HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAGS!!

This goes out to SIL-FL
Loads of love headed your way.

Oh, and to all my family and friends, have a Happy New Year, too!!

CHRISTMAS WRAPPINGS

A short update... Christmas was EXCELLENT!!! H1/DIL1 came in from Houston on Christmas Eve. I served at the 5PM Christmas vigil Mass, and also at Midnight Mass. After sleeping in late, KenEllie came over and we opened gifts with them and H2/H2GF. Check back later, I will update with a photo of the tree.
Major Dad did the honors for dinner, so we were supposed to bring Mom's turkey dressing. Of course, we didn't realize until Christmas morning that we were out of sausage, a key ingredient! Linda ran out and found a store open, so all was saved! At 2PM (on the DOT, I might add) we arrived at MD/DLG's house. Dinner was DEEEEEE-LISH! Ham, turkey, dressing, potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sause, olives (yuck), devilled eggs (yum), and apple and pecan pie with ice cream for dessert.

After lunch we exchanged gifts with MD/DLG and family, and H1/DIL1. I think everyone was pleased with the giving and receiving.

Then we socialized and watched, on and off, Mamma Mia on DVD.

H2 had Police Academy every day except Christmas, so on Friday Linda and I took H2GF to the airport. She flew home to Texas to visit her family. Then Friday evening Linda and I had a very nice dinner at D'Itali's with KenEllie.

Saturday we all met again, this time at a new (to us) restaurant that served Central American cuisine. It was a real treat, after which H1/DIL1 "hit the road" back to Houston.

Saturday evening I preached at 5PM Mass, then watched Mamma Mia (yes, again) at KenEllie's. Sunday rounded out the weekend with preaching at both morning Masses, then spending a quiet afternoon and evening at home with Linda.

All in all it was an excellent holiday, and I'm hoping that the New Year is the same. Linda and I will have off Thursday through Sunday, but H2 has to work New Year's Day with the other recruits "slinging" police barracades. At least he gets paid overtime for doing it!!

I hope everyone had a very Merry and Holy Christmas, and has a Happy New Year!!

God Bless!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BIG EASY

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK

It's finally here! We (KenEllie, MD/DLG, Linda and I) are going to the TSO concert at the Arena this evening. I'm expecting an awesome show! Last year we were in the "nose-bleeds" but this year were able to get floor seating.

It's been quite a week. Last Saturday the Archdiocese ordained 23 new permanent deacons, several of whom are close friends. Big J might remember Paul Augustin from working with us at SSC NOLA. This class had their ordination delayed by one year because of Katrina, so it was an especially nice event.

Saturday evening saw a visit by Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Favre (pronounced "fah-vre", not "farve") to our parish for 5PM Mass and reception following. Then I was "on deck" for 8AM and 11AM Masses on Sunday to preach. Through all this Linda was sick and didn't make it out of the house.

Friday we learned that the husband of a good friend (Linda's former "float lieutenant" from Cleopatra) had died. They didn't want a funeral, but asked if I might do a memorial service for him. We had the memorial on Tuesday afternoon. It hasn't been too long since Linda and I attended their 50th wedding anniversary party. Please pray for "Cleo", and for his family.

Tuesday evening Linda and I attended the Christmas party for the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America. It was held at De No's Seafood restaurant. The party was well attended, the food was great,and chatting with the ladies was very entertaining. I think Linda is going to join their group after the first of the year.

Since Tuesday was my birthday but it was pretty well taken with events, the family (Me, Linda, DLG and kids, KenEllie, and H2 (H2GF and Major Dad had to work)) all got together last night for a great Mexican dinner at TAQUERIA JALISCO in Terrytown. H2 got his usual "tongue" tacos. Dinner was excellent, as was the company. Thankfully nobody sang Happy Birthday! DLG and family gave me the Enya CD, And Winter Came, which I've been listening to all morning!

As you can see, it was a busy week, so far. I'm hoping for a quieter weekend, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

As the season of Advent draws closer to Christmas, I wish you all a Joyous Christmas season. May we all REJOICE and give Thanks for the coming of our Savior. And may we prepare ourselves as we look forward to His return in Power and Glory... AMEN!!!

FOR ALL YOU "TWILIGHTERS" OUT THERE

BIG J, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

Super Low Fly By

LT. DAN... CATHOLIC?

I knew there was something I liked about him! I guess I shouldn't be so surprised when you consider all the good work he does outside of movies and TV. H/T to The Deacon's Bench. Here he is as Detective Mac Taylor from CSI: NY.

Sinise and his group, the Lt. Dan Band, give benefit concerts to the military, as well as visiting our troops.

WATCH OUT LT. HARRIS... HERE COMES CADET TACKLEBERRY

WOW! I haven't had a "real" post since Thanksgiving eve!! I didn't realize it until Big J gave me a nudge.

Thanksgiving was very nice. We had most of the family there, MD/DLG and family, and H2/H2GF. KenEllie stopped by to give their Thanksgiving wishes before rushing off to spend the day with her folks and siblings who were in town for the holiday. H1/DIL1 stayed in H-town and had a sumptuous feast of their own.

Linda's birthday was the 3rd, and being the total GEEK that I am (I don't know where H1 gets it from) I got her a new printer for her computer. Yeah!! Just what she needed!! Actually, she DID need a new one.

S2 came into town last Thursday at MIDNIGHT (YAWN!!). Then Friday morning we all piled into Major Dad's vehicle and trucked across the lake to the Covington Craft Fair for some shopping, some food (funnel cake... that's what I'M talkin' about!!) and an all around good time. The visit was great. We went to Texas Roadkill for dinner one night, and to Pascale's Manale for lunch on Monday. She flew home to PA on Tuesday, but we're already looking forward to getting together again soon, perhaps for a two-wheeled vacation?

Today I finished my take-home final exam and emailed it to my professor. I'm finally FINISHED for the semester!! Now for some SERIOUS TUBING (of the TV kind).

And... breaking news!! H2 got the call yesterday!! He starts the NOPD Police Academy on MONDAY! Congrats and good luck! DLG and kids, H2GF, Linda and I took H2 to Outback last night to celebrate. It was a good time, but Major Dad and KenEllie were missed. Molly-moo was especially cute. As the waitress came and went picking up plates and empty glasses and such Molly would give her a dirty look and put her hand over her little dish of ketchup, keeping her eye on the waitress the whole time. She was NOT letting her take that ketchup!

It's been snowing all morning. We got a nice layer of snow so we could enjoy the effect of snow on the palm trees and cars and lawns. The it turned back to rain and has pretty much all disappeared. It was pretty while it lasted.

Wishing everyone the best during the Advent/Christmas season! Take care and may God bless you all with health and happiness in 2009!

H(1)APPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

THIS IS COOL

H/T to the Shrine of the Holy Whapping

TO THE WOMAN WHO COMPLETES ME

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Tomorrow is the big day! It's going to be a little different this year. H1/DIL1 are staying in Houston this year, and KenEllie will, I expect, spend the better part of the day with her parents. MD/DLG and young'uns will be here, as well as H2/H2GF, although they'll probably be worn out from getting the NEX ready for Friday's big sales.

This year Ian will be doing "service hours" by helping give out food to the needy/elderly on Thanksgiving day.

Last week Linda and I went to "Grandparents Day" at Bridget's school. It was very nice, and I think Bridget was happy to have us both there. It was nice to meet her teacher face to face, since we've "known" her for nearly twenty years by sight only. She used to attend our church, and we watched her and her family grow (from two children to, I think, five) and grow up, one Sunday at a time, known only as "the blonde family" or "the blonde family mom".

Mick and Bev are in town for the holiday. We were able to see them Saturday night, when a group of us gathered at Lil G's Cajun restaurant, and then again last night, when just the four of us went to dinner together. It was great to see them again. We really miss them since they moved to Colorado!

I'm still trying to wrap up the semester. Only two weeks to go! Then a short break over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Yay!! I'm still on track to finish up next fall, if I can keep the grades up. Prayers are welcome!!

Y'all be good now, and take it easy on the "bird" tomorrow... leave room for some pie!

God bless you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GISSELLE!

I MIGHT WALK A MILE FOR THIS CAMEL

H/T to The Deacon's Bench
And for any Stephen Colbert fans out there, a belated Happy Feast of Christ the King from Shrine of the Holy Whapping

DO THEY REALLY SUCK?*

*the "vamps" or the books, your choice.

For all the family Twilight fans, here are some book reviews via Amy Wellborn over at Charlotte Was Both. How about some reviews of the reviews?

ANSWER ME THIS

If the pre-November Democratic controlled Congress had a 12% approval rating, how is it that the same Democratic controlled Congress was voted back into office, with additional Democrats added? Just how dumb are we, the American populace?

ANYONE REMEMBER CHILLY WILLY?

This is cute!! H/T to Big J!

IS IT TOO EARLY FOR WISH LISTS?

We haven't had any "lists" on the family blogs in awhile, so I thought I'd kick it off. And, since birthday and Christmas are on the horizon, here are some things I am interested in:

Windows Vista Home Premium edition

Enya - And Winter Came

Enya - Amarantine

The Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Craftsman 10 piece Air Tool Set

HP DVD Writer

Donations toward any of the above

So there you have it. Hopefully you get an idea of some areas of interest. And hopefully we'll be seeing some more lists from other family members soon!

IF YOU GOTTA RAP, MAKE IT "RHAP"SODY

Truly, music to my ears! What a unique performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue"!!

WHO'DA THOUGHT?

Thanks to Fr. Z.

HOW OBAMA GOT ELECTED

This would be HILARIOUS if it wasn't so sad.

SEASON'S GREETINGS... SORT OF

Merry Toss-mas!!

And this:

NO BIAS IN MSM?

Four years ago:
Popular vote: Bush 51% Kerry 49%
MSM reports: "Americans divided"

Last week:
Popular vote: Obama 52% McCain 48%
MSM reports: "Sweeping mandate for change"

Huh?!?!?

GOTTA LOVE OUR BISHOPS!

From Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, Bishop of Kansas City - St. Joseph delivered this homily on the eve of the election:

Friends, the poor do not hate their children any more or less than the rich. The poison of which abortion is the most dreadful manifestation is the sinful suffocation of selfishness, and it can and does affect all strata of society. Woe to those, particularly Catholics, who dare to try to convince us that their “choice” of a radically pro-abortion leader is within the parameters of conscience. God have mercy on those who exude freely this salve for their partisan cooperators. I fear that they will bear a greater responsibility than most. Against them will come not only the cry of millions of human lives savagely destroyed, but the souls of those they have sucked down with themselves. This is the very definition of scandal, and the reason that so many have spoken out with such urgency to announce the authentic teaching of the Church.

Read the entire homily here. It's awesome stuff!! A tip o' the hat to Fr. Z at What Does The Prayer Really Say?.

IF I WERE A MUPPET

OK. Time to cheer up!! So-o-o-o, in case you were wondering...

You Are Dr. Bunsen Honeydew

You take the title "mad scientist" to the extreme - with very scary things coming out of your lab. And you've invented some pretty cool things, from a banana sharpener to a robot politician. But while you're busy turning gold into cottage cheese, you need to watch out for poor little Beaker! "Oh, that's very naughty, Beaker! Now you eat these paper clips this minute."

The Muppet Personality Test

A REFLECTION SHARED

If nothing else, the election of Barack Obama has triggered powerful emotions from all sides. Another H/T to Red Cardigan for these emotion-filled, thought-provoking observations:

Do you remember when the Jeremiah Wright story first broke, and the Reverend Wright's inflammatory preaching made the news? Excerpt:

An ABC News review of dozens of Rev. Wright's sermons, offered for sale by the church, found repeated denunciations of the U.S. based on what he described as his reading of the Gospels and the treatment of black Americans.

"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," he said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."


Today, Rev. Wright's prayer has been answered.

Never before in the history of America have the nation's citizens selected as their leader a man so steeped in the support of evil as Barack Obama. Never before has America so sullenly turned her back on God and on His laws as she did this day; never before has America so unquestioningly played the harlot to the new false gods of modernity and relativism. Never before have Americans so blindly chanted slogans while secretly lusting after their neighbor's goods; never before have Americans been so naked in their covetousness, their demand that the federal government feed them and clothe them and wipe their snotty noses in times of illness--all to be paid for by the open theft of the honest incomes of other men, who now have no incentive to work hard and strive for success, since that success will be stolen from them and used to line the public coffers.

America was once a great nation, conceived in liberty, forged in the belief that all men were deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now America stands for nothing but materialism, bread and circuses, and the notion that only lives that we decide are worth protecting shall be protected--all others may be dispatched the moment they're no longer convenient to us. And our fellow citizens have worked for this, and hoped for this, and even--God spare them!--prayed for this.

There is no turning back from this evil hour. There will be no hope, now or ever, that a truly great America will return. I fully expect to see our borders opened, our sovereignty derided as unimportant and given away or sold to the highest bidder; I fully expect to see Christian values defined as "bigotry" and hatred of Christianity mainstreamed as "normal."

Abortion will be ubiquitous; the avenues of dissent will slowly be closed, and pro-life citizens marginalized and silenced. Gay marriage will become the law of the land, and will be made into a weapon to be used against all religious people who don't agree that our children must believe that Bob and Bill are "married" or that Sue and Liz are "married." Slowly it will become impossible for us to interact in any way in this brave new society, because we will have to hide our beliefs and even deny them in order to have access to jobs or businesses or any livelihoods whatsoever.

I don't know what God thought of Rev. Wright's prayer, but to all intents and purposes He has answered it. America is, if not damned, at least doomed. Perhaps someday on some distant shore we will teach our children's children about the great nation we once knew; but the slide into total degradation has begun, and unless God chooses to provide us with some miracle or other, there is nothing we can do to stop our once-great nation from becoming a rotting corpse, a whited sepulcher, a ghoulish and licentious shadow of her once noble self.

It's a cold comfort to me at this hour that I did do the one thing I could have done to prevent this evil from taking place; that is, I voted for McCain--but it is a comfort. I can say before God and man that I rejected this evil to the fullest extent possible to me, and I know that many of you can say the same. Perhaps together we can find a way to survive the coming onslaught against our liberties and our religious freedoms, or at least to help each other to minimize the worst effects of these things. We will no longer be at peace in the land of our birth, though, and the efforts made to end our two-hundred-plus years of religious liberty will be unrelenting and vile. It's time to start preparing for that reality now--there is nothing else left for us to do.

The Future?

H/T to Red Cardigan at And Sometimes Tea

CONFLICTED

I am struggling with conflicting emotions regarding the events of yesterday. On the one hand, I think it is a wonderful thing that the United States has progressed to the point that an African American can be elected President. On the other hand, I'm really sorry that it had to be Obama.

It's time now to pray in earnest. Pray for the safety of our President elect. Pray for the United States. It appears to be headed in the same direction, politically and socially, as that which is already a reality in Europe. Pray for those unable to pray for themselves.

We are being blown about by the winds of change. What exactly that "change" will be remains to be seen. Hopefully our experience with riding in on the waves of an undefined change turns out to be better than it did in Germany, Cuba, Nicaragua and elsewhere.

Take care, my friends. May God bless us with faith, hope, and love in quantities great enough to get us through whatever lies ahead.

GOODBYE TO "LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS"

I cannot adequately express the extreme disappointment and discouragement I am feeling. I had held out hope that the American people would, in the end, reach for more than empty rhetoric and slogans. I mourn the continued erosion of basic rights, such as the right to free speech, which was so strongly curtailed during the past several months by the Obama supporters and the main stream media. I fear for our country, which is in the process of giving away our system of "checks and balances" by turning over all three branches of government to the Liberal establishment. I feel sorrow for the Catholics who have chosen abortion over life and who have now put the salvation of their immortal souls into such jeopardy. And they will continue to receive the precious Body and Blood of our Lord while in a state of mortal sin, with no remorse for their actions. I pray for them, that they will realize the grave consequences of their choices and be brought back, in humility and true repentance, into the bosom of the Church.

May God stay the evil which has now been unleashed on the innocent unborn in our country. And may God have mercy on us all, and bring us peace.

Goodnight.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

I have a coworker who attends St. David's Church in the 9th Ward. If 9th Ward sounds familiar to you, perhaps it's because it was an area devastated by Katrina flooding after the levees broke.

After the storm, St. David's parishioners were merged with those of St. Maurice Church, also in the 9th Ward. Parishioners began the cleanup of St. David's, and since it was a smaller church with lower maintenance and utilities costs, they returned as soon as they could back to their former parish.

A rededication of St. David's is in the planning stages, and my coworker, Terry, was describing to me some of the details. She commented that there was a church that had come to NOLA several times to help out with the renovation effort. At one point she mentioned Binghamton. Turns out the church parish that is helping is St. Catherine of Sienna, in Binghamton, N.Y. (My home town)! Small world? But wait... it gets better.

As the conversation progressed, Terry mentioned that prior to getting their new pews, St. David's had received a gift of pews from St. Rita's church, also in New York. "CLICK!!" (visualize light bulb turning on) For much of my adult life my parents owned a farm just Northwest of Binghamton in Chenango Forks. Less than a quarter mile down Rt. 12 sits St. Rita Catholic Church! Linda attended services there whenever we were home on vacation. St. Rita's is where my mother made her conversion to Catholicism. Now THAT'S a small world!!

Last night we had Outback takeout at P&Js as Wednesday was Major Dad's birthday. We celebrated with dinner and a Chantilly berry cake from Whole Foods. DEEEEEEEE-Licious! After dinner DLG was getting Molly ready for bed. We heard a scream, "ROACH!! Come GET it!!", so Ian was sent to do the task. Well, as he tried to hit it with a shoe, he missed. The next thing we hear is, "If I find that roach in my bedroom I'm gonna KICK YOUR A**!!" Nice. Fear of roaches is not a pretty sight!!

H2/H2GF are in H-town visiting with H1/DIL1. Looks like the weather should hold and they should have a great time. We're wishing them a pleasant visit and a safe trip home.

We got to have lunch with Big J this week. He was back in NOLA, however briefly, and took the time to drop by for lunch. It was good to see him again, although he looked to be enjoying retirement a little too much. He could have tried to look like he missed us a little bit. The day after we got pics from Mrs. J of the snow that had fallen that night. It was really beautiful. Looks like he chose a really nice area to live in the mountains of Northwestern North Carolina.

I hope all our family and friends are well. We're looking forward with great anticipation for S2's visit. She's coming early in December. We're very excited!!

That's about all I can muster today. Take care, and God bless!

SUNDAY'S HOMILY

My homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time is here

PROTECT LIFE

I ran across this on Myspace. It was addressed to 'Hey, pro-lifers'. Sadly, it's from a relative.

The Myspace post:
Let it be clear that pro-choice does not mean pro-abortion.
NO person in their right mind is pro-abortion... but the ability for a woman to make a CHOICE involving HER body is a right we CANNOT take away.If we do, what's next? Make contraceptives illegal??? Outlaw pre-marital sex???

Any of you women that fancy yourselves "pro-life", I hope you never get raped and impregnated out of violence. I hope your life is never risked by a medical condition that could be avoided by aborting a terminal fetus.

Think about your rights long and hard before you attempt to give them away.

We are Americans.

We are free.

Don't be a tool. Or a sheep.

My Response:
We were all "fetuses" at one time in our lives. Regardless of how it was conceived, or why, it is a child growing in the womb, a child that deserves the right to live, to love, to contribute to humanity in some way as yet unknown. If you compare the number of aborted babies that are the consequence of rape or violence with the actual number of abortions, it becomes a non-issue. "It is commonly assumed that rape victims who become pregnant would naturally want abortions. But in the only major study of pregnant rape victims ever done, Dr. Sandra Makhorn found that 75 to 85 percent chose against abortion." - Dr. David Reardon, a full-time researcher into the impact of abortion on women. Abortion has become a form of birth control of its own right. The woman who chooses abortion is not making a choice involving her body. She is making a choice against another human being that happens to be living within her for a brief period. A human life is too precious to be terminated for convenience.

WHEW! THAT'S A BRAIN DUMP!

I had to make a visit to the doctor today for some "flank pain' as she called it. She sent me to get a "renal ultrasound" to see if I have an 'in kidney' kidney stone causing the discomfort. Let's hope not!!

After seeing her (which took HOURS) I grabbed lunch at the Popeye's on the corner of Belle Chasse Hwy and Wall Blvd. While I was eating a fairly lengthy train went by. I always find the trains interesting. It had four engines, but what I really appreciate is the boxcar graffiti such as this or this or this. It seems like there's a lot of untapped raw artistic talent out there.

Our pastor, Fr. Joseph is leaving after next weekend to go to his new assignment as pastor of two parishes, one in Pointe a la Hache, the other in Braithewaite. He'll be neighbors to Fr. John, our former pastor who has been assigned to two parishes also, one in Violet and one in St. Bernard. We at HNM are getting Fr. Pat, from St. Anthony's in Gretna. There is much moving and shaking going on in the archdiocese. Hopefully the dust will settle soon, and people can get back business.

I fear the outcome of the upcoming Presidential election. I wonder if I could find a job that would take me out of the country for the next four to eight years. It's sad to see democracy go down in flames without a fight, with socialism rising from the ashes. The liberal establishment has already taken away our freedom of speech. We are awash in a sea of political correctness. Freedom of speech now applies only to those whose thoughts are in line with the liberal Democrats and the main stream media. God forbid you should want to espouse such principles as morality, chastity, integrity, responsibility. God forbid you should want to work for solutions to civic problems without more federal intervention. God forbid you should make a mistake in judgment and find yourself being held responsible, and not the government, or someone else. God forbid you should believe that life is a gift that should be cherished, nurtured, protected, and not a mistake born of indiscretion or misjudgment to be destroyed as merely an inconvenience.

It's one thing for the government to step in and try to ensure that every single American citizen has access to at least the minimum basic necessities of life. It's a whole different ballgame when the government decides at what point one person is "too successful" and has to "share his wealth". Our Bill of Rights guarantees us the right to "life, liberty, and the PURSUIT of happiness". It DOES NOT GUARANTEE HAPPINESS! It DOES NOT promise a guaranteed standard of living. It's one thing to want everyone to have a "chicken in every pot" and quite another to want "an iphone in every hand, an ipod in every ear, a Wii and a high-def flat screen TV in every living room". Life is NOT fair. It can't be legislated in. Luxury is not necessity. It's time we got our heads on straight.

I could go on, but it's too depressing to look at the future as it appears we are heading.

To my family and friends, and anyone who happens to wander by, I pray that the happiness you seek is that which only God can provide, the happiness that is based in love for each other. A true love, that sees each person as a child of God, worthy of respect and dignity as a human being. We are just that, human beings made in the image and likeness of God. We make mistakes. We are weak. But in spite of it all we are loved by a God who's love lasts for eternity. If only we can respond with a mere shadow of that love for each other. What an awesome world it would be!

Take care, my peeps. God loves you, and so do I!!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Can this really be happening in the US?

WHO'DA THOUGHT?

You Are Ketchup

You are easy going and very measured in your approach to life. Popular and well liked, you get along with everyone. Seriously, everyone loves you! Your taste tends to be pretty mainstream American. You go for the classic favorites: burgers, fries, and apple pie. You get along best with mustard and mayonnaise personalities.

What Condiment Are You?

H/T to The Anchoress

DO YOU WANT SOME CHEESE WITH THAT WHINE?

Here's kind of how last week went.

Monday - Worked all day, hosted a dinner for Bishop Charles, Fr. Deo and Fr. Andrew as well as four seminarians, all from Tororo Diocese in Uganda. It was a nice evening,with H2 and H2GF, DLG and kids, and even KenEllie popped in for a few to say hello.

Tuesday - Took the day off to read and work on the presentation. Worked on it, outside of meals, until about 10PM.

Wednesday - Worked all day, then a quick dinner before heading out to do an interview of a couple interested in getting into the next diaconate class. Got home late and instead of working on the presentation as I should have, I went to bed.

Thursday - Worked half the day, then spent the afternoon having a stress test done. Don't know why, I'm not under any stress! Later that evening L and I did a wedding rehearsal. After the rehearsal we declined the rehearsal dinner (sorry, Sweetie) so I could come home and work on the presentation again, until 11PM.

Friday - Spent the morning between the dentist's office (Thanks to Major Dad for recommending him) and the place that made the bridge that was being put in. Then on to work for the rest of the day. Finally home for a quick dinner, then off to the wedding which, although I didnt' do the nuptials, I did participate in my capacity as a deacon. Following that we skipped the reception (sorry again, Sweetie) and right back to work on the presentation. At 1AM I finally put the presentation to bed, and began on the take home essay question that was due. At 2AM I went to bed.

Saturday - Went to class. My presentation was scheduled for 3-4PM. At 4PM, when I had still NOT given the presentation, my professor asked if I would mind waiting until the next class to give it, as he wanted the last hour for his own presentation. After some grumbling on my part, I acquiesced and said 'OK'. So now I have to wait 4 weeks until I can get this thing over with!!

That was the week that was!!

While I was in class, Linda got a call from Fr. John. Seems he got his new assignment and will not be staying at St. Stephen's, so now I have to take back my request for a transfer to St. Stephen's Church, since I was going only to assist him.

We also learned who our new pastor would be at Holy Name of Mary. Since I don't know the man, we'll have to wait and see.

Many, MANY thanks to H1/DIL1 who surprised me with the gift of a tablet computer which I've been wanting since I started back at Our Lady of Holy Cross College last summer. It's an HP (of course) and it's pretty awesome!! Years ago I developed a dislike of HP computers (desktops, specifically) but this has really changed my mind!

I've been watching the stock market woes, and praying for all my retired or nearing retirement friends in the hopes that this doesn't impact them terribly.

I guess that about wraps it up for now. Take care and God bless!!

I'M LOSING MY MIND!!!

Will it never end?!?!? This will probably turn out to be the worst week of my post-graduate career to date. I have a week's worth of reading assigments for BOTH classes, plus required postings to the academic "blackboard" for BOTH classes, plus a take-home essay due Saturday, PLUS preparing for a 50-minute "expository presentation" (read "lecture")on one of the assigned readings that I have to present, also on Saturday.

No big deal, right? That's what evenings are for, right? Sure, along with hosting a dinner for a visiting African bishop on Monday, interviewing a couple who have applied to the diaconate on Wednesday, wedding rehearsal on Thursday, and the wedding itself on Friday. Let's see... that leaves TUESDAY!!! Why do I still have hair?!?!?

The other day, during a meeting of leaders of various religious communities at an ecumenical conference here, a few of the attendees decided after a rather lengthy and somewhat contentious afternoon session, to carry on their discussion at a local establishment down in the Quarter. Three of them, as it happened, a priest, a rabbi, and a protestant minister, walked in and went straight to the bar to order some refreshments. The bartender, glancing up, looked at all three and finally said, "What is this? Some kind of joke?"

OK. I stop now. God bless!!

CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

The Houston Herricks have power!!! No internet yet.


H1 flew in Friday afternoon. Saturday evening (after a l-o-o-o-o-n-g class in Fundamental Theology) we all went to D'Itali's Pizza for supper, sans Major Dad who was working. As usual the food was great, the company equally great, and a good time was had by all!

Sunday afternoon we gathered at Major Dad/DLG's for barbecue. The man works MAGIC with a spatula, I have to say! Burgers, beans , corn, sausage!! It was ALL GOOD!! This time H2 had to work, so we missed him, but we surely enjoyed watching the Saints put the hurts to the Niners!

Sadly, H1/DIL1 had to leave early Sunday afternoon for the drive back to Houston. Hopefully they will be back in a few weeks for the new bike festival here in NOLA. We haven't had a bike fest since Steel Pony went under after Katrina, so it's good to have someone trying to establish one again.

Today our command, once again, evolved (devolved?) into another. Since I went to work many moons ago after retiring from active Navy service, I've worked for the same people. When I went to work in 1991 it was for CNRF Code 10 (the IT dept of CNRF). That evolved into NRISO (Navy Reserve Information Systems Office), which became the ITC (Information Technology Center) which was renamed SPAWAR ITC and moved under Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). Then we morphed into Spawar Systems Center New Orleans (SSC NOLA) and today we are SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic, New Orleans Office. Still the same people doing the same work. Kind of brings to mind the old saw, "In lieu of progress, reorganize." And "she who must be obeyed" is now the queen bee of the hive! What do you think of that, Big J??? Wish you were still here? I think NOT!!

That's about it for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!!

SORRY J... MY BAD

The well seems to have run dry as far as blogging of late is concerned. But, since Big J has seen fit to chide me for my silence, I will attempt a posting.

H1/DIL1 are still without power in Houston, although both were able to return to work on Tuesday. Still, H1 insisted that DIL1 come to NOLA and work out of the NOLA office until power is restored, so she arrived here Thursday evening.

Molly-moo is officialy two! Her birthday was Monday and we all gathered for cake and ice cream. She was cute as a button as she opened presents, walked around hugging her stuffed toys, and eating H2's cake with him.

*continued from yesterday*
DLG has some thoughts about Molly turning two, as well as some thoughts on Ian and those teenage years. You might also notice that H1 will be in NOLA for the weekend, which should bring a smile to the face of DIL1!!

I continue to struggle with reading assignments for my Theology classes. Gustav and Ike resulted in the rescheduling of two classes which effectively eliminated the extra week between classes that was in the original schedule. Still, the classes are VERY interesting. I'm enjoying them immensely.

This has been quite a summer as far as our Ugandan friends is concerned. We've seen Fr. Deo several times as he has passed through NOLA on several occasions in between mission appeals around the country. Also, Fr. Daniel is visiting friends in NOLA so we've taken him to dinner twice. And Fr. Andrew, who is also in the U.S. doing mission appeals will be in NOLA in the next week or so, and we hope to see him as well.

One of our "kids" from Uganda, Michael, has entered a seminary in Tanzania. Another, Constant, is now in a teacher's college in Uganda. It is good to see them both doing well. Cissy is still in what is the equivalent of high school, and struggling. Please keep her in your prayers. Her future is not terribly bright if she doesn't succeed in her studies.

We're having several days of really beautiful weather, with lots of sunshine, high's in lower to mid 80s and lows around 70. Near perfect weather for two-wheeling around town.

That's about all I've got for now. Take care. God loves you!

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

H1/DIL1 are now without electricity and, I presume, other utilities as well. Although they didn't experience any flooding or wind damage themselves, a neighbor in their apartment complex move her car from her designated parking place to avoid any flooding (which didn't happen) only to have a tree blow down on it.

We spoke with H1/DIL1 yesterday (Saturday) evening and they were ok. They had charged their laptop batteries the night before and were watching DVDs. H1 cooked DIL1 a birthday supper. What a way to spend your birthday!! Good thing he has a gas grill and a full propane tank.

The Galveston-Houston area has been devastated, along with many Louisiana parishes. It looks as if we didn't "dodge the bullet" as well as we had thought, as St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Terrebone, and other LA parishes took major, unexpected hits off of Ike. The storm surge cut a much wider swath than was anticipated, I think. Many areas that had only recently regained power from Gustav lost it again.

Please keep H1/DIL1, and all those affected by Gustav and Ike in your prayers!

ALL IKE AND NO TINA

H1/DIL1 have elected to "Hunker Down" and ride out the storm. We're praying that they don't lose power or any other utilities, at least not for any great length of time. Here in Louisiana we still have folks without power since Gustav, and some are now without power because of Ike!

We're getting a bit of rain and gusting winds as the outer bands of Ike go through. So far it's been an interesting day. This morning we drove Ian to school and Kenny to work, on our way to work. On the way Kenny got a call from Ellie saying that all the schools were closed. While trying to check it out, we continued to Ian's high school, where a line of cars were dropping their sons off, so we also dropped off Ian. About an hour later Linda got a call that Major Dad was picking up both Ian and BB from school, as all the Archdiocesan schools were closed, per their website. Arrrgghhhh!!

A short time after lunch (an excellent extra cheese pizza at Reginelli's on Harrison Blvd) we received an email from our Commanding Officer that all SSC NOLA government employees were to go home to avoid possible flooding and downed trees and power outages.

Now we're at home, the wind is whistling down the alleyway between the houses, the trees are whipping in the wind, but no rain to speak of so far.

H1 posted an update about their situation. So far, so good.

All in all, life is good for the Southern Herrick clan. We pray that the situation continues.

BTW, I didn't mention earlier, but S2 is coming for a visit in December!! We are thrilled to no end!!

Last but not least, while in H-town for G-man I got to ride one of these!! It was AWESOME!!! Oh, Yeah!!!

Take care, one and all. God bless.

POLICE BRUTALITY!!!!!

We are home, once again! We returned Thursday, taking only eight hours to get home, rather than the 12 it took to get to Houston last Satruday.

Our homes are fine. All the food in the refrigerator and freezer was ok. The DVR even taped "Closer" Monday night, so we didn't miss an episode!

One of the pear trees is leaning quite a bit, so I'll have to work on that to give it better foundation, but they are all five standing.

The entire NOLA family is now back. Last night we cooked burgers and hot dogs and sausage so DLG and kids wouldn't have to deal with dinner when they arrived late yesterday evening.

Wednesday evening in Houston, we decided to go to Pappassito's for dinner. As we're driving down the 6-lane road, in the center lane, I notice a cop car coming up behind me with his lights flashing. I move over a lane to let him pass (although I didn't think he would) and he moved over behind me. Sigh. I knew I wasn't speeding, all my lights were working, so what gives? I pulled over into the next available parking lot and sat with window rolled down. The cop came over and asked if I knew why he had stopped me. I said, "No". He said that he had noticed I didn't have a front license plate (Texas does, Louisiana does not) and couldn't tell what kind of plate I had in the back. Right. I gave him my driver's license when he asked for it, then we all sat while he went back to his police cruiser and sat down inside and probably ran my license, hoping for some outstanding warrant. Finally he came back, handed it to me and said, "Have a nice trip HOME". Subtle, huh?

At least it gave us something to talk about at dinner besides Gustav and wondering how the return to NOLA would be. Thanks for that, I guess.

And, thanks to all for prayers, and emails, and phonecalls checking on our safety and whereabouts. God bless!!

A SIGH OF RELIEF!

IT appears that we did ok with Gustav. Major Dad called yesterday to say that he passed by our homes and they were ok. Even the Cleveland pear trees that we planted were still standing.

H2 suggested checking on the electricity at home by calling the house to see if the answering machine picked up. I called and got the answering machine!!

Our plans at this time are to remain in Houston for another day or so to allow some of the returning traffic to lighten up, and for some of the stores and gas stations to reopen.

Now we start keeping a watchful eye on "Ike".

Once again, our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been praying for our safety.

DEJA VU - SORT OF

Sitting in a rented room, in a strange city, on a Monday morning, watching the hurricane batter New Orleans on network television. Eerie. Here in Houston the sun is shining, the sky is blue. Three years ago in Orlando the sun was shining and the sky was blue.

Linda is heading to Houston from Virginia. She should arrive between 2:30 and 3:00.

Next we all just sit and wait and watch and wonder what we'll be returning home to in the next day or two.

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for ours and everyone else's safety.

**UPDATE** - 3 YEAR'S LATER

This is the first of, hopefully, not TOO many posts while having evacuated from New Orleans due to Hurricane Gustav. For our friends who may be concerned, here is the status of our family:

Major Dad has to remain to work the prison and anything that might come up as far as moving prisoners, protecting property, etc. Don't know when/if he'll be able to get out. It was about 10 days after Katrina before he was able to leave.

** Ellie's parents are also remaining behind. They work at a local hospital and have been called in to work the hurricane. Please keep them in your prayers as they stay in the line of fire, and as they worry about KenEllie who evacuated without them.**

DLG, Ian, BB, Molly and Kittens are in Orlando with Mags and Patrick.
KenEllie are in Mississippi with Ellie's brother, but will most likely head to Georgia to stay with her other brother and his family.

Linda is in Virginia for a wedding (yesterday).

I am in Houston with H2 and H2GF, Maynard, Gumbo, Evil Greenbird (Precious?!?) and Craig-er. For the a dog and 3 birds. H2/H2GF are staying with H1/DIL1 and I am staying in the guest apartment in the same complex.

My group left NOLA at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon. It took us 8 hours to get to within 60 miles of Houston. It took FOUR HOURS to go the last 60 miles!! My heart goes out to those who are only evacuating today!

So, bottom line, we're all safe at this point. We're praying especially for Jerrod's safety and we're hoping to have homes to return to in a couple of days!! Please join me in praying for the safety of so many who had to be bussed out of the city, and those who, perhaps foolishly, decided to remain and ride out the storm.

My prayers go out to all of you. Take care, and God bless!!

PLEASE, LORD, NOT AGAIN!!!

Tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of Katrina's landfall. The forecast is beautiful weather. Unfortunately the threat of Gustav lurks, with possible landfall sometime Tuesday (the time is, of course, subject to change, as is the storm track). So far, New Orleans appears to be right in the sights, remaining fairly squarely in the center of the projected hurricane track.

While I certainly wish no ill for anyone else, I wouldn't object if Gustav decided to take a decidedly Western turn and head on over to Texas. Maybe it could make for a relatively unpopulated section of the Texas coastline. That would really be nice.

If Gustav continues on its present course, we will probably head on to Houston for a few days, giving us some quality time with H1/DIL1. That's a plus. The minus will be packing up the birds (3) and the dog and carrying them along. Makes a hotel/motel room pretty small when you add all that. Still, it's hopefully for only two - three days.

If the storm doesn't get beyond a Cat 3, we may just remain in NOLA. We'll have to see. I think where we live we're pretty safe wrt winds and flooding. The houses are close together which offers wind protection, and Katrina already took care of our sycamores, so they are no longer an issue. I just hope our Cleveland pear trees survive!

H2 is still waiting for word from NOPD regarding his application. I think he'll make a great cop. I hope they agree!

Another plus would be if my Saturday class on Eucharistic Theology gets postponed. That would be really great. It's hard trying to prepare for a storm, a possible evacuation, all the other little things that being a deacon entails (marriage prep, EM/Lector training) AND do the readings for class, too!! ( I know, "whine, whine, whine").

A-a-a-a-anyway... If you aren't from the New Orleans area, please keep those of us who are in your prayers. If you are from NOLA, please be safe, whether you stay or go.

Pax!!

MISCELLANEOUS (A)MUSINGS

When I suggested a brief respite, little did I know just HOW brief!! I got an email yesterday from my Eucharistic Theology professor with the assigned readings to prepare for the first class, which is Saturday, August 30th. Two of the assigned readings come from the SUMMA THEOLOGICA by, who else, St. Thomas Aquinas! Good times are ahead.

I’m gradually developing a list of Catholic websites (blogs) that I frequent, some of which are listed under my “Catholic Favorites”. Try them out, you might be surprised at what you find!!

It’s kind of interesting to follow the progress, or lack thereof, of the implementation of Summorum Pontificum. Often the argument for the Novus Ordo (the Mass of Paul VI, the post-Vatican II Mass) is the “inclusiveness” that it provides. Yet those who use that argument often are strongly opposed to the re-introduction of the Traditional Latin Mass which, at least to me, is an inclusive gesture of Holy Mother Church to include those who are more comfortable with the Mass in the extraordinary form.

I must admit that, having been a convert to Catholicism in the early 70’s, I have not experienced the TLM other than as part of my recent class on Liturgy and Sacraments, and that was without music of any kind. I have attended the Novus Ordo Mass celebrated in Latin, as well as in Italian, and some dialects of Uganda. I found much comfort in the fact that, although I didn’t necessarily understand the words, I always knew exactly what was going on and what part of the Mass was being celebrated.

Another observation I might make is that the Novus Ordo Mass in many instances has led to liturgical abuses that are much more obvious when celebrated “in the vernacular”. With the exception mainly of the Homily, Eucharistic prayer and music selections, the Mass should be virtually the same, no matter where it is attended. Personal experience attests to the fact that this is NOT the case! Many priests do not “Say the black, and do the red”. As a former pastor used to say to me, “The Church has a beautiful liturgy. The people are ENTITLED TO IT!” (emphasis mine).

Here’s an idea worth considering.

There are many members of our diaconate community in need of prayers. Please include them with your own personal intentions.

Big J closed on his house today. He and Mrs. J are now officially living in North Carolina. Best of luck to them both!

I WENT TO THE DOCTOR TODAY

She took away my migraine medication. She said it's all in my head. :-)

ABBA STRIKES AGAIN

I must be one truly awesome and loving husband! I went with Linda and DLG to see Mama Mia this past Saturday night. I may not have been the only guy there, but I didn't see another. Add to that the fact that a fairly sizable number of women were attending, as a group, and sitting directly behind me and the result is something that I can only describe as "an interesting movie experience."

Just for the record, I DID enjoy the movie. I was a bit put off, though, when at some fairly humorous parts that would elicit a "chuckle" from me were greeted with nothing short of loud "guffaws" from the surrounding women!

Meryl Streep has a most pleasant singing voice... Pierce Brosnan, not so much! Still, if you go into the theater consciously aware that you are about to see a MUSICAL, you will probably enjoy Mama Mia.

Linda is SUCH a good grandma! Yesterday she took BB and went and saw Mama Mia again, since BB was not with us on Saturday, and she starts school again today.

H2 is in Virginia attending a Navy Exchange conference. H2GF is, I think, pretty much bored out of her mind by Linda and me. Thank goodness for The Closer and Saving Grace!

If you haven't already, please check out some of the newer links under "Catholic Favorites". You might be surprised to discover that you find them interesting!

"Peace" be with you!!

H1 WILL UNDERSTAND THIS!

Well, I'm frustrated. My laptop has been acting kind of funny for a couple of weeks, but in the last three to four days it's performance has deteriorated to where I can't do anything. After running all kinds of virus detection software and utilities, I finally had to throw in the towel and do a "Symantec Restore". This is BAD!! It resets the computer to the state it was in when first purchased. All software that had been installed subsequent to that was gone. All of the "garbage" that came with it was back (ads, temporary licenses to try different software), all the stuff that it took hours to REMOVE last time, now has to be removed AGAIN!!.

I lost 3 years of emails. I save almost everything, from friends, family, online purchases and bill paying. All gone!! Thankfully most of my "data" is stored on external hard drives and wasn't lost. I need to figure out how to get my emails off the "C" drive and onto one of the externals.

The good news is that it appears to be running well again. I've already installed my Microsoft Office 2007 products. Now I'm updating the anti-virus software. Then its on to installing all the drivers and other programs that were installed over the last 2 to 3 years.

Please offer a quick prayer to St. Isidore of Seville, patron saint of computers, computer users, programmers, etc., that this situation won't need to be repeated anytime soon!!

Big J, Dr Bob mentioned that you are already in NC. Let's do lunch when you're back in town for closing!!

A BRIEF RESPITE

C'est fini! At least for two weeks. We took our Philosophy final exam last Saturday. What a relief to put St. Thomas Aquinas behind me! I suspect that he won't stay gone for long. There must be a reason that Philosophy is a required course for Theology students.

I just got off the phone with Major Dad. Poor Ian is getting his "back to school" haircut. First one since before school let out for the summer. Believe it or not, I still remember those days! Of course, "back in the day" we also got our "summer hair cuts", or "buzz" cuts. By the time school started again all you really needed was a trim.

The '99-ers (my deacon class) got together at The Olive Garden in Kenner for a very nice dinner yesterday (Sunday)followed by the annual Feast of St. Lawrence Mass at St. Lawrence the Martyr church. A very large turnout of deacons for the Mass. It was great to see everyone.

The Class of 2010 were installed as Readers during the Mass, and at the end the present group of inquirers received their application packets which had been blessed by the Archbishop. Linda and I served as a "table couple" during the inquiry sessions over the past five months. We were both very happy to see that all of our inquiring couples were present to get applications. I think they will all do very well, if selected into the program.

TSO is coming!! December 18th in New Orleans for one show, and December 28th in Houston for two shows! I think it was October when we went last year, so it'll be nice to have the concert a bit closer to Christmas, since much of their music was seasonal.

Linda and I are planning on going to see Mama Mia, and also Mummy 3, hopefully soon, while I'm on a break from class. Keep your fingers crossed for us, I've heard mixed reviews for both.

Fr. Daniel Ochom is in New Orleans from Uganda. Linda, Patti, Uncle Mickey and Aunt Bev and I all went to Uganda in 2005 for his priestly ordination. It'll be really great to see him again! Friday!

Fr. Deo is in Michigan (I think, or maybe Minnesota?) and will return in a week or so, but then he goes to Lake Charles for several weeks to fill in for a priest there. Then it's back to Rome and his studies!

All the above was done yesterday (Monday) and never finished. So I'll try to wrap it up today.

"The Closer" and "Saving Grace" are close to wrapping up their seasons. They seem to be really short compared to regular network TV series. Both series air on Monday evenings on TNT and are actually quite good. A little too much gratuitous sex for my taste in "Grace", but otherwise interesting characters with good actors cast in the parts.

Big J, how's it going with the sale? Do you have a date for moving yet? We still need to get together one last time for lunch!!

That's it. Just a quick update to let you know we're alive and well.

Take care. God bless!!

AN AMAZING WITNESS TO LOVE

This brought tears to my eyes. Another H/T to Deacon Greg over at The Deacon's Bench.

THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE IS INFLATED?

Just when you thought you'd seen everything, BAM!! Thanks to Deacon Greg over at The Deacon's Bench for that. Hmmmm. I wonder if the Archbishop would consecrate an inflatable church to accommodate those couples who want to tie the knot on the beach, or in the park, or at the zoo, or where ever?

Or how about setting a few up around the Superdome for those 12 o'clock kick-offs? Maybe a 10:30 Mass to accommodate the "faithful" who regularly miss Mass if the Saints have an early home game?

I ADMIT IT, MY SENSE OF HUMOR IS WARPED!!

If you've been following the last few entries or so of this "journal", you'll know that I am pursuing an advanced degree in Theology. You also know that we (me and my classmates) are studying Thomistic Metaphysics.

As mentioned in those previous posts, I've been struggling with the concept of essence/existence, act/potency, etc., and we got onto a discussion of the "Big Bang" theory, and how it fits into the whole idea of the orderliness of the universe, and a Supreme Being. Now, maybe it's my 21 year Navy background, and maybe I'm going to "H-E-double toothpicks" for this, but I saw a cartoon on the Web that "explained the 'Big Bang' theory" which really cracked me up. Of course I can't find it again, but basically it was a drawing of Michaelangelo's Creation of Adam, but just a closeup of God with his hand outstretched and his index finger pointed out. The caption said, "Gabriel, pull my finger." I'm sorry, but I found that funny! Maybe I shouldn't think so hard in this class I'm taking!?!?

A large chunk of the family went to see "The Dark Knight" this past Saturday night. If you're a Batman fan, this is a MUST SEE! I was a bit skeptical about all the accolades that were being heaped upon the late Heath Ledger, I thought it was mostly in sympathy for his untimely death. However, having seen the movie, the reviews are right on! Ledger was amazing as the Joker!

H2 went for an interview today! He must have done OK, since he's still there, had a lie detector test done, was fingerprinted, and is waiting for drug testing.

DLG's and Major Dad's 16th wedding anniversary was last Friday. It's hard to believe that 16 years has passed so quickly. Until you look at Ian, who's really growing into a fine young man. At 15 he's already much taller than his mom. Of course, it probably won't be all that long before BB is taller than her mom, too, and she's only seven!!

As I close this entry, I'd like to ask for prayers of support for all the parishioners (former?) of St. Julien Eymard Parish, which held its final Mass yesterday, and is now officially closed. Pray for open and welcoming hearts for the parishioners of Holy Name of Mary as we look ahead to the union of our two families into one.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

I confess. I have addictions. Chocolate, for sure... not just any old chocolate, but Hershey's chocolate. In my mind the very best chocolate anywhere!

Add to that Sweet Cream ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. Gimme a "Gotta Have It" of Sweet Cream and M&Ms and I'm in 7th Heaven!! Cloud 9!!

And I probably never would have known there was such a place had it not been for Katrina, and the fact that there was a CSC in the shopping mall behind the LaQuinta where we stayed for several months. Only after returning to NOLA from the storm did we discover that CSCs are here also! I guess we'll have to try Marble Slab Creamery next, since, according to their list of flavors, Sweet Cream heads the list!! AWESOME!

We are enjoying the opportunity to visit with Fr. Deo whenever possible. He is out of town on weekends doing mission appeals for the Archdiocese of Tororo, Uganda, E. Africa, but during the week he is back in NOLA. He's currently stationed in Rome, studying for his PhD, which keeps him busy. It's always great to see him on his annual trips to the U.S. for mission appeals.

This year seems to be a banner one for Tororo priests. Fr. Andrew and Fr. Simon are also in the States doing mission appeals. We are looking forward to seeing them soon. Although their appeals are in states other than Louisiana, they both plan to visit New Orleans in the near Future. Fr. Daniel, whose ordination Linda and I attended in Tororo in 2005, is also here, but he is visiting, not doing mission appeals. We hope to get together with him soon, as well. I guess the next step is to try to raise money for air fare to bring back Fr. Godfrey!! He is, if you'll remember, the first Ugandan we met, and whose ordination we attended back in 2001. He's not been back to the U.S. since graduating from Notre Dame Seminary so he's long overdue!!

Rumor has it that the sale of Big J's home is imminent, and he'll be departing soon for the cozy mountain villa he purchased in NW North Carolina. We'll miss his company (we already do at lunch!!)but wish the best for him and his wife Janet.

NOPD called the house yesterday looking for H2!! They want to start the background investigation necessary for his application to proceed. Yeah!!

I'd better wrap this up, as I've barely begun the reading assignment for Saturday's class. Looks like Saturday evening will be "The Dark Knight" for some of us. H2 and H2GF saw it last weekend, and he said it is so good that he'll go again with us on Saturday. I can hardly wait.

OK. I'm done. Later. GB (God Bless!!)

YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR DESTINATION

It was an interesting weekend. We've begun to study "time" and "space" in my Philosophy class. Very thought provoking. If the universe was created by the "Big Bang", then prior to that instant there was nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Pure nothing. Try to wrap your head around THAT for awhile! Then, out of NOTHING, comes everything. Why? How? To what end? Makes my head spin just thinking about it!

I bought a GPS yesterday. The TomTom 920. H2 had researched and ordered one for me for Father's Day, but had opted for the air compressor instead. So, to recognize all his hard work on my behalf, not to mention that I've been thinking about getting one for awhile now, I bit the bullet and bought one.

I'm not sure that was the smartest thing to do on my part. Of course I figure that in order to learn how to use it properly, I should use it. Right? Ummmm... maybe? This morning I entered in my work address and off we went. Merrily. Until it occurred to me that I had entered the wrong address. So now the GPS is constantly telling me to "make a U-turn" every quarter mile or so, and I can't get it to "SHUT UP"! The traffic lights, wouldn't you know, all change to green before I get there so I'm not being given any stops to try and figure the thing out. Finally I just turn it off. It turned itself back on again!! What kind of evil, devilish magical cursed thingy did H2 get me into?

Speaking of H2, a couple of weeks ago he tells me he met a guy in the store that knows me from work. Can't remember his name, but the guy said I'd know him as "Boo". Nope. Don't know anyone by "Boo". Ask around work, no one else knows anyone that goes by "Boo". So a week or so later H2 comes home and says he met another guy that knows me from work. "Did you get his name?", I ask. He says, "No. But he drives a Lincoln pickup truck." Great. I think I saw one awhile back, but since he told me that I haven't seen it again, don't know who drives one, and neither does anyone else I've asked. He's driving me CRAZY!!!

Prayers for KenEllie as they try to begin a family. Prayers for H1/DIL1 as they recover from a week with Ian and a weekend with MD,DLG and family. Prayers for MD, DLG and family as they recover from a weekend with H1/DIL1. Prayers for ... Are you getting the picture? Lets keep everyone in our prayers, ok? God is GOOD, but every now and then He likes to know that we're thinking about Him.

Take care, everyone. Live and love today as if it may be your last. You never know. God bless!!

CAN YOU SAY "METACARPAL DIARRHEA"?

I'm at work, there's way too much extraneous noise and activity going on around me, so I've got the headphones on and the music turned up (Sister Christian by Night Ranger)and just trying to "chill" a little.

We've got a little bit of construction work going on at the house; some window and door sills that need replacing due to some wood rot, and KenEllie are having some leaking window issues that we want taken care of as well. The contractor finally showed up yesterday and went right to work. He's working for the same folks who built our garage so I'm looking forward to some quality results!

H2 has applied to the New Orleans Police Department! He's taken the first tests and is waiting for the results. Also, I ran across some contacts with NCIS who might be able to help him if he applies to them. His options may finally be opening up. Let's hope so!!

Since the last post I had to take the first of four on-line take home tests for my Philosophy for Theologians class. Each test is worth 25 points. I got 24 out of the possible 25 points on the first one. Last night I finished the second and am anxiously awaiting the outcome, although I don't think I did as well. As we delve deeper and deeper into the metaphysical world of St. Thomas Aquinas I find myself getting more and more confused. I've gone from "I think, therefore I am" to "I think, therefore I think I am, maybe, sort of". I think my brain is already full, and I can't pack anymore in.

Oh, we did make it to see Hellboy II. Cute movie. Action, violence, comedy, love, music. What more can one ask for. It was basically an action/adventure musical/comedy chick flick! Next stop, BATMAN (he lives in a lair... batman... batman... )

For S2 in Harrisburg, check THIS out. It has possiblilities and we might be able to reserve the dates we want if we can lock them down a year ahead of time. Let me know if you want me to try. I'll plan next year's summer semester around our family celebration.

If you read this, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Salai, what's happening with you? Xanga has been extremely quiet since the wedding. Hope all is well and you are just too busy gazing lovingly into each other's eyes to take time to update your family and friends.

Ian is in Houston with H1/DIL1, and BB is at Zoo camp for a week. Next weekend Major Dad, DLG, BB and Molly go to Houston to visit and retrieve Ian. I'm jealous! I want to go to Houston, too!!

OK. I shut up now. Good by and God bless you all, with a special intention for DIL1 and Major Dad. Just because.

IS IT BAD TO BE GOOD, OR GOOD TO BE BAD?

I admit it. I've been bad. It's been 8 days since I last blogged. My humblest apologies to those few friends out there who actually frequent LOT(L).

But, I've been good. Which is actually why I've been bad. I've been trying to keep up with my schoolwork, complete reading assignments on time and it has paid off. Today I realized that I got an "A" for my first class!

I'm now into my second week of "Philosophy for Theologians" which is an attempt to introduce me to Thomism (the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas). So far it's an interesting class, although a struggle to grasp all the terms and concepts involved right at the beginning. Things like "being" and "real" versus "mental" and metaphor versus analogy, and intrinsic unity vs extrinsic unity, act or action, existence and essence, just to name a few.

Sunday was the baptism of two babies, cousins, children of two of H2's former schoolmates and close friends. It was very nice, child # 3 for one family, and # 1 for the other. Congrats to the families and to the newly baptized!!

Yesterday niece and nephew, K-leen and Brian, arrived for a visit. Mainly to visit Ian who, by the way, turns 15 this week! For his birthday Ian wants the whole family to go to the movies as a group, probably to see "Hellboy II". It's been getting great reviews since it opened last weekend.

Our Ugandan priest friend, Fr. Deo, arrived from New York. He's doing some mission appeals in Baton Rouge, but spending time in New Orleans, where he attended seminary. He's currently working on his PhD in Rome, Italy. It's always good to see him!

I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out, but I can't think of anything else, so I guess I'll just post this, and if anything comes up I'll add it later.

Take care, all. I hope Big J and RB are enjoying their retirement!

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS

It was quite a week, all around.

Monday Gerald, AKA RB (Rat Bastard) retired.

Tuesday Mr. Tom and Keith and Chris stopped by after attending Mr. Brain's wake. We sat and talked for several hours over pizza. It was a nice, relaxing evening. And great to see such good friends again.

Then Wednesday was Brian's funeral. After a rough start I did finish the homily, but I had to read it. It's a good thing I had written it out instead of using an outline like I usually do.

Thursday was Big J's last day. He, too, has accepted the gold watch, so to speak.

Friday evening, after struggling for about 10 hours over a 3-hour take home exam I emailed that in. Friday evening the family all came over and had a cook-out, with hamburgers and hot dogs. Hat tip and many thanks to Major Dad for doing the cooking while I worked on that exam. Friday evening also, H1/DIL1 arrived from Houston. YAY!!!

Saturday was GG (Ghetto Grandma (that's another story)) and my 39th anniversary. H2/H2GF had to work, but H1/DIL1, GG and I took a ride out to Pontachatoula. We started with a late breakfast at Common Ground (a coffee shop/restaurant) in Gretna. We went West on River Road out to the 310 bridge then crossed over the Mississippi to Airline Highway and continued West past La Place, St. Rose and other little towns to Sonoma where Airline connected with Hwy 22. Taking Hwy 22 East, we meandered along a little river back through Maurepaus, Tickfaw and some other towns until we got to Ponchatoula where we met KenEllie at Paul's Cafe for a late lunch, capped off with some outSTANDING strawberry daquiris!! The proprietor of Paul's (that would be Paul) gave us a bottle of New Orleans Rum as an (unexpected) anniversary gift. After a short bit of shopping in Ponchatoula, it was back home again. Then the whole family except for Major Dad and Molly got together for dinner at Eastern.

Sunday Major Dad gave us our anniversary present. It was the BEST! He cut down the neighbor's tree branches that have been growing over our fence and laying on the roof of our shed and dangling over the pool. What a great present!!! H1/DIL1 had to go back to Houston, so we sent them off with lunch, once again at Common Ground, along with DLG, Ian, BB and Molly. The evening was capped off, we thought, with Mass at Christ the King, then we met Major Dad and family at Coldstone Creamery for ice cream. After that it was home to rest, relax, watch a tv show and get ready for work. Whew!! But wait! What's that on H2GF's finger? It looks like H2 has "marked his spot"!! "It's a start", he said, "a 'PROMISE' ring". So the commitment process has begun. Stay tuned for round two.

Love to all. Take care and God bless!!!

39 AND COUNTING!!!!

I love you!

The Heavenly Choir Has A New Baritone

Today was Brian's funeral. I had the sad honor of giving the homily at the Mass. Here it is.

As Tess so wonderfully titled today’s service, it is indeed a “Celebration of the Life of Brian J. O’Neill.” It is a celebration of the completion of his life’s journey, begun in the Love of God, created through the love of his parents and ending once again in the Love of God, completed through the love of Jesus Christ.

And so, we gather today in sadness and sorrow. Sadness for the loss of a good and faithful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coworker, and friend. Sorrow for the O’Neill family as we share in their grief, wishing to be able to console, searching for words to convey feelings that are
incapable of being put into words.

Still, we don’t despair. For we know that in death we are NOT defeated. God our Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, and with the power of the Holy Spirit has put an end to death and restored to us, to mankind, the promise of eternal life! Through Baptism Brian received that promise. Throughout his life he was strengthened and nourished by the Sacraments of our Church, a Church that he loved and in which he participated fully.

Through Brian the Word of God came alive, not only at Mass, where he served so ably and often as a lector, but through the way he lived his life, and how he treated others. In the 24 years that I’ve know Brian, I can’t recall EVER hearing an unkind word spoken toward, or about, someone else. Rather, he was intelligent, humorous, kind, compassionate, and giving. He didn’t wear his accomplishments “on his sleeve”, for others to marvel at. No, there was no room, because that is where he wore his love for others.

There is no doubt that Brian’s marriage to Tess was truly a sacrament, lived daily through the joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks, highs and lows, but lived always with, and in, love. In this, too, Brian, and Tess, brought the Word of God to life for all to witness.

Today in John’s Gospel our Lord speaks of a house with many “dwelling places”, or rooms. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them. One of those places is prepared for his disciple, Brian. Christ calls all of us to have faith in Him. Brian showed us how to live in that faith.

In the Gospel of Matthew, speaking of when He comes again in glory, Jesus says, “Then the king will say to those on his right, (the righteous) ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

It is to a dwelling place in this kingdom that we commend Brian today. It is, hopefully, through his example that we will go forward, trying ourselves to live life, love life, and love God and our neighbor, as Brian did, with grace, and good humor, but most of all, with love.

HEY! KENELLIE-E-E-E-E-E-E-e-e!!!

We LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
I picked the graphic because I know how much you guys love kitties. Those are cats, right? Sure. Yep. Just cats.

GOD SPEED, MR. BRAIN

Our very close friend Brian lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He was an amazing person, full of life and love and wisdom. We shared many good times with his family over the years we've been in New Orleans. He and his wife were two of the first people we met when we became parishioners of Holy Name of Mary. The children at HNM school loved to hear his lectures on dinosaurs that he gave every year. He was a young man, cut down so abruptly! I will always remember fondly our Saturday bicycle rides around the city for exercise that always ended with cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe DuMonde. We will miss him.

Please join me in praying for his wife and family during this difficult time. May God rest his soul.

LOT(L) UPDATE

It’s been very difficult finding the time to post anything to LOT(L) lately. The daily routine is to get up, go to work, come home, open textbooks, read, highlight, go to bed, start over. Class is from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays, so Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon are normally time for relaxation. Unless, of course, there’s a diaconate discernment meeting such as there was this past Sunday, so Linda and I attended that from 1pm to 5pm.

Major Dad, DLG and family returned from their vacation to FLA. From all appearances it looks like a good time was had by all! While it was truly a much deserved holiday for them, we missed them greatly while they were gone.

Fr. Deo phoned yesterday evening. He's back in the States and will be in NOLA some time around July 14th for a few weeks. We're excited and anxious to see him! Should be a good opportunity for another family barbecue to make him feel welcome.


I would be terribly remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to say
to Ellie's mom, who was just sworn in as our families' newest United States Citizen! We are all so very proud of her!!


And speaking of Fr. Deo, it seems our Ugandan brethren at the seminary have been having too much time on their hands. So much so that apparently an altercation erupted between three of them, resulting in a visit by New Orleans' finest, and stitches to one of the participants. Conduct not so very becoming of future "men of God"! Only time will tell how the Archbishop of Tororo will respond. The Ugandan seminary program here in New Orleans seems to have taken quite a beating (no pun intended) in the last few years!

AND THE MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK!!

The Deacon's Bench: Boston's diaconate ordination

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

Linda's Uncle Stanley and Aunt Mildred Bednasz

Uncle Stanley - Born April 30, 1922, died June 14, 2008

Aunt Mildred - Born June 24, 1922, died June 16, 2008

Married May 17, 1947 ( 61 YEARS!!)

Two beautiful souls, now united once again with their daughter Mary. As we mourn their loss, our prayers go with them to our God in heaven, that He will welcome them into the glory of His Kingdom.

THE WEEKEND PAST

I've just completed the 3rd Saturday class of 5 for my Liturgy and Sacraments course at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Now I'm sitting in the parking lot waiting for my ride. Isn't wi-fi a wonderful thing?

The preceding paragraph was written last Saturday. It is now Monday afternoon. What a busy weekend!! Saturday was class all day, then dinner in the evening with Fr. John. We went to a place near the lakefront in Metairie called Mr. Ed's. It's an Italian/seafood restaurant snuggled into a residential neighborhood. The service was very good, as was the food. Linda and Fr. John each had pannéed trout, while I tried the veal parmegian. We started off with fried eggplant and fried mushrooms as appetizers. Both were excellent!

Sunday, after Mass those who were available went to Outback for a MOST pleasant Father's Day dinner. H1/DIL1 and KenEllie joined Linda and I. While at the restaurant they presented me with some beautiful cards and gifts, which I will treasure! Sadly, H1/DIL1 had to return to Houston immediately after dinner, but they arrived safe and sound, and the visit was wonderful, albeit short.

Major Dad, DLG and the kids left early Saturday for Walt Disney World and a much needed (and well-deserved) vacation. I hope they have a great time! We miss them already.

H2/H2GF had to work Sunday so weren't in attendance for dinner. Still, we didn't even talk bad about them, which is really uncharacteristic for us. Usually those "in absentia" are open targets at family gatherings.

When I got home from dinner I was told to check the garage (new, big, automatic door, very nice!!). Inside was a new air compressor with a big blue bow on it! It'll really come in handy for inflating tires that tend to get soft every now and again. Thanks, guys (that's a non-gender specific "guys", by the way).

Sunday night H2/H2GF went to see "The Happening" by M Night Shyamalan. It got grave reviews. I guess we'll be skipping that one.

We're hoping to nail down the dates for our 2009 family get together so that those who need to can put in for the time off early. I think S2 is in charge, so I defer to her. The only glitch is working around my class schedule. I'll be checking to see what kind of break there is between the two summer sessions and maybe we can plan the trip around that. I hope we're able to pull it off, as many of the NOLA folks are really excited about getting together with the rest of the clan!!

That's about it for now. I'm pretty much drained of anything new and interesting. Wishing you all the best. God's blessings be yours!!

TEARS ON MY PILLOW

Here's a picture of BB dancing to "Pillow Talk" in what is probably her last dance recital. It looks like she won't be taking dance next year.

Congrats, BB!! We love you! You were terrific!

MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA!

I forgot H1/DIL1's anniversary! I am truly sorry! I hope it was wonderful and wish you many, many more.

ANOTHER UPDATE FROM LOT(L)

Here’s what’s been going on in NOLA recently…

I resumed my pursuit of that elusive Master of Theology degree. I’ll be taking two classes this summer, on Saturdays from 8 am until 5 pm., and two classes each semester through the fall of 2009. My first class on Liturgy and Sacraments began last Saturday. To prepare for this “reading intensive” class, our instructor sent out the course syllabus 5 weeks in advance to everyone who had pre-registered last semester. This was to provide ample time to read the assignments. Guess what? Since I didn’t attend last semester, and I only registered a week before class started, I didn’t get the syllabus until 6 days before class started, putting me a full 4 weeks behind everyone else!!

Every evening last week was spent trying to complete the assigned readings for the first class. By 1 am Saturday morning I was still short, but decided to bite the bullet and get some sleep. I hit the sheets at 1:15, only to be roused out of bed at 1:30 by footsteps running up and down our alley between ours and the neighbor’s house, and a loud voice shouting, “Come out with your hands up!!”.

Turns out the creep who’s been burglarizing garages throughout Algiers for the past several months decided to hit our back shed but was seen and reported by one of our neighbors. The police quickly responded and found him coming down the alley with my chain saw in hand. Apparently he dropped the chain saw and ducked under the house.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the police blanketed the neighborhood and scoured our yard and those of our neighbors but never caught the “perp”. They finally left our street at 4:30 am. So now I had about 1 ½ hours to get some sleep before having to get up and get ready for class. Let me tell you right now, I’m WAY TOO OLD for that sh_t!! I think I pretty much drifted through the day (although I never fell asleep, thank God!).

When I got home at 5:30 you can bet I was ready for bed. BUT… we had already RSVP’d to attend the 50th birthday celebration for the wife of a good friend Saturday evening, so off we went. I finally made it to bed around 11 pm Saturday night. Geez, I’m getting tired just reliving this as I write it down!

Switching gears, the garage is essentially finished! The automatic door was installed last Thursday and works great. There’s a minor issue with the concrete lip that helps to seal the door when closed, but that shouldn’t be any problem.

We also bit the bullet and had the pool drained, cleaned and refilled. Of course, just like the last time it now has a leak. You can’t win for losing where that pool is concerned. Still, we’ve been keeping it “topped off” and KenEllie, Linda, DLG and the kids have been enjoying it.

H2/H2GF are visiting H1/DIL1. They left NOLA Friday evening and return tomorrow. We’re busy missing them and can’t wait for their return.

And speaking of KenEllie, Ellie is recovering nicely from surgery to correct a carpal tunnel problem. We’re happy to see her sans cast.

Fr. John Capuci has returned to Boston after 7 years in the Big Easy as shepherd of the flock at The Center of Jesus the Lord. We will certainly miss him, but eagerly await the appointment of a replacement.

That’s about it for now. Take care, God bless!!