tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70418028431102743472024-03-12T19:18:48.325-04:00Cricket And PorcupineWasn't it the truth I told ye?Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-85484555811751481372013-11-20T10:56:00.000-05:002013-11-20T14:45:00.737-05:00Thanksgiving Comes First<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s1600/roast-turkey.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669976179389858162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s320/roast-turkey.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">Though I have not posted in a long time,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">and though I don't foresee a true return soon, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"> at the request of my dear friend and swell pal, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">a repost of our contribution </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">to </span><a href="http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">Suldog's</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"> Thanksgiving Comes First campaign - C & P</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>To every thing there is a season.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ecclesiastes 3:1</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But I'm getting ahead of the story.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All Wednesday morning we watched the clock. A half-day: 11:45 could not come soon enough. Our teachers taught us poker-faced, pretending it was a school day like any other. For our part, we pretended to work as we counted down the minutes to the bell. They couldn't fool us in any case. We caught them sneaking their own looks at the clock.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bell still echoed as the school doors burst open and we poured into the street. Slowly, I walked home, savoring my freedom, shuffling and crunching through errant drifts of leaves. The gray November sky hung low over trees that had given up their October brilliance for muted brown, maroon, and mustard. The air was sharp and carried the musty scent of fallen apples.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My mother practically met me at the door with a bucket and some rags.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Christopher, I need you to scrub the baseboards.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Right.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It never occurred to me that this was all a ruse: a way to keep me quiet, out of the kitchen, and to get some work done in the bargain. We were having no guests. We were going to Nana's for Thanksgiving. But children don't question these things. I set to work.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The house seemed warmer than usual. It was, of course: partly from the oven and simmering saucepans, partly from the alluring aroma of baking pies rising on humid air. Still, the prospect of a fine Thanksgiving dinner filled my father with an uncharacteristic and expansive good cheer. He would bake pie after pie, tapping out rhythms on the mixing bowl with his wedding band, filling the house with his rich baritone.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>... kissed my girl, by the factory wall, dirty old town, dirty old town.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">His good mood was contagious. My sister and I sang and dusted and scrubbed, forgetting that these were chores.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Evening held in store a light supper of grilled cheese and soup. We munched our sandwiches, wishing they were the pies on the sideboard. We were dutifully bathed, brushed and trundled off to bed, left to dream of roast turkey and pie.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. I knew a bag of doughnuts would be waiting: fresh doughnuts, still crisp on the outside. My father was already dressed. We munched away in cheerful silence, occasionally glancing at the pies. Waiting.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was one of the rare days when I would not be welcome at Nana's before the appointed hour. She was preparing and I would have been underfoot. There was nothing to do but wait. Absently, I watched the build-up to the Macy's parade in black-and-white and wondered at all the fuss. I tried to care and failed. And I waited.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">At noon we were dutifully starched, pressed, and buttoned-down. Combed, brushed, and photographed. Handed one pie each and bundled out the door for the walk to Nana's. The walk took about five minutes. This was the parade that mattered.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I turned the key in the doorbell. My grandfather greeted me heartily, as if he had not seen me just the day before. He quickly ushered us in. All hugs would wait until the pies were safe and the hugs could not wait. He held out his arms and I wrapped my own around him. My fingers did not touch. I squeezed him as hard as I could. He pretended it was too much. It was our custom. Nana gave me a fleeting smile, a one-armed hug, a cursory kiss, and a shoo.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving had come.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">To my knowledge, my grandfather never drank. Even so, he enjoyed playing bartender to my sisters and me. With great fanfare, he mixed us his signature cocktail: Fresca with cranberry juice. We were free to roam, anywhere but the kitchen. We searched for hidden dishes of candies and nuts. We slid on the stairs. We wandered among the adults busy gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. We picked out tunes on the parlor piano. My great-aunt winced at every sour note. An electric knife whirred in the kitchen. We made happy nuisances of ourselves until Nana appeared in the parlor door and solemnly handed me a pewter bell.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I suspect the entire neighborhood knew that our dinner was served.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We packed into the dining room and arranged ourselves: Grampa at one end of the vast table, Nana at the other. I took my place at her right hand. I did not yet understand the significance of this. Grampa stood for Grace</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Casting a twinkling eye on us, he added his own prayer: "... and Lord, give us the grace to guide the children <i>wisely</i>." We children always joined in on the "wisely," drawing the word out. Everyone laughed.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now the meal began in earnest. Dishes were circulated: butternut squash, mashed potato, tiny peas, my mother's creamed onions. Dressing with sausage. Baskets of biscuits and strange little Hawaiian rolls. I smiled to see my father and grandfather scowl at the turnips. Jellied cranberry and cranberry relish. Sweet mix and olives. Gravy and butter, salt and pepper, and a drumstick all for me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>It's the bountiful plate! Christopher has the bountiful plate!</i> My sister trilled.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Indeed, it was. We set to work. While the adults gabbled about football, politics, and other things of no importance, my sister and I crafted careful forkfuls, attempting to recreate the entire meal in each bite. Now and then, someone would declare this to be the best Thanksgiving yet. Nana would simply nod. The dishes circulated again.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now, a few words about jello salad: Perhaps you may cringe at the thought. I understand. Not really a salad at all. But perhaps, if you're like me, if you're of the right age and disposition, you remember these fondly. My very fashionable aunt always brought an elaborately molded jello salad to Thanksgiving, back when that was fashionable. It was a two-layered affair: cranberry jello, with celery, apples, and walnuts. A sweet sour cream business separated the layers.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">In hindsight, it doesn't surprise me that we children could have all we wanted. I'm sure the adults thought it mostly for show, yet we loved it. When else could we eat dessert </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">with our meal</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> and still have all the dessert we wanted after, as well?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">****************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When the last trace of gravy had been mopped up with the last biscuit, the adults repaired to the living room. They sprawled on the sofas like walruses in the sun, ignoring the television, talking about football, politics, and other things of no importance.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nana whisked me into the kitchen. Now I would earn my keep. Coffee was set to perk. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The window over the sink was thrown open. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dishes were washed, dried, put away. Leftovers were organized and set aside. Pies and sweets were set out with plates and forks in neat array. Ice cream, whipped cream, fruits and cheeses. Nana relaxed visibly as each item was brought forth. Her smile warmed; her tone softened. Soon, she would consider her work done for the day and enjoy the party.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The doorbell announced the start of round two. The somnolent walruses roused themselves. Aunts and uncles, cousins and friends were arriving for pie. Dessert was strictly self-service. Again and again, we served ourselves. No one was watching and no one cared. I made another meal of pie. On what other day could I eat all the pie I wanted and be asked if I wanted still more?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The lights were dimmed. There was soft music from the radio. The sweet aroma of strong coffee. Adults gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. Cheeks were pinched hello and kissed goodbye. My, how you've grown and how is school? Don't eat yourself sick and would you like more pie? I carried coats and hats upstairs and fetched them down again. The evening built in a slow crescendo and just as slowly faded.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I joined my father at the kitchen table for a final sandwich, on Arnold's white bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo: the perfect coda to the day's excess. Leftovers were packed for travel. Dad walked home to get the car for my now sleeping sisters. Returning, he carried them out one by one. Love and smiles. Hugs and kisses. And we all agreed that this was the best Thanksgiving yet. We made the short drive home in cheerful silence.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving had come, but it had not yet gone.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Friday morning dawned in shades of gray and brown. I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. My father was already dressed. He nodded and smiled. Still in her nightdress, my sister drifted in. We were about to enjoy one of our traditions, one we looked forward to all year: pie for breakfast. I cut her a slice of apple, mince for myself. Two wedges of cheddar. I put water on for tea. In our hearts, we gave thanks for hot tea and cold pie. It was still Thanksgiving.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There would be Christmas sales that day, but these weren't part of our world. My very fashionable aunt would likely be there, but even to her these were sales like any other. She was not rushing to Christmas. She just wanted her shopping done. In our house, it was still Thanksgiving. There would be cold turkey sandwiches for lunch. Perhaps hot browns for supper. All day long we'd nibble at pies, recovering from our day of excess with a day of slightly less.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And we still had Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All week long, that bird would feed us. Sandwiches hot and cold, open-faced and closed, on bulkie rolls or Arnold's bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo. Turkey sliced thin or chopped fine for turkey salad. Reheated with gravy or served as pot pie until his poor old bones were all that was left and we boiled them down for soup.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then, and only then, was Thanksgiving truly over.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love Thanksgiving. It's been my favorite holiday as long as I can remember. There have been changes, of course. My father is the grandfather now and I am the father. My children are the happy, noisy nuisances. Yet there is still something of those long-ago celebrations in every turkey and every pie. Nana is in my kitchen making sure the gravy has no lumps. Grampa still rises for Grace, and prays that we guide our children wisely. It is more than a memory. At least it is to me.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">They are really there.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And I hope someday my children will remember our Thanksgivings as I remember mine. A time for family and friends and pies. A time to give thanks for all we have, and for everyone who has touched our lives. And whether my children realize it or not, I know my grandparents will always be there for them too. Even when it is beyond our awareness, love never fails.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our lives breathe like the tides. A wave of weddings, then a lull. A wave of births, then a lull. A wave of funerals, then a lull. We float along on the surface. We welcome newborns, we mark milestones, we bury our dead. With a little luck, we play our parts: child, parent, grandparent. With a little luck, we greet each season of life with new eyes and an undimmed sense of wonder at each unique and unrepeatable day. And we give thanks.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why not resolve to make this Thanksgiving more than a day? It is a season all its own. It deserves three days, perhaps even five. Resolve to ignore anything Christmas, at least until Black Friday. Christmas will come in its time, I promise. But I will say no more about that right now.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving comes first.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Respectfully Yours,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cricket</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-18793161972081384362013-07-04T15:31:00.004-04:002013-07-04T15:34:26.271-04:00Happy Fourth<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E95npfeWKo4/UdXK2YY3_zI/AAAAAAAAAOA/NNWPj-djrco/s320/wave_usa_flagMiddletown+Insider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oya="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E95npfeWKo4/UdXK2YY3_zI/AAAAAAAAAOA/NNWPj-djrco/s320/wave_usa_flagMiddletown+Insider.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Happy Fourth Folks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I haven't posted in ages. That's unlikely to change soon, unless I get sacked. Still, even these days, many of us get the Fourth of July off. Which gives me time for... um... meditation. Anyway, it occurs to me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">In 1776, the conservatives of the day were the Tories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Either they were right or they were wrong.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">If they were wrong, then this country was not founded by conservatives.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">If they were right, we should have remained part of the British Empire. Slavery would have been abolished peacefully by an Act of Parliament in 1833. We'd quite likely all have National Health Care today, and we'd be living in a "socialist hell world" that looked strangely like... Canada.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Either answer should give today's Real Merkins something to think about. Happy Fourth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Very Truly Yours, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Porcupine</span><br />
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Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-41764091216211220552012-12-14T08:54:00.000-05:002012-12-14T08:54:17.953-05:00Porcupine's Picks<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1px;"><img height="271" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.joobili.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/santa_beer.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.648438) 2px 2px 8px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="218" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">I
love Thanksgiving without reservation. Christmas is more of a mixed bag
for me. Not that I don't like it, I do. I just wish there were a whole
lot less of it. I mean, I don't know anyone who has a Thanksgiving
dinner the week before, or the day after. Maybe that happens but not in
my world.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">But right about this time every year, I start feeling like Christmas will </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">never end</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">. And it hasn't even </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">started </span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">yet. And there it is.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">So,
if you're feeling as I am, or if you just need a laugh, here are some
of my Christmas favorites: five songs and a video that, if they don't
exactly put me in the proper Christmas spirit, at least help put a grin
back on my face so I can fake it for one more gathering.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">***************</span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK06SgtXin0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">I'm Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas</span></a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">: The first song I was aware of written specifically for us naughty children.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym62kKIydo8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Run, Rudolph, Run</span></a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">:
The definitive version, by Mr. Keith Richards. Nothing says Christmas
like Keith: that rough-but-right voice and Telecaster turned up to brain
damage? Can I get an Amen? I said can I get an Amen?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni04_SF-HRQ"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Father Christmas</span></a></i>: A favorite of city kids everywhere. Save all your toys for the little rich boys.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Fairytale of New York</span></a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">: It was Christmas Eve in the drunk tank - and it just gets better. Happy Christmas yer arse!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">It has come to my attention that some of you have never heard </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4baSntmh4w"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Mr Mojo's Christmas</span></a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">,
by The Wise Men. This is completely unacceptable. If you've never heard
this, you must click now. In fact, if you click only one link from this
post, it must be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4baSntmh4w"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">THIS ONE</span></a>. Really. If you don't laugh there's something wrong with you. Seek professional help.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">I
will admit, privately, that I have a soft spot for Rudolph and the
Misfit Toys. I will even admit (whisper it quietly) that I own a stuffed
Spotted Elephant. I will even go so far as to admit that I once watched
the entire show just to attempt to settle with a friend of mine the
question of what was misfit about the doll. So there's that.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Even so, here is what I consider to be a true Christmas masterpiece: </span></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icjh6wGUUfE" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Raging Rudolph</span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">,
from MAD-TV. If you've never seen this... well, I won't spoil it. Just
remember, kids, the moral of the story is "Keep your freakin' mouth
shut!"</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">And
there you have it: some of my personal Christmas favorites for when the
mood fails me. I hope you enjoy them and, if not, at least we've
increased our level of intimacy. There's always that. So until next
time, I remain</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Very Truly Yours,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;">Porcupine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_lg.jpg" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #473624; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Porcupine" src="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-46446812485049841082012-11-11T11:48:00.001-05:002012-11-11T11:48:38.040-05:00Think About It<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY3zWGiDlcM/UJ_WemKHKrI/AAAAAAAAANY/oqO2_Uq947A/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LY3zWGiDlcM/UJ_WemKHKrI/AAAAAAAAANY/oqO2_Uq947A/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/" target="_blank">Wounded Warrior Project</a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Click. Read. Think about it.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">As the WWP rightly says, the greatest casualty is to be forgotten. Obviously, it matters. To all of us. For more on why it matters to <i>me</i>, click <a href="http://cricketandporcupine.blogspot.com/2011/11/eddie-and-shakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Respectfully Yours, </span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;">Cricket</span><br />
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Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-37080869580448828412012-11-01T09:17:00.001-04:002012-11-01T09:31:36.907-04:00Thanksgiving Comes First<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s1600/roast-turkey.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669976179389858162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s320/roast-turkey.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">At the request of my dear friend and swell pal, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">a repost of our contribution </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">to </span><a href="http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">Suldog's</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"> Thanksgiving Comes First campaign - C & P</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>To every thing there is a season.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Ecclesiastes 3:1</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">But I'm getting ahead of the story.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">All Wednesday morning we watched the clock. A half-day: 11:45 could not come soon enough. Our teachers taught us poker-faced, pretending it was a school day like any other. For our part, we pretended to work as we counted down the minutes to the bell. They couldn't fool us in any case. We caught them sneaking their own looks at the clock.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The bell still echoed as the school doors burst open and we poured into the street. Slowly, I walked home, savoring my freedom, shuffling and crunching through errant drifts of leaves. The gray November sky hung low over trees that had given up their October brilliance for muted brown, maroon, and mustard. The air was sharp and carried the musty scent of fallen apples.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">My mother practically met me at the door with a bucket and some rags.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Christopher, I need you to scrub the baseboards.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Right.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">It never occurred to me that this was all a ruse: a way to keep me quiet, out of the kitchen, and to get some work done in the bargain. We were having no guests. We were going to Nana's for Thanksgiving. But children don't question these things. I set to work.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The house seemed warmer than usual. It was, of course: partly from the oven and simmering saucepans, partly from the alluring aroma of baking pies rising on humid air. Still, the prospect of a fine Thanksgiving dinner filled my father with an uncharacteristic and expansive good cheer. He would bake pie after pie, tapping out rhythms on the mixing bowl with his wedding band, filling the house with his rich baritone.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>... kissed my girl, by the factory wall, dirty old town, dirty old town.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">His good mood was contagious. My sister and I sang and dusted and scrubbed, forgetting that these were chores.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Evening held in store a light supper of grilled cheese and soup. We munched our sandwiches, wishing they were the pies on the sideboard. We were dutifully bathed, brushed and trundled off to bed, left to dream of roast turkey and pie.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. I knew a bag of doughnuts would be waiting: fresh doughnuts, still crisp on the outside. My father was already dressed. We munched away in cheerful silence, occasionally glancing at the pies. Waiting.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">This was one of the rare days when I would not be welcome at Nana's before the appointed hour. She was preparing and I would have been underfoot. There was nothing to do but wait. Absently, I watched the build-up to the Macy's parade in black-and-white and wondered at all the fuss. I tried to care and failed. And I waited.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">At noon we were dutifully starched, pressed, and buttoned-down. Combed, brushed, and photographed. Handed one pie each and bundled out the door for the walk to Nana's. The walk took about five minutes. This was the parade that mattered.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I turned the key in the doorbell. My grandfather greeted me heartily, as if he had not seen me just the day before. He quickly ushered us in. All hugs would wait until the pies were safe and the hugs could not wait. He held out his arms and I wrapped my own around him. My fingers did not touch. I squeezed him as hard as I could. He pretended it was too much. It was our custom. Nana gave me a fleeting smile, a one-armed hug, a cursory kiss, and a shoo.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving had come.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">To my knowledge, my grandfather never drank. Even so, he enjoyed playing bartender to my sisters and me. With great fanfare, he mixed us his signature cocktail: Fresca with cranberry juice. We were free to roam, anywhere but the kitchen. We searched for hidden dishes of candies and nuts. We slid on the stairs. We wandered among the adults busy gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. We picked out tunes on the parlor piano. My great-aunt winced at every sour note. An electric knife whirred in the kitchen. We made happy nuisances of ourselves until Nana appeared in the parlor door and solemnly handed me a pewter bell.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I suspect the entire neighborhood knew that our dinner was served.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">We packed into the dining room and arranged ourselves: Grampa at one end of the vast table, Nana at the other. I took my place at her right hand. I did not yet understand the significance of this. Grampa stood for Grace</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Casting a twinkling eye on us, he added his own prayer: "... and Lord, give us the grace to guide the children <i>wisely</i>." We children always joined in on the "wisely," drawing the word out. Everyone laughed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">And now the meal began in earnest. Dishes were circulated: butternut squash, mashed potato, tiny peas, my mother's creamed onions. Dressing with sausage. Baskets of biscuits and strange little Hawaiian rolls. I smiled to see my father and grandfather scowl at the turnips. Jellied cranberry and cranberry relish. Sweet mix and olives. Gravy and butter, salt and pepper, and a drumstick all for me.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>It's the bountiful plate! Christopher has the bountiful plate!</i> My sister trilled.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Indeed, it was. We set to work. While the adults gabbled about football, politics, and other things of no importance, my sister and I crafted careful forkfuls, attempting to recreate the entire meal in each bite. Now and then, someone would declare this to be the best Thanksgiving yet. Nana would simply nod. The dishes circulated again.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">And now, a few words about jello salad: Perhaps you may cringe at the thought. I understand. Not really a salad at all. But perhaps, if you're like me, if you're of the right age and disposition, you remember these fondly. My very fashionable aunt always brought an elaborately molded jello salad to Thanksgiving, back when that was fashionable. It was a two-layered affair: cranberry jello, with celery, apples, and walnuts. A sweet sour cream business separated the layers.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">In hindsight, it doesn't surprise me that we children could have all we wanted. I'm sure the adults thought it mostly for show, yet we loved it. When else could we eat dessert </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">with our meal</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> and still have all the dessert we wanted after, as well?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">****************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">When the last trace of gravy had been mopped up with the last biscuit, the adults repaired to the living room. They sprawled on the sofas like walruses in the sun, ignoring the television, talking about football, politics, and other things of no importance.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nana whisked me into the kitchen. Now I would earn my keep. Coffee was set to perk. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The window over the sink was thrown open. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dishes were washed, dried, put away. Leftovers were organized and set aside. Pies and sweets were set out with plates and forks in neat array. Ice cream, whipped cream, fruits and cheeses. Nana relaxed visibly as each item was brought forth. Her smile warmed; her tone softened. Soon, she would consider her work done for the day and enjoy the party.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The doorbell announced the start of round two. The somnolent walruses roused themselves. Aunts and uncles, cousins and friends were arriving for pie. Dessert was strictly self-service. Again and again, we served ourselves. No one was watching and no one cared. I made another meal of pie. On what other day could I eat all the pie I wanted and be asked if I wanted still more?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The lights were dimmed. There was soft music from the radio. The sweet aroma of strong coffee. Adults gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. Cheeks were pinched hello and kissed goodbye. My, how you've grown and how is school? Don't eat yourself sick and would you like more pie? I carried coats and hats upstairs and fetched them down again. The evening built in a slow crescendo and just as slowly faded.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I joined my father at the kitchen table for a final sandwich, on Arnold's white bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo: the perfect coda to the day's excess. Leftovers were packed for travel. Dad walked home to get the car for my now sleeping sisters. Returning, he carried them out one by one. Love and smiles. Hugs and kisses. And we all agreed that this was the best Thanksgiving yet. We made the short drive home in cheerful silence.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving had come, but it had not yet gone.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Friday morning dawned in shades of gray and brown. I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. My father was already dressed. He nodded and smiled. Still in her nightdress, my sister drifted in. We were about to enjoy one of our traditions, one we looked forward to all year: pie for breakfast. I cut her a slice of apple, mince for myself. Two wedges of cheddar. I put water on for tea. In our hearts, we gave thanks for hot tea and cold pie. It was still Thanksgiving.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">There would be Christmas sales that day, but these weren't part of our world. My very fashionable aunt would likely be there, but even to her these were sales like any other. She was not rushing to Christmas. She just wanted her shopping done. In our house, it was still Thanksgiving. There would be cold turkey sandwiches for lunch. Perhaps hot browns for supper. All day long we'd nibble at pies, recovering from our day of excess with a day of slightly less.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">And we still had Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">All week long, that bird would feed us. Sandwiches hot and cold, open-faced and closed, on bulkie rolls or Arnold's bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo. Turkey sliced thin or chopped fine for turkey salad. Reheated with gravy or served as pot pie until his poor old bones were all that was left and we boiled them down for soup.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Then, and only then, was Thanksgiving truly over.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">I love Thanksgiving. It's been my favorite holiday as long as I can remember. There have been changes, of course. My father is the grandfather now and I am the father. My children are the happy, noisy nuisances. Yet there is still something of those long-ago celebrations in every turkey and every pie. Nana is in my kitchen making sure the gravy has no lumps. Grampa still rises for Grace, and prays that we guide our children wisely. It is more than a memory. At least it is to me.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">They are really there.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">And I hope someday my children will remember our Thanksgivings as I remember mine. A time for family and friends and pies. A time to give thanks for all we have, and for everyone who has touched our lives. And whether my children realize it or not, I know my grandparents will always be there for them too. Even when it is beyond our awareness, love never fails.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Our lives breathe like the tides. A wave of weddings, then a lull. A wave of births, then a lull. A wave of funerals, then a lull. We float along on the surface. We welcome newborns, we mark milestones, we bury our dead. With a little luck, we play our parts: child, parent, grandparent. With a little luck, we greet each season of life with new eyes and an undimmed sense of wonder at each unique and unrepeatable day. And we give thanks.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Why not resolve to make this Thanksgiving more than a day? It is a season all its own. It deserves three days, perhaps even five. Resolve to ignore anything Christmas, at least until Black Friday. Christmas will come in its time, I promise. But I will say no more about that right now.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving comes first.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Respectfully Yours,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Cricket</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-80996937145206947972012-09-24T09:22:00.002-04:002012-09-24T09:27:59.586-04:00Interesting<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5DxyMx1dwk/UGBdZtOx7NI/AAAAAAAAAM4/y_8alYiznRc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5DxyMx1dwk/UGBdZtOx7NI/AAAAAAAAAM4/y_8alYiznRc/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I intended to write a different post. I had planned to lead off with the line "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." I'm sure most of you have heard that before, and probably have heard it attributed to Sinclair Lewis, as I did.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is my policy, however, before using a well-known quotation, to research it a little first, to see if it was actually <i>ever said</i> by the person it is associated with. All too often, it wasn't. Some previous examples: as far as I can tell, Lenin never referred to "useful idiots," and Mussolini never said "Fascism should more properly be called corporatism...." among others.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is entirely possible that those to whom these quotations are misattributed may well have <i>agreed</i>, in whole or in part, with the sentiments expressed. I suppose this is how they often get misattributed in the first place; they sound like something that person <i>might</i> have said. Even so, in the end, they aren't quotations, and really shouldn't be used as such. Unless we don't care.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some people don't.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But anyway, though Sinclair Lewis might well have agreed with that line, it appears he never said it. However, while looking into it, what I found was even more interesting, more telling, and certainly more appropriate: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Many variants of this exist, but the earliest known incident of such
a comment appears to be a partial quote from James Waterman Wise, Jr.,
reported in a 1936 issue of The Christian Century that in a recent
address here before the liberal John Reed club said that Hearst and
Coughlin are the two chief exponents of fascism in America. If fascism
comes, he added, it will not be identified with any "shirt" movement,
nor with an "insignia," but it will probably be <b>"wrapped up in the American flag and heralded as a plea for liberty and preservation of the constitution."</b> </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text"> - The Christian Century, Volume 53, Feb 5, 1936, p 245</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text">Interesting. We will leave aside, for the moment, the question of whether the word <i>fascism</i> itself has in fact, <a href="http://orwell.ru/library/articles/As_I_Please/english/efasc" target="_blank">as Orwell argued</a>, lost all meaning beyond the simplistic "something bad." Let's instead consider the "revised" quotation as it stands. Personally, I find that more interesting, more telling, more appropriate.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text">Cricket</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-32933673153015066902012-09-13T11:13:00.002-04:002012-09-13T11:14:17.837-04:00Do The Math<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I've held off for a long time in writing political posts. It never makes me feel any better. And I'm always left with the feeling that the people who need to read them won't and, if by some chance they do, they won't believe what it contains, so what's the point?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I've been following politics in the Middle East since the late 70s, when some close family friends were stationed in Tehran. And I was fascinated, and sometimes horrified, by how much what we heard from them differed from what we heard on the news.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Now these folks were right in the center of the action. One day, the father, a college friend of my own dad, came home and said to his family "Pack one small bag each. We're leaving <em>now</em>!" They did so, went to the airport, and bought four tickets on the absolute next flight out of Tehran, ending up in Mali.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">A week or so later, most of America started paying attention to Iran, if you know what I mean.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">So anyway, with the Middle East yet again front and center in the news, I'm going to answer the question that won't be asked or, if it is, won't be answered truthfully:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Q: Why do so many people in the Middle East seem to hate America?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">A: Because of:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">a) Our "freedom."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">b) Our "Christianity."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">c) Decades of misguided foreign policy, promoted by both Democratic and Republican administrations, dictated by, and catering to the exclusive needs of, our "friends," both foreign and domestic, in d'awl bidness: a little <em>coup</em> here, a little backing of near-totalitarian but U.S. business-friendly regimes <em>there</em>, and a whole lot of arms-dealing <em>everywhere</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Which answer makes the most sense to you?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Now this does not address completely the rise of radical Islam, however, it <em>does</em> account for its appeal to a large number of otherwise average shlubs: "<em>These people</em> have made your life worse; <em>we</em> will make it better." There is just enough plausibility to that to sell it. And sell it they do.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">A small digression: Right-wing religious nuts are the same everywhere, whether they wear turbans or ties and regardless of what book they choose to thump. Give them political power and this is what you get.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I saw Hillary on TV this morning saying "Religious tolerance goes back to the very founding of our country." What?!? Some of <em>my ancestors</em> founded this country. They were Puritans: actual, witch-hunting Puritans, almost straight out of <em>The Crucible</em>. Their only notion of religious freedom was to have the freedom to practice as <em>they</em> chose and deal rather brutally with anyone else.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">On the Catholic side of my family, we have the <em>Inquisition</em>. See? Right-wing religious nuts are the same everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">***************</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">None of this addresses what our response ought to be to events in the Middle East. To suggest that we can just let our people be killed is silly. On the other hand, our response should be based in reality, as outlined in item "c" above. That needs to be understood first.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You are welcome to interpret events differently, as long as you understand that any interpretation that does not take into account the points outlined in item "c" is <em>fundamentally incorrect</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Let's wrap up with a little math:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number 1 oil-producing country: Saudi Arabia</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number 2 oil-producing country: Iraq</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number 3 oil-producing country: Iran</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number of Saudis among the 19 hijackers on 9/11: 15</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number of Iraqis among the hijackers: 0</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number of bombs dropped on Saudi Arabia: 0</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number of bombs dropped on Iraq: ???</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Number of Saudi princes heavily invested in FOX "News": 1</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Q: In what country are the neo-cons itching to go to war next?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You do the math.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">A final thought: first, let's consider how well the war in Iraq went. Now, let's consult an almanac (reality-based readers only.) Roughly speaking, it appears that Iran has twice the population and three times the area of Iraq.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You do the math.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Very Truly Yours, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Porcupine</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_lg.jpg" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #473624; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Porcupine" src="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>
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Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-8615924635380150632012-09-11T09:45:00.000-04:002012-09-11T09:45:32.376-04:00Remember<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDJlcRwMq1w/UE8_5DwHa5I/AAAAAAAAAMo/GCs-Mme4kpU/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDJlcRwMq1w/UE8_5DwHa5I/AAAAAAAAAMo/GCs-Mme4kpU/s320/title.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Presented without comment. </span><a href="https://www.box.com/s/u4nx67ckjea90s8b3vut" target="_blank"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Click to listen.</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Respectfully Yours, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cricket</span><br />
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Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-76508050216223968132012-08-08T09:27:00.001-04:002012-08-08T09:32:03.806-04:00Love And The Borg<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><em>I think it's a supreme discipline to know that you have three to four minutes to get together all your lost emotions and find words of one syllable or less to put forward all your ideas. It's a discipline of form that I don't think is cheap or shoddy.</em> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #783f04;">- Robert Fripp</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I think non-musicians often have an overly romanticized idea of what is involved. They see someone play and attribute too much to talent, forgetting, if they ever knew, that playing an instrument is a skill like any other, and the main ingredient is not talent but practice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">My beautiful, amazing, superlative-in-every-way wife is like that. One day, she asked me what I think about when I'm performing. I think she was hoping that, as I play some love song, I'm thinking of her. She was quite disappointed by my answer: when I'm performing, I'm thinking about<em> getting the song right</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">That's it.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">There are other considerations: Is my gear working? Can I hear? Can I get the bass player to stop watching that cute girl on the dance floor for one second so there won't be a train wreck at the bridge? Even so, these all reduce to the same thing: getting the song right.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Songwriting is the same way. People who have never done that see it as a product of inspiration. That's part of it, but a very small one. Mostly, you sit down and work. You take some idea and go with it, editing, tweaking, and refining until you have something like a presentable song.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Anyway, my honey has always wanted me to write a song "for her," under the illusion that that is how love songs come to be. In most cases, I don't think that is true. Even a luminary like George Harrison said repeatedly that he didn't write <em>Something</em> for his then-wife, but for <em>Ray Charles</em>. You get an idea and go with it. It is usually a general thing, not a specific one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">The myth persists, though, because that is what the audience wants to believe.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Even so, I hate to deny my honey anything. And I recently decided I would unromantically set to work and give her her song. Again, it's not that I don't <em>feel</em> the romance, but that is not really part of the <em>process</em>. You get an idea and go with it. Basically, you sit down and work. That's it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It is an added difficulty if you know that your lyrics will be evaluated, not only as a song, but also on the <em>truth of their content</em>. But we do what we need to do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I found the extra push I needed here. Meet my Telecaster, whom I affectionately call The Borg:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVXMJCz_PWI/UCJYkkPXQuI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ismuSb6Lxzw/s1600/2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVXMJCz_PWI/UCJYkkPXQuI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ismuSb6Lxzw/s320/2471.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"><em>Borg</em> because of the glowing red eye on the little black gadget screwed to the front, which lets me control the guitar synth in that unassuming little blue box on the floor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">The recording itself was a strange mix of high and low tech. On the one hand, I used a brand new guitar synth and recorded to a computer. On the other, I only have the facility to record straight into the room in almost mono. I can record a single, uninterrupted track, and either live with it or do it again. Period. To adjust the level of my vocal, I can either take a big step toward the computer to turn it up, or step away to turn it down.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">We do what we need to do.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">But anyway, the recording is essentially live, using just the synth and its internal looper. And it really is a lot of fun to play drums on a guitar, though the experience takes some getting used to. But enough about The Borg. Let's return to love.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.box.com/s/56b657a0264dbe11b2c2" target="_blank">Click here to listen.</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's You</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need no fancy dresses</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need no high-heel shoes</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You've got everything a man could want</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You've got a love I can't refuse</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need to wear no makeup</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need to paint your face</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You're everything I dreamed of</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You've got a love I can't replace</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">'Cos I still love looking in your eyes so blue and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Still love to watch you from across the room and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Love your smile and your sexy laugh</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I still catch myself staring at your photograph</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">When you're dancing to the rhythm with the radio on</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">The way you shake your hips just turning me on </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And there's only one thing that I want in the world</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">A little good loving from a blue-eyed girl</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">'Cos it's you that I wanted</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's you that I need</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You're the only girl I dream of</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">At night when I fall asleep</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And I still feel a chill when you're calling my name and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Need your loving and you're feeling the same and I'm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Trying to find a way to get you to see</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's you, you're the one for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need no satin ribbons</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need to style your hair</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">When you wake up in the morning</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">That's all it takes to get me there</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need Victoria's Secret</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">No lace or all the rest</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Because the way the good Lord made you</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Is the way I love you best</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And I'm feeling like a schoolboy falling in love</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">When I'm looking at you I can't get enough</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need tips from fashion magazines</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">With your hair pulled back and your cutoff jeans</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need to wear a lot of fancy French perfume</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">To take my breath away when you walk in the room</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need diamonds, you don't need any pearls</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Your smile is all it takes to be my cover girl</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">'Cos it's you that I wanted</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's you that I need</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Whenever we're together it's the only way to be</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And I still feel a chill when you're calling my name and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Need your loving and you're feeling the same and I'm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Trying to find a way to get you to see</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's you, you're the one for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need no complications</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">I won't give you no distress</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">'Cos the things you've got to give me</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Are the things I love the best</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">You don't need no invitation</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">If you want to get with me</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">'Cos whenever we're together </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's the only way to be</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And I still feel a chill when you're calling my name and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Need your loving and you're feeling the same and I'm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Feeling like a schoolboy falling in love</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">With my blue-eyed girl, I can't get enough</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">When you're dancing to the rhythm with the radio on</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">The way you shake your hips got it going on and I'm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Trying to find a way to get you to see</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">That it's you, you're the one</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And every time I look into your blue-blue eyes and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Feel my temperature is starting to rise</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">When I'm lying next to you and feel your body so warm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">My ears start ringing like a fire alarm</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And when I'm watching you dancing and you're shaking your hips</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Thinking about the magic in your fingertips and I</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Feel a chill running down my spine</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">It's you, you're the one....</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">And there it is. After sixteen years, she and I both can cross that one off the list. And, technical details aside, love is, after all, what it is all about. Some of it may be specific to us, some of it is more general, but I will say this: If you do not feel similarly about your own beloved, no matter how much time has passed, you probably aren't doing it right.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Respectfully Yours, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;">Cricket</span><br />
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<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-24967516593754377192012-07-31T08:07:00.000-04:002012-07-31T08:07:33.120-04:00Gymnasts<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMaLqtLXM9s/UBfIgXBUlHI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Fiy-o1M4S-4/s1600/aly-raisman-pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMaLqtLXM9s/UBfIgXBUlHI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Fiy-o1M4S-4/s320/aly-raisman-pictures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">My beautiful, talented, superlative-in-every-way wife is a former gymnast. Twenty-plus years and two children later, it still shows. Now, as some of you can attest, I am, to put it mildly, <em>absolutely wild</em> about her. I would love her madly in any case. However, the fact that all her awesomeness comes neatly packaged atop a pair of truly spectacular legs is certainly a delight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Watching Olympic gymnastics is mandatory in our house. I have little doubt that, had we the time and means, we would be there now. We don't, though, so television it is. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Even so, it would be difficult for the average, red-blooded, male-type person to watch these lithe beauties perform without... well... a <em>question </em>in mind. Allow me to settle that now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">The answer is yes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Yes, they are.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Respectfully Yours, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Cricket</span></div>
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<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-64115812705309177402012-07-25T06:38:00.000-04:002012-07-25T06:38:54.190-04:00Unhappy Camper<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFujlN8FY18/UA_H20K91jI/AAAAAAAAALs/D0De5imT6C4/s1600/Camping_Merit_badge_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFujlN8FY18/UA_H20K91jI/AAAAAAAAALs/D0De5imT6C4/s1600/Camping_Merit_badge_Cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">There's one in every house. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">It seems Mrs. Cricket has developed a passion for camping. So have the kids. Alas, I have not. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Came home one day to find a good chunk of change had been dropped on tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses and the like. Uh-oh. Not only did this show a degree of seriousness, it pretty much guaranteed a fair number of trips were in the works, if only to justify the expense.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Now, surprisingly, it's not that I don't know <em>how</em> to camp. I'm actually pretty good at some things: first aid, getting fires going, outdoor cooking. I'm quite competent living in primitive conditions. I'm really good at making do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I just don't <em>volunteer</em> for it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I used to like it. Way back when, camping meant a week-long party in the woods, far from the authorities and prying eyes. I liked it then. But that was different. Back then, you just brought the basics: tent, blanket, bread, peanut butter, jelly, instant coffee. Smokes, lighter, booze.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">And enough drugs to stop a stampeding herd of rhinos.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Good times... good times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Sleeping on the ground with just a blanket was easy then. My back was young and flexible. And, of course, most nights by bedtime, you probably could have removed my appendix with a butter knife without so much as a whimper.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Not that it was all fun. I could tell the story of how I got stung on the eyeball by a big nasty mountain wasp. But I won't. That <em>sucked</em> though. Really.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Which kind of brings me to my main point. I think our long-ago ancestors invented things like houses and cities for a <em>reason</em>: a damn good reason: namely, that sleeping in the woods kind of sucks and wouldn't it be nicer if perhaps things could be a little more comfortable?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Sometimes you just have to think these things through.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I once went mountain climbing with a woodsy-type friend. It took us a good four or five hours to reach the top. We sat for a while, catching our breath and enjoying the view. He looked over to me</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #783f04;"> Nice, huh?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #783f04;"> Yep. Now where can I get a decent cup of coffee?</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Well, <em>he</em> thought it was funny. Me, not so much.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">No, the only reason I go for it at all is that the kids like me, for some reason, and want me to come. And it <em>is</em> cute, how much they like camping. Their smiles almost make it worth it. Almost.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I'll try and fake it for them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Mrs. Cricket is the eternal optimist, who hopes every trip that this time I will catch the bug. Bug(s), more likely. This is the sort of thing I think about in the morning, as I wander down a country path, in a haze of gnats, looking for a place to do you-know-what. Wondering why I went to so much trouble to be uncomfortable, and missing the frills of modern living.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Like flush toilets. Or a decent cup of coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">At least where we're going it's only bugs I'll have to worry about, not <em>bears</em>, like last time. See? This is the kind of thing I'm talking about. It's a well-established fact that a bear shits in the woods. Stands to reason that I should do my bidness elsewhere.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">The way I see it, it's like anything else. Some people like <em>anchovies</em>. Other people like <em>camping</em>. Mrs. Cricket does not like chocolate. Fine. That's perfectly reasonable. She doesn't like chocolate. I do not expect her to eat it. It's just a matter of taste, not a <em>character flaw</em>. To me, camping is something you do when you <em>need</em> to. You don't just pack up and drive to another part of the state that looks just like where you <em>already live</em> to sleep on the ground for a few days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I know I can't be the only one.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">For me, in a perfect world, "roughing it" would mean going for the <em>four-star</em> hotel, or taking a room <em>without</em> a sweeping panoramic view of Paris, or getting just the <em>filet</em>, not the surf-and-turf. See? I can make do. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">But for now I'd settle for a flush toilet and a decent cup of coffee.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Respectfully Yours, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Cricket</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-57147005253505820312012-07-16T19:07:00.000-04:002012-07-16T19:07:34.811-04:00Hot<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">It's too hot today, and that's all there is to it. Now I know some folks scoff at 90-plus degree weather. And I get that. Really, if you live in hotter climes, either "more power to you" or "that's your funeral." Take your pick.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">No, where I live, 90-degree weather is hot, and 60-degree ocean water is warm, and that's just how it is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">A digression: I once sat behind a vacationing family at Nauset Beach. I don't know where they were from. Apparently someplace warm. They had a sweet looking girl of about nine. She excitedly ran down for a swim. Dove right in. Then practically shot straight up out of the water...</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #783f04;"> "Shit! Oh, SHIT! HOLY SHIT!!!"</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Her family was too busy laughing to reprimand her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Anyway, when it gets this hot, I have an industrial fan to cool things down. Some people have low, medium, and high. My fan goes to 11.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvULNCDZkzk/UASUYsQib5I/AAAAAAAAALU/Xsr2jym-DdM/s1600/11%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvULNCDZkzk/UASUYsQib5I/AAAAAAAAALU/Xsr2jym-DdM/s320/11%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">But I don't want to talk about the heat. I want to talk about jello. If you happen to be from Utah, you can skip the rest, because you probably know all this. Otherwise, I've been making this dessert a lot, mostly because I've been doing Atkins and it's about the only sweet I can eat. Even so, it's gotten good reviews across the board. I make it with sugar-free jello, but you wouldn't have to. I've also seen something similar made with Cool Whip, but I think my version makes jello almost decadent.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Almost. It's still jello. But anyway...</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #783f04;">Creamsicle Jello</span></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">2 boxes orange jello</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">1 cup heavy cream</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">1 tablespoon vanilla extract.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Extra cream for whipping</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Dissolve the jello in 2 cups boiling water. Add the vanilla, 1 cup of cold water, and the cup of cream. Stir well. If you didn't do this in the dish you plan to chill it in, you should have thought of that earlier. But anyway, pour it in (or not) and chill 3 or 4 hours.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">I suppose you could pour the mixture into individual parfait cups if you <em>really</em> wanted to make this look like more work than it really is. Just a thought.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Whip some cream after your fashion. Cut the jello into cubes and serve. It will have separated into a creamy top layer and a jello-y bottom layer. I don't know how it knows to do this. It just does. Top with whipped cream. Don't cheat. Whip the cream yourself, it makes a difference.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qABuP0PUV8/UASYZqYn9gI/AAAAAAAAALg/8OmD52mBVL0/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qABuP0PUV8/UASYZqYn9gI/AAAAAAAAALg/8OmD52mBVL0/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">You should wind up with something like this. If you like creamsicles, you'll like this. If you don't like creamsicles, you should have stopped reading about 20-odd lines ago. Really. You might keep that in mind for next time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Respectfully Yours, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Cricket</span></div>
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Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-5990969682808855682012-07-09T06:24:00.000-04:002012-07-09T06:34:46.896-04:00Six-Inch Boner<div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;">
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Ok, maybe you think a six-inch boner is nothing to shout about? I beg to differ.</div>
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So it went down like this. I was working inventory at Jordan Marsh in the 80s. Now this was back before scanner guns, computer assisted ordering, and just-in-time delivery; back when stores actually kept huge amounts of backstock. And, after a while, perhaps after a manager or two had been promoted or fired, nobody had any idea what was out back anymore, and they had to send a team of people to find out.</div>
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Each night, we'd head to the stockroom, armed with a pen and a thick sheaf of paper, to climb up into the storage bins and write down what we found there. For every item, you had to write the item description, exactly as it was printed on the package, followed by the item code.</div>
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My partner Sean and I took turns climbing up into the bins, which were usually pretty filthy. One of us would shout down the information, the other would write it down. You never knew what you would find. Some bins might have only two or three large items. Others were full of little things. It could take hours if that happened.</div>
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So I climbed up into a bin. It was full of cutlery. Shit. We're going to be here all night. I picked up the first item and smiled.</div>
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<i>Sean, you ready?</i></div>
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<i>Yeah.</i></div>
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<i>Six-inch boner!</i></div>
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<i>(laughter)</i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i>No. Really. Six-inch boner... 34580-62374.</i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i>Seriously?</i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<i>Yeah.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
There were hundreds of them. And that's how I came to spend an entire evening shouting out "SIX-INCH BONER!"</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Respectfully Yours, </div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
Cricket</div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #660000;">
<br /></div>
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-31262472522438309712012-05-26T12:56:00.000-04:002012-05-26T12:58:51.270-04:00Memorare<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I really didn't belong there. I wasn't supposed to ride that far. I'd crossed two main roads and a highway. I wasn't even in our city anymore. My mother would have had a fit. Well, I thought, what she doesn't know won't hurt me. I leaned my bike against the chain link fence and climbed over.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The old cannon sat rusting in the vacant lot beside the American Legion. I'd been dying to get to it ever since I'd first noticed. Tucked away in an overgrown corner, it menaced North Main Street. I crouched behind its shield, peeking over the flap. The breech was rusted shut. No matter. North Main Street was the road to Berlin, each passing car a Panzer, and I was Audie Murphy. Now Jerry would get his.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Incoming!</em> I shouted orders to my imaginary platoon. <em>Down! Get down! Eeeeeeeee - BOOM! Quick, load, LOAD!</em> I sighted along the barrel. <em>Ready - FIRE! BOOM! One down, men. Here comes another. RELOAD!</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">No cap gun could compare. This was the real thing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The real thing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I felt his eyes on me before I saw him. The Legionnaire stood by the flagpole, lighting a corncob pipe. He nodded and gave me a casual wave. He wasn't going to kick me out. I waved back. The battle raged on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Sure is a hot one today.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I whipped around. He had come up behind me. If it had been Jerry I'd be in big trouble. Up close, he was slight, but with the straight back and square shoulders that mark so many military men. He had a commanding air: a man that even street punks like me reflexively called "sir."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Yes, sir</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The afternoon sun slanted in through the overgrowth. For the first time I noticed the heat. A cicada buzzed somewhere overhead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>That's a World War II 105mm howitzer you're playing on. You know that?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>No, sir.</em></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>You like history?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Yes, sir.</em></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">He nodded approval.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Know anything about World War II, son?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">I told him some things I knew. He nodded again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>I was there, son.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Really? Were you a general?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">He laughed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Nope.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Maybe I'll be a general someday.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Maybe.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>You really fought in World War II?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Yup.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>What was it like?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Hard.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Did you kill anyone?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">He paused and stared at me. Silently, slowly, he drew on his pipe and exhaled. The blue smoke hung motionless in the stillness and heat. No cars passed. The cicadas seemed very loud. He looked off into the distance. He looked at the cannon. He looked at me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>You know what I hope, son?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>No, sir.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">He gestured toward the Legion building.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>I hope some day we close this place down.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Huh?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>I hope some day we don't have any members anymore and we can close down. We're the only organization I can think of that wants to go out of business. That's the truth, son.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Um... I don't understand, sir.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>I know you don't. Just remember what I told you. Got that?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Yes, sir.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Been nice talking to you. I've got to be getting back now. You have a nice day. And son?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Yes, sir?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Remember what I told you.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /><em></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">He turned and left, trailing the scent of Captain Black. For some reason I didn't feel like playing anymore. I pedaled home slowly under the reddening sun. All the way, I could hear his voice in the back of my head. I can still hear it now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Remember....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Respectfully Yours,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Cricket</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><br /></em></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-6556170265814876752011-12-20T07:57:00.003-05:002011-12-20T08:05:47.253-05:00Two Coats<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1px; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family:'times new roman';font-size:16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; line-height: 1px; font-family:arial;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><img src="http://www.boyswintercoat.com/images/boys-winter-coat-9.jpg" id="il_fi" height="160" width="160" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; -webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.648438) 2px 2px 8px; " /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">We were just rich enough that we were not poor. By strict economy, my parents managed to keep us all clothed, sheltered and fed. The clothes may not have always been the exact ones we wanted. My mother often concocted meals based on whatever was left in the pantry. We sometimes wished the roof over our heads was a bit bigger. We did not live a life free from want. Still, we were mostly free from need.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Our neighborhood was safe, at least compared to the next one over. I learned to watch my back but I never slept in the tub. That counts. My mother seems to remember the whole experience as being worse than it was. I'm not sure why. To me, it was just ordinary. All my friends lived similar lives. There was rarely extra but there was usually enough. I look back on it without nostalgia or resentment. It was what it was. Ordinary.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Sometimes it is strange what we remember. I liked Christmas as most children do. Still, much of my memory is a pine-scented blur of trees and lights, punctuated by random moments of clarity. You might think I would remember going to see Santa, setting out milk and cookies, waking up to find that one longed-for present under the tree, but I don't. This all happened, I'm sure of that. I remember </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">that</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"> it happened, I just don't remember </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">doing</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"> it.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">There were presents, of course. I had toys. I just don't remember specifically asking for and receiving any. There is one toy I remember Santa bringing. It was a glorious red, pedal-powered fire engine with wooden ladders on the sides, a pull-string bell, and a working light. Even though I had just turned three, I remember waking to find that. I didn't ask for it, though. Santa had chosen it for me all by himself, with wisdom and love.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">No, the gifts I remember make an odd assortment. A puzzle given to me by my great-aunt that came in a can, not a box. A football helmet that was far less protective than I had hoped for the incredibly violent version of the game played in my neighborhood. Neatly wrapped packages of clothing from my aunt, who always hid candies and other treats in the folds.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">I always felt a little guilty about the clothes. They were obviously chosen with care. The adults made such a fuss over them. I should have been more grateful, yet I was not. Christmas was about toys and sweets. It was a divinely revealed rule of childhood. Children do not want clothes for Christmas.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">My mother is a sensitive soul. Whatever charity is in my heart comes largely from her. She has always given herself to those who need her most: the poor, the troubled, the dying. She is not well-suited for this work. She cares far too deeply. She makes their grief her own. As a boy, I could always tell by her eyes when one of her patients had died. If it were my choice, I would have her teaching kindergarten, surrounded by light, joy, and laughing children. It is not my choice, though. She is called to something else.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One morning, my mother called my sisters and me to the kitchen table. She had a proposal for us. I know Who inspired it, though I'm not sure how. She asked us if we would try something different that Christmas: if we would give our presents to a more needy child. She left us to think it over. Now, even at that age, we knew there would still be presents for us that year, just perhaps one less. After a short debate, we decided that would be all right.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My mother contacted a friend from nursing school to arrange it. Sister Julie said she would find three children like us and send their Christmas wishes. One day, three cards arrived. I remember mine quite clearly. On the front was a picture of the Nativity. Inside, Sister Julie wrote that she had found a boy my age who needed a present this year. His name was Julian.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He wanted a coat.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There were no further instructions. He didn't want a New England Patriots coat. He didn't want a bomber jacket or a pea coat. Just a coat. A winter coat. Size 8.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My own coat was gray-green wool with wooden toggles. I loved the toggles. My grandmother had known I would love the toggles when she bought it for me. She said so. The coat was not new, but it had been chosen for me with love, and it was warm. Winter in New England is cold. It didn't take long for me to realize that any child who wanted a winter coat for Christmas didn't really want it, he needed it. Children do not want clothes for Christmas.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I don't remember much else about that Christmas. My mother bought a suitable coat and let me give it my approval. The coat was wrapped and delivered. Christmas came and went in a blur of trees and lights. I'm sure there were presents, though I don't remember what they were. Perhaps I appreciated the clothes a little more that year, though I couldn't swear to that. Children do not want clothes for Christmas.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My coat seemed a bit warmer that winter, though. Each time I put it on, I thought of Julian, and hoped he liked his coat as much as I liked mine. I hoped he was warm. I hoped he would not want clothes next Christmas. I hoped that his life could be ordinary too.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I don't remember what presents I got that year, but I know the gift I received. Whatever charity is in my heart came to me from my mother, right then. That was the gift that mattered. That gift I remember. I still think of Julian whenever I pull my coat around me on a cold winter day. I hope he is warm. And I pray for a day when no children ever want clothes for Christmas.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Respectfully Yours,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cricket</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-22474962594746762292011-12-13T11:55:00.001-05:002011-12-13T11:57:58.190-05:00Better<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhFHcquX5Q/Tud3bQghVaI/AAAAAAAAALE/c8xu2AMWxy8/s1600/IMG_3479.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhFHcquX5Q/Tud3bQghVaI/AAAAAAAAALE/c8xu2AMWxy8/s320/IMG_3479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685644364750083490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Temple to Music</span></span></span></i></span></div></i><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger Williams Park</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Providence, Rhode Island</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's a beautiful place to walk, to watch the birds, or the changing seasons. Yet I've always felt it was missing something. Inside, the marble walls are engraved with the names of composers: the obvious, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, plus others more marginal, and even a few I've never heard of.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now that's fine, as far as it goes. Bach wrote some of the most beautiful music ever. Even so, the most recent name on the walls is Debussy. This morning, I finally did my bit to correct this.</span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1h3EkBYcds4/Tud3XEI1RmI/AAAAAAAAAK4/DKBEp1dxar8/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1h3EkBYcds4/Tud3XEI1RmI/AAAAAAAAAK4/DKBEp1dxar8/s320/IMG_3743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685644292710024802" style="text-align: justify; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There. Now isn't that better? I sure think so. Now, if only I had a nice chisel....</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-5664151966743912122011-12-09T08:43:00.002-05:002011-12-09T08:46:39.997-05:00Chapter And Verse<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfMnx0KOQO8/TuIQ2snnRrI/AAAAAAAAAKg/yOgUnMS378Q/s1600/250px-Gerard_van_Honthorst_001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 199px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfMnx0KOQO8/TuIQ2snnRrI/AAAAAAAAAKg/yOgUnMS378Q/s320/250px-Gerard_van_Honthorst_001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684124211571279538" /></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">December 2001. St. Mary's 7th Grade Catechism Class. The students grudgingly file in. Though the friendlier ones say hello, none of them are truly happy to see me. They are anxious to get this over with and return to their TVs and cell-phones. Christmas vacation is near. Their minds are on other things.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Silently, I take attendance from the front of the room. They look at me and look around nervously. He's smiling. Not good. He's in one of his <i>moods</i> again. Not good at all. I begin handing out paper.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; ">You all know the Christmas story, right? Not the one about Ralphie and his B.B. gun, but the real Christmas story?</div><div style="text-align: justify; "></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">I receive the expected nods and mumbles. I direct their attention to a Nativity scene on the center table.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><blockquote>OK. Take the next half-hour or so and write it down. You can write it however you'd like. Spelling and grammar don't count, just include as many details as you can remember. If you get stuck, use the Nativity scene to help you. You can talk to the other people at your table if you like, but keep the noise down, and everybody has to hand in a finished story. Any questions?</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">There are none. They set to work. Thirty-odd minutes later, I call time. They hand in their work. Class continues.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The following Christmas narrative is compiled from their efforts. Every single line, save one, comes directly from one of their papers. All I have done is arrange them. Completely useless bonus blog points will be awarded to you if you can spot the one line I could not resist adding. It probably won't be difficult.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">And now, enjoy the Christmas story according to St. Mary's 7th Grade Catechism Class, 2001.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">***************</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1 Once upon a time there was a couple, Joseph and Mary.</div></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">2 The virgin Mary was appointed</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">3 By one of God's angels in a dream.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">4 One night an angel came up to Mary</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">5 And told her she was going to have God's body</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6 And she shall call him Jesus.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 Mary had Jesus in her stomach.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8 Mary came to Joseph pregnant</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9 And Joseph thought Mary was with another man.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10 He got mad then Mary explained</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">11 And Joseph started to understand.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12 Jesus was God's son but Joseph was Mary's wife.</span></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13 Her and Joseph travel to Bethlaham.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 They had to go back to Bethlaham so Joseph could register.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">15 They traveled and traveled</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16 Because the hotels would not accept pregnant women.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">17 They finally found a place in the barn of an old farmer.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">18 There were a lot of creatures there</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">19 Like sheep and goats and pigs.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">20 E-I-E-I-O.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">21 And Jesus was born.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">22 Jesus had no crib or a bed.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">23 Mary wrapped him in swadling clothes</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">24 And laid him in the manger.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">25 It was a place where the cows ate hey.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">26 While in the manger, the baby did not cry.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">27 He was supposely born on December 25th but this is not a fact.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">28 A shepard came bringing sheep's wool.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">29 An Angle told the tree wize man a King has been born.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">30 They are told by shepherd to follow the North Star.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">31 The three wise kings came and folled the big star</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">32 To Bethlaham to the manger where he was born.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">33 They brought Jesus gifs.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">34 Gold, franksense, mur and other good stuff.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">35 They went because they thought Jesus was the Savour.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">36 They were happy to see the baby.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">37 News spread that there was going to be a new king</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">38 Which made the present king furious.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">39 Jesus was born on the stable on Christmas.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">40 Then he died on the cross and took away all our sins.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">41 And they lived happily ever after. Amen.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What can I say? It is so right, yet so very wrong. I was amazed that, for all their veneer of cool and sophistication, many of them began "once upon a time" and ended "happily ever after." I knew they were not as grown-up as they thought. Perhaps in their hearts, they knew that too. Strangely, this text speaks to us in its own way, and is worth its own meditations. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Respectfully Yours,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-38319724336995040182011-12-06T10:37:00.000-05:002011-12-06T10:38:32.302-05:00Charlie's Gift<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwUV1p_qeAw/Tt4wBrG-djI/AAAAAAAAAKU/f0iFER64lQU/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwUV1p_qeAw/Tt4wBrG-djI/AAAAAAAAAKU/f0iFER64lQU/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683032585098130994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i>The music is the message. There is no other message.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">John McLaughlin</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">**************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Once you reach a certain age, the best Christmas gifts are never under the tree. I've already received mine: a beautiful five year-old boy who still believes in all the magic. I can look into his eyes and hear every Christmas I ever had, every wish I have for him, every dream I hope he has when I tuck him in on Christmas Eve. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Maybe you can hear it too? <a href="http://www.box.com/s/of6njzl9rk1p0v3fp02m">Listen</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-57348074939575705362011-11-23T10:46:00.005-05:002011-11-23T10:56:18.124-05:00File Under W<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IRgCNVyngs/Ts0VwIJVhgI/AAAAAAAAAKI/RONAl6sa9aQ/s1600/images.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 130px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IRgCNVyngs/Ts0VwIJVhgI/AAAAAAAAAKI/RONAl6sa9aQ/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678218621748610562" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">File this one under "w" for "wtf?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">So, I'm going to throw out my empty deodorant when something catches my eye. There on the back, among all the usual stuff about not applying product to broken skin and discontinuing use if a rash or irritation develops, not to mention using product daily for "best results" is the following:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Contains odor-fighting atomic robots that shoot lasers at your stench monsters and replaces them with fresh, clean, masculine scent elves."</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Um... yeah... ok. Wtf? I can picture the guys in the copy room now, like something out of </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Crazy People. </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Geez... I meant that as a joke but it got printed up like that."</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Truth, fiction, and all that.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Wishing you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Cricket and Porcupine</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-16926110739968371762011-11-14T12:05:00.002-05:002011-11-14T14:29:43.213-05:00Short Subjects<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMNLUfR-V8g/TsEsFp4k4kI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BrbQ90GQWTQ/s1600/Wall-Street-Bull.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMNLUfR-V8g/TsEsFp4k4kI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BrbQ90GQWTQ/s320/Wall-Street-Bull.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674865481117655618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">T</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">he Golden Calf: all grown up!</span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >A collection of random thoughts on current events:</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Why Occupy Wall Street and not Washington? Because the billionaires own the millionaires. A thousand times over.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >The original Tea Party was known until the 1830s as "the destruction of the tea." It was a group of angry people who got together, broke the law, and destroyed private property.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > Think about it.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >It amazes me that people can rail against high unemployment, then turn around and tell people protesting, among other things, high unemployment, to "occupy a job." </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >A note to the 53%: If there is 9% unemployment, then the 47% is 80% employed.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Conservatives will tell you that they opposed the bank bailouts. However, if a </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >liberal </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >opposes the bank bailouts, the conservative will reply that the banks paid back the money with interest. How does this make sense? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Businesses do not create jobs because of tax cuts. They create jobs when there is sufficient demand for their products and services. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Deregulation does not create competition; it creates monopolies. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >30 years later, we are seeing the voodoo in voodoo economics. Supply-side theory is a failure in every respect. Well, not every respect. It did exactly what its proponents wanted it to do; it moved all the money to the supply side. Perhaps it is time to try "demand-side economics" for a while.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Too big to fail is too big to exist.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >People say that Wall Street executives have not been prosecuted because they did nothing illegal. This is largely true. However, the fact that they did nothing </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >illegal</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > does not mean that they did nothing </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >wrong</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >. They did nothing illegal because they have been steadily lobbying for many years to have the laws changed.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >An example: here's how a bubble works. Start with a few billion dollars or so. It doesn't have to be your money. Where might you find this money to play with? Pension funds and 401(k)s are a good place to start. Now, pick something to buy. What you buy doesn't matter: shares of stock, mortgages, wheat futures, oil... anything. Now, start buying. The price will go up if you buy enough. Others will see the price rise and get in on it too. Keep buying. At a time of your choosing, sell off quickly. Pocket the profits. Let the retirement funds eat the losses. Lather, rinse, repeat.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); color:#663300;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Ever wonder where your retirement money went? Now you know. Did you ever read a prospectus? I'll summarize them all for you: </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >if we lose all your money, oopsie</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >. Of course, the money isn't lost, precisely. It's transferred from you to them. It's perfectly legal. The next time someone starts yammering about supply and demand, you step back, then give him a good swift kick in the nuts. Tell him I said it was all right.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Slippery folk will switch back and forth between talking about the<span style="font-style: italic;"> market</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">stock market </span>as if these are the same things. They aren't.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Likewise, there is a difference between equal income distribution and equitable income distribution. Or do we really believe that the CEO works 400 times harder than the wage laborer?<br /><br />It is often overlooked that Adam Smith and Karl Marx have two important things in common: First, their books are very long and very dull. Second, most people who talk about these books haven't read them.<br /><br />And speaking of Marx, his philosophy is flawed. This point I will readily concede. However, it does not follow from this that he was </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >wrong about everything</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > and said nothing of importance.<br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >If you are going to tell me about equal opportunity vs. equal outcome, fine, but be prepared to show me that we have equal opportunity.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Many of the difficulties built into our system of government can be traced to the contradiction at its root: slaveowners wanting to be free.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >It is not an unfair question to ask how much profit is gouging or how much interest is usury.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >It seems to me that the greater purpose of Occupy Wall Street is not so much to support candidates or recommend policy, but to change the focus and language of the debate.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >For the moment, Democratic or Republican are the </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >de facto</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > choices. What will happen when enough of us answer "none of the above?"</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >There seem to be more and more proponents of the Randian "cult of the individual," who argue that naked self-interest is the state of Nature and any attempt to mitigate this is a distortion. My answer is this: we are born into the world helpless, dependent upon the care of others. For the most part, we leave the world in the same way. We are born, in equal measure, both individuals and part of a greater family. </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >This</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" > is the state of Nature. Surely this is a Divine lesson?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Very Truly Yours,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" ><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;" >Porcupine</span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;" ><a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_lg.jpg" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(71, 54, 36); text-decoration: none; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; "><img alt="Porcupine" src="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_sm.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; width: 103px; height: 72px; " /></a><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-31030688742252632652011-11-11T07:21:00.002-05:002011-11-11T07:24:36.921-05:00Eddie And Shakes<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><img src="http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/image.asp?id=19&parm=facility" alt="Facility Picture" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="10" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With our gratitude to all who served - C & P</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">It would be hard to imagine a bus shelter that offered less protection against the weather: open to the wind, with only a thin sheet of plexiglas in the center. On a bitter, rainy day, it was almost useless. The wind and rain howled in one door, swirled around, and blew out the other. If you faced into the corner and timed it right, you could usually manage to light a cigarette. With a little luck and care, you could keep it lit. So much for shelter.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">You could always tell if Eddie was drunk. If he was sober, he pushed his wheelchair forward with his arms; if not, he kicked it backwards with his one leg. He was sober today.</span></span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"What's up, man?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Hey, Eddie. How's it hanging?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Straight down with a fuckin' icicle on it. I'm freezing my nuts off. Ya got a cigarette?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Fuck you, Eddie. I know you've got your own."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">I reached into my coat pocket. He flashed me a big grin</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote>"Yeah, but yours are better."</blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Shakes held up two bony fingers and tapped his lips twice. Presumably, he could speak, though I never heard him do it. He looked at me inquiringly. I nodded, stuck two cigarettes in my mouth, and lit them. I handed one to Shakes. I passed the pack and lighter to Eddie.</span></span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Thanks, man."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"No problem."</span></span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You never really get to know people like Eddie and Shakes, though everyone seems to know them. You learn their names by osmosis: a part of city lore. We certainly were never introduced. For all I know, his name wasn't even Eddie. For all I know, he just answered to that: Crazy Eddie. I just called him Eddie, though. He never seemed all that crazy to me, just a bit lost.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He was a strange mix of soldier and hippie. The back of his wheelchair was covered with an incongruous assortment of bumper stickers: a pot leaf next to an American eagle next to a POW-MIA next to a Santana logo. One announced that he was firmly pro-tits. A small American flag flew on one side: an orange bicycle flag on the other.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I imagine he was in his thirties, though the years had not been kind. If he was not homeless, he was nearly so. He seemed fairly healthy, though, thanks to the local VA. He never asked for money, only cigarettes and, I guess, a friendly face and a bit of companionship. You never really get to know people like Eddie.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">About Shakes I can tell you even less. Tall and painfully thin, he had a constant tremor: sometimes better, sometimes worse, but never absent. He startled easily and never spoke. I sometimes saw Eddie without Shakes but never Shakes without Eddie. I had the clear impression that they knew each other from the hospital, not the service, though I can't say why. Shakes had a searching look in his eye, as if he were forever on the verge of speaking.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One day, I can't say exactly when, was the last time I ever saw them. They were there, then they were gone.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's an accident of history, I suppose. Most of the veterans I have known served during peacetime. They tell their stories with a smile: of boot camp, war games, and shore leave. It all has the ring of a hunter back from safari. That's all right. You don't blame a fireman if there are no fires on his watch. He was there; he was ready; he served. That counts.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The combat veterans I've known were different. None of them ever told stories about their service. Not to me, anyway. I imagine the actual experience is horrific. The only story I recall is my Uncle Joe telling me of a Christmas Mass celebrated on the hood of a Jeep, somewhere in Germany or France: a tiny bit of heaven in the midst of hell. Other than that, they locked their memories away as best they could. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I suppose some people just can't do that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you can get to a parade this year, go. Salute the living; remember the dead. In this season of Thanksgiving, give thanks. But remember, when the parades are over, to say a special prayer for Eddie and Shakes, who made the ultimate sacrifice, too.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just not all at once. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-33554875604958094002011-11-01T06:42:00.004-04:002011-11-01T07:11:57.056-04:00Thanksgiving Comes First<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s1600/roast-turkey.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp94hmti18s/Tq_NS1l1gXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yE_PNy6V7-o/s320/roast-turkey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669976179389858162" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-size:small;">Our contribution to <a href="http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Suldog's</span></a> Thanksgiving Comes First campaign - C & P</span></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i>To every thing there is a season.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Ecclesiastes 3:1</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I'm getting ahead of the story.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All Wednesday morning we watched the clock. A half-day: 11:45 could not come soon enough. Our teachers taught us poker-faced, pretending it was a school day like any other. For our part, we pretended to work as we counted down the minutes to the bell. They couldn't fool us in any case. We caught them sneaking their own looks at the clock.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The bell still echoed as the school doors burst open and we poured into the street. Slowly, I walked home, savoring my freedom, shuffling and crunching through errant drifts of leaves. The gray November sky hung low over trees that had given up their October brilliance for muted brown, maroon, and mustard. The air was sharp and carried the musty scent of fallen apples.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My mother practically met me at the door with a bucket and some rags.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Christopher, I need you to scrub the baseboards.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Right.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It never occurred to me that this was all a ruse: a way to keep me quiet, out of the kitchen, and to get some work done in the bargain. We were having no guests. We were going to Nana's for Thanksgiving. But children don't question these things. I set to work.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The house seemed warmer than usual. It was, of course: partly from the oven and simmering saucepans, partly from the alluring aroma of baking pies rising on humid air. Still, the prospect of a fine Thanksgiving dinner filled my father with an uncharacteristic and expansive good cheer. He would bake pie after pie, tapping out rhythms on the mixing bowl with his wedding band, filling the house with his rich baritone.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>... kissed my girl, by the factory wall, dirty old town, dirty old town.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">His good mood was contagious. My sister and I sang and dusted and scrubbed, forgetting that these were chores.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Evening held in store a light supper of grilled cheese and soup. We munched our sandwiches, wishing they were the pies on the sideboard. We were dutifully bathed, brushed and trundled off to bed, left to dream of roast turkey and pie.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. I knew a bag of doughnuts would be waiting: fresh doughnuts, still crisp on the outside. My father was already dressed. We munched away in cheerful silence, occasionally glancing at the pies. Waiting.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanksgiving had almost come.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was one of the rare days when I would not be welcome at Nana's before the appointed hour. She was preparing and I would have been underfoot. There was nothing to do but wait. Absently, I watched the build-up to the Macy's parade in black-and-white and wondered at all the fuss. I tried to care and failed. And I waited.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At noon we were dutifully starched, pressed, and buttoned-down. Combed, brushed, and photographed. Handed one pie each and bundled out the door for the walk to Nana's. The walk took about five minutes. This was the parade that mattered.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I turned the key in the doorbell. My grandfather greeted me heartily, as if he had not seen me just the day before. He quickly ushered us in. All hugs would wait until the pies were safe and the hugs could not wait. He held out his arms and I wrapped my own around him. My fingers did not touch. I squeezed him as hard as I could. He pretended it was too much. It was our custom. Nana gave me a fleeting smile, a one-armed hug, a cursory kiss, and a shoo.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanksgiving had come.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think it's the smells that I remember best: cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin, roasting turkey and baking bread, a whiff of onion and sage, a note of coffee, and all of that floating above the faintest hint of fresh floor wax. If there is a heaven and if I should go there, perhaps it might smell something like that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To my knowledge, my grandfather never drank. Even so, he enjoyed playing bartender to my sisters and me. With great fanfare, he mixed us his signature cocktail: Fresca with cranberry juice. We were free to roam, anywhere but the kitchen. We searched for hidden dishes of candies and nuts. We slid on the stairs. We wandered among the adults busy gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. We picked out tunes on the parlor piano. My great-aunt winced at every sour note. An electric knife whirred in the kitchen. We made happy nuisances of ourselves until Nana appeared in the parlor door and solemnly handed me a pewter bell.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I suspect the entire neighborhood knew that our dinner was served.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We packed into the dining room and arranged ourselves: Grampa at one end of the vast table, Nana at the other. I took my place at her right hand. I did not yet understand the significance of this. Grampa stood for Grace</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Casting a twinkling eye on us, he added his own prayer: "... and Lord, give us the grace to guide the children <i>wisely</i>." We children always joined in on the "wisely," drawing the word out. Everyone laughed.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And now the meal began in earnest. Dishes were circulated: butternut squash, mashed potato, tiny peas, my mother's creamed onions. Dressing with sausage. Baskets of biscuits and strange little Hawaiian rolls. I smiled to see my father and grandfather scowl at the turnips. Jellied cranberry and cranberry relish. Sweet mix and olives. Gravy and butter, salt and pepper, and a drumstick all for me.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>It's the bountiful plate! Christopher has the bountiful plate!</i> My sister trilled.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Indeed, it was. We set to work. While the adults gabbled about football, politics, and other things of no importance, my sister and I crafted careful forkfuls, attempting to recreate the entire meal in each bite. Now and then, someone would declare this to be the best Thanksgiving yet. Nana would simply nod. The dishes circulated again.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And now, a few words about jello salad: Perhaps you may cringe at the thought. I understand. Not really a salad at all. But perhaps, if you're like me, if you're of the right age and disposition, you remember these fondly. My very fashionable aunt always brought an elaborately molded jello salad to Thanksgiving, back when that was fashionable. It was a two-layered affair: cranberry jello, with celery, apples, and walnuts. A sweet sour cream business separated the layers.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In hindsight, it doesn't surprise me that we children could have all we wanted. I'm sure the adults thought it mostly for show, yet we loved it. When else could we eat dessert </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">with our meal</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and still have all the dessert we wanted after, as well?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">****************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When the last trace of gravy had been mopped up with the last biscuit, the adults repaired to the living room. They sprawled on the sofas like walruses in the sun, ignoring the television, talking about football, politics, and other things of no importance.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nana whisked me into the kitchen. Now I would earn my keep. Coffee was set to perk. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The window over the sink was thrown open. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dishes were washed, dried, put away. Leftovers were organized and set aside. Pies and sweets were set out with plates and forks in neat array. Ice cream, whipped cream, fruits and cheeses. Nana relaxed visibly as each item was brought forth. Her smile warmed; her tone softened. Soon, she would consider her work done for the day and enjoy the party.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The doorbell announced the start of round two. The somnolent walruses roused themselves. Aunts and uncles, cousins and friends were arriving for pie. Dessert was strictly self-service. Again and again, we served ourselves. No one was watching and no one cared. I made another meal of pie. On what other day could I eat all the pie I wanted and be asked if I wanted still more?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The lights were dimmed. There was soft music from the radio. The sweet aroma of strong coffee. Adults gabbling about football, politics, and other things of no importance. Cheeks were pinched hello and kissed goodbye. My, how you've grown and how is school? Don't eat yourself sick and would you like more pie? I carried coats and hats upstairs and fetched them down again. The evening built in a slow crescendo and just as slowly faded.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I joined my father at the kitchen table for a final sandwich, on Arnold's white bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo: the perfect coda to the day's excess. Leftovers were packed for travel. Dad walked home to get the car for my now sleeping sisters. Returning, he carried them out one by one. Love and smiles. Hugs and kisses. And we all agreed that this was the best Thanksgiving yet. We made the short drive home in cheerful silence.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanksgiving had come, but it had not yet gone.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Friday morning dawned in shades of gray and brown. I awoke to the sputtering percolator and the smell of strong coffee. My father was already dressed. He nodded and smiled. Still in her nightdress, my sister drifted in. We were about to enjoy one of our traditions, one we looked forward to all year: pie for breakfast. I cut her a slice of apple, mince for myself. Two wedges of cheddar. I put water on for tea. In our hearts, we gave thanks for hot tea and cold pie. It was still Thanksgiving.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There would be Christmas sales that day, but these weren't part of our world. My very fashionable aunt would likely be there, but even to her these were sales like any other. She was not rushing to Christmas. She just wanted her shopping done. In our house, it was still Thanksgiving. There would be cold turkey sandwiches for lunch. Perhaps hot browns for supper. All day long we'd nibble at pies, recovering from our day of excess with a day of slightly less.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And we still had Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All week long, that bird would feed us. Sandwiches hot and cold, open-faced and closed, on bulkie rolls or Arnold's bread, with dressing and cranberry and extra mayo. Turkey sliced thin or chopped fine for turkey salad. Reheated with gravy or served as pot pie until his poor old bones were all that was left and we boiled them down for soup.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then, and only then, was Thanksgiving truly over.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love Thanksgiving. It's been my favorite holiday as long as I can remember. There have been changes, of course. My father is the grandfather now and I am the father. My children are the happy, noisy nuisances. Yet there is still something of those long-ago celebrations in every turkey and every pie. Nana is in my kitchen making sure the gravy has no lumps. Grampa still rises for Grace, and prays that we guide our children wisely. It is more than a memory. At least it is to me.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They are really there.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I hope someday my children will remember our Thanksgivings as I remember mine. A time for family and friends and pies. A time to give thanks for all we have, and for everyone who has touched our lives. And whether my children realize it or not, I know my grandparents will always be there for them too. Even when it is beyond our awareness, love never fails.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our lives breathe like the tides. A wave of weddings, then a lull. A wave of births, then a lull. A wave of funerals, then a lull. We float along on the surface. We welcome newborns, we mark milestones, we bury our dead. With a little luck, we play our parts: child, parent, grandparent. With a little luck, we greet each season of life with new eyes and an undimmed sense of wonder at each unique and unrepeatable day. And we give thanks.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why not resolve to make this Thanksgiving more than a day? It is a season all its own. It deserves three days, perhaps even five. Resolve to ignore anything Christmas, at least until Black Friday. Christmas will come in its time, I promise. But I will say no more about that right now.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanksgiving comes first.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Respectfully Yours,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-57137811669646459882011-10-18T10:48:00.003-04:002011-10-18T11:01:30.705-04:00Who Said It?<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lh5ox8fAwsk/Tp2HW36ICqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/S0wgX4Lmscs/s1600/images.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lh5ox8fAwsk/Tp2HW36ICqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/S0wgX4Lmscs/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664832733336570530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 145px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A fun quiz. See how you do.</span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1) “Marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could.”</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2) "Why should we hear about body bags and deaths? Oh, I mean, it's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3) "Publicly, we say one thing....Actually, we do another."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4) "It's voodoo economics."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5) "What does an actor know about politics?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6) "I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being president. I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7) "The question in my mind is how many additional American casualties is Saddam worth? And the answer is not very damned many. So I think we got it right, both when we decided to expel him from Kuwait, but also when the president made the decision that we'd achieved our objectives and we were not going to go get bogged down in the problems of trying to take over and govern Iraq.... Once we had Saddam rounded him up and gotten rid of his government, then the question is what do you put in its place? How long would we have had to stay in Baghdad to keep that government in place? What would happen to the government once U.S. forces withdrew? How many casualties should the United States accept in that effort to try to create clarity and stability in a situation that is inherently unstable? I think it is vitally important for a President to know when to use military force. I think it is also very important for him to know when not to commit U.S. military force. And it's my view that the President got it right both times, that it would have been a mistake for us to get bogged down in the quagmire inside Iraq."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8) "Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9) "Among conservatives there's been too much pseudo-populism, almost too much concern and attention for, quote, 'the people'... After all, we conservatives are on the side of the lords and barons... We...are pulling up the drawbridge against the peasants."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10) "Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are H. L. Hunt (you possibly know his background), a few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bonus:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"The necessaries of life occasion the great expense of the poor. They find it difficult to get food, and the greater part of their little revenue is spent in getting it. The luxuries and vanities of life occasion the principal expense of the rich, and a magnificent house embellishes and sets off to the best advantage all the other luxuries and vanities which they possess. A tax upon house-rents, therefore, would in general fall heaviest upon the rich; and in this sort of inequality there would not, perhaps, be anything very unreasonable. It is not very unreasonable that the rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1) William F. Buckley Jr., closet hippie.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2) Barbara Bush, speaking about American war dead. Way to "support the troops," B!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3) Richard Nixon, just clarifying things a bit.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4) George H. W. Bush, on supply-side theory, before he got the memo.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5) Ronald Reagan, criticizing Ed Asner's views on foreign policy.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6) George W. Bush, public servant.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7) Dick Cheney, pre-rabies.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8) Barry Goldwater, well-known commie-liberal.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9) Bill Kristol's refreshing honesty.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10) Dwight D. Eisenhower, no comment needed.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bonus: Karl Marx. No wait, it's Adam Smith, well-known socialist. I believe the "invisible hand" just flipped some folks the bird. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But maybe that's just me. Consistency is overrated anyway. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Very Truly Yours, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Porcupine</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_lg.jpg" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(71, 54, 36); text-decoration: none; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: transparent; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; "><img alt="Porcupine" src="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/tablerock/images/takelma/culture/porcupine_sm.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; padding-bottom: 0px; border-right-style: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; padding-top: 0px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-88436049054380989652011-10-16T07:57:00.002-04:002011-10-16T08:10:50.341-04:00Sunday Sermon<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sunrisebristolchannel.jpg" class="image" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Sunrisebristolchannel.jpg/270px-Sunrisebristolchannel.jpg" width="270" height="181" class="thumbimage" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; vertical-align: middle; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Today's sermon will not be mine, though that may happen soon. No, today let's look at a Scripture that is not preached anywhere near often enough. When it is, most of the time it is to try and explain why the author didn't really </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">mean</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"> it. Right.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">***************</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Hear this, you who trample upon the needy </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">and destroy the poor of the land!</span></span></span></div><div><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"When will the new moon be over," you ask, </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"that we may sell our grain, </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat? </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">We will diminish the ephah, </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">add to the shekel, </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">and fix our scales for cheating!</span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">We will buy the lowly man for silver, </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">and the poor man for a pair of sandals; </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!"</span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: </span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Never will I forget a thing they have done!</span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Amos 8: 4 - 7</span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">***************</span></span></span></dt><dt style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Presented without comment. He who hath an ear to hear, let him hear.</span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Cricket</span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></dt><dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></dt></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041802843110274347.post-22461708495598172012011-10-11T13:01:00.000-04:002011-10-11T13:04:15.502-04:00Buck's Blues<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNlzMfvVE-k/TpRvlWnqFBI/AAAAAAAAAH0/WycD7xjCZ3I/s1600/nm_117_by_grammaticaster-d32emh2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNlzMfvVE-k/TpRvlWnqFBI/AAAAAAAAAH0/WycD7xjCZ3I/s320/nm_117_by_grammaticaster-d32emh2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662273319029314578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Everyone deserves a song. That's just the way it is. This one goes out to blog-bud <a href="http://exileinportales.blogspot.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Buck</span></a>, just as a day brightener. If I had a hip little convertible and a wide open Western highway to drive it on, this is what I'd hear in my head. Sure, we have our differences, but we share a fondness for Trappist beers, fine cigars, and things that go slide on guitars. It's a start. Hope you enjoy <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/qvbvl381kitrq9qtat4y">Buck's Blues</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Click the link to listen or for download. Sound quality is lo-fi, but so am I, and hey, what do you want for free? If you like it, tell your friends. If not, tell your enemies, because they listen to music too.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Respectfully Yours, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Cricket</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584174478393760131noreply@blogger.com9