I think I have written about The Longest Day http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056197/ previously. I stumbled onto to it tonight on TV. It is one of my many favorite World War II movies. Many of the World War II movies strove to be accurate. This one did. And it had an all star cast!
Just enjoying it.
I think about the sacrifice of so many during the wars fought by Americans. My uncle had a letter signed by Admiral Nimitz commending him for his participation in the D-Day landing. Like so many World War II veterans, he would not talk about his time in the war. If we asked him what he did in the war, he would say "I went to San Diego" or "I went to England." And we had the pictures to prove it. Sailors standing around on various sights, but no battle pictures.
As I grew older, I realized that so many men who served in World War II were very much like my uncle. It was a time they wanted to leave behind. A heroism they did not want to revisit.
I think the thing that attracts me most to this movie is the song "The Longest Day."
One of my favorite scenes is when the nuns move in and set up a hospital in the middle of the fighting! Go nuns!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Street Closing
Several days ago, I saw a Citibus go north on a small northbound cross street near my house. This made no sense, and I could not imagine what was going on.
Last night, I had occasion to travel north on a through street in my neighborhood. Not a major artery, but Lubbock has lots of through streets with minimal stop signs and lower speed limits that traverse the neighborhoods. There were signs that the street was closed to through traffic. I was surprised. On the west side of the street is a large apartment complex, and that can be accessed from the south. But I could not get through to my street. No big deal, I took a turn and went another way. Not really inconvenient. A friend and neighbor lives right near the obstruction, and tells me it is ATMOS Energy http://www.atmosenergy.com/ (the local natural gas company) that is doing some work in the area.
We received no notice of this blockage. That does not seem right.
Last night, I had occasion to travel north on a through street in my neighborhood. Not a major artery, but Lubbock has lots of through streets with minimal stop signs and lower speed limits that traverse the neighborhoods. There were signs that the street was closed to through traffic. I was surprised. On the west side of the street is a large apartment complex, and that can be accessed from the south. But I could not get through to my street. No big deal, I took a turn and went another way. Not really inconvenient. A friend and neighbor lives right near the obstruction, and tells me it is ATMOS Energy http://www.atmosenergy.com/ (the local natural gas company) that is doing some work in the area.
We received no notice of this blockage. That does not seem right.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Politics
I had lunch with a coworker the other day, and she said something I so often think. We are in a closed conservative enclave in West Texas. Her comment reflected how pleased she was to see President Obama re-elected with such a majority, the it demonstrates that the conservative mindset is not predominate in all of America.
It is politics season, and in ad after ad, I hear the candidate's conservative background being touted as a reason for people to support that candidate. So, of course, I do not want to vote for these people.
I also hear all of the campaign promises that the candidates make that they cannot possibly know they can deliver on the national level. I want a candidate who is real. Well, that makes selecting someone very difficult.
It is going to be an interesting election cycle this year.
It is politics season, and in ad after ad, I hear the candidate's conservative background being touted as a reason for people to support that candidate. So, of course, I do not want to vote for these people.
I also hear all of the campaign promises that the candidates make that they cannot possibly know they can deliver on the national level. I want a candidate who is real. Well, that makes selecting someone very difficult.
It is going to be an interesting election cycle this year.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Christiains and Catholics
I work in a state prison. Because freedom of religion is a constitutional right, religious services have to be offered in prison. There is a Chaplaincy program which organizes that, but many of the services are provided by volunteers.
Recently, the Chaplain posted the new schedule for religious services: They are on Saturday morning (which is not uncommon, because the volunteers who lead the services need to be available to provide Sunday services for their own parishes/congregations.) The Christian service was first, and then the Catholic Mass.
We talked about this notice this week in our staff meeting. The general comment was that Catholics are Christians, aren't they? This reaction surprised me, because many people on our staff are or were Catholics at some time. The comment was it should have been Protestant and Catholic.
That is what I would have thought, in 1977 when I moved to West Texas from Western Massachusetts. Where I grew up, we had Catholics, and we had Protestants. And, we had Vatican II https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_Council, which taught us to think in terms of ecumenism, inclusiveness in religion, and eventually opened the doors for some other religions (Lutherans and Episcopalians, for example) to be invited to share in the bounty of the Mass and Communion with Catholics, and vice versa.
When I moved to West Texas, I quickly learned there was no such thing as a Protestant in West Texas. There were Catholics, and Christians (it seemed the Episcopalians did not count!) The Christians included the Baptists, the Assembly of God, the Church of Christ, the Methodists, the Lutherans, even the Episcopalians. The Catholics seemed to be an entity by themselves. This was so foreign to me, but became so "normal" to me.
I am so glad my coworkers are so liberal thinking that they do not accept that Catholic and Christian are mutually exclusive. Neither do I, but my reality is that as I have dealt with people in my professional and personal life, the general sentiment in West Texas is very much that: Catholics and Christians are two different categories. That is so sad.
Recently, the Chaplain posted the new schedule for religious services: They are on Saturday morning (which is not uncommon, because the volunteers who lead the services need to be available to provide Sunday services for their own parishes/congregations.) The Christian service was first, and then the Catholic Mass.
We talked about this notice this week in our staff meeting. The general comment was that Catholics are Christians, aren't they? This reaction surprised me, because many people on our staff are or were Catholics at some time. The comment was it should have been Protestant and Catholic.
That is what I would have thought, in 1977 when I moved to West Texas from Western Massachusetts. Where I grew up, we had Catholics, and we had Protestants. And, we had Vatican II https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_Council, which taught us to think in terms of ecumenism, inclusiveness in religion, and eventually opened the doors for some other religions (Lutherans and Episcopalians, for example) to be invited to share in the bounty of the Mass and Communion with Catholics, and vice versa.
When I moved to West Texas, I quickly learned there was no such thing as a Protestant in West Texas. There were Catholics, and Christians (it seemed the Episcopalians did not count!) The Christians included the Baptists, the Assembly of God, the Church of Christ, the Methodists, the Lutherans, even the Episcopalians. The Catholics seemed to be an entity by themselves. This was so foreign to me, but became so "normal" to me.
I am so glad my coworkers are so liberal thinking that they do not accept that Catholic and Christian are mutually exclusive. Neither do I, but my reality is that as I have dealt with people in my professional and personal life, the general sentiment in West Texas is very much that: Catholics and Christians are two different categories. That is so sad.
Friday, February 12, 2016
The Book Club
I went to the Lubbock Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2364 on 2/11/16. We had read Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman http://www.annehillerman.com/. I am a huge fan of her father's mysteries: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Hillerman. Anne is not her father, and there was some critique of her writing, but for the most part, I liked the continuation of the stories of Largo, Chee, Leaphorn, and Manuelito. The book had some style problems, and some unresolved issues. I suspect the unresolved issues will be addressed in another book from Ms. Hillerman. I will read her future books. I like the way she has shifted the emphasis of the series to a female character, one she might better relate to.
Most everybody in the book club liked the book. Many did not care for the style, and some said they would not read any other books by Anne Hillerman, while others, like me, said they would. Our discussion included an acknowledgement that many beginning novelists, including and especially those picking up where someone else left off, had rough starts, but improved with time.
Most everybody in the book club liked the book. Many did not care for the style, and some said they would not read any other books by Anne Hillerman, while others, like me, said they would. Our discussion included an acknowledgement that many beginning novelists, including and especially those picking up where someone else left off, had rough starts, but improved with time.
Returning to the Lifestyle Center
I have not been to the Covenant Lifestyle Center in months. it was a combination of factors. Last fall, while the staff and administration at the Lifestyle Center insisted that the water was "heated," it certainly did not feel that way. I got tired of being cold in the water, and being uncomfortable when I got out. I was not the only one who complained, to no avail.
Then, I got really, really busy at work and often worked so late that I could not have gone to the Lifestyle Center during the week, had I wanted to. I blew off weekend sessions. My bad. Then, the cold winter weather moved in. I have a hard time getting into cold water in cold weather.
Last month, at the Barnes and Noble Book Club, a friend said we needed to return to the Lifestyle Center. I agreed, but did nothing. She said the same thing last night, which motivated me enough to go today. It was a wonderfully warm, sunny day. I could not contact the friend, but went, anyway.
The pool was empty when I arrived, but shortly some pool friends arrived. One told me the pool had been very cold that last 3 days, but was a little warmer today. And the air in the room was warm. (And the pool heater was on, so the pool warmed as we stayed.)
I met some new people at the pool tonight. One is a reader and loves mysteries, and expressed an interest in the Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club.
I was cold when I got out of the pool. One of my pool friends had a robe that she made out of towels, because she was tired of being cold when she got out of the pool. She mentioned that others have started using cotton robes. So, I am not the only one who hates being cold in the pool and when I get out. Hmmmm. I do not sew, but maybe this person will make me a robe, if I buy the towels.
I need the exercise. And I enjoy the people. Maybe I can motivate myself to start to go to the Lifestyle Center regularly, again.
Then, I got really, really busy at work and often worked so late that I could not have gone to the Lifestyle Center during the week, had I wanted to. I blew off weekend sessions. My bad. Then, the cold winter weather moved in. I have a hard time getting into cold water in cold weather.
Last month, at the Barnes and Noble Book Club, a friend said we needed to return to the Lifestyle Center. I agreed, but did nothing. She said the same thing last night, which motivated me enough to go today. It was a wonderfully warm, sunny day. I could not contact the friend, but went, anyway.
The pool was empty when I arrived, but shortly some pool friends arrived. One told me the pool had been very cold that last 3 days, but was a little warmer today. And the air in the room was warm. (And the pool heater was on, so the pool warmed as we stayed.)
I met some new people at the pool tonight. One is a reader and loves mysteries, and expressed an interest in the Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club.
I was cold when I got out of the pool. One of my pool friends had a robe that she made out of towels, because she was tired of being cold when she got out of the pool. She mentioned that others have started using cotton robes. So, I am not the only one who hates being cold in the pool and when I get out. Hmmmm. I do not sew, but maybe this person will make me a robe, if I buy the towels.
I need the exercise. And I enjoy the people. Maybe I can motivate myself to start to go to the Lifestyle Center regularly, again.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Video Problems
For some time now, the video on my computer has not functioned well. I have had to reset and reboot the computer to watch videos. It was getting old. Finally, that remedy did not work. So, I checkout the troubleshooting link on You Tube. They directed me to the Toshiba website http://us.toshiba.com/computers/laptops, to download updates. I did. It was an hour and a half download, but it worked. So far.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Fundraising
The daughter of my niece sent out a fundraising email that was bogus. She only sent it to me, another aunt, and her grandparents. I tried to participate, and could not, so I called her mother tonight, who basically told me her daughter sent this out without adult supervision. So it was a scam.
So, my reaction is this child is very creative, intelligent and imaginative. I hope that is all that is at work, because a scam could mean other things. I hope not.
So, my reaction is this child is very creative, intelligent and imaginative. I hope that is all that is at work, because a scam could mean other things. I hope not.
My Brain Has Been Busy
So, for the last many weeks, my brain has been very, very busy. Overwhelmed. Too occupied.
I have not done much writing, because my brain has been so overwhelmed, I cannot think to write.
I really understand why serious authors need to escape to places where they have silence and peace so they can write.
I have not done much writing, because my brain has been so overwhelmed, I cannot think to write.
I really understand why serious authors need to escape to places where they have silence and peace so they can write.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Buying Books
I think I have written before that my most important card is my library card. I love to read, and checking out books and DVDs is a great asset for me.
But sometimes, the library does not have the books I want. Especially some of the mysteries, that I like to read in order they were written. So, sometimes, I do inter-library loan. Which used to be free, but now has a fee of $3.00 attached. Sometimes, it is cheaper to buy a used book on a web site like AbeBooks http://www.abebooks.com/, or Alibris http://www.alibris.com/books. Sometimes, I buy from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ or Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/_/N-29Z8q8. So, tonight, I went on a shopping spree, and purchased several books to read in the various series that I read regularly. That will be nice, because the library does have several more books in each of the series.
But sometimes, the library does not have the books I want. Especially some of the mysteries, that I like to read in order they were written. So, sometimes, I do inter-library loan. Which used to be free, but now has a fee of $3.00 attached. Sometimes, it is cheaper to buy a used book on a web site like AbeBooks http://www.abebooks.com/, or Alibris http://www.alibris.com/books. Sometimes, I buy from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ or Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/books/_/N-29Z8q8. So, tonight, I went on a shopping spree, and purchased several books to read in the various series that I read regularly. That will be nice, because the library does have several more books in each of the series.
The Dust Was Blowing Today
Have I written about this before? I think my office is not hermetically sealed, although I cannot open the windows, which face East. I have learned that my vent is on the end of the vent line. A couple of years ago, when the wind blew, even a little, I started coughing and hacking to the extent that my co-workers noticed it. I requested my windows be re-sealed, and that seemed to help.
Until today. It was about 2:30 or 2:45 PM. I was doing paperwork in my office, and I started hacking and coughing. The sky to the East, in the windows behind my back, was clear. The sky to the West was brown with dust. And eventually, the sky to the East became brown. And I coughed and hacked my way through the afternoon. I could taste and feel the dust in the air in my office. And, then, the dust abated, and my coughing and hacking abated. Weird?
I could ask for my windows to be re-sealed again. I might do that. I am not sure what else to do.
Until today. It was about 2:30 or 2:45 PM. I was doing paperwork in my office, and I started hacking and coughing. The sky to the East, in the windows behind my back, was clear. The sky to the West was brown with dust. And eventually, the sky to the East became brown. And I coughed and hacked my way through the afternoon. I could taste and feel the dust in the air in my office. And, then, the dust abated, and my coughing and hacking abated. Weird?
I could ask for my windows to be re-sealed again. I might do that. I am not sure what else to do.
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