HI, LO! HI, LO! IT'S OFF TO '08 WE GO!!

As we look forward to 2008, a quick look back to 2007 shows that it was not without its highs and lows.

Low – H2’s 2nd and 3rd back operations
High- Brother Bill comes to Mardi Gras
High- S2and friends PF1,2,3 visit NOLA and we eat LOTS of oysters!
High- Big Boy marries Beautiful Bride Brittany
High – Linda finally gets to come home from Memphis! (Major High!!)
Low – I end up in the hospital with a strep/staph infection that leads to cellulitis.
High- Two (2) Valedictorians; one at 8th Grade graduation, one at Kndg graduation
High/Low-BB performs beautiful dance recital/ G'pa misses
High- Dinner with Fr. Deo (only in town for a moment!)
High – DLG gets a new job.
Low – Cancelled the family trip to Deal’s Gap in July.
High- DIL2's brother made Chief Petty Officer
High – Rachel and Louis’ wedding in Ohio.
High- Visit from Meatball's little girl—ALL grown up!
High – H2’s health finally gets back to normal.
High – Trip to Houston to visit H1/DIL1.
High – Kenny gets a new job.

Although the year started off Low, the High's sure out weighed them!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

SOMETIMES DNA SUX!!

My apologies to any of my children who are or will be afflicted by migraines. Mea Culpa!!

That is all.

Christmas Present...

It was a great Christmas, for the most part. I do fell very badly that I missed all the Christmas Masses because of whatever this is that is ailing me. Linda ended up going to Midnight Mass alone, which made it even worse.

KenEllie, DLG and kids went to the 5PM Mass, which was super crowded. After Mass, KenEllie went to her folks house for dinner and to exchange gifts, then on across the lake to her aunt's house for their family gathering which lasts into the wee hours of the morning.

Major Dad joined DLG and kids for a quick Popeye's supper at our house, after which we exchanged gifts. Ian was handsome, BB and MG were absolutely adorable in their Christmas finery. Both girls had sparkly red shoes.

I couldn't wait any longer, so I gave Linda her surprise gift. Much to my delight she was not only surprised, but seemed genuinely happy with it. After that she decided to give me my surprise early as well. (hmmm... could this be a new family tradition?)
She had new headlights and LED's added to my ride, really "pimping" it out! I am ecstatic!!

Christmas day began quietly as we prepared a ham, some stuffing and other foodstuffs to take over to Major Dad/DLG's house for dinner. Then KenEllie came over and we finished exchanging gifts with them and H2. I think everyone was pleased with their gifts.

This afternoon we all gathered for dinner, after which KenEllie and MD/DLG et al exchanged gifts. Although H1/DIL1 were absent, we were graced by the presence of H2's very lovely friend, Brenda.

I have to tell you about the dinner. Actually dinner isn't the appropriate word here. I think FEAST is more like it. We had a vegetable tray, deviled eggs, ham, roast beef, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, corn, green beans, asparagus, carrots ala Aunt Bev, rolls, key lime and apple pies. Definitely something for everyone! There was so much food that we're all getting together again for dinner tomorrow night! I'm guessing the menu will be pretty similar!

I hope everyone's Christmas was filled with joy and love. And I pray that joy and love are what we extend to others throughout the coming new year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!!

IT AIN'T AS EASY AS IT LOOKS!!

Linda's surprise Christmas present arrived today!! It is now wrapped, and under the Christmas tree. In honor of H1 putting so much effort into helping me with this surprise, I used not one... not two... not three... but FOUR different wrapping papers on the gift. And, in defense of H1, it's not that easy to intentionally use four different types of gift wrap!

Many, many thanks to H1/DIL1 for helping me with this one. I wish you could be here tomorrow when she opens it!!

IT'S 3AM, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HUSBAND IS?

One thing I've dreaded since ordination is the day I get to Mass only to have the priest tell me I have to preach for whatever reason. Well, yesterday (Saturday) I did just that. I haven't been able to shake whatever it is that I have, so yesterday morning I called Fr. Joseph to say that I was sick and would he be able to preach this weekend. I felt terrible putting him on the spot like that.

If you're interested in what I would have preached about, I posted it on Altar Egeaux. It becomes the first post on my new diaconate-based blog.

I stumbled on this this evening. It's hysterical!
Is it wrong for me to find this so funny on a Sunday morning?

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and 8 days later is 2008. Where did the year go? It seems to have flown by. I hope that 2008 brings us better health than did 2007.

Kudos go out to H1/DIL1 for helping me with L's Christmas gift!



As Santa would say, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I really should be working on my homily for this weekend, but instead I'm adding an entry in LOT(L). I've been home all day trying to fight off what might be another infection, although I have no official verification. A lot of the symptoms from before showed up, but not in as devestating a fashion as in the past. Painful joints, a very mild case of the chills, and a headache that seems to be untouchable by modern medicines. I've started on Bactrim to try and nip it in the bud.

Linda is out at Applebee's with P&J and kids. I'm home with Maynard.

Looks like some movies with real potential for entertainment are opening today: National Treasure:Book of Secrets, P.S. I Love You, Charlie Wilson's War, and Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. They all look like they might be pretty interesting. If I can make it through the first Mass and homily tomorrow evening, maybe a movie night would be a nice treat before the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve and Christmas settles in.

I guess I'd better get back to preparing for tomorrow, but first I want to wish everyone a

.

This Christmas wish goes out in a special way to Keith and Chris, John and Janet, Richard and June, our many Ugandan friends spread across the globe, and especially my family, both nuclear and extended.

AND AGAIN, THANK YOU!!

It was a good day after all. I woke up with a migraine that kept me immobilized for most of the day. Linda, being the sweet and loving wife that she is, drove all the way to our workplace to get my prescription meds for me. By 3:30PM I felt a little better and went to KenEllie's where they had prepared a WONDERFUL birthday spaghetti dinner. We were joined by H2, DLG, Major Dad and family, and even Miguel. It was a really nice dinner and afternoon with family. H1/DIL1, sorry you missed it... we certainly missed you!!

Yesterday evening little Molly G fell and hit her mouth against DLG's coffee table. Blood everywhere, of course. After a 3 hour trip to the emergency room the question remained as to whether her two front teeth had been knocked back into her gums, or had the gums just swollen to where they covered the teeth. We should find out Monday when DLG takes her to the dentist for a look-see. MG was SO cute today at dinner. You'd never guess anything had happened.

Yesterday evening was also the wedding that I officiated at. The bride and groom were SO in love. She cried during the ceremony and he gently wiped away her tears. I pray that their life together is long and happy.

Yesterday night we also went to our diaconate class annual Christmas party. It was really great to see our old friends once again, but fewer and fewer show up each year. Two have died since ordination in '99. One moved to Georgia, another to Colorado, and another to Washington state. Still, it was good to see those that did show up.

That's all for now. May the peace of Christ be yours during this Christmas season, and throughout the coming year!! And may God's blessings be on you and yours.

10-Q, 10-Q, 10-Q

Just a quick note to say

to everyone for their birthday wishes.

ADVENT,CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS

The next few days will be pretty busy beginning with a wedding rehearsal tonight. Tomorrow evening I will hopefully be putting the finishing touches on the wedding homily, and then the wedding takes place Saturday evening. Sunday I will probably spend the day trying to NOT feel a year older!

Speaking of Sunday, I was hoping for a birthday trip to The Shed, but it looks like the weather isn’t going to cooperate. I’m open to some suggestions for dinner if the Shed doesn’t pan out. I know we all like Outback, but we DID go there TWICE last week!

I think we’ve got most of Christmas covered, as far as gifts are concerned, which is very good. It leaves time for reflecting on the season and what it means to us as Christians. As the KC motto goes, we need to “Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas”! And let’s not forget another favorite Christmas catch phrase, “Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON”.

We have only two weeks left of the Advent season. As we look forward to Christmas, we still have two more weeks to look back on the past year and ask ourselves if we’ve done our best as Christian brothers and sisters. Advent is the time to prepare ourselves for the birth of our Lord, much like Lent being a time of preparation for Easter. Some suggested areas of contemplation: Have we been more considerate of others? Have we been more patient with others? More forgiving? Have we put ourselves first, before everything or everyone else?

And while we’re on the subject of Christmas, you know what really chaps my butt? The “12 days of Christmas” begins on Christmas day and goes until January 5th, ending with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. They are NOT the 12 days BEFORE Christmas, as the merchants who commercialize this most Holy day would have you believe. THOSE 12 days are still part of the Advent season, not the Christmas season.

A-A-A-A-A-A-A-nyway. That’s my two cents worth for today. May you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas, a wonderful Christmas season, and a Happy New Year!!

BB Quote of the Weekend - G'PA Style!

Sunday the family gathered at Chevy's Mexican Restaurant. At some point I was talking to Linda about my deanery meeting later that day. BB asks, "What's a deanery?" So I try to explain how there are lots of Catholic churches in New Orleans, and how they are divided into groups by area, and each group is called a deanery. So when I get done explaining it I asked her if she understood. Her reply??? "Actually, grandpa, I wasn't listening." Well, at least she was honest.

HOW OLD R U, G'MA?... I'M 23, BB

H2 has added a musical element to his vast array of entertainment that is really a lot of fun. He has the XBox 360 and recently bought Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. The game controller for Guitar Hero III is wireless, in the form of a guitar. Rock Band adds controllers that resemble a Fender Stratocaster, an electronic drum set, and a microphone. To play the game, you select a rock persona, and a song. As the song plays, "notes" appear scrolling down the neck of a guitar. You try to play the "notes" as they hit a certain fret by pressing buttons on the neck of the controller or striking the right "drum" of the drum set. It's actually a lot of fun and the songs that come with the games are pretty good, too. Even the "old man" got into the act along with KenEllie!!
Last Monday was L's birthday. She's once again!!! Monday for lunch we went to New Orleans Food and Spirits. We go there fairly frequently, probably once a week, at least, so we know some of the wait staff pretty well. When Marcy, our waitress, took our food order I mentioned that it was L's birthday. We had a nice lunch after Marcy told me that I didn't really want the red beans because they weren't very good that day, so I switched to Hawaiian porkchops which was an excellent choice. A-a-a-nyway... we were waiting for our check when suddenly all the waitresses, and even Mr. Mike (he does the seating) showed up at our table. They sang "Happy Birthday" and gave L a small bread pudding topped with whipped cream and a candle. Now, I've been going to NOFS for probably 5 or 6 years, at least, and I've NEVER seen them sing Happy Birthday before! She's just so SPECIAL!
Monday night the family (sans H1/DIL1 and Major Dad) went to Outback for her birthday dinner.

Now fast forward to Friday. H1/DIL1 are in town for their office Christmas party. Major Dad is back from Baton Rouge. Since Monday is H1's birthday but he'll be back in Houston, we decided to celebrate with dinner at the restaurant of his choosing ('thanks, DIL1') so here we are at Outback! This time we are sans KenEllie, as they were with her parents for the evening at a special annual Hispanic event which I will try to describe after I get the scoop. Or, maybe Kenny will post about it on his blog. Dinner was excellent, as usual.

That's about all the exitement for this week. Oh, yeah. The Navy program I've been working on the past four years was "shelved" yesterday. No money to fund it any longer, probably due to the high cost of the "war on terror", so I'll be moving to a new job (same place, just different work assignment) in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck.

Hopefully the next post won't be too far into the future. Until then, wishing you all a spiritually fulfilling Advent season. As you prepare for the coming of our Lord, may your hearts be filled with peace, love, and joy. May God bless you always!!

ALOHA

In memory of those who died at Pearl Harbor.

May we always remember, Freedom is NOT Free!

To My Sweetheart On Her Birthday

myspace layouts

Happy Birthday!!!

SCATTER SHOT*

*This is NOT directed at anyone in particular other than myself!

After reading H1's post about inconsiderate people (to which I heartily agree, mind you) it got me to thinking that being inconsiderate really permeates our society today. And one of the root culprits is cellphones.

Now I'm the first to admit that I feel naked without my cell phone, and I'm also guilty to that of which I'm about to complain. The cell phone, boon to mankind, is also bane to man"kind". And bluetooth has made it even worse!!

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation with a group of people and had one of them stop and take a phone call? No "Excuse me, I need to answer this", no "I'll get this later"? Or how about the person in the crowded elevator or in a public place like a store or restaurant wearing a headset and talking, loudly, as if they are alone in their own home? Drowning out everyone else? Or worse, airing their dirty laundry as if no one else can hear them? Of course there are always those phones that go off in church, or at the movies! I promise I will try to be more considerate of those I am with from now on.

As I think about it, I think it actually started with "call waiting". You know, the little "beep" in the phone that tells you someone is trying to call in? How did/do we react to that? We say, "Would you hold on a minute, please? Some one's beeping in." OK. So we're kind of polite by asking the other person to hold on, but actually we're saying "You're time is not so important to me that I won't stop and see if this other call is more important, or at least someone I would RATHER talk to." And I do it all the time without a second thought.

I think H1 hit it on the head. Our society today is an "It's all about ME" society. "I" can't be inconvenienced by the extra 30 seconds it takes to get through the toll booth in the lane I'm in, so I'll just force my way into the lane next to me, or I'll get into the toll tag only lane because it's moving faster, then I'll cut over to another toll lane at the last minute. Holding up the lane I'm in, of course, until I can force my way over.

OK. Rant, rant, rant. I just had to get that off my chest. After all, it's all about ME, right?

MORE WISHES

I, too, almost forgot!! You can't go wrong by giving someone Harvey's Bristol Cream!

And, I could use a new wallet to hold what little money and many credit cards are used to buy wonderful gifts for you all.

WISHIN' AND HOPIN' AND WORKIN' AND PRAYIN'

Since the rest of the family is posting their wish lists on their blogs, here is mine.

Chiapop's wish list:

1. World Peace
2. An end to Global Warming
3. ALL my children attend Mass for Christmas (This is really # 1)
4. A Cobra Billet Light Bar>
5. A blackberry
6. Music CDs - Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlin, Sarah Brightman, David Phelps, Country, Classic Rock, Oldies, Soundtracks (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables)
7. iPod accessories
8. Neat computer gadgets (like a lighted keyboard, for instance)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLIE!!!!!

THAT SINKING FEELING

Perhaps by now you've heard that a cruise ship, the MV Explorer is sinking near Antarctica. As I was reading a related article, I learned to my amazement that the ship was formerly the Lindblad Explorer

which actually docked at McMurdo Station back in 1970 or 1971, while I was there as part of the U.S. Navy's Operation Deep Freeze! At the time it was the first cruise ship visit to Antarctica. Just a tidbit of useless information.

Have A Happy Man's Holiday!!*

*Don't believe me? What other holiday involves looking for a "bird" with nice legs and big breasts?



The bird is stuffed and in the oven. Now it's a waiting game until time to start the rest of the dinner. We're expecting a smaller crowd than in years past, but it will be a good gathering, I think.

I heard talk on the radio about airlines looking into charging passenger fares according to weight... Guess I won't be doing much traveling any time soon if that happens, unless I get a LOT more money! Another weight loss incentive!

Yesterday the high temperature was in the 80's. Today it will start in the 60's and go DOWN from there!! But only for a day or two. We're on a temperature roller coaster that has made a lot of people suffer. There appears to be at least two different illnesses going around in a big way. Not only the intestinal bug that ripped through our family, but there's also a flu-like cold that is running rampant. Here's hoping the family doesn't get that one, too!

As I look at the title to this post, I realize that it can be interpreted in two ways. It could be "Have a Happy "Man's Holiday"" or it could be "Have a "Happy Man's" Holiday". The former is the intended meaning. Just so you know.

In two weeks Major Dad will complete the final week of some advanced law enforcement training he and others have been attending in Baton Rouge. Congratulations to him for his hard work and success!

This just in for Ellie!!!


Hope your birthday (Saturday) is wonderful!!

Once again, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.



May God continue to bless you as we prepare for the upcoming Christmas season.

THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

Thanksgiving is next to “nigh”. While I’m at work this week, L is home preparing for family and friends who will be joining us on Thursday for dinner.

I anticipate a lively group to include, hopefully, Big Bridget and Auntee, and several of the Ugandan seminarians. Sadly, H1/DIL1 will not be with us, but we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and probably in our snide comments, as well. (Hey, they won’t be there to defend themselves, right?!?!)

On a serious note, I want to reflect for a moment on some of the things for which I am thankful.

First and foremost, I am thankful for family. For Linda, wonderful wife and mother that she is, who I love without reservation and who completes me in a way that no one and nothing else can. I am thankful for the blessings of my four children and three grandchildren. I want them to know that I love them and am proud of them. I am grateful, too, for Jerrod, Hannah and Gisselle. I can only hope that they find in their relationships the joy, happiness and love, in at least some small measure, that I experience daily with Linda.

I am thankful for my brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, in-laws and soon-to-be’s. I am thankful for my friends who, through the grace of God are too numerous to try and mention, but especially for Bob and Helen, Mick and Bev, Keith and Chris, and Big J and the Lunch bunch. I pray that God blesses you all in a special way this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for both H2 and I coming through our health issues relatively intact, and for all the support and prayers offered for us and to us.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my God and His Church, and for the many graces He has bestowed on me through that service. I am thankful for my diaconate experience, the many new friends made along the journey and the opportunity to share my faith with others.

I am grateful for parents and grandparents who taught us love, respect, responsibility, humility, morality, faith and hope, not just by word, but by the way they lived their lives.

If you’ve made it this far, I am thankful for YOU, for giving me the reason right now, at this moment, to stop and think about all the blessings that I’ve received in my lifetime, not the least of which is YOU!

May the peace and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be yours, not only this Thanksgiving, but every day of your life!!

HAM IT UP, YOU TURKEY!!

It looks like we've made it. After three days of being holed up in the house I ventured out yesterday evening to vote, and today went to church. The virus seems to have lost its grip on me, and hopefully L and H2, finally.

The weather is abso-tively posi-lutely gorgeous!! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the temperature is in the mid-70s. Perfection! At least for a little while. It's supposed to cloud up and probably rain (50% chance) later today. Then another front moves through, so Thanksgiving will also be a wet one, then very cool days follow, with highs in the low 60s for a couple of days.

On the neighborhood news side, it looks like one of our ankle bracelet wearing neighbors is moving soon. That should bring our number of convicted felons within a 3 house radius from us down to one. Life is good.

We are, as are probably most of you, getting ready for Thanksgiving. Every year I try for an Outback Thanksgiving, but Linda is adamant that we will cook at home. Which is really ok, because she makes the BEST sausage stuffing ever. And home cooked turkey is really the tastiest, too, so I'm looking forward to the feast.

Speaking of traditions (or not), we've had a few come and go over the years. Such things as turkey for Thanksgiving, ham and turkey for Christmas, and ham for Easter. Then there's my mom's eggnog at Christmas/New Year's, made ALWAYS with Canadian Mist, no other brand will do. That one is kind of hit or miss. We do it some years and some years we don't. Linda sometimes makes fruit cake cup cakes, which actually got me to like fruit cake because hers are so fresh and delicious. Aunt Daisy's cookies for Christmas. Pumpkin pies, apple pies and (thankfully) NO MINCEMEAT!!! And, there's always spaghetti and cole slaw, which I remember from my childhood, but everyone else thinks I'm nuts. Actually I think they go well together, but it has to be MY cole slaw, not the kind you get at Popeye's, or Chick-fil-a, or some such stuff. On New Year's Eve my folks used to make oyster stew (actually oysters in a milky buttery broth) that tasted great, but I couldn't handle the oysters. How I loved the broth with oyster crackers!! That's something I should try to make, now that I've finally developed a taste for oysters. Maybe it's time for a tradition revival?

I guess some traditions will have to change now that kids are married, or moved, and are now mixing traditions with their spouses to create new ones. It's another sign that we've earned our gray hair.

Last Saturday, November 10th, we went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the New Orleans Arena. The concert was terrific! Wonderful music, awesome light and fireworks show, and just a good time altogether. KenEllie joined us and I think they enjoyed it, too. I would definitely recommend the show to anyone who has the opportunity to go. Hopefully TSO will be back next year.


Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!

FEEL THE LOVE... SHARE THE SICKNESS

There's not to much exciting going on in MY life at the moment, hence the extended hiatus from blogging. Add to that that both DLG and DIL1 have been keeping me in stitches with their own e-diaries, and the lack of fodder and time have been the cause of this mini-sabatical.

I'm not sure what the time stamp will be on this post, but it is 2:52 AM as I write, and I've been up since before midnight. It seems that both L and I have come down with whatever has been tearing up our extended family, keeping me at home yesterday, and probably both L and I today. If you've been reading DLG's blog then you know that the end result of this little inconvenient bug is the inability to stray too far from a toilet for any length of time.

It looks like we're going to get a bit of much needed rain (40% chance) today. I hope so. Our five Bradford (Cleveland?) pear trees need it. I'd really like to see them flourish and grow into some nice shade trees. Since the loss of the sycamores to the storm, the front rooms of our house really heat up in the afternoon sun!

A special CONGRATS!! to S2 (my PA sister) on getting her new motor vehicle license! Way to go!! Looking forward to seeing your new set of wheels. Be sure to send pictures.

Keith and Chris, how are you doing? We don't hear from you nearly often enough, but think of you often!

Still missing Mick and Bev since they moved to Colorado. I hear that Mickey does a mean impression of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow! And who knew that Aunt Bev could be such a witch?!? (I saw the pictures!)

Well, the porcelain throne calls, yet again, so take care, and God bless!

H-TOWN STANDS FOR "HERRICK" THIS WEEKEND!!!

It's been a great weekend! We left NOLA on Friday morning and headed to Houston. The weather was, and has been, absolutely beautiful. Turns out we had quite a group, what with H2, Big Boy and Bride, FTT (Frank the Tank) and Linda and myself.

Houston is a HUGE city! Everything really IS bigger in Texas! I guessNew Orleans is a sleepy little town after being here for a few days. It seems like rush hour traffic 24x7 and construction is EVERYWHERE! We still managed to get around to see some sights and have some good eats.

Saturday we went to Galveston to see the Lone Star Rally. It was crowded and noisy but we all had a good time. H1/DIL1's friend, Russell met up with us on this trip, along with Lisa, a self-proclaimed psycho! It was a fun day with lunch at Fuddruckers and dinner at Pancho's. Remember Pancho's? NOLA used to have THREE of them... no more.

Sunday was a nice, quiet day at H1/DIL1's. BB&B, and FTT left for NOLA around mid-morning, just as we were arriving at the apartment from our motel. After lounging around and chatting for awhile we went out for lunch to Pappasito's (voted the best Mexican restaurant in Houston) for a really great late lunch. Then back to the apartment for some more talk and chilling. We finished out the evening with supper at Barry's Pizza, then dessert at Marble Slab Creamery followed by an evening of watching "Wild Hogs". Then it was back to our motel for a good night's sleep.

We leave for NOLA today after we check out from our motel and meet up with H1/DIL1 and H2 for brunch. Once again it's a beautiful day and the drive home should be outstanding. Although the visit has been great, it will be good get back to the menagerie (Maynard, Gumbo, Evil G, and Craiger), not to mention KenEllie (THANKS!! for taking care of the animals) and PJIBM.


OH, and "WAY TO GO, SAINTS!!!!!"

Hoping for a safe trip. Take care and God bless.

OOPS, I FORGOT

I forgot something in my last post... I had promised a comment on the movie , 30 Days of Night. It was not good. It was bad. If you really want to see it, PLEASE wait until it comes out on DVD (probably tomorrow or next week, 'cause it's so bad).

And, as long as I'm here, H2 got me a copy of Cat Ballou with (ugh) Jane (aka "Hanoi Jane") Fonda and Lee Marvin. I remember watching it as a kid and really enjoying it.

Linda and I had café au lait and beignets with the daughter of our friend "Meatball" at Café du Monde last Wednesday. We hadn't seen her since she was 3 of 4 years old! She's turned into a very lovely young woman. She was here attending two days of training with Sprint, and was gracious enough to leave her friends on Bourbon to spend a few hours chatting with us.

NOLA is booming this weekend. There's the Voodoo Music Festival, the annual Tattoo Convention, the Laketown Festival, Christ the King Craft Fair, and more! Pre-K it would have been Steel Pony Express weekend, too. We need to get that back!

OK. That's enough for now. I'm back to work! Take care and God Bless!

I'M A FACE WITHOUT A NAME, JUST WALKIN' IN THE RAIN*

*Goin' back to Houston... Houston... Houston

Well, it looks like it's finally over. Monday I return to work full time (Heavy sigh). I now have to wear what I call "old people socks" (support hose) every day. It's supposed to help the circulation in my lower extremeties and keep the swelling in check. Basically they are tight, stretchy knee-highs. I have two black pairs and one beige pair. The beige really fit the "old people" picture in my mind. I only wear them with long pants and a pair of regular socks over them. The black ones are actually not too bad.

This weekend is my duty weekend, as I mentioned in an earlier post. I'm struggling. The Gospel reading is short, both in length and depth, if you get my meaning. Basically it says, in a nutshell, that there was this Pharisee and this tax collector in the temple praying. The Pharisee is praying, "God, I'm a great guy. I'm not like that piece of doo tax collector over there, so, Thanks!" The tax collector, on the other hand, is praying, "God, please have mercy on me, for I know I'm a sinner and I want to do better". The tax collector goes away justified, while the Pharisee doesn't. The trick now is to put it into an 8 to 10 minute sermon that is interesting, relevant, and motivational. Especially for the youth group at CTK. I should have it nailed down by Monday, for sure!!

Next weekend we're heading to HOUSTON!!! Finally!!! H2, Big Boy and B4 (aka B+B+B+B, aka Big Boy's Beautiful Bride), Linda and I are trekking to Texas! Y-Y-e-s-s-s-s-s! H1/DIL1 won't know what to do with so much company all at once.

KenEllie are in Jacksonville, FL for Ellie's brother's wedding. In the mean time I'm cat sitting for Tinkle-bot. (I know it's really Tinky-bot, but the whole Kenny peeing on the cat story was just TOO funny!) She's lonely already, but at least she's in familiar surroundings. I've been feeding her twice a day, and while I'm there I sit on the couch and she jumps into my lap and kind of curls up/drapes herself over me while I pet her for a few minutes. If Linda ever leaves me I'm getting cats. Indoor cats. Not the outside quasi-feral cats like we have now.

It seems we have another possum in our back yard. Maynard found a baby possum, so I'm guessing there's a momma possum somewhere, too. Great! Just what we need. More critters. If you've ever seen a live possum up close and pissed, you know that they are in no way the cute little cartoon characters you might see on TV. They are ONE UGLY ANIMAL. Kind of like mosquitoes, they make you look to the heavens and say, "God, what WERE you thinking?".

Wishing everyone a most efficacious All Hallow's Eve! And a happy birthday to Major Dad!!! God's blessings!

TAKE SOMINEX TONIGHT AND SLEEEEEEP...*

* Or, just read my blog. Same effect.

I frequently click on the link to my daughter's blog, or my daughter-in-law's blog (I'd include the blogs of my oldest and youngest sons here and here but they update even less than I do!!) and occasionally I click on the links to blogs that are listed on my daughter's blog, or my daughter-in-law's blog. In either instance I often wonder why I bother. I find their blogs and those that they link to to be really interesting, witty, and often insightful. I enjoy reading them. When I go back and reread what I've posted it seems so dull.

That being said, read on, if you dare.

When I look back on the last 5 months it seems like I just lost a big chunk of what is left of my life to this stupid infection! We had to cancel what would have been a really great vacation in July. I missed out on Ian's and Bridget's school graduation ceremonies as well as the May Festival. I can't believe how far behind I am at work, even with them allowing me to work from home for several months, I'm still swamped. I've missed some deadlines that will surely impact my performance evaluation. Great!

I've "got the duty", as Big J would say, this weekend. It's my homily weekend so I preach at the three masses at Holy Name of Mary Church. In addition, this month I was asked to be the "guest homilist" at the youth mass at Christ the King Church, which will be this weekend, Sunday evening. I could use some prayer support as I struggle to prepare something interesting and relevant to our youth today.

H2 and I are going to see 30 Days of Night this evening. I'll let you know how it goes. From the trailers it looks pretty creepy.

I do need to post a congrats to Ian who made the Alpha Honor Role at Brother Martin High School. Way to go!!

Also, kudos to LSU, who squeaked by Auburn, and to the Saints, who put a MILD whoopin' on the Dirty Birds of Hot-lanta.

The biggest news is that Louisiana has elected the first governor of our state of Indian (NOT Native American) descent, who is also the first person to win an election outright when no incumbent was running. Congratulations to Bobby Jindal!! We have a lot of hopes riding on you, so good luck!

Also congratulations to my friend, Steve Scalise, who won his race for State Senate by a handy margin. Way to go, Steve. Hoping to see you in the U.S. House soon!! Steve, we need to pursue the license plate issue. I'd really like to get #1 for myself!

I guess that's about it for now. Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, take care and God bless!!

Getting a "Leg Up"

I've been neglectful in keeping you, my friends and family, updated. Here's what's been going on the past week.

Thursday I went back to see the IDD. After looking at the leg, she thought it was less red (a good sign). She sent me for another IV of daptomycin. This time we left the IV in overnight, as I am an extremely difficult "stick".

Friday was more of the same. Dapto IV and IDD looked at leg. Sent me home with strict instructions to stay off the leg and to come back Tuesday.

Since I was following doctor's orders and trying to stay off the leg as much as possible, the weekend went by pretty uneventfully. Saturday morning I missed an Archdiocesan Morning of Spirituality that I had been looking forward to. Basically I spent the weekend trying to catch up on DVR'd programs from the new season and working on a couple of documents for work that I'm way behind on.

Tuesday I returned to the IDD. She was pretty pleased, all in all, with the leg situation. The color was much better, the swelling never really got out of hand, and the wound site from the biopsy is looking good. I go back in 10 days for blood work and another evaluation.

So, bottom line is, next week I will go to work all day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to see how it goes. If no problems, then I will return to work full time the following Monday.

It has been a long process, and I really appreciate all the kind thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless!

THIRD TIME'S A CHARM?

Let's see what's been going on. Monday, as you know, was Columbus Day. A federal holiday for us civil servants out there. Looking forward to a nice day off? RIGHT!

Don't you know that at around 9:30 AM I realize that, once again, my knuckles are feeling stiff and sore. I knew immediately that it was NOT a good sign. by 10:00 AM I was shaking like a leaf. Couldn't hold a drink without spilling. Couldn't stop shaking. By 10:30 Linda and I are on our way to Ochsner ER.

The ER took me in right away, drew blood, found that I had a temp of 102, gave me Tylenol for the temp, and had me lie down and wait for the doctor. When he came in he decided I had a sinus infection and sent me for a chest xray and a sinus CT scan. Both were done within about 1/2 hour. Amazing how quickly I was being tended to! Right. About 3 hours later another doctor came in to say that I did appear to have a sinus infection, and sent me home with a prescription for an antibiotic (augmentin xl, or something like that).

Went home. Started the meds. A couple of hours later I started to feel achy and shivery again, so I went to bed at 5PM and slept until 10PM. Got up and had a bowl of cereal (small) and took some more medicine.

The next morning (yesterday) I still felt like crap. Linda noticed that my right leg (the infamous right leg) was hot to the touch compared to my left. Now she's upset. She decides I need to be on zyvox which, fortunately, I still have. So I start taking zyvox and quit the augmentin. As the day goes on my leg seems to be getting darker and darker red, but it's still not swollen, so I'm not TOO worried.

Today Linda says I'm going to the doctor, so I get up and go in to work. I can maybe get some work done while she tries to get me in to see my IDD. (An aside... for as little confidence as I could dig up for any of the IDDs that were involved with H2, I have developed complete confidence in my IDD at Ochsner). A-a-a-nyway, IDD says to come in for an IV. So off we go.
After about an hour in the waiting room (not bad for being "squeezed in") I get into an exam room. The IDD comes in, takes one look at my now swollen and bright red leg and immediately utters that hated word, "HOSPITAL". I pleaded with her to not admit me, that my leg was only swollen because I had been at work all morning. That REALLY set her off! "WHAT!?! YOU WENT TO WORK?!?!" She finally agreed to pump me up with an IV antibiotic, and send me home on zyvox again, with the caveat that I was to see her tomorrow and again Friday, when she would decide whether or not I would be back in the hospital again.

So now I feel like a three-time loser of the Triple Crown. And today is just a GORGEOUS day! Tonight will be fabulous at the Pit Stop, crowded, I'm sure. I've got to get this beat before the end of the month. I've got a preaching weekend the last weekend in October, and hopefully a trip to visit H1/DIL1 in Houston the first weekend in November.

Oh, the good news (yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus) is that the hole in my leg is closed. It has been officially declared healed by my IDD! So, that's good.

So now I'm gonna be selfish and ask for continued prayers for me, that this infection gets nipped in the bud quickly and completely.

That's about it... probably much, MUCH more than you needed or wanted to know. If you got this far, thanks, and God bless you!!

I WANT TO BE IN THAT NUMBER*

*if the Saints ever get a win!!

Has it really been a whole week since my last blog? I can hardly believe it. It's been pretty hectic, but still...

Work has been kind of a drag. We received a bunch of servers from one of our "sister" commands, 7Klbs+, so much of my 1/2 days at work was spent opening shipping crates, unloading and inventorying computer hardware. So much for making sure I "keep my leg elevated", huh?

I can't believe how many good (so far) TV shows are new this year. Couple that with the faves from last season and there just isn't enough time in an evening to see them all. Enter cable's DVR. So instead of watching what is on, now we try to catch up by watching something recorded from a week or two ago. Couch potato heaven!

The low point of the week was coming down with a cold Monday evening and spending the rest of the week trying to fight it off. Thank heavens for Alka-Seltzer Plus cold medicine! Linda won't touch the stuff, but for me it's a life saver.

Today we had a barbecue to meet and greet the new Ugandan seminarians, as well as the rest who are in the middle of their studies. We had five seminarians, KenEllie and the in-laws, and DLG and the girls over for the "cook-in". Because of the shaky nature of the weather I did the cooking out on the back deck, but we ate indoors. I think everyone had a good time. A particular hit was MD's potato salad. Unfortunately he and Ian were at the Saint's latest debacle, so they missed the gathering. Ellie's mom brought some KILLER flan, so I was pretty much in 7th heaven at dessert time. We also had strawberries and ice cream, which is usually a novelty for the Ugandans, as they don't have strawberries at home.

It's so nice to live in a nice, quiet neighborhood. We have two, not one, but two neighbors wearing ankle bracelets because they are under house arrest. Nice.

We're hoping to go to Houston the first weekend in November. We've not yet been to visit H1/DIL1 so we're pretty excited about it. A few prayers that the trip works out would be nice. Thanks, in advance.

Molly started walking Friday!! She started falling Saturday!! Hopefully walking will increase and falling will decrease quickly. Unfortunately she fell while Mom and sis were at a birthday party for sis's friend. Fortunately sis's friend's dad is an EMT and was able to check out a bloody, crying, but otherwise ok little toddler, so Mom could beat a hasty retreat.

DLG and KenEllie participated in a 5K run/1K walk for breast cancer this morning. Kudos to them! They saw our good friends Keith and Chris there, too.

I guess I'll end with GEAUX TIGERS!! and what happened to our Saints? Ah well, maybe next year! No bags on the head for this fan. The team was there for us last season, we need to be there for them this season!

THOUGHTS

Thank GOD it's over! As Big J would say, I had "duty" this weekend. It was my weekend to preach at the three masses at Holy Name of Mary church. Linda says I'm pretty good, but I stress, big time, every month when my turn comes around. I've never been good at standing up in front of people to speak, and when you add to that what I consider to be a HUGE responsibility to take the readings of the day and get some theme or idea from them to try and make relevant to the congregation, it is super stressful! And, I deliver my homilies in front of not just our parishioners, but also my family, who are quite aware of my human faults and failings, yet listen patiently as I exhort them, myself, and others to try to be more perfectly Christian in our lives.

H1/DIL1 came in for the weekend. As always it was a HUGE (hmmm... that's the second time I've used HUGE in this blog...) boost for H2 to see his bro and sis-in-law! Friday evening they drove in and the rest of the family met them at Deanie's in Bucktown. We all got there around 8:15 or so. The place was PACKED. We had an hour wait, with about 33 people ahead of us.

Let me just say that Deanie's is NOT my favorite place to eat. I went there for lunch with a coworker maybe three or four years ago and, after being seated immediately (the place was pretty empty at 11AM), it still took over 1/2 hour to get someone to take our order, and we had been there 1 1/2 hours before we got our food!! I vowed that I would NEVER eat there again, and have kept that vow up to now.

Now, I dont't know, maybe because I was already stressing about my upcoming homily, God took pity on me. Deanie's in Bucktown is just around the corner from one of my FAVORITE eating establishments, New Orleans Food & Spirits. While waiting for our turn at Deanie's we decided to stroll over to NOFS and see what the wait would be there. Although it, too, looked jam packed, the hostess said she could seat us in 15 minutes!! Thank you, JESUS!!!

We ate at NOFS, and my blacklist of Deanie's in Bucktown (not to be confused with De-anie's on Haynes) remains intact.

Bubba, that is, Major Dad, goes to Baton Rouge all week for schooling. Please pray for a safe and successful trip and a safe return to DLG and the kids. Also, please pray for DLG, the mother of a certain 14 year old who's teenage hormones are beginnign to kick in, complicated by the fact that he is an extremely bright young man who's art of reasoning (arguing??) is quite good.

Oh, by the way, I had a visit with the wound care nurse and IDD at Oschner on Friday. She said my "hole" is about the size of a pinhead and should be completely closed within the next two weeks!! Praise God! Thank you ALL for your prayers and support over the past several months.

Linda is calling me so I'd better wrap it up... I'll close with my message to the congregation at HNM this weekend. Everything we have, do, are, is a gift from God. It is our obligation as Christians to share those gifts, whatever they might be, with the rest of God's children... our families, friends, neighbors, but especially those in need, the homeless, the sick, the lonely.

Take care and God bless!!

BELLA

Linda and I attended a screening of the movie Bella yesterday evening. It was great! If you have a chance, go see it. If you have a chance to help promote its coming to New Orleans, please do!

IF YOU WANT IN ONE HAND...

Linda and I were having dinner with Ian yesterday evening. I don't remember how the subject began, but Ian comments, "For my 16th birthday I want a Viper, and a Las Vegas hooker (ok, she's an EX-Vegas hooker). The only thing missing was him adding DIL1's famous caveat, "Make it happen, people!". I don't know how many more gray hairs I can take!!

MOLLY McPARTY!!!

WHAT A RUDE AWAKENING!

NOLA dodged a very wet bullet. The tropical depression we thought was going to dump inches of rain on us this weekend apparently went North to Mississippi instead of NW to us. All the warnings that we'd been watching all week were cancelled Friday night. Whew!

I didn't get to bed Friday until 12:30AM, and I was up Saturday at 6:15. "Why?", you might ask. Well, I've always heard that you can't smell when you're asleep. I disagree. I use a cpap breathing machine at night, so I have air being forced into my nose constantly. Throughout the night our boxer, Maynard, moves about the house, sleeping here and there. Sometimes, in the morning when he's ready to go out he comes and hunkers down next to my side of the bed. After awhile he farts, and the cpap sucks it in and forces it directly into my nose. The smell just about suffocates me and wakes me up quickly!! PEEEE-eew!!

That's how my Saturday started.

It did get better, though. Gumbo was very friendly and wanted to be held, a lot. He even let Linda give him a shower.


Molly's first birthday party was tonight. She was SO CUTE!!! She had her own little birthday cake which she ate, wore, and played with!! The rest of us had birthday cake, Berry Chantilly cake, and birthday cake ice cream (much like cookies 'n cream). It was a really nice party. We missed H1/DIL1 and KenEllie.

H2 has returned to working out at the gym. We're really excited that he has reached that stage of his recovery. We continue to pray for him.

Looking forward to seeing H1/DIL1 next weekend!!

Congrats to LSU, who is KICKING BUTT this season!!

God bless, and good night.

ANYBODY READ TEA LEAVES?

So Linda and I are sitting in the dining room at KenEllie’s having tea when Kenny mentions that he knows that I have tried marijuana. He knows this because his oldest brother, H1, told him that he (H1) was pretty sure I had tried it because on my last ship the other chiefs would call me “psychedelic chief”.

Just for the record… I like rock-and-roll. Actually I like most types of music, but rock is by far my favorite. When I got to my last ship I was a navy Chief Petty Officer. As such, I lived with all the other chiefs in the chief’s quarters, which had it’s own lounge, dining room and berthing. The lounge was equipped with a tv and a stereo system. Chiefs are traditionally “old salts” that drink beer, chew tobacco, and listen to country music EXCLUSIVELY. So, you can imagine their reaction when I settled in and the first evening I had a shot at the stereo I put on stuff like Pink Floyd, Janice Joplin and Joan Jett. From that moment on I was dubbed “Chief Punk Rock” (sounds kind of Native American, now that I think of it). THAT’s the story. Not “psychedelic chief”. Don’t know where that came from.

Speaking of KenEllie, Linda and I have been over to their place a couple of times now and have taken a liking to their Tazo Chai tea. They are going to Jacksonville, FLA today to attend the pinning ceremony for Ellie’s brother who made CPO. Linda and I were supposed to watch Tinkle-bot for them while they were gone. You know, stop in at night and make sure she has food and water and maybe sit and play with her a bit while having a cup of tea. Well, turns out that Ellie’s aunt is going to cat-sit, instead, and I can only surmise that we’re not to be trusted to not drink all the tea?!? I get the hint. My feelings aren’t hurt…

Love and God’s blessings to everyone!

OH... MY... GAWD!!!

Tampa Bay 31, Saints 14.

Has anyone mentioned to the team that the regular season has started?

That's ok. It's early in the season. We'll get going. I'm pretty almost positive. I mean, at least we scored, right?

DIDYOUMISSME?

Well, it's been a long, miserable week. Today I'm catching up. I know I've been away for awhile... mea culpa! I will try to be more active in the future.

Monday I saw the wound care nurse and my IDD, both of whom said the leg looked great and that it would probably be completely closed up by the next visit in two weeks. Great!

Tuesday afternoon I started with a head cold that kept me in bed half of Wednesday and working from home totally on Thursday (which is normally one of the 1/2 days I go in to work).

Wednesday we heard a loud bang sound outside the house. It turned out that a large moving van had driven up the street, then deciding it would not be possible to continue up the street and turn around, began backing four blocks down our one-way street. Unfortunately he backed into the cable wires for our house and that of our neighbor, completely severing the neighbor's cable and stretching ours, causing it to sag, and to pull our phone connection box and rain gutter downspout away from the side of the house. But, we still had cable! A call to the cable company assured us that they would be out that evening to fix the sagging cable. THAT didn't happen.

Thursday I was working from home on an urgent purchase request (PR). I had submitted it and got a call back from my boss that it needed some mods, which was no big deal except that as I hung up the phone my cable went out. No TV, No internet, no changes to the PR. Looking outside it became instantly clear that someone else had hit our already sagging cable line, pulling it loose from the pole and dragging it up the street where it lay like a dead snake. A call to the cable company assured us that they would be out by 8PM to fix and, of course, THAT didn't happen!

Thursday evening, although still not well, Linda and I went to dinner with Fr. Andrew from Uganda who has been in the U.S. the past four months. He has been doing mission appeals all over the country, but took off three days to come to New Orleans to visit friends. We were thrilled and honored that he wanted to spend a part of his brief stay here with us. He had much news about people and places that we know from our trips to Tororo, Uganda. It was truly a wonderful evening. He also brought us gifts from Fr. Deo's brother Innocent. They were woven baskets that were stacked one inside another, like the Russian stackable eggs. Very clever. We can't wait to show them off at work!

Friday, still feeling a bit like a pile of doggy doo, I cleaned up and went to work to make the necessary changes to the PR and send it on its way. When I get there, my internet connection at work is hosed, and it took me a couple hours before I could get to the website to correct the PR. Meanwhile, the boss comes in with another emergency which ended up with me staying until 5PM. So much for 1/2 days. When I got home my leg looked like I'd borrowed it from an elephant.

And, perhaps worst of all, I didn't have lunch even once with the "lunch bunch" from work! I don't know how Big J and Dr. Bob are surviving.

The cable company did FINALLY show up some time during the day Friday, because it was fixed by the time we got home from work.
...

All the above was written yesterday (Saturday) but I stopped and never got around to posting it. So it's 7AM on Sunday and I am finishing it up.

Since most of the TV programs Linda and I like to watch are in reruns now we've taken to watching Monk, starting with season 1. We're now into season 2. If you haven't seen it yet, it is really funny and entertaining. Tony Shaloub is perfect in the title role as a disfunctional former police detective who now consults for the police. Occasionally you'll see John Turturo who is equally perfect in the role of Monk's equally disfunctional brother.

After grilling up some ribeyes and weiners, we tried some mulled mead (a heated, spiced, honey wine) courtesy of KenEllie. Good stuff. The spices gave it a "Christmas-y" flavor. We'll have to have some more during the Christmas holidays.

I also watched "Lady In The Water" last night, written by M. Night Shyamalan. Very strange stuff from this guy! Kind of makes you wonder, "If he wasn't a writer, where would he get his outlet for these dark ideas?"

Update on the grandkids... Ian gets more mature every day. He's playing 9th grade football at Brother Martin H.S., making new friends, and seems to be enjoying this new adventure in life. He's easing into the teenage years, and is starting to want to spread his wings a bit and be more independent. Good luck to MD and DLG on that one!

BB is constantly a trip and a half. The things that come out of that girl's mouth are just too funny! She was a little nervous about going to a new school with new kids, but she, too, appears to be very happy. She's doing great and likes her teacher and school.

Molly gets cuter every day. Her bright blue eyes just sparkle. Friday evening we went to MD/DLG's for supper. Even though Molly wasn't feeling too well, you could see how much she wanted to be happy and smiling even through the sickness. And that shock of red... no, blonde... no red... no... redish blonde hair is adorable, especially when DLG puts a cute little bow in it.

The family zoo is fine. Maynard, Gumbo, Craig-er and Evil Greenbird (who Linda calls Precious, if THAT'S not a misnomer I don't know what is!!) are all hanging in there.

The weather has finally become fairly pleasant, as a slight cool front has brought the temps down into the 80's with reasonable humidity. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be "Perfect", according to one of our TV "weather guessers". Here's hoping they're right. Maybe we'll get to do some outdoor activities.

Last weekend we had planted 5 Bradford (Cleveland) pear trees, two in front of our house where the sycamores had been, and three along the side of the 301 Alix/510 Seguin house. Once they grow a little they should be very attractive and provide some much needed shade from the afternoon sun.

That's the end of my keyboard diahhrea for today. Take care, enjoy the weather, and God bless you!!

FOR DIL1

Happy Birthday!!!

Just Foolin' Around

DeaconMeez

AM I AN IDIOT, OR WHAT?

It was a nice, long, three-day weekend. Saturday was super stressful because Linda and I went out to look at new cars, something she REALLY hates doing. We found something we liked, but I wanted so many bells and whistles that I priced it out of our range for the time being. Oh, well. C'est la vie. We ran into Ricky Todd at the dealership and met him and his GF, Kathy, for dinner at TX Roadkill. After dinner I hooked up with H2, CM (Columbian Mafioso, aka Miguel, our house guest/tenant) and Ian and went to see the new Jet Li movie, "War". Not bad for a show that got 1/2 star out of 5. I actually enjoyed it until the very end. I didn't really care for the "plot twist" that it ended on.

Sunday H2, Major Dad and some friends ("Frank the Tank" for one) and I went for a ride to Oak Alley Plantation, then back to Serrano's to meet up with the rest of the family for dinner. It was a good time, with beautiful weather the whole trip until we arrived back in NOLA. BB was entertaining, as usual, Ian is SO trying to be a part of the grownups, and is just missing the mark. He's a trip. Molly McP was totally cute in a green dress, green bow in her red hair, and little white Mary Janes.

Monday H2, FTT, C&V (Carl and Val) and I headed out to The Shed for some awesome BBQ. Now remember, this place is almost in Alabama. At least two people asked me if I had checked to see if they were open on a holiday. I reasoned that hey, if they are open 7 days a week, they certainly won't close for a holiday with the possible exception of Christmas and Thanksgiving. So we trucked on out, only to find out that they are ALWAYS closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Am I an idiot, or what? Still, it was a nice ride to the place, and we saw a lot of what remains of the aftermath of the Big K along the coast.

I hear the car pulling up in front, which means that Linda is home. Guess I'll wrap this up for now. Take care and God bless!!

STORMY WEATHER

It's hard to believe that almost a week has passed since my last entry. Still, not much going on.

This past weekend was my first homily weekend since April. Talk about nervous! I guess it went ok, though. At all three masses, nobody got up and walked out while I was giving it.

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Katrina. It brings with it President and Mrs. Bush. Earlier in the week we had several presidential candidates in town for a mini debate. I wish they'd just stick to TV and Youtube for their politicking. All they accomplish when they come here is to tie up our airwaves with "special reports" that have nothing of any real import to say, and then they tie up our highways and byways coming into and leaving the city, creating havoc with our traffic. I think I'll vote for the candidate who NEVER comes to New Orleans!

While in Ohio, the sisters came up with the idea for a massive family gathering in 2009 to celebrate the fact that in 2009, in the extended family we will have someone who turns 60, another 50, one 40, a 30, and a 20. Any 10's we don't know about? The location most widely agreed upon is Orlando. In order for maximum attendance, the date will have to fall somewhere after school lets out in the spring, and before it starts again in the fall. More to follow on this as I get more info from S1,S2,S3 and S4.

Linda did some gardening on Sunday, and appears to have injured her back in some fashion. She's been home for two days resting. Please pray that it is "only" muscle strain and nothing more serious. Even strains in the back can be incredibly painful. Prayers for her, please.

I'm working from home today. It's nice to sit in my "green room" office and listen to the church bells as they play different hymns. Very calming and peaceful.

H1/DIL1 head to Vegas this weekend. I hope they have a great time. Just remember the old family motto, "What happens in Vegas gets replayed over, and over, and over again at every possible family function."

Take care, and God bless!!

SO MANY KODAK MOMENTS, SO LITTLE TIME!!!

Last weekend was SO MUCH FUN it took several days to recover!! The wedding was, as I said previously, WONDERFUL. Here are some (most) of the pics we took while there. Click on a photo to see it full size, or click on the link to view the entire album.


Herrick - Rossi Wedding And if you haven't already seen the video of Bryan at the reception, here it is.

And of course we took pictures while at the Michigan Renaissance Fair.


Wedding Trip - Renaissance Fair
I hope you enjoy!

Yesterday evening we (Linda, KenEllie and I) went to see Stardust. I expected a fantasy type of movie. It turned out to be a fantasy, swashbuckling, funny, action-packed chick flick that we all enjoyed immensely! Michelle Pfeifer, Robert Deniro and Clare Danes are in it. You've GOT to see the Deniro character! Trust me!

That's it for now. Just a quick update. God bless you!!

IT'S A NICE DAY FOR A WHITE WEDDING

Just a quick update... Linda and I left NOLA on Thursday after work and drove to Memphis where we spent the night at the LaQuinta we had stayed at after Katrina. Friday we drove to Toledo, Ohio to attend our niece's wedding. Saturday was the wedding. It was a beautiful drive up, and Saturday was sunny and cool, with temps in the upper 60s for the wedding, which was held outdoors in a park. It was lovely. The bride was beautiful and glowing, the husband handsome and sharp in his tux. The reception following was great. The food was outstanding, the music and DJ were entertaining and everyone had a great time.

It was really good to see my brother, 3 of 4 sisters, and nephews and nieces and spouses and grandnephew/niece at last or again!!

Sunday we drove north about 115 miles into Michigan, past Detroit, to a Renassaince Fair. It, too, was a blast, although the weather had turned chilly and drizzly. We still had a great time. Sunday night we wrapped up with dinner at the famous Tony Packo's restaurant in Toledo (made famous by Corporal Klinger (Jamie Farr) on M*A*S*H)

This morning we will breakfast with the clan, then 15 1/2 hours or so back to NOLA. What a weekend. We'll be tired, sore, but happy to be home!!

God Bless!!

Rule # 1 - A CHIEF IS NEVER WRONG!*

* Rule # 2 - If a Chief is wrong, Rule # 1 applies.

My layout appears to be working a little better with Firefox. Not as well as I'd like, but still better than it was.

I had another visit with the wound care nurse as well as my IDD. Result is the leg looks really good. Another round of silver nitrate sticks to keep it healing properly. IDD gave me a return to work note that allows for 1/2 day, 3 days a week until further notice. She's really concerned about the cellulitis flaring up again. Not that I'm not, mind you, but 3 months is a long time to be away from the office.

As the gubernatorial election gets closer I shudder at the prospect of another season of hateful political adds. So far there are 3 candidates running regular adds on TV. One, Bobby Jindal, the front runner and current U.S. Representative, is keying on honesty and integrity in government. Another, John Georges, is keying on his own leadership abilities and how they will best serve the state. The third, and the first to begin a TV campaign, has done nothing but throw stones at Jindal. Unfortunately, mudslinging seems to have a positive, not negative, effect on Louisiana voters more often than not.

Today we dropped off 3 soccer balls with one of the Ugandan seminarians who is going to New York for a few days. He'll be giving the balls, as well as some clothing and other supplies to another Ugandan to take back with him. It is SO costly to mail packages to Uganda, and often they never arrive at the intended destination!

I'm already beginning to feel the urge for another trip to Tororo! I thought the last time would be the last time, but, who knows? The people are wonderful, the country is beautiful, and the opportunities to help are almost overwhelming! I wish I had a talent for fundraising. There is so much good that can be accomplished with what to we Americans is a modest sum of money. Digging a well for clean, potable water, or building a house, a church, a hospital. One hospital we visited had several wards, but more beds than mattresses! Another would-be hospital was unfinished because funds had run out. Yet the people remain amazingly positive and up-beat.

Congratulations to DIL2's brother who is a Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) selectee! Here's wishing you good luck in the weeks leading up to your initiation! Just remember, "Anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

Some of my faithful readers have met S2, my sister who lives in PA. I hope you get a chuckle out of this!

Take care, and

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

How do you like the new look? I've been tinkering for awhile and trying to learn as I go. Comments? Suggestions?

Update - As you can tell from the comments, the changes don't work well with Firefox. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it.

LIFE GOES ON

First, a note to DIL1... Over the years that I've known you, I've watched you, often in wonder and amazement, mind you, grow into a lovely, mature young woman. You complete one of my children (H1) and are without a doubt the best friend to another (H2). You are, indeed, a part of our (quirky, silly, sick, psycho) family, and we love you dearly. Thank you for the kind words in your blog. I started to get a little misty eyed, then I thought, hey, considering how you describe SD, and then compared me to him, I'm not sure just how much of a compliment I got!! (Just kidding! I am truly touched by the sentiment.)

Although large areas of New Orleans are remain starkly desolate, most notably in New Orleans East, and some parts of St. Bernard Parish, still there are signs that life does, indeed, go on in the Big Easy.

Pre-Katrina, I used to go to the city's main vehicle inspection station which is located near the old American Can Company. For years I would drive past the large, vacant buildings with broken windows, peeling paint and crumbling exterior.

Yesterday evening Linda and I went to dinner with Fr. John and Vincent, a seminarian from Uganda. Never having been before, we went to one of the several local Sun Ray Grills. The original Sun Ray Grill is located on the West Bank next to the former Meadowcrest Hospital on Belle Chasse Highway. There is another located in the Cotton Mill Apartments. We, however, went to the new Sun Ray Grill located in the old American Can Company building (see link above). I was amazed, to say the least. You can get an idea of the changes to American Can Company here and
here.

I understand that DIL2 is now into book 3 of the Harry Potter series, and is enjoying them very much. That only leaves Linda and DIL1... I need to come up with some incentives... Hmmm... Ideas, anyone?

It won't be long now until the WhoDats are back. Football season is just around the corner and everyone (at least everyone in NOLA) is hoping the Saints will be back even better than last season! Time to start dusting off your fan regalia, the lines are already long at The Black and Gold Sports Shop in Metairie!

May God be with you today and every day!

SUNSHINE ALMOST ALL THE TIME MAKES ME HIGH

Although "Dan, the weather man" gave it a "5" on the "DARN" scale (Dan's Atmospheric Rating Number)due to 50% chance of showers or t'storms today, right now the sun is shining. I'm kicked back in my somewhat cushy chair at my desk in the "green room" (formerly H2's bedroom) trying to get some work done and watching the sunlight flit through the back door curtain. Seemed like a good time for an update.

Friday found Linda and I in Slidell visiting Keith and Chris, who we don't see nearly often enough. It was great to catch up on both our families over a sumptuous dinner that Chris had prepared. We didnt' realize how long it had been since we'd visited until we started taking stock... new kitchen, new front door, not one but TWO new dogs (formerly cats)!! WOW!!

We've started watching a new show on TNT. Saving Grace, starring Holly Hunter. It's pretty interesting. She's a cop in Oklahoma, lost family in the OK City bombing, has lost any faith she might have had, lives a life of questionable virtue (opening scene is her having an affair with a married partner) and apparently God has sent an angel (Earl) who chews tobacco and wears biker clothing to let her know she's down to one last chance to turn her life around and come to God. Check it out. It's pretty good!

The Harry Potter hubbub has died down a bit. DIL2 has finished book 1 and started book 2. Linda is thinking about reading the series, and I have no update on DIL1 in this regard. Everyone seems to have liked book 7, although I'm getting mixed reviews about the last chapter.

Big J was on vacation for about 10 days in California. He continues to maintain perfect attendance at church, which is better than we can say for a lot of us!! Way to go J!!
Another gold star!!


H2 returned from his long weekend in Houston. He looks great! We missed him, but I know he needs time with H1/DIL1. When he got home he didn't have to drive through a mudhole to park this time. After a year and a half and several calls to "6 On Your Side" the Orleans Parish Sewer and Water Board sent out workers to repair the hole they had created in our driveway. They paved it on Thursday and Monday it was ready for use, just in time for H2's return!!

We (Linda, H1, DIL1, and me) are going to my niece Rachel's wedding in Toledo, Ohio in two weeks. We're looking forward to hopefully seeing most of the family there. This time we hope to see our nephew Bryan and his new bride and baby, as well! Family gatherings are way too few and far between!!

The leg seems to be once again on the mend as you can see if you've a mind to have a look.

And finally, as we wish for you all of God's blessings, how can you not LOVE this man!?!

Patronus? What the H*ll is a Patronus?*

* If you'd read the books, you'd know, now, wouldn't you?

As much as I want to get back to my real life, it's really kind of nice being able to do what you want, when you want.

Yesterday I had lunch with DLG at One Shell Square. We went to the Espresso Express, a coffee shop owned by Melinda and her mom, who used to work at the 'Teau. It was nice seeing them again. The 'Teau suffered when they left. I tried the grilled chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, with a chicken salad sandwich on a kaiser roll. Both were fresh, and tasty. I'm looking forward to lunch there with DLG again at least once before returning to work.

Today was another doctor appointment which, by the way, went pretty well. The hole is filling in and is beginning to grow new skin around the perimeter. Unfortunately, it seems to be necessary to cauterize with silver nitrate sticks at each visit to keep the surface mending and the new skin growing.

After the visit, Linda and I picked up DLG at work and went to Byblos for lunch. Wonderful!! Babaganoush, chicken shwarma, and lebanese tea! Yummmmm!!

So, all you HP fans... How about Dumbledore, and Fred, and Lupin, and Tonks, and Ron, and Hermoine, and Neville, and Dobby, and Kreacher, and Volde-you-know-who, and Snape,and Ginny, and Professor McGonagal, and Percy, and the Weasleys, and Malfoy, and Hagrid, and wandering patronuses, and... oh, just WAY too much to list here. What a ride book number 7 was!! If you haven't read the books, you should! So much more than the movies could encompass.

Please pray for Linda's cousin, who suffered a fall and is in considerable pain and suffering. Also, please include all the deacons and family members who are experiencing health issues. We seem to be a particularly unhealthy bunch right now! More prayers, too, for H2. He plans to go to H-town for a 3-day weekend, and we all know what happened the last time he did that!!

Congratulations to DIL1 who FINALLY got She Who Is Of Thunder And Lightning back from the dealer body shop. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon, as I know that you'll be wanting to spend time with your "precious", and what better time spent than traveling to NOLA and back?!?!?!

Wishing everyone God's blessings.

GUESS WHO DIED IN HP # 7???*

*Psyche!! I'm not telling!!

I managed to get to the Harry Potter "Party" at Barnes & Noble last Friday. I arrived at a little past 10PM. KenEllie and DIL2's SIL-O and kids-O had arrived at 5:30. DLG, BB and Ian at 6PM. There were a lot of kids AND adults in costume, including (as one might expect) many of the store personnel. BB looked really cute as Hermoine. Ian was his usual self as a slightly disinterested muggle, I guess.
The books went on sale at 12:01AM and thanks to DLG's early arrival I was back in my car and headed home by 12:05. By 12:15 I was home and headed for bed.

Saturday I began reading the book, but had to stop early so Linda and I could head to Slidell for Mass and then dinner with Big J and his wife. We had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again. Perhaps next time J and J will come to the W. Bank for church and dinner.

After arriving home at around 8-ish, I continued reading until 1:30AM. Finally, Sunday afternoon I finished the book! It was really good (as expected)! I won't reveal the ending or plot twists, as several family members are at various stages of reading the book. DLG finished, and we had a nice HP chat over lunch today. I'm really looking forward to sitting down with everyone else to get their opinions, as well. DLG agreed with me that the book could make a really good movie. I just hope that, it being the last of the series, whoever directs will take the same tack as that of the third LOTR, and make the movie long enough to include all the major plot elements.

DIL2 is going to start reading book 1, so hopefully DIL1 will take the hint and give it a chance, as well. Although the movies were good, and provide a pretty good story line, there is SO much more in the books!

And how about Atlanta's new poster boy for the ASPCA, Michael Vick? Imagine a pit bull, dangling by his teeth from MV's groin area. Justice served!

STUPEFY!!!*

*For all you HP fans.

SIL-O called to ask what was up since the doctor visit on Monday. I guess I need to be more proactive with my updates. I have a staff infection. I'm now taking zyvox and cipro for two weeks, and treating the open wound with bactraban. WE are also having to swab our nostrils with bactraban twice a day for 5 days to stave off any further infections. Tons o' fun!!

Wednesday was Ian's birthday. I can hardly believe that the boy is 14!! He wanted to go to Hooters for his b'day dinner. I can't imagine WHAT he might have found interesting there!

After dinner we went back to his home for a lovely dessert of Berry Chantilly cake from Whole Foods Market. It was delicious, as usual!

Tonight is going to be midnight madness at all the bookstores in the area. DLG and family should already be at our local Barnes & Noble bookstore ready for the sale of the 7th, and last, Harry Potter book which goes on sale at 12:01AM. BB is made up to be Hermoine Granger!

Linda and I are going to try to join Big J and his lovely wife, Janet, for church services tomorrow in Slidell. We're really looking forward to it. We've tried to plan it for quite awhile now, but it's difficult as I'm usually scheduled to be at Holy Name of Mary every weekend. Since the leg issue is keeping me from serving at HNM, this is a good time to go somewhere else for a change.

Word to the wise, baby oil is NOT the recommended suntan enhancer of choice. This pearl of wisdom comes to you from our very own KenEllie!! 'Nough said! Also, a special congrats to Kenny for getting into it with a submerged tree, and winning.

Wishing everyone a great weekend! Take care and God bless!

FRIDAY THE 13TH - UNLUCKY - NAH!!!

How often does a person get sick on a day when they have a doctor's appointment? I woke up yesterday morning and thought my leg was redder than it should have been. I went ahead and wrapped it in an ace bandage and headed off to DLG's house to sit with the grandkids.

As the morning wore on I began to experience many of the same symptoms I had had back in May, aching joints, chills, and the right leg appeared to be visibly larger than the left.

The doctor visit confirmed my suspicions. The cellulitist has returned. Plus, the open wound was larger and infected. Although my IDD was leaning toward putting me back in the hospital, she agreed to put me on some killer antibiotics over the weekend with my promise that I would keep my leg elevated, and would go to the emergency room is the leg got worse.

Following doctor's orders I came home and put my foot up. It wasn't hard to do as instructed since I felt pretty miserable anyway. I tried watching some TV, then went to bed for several hours. Later I got up and tried watching TV again, but finally ended up in bed again where I stayed until morning.

The good news is that the swelling went down again, although the leg remains very red. I hope it's a good sign.

Please continue to include me and H2 in your prayers.

WHATCHA THINK?!?

We went to see HPATOOTP last night... It was a very nice time. Anticipating big crowds I went early to get in line, and Linda came straight from work. DLG was good enough to get off work just a bit early so I could get to the theater. Arriving about 45 minutes before "show time" (actually before the beginning of about 10 coming attractions) I had about 20 people ahead of me. Linda arrived just before the doors were opened. There turned out to be a good crowd, but the theater wasn't as full as it will probably be on Friday or Saturday.

I'm not going to comment on the movie yet, as the rest of the family is going Friday night. All I will say is that I am interested in hearing comments from two categories of movie goers, those who have read the Harry Potter book, and those who have not. Tell me what you think of the movie.

Once again LA politics is heaped in scandal. A few years ago it was Bob Livingston for "marital indescretions", then more recently William Jefferson for allegedly accepting bribes and power brokering, and now David Vitter, following in Bob Livington's footsteps.

As for Vitter, it's a darned shame on several levels. First, having already regretted his actions, and having already confessed them to his wife, and having already gone through marriage counseling, and the both of them having already weathered this storm, it's sad that these wounds will now be reopened to the family and the press, having sunk their teeth in, will now hold on with the tenacity of a bulldog. Second, it's sad that the reputation of a man who has tried to do his best for Louisiana since being elected to first the U.S. House, and then the Senate, is being dragged through the mud for events that occurred and were dealt with before he was elected to those offices, by perhaps the undisputed King of smut peddlers, Larry Flynt, a man who has made millions catering to men's most base desires. Third, it's sad that the credibility of someone who I voted for because he shares the same views that I do has been tarnished.

It almost makes me wish that Anna Nicole or Paris Hilton were back in the forefront again... I said "ALMOST"!!

Speaking of being the murder capital of the U.S., it seems that the New Orleans DA's office just released a man accused of murdering 5 teenagers not long ago. There was only one witness who they couldn't find. Of course, once the New Orleans police department learned of his release and why, it took them all of TWO HOURS to locate the witness, who indicated a willingness, even a desire, to testify!! God, I LOVE this town!!

As always, take care and may God bless you in abundance!!

HAS ANYONE SEEN MY MIND? I SEEM TO HAVE MISPLACED IT.

I think I just might have lost my mind... If you see one laying around, it's probably mine. Major Dad is OOT (Out Of Town) this week for a school the sheriff's office sent him to. Molly's sitter is not available for the next 4 days, so DLG would have to take vacation from her new job. In a brief moment of weakness I mentioned that I could babysit, since I'm home anyway. So-o-o-o, tomorrow I head over to DLG's house to watch the kids! Wish me luck! Lots of prayers are in order, too.

I bought tickets to see the 5th Harry Potter movie tomorrow. The rest of the family is going Friday night, but Linda will be babysitting to allow them all to go, so we're going tomorrow. It should be interesting. If you read the books, they seem to be getting darker and darker, as you may have noticed also in the first 4 movies. Each one was less light-hearted than the previous.

In a couple more weeks the 7th and last book will be released. I'm anxious to read it, but sorry to see the series come to an end. I hear that Disney (which I think is some sort of mouse language for "Devil") is going to lock up all the Harry Potter movies in their vault until the next one comes out. So if you don't already own 1 - 4, you probably won't be able to purchase them anymore until all seven are out. There should be two more movies to go along with the last two books.

KenEllie's kitten, Tinky-bot (don't ask, I don't know), is sick with an upper respiratory infection and apparently a tapeworm. Poor little kitty. She's really cute, and KenEllie just LOVE her!! Here's hoping she has a speedy recovery.

Prayers are requested for H2, for myself, and for the special intentions of SIL-O (That's Sister-in-Law in Orlando, in case you forgot)who has asked especially for prayers for friends of hers. I also ask for prayers for all the members of my diaconate community, many of whom are either ill themselves, or have family members that are ill.

Take care, and God bless you!

SAY WHA-A-A-A-T?!?!?!?

We survived our 38th wedding anniversary! It got us to thinking about how DLG and H1 are about the same age Linda and I were when we came to New Orleans. That popped a few more gray hairs out!

Right now we're trying to figure out how to get soccer balls to Uganda. One of our friends, Fr. Godfrey Okello, has a need for new soccer balls. Although they can be bought in the major city of Kampala, the quality is not like what we have here. Since I don't play soccer myself, I'm not too sure about how to get them to Fr. Godfrey. Occasionally other priests come to the U.S. on mission appeals, but it is difficult for them to carry back extra items. We're wondering if we can deflate the balls and send them along with a pump. I guess we still need to do a little more research.

An interesting side note: It seems that New Orleans currently holds the dubious distinction of being the "murder capital" of the U.S. It is not uncommon to have 2, 3 or 4 murders in a single 24 hour period. Barely a day goes by that at least one homicide isn't reported. However, for the three days of July 7 - 9, New Orleans was uncharacteristically quiet. No murders. It happens to coincide with the dates of the Essence Festival. So what happened? Did all the potential murderers suddenly go out and get tickets to the festival? Who knows?

I know I'm rambling, but some people tell me they actually READ LOTL, so I feel an obligation to put up something,at least. Especially as my blogging kids are not doing so well at the moment. Probably to excited waiting for the opening of the 5th Harry Potter movie, and the arrival of the 7th and last Harry Potter book.

If you are as old as I am, you might remember Art Linkletter and his TV show which had the spot, "Kids say the darndest things". Some things never change. We went to dinner (truly awesome boiled shrimp) at Major Dad and DLG's house. While we were waiting in the living room, BB stopped what she was doing and asked, "Grandpa, do you have a hog in your pants?". After laughing until tears came to my eyes I said, "No, sweet pea, Grandpa only has a piglet".

The age difference between BB and Ian makes conversations even more interesting. I guess because we have such a "unique" family sense of humor (our dinner conversations are almost legendary), someone will often say something innocently that can be twisted to mean something a little more colorful. If it happens to be BB, she laughs along with everyone else, quite pleased with herself in that she obviously said something funny. Ian, on the other hand, will laugh along with everyone else, but then he wants to know WHY it was funny! Depending on the degree of off-coloredness of the comment, either someone will explain the more "adult" meaning of the statement, or refer him to DIL1 for further education. All the tough ones get tossed into her court, where she usually lays it on the line.

So... if anyone out there is still reading this, I hope you enjoy. Keep on truckin'. Remember, every day above ground is a gift from God. Take care, and God bless!!