Some disagree with Mom

Here a scaup, there a mallard, everywhere geese, geese...

2012-01-26T23:21:00.002-05:00

The waterfowl flocked to Conneaut Lake where bubblers keep the ice away. The clump of smaller birds swimming away from me to the right of the dock on the left was a flock of scaup. There were mallards scattered thru the crowd of geese. I didn't try to count. The open water was covered with geese. There is still a huge flock there but nothing like on this cold day in January.

A visit from a notcat

2012-01-17T09:24:00.003-05:00

Tim above and PuddyTat below seemed unperturbed by the presence of the other critter munching catfood for breakfast.

The possum seemed unperturbed by the felines.

When I went out s/he retreated to the cardboard catbox and watched me.

When I went back in s/he checked out the other catboxes and the window. I could get nose to nose without alarming the obviously young visitor.

S/he pushed up the blanket to reveal the heating pad. I was afraid s/he would settle in between and was relieved awhile later to find my newest notcat was gone.

I don't like seeing these critters in the daylight as I worry about rabies. This young one seemed quite healthy, just hungry. I don't mind the possums because they just eat and leave. The raccoons play and do lots of damage. I won't put up with them for long before setting the trap. I never saw any critters last winter. I wouldn't be surprised to see the groundhog if we have a week of warmth.

On a Sunday

2012-01-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

The snow on the foliage along I-79 looked like cottonballs as I drove up to North East for the latest in their Second Sunday concerts.

The "concert" was more like eavesdropping on friends who were playing thru their favorite music than a formal concert. Their choices were wonderful and fun in a classical music sort of way. At least for me all but one were familiar favorites from various combinations of instruments and voices played simply (well, the music wasn't all simple to play) on horn and piano. I'd like to hear more of the Faith piece.

Chelsea Nelson was the featured performer accompanied by Carol Carlson. Chelsea is from North East and is in her first year at Eastman. She is excellent.

Brahms: Scherzo from Serenade in D, Opus 11
Rachmaninoff: Vocalise
Mozart: Concerto #3 in E-Flat, K. 447
Richard Faith (b 1926): Movements for Horn and Piano
Schumann: Widmung
Schumann: Im wunderschönen Monat Mai
Purcell: "I attempt from Love's sickness"
F. Strauss: Nocturno #7
Beethoven: Scherzo (Allegro molto e vivaci) from Septet in Eb

I heartily recommend these concerts at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in North East, PA.

Back to cats

2012-01-11T22:29:00.001-05:00

PuddyTat and Tim are more interested in the running water than a little warm milk. LittleOne likes the milk.

Our Bible study group (all but me and one other) updated

2012-01-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

How I managed to capture us in moments when we aren't laughing is a mystery. We look like such a dour group when we are in fact very lively and funny. We are usually in the church tho not this particular night when we met before an Open House where the people who came stayed long past the advertized closing hour.

At the request of two, I have removed the photos of people. I will email the admittedly not too complimentary photos to members of the group who request them.

I rarely identify individuals on my blog. In this case I did not even identify the location. There are few who actually visit the blog and most of those who do are relatives, close friends or people from who knows where who stumble on it. "Local" people are few and far between and always related via church. Nevertheless some are especially sensitive and I honor that.

Family Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T13:25:00.004-05:00

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath to see the world's cutest grandnephew and niece tear into the latest parental offerings. Well, you'll have to go here.

Happy New Year.

Cat story

2011-12-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

This is NOT how my cat clan began.

The story is here.

Only Tim(id) and PuddyTat remain. Today they are looking out on the world from heated blankets.

Open but closed

2011-12-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

This is a church. It has no windows. Well, it has windows in the Sunday School part. When I saw it I wondered if the lack of windows signifies their unwillingness to allow any outside opinions to corrupt their beliefs. Probably totally carpeted and padded with lots of electronics and closed minds? It looks very unwelcoming.

RIP Tommie

2011-12-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

This was battered, very male Tommie in better days. Lately he has had a respiratory problem that got steadily worse and noisier. Unfortunately he had never been handled. Tho he always wanted my attention since he has been sick, he wouldn't allow me to pick him up. Today I came home to find him on the ground under the cathouse, still warm but lifeless. I'm so glad his suffering is over! I'm glad he was home so I know what happened to him. I'm not good at grieving but I am a little tearful. Weird. Surprising. RIP old man.

A box, a cat

2011-12-05T17:18:00.001-05:00

PuddyTat found the box that Jellico once occupied. LittleOne looked on while I took the photo. I need to replace the box the raccoons demolished last winter. Or maybe not. There are plenty of others plus the barn for warmer retreats when the weather gets cold. The heating pads are already in the boxes above but they only get plugged in when the temp is below 25F and there is a cat in the box to enjoy the warmth.

An adult Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T20:41:00.001-05:00

My nephew

His wife did most of the cooking

My bro and sil

The gorgeous canine in the family

My bro needed a little extra help

My sil and nephew began Christmas decorating

My bro and me

My sil and me

It was a long wonderful day

A Saturday

2011-11-13T07:22:00.001-05:00

Tommie on top with Jellico and PuddyTat below were waiting for breakfast.

A beautiful weather day followed. There were many fishermen in boats dotting the lake. A little unusual for November. Yes, one or two people are fishing almost every day possible but this many boats is odd. I counted a dozen on our end tho they aren't all in the photo.

How to embarrass a brother

2011-11-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

He was introduced in Dallas for his keynote address at an Angel conference as the true rock star angel. Angels fund business startups. He blows sax but not guitar. This photoshop is hilarious. And they included a bow tie which he always wears.

More clouds 11.8.11

2011-11-08T18:23:00.001-05:00

In the second photo there is a rainbow. I wish you could see it. The clouds this year have been fascinating. Well, frankly, the weather this year has been, um, interesting. So far we have escaped most of the nasty stuff. So far.

A person I know doesn't like my use of "interesting". Her problem. I assign it to anything worth thinking about beyond the surface.

Friday cat blogging on Tuesday

2011-11-08T08:08:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when I open my kitchen window. Tim, Tommie, Jellico and LittleOne. PuddyTat never gets involved in this sort of closeness.

Sometimes the weather is just too tempting

2011-11-05T19:08:00.001-04:00

to sit inside in another meeting.

Cell phones were aimed skyward tonight

2011-10-18T19:30:00.002-04:00

These photos were taken outside Panera in Cranberry tonight - Tuesday, 18 October 2011 around 6:30 pm. A whole bunch of people were taking photos with their phones. The camera can't quite portray the clouds accurately. It was definitely unique and spectacular.

The perils of being Senior Warden...

2011-10-13T18:59:00.000-04:00

Neither in nor out

2011-10-11T17:46:00.003-04:00

I have the utmost admiration for those who are willing to possibly newly expose their true selves on this "Coming Out Day"!

If I were to have the person who currently holds my interest return my affection, I would probably startle many friends but, luckily, not my family. That isn't going to happen however. And I have neither aspirations nor expectations, just the hope that I can continue this aspect of my life as long as possible. Not that I would reject an improvement...

Cat trap

2011-10-08T21:58:00.002-04:00

Maria posted a photo of cats in boxes entitled "Cat traps" on my Facebook page. So I put a couple of boxes out to see what would happen. Tommie immediately climbed in. PuddyTat sat outside. Later LittleOne and Jellico were in the boxes but left as soon as I opened the door to take a photo. Ineffective traps.

Saturday cat blogging

2011-10-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

See. I told you they are always there.

Friday cat blogging

2011-09-30T20:57:00.002-04:00

The boys have been in these positions all day. Jellico on top and LittleOne below. Actually they are usually there most of the time from breakfast on. Lazy like me.

4 and 20 thousand blackbirds...

2011-09-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

And these were only about half I was seeing... Photos taken thru the windshield.

Making grape pies - updated slightly

2011-09-23T22:05:00.002-04:00

The weather is miserable for North East, PA's 2011 Wine Festival. Pouring rain all day today. Ugh. Nevertheless the ambitious folks at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross gathered to make 200 grape pies. Unfortunately I didn't think to take photos during the very hectic first day so some of the folks who helped aren't shown. These are from the second baking day and the first of the festival. Also should have gone to the booth in Gibson Park to take a photo of the brave souls who endured many hours of wet and cold with few rewards.

This is where the recipe, sans crust, resides - on the lid of a jar. Gold Medal flour and Butter flavored Crisco were used for the crusts. The filling was obtained from a New York State winery.

On Tuesday we filled the fridge with the bags of crust mix.

On Wednesday, the first batch of filling was prepared so we were ready to go.

On Thursday, there were four people rolling out crusts. Fewer today.

There were others to fit and trim the top crusts, flute the edges (at which we learned I'm a failure) and cut a design in the top. Baking took an hour or so. They baked 100 on Thursday while I folded and labeled boxes. Today they did 50 pies including a dozen sugar free.

The vicar is responsible for this pile of scraps which she judiciously preserved for who knows what. Holy Cross doesn't waste. She took them home and came back with pecan tarts and iced cinnamon pinwheel things. The latter never made it to the sale. Yum.

In the background the boxes I folded await pies like those in the front.

Each box has a special message.

Meanwhile the vicar takes time out to make a folder to include with the pies. One thing to sell pies. Another to invite people to worship with those who make them. This blogger enthusiastically recommends this parish!

Back tomorrow. Prayers for better weather! And happy Holy Cross doesn't have an entry in the bed race tho they tried to get it together and it might have been fun.

Update: The weather brightened on Saturday. More pies were made and many sold. On Sunday the gals used the last of the ingredients to make even more pies before the liturgy. I understand everything was sold. Way to go, Holy Cross!

Critter sitting

2011-09-17T14:19:00.000-04:00

Keenan is one of the largest dogs I've ever known. He is also a real sweetie. I let him out and he finds an appropriate grass patch then pees like a horse. He doesn't lift his leg. After that he goes to the door to be let back in. He didn't eat much this morning for some reason. He's drinking plenty of water tho.

Miss Poops-a-Lot really does. She is not very friendly.

Mr Thumper is usually friendly but not today. Hope to get a real photo eventually. He's a cutie.

More Keenan photos.

And Mr Thumper finally came out to say Hi.

Between the rains

2011-09-09T23:32:00.000-04:00

Saw this on the way home from Cleveland. Haven't seen a rainbow in awhile. It was most welcome yesterday.

After breakfast

2011-09-08T08:34:00.000-04:00

This is the usual morning scene after breakfast. Jellico finally discovered the top of the new catbox. Tim has been up there but she doesn't hang around long. I didn't put the car away last night so she is under it watching the world go by. PuddyTat goes wherever she goes. Tommie and LittleOne bathe then snooze.

All grown up

2011-08-31T22:01:00.000-04:00

This is not a cat, in case you hadn't noticed. This is one of the wee ones I saw a few months back now all grown up, curious and not afraid. Guess I need to get the traps going again. And maybe buy my own 22?

Finalized cathouse for now

2011-08-24T18:51:00.001-04:00

Tommie and LittleOne are not interested in what I'm doing. This is their "pet me" posture. The new catbox is as finished as it's going to get for now. There is insulation on the top and in each box. I can lower the sides of the rug to provide more protection from the weather when it gets cold. I'd like to put a board across the bottom to hold the blankets in. I suspect the raccoons will pull the blankets out. Have the board. May or may not do it later. Do need to wash their dishes.

New catbox approval

2011-08-23T11:03:00.001-04:00

Apparently these three approve of the new catbox even before it is finished. PuddyTat was in the left space most if not all of the night. This photo was taken after breakfast. Guess I don't need to worry about the right space being too small. PT and Tommie have always cuddled.

LittleOne was still there three hours later. He must have interesting nights.

And, no, his buddy Dude has never returned. sniff...

Tim never gets into a box. She has her canoe, the tractor seat and wherever else she finds to roost in the barn. Jellico is sort of an outcast. The others either don't like him or don't trust him. They will head butt with him but they all tend to chase him away from food. He is desperate for my attention now and seems to have abandoned his habit of trying to claw me after I withdraw my hand. Yea. I think he sleeps in one of the cardboard boxes below. One of those needs replaced before winter but the others are ok.

Meanwhile LittleOne sleeps on well into the afternoon...

New catbox

2011-08-22T20:34:00.001-04:00

I put together a new catbox. It isn't exactly what I want or need and it is too "tall" to be warm but it will work with a few modifications. If you look at the post below you will see what a mess the raccoons have made of the traditional cardboard boxes. The cats are pretty destructive too because they like to climb up on top. It usually takes four replacements per year. I need to get a short 2 X 4 to straighten this up as the top extends beyond the sides. The current board is too thick. Eventually I will nail a ledge to the outer side to keep blankets in the box.

I was concerned that the right side was too small but the largest cat Little One is in there and was curled up within earlier. On the left is Tommie.

To allow the critters to sit on top, I plan to scrub this blue thingie and fasten it to the top then drape it underneath to create a smaller space within.

Poor Jellico. He peed on the thingie then spent many minutes trying in vain to cover his deposit. He is not the brightest of the clan. He worked at this for many minutes. I gave up watching so I don't know how long he tried. Hee.

Happy cats

2011-08-21T16:13:00.002-04:00

Holy Cross North East then and now

2011-08-15T10:39:00.004-04:00

The first time I visited the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross (the little church that can!) in North East, PA in 2008 the ceiling was all dark wood and the atmosphere was friendly but darkish. After much vision, fund raising, faith and hard work the space is as warm and inviting as the members.

The lower photo was taken at the 8.14.11 concert by Backyard Brass. The next concert will be classical guitarist David Coester at 7:30 pm on Sunday, 9.11.11.

The donations from the concerts as well as lemonade sales and other fundraisers will be used to fund a Heifer International Ark - a $5000 goal. Holy Cross is an amazing place!

(Please say a prayer for Pippa, one of the parish dogs, who needs to either get better or cross the Rainbow Bridge.)

Books, books, books up for adoption to help internet friends

2011-08-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

The story is on the blog Leave it lay where Jesus flang it. The adoption agency is Amazon.

1000th post

2011-08-13T16:32:00.000-04:00

Amazing. This is the 1000th post to my "new" blog. Thanks to all who have visited!

Family visiting

2011-08-13T16:29:00.001-04:00

My nephew is "home" from San Francisco. Well, he is where his parents are living. Not sure where he calls "home". Pittsburgh? Wellesley? Elsewhere he has lived? Probably San Francisco now. They visited his sister (photo) so I did too. There are photos of the World's Cutest grandniece and grandnephew along with the rest of the clan here. Sad that his wife couldn't come too.

Here he is in a poster for a series of performances at The Dark Room in San Francisco this September. If you are in the neighborhood, attend and tell him you know me. He's a really good guy.

It's Friday again. Yea!

2011-08-05T11:43:00.000-04:00

It's one thing to look forward to Friday when working. I never dreamed I'd be looking forward to Fridays for Bible study. Bible study? Me? The resident heretic who worries a friend because hell is my inevitable destination since I don't accept his literalism? Yep. It is a great group of women in an Episcopal church that has no anxiety. A great escape. Thanks, all y'all, for the privilege of joining you whenever I can without ignoring my duties elsewhere!

My opinion on the debt ceiling mess

2011-07-30T23:26:00.001-04:00

Anyone who sincerely believes the blame must be shared between the Democrats and Republicans must only watch Fox TV and listen to Rush Limbaugh. The Democrats are dumb enough to think they can negotiate with the Republicans but the Dems aren't responsible for the problem. The Tea Partiers are liars and traitors. Their refusal to compromise is treasonous. The people who elected them out of malice toward a black president or frustration with Obama's inability to clean up the Bush/Republican mess in two years are ignorant of finance, government and reality. I have no sympathy for anyone who voted for them and has suffered as a result.

This crop of Republicans is evil. Those who support them are evil. I'm angry enough to not even ask Godde to have mercy on their souls. May they reap what they sow! May Godde help us find a way to frustrate their evil demands, defeat them and reclaim our democracy!

25k visitors

2011-07-28T19:29:00.000-04:00

Amazing that so many have visited this humble, mostly, blog. Thanks, all.

Down one cat?

2011-07-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

Dudie has not come to eat since I came home. Perhaps he has found another place to stay. Perhaps he doesn't realize I'm home. Perhaps he is gone. I don't miss the messes he made but I miss him.

St Edward the Confessor

2011-07-26T22:21:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, 24 July 2011 I attended mass at St Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park, NY on the way home from Berkshire. The building is sort of industrial chic. It is functional and pleasant.

The main reason was to meet Fran, a long time blogger friend, for the first time in person. We did lunch and probably could have talked all day and all night but she had plans and I needed to get home. I hope we can get together again!!!

Raccoon mess

2011-07-25T22:29:00.001-04:00

While I was gone, the raccoons tore everything apart. The dishes were on the ground too but I picked them up to feed the cats. The blue thing is the litterbox. There is litter stuff everywhere. Forgot to set the traps tonight but will do it tomorrow.

All my BCF Photos

2011-07-25T21:32:00.000-04:00

Well, at least the ones that aren't too blurry are here. I really need to read the book or reset the camera or something.

BCF 2011 again, updated

2011-07-23T05:49:00.002-04:00

You can't see the rehearsal hall/hockey rinks from the dorm so I took this from where the track begins. This is why my legs are in good shape. Going to meals breaks up the walk which goes a roundabout way.

This is the view from the front of the rinks across toward the dorms. The dorm is the leftmost white line, I think.

A few altos.

Kathy FitzGibbon conducting.

Monroe Crossing.

Julian Wachner conducting.

Some of us who sang at the Norman Rockwell Museum used the time to number the measures in our Elijah scores rather than visit the fascinating exhibit on animation.

Would you believe it was 95 outside? We were sitting directly under the air conditioning. Brrr!

These creatures fledged one by one and gathered together on the walk behind DeWindt. Being dive bombed by the parents wasn't fun.

There may be more photos but, as I said, I'm having too much fun to think about the camera. By the way, I think these are embiggenable.

BCF 2011

2011-07-20T07:02:00.000-04:00

In case you're wondering, I haven't been taking photos this year. I don't know why. I always have my camera with me. I just don't use it. Maybe today at the Rockwell Museum tho it will be pretty hot outside. There are some interesting robot-looking things on the lawn. But maybe I'm just too comfortable?

Rutland, VT

2011-07-17T23:06:00.001-04:00

Being within three hours rather than the 10 hours from home, I went to church at Trinity Episcopal in Rutland, VT. I'll admit that my primary purpose was not the eucharist. I could have had that in Sheffield, MA, a mere 10 minutes or so away. The priest at Trinity is a long time internet friend Caminante otherwise known as Lee Crawford. We had never met in person. The people were very friendly, many offering their name and a handshake. (They are well trained.) The liturgy was done well tho they have no sanctus bell. They even have a summer choir. Lee is a soprano and sings with them. She has a clear voice and is easy to hear and understand. It is always more interesting when the readings happen to contain a message for a current situation as was the case today. I didn't know how appropriate till after. Godde has a great sense of timing.

This sign is in their parish hall. Hmmm.

Unfortunately this is blurry but there it is anyhow.

After church it was cat tour time. There are four. This is my favorite Miss Funky Paws. Lee has other names for them all.

Some people believe that internet relationships are superficial, not "real" somehow. Perhaps with some they are. I'm blessed to be part of several tribes who know and care for each other and sometimes meet in person. Once companies destroyed families and churches by moving employees around indiscriminately, they forced us to create temporary friendships that served our needs at the moment - before the next move. The internet has allowed people with histories to reconnect and new friends to keep in touch in ways that transcend time and location. Now, if Michelle and I can find a few minutes to get together this week and Fran and I can connect on my way home...

Friday cat blogging on Tuesday

2011-07-05T09:33:00.002-04:00

This is what I face in the morning.

Finally everybody gets to eat.

This is the first photo Lady has allowed me to take. She doesn't come in the morning.

Meanwhile it didn't look like Besita was very interested in moving across town.

Via the iPhone - my first attempt at fireworks photos

2011-07-04T22:04:00.001-04:00

Evening walk

2011-07-04T21:40:00.000-04:00

Visiting family

2011-07-04T10:54:00.001-04:00

The Cleveland contingent of the family is moving across town to find better schools and some playmates for the kiddos. The Prius can carry lotsa boxes and stuff so I visited. No photos of the new digs but the house and quiet neighborhood are very different from Cedar Road. These folks are my grandnephew and grandniece with their father.

A neighbor brought popsicle things for the kids while we were there. There are plenty of other young folks in the neighborhood. That will be a huge change.

Economic advantage, New York

2011-06-25T10:15:00.001-04:00

Hallelujah!

Despite religious prejudice and the ick factor, the New York State Senate passed and the governor signed the same sex marriage act into law last night. It will take effect in 30 days. As many have quipped, now NY LGBTs will have all the hassles that other married couples have.

I think we should do away with marriage as the term which grants privilege and responsibility. Too many household families are no longer defined by the word. There are many configurations from single individuals to traditional families to grandparents rearing a child to children of divorce living with remarried parents to siblings to live-in care givers to roommates, etc. which constitute a household. People who live together for a period of time should be able to register as household families for tax and other legal purposes. People complained about the "marriage penalty" which was, in fact, the recognition that individuals living alone have more expenses than those who live as a family. Let's change our thinking to accomodate households as families now.

The women in the preceding post are a household family, aren't they?

Grace on the journey

2011-06-16T23:37:00.001-04:00

Kirstin has made the ultimate choice. Her blog entry and all that precedes it at Barefoot and Laughing is well worth reading. Over and over. Especially if facing cancer or dealing with a loved one with it.

Kirstin is my heroine.

My family at Pymatuning all together

2011-06-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

Left to right bottom to top: Jellico with his newly regrowing hair, Tommie, LittleOne, PuddyTat, Dudie and Tim.

Photos at home

2011-06-14T21:22:00.000-04:00

These two found some remains to clean up in the field across the road. The next day there were 16 more in the same place so the find must have been significant tho it isn't visible. It was too windy to get a good photo of the mob.

The man who owns this property yelled at me when I parked briefly to take this photo. I yelled back what I was doing and he said OK.

Three of the feline residents on the cathouse roof. Tim munches while LittleOne (who is really quite large now) and Tommie watch me.

Help needed in the Stockton/Lodi area of California

2011-05-30T18:28:00.000-04:00

Internet friends Andee and Kirstin need help. Kirstin is fighting multiple myeloma. Andee is exhausted. The story is here. If there is any way you can help, please do!!!

Walking to and from the winery

2011-05-28T13:27:00.001-04:00

Lago Winery, Jamestown, PA

Friday cat blogging

2011-05-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

It was a lazy morning in the cathouse.

Until the tuna was offered.

PuddyTat always wants petted before eating.

Church of the Holy Spirit, Erie, PA

2011-05-22T15:31:00.000-04:00

Sunday, 22 May 2011 when Christ Church Meadville's Senior Warden was "on vacation".

Why I haven't but need to mow

2011-05-08T14:53:00.001-04:00

If you look closely you will see a red cable running across my oil tank and beyond my TV antenna. That is my phone line at the moment. It runs from the phone access around the house across the front and around the barn to a pole up the driveway. Windstream needs to move the pole so this is how they gave me temporary access. It all lay in the grass until today when I really need to mow. I raised it so I don't cut it. I hope they install the pole soon!

This is one reason I really don't want to mow. I LOVE violets and the yard is full of them this year. This is just a small sample. The daffys are mostly gone and need to be dead headed. Someday.

Both photos are embiggenable.

Friday cat blogging on Monday

2011-04-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

The crew at breakfast this morning. Tim ate then demanded scritching. She is the most vocal of the bunch. At the top is Jellico who is eating with Tommie. PuddyTat (orange) is eating with LittleOne. Dudie is barely visible on his own level.

After they ate all retired to one place or another. LittleOne and PT were in the boxes while Jellico decided that the top of the boxes was a good place to do his toilette. I had to put reinforcement up there because he kept collapsing the boxes.

The heating pads are still out - one is barely visible under LO. I keep hoping I can remove them but I had to have the heated water bowls on a couple of days ago when the temperature plunged to 28. Someday our spring will come.

Angry sky, angry lake

2011-04-17T21:51:00.001-04:00

We had a brief period of sunshine Saturday but it was between storms. This and the following were taken on my way to Cleveland to get the Macbook fixed.

Obviously the weather deteriorated quickly.

The following photos were taken today, Palm Sunday. This is the view out from our bay toward the beach. The long island is on the left.

This is from the "tracks" looking up the lake toward the Century Club. The wind was from the west which is across the lake. We rarely see wind strong enough to make waves across the lake but we had it today. The ponding in the foreground is unusual as the lake is very high. My neighbor had photos of the water overflowing the spillway earlier in the week. We've had a little rain.

Looking across the lake again from farther up the tracks.

Friday not cat blogging

2011-04-09T00:41:00.001-04:00

Two of the three additions to Bible study tonight. The third wouldn't stand or sit still enough for a photo. Fred's color is a bit weird for some reason. He isn't this dark red. They are the parish livestock or so I'm told they are called. Lovely, friendly quads all. Like the bipeds.

What you've been waiting to see

2011-04-01T12:09:00.001-04:00

The new bumper stickers on the new Prius. Thought about leaving it bare but have so many choice stickers to use. Wish the Episcopal ones were still available on CafePress.

30 March 2011

2011-03-30T23:10:00.000-04:00

This was NOT fog on the way to choir tonight.

Obviously. When I got home.

Meanwhile, in Jamestown...

New Prius

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is frost. 14 this morning, A record apparently.

There are both good and notsogood features about this Prius. I love the headlights. Well, the dims are about as before but the brights really work. Should be much better for deer spotting. Traction control is turnoffable, I'm told. Yea! Sometimes it is good but it prevented getting out when I did get stuck the first year I had the old car. Since this is a cheaper model, the rear view mirror doesn't automatically "dim". Another Yea! Dimming was not evident with the old mirror. I don't have the garage door opener in the mirror now but I have no problem using the separate device now that I can dim the following headlights myself. The visibility out the back is limited by narrower sides but straight back is much better. The divide is still there but is higher. I don't think there is a backup camera now which I'll miss in parking lots but it was usually covered with grime anyhow. Love the fuel countdown. Started at 500+. If I can actually fill the car with gas, I will be very happy! In cold weather I could only drive 250 miles or so before refilling because the tank would only take 6 gallons. Even in warm weather more than 7 was unusual. The tank should hold 11+ gallons.

The main thing I don't like so far is the intrusive console which lacks good storage, takes up too much room and is very distracting with lights everywhere. The cup holder may make spills common as it looks to be elbow vulnerable. The second one in the retractable armrest looks even worse. Must have been a very tall designer who pushed the seat way back. I already miss the secret compartment where I kept laundry money. The tray under the console is all but useless. It will provide a safe place for the iPhone while charging but that's about it. The two pockets in the doors will hold waterbottles but I used mine for napkins and maps. Not sure they are long enough for maps. The upper glovebox doesn't have a shelf. I keep papers in there but the lack of a shelf will mingle them inconveniently.

The car feels more solid. It is a bit larger. I hit something underneath loudly in the driveway so it must be a bit lower. Hope everything underneath is protected as my driveway is very rutted.

I have not tried the garage yet.

Or put on bumperstickers. Disappointed that the Episcopal ones on CafePress are no longer available. Have plenty of others in my collection from which to choose.

Episcopalians seem to bless everything but couples who love each other but happen to be of the same sex. I'm wondering if I should ask to have the Prius blessed to, hopefully, avoid the deer that seemed drawn to the old one...

Friday cat blogging on Sunday

2011-03-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

Tommie and LittleOne share supper while Tim mugs for the camera. PuddyTat's tail is visible in her box.

Dude doesn't like the flash.

This new little black cat showed up Saturday.

It ran past while I was trying to get a photo of this new cat who usually runs away when I appear.

This critter was not happy when its meal was interrupted.

This critter wasn't happy either but is now in its happy hunting ground, I assume.

Prius down again

2011-03-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

This is what the latest deer encounter did. No, I was not hurt.

The damage may be somewhat limited, I hope. I really don't want a new car especially car payments!

Friday cat blogging on Sunday

2011-03-20T18:28:00.000-04:00

Jellico stayed still long enough for me to take a photo of him on the cathouse roof.

It's hard to see because of the dirty window but PuddyTat is on top of Tommie in the right box. Tom is in terrible shape. I need to get some flea stuff on him but that isn't easy as he isn't fond of petting or scritching.

This new lovely showed up again? this afternoon and didn't see me before I got this photo.

Now I'm going to wash all the windows.

Friday cat blogging

2011-03-18T10:53:00.000-04:00

All but LittleOne came for breakfast. Left to right: PuddyTat, Tommie, Dude and Tim with Jellico below. iPhone photos.

Friday shuffle

2011-03-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

1. Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney
2. Washington & Lee Swing - Jan Garber Orchestra
3. tórramat do nóebaengil - rajaton
4. Que Será, Será - Doris Day
5. Just My Imagination - Temptations
6. Cold on the Shoulder - Tony Rice
7. Please, Please Me - Beatles
8. Bainton: And I Saw a New Heaven - Westminster Choir
9. Elgar: After Many a Dusty Mile - Finzi Singers
10. Schubert: Mass in G, Kyrie - Shaw, Atlanta
11. Alexander: Jesus Met the Woman at the Well - Chanticleer

Freesia for St Patrick

2011-03-17T13:31:00.000-04:00

These flowers are REALLY appreciated as is the sun today!

Snow on 3.11.11

2011-03-13T07:03:00.001-04:00

The clothesline holding the feeders pulled the siding away from the house in the wind. When they sided the house they didn't make sure the hook went into the house. Ugh.

Friday shuffle

2011-03-04T16:24:00.000-05:00

1. It's Getting Better - Mama Cass
2. For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
3. Easier Said Than Done - The Essex
4. Brahms: Symphony 2, IV Allegro con spirito - von Karajan, Berlin
5. I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag - Country Joe and the Fish
6. Baby I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis
7. Chesky: The Agnostic, Sam's Prayer - David Chesky
8. Villa-Lobos: Suite Populaire Brésilienne - Pepe Romero
9. Spanish Eyes - Zamfir
10. Walton: Jubilate - Trinity Choir
11. Yellow Submarine - Mrs Miller

Friday shuffle

2011-02-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

1. Along Comes Mary - Association
2. Stoned Love - Supremes
3. Liszt: Venezia e Napoli, 2. Canzone... - Berman
4. Make Me Smile - Chicago
5. Nabucco, an analysis, Act II - Anna Russell
6. In the Sweet By and By - Jerry Douglas
7. Hurt So Bad - Little Anthony & Imperials
8. It's My Party - Leslie Gore
9. Persichetti: Celebrations, You who celebrate - Bach Choir Pittsburgh
10. How High The Moon - Benny Goodman

Other impatience

2011-02-22T03:32:00.000-05:00

The world is a scarier place than usual at the moment. Tunisia, Egypt, perhaps Bahrain protesting and hoping for representative governments. Libya, Iran and other places mercilessly murdering their own citizens. Border wars and religious wars in Africa. And elected men in the US who are determined to destroy women's health and the middle class to protect their oligarchy.

People who tend to side with the underdogs have lots of people to champion.

Those of us who try to follow what the Bible says Jesus taught have great difficulty loving dictators whether foreign strongmen or Republicans whose goal is to destroy all possible organized opposition to their getting as much money as humanly possible with no regard for others.

I'm getting impatient for revolution in the US. The Tea Party people blindly elected government officials who have no interest in anyone's welfare other than their own. They fiercely believe in survival of the fittest and are trying to legislate that. But who is the "fittest"? The oligarch or the father with a gun who can't feed or provide health care for his kids? The Republicans want to arm everyone. That could be their downfall.

Impatient

2011-02-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

Nothing like melted snow and a little sun to get the Croci, Freesia and Daffys excited. There may be snow tonight but the flowers won't be defeated.

Friday cat blogging II

2011-02-18T19:29:00.001-05:00

This is the first time since she discovered the boxes on the cathouse roof that Tim has had Dudie next door. She just kept looking at him. He usually vacates the box eventually so I expect PuddyTat will be there later.

Told ya. And Tim is still watching.

Friday shuffle

2011-02-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

1. Mellow Yellow - Donovan
2. Weekend Cruise to Catalina - Almeida/Barbosa-Lima
3. From Me to You - Beatles
4. Anything Goes - Harpers Bizarre
5. Strauss: Des Heldens Friedenswerke - von Karajan, Berlin
6. Whoever's in New England - Reba McEntire
7. Washington & Lee Swing - Jan Garber Orchestra
8. Feudin' Banjos - Smith & Reno
9. On a Night Like This - Howard Lanin Orchestra
10. Callejon Del Muro (Minera) - Paco de Lucia

Friday cat blogging

2011-02-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

This fellow is headed for a new home because his caretaker is moving. He will be living in the city, not on the edge where he could go wandering without much danger. Hope his caretaker takes care to keep him in. He knows nothing of traffic.

Bird blogging

2011-02-11T20:19:00.002-05:00

This very large bird was feasting on something on the ice down by the dam this afternoon. I tried to get closer and got the Prius stuck in the snow. Of course I carry a shovel - along with sleeping bag, food, water and suitcase full of survival gear - in the "trunk" so I could dig myself out. Eagles are one of the joys of living here.

Friday cat blogging

2011-02-11T14:40:00.001-05:00

First, a bit of sadness. Lexie has joined the herd of cats keeping the Company of Heaven on the straight and narrow, reminding all that servanthood (toward them) is the position of those who seek to follow Jesus and keeping humility of humanoids alive and well.

Meanwhile a bit of feline singing interrupted the news about Egypt yesterday. The singer wandered away before I got there - Tommie - and the newcomer vanished when s/he saw me. I did manage to get this iPhone photo of Jellico and the pretty new black and white cat before the latter caught a glimpse of me and ran away. Probably a female since the folks with her were competing males. I've seen a black and white cat up by the road when I've gone for the mail which is probably the same one. This is the first time I've seen her down here tho.

Meanwhile Tim ventured up to the cathouse roof for the first time in several years and immediately took possession of a box. She and PuddyTat had a spat this morning resulting in a bit of blood on the window. Neither seemed to be nursing any damage afterward tho. They have never been friends tho they will eat together if they have no choice. Tim is on the right with PT on the left. They probably have the same father. I suspect Furry was Tim's mother. Of course the smaller cat is in the larger box.

Friday shuffle

2011-02-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

1. There! I've Said it Again - Bobby Vinton
2. Sealed With a Kiss - Brian Hyland
3. People Get Ready - The Impressions
4. Anonymous: Ave Maria Stella - Anonymous 4
5. Get Up John - Ricky Skaggs
6. Mr. Blue - Fleetwoods
7. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys
8. If You See Him/If You See Her - Reba McEntire
9. Haydn: Die Schöpfung, Und Gott Machte das Firmament - Davis, London Symphony
10. PDQ Bach: Eine Kleine Nichtmusik

Too many...

2011-01-31T15:20:00.006-05:00

Perhaps I have too many bird feeders. One oilseed and one safflower plus a suet one between the house and the barn.

Two oilseed out in the yard.

Three oilseed, two thistle and two suet on the "clothesline" which is why the post/flagpole bends toward the house. Plus the heated birdbath just out of the picture on the left below.

Not to mention cat food on three levels on the cathouse and in the barn and three litterboxes. Hmmm. (The last photo is embiggenable.)

Friday shuffle

2011-01-28T18:39:00.002-05:00

1. Schubert: Mass in G, Credo - Shaw, Atlanta
2. Blue Mountain Hop - Béla Fleck
3. Don't Expect Me to be your Friend - Lobo
4. Another Saturday Night - Sam Cooke
5. Holst: A Somerset Rhapsody - Bournemouth Symphonietta
6. Anyone Who Had a Heart - Dionne Warwick
7. 1, 2, 3 Red Light - 1910 Fruitgum Company
8. Honky Cat - Elton John
9. Leavin' - James King
10. Foss: Behold! I Build a House - Westminster Choir

Friday cat blogging on Monday

2011-01-24T13:58:00.004-05:00

While the humans watched football, the cat watched me. We converse.

A trusting soul.

Meanwhile Tommie and the others are far less fortunate but here he has taken over what was LittleOne's sleeping bag over which I placed a box to keep it warmer. LO has retreated to the comforter and deep box on the left but jumps out before I can take a photo. Tim's foam is on the right but she spent the night in the cathouse.

All five of the regulars were in the cathouse this morning. LittleOne, PuddyTat's ear, Dudie's floppy ear and Tommie on the roof with Tim in the heated box on the second floor.

Pymatuning State Park in winter

2011-01-22T18:25:00.003-05:00

There are plenty of cars parked in the lot near the boat stalls but the owners aren't sailing. Brrr. There are many similar tents. I wonder what entrepreneur rents ice fishing tents. This is the first I've seen them.

The docks look desolate.

More fishermen.

There are two tiny dots in the upper center of the photo. Those folks are headed into our bay to fish. I didn't walk over to take a photo there.

Don't know why there weren't any tubers or sledders. The temperature was 12° when I took the photo. Yes, the face of the dam provides a wild ride. There is more below the photo.

I was surprised how this photo turned out. I love it. It is to the right of the previous photo.

All are embigginable.

Friday shuffle (not shuffled tho)

2011-01-21T19:08:00.002-05:00

This week we have a few selections from newly purchased but most definitely not new recordings. I'm slowly purchasing on CD items I have on LPs. I have arbitrarily chosen some of my "favorites", most of which you can experience for yourself on YouTube.

1. Gnu Song - Flanders & Swann

2. The Hippopotamus Song - Flanders & Swann
3. Madeira, M'Dear - Flanders & Swann
4. The Vatican Rag - Tom Lehrer
5. The Elements Song - Tom Lehrer
6. National Brotherhood Week - Tom Lehrer
7. Smut - Tom Lehrer
8. Anna Russell Takes on Nabucco and The Magic Flute
9. McMoon: Like a Bird - Florence Foster Jenkins
10. Mozart: Die Zauberflöte, Queen of the Night - Florence Foster Jenkins

If you are unacquainted with any of the above, you have missed out on significant cultural educational opportunities. I have on DVD An Ill Wind by Flanders and Swann but not on iTunes. It is one of my alltime favorites.

Friday cat blogging

2011-01-21T18:45:00.005-05:00

Tim hides under her foam when it is cold.

This is LittleOne's sleeping bag. I rearranged it a bit after taking the photo so he can actually get under part of it if he tries. He may try to share the warm box with Dude. Sometimes Dude will allow that. PuddyTat won't.

Tom is home too but he and LittleOne were on the cathouse roof eating when I took the photos. He has a choice of a box or his comforter as shown in last Friday's post.

PuddyTat and Dude were home but at the window end of their boxes. I had my hood up which scared LittleOne.

Evening view

2011-01-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

It was almost dark when I went over to the neighbor's to deliver her mail and water her palm tree last night. Took this photo of our bay from their porch.

Watching

2011-01-17T12:25:00.003-05:00

Sebastian watched me while we watched the Stillers win Saturday. He is part husky, part sheepdog. A very tall dog with a curly tail. Very obedient. Very good dog. Wish I could pet him.

Friday cat blogging

2011-01-14T16:32:00.002-05:00

Nobody home in the big cathouse. Tommie comes home every couple of days to rest up and eat but he's out today.

Dudie asleep in the heated box on the middle floor of the cathouse.

Little One and PuddyTat in their heated boxes.

LittleOne left so PuddyTat came out of her box to beg for loving after which she got some treats.

Tim lives in the foam behind her in canoe. Here she plays admiral.

Friday shuffle

2011-01-14T10:30:00.003-05:00

1. Nice 'n Easy - Gene Harris Quartet
2. Pachelbel: Magnificat, Deposuit - Ave Maria University Choir
3. Pushin' Too Hard - The Seeds
4. Bach: St Matthew Passion, O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wunden - Gardiner
5. At the Hop - Danny and the Juniors
6. Daddy's Home - Shep and the Limelites
7. Alexander: Jesus Met the Woman at the Well - Chanticleer
8. Standing on the Corner - Four Lads
9. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Righteous Brothers
10. Einhorn: Voices of Light, XI. Anima - Anonymous Four, Netherlands Sym

Who's responsible?

2011-01-10T08:11:00.005-05:00

Am I my "brother's" keeper? Yes. Is free speech important? Yes. Is there a point beyond which free speech becomes hazardous to others? Yes.

A disclaimer. Yes, I'm passionate and outspoken. Yes, I am guilty of speaking without thinking and causing mayhem on occasion. We all do. Altho I shoot my mouth off too often, I am not on public airways. Well, Facebook and blogs aren't exactly broadcast media. Any influence I might have is very limited.

Awhile back I had a Facebook argument with friends about whether or not I should feel responsible for other drivers on the road. They said an emphatic "No". I disagree. Beyond the hazard of texting or talking, driving in a manner which may cause others to take risks is, in my opinion, unacceptable. We have had very snowy roads lately. There has been some extremely risky behavior by drivers, none of which has resulted in an accident that I've seen. Yet. Driving too slowly encourages some to take risks passing. When a long line builds behind, the driver who can't go faster needs to pull off and allow others to pass. Ignoring those behind can result in an accident or road rage. Yes, the impatient driver is ultimately responsible. I consider myself at fault if something I have done or ignored has caused someone else to do something that either had a lousy outcome or put others at risk.

Likewise with free speech. It is one thing to criticize policy with which one disagrees. It is another thing entirely to vilify another person, especially for the purpose of defeating that person in one way or another. In war, the enemy is reduced to object status to make it easier to kill. This policy has had devastating effects in incidents like Abu Graib and the My Lai Massacre. It has always been the tool of dictators. Today Muqtada al-Sadr is using the technique to urge his followers to get rid of the American troops in Iraq.

Some "Christian" clergy have tried to dehumanize LGBTs by teaching that their behavior is not "natural" and therefore despised by their god. We see the results of that as young people give in to the voiced wishes of bullies and kill themselves. No, the clergy and others are not legally responsible for the bullying or the deaths. I wonder if the God they claim sees it the same way.

Many of the Tea Party people carried ugly signs and exhibited uncivil behavior at meetings and rallies before the fall elections. They revealed much about themselves that most people wouldn't want known. Besides obvious illiteracy, they exposed opinions with no bases in fact, bigotry and hatred of the unfamiliar. They had no respect for others. They were desperate to demonize those who disagreed with their uninformed opinions, especially about the health care debate. They were funded and supported by Fox News, especially Glenn Beck, and on radio by Rush Limbaugh. Their goal was to make those who were too stupid/uneducated/lazy to learn about the issues support their goal of deregulation of business. They won.

Now we have a deranged young man who attacks a Congressional Representative and others in Tucson. The sheriff comments that others' hate speech is partly responsible and Arizona has become the center of the ugliness. He has been condemned for saying the truth. I loved the state when I was at UofA. I would not want to be there now. I'm sure there are good people in AZ. I know a few. They are not the public face. Arizona hates immigrants, prisoners, liberals and countless others. That is the impression one gets from the media. Hate dehumanizes. Once a person becomes somehow less than others, they can easily become a target for those who have a complaint which they perceive can't be solved any way other than eliminating the perceived cause. We see it over and over.

We are all responsible for the Tucson shooting. We are all responsible for the LGBT suicides. We are all responsible for Abu Graib and My Lai. We are all responsible for saying or doing anything that dehumanizes another person no matter how despicable that person or person's behavior may be. As a society we have means of dealing with those who harm others. We all must stop preaching hate. We all must stop trying to put others beneath us and making them therefore subhuman in some way.

The US Congress, especially, must find a way to debate not demonize. Boehner and McConnell need to stop their diatribes against the Obama administration and seriously consider the needs of the nation above those of the people who purchased their party. Those two men can calm the atmosphere by learning and exhibiting respect for those who disagree with differing ideas but just as much passion and concern as they claim to have for the country. Will they?

I'm not holding my breath.

More for 2011

2011-01-08T18:31:00.004-05:00

More of what I'd wish for, pray for, hope for, dream of in 2011.

• Fox News would be forced to report factually or remove the word "News" from their name
• The people at Fox News would understand that they are encouraging nuts to do harm to others and halt the hateful rhetoric and bald-faced lies immediately
• Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh would put themselves in the places of those they vilify, realize how much damage they do, repent and begin being constructive
• Gun worshipping nutcases would understand that people without guns are unlikely to shoot others so some sort of control would help everyone
• People who support Palin would grow up and see that she is a disgrace to real Republicans
• Real Republicans would rise up and take the party back

• Every bit of property, regardless of owner or purpose, would pay taxes to support public services such as fire and police protection
• Students and employees would be allowed to fail and learn to deal with reality
• Jerky movements on TV and movies would be eliminated so kids learn to have an attention span of more than 2 seconds

to be continued

For 2011

2011-01-01T14:12:00.009-05:00

Some of what I'd wish for, pray for, hope for, dream of in 2011.

Church:
• Sufficient financial resources to remain a parish
• Father Richard to be with us all year
• The means to put a new roof on Christ Church
• The return of Christ Church people who haven't been seen for ages for one reason or another
• The letting go of old prejudices, hatreds, suspicions and other ill feelings that separate us in the parish
• Fun activities involving both adults and children
• Commitment to reach beyond the eucharist to others' needs

Others:
• The success of St Jude's Mission
• Parishes for a whole bunch of friends like Padre Mickey, MadPriest, Lauren and others
• Ordination somewhere for Jack
• Suitable employment for K and another bunch of friends
• Health insurance for E finally

Causes:
• An end to the Anglican Covenant and perhaps the Anglican Communion if necessary regardless of what it means for TEC
• An end to all the TEC property lawsuits and the return of property stolen by schismatics then the legal and ethical release of said property for proper sale to those who want it
• The end of DADT
• The end of DOMA
• The inclusion of LGBTQs as normal members of society with all the rights and privileges enjoyed by others
• Radical conversion of religionists who can't accept the idea that Jesus taught us to love ALL unconditionally and leave judgment to Godde
• Intellectual growth in tea party people and others who claim to be "conservative" and have no clue what the word means
• The demise of the influence of Fox "News", Rush Limbaugh and similar liars and hate mongers - see above
• A path to full citizenship for children brought here by parents but not born here
• A means of convincing business that it is better to put money in play to provide employment and improve the economy than to give it to executives or allow it to lie fallow
• A miracle that convinces Congress to work for the middle class and those who need a chance to improve their lives
• The restriction of the use of words like fascist, socialist and socialism to those who understand what they mean
• The revelation that the fears that motivate so many people are simply the tools used to control them, that the fears have no basis in reality and that fear and the perpetrators of it can be rejected easily for a happier and healthier life
• The rejection of political campaign funding by organizations of any kind
• A limitation on political campaigning to six months before an election

Personal:
• Health and a strong ankle for L
• Strength and focus and organization and concentration for the tasks ahead for me

(to be continued)

World's Cutest Grandniece and Grandnephew

2010-12-25T18:04:00.002-05:00

They do clean up nicely.

Thanks, everso, Bill

2010-12-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

It is oranger than it shows on my screen. Perfect for my house.

Friday shuffle at Christmas

2010-12-24T12:16:00.002-05:00

1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Rascal Flatts
2. Elves - Christine Lavin
3. Angelus ad Virginem - Taverner Consort
4. O Holy Night - Straight No Chaser
5. Joy to the World - The Klezmonauts
6. In Nativitatem Domini Nostri Jesu Christi - Jennifer Larmore
7. Quelle est cette odeur agréable? - Westminster Choir
8. Silent Night/Away in a Manger - Joey Misculin
9. It Came Upon Midnight Clear - Galliard Brass Ensemble
10. Gloria tibi Domine - Bach Choir Pittsburgh

The bishop visited

2010-12-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

Our bishop visited this morning. He had an excellent sermon on grace. Since I was Eucharistic Minister and cantor for the Taize, I didn't take any photos during the service. There are more from coffee hour at the church's blog.

The Taize chant is the most difficult one I've sung - Wait for the Lord whose day is near. I have it in extended form in Finale with the soprano and alto parts underneath. If anyone needs it I can send it. I messed it up a couple of weeks ago because I forgot I had done this. Glad I checked my computer last night!

Friday cat blogging on Sunday

2010-12-19T14:00:00.002-05:00

The lobsters had a little Christmas gathering last night at Hank's house. This is one of the two cats he serves. Had me sneezing all evening but that's life.