I can remember sitting on the school bus riding from Meisau, to my seventh grade class at the Zwiebrucken extension (also known as the Ramstein Penal Colony, where we were encased behind barbed wire to keep the American kids away from us! LOL). I had one of the first transistor radios and would sit and listen to the Kaiserslautern Army broadcasts during the commute, because they were the only ones on the air to play rock-n-roll music.
This song came on and we students sat there, looked at each other and said, "What the heck was that?" It was amongst the stupidest of all songs ever played on the radio that year. Well, maybe Onion, Onion was the dumbest but really? I think that were her father not whom he was, she would have never been allowed near a recording studio...
So, rolling back the clock to 1966:
February 28, 2015
February 27, 2015
Law of Liberty
The book of James is the only place we run into the phrase, "Law of Liberty", not once but twice!
James 1:25
James 2:12
But what does this term mean!!!!?????
Well since no definition is given where the phrase appears, then we are going to have to do some extrapolation ... by considering other Bible verses and thinking on how they might apply here.
Now James' main theme seems to be one of FAITH, having it, living it, walking in it. It is supposed to be the driving force in your life as you live before God. So, does this mean I have liberty in my walk of faith ... ?
Well, yes and no.
Deuteronomy 10:1418
Acts 10:14 - 18
1 Samuel 16:1, 16:6 - 13
James 4:6
So, you are chugging along as a Christian, living your everyday Christian life, and then discover you might not be living a Christian life after-all! What went wrong?
You did what you want, when you want
With no consideration to others, you did just what you wanted to do and called it God's Will.
Or you gave lip service to others, maybe even appeared compliant to the wishes of your Church, but inside - well you were a seething pot of lava waiting to erupt!
Or no one can tell you are any different on the inside than any other person they know.
You did what you thought was right
You lived your Christian life, with the approval of your family and friends.
Never did much to further the Kingdom of God, then again He never asked you to.
Your peers all agree, you are a great Christian.
You did what you were led to do
Your acts may be appalling to others.
Your acts may be approved by some.
Your acts may or may not cause stress amongst your peers.
Your investment does not seem to be paying off well.
You may be doing exactly what you are supposed to do.
Somewhere in the above scenarios live all of us, at one time or another. There maybe even more examples you can think of, but I am tired and plowing through this idea here.
We are supposed to live, work and walk by Faith and Faith alone, if I understand my James.
And somewhere Liberty comes into play. But, this not the liberty that our culture understands! This is the liberty that comes from living, working and walking to God's direction - not our own!
"Wait a minute!", you say, that is not liberty at all that is servitude! Congratulations, you just came to understand that you are not your own person, you are to be God's slave!
So, if you read those verses above, you came to see where this is going early on:
God shows no partiality - and neither should you.
God looks at the heart, not stumbling actions - with discernment, so should you!
God opposes the proud - and so should you.
God has made you a Servant, not the master.
God gives Grace to the humble - and you should provide mercy ...
Grace is what God can give in bringing you to Salvation.
Mercy is what God gives us each and everyday by not giving us what we deserve!
Close to all we are ever capable of is wrong doing and giving Jesus black eyes, well if you are much like me anyway.
And, there is a great big world out there just waiting to bring you down.
Your Response?
Show equality to everyone, with no partiality.
Pray for a servant's heart and opportunities to SERVE Him.
Pray for DISCERNMENT so that you can know intent, not results.
Pray for the humbling of the proud and their delivery to Jesus' feet for salvation.
(Yeah, that includes - it can happen to you!)
And what is the "Law of Liberty" referred to in James?
Living all aspects of your life in faith alone, condemning no one, having the freedom now to do unto others, as Jesus did by example. :)
We forget, we are mighty yucky in Jesus' eyes and yet He allows us Grace and Mercy ... it seems we are to be so towards others as well.
You have the right to be ... COMPASSIONATE to all
You have the right to be ... MERCIFUL to all
You have the right to be ... a SERVANT to all
You have the right to be ... a SLAVE to God
You have the right to be ... HATED by the world
You have the right to be ... LOVED, perhaps by God alone ...
James 1:25
James 2:12
But what does this term mean!!!!?????
Well since no definition is given where the phrase appears, then we are going to have to do some extrapolation ... by considering other Bible verses and thinking on how they might apply here.
Now James' main theme seems to be one of FAITH, having it, living it, walking in it. It is supposed to be the driving force in your life as you live before God. So, does this mean I have liberty in my walk of faith ... ?
Well, yes and no.
Deuteronomy 10:1418
Acts 10:14 - 18
1 Samuel 16:1, 16:6 - 13
James 4:6
So, you are chugging along as a Christian, living your everyday Christian life, and then discover you might not be living a Christian life after-all! What went wrong?
You did what you want, when you want
With no consideration to others, you did just what you wanted to do and called it God's Will.
Or you gave lip service to others, maybe even appeared compliant to the wishes of your Church, but inside - well you were a seething pot of lava waiting to erupt!
Or no one can tell you are any different on the inside than any other person they know.
You did what you thought was right
You lived your Christian life, with the approval of your family and friends.
Never did much to further the Kingdom of God, then again He never asked you to.
Your peers all agree, you are a great Christian.
You did what you were led to do
Your acts may be appalling to others.
Your acts may be approved by some.
Your acts may or may not cause stress amongst your peers.
Your investment does not seem to be paying off well.
You may be doing exactly what you are supposed to do.
Somewhere in the above scenarios live all of us, at one time or another. There maybe even more examples you can think of, but I am tired and plowing through this idea here.
We are supposed to live, work and walk by Faith and Faith alone, if I understand my James.
And somewhere Liberty comes into play. But, this not the liberty that our culture understands! This is the liberty that comes from living, working and walking to God's direction - not our own!
"Wait a minute!", you say, that is not liberty at all that is servitude! Congratulations, you just came to understand that you are not your own person, you are to be God's slave!
So, if you read those verses above, you came to see where this is going early on:
God shows no partiality - and neither should you.
God looks at the heart, not stumbling actions - with discernment, so should you!
God opposes the proud - and so should you.
God has made you a Servant, not the master.
God gives Grace to the humble - and you should provide mercy ...
Grace is what God can give in bringing you to Salvation.
Mercy is what God gives us each and everyday by not giving us what we deserve!
Close to all we are ever capable of is wrong doing and giving Jesus black eyes, well if you are much like me anyway.
And, there is a great big world out there just waiting to bring you down.
Your Response?
Show equality to everyone, with no partiality.
Pray for a servant's heart and opportunities to SERVE Him.
Pray for DISCERNMENT so that you can know intent, not results.
Pray for the humbling of the proud and their delivery to Jesus' feet for salvation.
(Yeah, that includes - it can happen to you!)
And what is the "Law of Liberty" referred to in James?
Living all aspects of your life in faith alone, condemning no one, having the freedom now to do unto others, as Jesus did by example. :)
We forget, we are mighty yucky in Jesus' eyes and yet He allows us Grace and Mercy ... it seems we are to be so towards others as well.
You have the right to be ... COMPASSIONATE to all
You have the right to be ... MERCIFUL to all
You have the right to be ... a SERVANT to all
You have the right to be ... a SLAVE to God
You have the right to be ... HATED by the world
You have the right to be ... LOVED, perhaps by God alone ...
February 26, 2015
Discussion on James
Over the weekend, I had an interesting talk with one my acquaintances. He is a Christian, however, completely sold out to the world and its ways, if Yuppies still existed, he would be. So, yes, nominal, luke-warm, ineffectual - would all be used by Jesus to describe him, just before the whips came out ... LOL! And imagine the words Jesus would use to to describe me - "ha-tooey!", as He spits me out!
So, what came up was James 2 and why on Earth I would travel half way around the Earth to adopt four children - cashing in my retirement fund in the process? To him, how stupid could I possibly be?
Please take a gander at James 1:26 through 2:26, so you can see the basis for the discussion.
Care For The Widows and Orphans
It is amazing to me the willingness to be ignorant in this culture and day! If we roll the clock back to the birth of my Great Uncle Leonard, 1844, life was extremely different! No, I am not talking about the worthless inventions of the 20th Century, they are mostly just changing the technology of what already existed: travel, entertainment, business process, etc.. Different does not necessarily mean better, it just may mean faster, but speed does not dictate improvement.
Back when my uncle was born: women were mostly just a piece of property, somewhat better than slaves but without the ability to inherit or own tangible property - it created a victim mentality millennia ago and was true even into the 20th Century. Life was not awesome if you were not amongst the free landowners or did not marry well.
So, you are female, your father or husband dies, you do not have an adult child or close kin to take you in ... you are going to do what with yourself to support yourself and /or any children? Yeah, manual labor, if you can get it, prostitution or finding a sugar daddy. Your options were limited by law and society, your needs growing greater. I fully understand. My friend, not so much.
"You just go and get a job!" I had to explain to him that the culture of this country is far different than the rest of the world and the role of women almost non-existent even to this day. I left him with something to think about.
The orphan was equally damaged by this same mentality. You are someone else's child, which mean you are someone else's responsibility! If they are dead, you shortly will be as well. This is still the mentality in much of the world toward orphans - something to be bought, sold and exploited ...
First Century Church
In the first century world of James, as he wrote this, neither a widow, nor an orphan, had any right to property, hence no food and no hope as well.
So, "You as a Christian, are to be the revolutionary against the world's system and culture, and you are to ... ?"
He had no answer.
"You are to offer hope to the helpless, but there is no hope without your also becoming involved in their lives and helping them!"
He just stared at me for a few minutes and commented that, that is not where he is in life, at this time ... ("If ever.", muttered under his breath.)
Sigh.
Social Services
Any form of Social Services used to be the role of the Church and one of the reasons the lost came to the Church. The Church members actually cared more about others than themselves. The Government has replaced the Church and those in need have become "out of sight / out of mind" to the Church today. The very idea of a Church taking care of its own, much less non-members, is inconceivable in most Churches. In the area where I now live, we have a consortium of churches which have created a food bank and basic social services - without any personal involvement what-so-ever on the part of the Church membership ... Not quite the model the 1st century Church demonstrated.
YOU
Of course, this next part was lost on my friend as well:
You also are not to encourage the debasement of the needy.
Think in terms of "Well, I see you are hungry, you can work for me for food." No, not quite what we are told to do.
"Well, I see you are a meth addict so you got your own problems. Bye." Again, not what we are told to do!
You do not have to give an addict money, you can offer a meal from McDonald's. Or, carry gift certificates to McDonald's. You can hand out little flyers that cover where shelter is available, and food, in your area. You can even help them to find work - if they are willing to. All the while being mindful that as a woman or a man, you are not going to be helping strangers of the opposite sex. Nor are you going to be exposing your family to unknown danger. Be wise!
On the one hand, needy stranger could be an angel testing your commitment. More than likely it is someone driven by the control of Satan and will wreak havoc in your life if given the opportunity to. Even those you know to be committed Christians can behave in manners wholly unbecoming your charity and intent - because they are sold out to the world and will only see through the eyes of evil.
Sigh ...
And yet, you are to willing, flexible and able to give as opportunity presents itself.
So, your prayer is for DISCERNMENT, something lacking in almost all Christians in this culture; a Servants HEART, giving and not taking; and WISDOM. Armed with these three, the first century Church turned the western world upside down! Equally armed, the Church of the 21st century can do the same!
But, do notice the diminishing impact the Church has in this world today. Can you guess why?
Other Verse To Consider
Matthew 7:21
Luke 6:46
Galatians 6:10
Titus 2:14, 3:8
1 John 3:17 - 18
So, what came up was James 2 and why on Earth I would travel half way around the Earth to adopt four children - cashing in my retirement fund in the process? To him, how stupid could I possibly be?
Please take a gander at James 1:26 through 2:26, so you can see the basis for the discussion.
Care For The Widows and Orphans
It is amazing to me the willingness to be ignorant in this culture and day! If we roll the clock back to the birth of my Great Uncle Leonard, 1844, life was extremely different! No, I am not talking about the worthless inventions of the 20th Century, they are mostly just changing the technology of what already existed: travel, entertainment, business process, etc.. Different does not necessarily mean better, it just may mean faster, but speed does not dictate improvement.
Back when my uncle was born: women were mostly just a piece of property, somewhat better than slaves but without the ability to inherit or own tangible property - it created a victim mentality millennia ago and was true even into the 20th Century. Life was not awesome if you were not amongst the free landowners or did not marry well.
So, you are female, your father or husband dies, you do not have an adult child or close kin to take you in ... you are going to do what with yourself to support yourself and /or any children? Yeah, manual labor, if you can get it, prostitution or finding a sugar daddy. Your options were limited by law and society, your needs growing greater. I fully understand. My friend, not so much.
"You just go and get a job!" I had to explain to him that the culture of this country is far different than the rest of the world and the role of women almost non-existent even to this day. I left him with something to think about.
The orphan was equally damaged by this same mentality. You are someone else's child, which mean you are someone else's responsibility! If they are dead, you shortly will be as well. This is still the mentality in much of the world toward orphans - something to be bought, sold and exploited ...
First Century Church
In the first century world of James, as he wrote this, neither a widow, nor an orphan, had any right to property, hence no food and no hope as well.
So, "You as a Christian, are to be the revolutionary against the world's system and culture, and you are to ... ?"
He had no answer.
"You are to offer hope to the helpless, but there is no hope without your also becoming involved in their lives and helping them!"
He just stared at me for a few minutes and commented that, that is not where he is in life, at this time ... ("If ever.", muttered under his breath.)
Sigh.
Social Services
Any form of Social Services used to be the role of the Church and one of the reasons the lost came to the Church. The Church members actually cared more about others than themselves. The Government has replaced the Church and those in need have become "out of sight / out of mind" to the Church today. The very idea of a Church taking care of its own, much less non-members, is inconceivable in most Churches. In the area where I now live, we have a consortium of churches which have created a food bank and basic social services - without any personal involvement what-so-ever on the part of the Church membership ... Not quite the model the 1st century Church demonstrated.
YOU
Of course, this next part was lost on my friend as well:
- You are to be unstained by the world
- You are to have the heart of a servant
- You must turn to Jesus for ALL things
- You are not to be judgmental in supplying the needs of others
You also are not to encourage the debasement of the needy.
Think in terms of "Well, I see you are hungry, you can work for me for food." No, not quite what we are told to do.
"Well, I see you are a meth addict so you got your own problems. Bye." Again, not what we are told to do!
You do not have to give an addict money, you can offer a meal from McDonald's. Or, carry gift certificates to McDonald's. You can hand out little flyers that cover where shelter is available, and food, in your area. You can even help them to find work - if they are willing to. All the while being mindful that as a woman or a man, you are not going to be helping strangers of the opposite sex. Nor are you going to be exposing your family to unknown danger. Be wise!
On the one hand, needy stranger could be an angel testing your commitment. More than likely it is someone driven by the control of Satan and will wreak havoc in your life if given the opportunity to. Even those you know to be committed Christians can behave in manners wholly unbecoming your charity and intent - because they are sold out to the world and will only see through the eyes of evil.
Sigh ...
And yet, you are to willing, flexible and able to give as opportunity presents itself.
So, your prayer is for DISCERNMENT, something lacking in almost all Christians in this culture; a Servants HEART, giving and not taking; and WISDOM. Armed with these three, the first century Church turned the western world upside down! Equally armed, the Church of the 21st century can do the same!
But, do notice the diminishing impact the Church has in this world today. Can you guess why?
Other Verse To Consider
Matthew 7:21
Luke 6:46
Galatians 6:10
Titus 2:14, 3:8
1 John 3:17 - 18
February 25, 2015
Rebuild Again
MicroSquish got me again with 171 updates which locked up my machine so completely that there was no way to gain access to it AT ALL!!!!
Gees! Really?
So, killed my completed install and started all over again. Finally got it all done about 11 pm last night. Sigh.
But, again, I am back up and hopefully can post something meaningful tomorrow.
HOWEVER .....
I should note that I was whacked by the same occurrences which preceded my great flu bout of January! One horrible day for me physically. :(
But, I learned that my grandchildren and eldest daughter all have the flu, as of Monday and I has been sufficient days since I was with them for my very late birthday celebration for flu incubation ... sigh ...
So, afraid to even go to bed tonight in fear of reliving my January 16th through 20th ...
Gees! Really?
So, killed my completed install and started all over again. Finally got it all done about 11 pm last night. Sigh.
But, again, I am back up and hopefully can post something meaningful tomorrow.
HOWEVER .....
I should note that I was whacked by the same occurrences which preceded my great flu bout of January! One horrible day for me physically. :(
But, I learned that my grandchildren and eldest daughter all have the flu, as of Monday and I has been sufficient days since I was with them for my very late birthday celebration for flu incubation ... sigh ...
So, afraid to even go to bed tonight in fear of reliving my January 16th through 20th ...
February 23, 2015
A Mystery
Hmmmm, Friday I returned my borrowed car to my close friend. My computer has essentially been down since Wednesday night when MicroSquish decided to download what was to become almost 400 updates! by Sunday morning! OMG! So, out of touch via the computer but phone works just fine for texting.
Friend even texted me often during this time.
Hmmmm, and yet ...
I finally get my computer up about 9:00 Sunday night and guess what! She is now in a relationship with a guy she has never mentioned?
Huh?
So, although I have tons to write about tonight for Monday mornings post - HOW CAN I???? I am consumed by curiosity! I am also cautiously happy for her .....
Best get those fingers flying girl and tell me what is going on!
:)
Friend even texted me often during this time.
Hmmmm, and yet ...
I finally get my computer up about 9:00 Sunday night and guess what! She is now in a relationship with a guy she has never mentioned?
Huh?
So, although I have tons to write about tonight for Monday mornings post - HOW CAN I???? I am consumed by curiosity! I am also cautiously happy for her .....
Best get those fingers flying girl and tell me what is going on!
:)
February 21, 2015
Musical Saturday Morning
I was thinking of Rachel so thought I would hop onto Youtube and see what she has posted that is new ..
I really love her voice, she has talent and I wish she could get the recognition others of less talent receive.
I really love her voice, she has talent and I wish she could get the recognition others of less talent receive.
February 19, 2015
Inequality Before The Law
GRRRRRRR!
You know if I was a man and I treated Gaelic Girl the way she stalks and hounds me - I would be in jail and GG would have a restraining order.
But, I am male, being attacked to the point of major angina attacks and there is legally nothing I can do about it!
GRRRRRRRRRRRR!
I think once I get this year behind me, so maybe 2017? LOL I might have to look into the entire question of male rights in this society. Men have none. The defenseless female has scooped up all of the rights, everything is in their favor - and yes, I do understand why. I have known far too many victimized women and far too many men whom would have been quietly shot in a just society by her brothers, uncles and father!
But, really? Men are just supposed to take abuse and let it ride. It is okay, you get driven to a heart attack - to bad for you, it is your bad heart to begin with. To quote her, "I will do what I want, say what I want, and if you heart can not take it to bad for you!"
Yeah that is what mental illness buys you.
Of course all is my fault. I was supposed to watch the house while she was in Tucson for the gem and mineral show. Well, I was at an antique show. Apparently, her trip trumps my trip. Especially as how there was a major theft at the house. :( So, it is my fault everything in the yard disappeared. I wonder if the idea of putting expensive things away has ever dawned on her? I have told her and kids for a decade ...
But no one listens to me, I apparently am just the used to be eye candy around here. LOL
So now I have to go the police station and fill out forms, write a letter to all of her neighbors ... and here I am writing to you my dear readers because I could not give a fig for what she has caused to have happen.
Attitude, attitude ... :)
You know if I was a man and I treated Gaelic Girl the way she stalks and hounds me - I would be in jail and GG would have a restraining order.
But, I am male, being attacked to the point of major angina attacks and there is legally nothing I can do about it!
GRRRRRRRRRRRR!
I think once I get this year behind me, so maybe 2017? LOL I might have to look into the entire question of male rights in this society. Men have none. The defenseless female has scooped up all of the rights, everything is in their favor - and yes, I do understand why. I have known far too many victimized women and far too many men whom would have been quietly shot in a just society by her brothers, uncles and father!
But, really? Men are just supposed to take abuse and let it ride. It is okay, you get driven to a heart attack - to bad for you, it is your bad heart to begin with. To quote her, "I will do what I want, say what I want, and if you heart can not take it to bad for you!"
Yeah that is what mental illness buys you.
Of course all is my fault. I was supposed to watch the house while she was in Tucson for the gem and mineral show. Well, I was at an antique show. Apparently, her trip trumps my trip. Especially as how there was a major theft at the house. :( So, it is my fault everything in the yard disappeared. I wonder if the idea of putting expensive things away has ever dawned on her? I have told her and kids for a decade ...
But no one listens to me, I apparently am just the used to be eye candy around here. LOL
So now I have to go the police station and fill out forms, write a letter to all of her neighbors ... and here I am writing to you my dear readers because I could not give a fig for what she has caused to have happen.
Attitude, attitude ... :)
February 18, 2015
Antiques, Life and Falling
Nothing more exemplifies the problem with me involved in an antique show than the "business" itself.
I try very hard to always be an honest man. Father was a pathological liar, so you will never catch me in a lie. I hate liars. The antique business is rift with liars, it drives me crazy! I listen to conversations in other booths and sometimes it is hard to not interrupt and say something!
I jealousy guard my integrity - that was beaten into me as a child! Who am I when no one is watching? I try to be the same man, no being someone else in private versus public. Father suffered from not being able to be the same person, or multiple persons depending upon the situation! I felt sorry for him at times because even if he thought himself smarter than others, not everyone is unobservant nor an idiot. Yeah, his friend list was mighty short and always confused.
And the antique business is, as far as I have observed across fifty years of hanging out it my grandmother and helping her, as well as mother, and listening to other dealers - it is by and far not a very honest business. Lie to a seller to get it cheaper, lie to a purchaser to get a higher price. Then brag about it later ...
Sigh.
Honest man - Dishonest world.
Having Integrity - in a dishonest world.
My friends do not understand my revulsion, probably because they themselves can not win the fight in this area. Yeah, I know when I am being lied to and I just keep quiet, it sickens me. But, I have led an action filled life! So, my friends devised the Kris 70-30 principal: 70% is pure bull and the other 30% probably is too! LOL, it just cracks me up! And they say it with a smile because most of them were in on most of my escapades!
Oh, make no mistake, this new Kris is quite capable of fouling up, mostly because he is soooo stupid. Old Kris, I like better because he was just flat stupid and could not even know he was fouling up! I miss Old Kris, New Kris knows when he screws up ... DOH!
Sigh.
Yet that seems to be the struggle all mankind must share: knowing that we fail, that we are going to fail, must repent and must continue to walk in faith through Jesus to be stronger next time temptation raises its ugly head.
Will Kris fail again? More than likely.
Will Kris figure it out and feel stupid? Heavens yes!
Will Kris start over? Yup.
Will Kris repeat until God calls him home? Sigh .......
But, no I am not going to stoop to the level of other antique dealers ...
I have to be able to sleep at night.
I try very hard to always be an honest man. Father was a pathological liar, so you will never catch me in a lie. I hate liars. The antique business is rift with liars, it drives me crazy! I listen to conversations in other booths and sometimes it is hard to not interrupt and say something!
I jealousy guard my integrity - that was beaten into me as a child! Who am I when no one is watching? I try to be the same man, no being someone else in private versus public. Father suffered from not being able to be the same person, or multiple persons depending upon the situation! I felt sorry for him at times because even if he thought himself smarter than others, not everyone is unobservant nor an idiot. Yeah, his friend list was mighty short and always confused.
And the antique business is, as far as I have observed across fifty years of hanging out it my grandmother and helping her, as well as mother, and listening to other dealers - it is by and far not a very honest business. Lie to a seller to get it cheaper, lie to a purchaser to get a higher price. Then brag about it later ...
Sigh.
Honest man - Dishonest world.
Having Integrity - in a dishonest world.
My friends do not understand my revulsion, probably because they themselves can not win the fight in this area. Yeah, I know when I am being lied to and I just keep quiet, it sickens me. But, I have led an action filled life! So, my friends devised the Kris 70-30 principal: 70% is pure bull and the other 30% probably is too! LOL, it just cracks me up! And they say it with a smile because most of them were in on most of my escapades!
Oh, make no mistake, this new Kris is quite capable of fouling up, mostly because he is soooo stupid. Old Kris, I like better because he was just flat stupid and could not even know he was fouling up! I miss Old Kris, New Kris knows when he screws up ... DOH!
Sigh.
Yet that seems to be the struggle all mankind must share: knowing that we fail, that we are going to fail, must repent and must continue to walk in faith through Jesus to be stronger next time temptation raises its ugly head.
Will Kris fail again? More than likely.
Will Kris figure it out and feel stupid? Heavens yes!
Will Kris start over? Yup.
Will Kris repeat until God calls him home? Sigh .......
But, no I am not going to stoop to the level of other antique dealers ...
I have to be able to sleep at night.
February 17, 2015
If You Can't Play Nicely ...
First up - my computer is still running!!!!! PTL!!!!! (just to show my age...)
So, I have been at an antique show since Fridaty, helping my mother and at the same time continuing to raise cash to buy a replacement vehicle. Sigh ...
We were still setting up when the show organizer came through and asked mother if she would move her chair. And, she chose to get into his face! It was really an ugly scene!
Mind you the organizer was set for bear before he got there and looking for a fight, he found it! It was like, OMG - go away you two! Neither was going to back down and it escalated to the point that mother was finally thrown out of the show! So, her reign of terror was ended after 29 years of doing that show.
It was the classic example of how Americans can come upon a feeling of entitlement and then be really obnoxious about the stupidest things! Be it a parking place at the grocery store, a place in line at Starbucks or in this case whether or not you should sit in the middle of the aisle because you overloaded your booth with stuff.
Sigh.
So, the sniping went on for three solid days - 32 hours of it! Yelling, shouting, rudeness, you know the drill ... And that was just my mother, for three solid days she broke every show rule there was and raised a stink over everything. I almost was thinking full onset dementia had finally arrived!
I was amazed that security was not called. I was amazed she was not taken away in a padded wagon! (do they have those here?) The organizer showed amazing restraint. I would have slapped her half way into tomorrow!
Sunday however was the worse. Tear down was at 5, mom started at 12, just to prove a point. And the yelling and rudeness as worse on her part.
Then I failed to eat her sandwich she brought me - I just was too upset to eat - which raised her blood pressure and put me on her dirt list.
Then I signed up to the show next year - how dare I side with her detractors!
Then I finally told her I was beaten as a child to be obedient and compliant - obvious she had not been.
Kris is now dead and I was told to stay away from her.
Whatever.
My physical heart can not take much more of this ...
So, I have been at an antique show since Fridaty, helping my mother and at the same time continuing to raise cash to buy a replacement vehicle. Sigh ...
We were still setting up when the show organizer came through and asked mother if she would move her chair. And, she chose to get into his face! It was really an ugly scene!
Mind you the organizer was set for bear before he got there and looking for a fight, he found it! It was like, OMG - go away you two! Neither was going to back down and it escalated to the point that mother was finally thrown out of the show! So, her reign of terror was ended after 29 years of doing that show.
It was the classic example of how Americans can come upon a feeling of entitlement and then be really obnoxious about the stupidest things! Be it a parking place at the grocery store, a place in line at Starbucks or in this case whether or not you should sit in the middle of the aisle because you overloaded your booth with stuff.
Sigh.
So, the sniping went on for three solid days - 32 hours of it! Yelling, shouting, rudeness, you know the drill ... And that was just my mother, for three solid days she broke every show rule there was and raised a stink over everything. I almost was thinking full onset dementia had finally arrived!
I was amazed that security was not called. I was amazed she was not taken away in a padded wagon! (do they have those here?) The organizer showed amazing restraint. I would have slapped her half way into tomorrow!
Sunday however was the worse. Tear down was at 5, mom started at 12, just to prove a point. And the yelling and rudeness as worse on her part.
Then I failed to eat her sandwich she brought me - I just was too upset to eat - which raised her blood pressure and put me on her dirt list.
Then I signed up to the show next year - how dare I side with her detractors!
Then I finally told her I was beaten as a child to be obedient and compliant - obvious she had not been.
Kris is now dead and I was told to stay away from her.
Whatever.
My physical heart can not take much more of this ...
February 16, 2015
Prayer
It is Thursday night, I am going to be gone from Friday morning through late Sunday night, so posting this now ... and uncomfortably might have to update this if things do go bad.
Most of my remaining friends, and yeah, even family, are now in their 90's - mighty old by human standards even in countries with excellent health care.
My mining partner from the 1970's and 1980's, a man of impressive resume in mine operations and constructions, lay dying.
His pacemaker does not seem to work - his body is rejecting it after years of being there! The heart can now hardly move the blood for his life. His body badly swollen with edema, and the pain which comes with that. And of course, with this series come pneumonia.
Only God knows how much longer he has, like my father with the same circumstances - days? Hours?
I hope I do not have to modify this post before Monday ...
I feel sick. He rates as the second man in my life I have trusted. I will be lost without him and his sage advice.
UPDATE!!!!!
So, late Friday, they finally figured out that the pacemaker had been installed incorrectly years ago!!! OMG! They rerouted the wire and by Saturday morning he was fit enough to kick the dog around!
Lungs are now clear, edema is mostly gone, heart is working well and he dodged a bullet!
Now will he rethink his problem with his Creator?
Only your prayers can force that issue in his life!
Most of my remaining friends, and yeah, even family, are now in their 90's - mighty old by human standards even in countries with excellent health care.
My mining partner from the 1970's and 1980's, a man of impressive resume in mine operations and constructions, lay dying.
His pacemaker does not seem to work - his body is rejecting it after years of being there! The heart can now hardly move the blood for his life. His body badly swollen with edema, and the pain which comes with that. And of course, with this series come pneumonia.
Only God knows how much longer he has, like my father with the same circumstances - days? Hours?
I hope I do not have to modify this post before Monday ...
I feel sick. He rates as the second man in my life I have trusted. I will be lost without him and his sage advice.
UPDATE!!!!!
So, late Friday, they finally figured out that the pacemaker had been installed incorrectly years ago!!! OMG! They rerouted the wire and by Saturday morning he was fit enough to kick the dog around!
Lungs are now clear, edema is mostly gone, heart is working well and he dodged a bullet!
Now will he rethink his problem with his Creator?
Only your prayers can force that issue in his life!
February 14, 2015
Musical Saturday Morning
You have no idea how meaningful this song is to me - because no one notices what is fading away ....
and yes, we are on the border and no one notices ...
and yes, we are on the border and no one notices ...
February 13, 2015
Perhaps a Good 13th?
So, back up, again! on my computer! It has just been struggle after struggle on this poor Acer! But, it has been running now for 24 hours, albeit loading programs - rather than doing something I want to do!
I was able to load through Thursday before the computer went down on Monday again. And, I thought to myself ... "What is going on?????"
So, I loaded a program off of the internet, an old program but a good tool to have in your back pocket as long as you do not keep it on your system: TeaTimer. I ran into this progam I think it was decades ago through my work and kept it on a flashdrive so that I could use it to debug my company's idiot tech staff blunders. It tells you when something is messing with your register.
Now what has been going on is that my machine can take 15 minutes to respond to an internet request. Why? No idea. Had Comcast debug and prove it was not them or their equipment. Reloaded my computer several times this week - all with the same result.
So time for Tea!
And what it showed I could not believe! Real Networks' applications, of which I run several and have since the 1980's are now beating up the register like there is no tomorrow! Hit ENTER and then watch TeaTimer tracking 15 minutes of Register changes on my computer! Why? No idea, but I was able to capture it in action! On several requests.
So, one more reload and now my machine is lightening fast!
Go figure.
If someone at MicroSquish had actually known how to write a real time operating system, they never would have blundered like this with their easily corruptible Register. I know, I was one of the six whom created and maintained IBM's real time systems, so I do know. Sigh, so sad, a world in slavery to bad designs heralded as achievements ... And by the way MicroSquish, it is called a Stack, not a Register. You can't even get the name right!
So, it may be Friday the 13th, but I have a running computer!
I was able to load through Thursday before the computer went down on Monday again. And, I thought to myself ... "What is going on?????"
So, I loaded a program off of the internet, an old program but a good tool to have in your back pocket as long as you do not keep it on your system: TeaTimer. I ran into this progam I think it was decades ago through my work and kept it on a flashdrive so that I could use it to debug my company's idiot tech staff blunders. It tells you when something is messing with your register.
Now what has been going on is that my machine can take 15 minutes to respond to an internet request. Why? No idea. Had Comcast debug and prove it was not them or their equipment. Reloaded my computer several times this week - all with the same result.
So time for Tea!
And what it showed I could not believe! Real Networks' applications, of which I run several and have since the 1980's are now beating up the register like there is no tomorrow! Hit ENTER and then watch TeaTimer tracking 15 minutes of Register changes on my computer! Why? No idea, but I was able to capture it in action! On several requests.
So, one more reload and now my machine is lightening fast!
Go figure.
If someone at MicroSquish had actually known how to write a real time operating system, they never would have blundered like this with their easily corruptible Register. I know, I was one of the six whom created and maintained IBM's real time systems, so I do know. Sigh, so sad, a world in slavery to bad designs heralded as achievements ... And by the way MicroSquish, it is called a Stack, not a Register. You can't even get the name right!
So, it may be Friday the 13th, but I have a running computer!
February 12, 2015
Wheels
So, my Lincoln, a semi-free gift from Dutchman (which is to say that I bought it off of him when he fell on some hard financial times last January), died on my birthday. Remembering, of course, that no good deed goes unpunished.
My friend was nice enough to loan me their car. It certainly would have been a mess in my life without during this time! And so I have been hunting a car.
First car was a cherry 1997 LeSabre, only problem was that the little old lady dropped dead and so that kind of killed the sale.
Second car was a 2003 Escape. It was used, low miles, just a basic car that would at least meet daily driving requirements. Only the transaxle went out two blocks from the dealership. Whoops!
Third car was a 1994 Ford Ranger 4X4. Not exactly what I need. But I could use a truck to haul stuff around. Certainly do not need 4X4 drive but I would not disqualify the truck just because of that. But, someone at the State called up the dealership and told them to pull the truck from their sales inventory. It seems that the 1994 only had a 5 digit mileage display and not 6 digits, so there is no proof of actual miles. So, I went over the truck with a critical eye and I do believe that the miles on the odometer are actual miles. The interior is just to new for the truck have rolled over 100,000, much less, 200,000 miles. So, I asked them to have a car for sale inspection done by a local shop. If it comes back clean, I might be able to afford it.
Now the son of the dead woman finds that he has a Power of Attorney, so it took ALL day but I ended up with the LeSabre.
But, of course, I am a Plattner - the family cursed by the god of transportation ... Paperwork no sooner done then the turn indicator switch breaks in the steering column and the seat belt receiver for the driver - committed suicide. Sigh. So, hope to have the new seat belt part in next week so I can drive the car. Then I will have to find a General Motors dealership of I can get a new turn indicator and the tools to pull the steering column. Ah, such fun ....
My friend was nice enough to loan me their car. It certainly would have been a mess in my life without during this time! And so I have been hunting a car.
First car was a cherry 1997 LeSabre, only problem was that the little old lady dropped dead and so that kind of killed the sale.
Second car was a 2003 Escape. It was used, low miles, just a basic car that would at least meet daily driving requirements. Only the transaxle went out two blocks from the dealership. Whoops!
Third car was a 1994 Ford Ranger 4X4. Not exactly what I need. But I could use a truck to haul stuff around. Certainly do not need 4X4 drive but I would not disqualify the truck just because of that. But, someone at the State called up the dealership and told them to pull the truck from their sales inventory. It seems that the 1994 only had a 5 digit mileage display and not 6 digits, so there is no proof of actual miles. So, I went over the truck with a critical eye and I do believe that the miles on the odometer are actual miles. The interior is just to new for the truck have rolled over 100,000, much less, 200,000 miles. So, I asked them to have a car for sale inspection done by a local shop. If it comes back clean, I might be able to afford it.
Now the son of the dead woman finds that he has a Power of Attorney, so it took ALL day but I ended up with the LeSabre.
But, of course, I am a Plattner - the family cursed by the god of transportation ... Paperwork no sooner done then the turn indicator switch breaks in the steering column and the seat belt receiver for the driver - committed suicide. Sigh. So, hope to have the new seat belt part in next week so I can drive the car. Then I will have to find a General Motors dealership of I can get a new turn indicator and the tools to pull the steering column. Ah, such fun ....
February 11, 2015
Never Speak Ill
Saturday was the funeral for Dutchman's father.
It was nice to see all of the Dutchman's clan, except for one of Dutchman's sons, whom lives in Hawaii and seems too busy with his Amway business to honor his grandfather. Well, no one was surprised, he is a very troubled young man and has been for a few decades. We are talking psychopath level of dysfunction here.
All of the siblings were there, Swede and I, both have been involved with the family since October 1973, we were warmly welcomed. And everyone stood around and yakked. Everyone was paid attention to, except for the widow. Yeah, I spent some time yakking with her.
She said that it was hard picking out what to bury him in (insert massive tears!), I told her the hard part was a few weeks from now (that is when traditionally no one in this culture any longer cares or remembers her loss - and now ignores her and her needs). So, I asked her to please call and let me know how I can help. (Insert more tears!) Someone else eventually walked up so I could slip away from the crying female. It is not that I do not have compassion for her loss, I just have no ability to identify with it. Sigh ...
It was a touching memorial. It was what was not said that resonated through out the hall. He was the most violent man I have ever even heard of. His BEAT his boys, Swede and I unmercifully. His yard was a testimony to what happens when you take a sledgehammer to everything! Yeah, nothing worked because he would smash it in his rages. He forgets to put dishwasher soap in the dishwasher and the dishes come out dirty - yup, time for a sledgehammer! (not joking!)
And then someone brought up his love for gardening ... And Kris, completely lost it. I was snorting and laughing so hard and with no control at all! Because, yes he loved gardening as long as Dutchman or I did the rototilling of the soil, hoeing, planting, weeding and watering - he liked to pick over vegetables in the sink ... Yeah, he was not a gardener ...
The best gardening story had to be when his youngest son was 14, got drunk, stole his eldest brother's 4X4 and was giving a tour around their backyard to his friends. Only problem was that he had never driven, my boat was stored in their yard and that was where the garden was as well. The car went out of control, he literally cut my boat in half, then buried both axles of the 4X4 in the garden ... His father was outraged that the garden, he had invested nothing in, was destroyed. He literally beat the boy within an inch of his life, called up his son in Ecuador and reamed him out for storing that 4X4 at the house while he was on missionary assignment, and then it was my turn for daring to pay to store my boat at his house. Sigh.
Welcome to life.
As I said, nothing ill was ever said. Yet, it lay just below the surface. The boys were all devastated. I know that Dutchman had harbored in his heart the desire to reconcile one day with his father. He had tried many times through the years, but he was never smart enough, never helpful enough, never what his father wanted. And that was true with all of the boys. And it showed in all of their grief. They were gutted, not by his death, but by the knowledge that their father never said he loved them nor appreciated them and now never would. Males of any age need to know that their father approves of them.
And now there is only emptiness.
I should remind my readers that this man did become a real Christian about 20 years ago. He was a pretty awesome one at that. Those whom did not know him before - could not understand. Those damaged by the old him, well they had a hard time coming to terms with his change ... and at how that change did not bring any apology.
If there is a lesson to be learned, it is that everything we say or do has an impact on others. The past, for better or worse, is going to haunt you. If you can not make amends, well others will be damaged forever. If you can, then you and others can grow past the problems.
Well and maybe giving your son, of any age a hug might be a good idea as well. Look for the good in him - he lives in a culture which is more than happy to remind him he is a failure.....
It was nice to see all of the Dutchman's clan, except for one of Dutchman's sons, whom lives in Hawaii and seems too busy with his Amway business to honor his grandfather. Well, no one was surprised, he is a very troubled young man and has been for a few decades. We are talking psychopath level of dysfunction here.
All of the siblings were there, Swede and I, both have been involved with the family since October 1973, we were warmly welcomed. And everyone stood around and yakked. Everyone was paid attention to, except for the widow. Yeah, I spent some time yakking with her.
She said that it was hard picking out what to bury him in (insert massive tears!), I told her the hard part was a few weeks from now (that is when traditionally no one in this culture any longer cares or remembers her loss - and now ignores her and her needs). So, I asked her to please call and let me know how I can help. (Insert more tears!) Someone else eventually walked up so I could slip away from the crying female. It is not that I do not have compassion for her loss, I just have no ability to identify with it. Sigh ...
It was a touching memorial. It was what was not said that resonated through out the hall. He was the most violent man I have ever even heard of. His BEAT his boys, Swede and I unmercifully. His yard was a testimony to what happens when you take a sledgehammer to everything! Yeah, nothing worked because he would smash it in his rages. He forgets to put dishwasher soap in the dishwasher and the dishes come out dirty - yup, time for a sledgehammer! (not joking!)
And then someone brought up his love for gardening ... And Kris, completely lost it. I was snorting and laughing so hard and with no control at all! Because, yes he loved gardening as long as Dutchman or I did the rototilling of the soil, hoeing, planting, weeding and watering - he liked to pick over vegetables in the sink ... Yeah, he was not a gardener ...
The best gardening story had to be when his youngest son was 14, got drunk, stole his eldest brother's 4X4 and was giving a tour around their backyard to his friends. Only problem was that he had never driven, my boat was stored in their yard and that was where the garden was as well. The car went out of control, he literally cut my boat in half, then buried both axles of the 4X4 in the garden ... His father was outraged that the garden, he had invested nothing in, was destroyed. He literally beat the boy within an inch of his life, called up his son in Ecuador and reamed him out for storing that 4X4 at the house while he was on missionary assignment, and then it was my turn for daring to pay to store my boat at his house. Sigh.
Welcome to life.
As I said, nothing ill was ever said. Yet, it lay just below the surface. The boys were all devastated. I know that Dutchman had harbored in his heart the desire to reconcile one day with his father. He had tried many times through the years, but he was never smart enough, never helpful enough, never what his father wanted. And that was true with all of the boys. And it showed in all of their grief. They were gutted, not by his death, but by the knowledge that their father never said he loved them nor appreciated them and now never would. Males of any age need to know that their father approves of them.
And now there is only emptiness.
I should remind my readers that this man did become a real Christian about 20 years ago. He was a pretty awesome one at that. Those whom did not know him before - could not understand. Those damaged by the old him, well they had a hard time coming to terms with his change ... and at how that change did not bring any apology.
If there is a lesson to be learned, it is that everything we say or do has an impact on others. The past, for better or worse, is going to haunt you. If you can not make amends, well others will be damaged forever. If you can, then you and others can grow past the problems.
Well and maybe giving your son, of any age a hug might be a good idea as well. Look for the good in him - he lives in a culture which is more than happy to remind him he is a failure.....
February 10, 2015
ARGH, Computers!!!!
So, my poor little computer took a hard crash and it has been miserable trying to get it back up and running!
Complicating my efforts has been the ASK Toolbar which decided to install itself without permission and a tremendous pain to get wiped back off - about 7 hours and I am still not certain it is wholly gone yet!
Add to this that some of my MicroSquish software is apparently no longer downloadable and I have a real mess. Thank you jerks at MS! It would seem that you really need the disk for anything you buy from MS, since they are now disabling downloads for you have paid for in the past! Luckily, I have a complete set of 2003, so not as nice as 2010 but you know, I can live with it.
And that has just been the start of my problems across that past week!
Complicating my efforts has been the ASK Toolbar which decided to install itself without permission and a tremendous pain to get wiped back off - about 7 hours and I am still not certain it is wholly gone yet!
Add to this that some of my MicroSquish software is apparently no longer downloadable and I have a real mess. Thank you jerks at MS! It would seem that you really need the disk for anything you buy from MS, since they are now disabling downloads for you have paid for in the past! Luckily, I have a complete set of 2003, so not as nice as 2010 but you know, I can live with it.
And that has just been the start of my problems across that past week!
February 5, 2015
Antique Show
Last weekend, I did an antique show. It sure was not my desire to do a show, but a large show was coming to town and so many dealers cancelled their spaces that the show promoter was offering me a free space if I would just fill a spot for them. Really?
The car Dutchman gave me several years ago decided to die two weeks ago and repair is unfortunately not an option this time! Yeah, the drive shaft left the car at 60 miles an hour! This same thing happened to my first room mate, James, his car was to pole vault down the freeway! He broke his leg and that was the end of my first room mate, the first week we had an apartment!
For me, God was gracious and loosing that drive shaft really slowed me down fast! Sigh. But, the transmission to U-joint is missing, the drive shaft is badly damaged and for an older Lincoln - yeah, good luck finding something ... So money now is important so as to find a replacement. Yeah, God in action, yet again - having a way to earn some quick money.
The show was excellent the first day, utterly dead the second day thanks to the Super Bowl. Yawn ... Of course, all of those there were glued to their TVs, computers and radios. I on the other hand began sorting stuff for the next show in two weeks, another free show to me. And a few sales to other bored dealers.
Net result was enough in sales to cover at least the sales tax and fees on that still to be found car ...
The car Dutchman gave me several years ago decided to die two weeks ago and repair is unfortunately not an option this time! Yeah, the drive shaft left the car at 60 miles an hour! This same thing happened to my first room mate, James, his car was to pole vault down the freeway! He broke his leg and that was the end of my first room mate, the first week we had an apartment!
For me, God was gracious and loosing that drive shaft really slowed me down fast! Sigh. But, the transmission to U-joint is missing, the drive shaft is badly damaged and for an older Lincoln - yeah, good luck finding something ... So money now is important so as to find a replacement. Yeah, God in action, yet again - having a way to earn some quick money.
The show was excellent the first day, utterly dead the second day thanks to the Super Bowl. Yawn ... Of course, all of those there were glued to their TVs, computers and radios. I on the other hand began sorting stuff for the next show in two weeks, another free show to me. And a few sales to other bored dealers.
Net result was enough in sales to cover at least the sales tax and fees on that still to be found car ...
February 4, 2015
Flu
This has got to be the worst flu ever. Week three and I am still on my lips!
Three weeks of keeping nothing in me makes for a shrinking Kris, which is not all bad. But, I also lack all energy. I seem to be good at sleeping, sitting and ruling the kingdom of the ants ...
Yeah, youngest daughter, whom knows no food is allowed in her room, created a garbage dump in her room and the ants came to the feast, then stayed.
And so, I kill ants by the THOUSANDS daily. I spray, they move their trails. I squash them by the millions and more are sent. It is beyond disgusting and there seems to be no way to win other than burning this century old house down.
Adding to my joy this year has been twin days of heart testing. Wow, those cardiologists have some drugs which will be knock you on your butt faster than breathing pure helium ... don't ask, long story! ... so that added to my exhaustion.
You know, I think I am going to go bed again ...
Three weeks of keeping nothing in me makes for a shrinking Kris, which is not all bad. But, I also lack all energy. I seem to be good at sleeping, sitting and ruling the kingdom of the ants ...
Yeah, youngest daughter, whom knows no food is allowed in her room, created a garbage dump in her room and the ants came to the feast, then stayed.
And so, I kill ants by the THOUSANDS daily. I spray, they move their trails. I squash them by the millions and more are sent. It is beyond disgusting and there seems to be no way to win other than burning this century old house down.
Adding to my joy this year has been twin days of heart testing. Wow, those cardiologists have some drugs which will be knock you on your butt faster than breathing pure helium ... don't ask, long story! ... so that added to my exhaustion.
You know, I think I am going to go bed again ...
February 3, 2015
Prayer Request
I have many things I want to post, some rattling around for weeks in the back of my mind, yet there is always something more important or at the time I was posting (often weeks in advance) the thought is not mature enough.
So, this is an EMERGENCY prayer request!
One of my "boys", Knife Maker, his new mother-in-law just turned 40 and went in for her baseline mammogram on Friday ... yeah. A story I have seen TOO many times in my life.
So, she has stage 9 (!) breast cancer and will be in surgery I believe today (Tuesday!). So many things to pray for, for her and her surgical team!
I only have met her once. Her name is Norma, a very nice Hispanic woman.
Please lift her and her family up in prayer for the weeks and months to come. I will give updates when I know them.
So, this is an EMERGENCY prayer request!
One of my "boys", Knife Maker, his new mother-in-law just turned 40 and went in for her baseline mammogram on Friday ... yeah. A story I have seen TOO many times in my life.
So, she has stage 9 (!) breast cancer and will be in surgery I believe today (Tuesday!). So many things to pray for, for her and her surgical team!
I only have met her once. Her name is Norma, a very nice Hispanic woman.
Please lift her and her family up in prayer for the weeks and months to come. I will give updates when I know them.
February 2, 2015
Noted In Passing
This one is mighty hard to write and I have been conflicted over writing it all weekend long!
Friday, as I chugged down to an antique sale I was to do for the next three days, I had a call from Dutchman ... his father had at long last died.
I have mentioned his father before in on my blogs as his health began failing a few years ago. Irish, well educated, one of the most stubborn men I have ever met ... and one of the most violent men I have ever heard of. In todays society, he would would have been imprisoned about the time Dutchman was 5 for gross child neglect and abuse. He was NOT a nice man. Conversely, he was a rocket design engineer and he was one of many whose efforts put us on the moon.
He fancied himself as Mr. Fix-it, unfortunately every problem required a hammer because it was the only tool he understood. I can still remember one summer vacation back at his home and Dutchman and I were going to go to a movie. We found him under Dutchman's Opel Kadet wailing on something with a hammer. He decided to fix the transmission for Dutchman! Yeah, we took a bus and bought Dutchman a new car later that week.
Another time he wanted Dutchman and I to watch soccer with him, but we had planned an evening out. So, he decided that we must be gay and while cursing us to the core of our creation - threw a cast iron table at us - perhaps 200 or more pounds. We were about 18 feet away, as it sailed past us! It took out part of his dinning room walls and a door to the basement! We ran for the hills!
And this man, the most violent man I have ever even heard of - met Jesus at the foot of the cross one Saturday morning after he retired. The transformation was beyond belief. It is a shame that his children were all grown by then as they could have used a father whom loved, rather than hated everything - including himself.
As for him and me, he eventually grew to accept me once he figured out that his second son (of four!) and I were not lovers! Gees, really?!?!?!?!? He got me a job with NASA on the Apollo rocket redesign and as he grew older I was often helping him with documents for his retirement and pension.
These last two years, I am not sure if any part of his mind was still on planet Earth, but I liked helping him in his need, as well as his wife's. And as with most families where trouble rules, his kids were unable to do much to help him because the history of whom he was - was more real than whom he became.
So, to Perry, you were a part of my life for 43 years, the last 15 being a witness to the miracle what God can work in a man's heart and life. I look forward to seeing you soon ... but not too soon ...
Friday, as I chugged down to an antique sale I was to do for the next three days, I had a call from Dutchman ... his father had at long last died.
I have mentioned his father before in on my blogs as his health began failing a few years ago. Irish, well educated, one of the most stubborn men I have ever met ... and one of the most violent men I have ever heard of. In todays society, he would would have been imprisoned about the time Dutchman was 5 for gross child neglect and abuse. He was NOT a nice man. Conversely, he was a rocket design engineer and he was one of many whose efforts put us on the moon.
He fancied himself as Mr. Fix-it, unfortunately every problem required a hammer because it was the only tool he understood. I can still remember one summer vacation back at his home and Dutchman and I were going to go to a movie. We found him under Dutchman's Opel Kadet wailing on something with a hammer. He decided to fix the transmission for Dutchman! Yeah, we took a bus and bought Dutchman a new car later that week.
Another time he wanted Dutchman and I to watch soccer with him, but we had planned an evening out. So, he decided that we must be gay and while cursing us to the core of our creation - threw a cast iron table at us - perhaps 200 or more pounds. We were about 18 feet away, as it sailed past us! It took out part of his dinning room walls and a door to the basement! We ran for the hills!
And this man, the most violent man I have ever even heard of - met Jesus at the foot of the cross one Saturday morning after he retired. The transformation was beyond belief. It is a shame that his children were all grown by then as they could have used a father whom loved, rather than hated everything - including himself.
As for him and me, he eventually grew to accept me once he figured out that his second son (of four!) and I were not lovers! Gees, really?!?!?!?!? He got me a job with NASA on the Apollo rocket redesign and as he grew older I was often helping him with documents for his retirement and pension.
These last two years, I am not sure if any part of his mind was still on planet Earth, but I liked helping him in his need, as well as his wife's. And as with most families where trouble rules, his kids were unable to do much to help him because the history of whom he was - was more real than whom he became.
So, to Perry, you were a part of my life for 43 years, the last 15 being a witness to the miracle what God can work in a man's heart and life. I look forward to seeing you soon ... but not too soon ...
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