Poussé à boire

Le pasteur a parlé d'une jeune fille persnickedy...
tenue le travaille à un spectacle de Noël.
Elle a été accueillie et the show must go on.
Ainsi, deux Stella à mon très bon ami.

Je mourrais pour elle, mais pas ce soir.
Soyez prudent. Ne prenez pas de chances...
que vous le regretterez. Comprendre, mon enfant?
Soyez quelqu'un heureux soucis ou vous. Amen

Elle est mon amour vrai, pour la plupart.

Jew vant vires?

We've got plenty below Dunlap here in town.

So funny, Larry on Curb Your Enthusiasm...
in back yard... relaxing with paper... looks up.

Talk about a triple take - $5M crib in Brentwood... wires!

Dripping the Brew

Yeah, trying to figure out what's with the difference about the brew.
"Pardon me, sir; do you really feel that's your problem? I mean really."
They're big fans of conspiracy theories - who did what to whom...

"Let me stop you. People... issues... can't resolve. Take the point."

OK... semantics, all right?

After the Holidays

At a service, I couldn't very well note everything.
Asked this woman Bible scholar about something I'd missed.

Of all things, a note gets passed in class; suspected a come on.
Not! Got back to me vis inquiry. Some note you got there!

She liked her picture much and let me publish it.
She wants it for a website profile... asked me to help.

Had to say not until after the holidays. Busy; busy.
The e-mail she gave me was no good... later, for sure.

Dawn's Study

It's like you don't want to "go there" but one needs to rather.
Got into Revelation in our Bible study; breaking out of Temple!

Woman gets me going... metaphors... meant similies... yikes.
Had to josh with her to ease things up as in the proverbial:

Let's dress up and do church!
Praise the Lord!!!

(Zip me up, please.)

In a Family Way

My immediate family proven doomed, I look forward to spring!
Several good rains would be nice. Charge ground. We need it.
Survival another "natural" matter altogether... my home's a cave.
Entirely trusting in The Lord - the "help" seems stuck in a case study.

Missed not having Chapel this evening, though I do pray constantly.
Heavenly Father this and that, all the time, everywhere - sturdily.
Remember going forward toward Gary Young; "Has Jesus saved you?"
Many times, I responded. Told him I felt like coming forward weekly.

It's pouring rain presently. Feels wonderful. Sounds splendid.
Above be some drips IFO coffee place. An enemy of mine butted in:
"Drip?" she snarked one morning; thought merely of "house" blend.
A vicious ingrate and evil woman, hope she's gotten saved too.

Rainy Day Room

Holed up in coffee place doing photos, as mentioned.
On the way, a quick one. Risky, shooting and driving!
Bit of controversy vis the O'Connor woman. Thought...
something about her inability to keep her trap shut.

Will look it up later. At my leisure. For now, this:
reminded of being cooped up in the Rainy Day Room;
Until at least eight or so. Behaving self - occupied.
How ironic, having to deal with them again. Focus.

Recalling Kitty Genovese

She was attacked and no one did anything about it.
They were petrified. One night in Queens. Overnight.
Earlier today: "Whether cowards or slackers; no good."
A confrontation presently with "Brophy Brats" going satanic.

Blimey... comes with the territory, and I'm just across.
Vicious sons of bitches, they are: received many complaints.
Over the years, many (some particular) folks, squaques!
Definitely no good; i.e., the confederated papist queerdom.

That's saying something! Good thing it's still a free country.
Have been pestered all day by their minions. Dominatrix idiots.
In Guccis, believe it or not! The brats needed to be clued in:
"Sounds like you boys require baptism. Come on up. Anytime."

Made a move to another venue toward processing shots.
(Have to get done and go watch some hockey with the fellows.)
Beyond me as to why they've gotten so stuck up. Deadly wrong!
It's not beyond me to cognate what their collective problem is.

Splendid Entrance

Ah, yes, the experience... got to wandering about society!
We finally got mutually notified and met for Christmas Eve.
A beautiful service at church. Gifted her later. Book stuff.
She's a striking woman, and strikes me most as a workout partner.

Did I mention she's French? Not exactly. Private affair there.
She's raised her son herself and has done very well. Keenly.
She seems not to take any guff; he's prepping for medicine.
Oh, my... the most totally organized place, surgery. Been there.

Did I mention we can speak French together? Told her, clearly:
J'ai été formé à la chirurgie. Croyez-moi, s'il vous plaît.
Well, lets hope so. Many years ago. Diligent as could be.
Oh, yeah; Baylor trained fellows working with chamber people.

Black Ice

It was the most exquisite experience.
I've been slightly commiserating with a lovely woman.
Have I mentioned her? Yep, the French lady. Very classy.
I'd been thinking of making her acquaintance for some time.

We had an uneasy negotiation with regard to a rendezvous.
Made a sort of date, a meet you half-way, tentative arrangement.
It fell through and communication broke down. Traveling matters.
I'd thought I'd made a great logistical determination. I missed her.

Went to a local street light show. (Will post later.) Nice.
Then to Spud's to process. She lives in the neighborhood.
I don't think she'd be comfortable watching the Cardinals!
We won't even consider "what people will say" in that process.

It's an alright place, taking people as the come, in stride.
We shoot the breeze. Normally soft stuff... medicinal brandy!
This morning all the snow back east we be riffing. Watching.
The interrelational tales "gits ta goin'." War stories. OK.

Black ice is awfully dangerous. Misty Pacific Northwest.
A quick freeze and, please God, keep us safe ongoing.
Here in Phoenix, a downpour after a dry spell hazardous;
exhaust residue collects on the road surfaces - ugh-oh.

Just thought of my friend Leroy, late of here.
We'd share the music. Whoa; talk about jive lessons!
He's moved to Midland, Texas, of all places. Miss him.
Got a better job and I hope he has no issues locally.

Waste of Bubbly?

Friend sent me photo of yummy for Christmas in Martinique.
All his recipes are Creole. Can't make heads or tails of them!
But it looks like sausage, and the solution is clued clearly.
Carl le chef dit qu'ils devaient utiliser de la bière.

Et boire le champagne, boucheuses vieux.

Très beau

Très occupé ces derniers temps avec des photos et de Noël.
Beaucoup à dire sur les récents événements locaux.
J'ai pris des notes. Il s'agit d'un fichier.
Je suis très amoureux; s'il vous plaît garder avec soit.

Happy Christmas

Christmas morning and I'm so tired after delivering many gifts.
Presently, time merely for a good laugh - glad French lady arrived.

Great Shot

Christmas Eve and much to do.
Laundry done... no ironing... no cooking.
Feeling alright; not looking forward to traffic.
Have to get to church early for a space, I suppose.

Dead to World?

After finishing last of gifts, which were of course photographic, retired to local pub and had a Stella. The band, the advanced garage combonation, was pretty tight. Found out they used to side for Carvin Jones, a local favorite. Blue Tatoo. Frank on the kit... will have to remember that.

Merely the wrapping left. A wonderful lady at church let me use her printer; mine has its cartridge all dried up. Very inconvenient. But it all worked out.

Getting purrty hungry now.

This is for my sisters:

And here's for the lady who helped me -

Finally, one for my brother.

Glad to be done with them.
There's just the mounting and presentation.
Oh; and thanks to Luis Jimenez for the mustang...
he had a terrible accident turning this out.

Saints, Patience of

A downpour this evening. Very pleased to see and feel. Lovely.
Raindrops on foliage. Very pleased... except... well... inadequacy!

Nevertheless, reminds me of my first study:
dew drops on rhododendrons in Oregon. Pretty good.

Oh, I remember why I started this post -
the prophets and saints have much prayed and testified;
leads us to not so much have to ourselves, in a sense.
But, having received the benefit, we should carry on.

And follow through.

The Evil Men Do

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me;
For I am afflicted and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man;
O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.

Be gracious to me, O Lord,
For to You I cry all day long.
Make glad the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.
Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
And give heed to the voice of my supplications!

In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You,
For You will answer me.
There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
Nor are there any works like Yours.

All nations whom You have made shall come and worship
Before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name.
For You are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.

Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever.
For Your lovingkindness toward me is great,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

O God, arrogant men have risen up against me,
And a band of violent men have sought my life,
And they have not set You before them.
But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Turn to me, and be gracious to me;
Oh grant Your strength to Your servant,
And save the son of Your handmaid.

Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Christmas approaching, there are several woman on my mind. It's so terribly convenient to be free an clear of their inanity. Oftentimes over the years this feeling would come on: so I'd sing to myself, "Got a bunch of women on my mind; one wants to hold me, another wants to scold me, the rest want to punch me out." toward this too shall pass. No problem.

The problem last evening was whether or not to make another request of friendship with a couple of good old boys at church. (The Facebook thing.) I wasn't good enough or something previously. Though I've no idea of the suppositions people like them make, I do know they are parochial gossips. I did follow through with another request. (We'll see.) They're both involved in the selection of the musical program, which is awfully tedious and buggered by too much noise from the garage band they've got "leading" the choir. It's totally incongruent. Strikes me as some sort of coterie.

Long history myself in dealing with the boys, buggered or not. In fact, the more I think about it, the less I feel the love I felt for the French woman there - the women enable the old boys, don't they. She's been unresponsive and I get the impression she's a gossip too, or at least under its influence. There's a queer fellow adjacent to us in assembly; he and his matronly friend go at it regularly. Couldn't believe it when I heard her divulge of another fellow. Blimey, I had intimated some things to her, in confidence. The queers are just another twist on telegraph, telephone and tell a woman.

So it's ironic that the military goes queer presently. That will make it much more easy to remain pacifist. How dumb can they get? Pretty stupid. God save the Republic.

Local Trek

Went out at dawn for pictures of solstice sunrise.
Initial rays hereupon; remain handicapped by inadequate camera.

"Oh, it'll all work out for the better. You watch."
I've come to expect a lack of cooperation, you see.

No matter. Plenty of other things to do -
did some decorating today too. Done soon.

Hello, Cruel World

The pastor got ahead of the story last Sunday. He'd begun a series of talks constituent to Advent and had invited some first graders to share in lighting a candle each week prior to the preaching. There were four candles to be lit, the first three being representative of prophesy, faith, and amusement. This day's, the last, was worship as illustrated by the sojourn of the magi.

Now that always reminds me of a legend foisted upon us by my parents. My younger brother once got cute referring to the Three Wise Guys and that was reprised year after year; you heard it once, you heard it all... ho, ho, ho for the company. (The company always got treated better than the children!) The pastor didn't go there - he went another way. You'll see.

Herod, when informed of the birth of Jesus, had a conniption. In a jealous rage he slew the innocents. More than disfunctional; downright mean. Felt threatened, in the vernacular. Thus:

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and
is desperately sick; who can understand it?"

He pronounced Herod to be macabre. Only he said, "Maacobbray." I turned to my French companion and chuckled. She didn't laugh, nor flinch. I did not disturb her. I love her.

Yes, macabre villiany indeed.
His jealosy exacting vengeance.

His violence misdirected.
His actions futile.

An angel visited the other kings... return another way.

You can look it up.

Capturer une étoile

Commence à ressembler à Noël?
Etoiles de ce rire; absolument!

Killing Time

At coffee before Chapel.
Have been wanting to have coffee with someone for months.
Have gotten fond of her; not in same place, I suppose.
As if i should assert myself! Nothing but trouble.

Relax.

What do you want for Christmas?

Made a friend at church. I think she took ill and disappeared today.
Missed her but hope to socialize around holidays. We'll see.

“But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You,
that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me."

The pastor spoke on John 17 the other evening.
Today he mentioned some eternal truths about Christmas.

So what's the story?

Christmas brings hope in the Gospel; nothing is impossible.
A time for reconciliation and open-heartedness.

Our joy is full in the season. Jesus is the reason.
"Some folks'd rather live with their problems
than trust in God's solutions through grace."

We celebrate the free gift of salvation.
"Freely you received, freely give."
Truly, that is more blessèd.

Conflict Resolution

Went to Bible study this evening. Our teacher was ill, so we didn't carry on with her syllabus. Instead we watched a tape of Charles Stanley preach on dealing with conflict. Serendipitous.

He mostly dealt with interpersonal conflicts and gave as a scriptural example Paul's conflict with Peter in Galatians 2. For myself, in my predicament, the matter spoke to me insofar as being a spiritual Jew in a Gentile world where one's sense of holiness is immersed in many a vulgar circumstance. The issue of loneliness came to the fore - no one at church has ever asked me to share in any social life inclusive of watching these games; I don't finagle to invite myself. Feel out of place for the vulgarities in a bar but it's nothing I can't handle.

But the issue of hypocricy comes to the fore. And then what the preacher called a "divided mind" under the circumstances. Well, it's not that complicated, but I do wish I had more of a domestic life such that I didn't have to go out to see the games. Yet I do like the sense of community one has in sharing a group experience. Even so, I do sense the double-mindedness of it and the spiritual instablity consequent.

Dr. Stanley says that conflict is inevitable...

but our response to it is our choice.

He offered Ephesians in resolution:

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Don't be too hard on yourself?
I like people; maybe I'll lead some of them to Christ.

Heaven Help Us All

Just love taking pictures and processing them.
I delude myself to think anything will come of it.

And I like to write, though the experiences are diminishing.

Things to write about, that is... don't get around much at all.

The kachina tells a story.

A gift to my father thirty-odd years ago, I happened to be at a crafts fair around this time before Christmas. It was available in a sort of silent auction. I called my brother and sisters and asked if they'd like to pool some money to put a bid in and present it to our Dad at Christmas. They were agreeable and my hundred dollar bid was successful. He loved it.

It came into my possession after he had passed.

While photographing it, it fell and broke its legs.

Estranged from my brother and sisters, it's unlikely that we'll "get together" for the holidays. I'm never invited to their homes and mine hasn't been tidied up in some time. So this remembrance of Christmas past will have to do to put me into the "spirit" and remind me I'm not to blame for this. They really don't think much of me. Never did. Maybe cause I'm untidy.

Bit of a Conflict, cont'd

Had been driving a cab "part-time" towards cash flow.
Three days work good for 45 hours on the road.
Took some time off last month - difficult to go back.
I don't like it. Wish I could find something else.

Just need to make ends meet. House paid for.
Expenses are deceptive and mount up.
Am discouraged thinking I'm unemployable.
Have to go back this week. Just have to.

But today... the Jets take on the Patriots.
God help me.

Bit of a Conflict

The iconic Morris Berman photo courtesy LSU.
Arizona Cardinals approaching oblivion, I revert.
Earliest football memories Charlie Connerly to Gifford and Rote.
And Sam Huff, Rosey Grier, and Andy Rubostelli on defense.

Some conflict in going from church to a grill to watch the games.
Not a drinker, and I don't judge the guys who "love their beer."
Nor do I have a state-of-the-art television. Never digitalized.
So I have to go out. I do prefer watching with a crowd. No big deal.

Spat in Javaburg

Don't like it when the riff-raff don't bus their tables in coffee houses.
Like, where do they get off? A common courtesy well established.

Nor when I have to listen to nit-wits.
A while ago some twit was going on loudly:
"Oh Gawd, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh, Gawd."
Told him to tone it down. He smirked.

His ditsy interlocutor complained.
Won't go back there neither.

Walk It Off

Besides pigeons, there was only one other species in a park today.

Thought (from a distance - they were skittish) I saw some sparrows.

They could be finches just as well. Made themselves scarce fast.

Settled on a study of building materials; out of season of course.

Christmas coming and just might print some up.
The "series" I did today would be just right.

I'd like to do portraiture after running out of "things" locally.

I see many interesting faces, sometimes startling.

Question of exploitation; not even considering the 4th Amendment.
Then again, given adequate gear, a possibility. Complicated.
Another question: sign them off and expect to be paid? The cheek!

Anyway, goodly sunshine today compensated the inadequacy.

Just Any Old Tree

Another sunset.
Making do.

Be Nice

Coincidental reading today that this Dürer piece has been recently restored and my having had a awkward experience in Bible study yesterday. I'm in a "singles" ministry where the majority of the members are women. I'm the sole man participating in a particular discussion group.

There was an argument as to whether Adam and Eve, explicitly told to eat not of the Tree of Knowledge, were at liberty to partake of the Tree of Life prior to their expulsion from the garden. A close reading indicates that they were but evidently never had the opportunity. Banished, they were prohibited from that as well and destined for travail.

Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

The controversy arose over this citation:

Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

Upon redemption, our freedom to eat of the Tree of Life is restored.

The curse removed, by grace we proceed in blessed assurance. Amen.

I've no idea how they got to argue about this... it's all poesy to me. As they went back and forth and called upon an elderly authority to resolve the matter, I was caught up in the metaphorical as opposed to the literal and turned to the woman next to me.

"Words are the source of misunderstanding."

"I know." she said as I'd an inkling she'd know the source of that.

I find these conflicts stressful. No Bible scholar, I do know that Adam and Eve are archaic Hebrew words for man and woman. Many cultures have indigenous genesis stories - this one served the Hebrews quite well, obedience being a precursor to an ordered society. It still "works" on account of the nature of human relationships; with each other and with property. "Do as you're told." and "Don't take what doesn't belong to you." perennially functional. Sexual dynamics seem part of the drama, but certainly aren't the only thing involved.

With regard to enmity between men and women, well, that ought to be alleviated by our Christian experience pursuant to this. And "No Trespassing" means exactly that - thanks; we'll see whether the educational purpose flies.

Not Hungry

Need to work up an appetite toward Thanksgiving repast.
Will be going for a walk real soon. Not too far.

Would like to go to White Tanks; sometimes waterfalls after a rain.
But truck needs work hence range diminished. Close by, then dinner.

Truth to Tell

I should add that I was privileged to do the reading below.
Frankly, already read Dylan's book... completely forgotten.

Read this quite a while ago too. Not so much forgotten.
Wow... looks like a free review... how fortunate.

Exercising Great Care

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

Given an opportunity to read aloud in a LTC facility at a hymn-sing,
you've got to consider that the residents there need to be protected.
Hence the regulators; my own direct experience with these folks.
When came time to knock off, something to look forward too.

I'd wanted to go into hospital chaplaincy...
went as far as I could without a support system.
Can't lift anymore. Am wary of clinical people.
Something will come along, I hope. Meanwhile.

Step right up...

Quite the coincidence.

Very grateful to be able to attend church yesterday after a period of schedule conflict, that's what the pastor preached on. Really.. going out the door on the way to coffee prior, I was most glad. Got there on time, more or less, and enjoyed the Bible study too.

He cited Charles Dickens on how we should be thankful every day:

There is always something for which to be thankful.

There is something in every season, in every day,
to celebrate with thanksgiving.

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--
not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

It's God's will that we be like this, no matter what the conditions.
The scripture here shows us how to prioritize that.
Thence to count our many blessings.

It takes some doing to incorporate this into our being.
Hence prayer and an indigenous "glad to be here."

Resolution

Atrocious experience at coffee place some time ago.
Was reading article; turned to person next and commented.

She piddled off to the proprietor and complained... duh?
Well, I never. Never will go back there neither - barbarians.

They're just kids...

Watched Staff Sgt. Guinta being awarded his Medal of Honor.

I remember my career Army uncle having an "issue" about it's being called the Congressional Medal in popular parlance. That really bugged him somehow. "Get it right" sort of thing.

I'd wanted to see it with some friends who had to be elsewhere at the time. So it was just me. I got a little annoyed at the President's lazy and vapid presentation seemingly hogging the limelight. (It's difficult for me not to be so in his regard.) Naturally, that's his prerogative.

We are to pray for our national leadership. I do indeed.

Otherwise, best to keep my trap shut.

Settling Down

Bible Study this evening. Just was. Prayer in Chapel first; pastor gave some words on Luke 11:2-4, the essential prayer, short and sweet. Then off to the classroom for Colossians 2. This verse on point as Paul was counseling Colossae on how to deal with the Gnostics. We might as well include many a present day intellectualist "system" in this vein. Easy to do, plainly.

Last Sunday was good. After having to work the previous months, I really appreciated being there. Got to mention The Robe in our discussion of John 19: how to claim relief when Satan attempts to exert his "power" to hurt us? The study guide cited Ephesians 6:10-18. There are quite a few military metaphors there. I thought of this too and segued into that family friendly movie, everything working out. We closed with the Roman soldier at Calvary who said that surely Jesus was the Son of God.

The pastor preached on 2 Corinthians 8:2. Generosity.

Question: "Are you a consumer or a contributor?"
Honestly, comme ci, comme ça. Not good; not hot or cold.

He said that God is the epitome of generosity and it's God's will that we be so as well. That such generosity cures materialism, our needs met while we understand and temper our wants. And that generosity is always a blessing. I thought immediately of this.

Everyone can be generous.

Chores

Have to get laundry done this morning after putting it off for some time. Now that it's cooling you don't have to change every day - or several times, as the case may be. Need to do a blanket too. The comforter isn't quite enough.

Try to get by without turning on the furnace except for company. Cotton warm-ups are good in the house overnight. Never need the heat during the day. Feeling colder sooner this year; they say your blood thins. Matter of acclimatizing; I've had thirty years! The best is yet to come until June or so.

Some replanting to do as well. And the flora needs feeding.

Then appointments this afternoon.

Church tonight. I'm not prepared yet. Dependability awfully important.

Come About

An acquaintance of mine has lent me a book about the development of stealth technology at Lockheed. He's a naval veteran of submarine tending. It's an interesting read but goes over a lot of old ground. I'm sure not up to speed in these regards going forward, merely aware from a distance of such as the build up of the Chinese navy.

Kelly Johnson was the chief designer at the Skunk Works from prior to WW II until he handed over those responsibilities to the author of the book noted. A lot of it is a paean to him from his protégé and does present a business management model for those in production.

One of his directives was: "Starve before doing business with the damned Navy. They don't know what in hell they want and will drive you up a wall before the break either your heart or a more exposed part of your anatomy."

Sub tender says it's because what's wanted doesn't exist yet.

Dedicated

Had a friend in Oregon who'd dress down capriciously.
And chic - she'd wear a garage mechanic's shirt, bloused.
Forget how she completed the ensemble below,
le pièce de résistance a venetian blind cord cinching her waist.

A hoot, she was. Did I tell her?

I'd formerly worked at Bloomingdales selling domestics.

One day, the ladies got exited as a guy swept through...
one of them clued me in - "It's Givenchy!"

Dress up or down?

Fell asleep real early last night and am up before dawn.
Started reading this. Not as good as I'd hoped it would be.
Trade relations. Swapping stuff; getting shafted; getting sick.
Been there having gone through that some time ago.

Swiped the picture from another blog.
(Church today, later this morning.)
Haven't got a thing to wear!
Loved the show... probably still going somewhere.

Nice waterworks!

Just getting around to reflecting on the pastor’s words last Sunday. Preaching on Ephesians 3:19, he went into aspects of our Christian experience. Toward illustration, he utilized a small cup and a bucket. Into either we can receive God’s blessings. The choice is one’s own.

He made the following points:
* The quality of faith is measured by the alteration of attitudes.

* The quantity of it is demonstrated by the reach of our love.
* Its size is manifested by our appreciation of these blessings.
* Finally, our joy is exhibited by the peace we feel amidst suffering.

Categorically, a fine sermon.

"I'll have the bucket, please."

Back at It

So you will walk in the way of good men
And keep to the paths of the righteous.
Proverbs 2:20

Not much else to say.

(Please, God, help me through the circumstances.)
Nothing I can do but trust in The Lord.
And get back in the fold.

Out of It

Such solitude...
merely decor to be with.

Time and Time Again

I've an hour and a half before prayer meeting. I'd intended to go to one coffee place but their AC was down, so went to an alternative one. I find I've got minimal interest in the Internet.

Had to cut back on the Facebook "interaction" as there was none really and I was creating a problem for myself in seeking to actually have some, of a sort. A bizarre circumstance in that my sister's posts (she has refused to be a "friend") are mingling and that makes me feel awfully weird since we are estranged, and worse when she announces a "family get-together" to which I'm not invited. Used to that but to have it publicised was a bit much for me. Had to pare those contacts such that I don't have to be exposed to that again.

Also removed contact with my imaginary (not really, there was some exchange) friend, a woman with whom I'd become smitten. That she's half my age and disinclined seemed to heighten a sense a challenge... a totally unrealistic scenario. I've gotten lonely and discount these facts in some delusion, magically thinking we might get along simply as real friends. Just setting myself up for disappointment... it's all too cliche.

Have had my medication doubled and am quite lethargic.
Please God this all works out, that I get well and working again.

Got to talking with a woman at church; all my problems impede.
Wish we could go on and make real friends. Don't think so.

Watch and Pray

Waited for her to pick up her veggies.
Came and went in a breeze.

Had this feeling of waiting at a water hole.
Only she pounced. Then was gone.

Still in love, but more easy, less forlorn.
Makes me feel really, really old.

She's been very kind. I miss her.
I told her. It cannot be. Solitary for me.

Check

The last post was off the wall.
I'm so totally bereft of real friends.
Making it up as I go along?
Yes, I am. Sustaining somehow.

See psychiatrist again tomorrow.

Break that Chain

Teacher startled me.

Said she needed to clue me in about something.

Before the Bible study commenced. Paranoia indeed.

Was just the scheduling of a nursing home visit.

She's another friend. Don't forget.

Galeta came up... need confirmation.

Got it after a mope and a wiz. The sack.

Got me going. Remembered OK. Something.

Have got to quit smoking.

Lungs a mess. BP outrageous.

Head up arse all the time.

Would do it for another friend.

Passed along to her, surreptitiously, after much angst.

She hit the nail on the head, she did... obsessing, I was.

"Tone it down." She's right; love her to death?

Later for the rampage, we'll take it peacefully.

Yet another friend goes all Tao...

The quieter you become,
the more you are able to hear.

Could not retort, Friend, requiring not another incident.

I heard a voice which said,
"There is one, even Christ Jesus,
that can speak to thy condition,"
and when I heard it, my heart did leap for joy.

Teacher, upon Paul's assurances,

brought us round to John 14.
Promised to read it later.

Have to quit smoking.

Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled,
nor let it be fearful.

Off Grid

Of all things, watch battery goes down; time slowed - relatively.
Was late to the nursing home but did get to sing from old hymnal.
Embarrassed being so disorganized. Been downright loony lately.
Obligatory full moon shot - felt so puny over weekend thinking of her.

Not that there's anything wrong with it.

Another woman reassures me:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.

Running Late

Cool of the morning and ultramarine, the Palo Verde has survived.
Presents an iterated function I gather; fun with fractals.
Not so dysfunctional after all, eh? Do the math? Show your work!
Meanwhile, late for Bible study, caught up in the real world.

Got there and Dawn was waiting again.
Told her I was held up processing; was I ever.
Will have to get to Fibonacci later still, if ever.

Hairs on heads numbered too.

Guest preacher, a medical missionary from Thailand, spoke on Acts 17:26-27. Another aspect of divine determination. God is there; seek Him; Jesus said you will find Him. Indeed. I do believe this but am too much of a pagan to live it.

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God’s name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Psalm 63. And he mentioned Hosea.
But there was a problem.

The doctor grieved that people who did not know God were going to hell. He was speaking of the Thai people, nominal Buddhists for whom there is no "God" and much ignorance even with regard to Siddhartha. I couldn't see that, preferring to think that those who do more exactly know of Jehovah and Jesus and reject out of hand are those spoken of in such as Luke 16:19-31. Just sort of stuck with the contention.

Been in a coffee place all afternoon thinking about that and all the stories in the papers. No one to talk about them with. Stunning stultification! But par for the course; someone in mind.

Will be going on a visit to a nursing home in a while.
What can I do? What can I do? What can I do?
Well, I won't be late. I can read. I can sing. I will be there.