A COP WHEN YOU NEED ONE?

2009-10-27T13:51:00.001-05:00

Let me just say it's nice to have a son AND son-in-law in law enforcement... especially when a friend calls at 8:30PM in a panic because her son is in the process of being arrested by NOPD and she's freaked out and doesn't know what to do. Enter H2 to tell her what's going to happen, and Major Dad to streamline the booking process and get the errant son quickly released!! Thanks and a very BIG h/t to H2 and MD!!

BENEDICT XVI IS...

2009-10-26T09:37:00.001-05:00

The Pope of Christian Unity!!