An Unexpected but Familiar Sound

Who or what woke you up this morning? I would have preferred to stay in bed late today, but I was awaken to the sound of hoot-hoot-hoot. A familiar sound of the not too distant past. Before the snow flies around here, we have a lot of critters that make noises that become so much a part of our environment, that we don't hear them after a while, until either they are gone or they come back. Today, it was my owl friend returning for the spring. Couldn't fall back to sleep, unfortunately. Made coffee and breakfast early, and settled down in the front room only to see a huge black, bird purge in one of the trees above my neighbors house. I waited to see it again to try to identify it, but did not. It looked as large as an eagle, having a large wingspan.
It reminded me of the birds that nest at Bar Harbor, ME. I recall that one summer, we were not allowed to use the carriage roads, as a couple of unfortunate people were attacked by the birds as they swooped down and cut into their heads, as reported by their local newspaper.

My brother in a neighboring town, told me similar stories about a neighbor who was in his yard. I don't know if he saw his bald head but he came at him fast and furiously, drawing blood. They can see very well I'm told and are notorious hunters.
More are obviously coming this way as I don't recall seeing this type of bird around here in my youth. The biggest are the Canadian Geese, Wild Turkey's and Partridge.

My dad used to go fishing, and one day came home to tell us he was attacked by wild geese. Showing us wildly with his hands how he had to fight them off with his fishing pole. That put the do on his fishing trip, and getting on his bike, he scooted on home.

The warm fifty degree temperature of yesterday was decidedly not to last, as it has plummeted to the thirties once again. Monday, forecasters are anticipating another snow storm which may produce ample snow. Enough! It's time for a "spring fling," baseball, and an Easter Parade, with cute little bunnies, and eggs rolling in the grass.

We can't wait to see the display of flowers at the Church that we planted in the fall, for our spring spectacular. One, we can hoot about.

They'll Be Spring in the Valley

They'll be spring in the valley someday! I know, because I just came back from my twenty-minute walk, where I saw buds on trees. It sounds like a good title for a song, anyway I thought I was seeing things, so I literally went over to investigate the branch and sure enough, spring is sprung.

Just think, March is right around the corner and I can't wait for it. Walking today was very pleasant, in the 50's and windy. March winds. How exciting! Linda get your seeds ready, it won't be long now. I also confirmed the buds on the tree outside my picture window.

John started to sneeze last night, another indicator. People who have allergies usually start in March. Pollutants fly in from southern states and land in the valley, where we live.

It' all just a tease though, winter is no quitter, as the weather is forecasting thirties and who knows what else. This time of the year normally we start going through body changes, losing winter fat as we start clean up. The gardens are an absolute mess. Nothing prevents new life from springing forth, even through the previous year's mess. I also notice that we are badly in need of sun. The wonderful natural vitamin D, absorbed on our skin for at least 20 minutes a day, will promote good health. Synthetic sources are not quite the same, but when you have no choice, you have no choice. Not all of us can afford to fly out to sunny spots during winter seasons.

The young boy was playing basketball outside today. Most anxious to have the dirt swept away. Me too!

Should you feel a little down this time of the year, it's normal, everything is so icky, dirty, and now windblown, but never fear, springs is near!

God is enough

Today was busy, especially for Fr. Peter, who did three radio programs, one funeral, cooked and entertained community guests at our 2ND. "mercy meal," for the poor and shut-ins.

I don't know how he did it all. No one will have to sing him lullaby's tonight. That's the way it is with a parish, always busy with lots going on. The stew he made was outstanding, cooking is one of the former chef's best qualities, besides making me laugh. He is good medicine for us.

My heart is heavy tonight though, because my brother is back in the hospital once again, I think for the third or fourth time, not including the surgery. When I attended the funeral today at the church, my mind was on him. I found myself thinking and talking about him most of the evening, not getting the news until I got home. This time, I have bad vibes, as well as my two other brothers. So Fr. if you're reading this, please keep Stan in your prayers.

Good luck on your radio show tomorrow, I'll try to listen in. Thanks Linda for sending me the Song God Is Enough on face book. I know it's there somewhere, I just couldn't find it once I logged out, and I'd like to hear it again.

We are all lucky to have each other, and God Is Enough. He will bring us all safely through troubled waters.

Ash Wednesday

Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday are foreign words to Eastern Orthodox Christians. Yet, we have one thing in common to the West, we have begun the fast. The Great fast. A time for examining ourselves for it seems, an eternity. The Roman Catholic tradition is usually one of sacrifice, and prayer. Ours is a joyful fast, keeping our eye on the mark, or end of the story, the Resurrection of Christ. A gradual leave taking of fish, meat, dairy and eggs, wine and olive oil. This is an action which will strengthen us on our journey.

The gospel stories read from scripture are meant to apply to all of us in any generation. Last week it was Judgment Sunday. A time when we will be accountable for our time here on earth. On how we have treated others.

These readings will bring us back to our proper perspective by Pascha, or Easter. A realization that we are prone to sin and to fail in our walk on earth, and that we have been given remedies for our struggles if only we give them to Jesus, the just Judge.

The sacraments are available through the church. The Church which He died for. It begins with us humbling ourselves, anything less, is pure pride. This is the biggest sin of all, because it says that we do not need God, therefore rejecting Him.

The truth is we will never change, without Him. The other truth is that He will never force us to change, or to love Him, that's up to us. It's for you to decide.

The Bitter-Sweet

I've decided what makes my post different from some of the others that are read is that it is personal. I allow my readers to get a glimpse of my thoughts and reality. That is why today I entitled this the "The Bitter-Sweet."

What does that mean? When you carry the love of another within you, there is the pain of separation, a genuine longing to be with the other, which creates a happiness and sadness at the same time, as your heart brings to mind a need. You wait for their phone call, message, or picture sent to your cell-phone. The days are long when you don't hear from them. You remember their voice, the sound of their laughter, their smile and this is the bitter-sweet.

St. Michael's Church has lost another communicant of it's parish. A long-standing member, Michael. It seems like yesterday, we heard and saw him at our church picnic full of life, singing, enjoying friends, family and reminiscing. His family tells me, that he had a good passing. I was not surprised to hear that this cantor, and loving father would have left in any other manner. He is with his wife now. Love will always continue for this kind man. When my children were little, I would take them shopping to Piggly-Wiggly, then Save-A-Lot, to purchase my groceries, and he being retired, was the bagger. I always looked forward to seeing him and engaging in conversation. I will always remember his smile and kindness toward the children. It is bitter that he is gone, but sweet that Jesus awaits this good and faithful servant.

My dad taught me something about death. All physical life ends and whether it is bitter or sweet depends on you. While he was at the funeral parlor, I recall seeing the many plants that I had in a sunny room, moving and alive. The contrast struck me. My cousin Karen gave my mother some bitter-sweet at the funeral home, representing the bitter-sweet gathering.

This is the time of year we see bitter-sweet in nature. Yesterday, I saw the biggest, fattest robin ever on my dwarf, red, Japanese Maple tree in front of my picture window. It was sweet to see her back here, and I welcomed it as a sign of spring. Saw another this morning as I took in my twenty-minute walk. I wondered as I slowly stepped looking to take-in some vitamin D, while I was dressed in boots, fur and a Russian-style red hat, if this bird would get enough worms. Oddly enough, like bitter-sweet, the ground is partly frozen and partly exposed. Sure enough, where the land was, so was the food.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it is all figured out. A time table for all things. The little bumps are starting to form on the forsythia, and if you look really closely at the trees, some of them are showing more color in their stems. Signs of spring are here now, even though it is extremely cold and icy. There is a hungering within without satiating. A glimpse and recollection of what was and will be again. An empty gnawing and longing.

For no matter how sweet things are right now, or bitter, life was meant to be, bitter-sweet.

My dad used to say, "you've got to take the good with the bad." And, that means bitter-sweet.

Take Your Clothes Off

This morning I had the pleasure of watching Nathan, while Bill went to the dentist for an examination and cleaning. We had inclement weather last night and once again my driveway was left with an amazing amount of ice. I would have had difficulty scraping off the ice on my huge vehicle, while sliding on the ground below.

It was decided that Bill would drive here, instead of my going to his house. Nathan is always happy to go to grandma's house because he gets "spoiled." Usually I'm dressed by the time he arrives, but not today. I had on my evening lounging gown with a blanket-like bathrobe and matching slippers.

Three-year-old toddlers notice everything, but I was surprised when Nathan said, "grandma take your clothes off." I though I was hearing things, he repeated it again. Usually I post on things that are cute or unusual that he will read when he gets older and find funny. When your three, you can get away with a comment like that. He just wanted me to be dressed in my regular garb and didn't quite know how to say it.

Three things come to mind. When people say it doesn't matter what you wear, it does. If you think people don't notice what your wearing, your wrong. Or what you've said, even in jest was not heard, think again.

Make sure that people understand exactly what you mean, and mean what you say.

Taking a Deep Breath

My grandson and I go for walks and while we are outside we always take a moment to take in some deep breaths. I recall my dad used to say the same thing years ago, when we went walking in the evening. It usually was star-lit and pleasant. He must have had a lot of patience as I had such tiny feet and took small steps. My grandson Nathan is tall for his age, so we walk well together. You hear experts say that taking a deep breath is so important, yes vital to your health as it circulates your blood through your body and muscles. His mom is a nurse and she teaches him to do the same thing. It gets him relaxed and focused immediately.

Years ago, it surprised me when my sister-in-law was advised to walk outside in the cold when she had pneumonia. Most often we breath on an even keel. Most of us are shallow breathers. Shallow breathing leads to ill health.

So, in the morning when you get up, make it a habit to say, it's a beautiful day today, and take a deep one.

We were not all meant to be robust runners, and certainly not all of us will look forward to working out at the gym. Just putting on a happy face and taking that deep breath will change you the way it has other's for generations, for the better. Oxidizing your cells re-energizes your body, giving you that healthy look and feeling.

Tied up in Knots

Father Peter had another very entertaining radio show on Thursday. Most people are stressed today for various reasons and the result can be limitless. One of the many problems of being tied up in knots is that you can get painful symptoms like sciatic pain. Pain that can run down your leg, buttocks and is mostly associated with the lower back.

Good news, according to his guest Kathi Casey, is that back pain can be resolved by doing simple stretching exercise 25 minutes a day, eliminating the need for medication.

I started watching the video, and she was sitting crossed-legged on the floor. The first step is that you have to be able to get down on the floor and then up again. More information here.

All things in good time. If you can master the simple advise, than you will be rid of sciatic pain for good. Good Deal.

She offers a money-back refund if your not satisfied. Now that is confidence in a product or service, that you just don't find every day.

Thanks Kathi, I'll give it a whirl tomorrow. And, thank you Fr. Peter for another great radio program. I'm looking forward to your next interactive live show. Join us on WESO 970AM, Thursday, 12-1, and catch the spirit.

The Greedy get Greedier

What happens when you have no alternative but to receive your assistance through a Bank, money managed by a debit card, saving the state money? What happens is that you then are assessed charges. Money that you need then goes to the bank making them a very healthy profit. This story appeared today here for your reading pleasure. Not only do banks make money on transactions that you make, (having no other alternative to get your cash), but interest, on that Federally expended money. More states are following suite. How about yours? Where does it end? People are being subjected to paying taxes and fees everywhere while inflation makes life more and more difficult for people living on a shoestring. Service departments are now charging you to call them with your problems and questions, on your dime, after the initial call. (In some cases it is a $1.00 for a customer balance inquiry).
Do the math, this represents large dollars. Banking locally is what you hear advertisers say. With one contract bank receiving the money, the state does not have to send the payment to local banks, saving processing money. What ever happened to mailing the money, and you taking the check to the bank? It seems that everyone wants a piece of the pie. Especially those who have it all. What's left for you when they are using your money to make money? Who cares?

Do What?

My little grandson was quick with hand today. You've often heard when you get on the phone, that's when they take advantage of your situation by doing something that they shouldn't be doing.

I heard the pen clicking, and I remembered how well he can use it. A couple of days ago I had a dream of his writting on my white walls, words and colorful designs. I didn't know he could write words in my dream. I moved quickly.

Not long after that, I noticed he had pulled the sign that is in my planter that he likes so well. He was holding it, sitting on the couch.

Then, he pulled out the door stop from behind the front door on the wall, showed me and before I could get into that room, took care of it, saying, "Look grandma I fixed it."

Next, I went to check in on him in the livingroom and low and behold he was on the phone. I ran, wondering who he called. I'll never know as it was a busy signal.

But tonight beat all, he was sitting on my computer chair, I was looking at the news in the same room, when I saw him click on the internet using the shortcut on the toolbar at the bottom, skoot up to the favorites (star), scroll down to Noggin. He knew that he needed to wait for the circle, clicked onto the appropriate icon and watched the video on screen. I don't know how long it took me to learn how to do just that. They aren't kids anymore, little men.

First, Do No Harm

It is sad that people have placed all their hope in science. They are convinced that we will have cure all's with the advance of stem cell research. Have we really created a monster? That's it, should we be playing around with created matter, in the first place hoping to find other purposes? We are not God, as some people think they are. The news reported this story, just the tip of the ice burg, or exceptional case. Read here.

Where are you spending our money?

FoxNews.com carries the story that many of us have been talking about since our new president, Obama took office. Here is glimpse of it. "A fresh political battle over taxpayer-funded abortions is brewing less than one month after President Obama lifted a Bush administration ban on giving federal money to international groups that perform or promote the controversial procedure.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are fighting to maintain anti-abortion measures called riders that are added to spending bills to prevent taxpayer money from being spent on funding abortions here or abroad.
"This is the next major fight on the abortion issue," Go here to read the rest. I hope you will agree with me, that this should not be happening, and I am totally not for abortion or funding it.

Father?

I pulled this from FOXNews.com this morning.
To every story there are two sides. Here's another side of this story about fourteen children, who will probably never know the love of a father, that is if he is called father. I don't know, things are so messed up now. I'll leave it up to you to determine. This is the sight for the latest on a very sad story, indeed.

Here are some questions from the story.

"What possible moral failing could be assigned to a man who merely provided the genetic material for a sterile laboratory procedure sanctioned by the law of our land, a procedure that has helped bring millions of beloved children into the arms of good and decent parents?"

"I believe the octuplets’ father does bear a moral burden for providing the sperm used in this birthing calamity. The 14 children fathered by Suleman’s sperm donor were born to an unemployed mother with psychological problems and no apparent insight into the consequences of her actions. But they are also the offspring of someone she apparently knows, and that person apparently has even less concern for the human lives he helped create. "

"At what ethical cost does a society decide to sever every meaningful connection between millions of human beings and their offspring? When the medical system is shown to be capable of the kind of reprehensible, misdirected creative impulse evident in the Suleman case, doesn’t it begin to support the notion that donors of sperm and eggs have some responsibility to make sure they aren’t helping to create chaos and suffering? Must asexual reproduction be, by its very nature, amoral reproduction?
I say no. I hold the sperm donor in the Suleman case just as responsible as she is for the tears to be shed by her children. He had to participate as an actor in this strange drama for it to go so horribly awry. It was his sperm. His. Part of him. If that means nothing to us as a culture anymore, then we may indeed be losing ourselves in our science."

"Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com or e-mail him at info@keithablow.com."

Grandma's Observations

The last couple of days I've noticed that Nathan continues to grow, challenging himself. He watches things that we do, and by golly he will at some point imitate the behavior.

Here are some of the things that I observed more recently and today. When we were playing battle, a card game sometimes known as who beats, the six was puzzling to him. Later I realized that it was because both the six and nine appear on the card, and because he can identify the numbers, he isn't counting to determine how many are actually on the card. Understanding the situation, I showed him the six and counted the six items on the face of the card.

Often we make puzzles, and he finds the favorite part is to pull it apart and make a mess, for grandma to put together. We never get tired of this game. I have noticed that he is getting more familiar with observing how the pieces go. At first, I would make the puzzle and let him press the pieces in. Then I would make all but a few pieces, and he would finish them. Now we are up to three or four pieces left which he can accomplish without losing his patience. He always says, "I did it," happily.

At three, he knows when to wait for the computer, when it is ready to go once turned on, how to use favorites and click on. He can click and drag, playing solitaire. He identifies numbers and with grandma's help gets it right. He knows how to left and right click.

He is staying in the lines better and has very good control of the crayon. When he colors, he fills in more, instead of scribbling.

While working on additions today, we needed to place a sticker which had the correct answer in the box. I saw that it did not follow the regular counting sequence, and he did also. I could tell that he expected to want to place the numbers in order.

After watching the movie CARS, he tried to place the plastic container in the box it came in. He can now remove his shoes, they have Velcro.

Two boys were playing basketball this morning when we went out for a walk. One player let him hold the big ball, impressive. The other was shooting hoops right and left, and when we noticed his ability we also noticed that he was polite. He told Nathan that he plays for a team. Nathan picked up on that word and said he was going to play on a team too.

He will wipe his own nose, going in the bathroom to get a tissue, and throw it away when finished.

The pen has become interesting to him, especially clicking it on and off. He has great control and can draw a decent line to connect the dots.

He has learned to use the words, "no thank you" to his own advantage. Example: Would you like to use the potty now? "No thank you."

His vocabulary is growing and he uses more adjectives, Especially concerning cars and trucks. He knows all the names and what they are for.

Today he wanted to know what route we were on, because in his Cars movie, they talk about route 66. He knows his full name and the name of the street he lives on.

When we sit at the table to eat, he wants me to share, but his is "mine" (meaning just for him). We will work on that.

Today, I asked him if he had to go to the bathroom, I was told to leave the room. So, I asked him if it was to make a poo-poo? And being the honest person that he is, he said, "yes." We will need to work on that, too!

Truly a Mystery

It is hard to wrap one's self around a subject that is a mystery. This mystery confirmed by God's word. Some of this is from Tradition, as the bible commands us to "stand firm and hold to the traditions" (Thessalonians 2:15). In order for me to comprehend that Jesus can be physically present in the Consecrated Bread and Wine, I first must understand how the Logos (Word of God), dwelt in a Virginal Womb. (The Virgin Mary is sometimes called the Chalice, Tabernacle of God, because she contained God in her womb.) That in itself is a mystery. Yet in Matthew 1:23, we read: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel." (God is with us). John the Baptist, in the womb of Elizabeth, heard the voice of Mary & leapt with joy. Elizabeth embraced the Virgin Mary saying: "Blessed art thou among women & blessed is the fruit of thy womb."(Luke 1:41-42) In (John 1:14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. If you go to goarch.org/chapel/liturgical texts here, you will find the following: Akathist Hymn and Small Compline, Apolytikion. "The Mother of our God gave birth to God the Word". "When the bodiless learned of the secret command, he came in haste to Joseph's house and said to her who knew not wedlock: He who bowed the heavens by coming down is Contained Wholly and unchanged in you. Seeing Him take the form of a servant in your womb, I stand in awe and cry out to you. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded." Canon ODE1 To the Mother of God, "The great Archangel, beholding You exclaimed: "Rejoice, O Vessel of Joy" ODE Three Rejoice, untilled land which has sprouted the divine ear of wheat. Rejoice, living table which has held the bread of life. Rejoice, O Lady, never empty font of living water. The symbolism in the above, certainly to me expresses a relationship which encompasses physical manifestations. It is not hard for me therefore, to understand that the Lord can dwell physically inside of me. Reading 1Corinthians23---"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (John 6:51)"I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will LIVE FOREVER; AND THE BREAD THAT I SHALL GIVE IS MY FLESH, WHICH I SHALL GIVE FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD." Jesus Himself tells us that the bread is His flesh.

On Saturday, we will remember those who have died in our families by celebrating, "The Saturday of Souls" Liturgy. We will take communion and in thanksgiving remember that we shared a "common faith." One which we were lucky enough to receive through many generations of believers, and hopefully will pass down to the next generations. May their memory be eternal.
Scripture references are Taken from the Orthodox Study bible.

Did You Know About This?

If you did hear about this, how well will you sleep tonight?
Again, on FOXNews.com comes the story of the day. Breaking News reported this.
"How Nuclear Subs Could Go Bump in the Night
Monday, February 16, 2009
By Matt Sanchez
Great Britain and France have always had their cultural differences, but the latest military miscommunication between the two hardly has them shouting vive la difference! This one literally could have gone nuclear."

It is not the first tale of a near miss, and it probably won't be the last. The movie about "Red October" I'm told was based on such an event.

All is well that ends well. Especially concerning Nuclear anything. Confirming the collision in the North Atlantic, France issued a brief statement on February 6.

Get the full story here.

Texas Mystery Resolved

Astronomer: Texas Fireball Was Meteor.
Go Here to find the story. This story was reported by Associated Press. on (FOXNews.com).
"The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday the fireball was a natural phenomenon — not flying space junk — and a North Texas astronomer said more specifically that it was probably a pickup truck-sized meteor with the consistency of concrete."
Please find this additional bit of information as an up-date to the post I wrote earlier, Dumbfounded FAA, today. We can all breathe a sigh of relief, I think.

Illegitimate offspring

Fr. Peter has written a part II on Southbridge Teen Pregnancy which is worth a few moments of your time. He asks the question, why and how can we help? Read it here.

It is time, and has been time for a long time, to get serious about this problem and resolution. Maybe we can get behind him and support this worthy cause, which should be a priority in this town. Starting with their parents. Like we learned yesterday, during our homily, admission is the first step, to recovery, change and healing.

Dumbfounded FAA?

We live in an age where information is at your fingertips. Good or bad, you be the judge. Today on Fox News there was what is called breaking news, which usually I pay attention to. Not long ago, it was reported that debris would encircle the earth as a result of a crash out there. Yesterday, people began to see some of it. (Just what we need, objects crashing down on us). This bit of information just passed the wires. "FAA admits it is dumbfounded as to what it was that many people saw streaking across the sky after military officials confirm Texas 'fireball' was not satellite debris." So, if you go here, you'll see the photo of the mystery fireball, and like so many others probably say, "what is it?" The key word here is "streaking" across the sky. We've been hearing stories for many years, since the late forty's that we're not alone. Many of us wonder how not alone are we?

Fewer Teens are having Sex

Somehow if fewer teens are having sex than fifteen years ago, as reported by the massteenpregnancy.org/here, that being the case, I wonder why it was reported that our town's teens are pumping out babies, making its way up the chart of towns who also have similar problems, to the tune of fourth runner-up in this state.

Here are 10 facts given by:
Publication#2008-31 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20008
Phone 202-572-6000 Fax 202-362-8420 www.childtrends.org
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT TEEN SEXUAL BEHAVIOR?
A TRUE-FALSE QUIZ
By Emily Holcombe, B.A., Kristen Peterson, B.A., and Jennifer Manlove, Ph.D. August 2008

1. fewer teens are having sex than 15 years ago. (True)
2. one-third of teens have had sex by Age 14. (False)
3. Girls are less likely than boys to have sex. ((False)
4. very few teen girls first have sex in "Hook-up" relations (True)
(78% steady relationship) 3% Just Met (73% Boys with Steadies)
5. most teens that have had sex had only one partner (False)
6. first sexual intercourse is non-voluntary for most girls (False)
7. many teens who have had sex regret doing so. (True)
8.teens rarely have sex while using alcohol or drugs (False)
9.most teens use condoms the first time they have sex (True)
10. more teens have engaged in oral sex than sexual intercourse (True)

The bottom line is that these statistics do not help me to understand why we have climbed the rung of the ladder two whole pegs. In 2006, we held the honor of sixth place.

I know one thing, before you can arrive at a solution, you've got to know what the problems is. So what is it? Someone is not doing their job, the number of illegitimate children testify to that fact. Could the answer be you? Whatever the reason, we all must pay the price for promiscuity.

Be My Valentine?

The dozen of roses came with a lovely card just before our planned trip to Millbury to shop. They were having a good sale at my favorite shop. Kohl's. Next, Barnes and Nobel for lunch and the purchase of a good book. Darcy's Passions, Pride and Prejudice retold through his eyes.

You could have fooled me that people are not spending. I have never seen so much traffic at a shopping mall, except for Christmas. The parking lots were full. As we were leaving the madness, we noticed that the cars going in to the shopping area from the other side of the road were even worse. Maybe folks were taking in a dinner and show.

Got home just in time to go out to our favorite spot, the pub on 12 Crane. It was mobbed upstairs and down. But no matter, we began with drinks in two stuffed chairs by the fireplace, which felt great on a cold night. Once we were settled, we got our beer, made right there in their own brewery. Great! Next we were ushered to our table where we ordered a Celtic appetizer, and another beer. John had corned beef and cabbage, while I had baked haddock with potatoes and asparagus. The meal was fantastic as usual. Just then, John began to sneeze. I looked at the next table and saw each lady with a long stemmed rose. Immediately we knew the source of the problem, so we moved to the exterior of the pub, where we ordered freshly brewed coffee with dessert. It was a wonderful evening. There were other's taking in the game, while Irish music was pumped in for our listening pleasure. In the distance around 10:00 a local group played for the younger set, at Cannery Hall.

Every now and then someone wanted to deliver to me a rose, and we had to go through the explanation about the allergy. It was a nice gesture though. So were the chocolates that we got with our bill.

I had chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and cherry, and he had cheesecake. It is a special night, and a magical evening.

YOU ARE LOVED

Hello to all my readers here, around the world, and Happy St. Valentine's Day. You are all "special" and "loved." God does not make junk. You are all "His" creations.

All life is important. Today, on face book I received a red envelop, which was a reminder of all the lives that would not come to fruition, because they were aborted in the womb of their mother. Their mother does not know what love is, unfortunately. Ultimately, love is a decision, and we co-share in life's process. A process that one day will bring us on the other side. It is only "love" that we will take with us. A force that transcends every boundry and language. Love is our universal bread of life, the bonder and sustainer.

I hope you choose to love, because "you are loved" and love is your greatest gift. Love is the biggest decision that you will ever make.

Finding Love

The next few days will be spent telling those we love that we're lucky to have them, and they are special to us. Just consider for a moment, how much of a miracle finding "love" is. What causes that spark?
Sometimes you hear about love at first sight. Other times you almost have to hit someone over the head.

This is a true story. There was a salesman who had unusual symptoms. He had been serving his customer for a while, and would frequent the place, sometimes daily. Then one day cupid got him, and he would find himself going around in a fog. In fact, he would be driving to the business, which he did countless times, and find that he forgot to make the turn, driving right by "unaware" of how far out of the way he had gone.

Sometimes, you hear of the "coincidences," bumping into that person unexpectedly, again.

When cupid comes around, watch out! I heard a real good one today. A couple, whose marriage was on the rocks, had finally ended it. Seeking to find a match for herself, a woman was teamed up through a dating service with what she thought, to be "Mr. right". He sounded too good to be true. He felt he found his "soul mate". Can you imagine the reaction when her "X" showed up at the agreed upon-place.

When cupid arrives, there is no accounting for how it's going to happen, only that it will. Why? Because Love makes the world go 'round. It puts a bounce in your step, a feather in your cap. A smile on your face. Love is just a way of giving a reason to be living, it's a many splendid thing.

It's an April rose in an early spring. Speaking of early spring, my mother-in-law said yesterday, that she saw six Robbins this week. You know what that means! I saw little nodules on my red Japanese Maple tree, today. I had to look close, as the sun was hitting the branch just right. Who knows?

Because, Love is in the air and it's all around you. Are you ready for Love?

The Love You Test

Valentine's day is just around the corner. So today, I was thinking of some of the ways that used to indicate that a women was interested in you and wanted you to know. Also, some of the little and cute things we used to do, sort of, "the Love You Tests."
My grandmother taught me more than using the "hat pin." That was another subject altogether. I don't know where this idea came from or how long ago, but women used to carry a very fancy handkerchief, and apparently, she was very good at producing tears. My mom used to call them crocodile tears, (meaning to turn on at will). Anyway, knowing how men at that time used to come to her rescue, she if interested in him, would produce her cloth, making sure he ended up with it. Normally, she would have placed it in a delicate area, which would be pulled out quickly when needed. The cloth, of course took on the scent of her body and sweet smelling perfumes from her garden, like rose or lavender. If you've ever watched some of the old movies, you most likely have observed a man smelling the cloth, in which they portray him as "endeared" to her.
My mother used to look for four-leaf clovers, saying it would bring her good luck in "love". When she passed away, I found a dried four leaf clover, (one tiny leaf detached) in a piece of waxed paper. Apparently, she found one. I always wondered if there really is such a thing. I spent a lot time as a little girl on the grass looking for one.
The girls will tell you that when we knew that he was in love, in high school, was when he gave you his class ring to wear around your neck or on your finger with yarn wrapped around the band to keep it from falling off. Later, it would be the diamond ring. This was usually bought as a set, the other piece a wedding band.
My mother had a small diamond, but it meant the world to her.
There is a test that probably has existed from the beginning of time. I spent many days doing this and to tell you the truth, I don't even know what the source is. But you hold a daisy in your hand and begin to pull out the petals one by one, saying alternately, he (she) loves me, he (she) loves me not. When you get to the end you'll know.
I've learned that it is very hard for a man to tell you that he loves you. Some people say it's not what he says, but what he does.
My cousin Louise was one of the first in our family to "fall in love." All the girl cousins had only one question for her. "Louise, how do you know that your in love." She said, your in love when he feels the same way about you that you feel about him. (That means it cannot be one-sided). Two children later, her husband was found with another woman. She is remarried and lives, I believe, in Arizona.
Maybe that's it, if he is still with you, no matter how badly you've treated him, and he still wants to be with you, calls you, thinks about you, is happy to see you, really knows and wants to know everything about you and has no desire to leave, it's love. Because you are his "joy."
Other signs: He brings you laughter, flowers, music, and takes you to dinner and shows. And if your lucky, he will dance with you, forever. The true test of "love" is time and there will never be enough of it.

You be the Judge

I just came back in from outside to pick the front stairs from their "ice prison."Some parts are still 3" to 4" thick in spite of the "warm-up." In fact, I had to chop with all my might, and I even peeled the skin from my baby finger, it's like having an open blister on your heel. It's 56 degrees out there right now, and that is not in the sun. Yet my stairs are still a nightmare. I'm working my way down to the garden portion of the walk, just opening it up, for a step. We are forced to use the garage door entrance, as we keep the driveway cleared. My son jokingly said, "don't worry ma your not too high off the ground, you could just jump out of the window."
Yesterday, I was finally able to clear the deck, and that was a great feeling. I still feel we will have an early spring, even though the ice burgs make it seem like an eternal ice age. I have no need or desire to go to the gym, this place keeps me fit. In the summer, I tend all the gardens, which is more pleasurable. I looked at my rose bushes and I still had some green stems. That is a good sign. I'm hoping that I won't lose them, as they were very productive and beautiful last year. I was outside with no jacket, just a fleece top, and still managed to work up a sweat. Nathan is co-operating by taking a nap. When he wakes up, I'll take him out for a walk. Just heard him so I will cut this short. Maybe he'll get a chance to see the baby fly. It surprised me too! I was almost happy to see it. Maybe the ground hog was wrong after all. Now back to my day. What would you say if your grandson asked you for lunch, because he was hungry and after preparing it and setting it before him, he threw himself on the floor and cried? I'd say that he didn't like it. Well that is what happened at lunch time. He gave it back to me, and we compromised by making something that he wanted, after our little talk about not throwing himself on the floor. I don't recall my kids ever doing that to me. I was taken back a bit. I stressed communicating with grandma. He was frustrated thinking he had to eat something he simply did not like, and I was frustrated thinking about how fast I could get something he did like. He cried, and I understood.
Today, when he was watching his "Cars" movie, once again, he heard Tow Mater talk about McQueen being his best friend. And he said, "grandma, your my best friend."
So, when I talk to my son this afternoon and he asks how my day is going, I'll have to say, that it couldn't be better, now.

Humiliation

My mother was a stickler for indirectly bragging about how well her children listened. She was so proud of the way we marched uptown holding hands, and don't touch a thing in the store, mind you. It makes sense to have your kids under control, that is, you don't want them to run into the street and get run over. Every parent wants to brag about how well their child behaves.
It didn't stop there, when we went somewhere we were to sit quietly and not make a peep. If someone offered us something to eat, we must say no thank you, even if we wanted some. At grandma's house?
Times sure have changed, or perhaps she was a little stricter than most parents. Children have feelings. They are people, just little people. They harbor resentment especially against being treated badly or being made an example of. The old expression, what goes around, comes around is true. Be on guard about publicly reprimanding your child. Humiliation works but, do you want to suffer retaliation down the road. If you think your child forgets, guess again. I have clear memories earlier than three and four. Instead, why not just love your child. Let them be real people. That's all they need.
This came to mind today when I saw a teen-age boy holding what initially looked like a sign, outdoors. No, it was "his report card." Further, it said something that implied that he was not going too far in life. (Degrading). That's when I learned that the new F is "E." Later, on the Fox (Channel 45), he was interviewed with his parents. I'm quick to catch people's expressions. (How would you feel?) I'm not down on his parents, they checked with the doctor, and teachers, and in fact, went through the process of finding the problem. There just has to be one. I saw the young man's face when the host remarked that he got an "A," saying "good job on that!" He was like Pinocchio coming alive. Acceptance as you as are is important. If your loved and accepted then you'll want to please someone because you also love them. Expectations are totally out of whack, sometimes you just have to understand that. If a person is not full of pain from being mentally flogged, they just may find that there is something "special" in them after all, and work toward the interest that they have been blessed with. Everyone has talent, but finding it is the key. Some kids are super sensitive, and may get hurt just hearing even "one" negative word about how you feel toward them.
Parents want their kids to have all "A's" Maybe they need to be reeducated. First, appreciate your child, because that child is uniquely made. And, that alone makes (him or her),"special." Here's the real question. Can you love them just as they are? Start there. We are all too judgemental, after all. If you can't love them, how are they going to love themselves? I think making an example of this kid, was poor judgement. I'm sure if he has the capacity to learn, he will try harder. But what did this do to this family ultimately, I wonder?
What is the cost of throwing your child under the bus? Your relationship. They may not like you. Are you willing to take that risk? My point is, like the host on the program, you catch more flies with honey, just praise and stress the positive, try to overlook the negative. They'll get it eventually. Why? Because they love you. And, it really is that simple. It comes down to affection, and it is never to late to say your sorry. To the measure that you forgive, so will you be forgiven.
The Beatles said, "All You Need Is Love," that's all you need.
Who said love is easy?

Are birds responding to climate change?

Honestly, you don't know who to believe sometimes. Global warming, yes the ice caps are melting. Yet, some scientists claim that we are entering into an "ice age." Talk about left and right, up and down, yes and no. Which is it. Maybe both.

I understand how difficult it is to arrive at some type of conclusion on this question. If the scientists don't get it, how will we? I have a better answer, why don't we let them hash it out between themselves and just take care of business. What I say is "use the brain that God gave you." Ask the question, what is nature saying? What does common sense tell me that I should do? I think we "had" it right. We cannot push the clock backward, but we can do all we can to preserve this earth and it's precious species. It's every one's responsibility.

In our town, we are focusing on it's assets. I was born here, you've heard the saying "bloom where you are planted," and it is gorgeous. Rolling hills, pristine lakes, ponds and rivers with wonderful landscaping and abundance. We are sometimes referred to as "the last green valley." Our town is in a process of promoting "green enterprises." Our clean industrial development will lead in showing the world how to do it right. Our community has taken on the responsibility of utilizing waste with alternative energy proposals. We are not lacking in municipal services and are in close proximity to highways leading to key cities, and colleges. It's all coming together and we have it all, summer, fall, winter and spring.

Living in the city, you may have all the shows and stores at your avail, but your life health stems from your environment. That is why I believe we have increased our bird population, not so much global warming. Why are the animals and birds migrating here? It's the environment, stupid. We have it all. I can't wait for migrating birds to come "on time, in the spring," as they are not here, "yet." Just like the bee's they are territorial, and if you feed them, surely they'll know where home is. It wasn't long ago, I heard the Canadian Geese go south in formation. Yes, some stayed behind. From what I see, we are having a "typical" winter, cold, icy and much snow. Did you know in order for birds to survive here in New England, they need to ingest enough food to supply the energy which allows them to shiver throughout the night? That's why little purple and yellow finch arrive only in the spring, along with the wren and other species. No matter what scientists conclude, we need to do our best to preserve our environment and natural surroundings. Because, "life matters." To read more about: "Birds are responding to Climate Change," go here.

Oh the World Owes Me a Living

Somewhere in my childhood I used hear someone sing this song. Whether it was something made up or not, I don't know. The person who used to sing this, wrote some rather funny songs. All I remember of the words were: "Oh the world owes me a living," dittle dadle dee dee dee dee dum...and then it would repeat again. Then came the laughter.
When I read the following, I remembered the song.

"Spokesman says octuplets mom receives food stamps
Mon., Feb. 9, 2009 8:44 PM EST
The Associated Press
By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The California mother of octuplets already receives food stamps and disability payments to help feed and care for her six other children.
Publicist Mike Furtney said Monday that Nadya Suleman receives $490 a month in food stamps.
She also receives disability payments for three of her six previous children, but Suleman did not want to disclose the nature of her children's disabilities or the nature of those payments.
In an interview that aired Monday, Suleman told NBC "Today" show anchor Ann Curry that she does not receive welfare.
Suleman's octuplets were born Jan. 26 in a Los Angeles area hospital.
Furtney says that in Suleman's view, the payments are for her family's legitimate needs."

Today, I walked into a conversation on television, where two lawyers were giving their view to a talk show host. One was saying it is no ones business how many children a woman should have, neither is it the business of the doctors to ask personal background questions, such as income, and housing.

The talk host and other lawyer, disagreed, saying it became our business when we had to pay. Questions about responsibility were brought out. The battle goes on.

Think about it. Child support is, as I understand it, necessary to the point of automatically deducting it from a person's salary when the law provides for it. There is such a thing also as providing for your child, health insurance and other necessities. It is the law that you provide for your child.

When a person has a child unnaturally, and yet, if she knows and has selected the sperm from an individual to fertilize her eggs, why isn't that person also legally bound for the cost of raising the children? How convenient, if and when, the state is liable. The television host made a lot of noise about it. Just think about the many women who can imitate this action. Where, if any, are the laws concerning this?

It was hard raising our children, and as well, everyone else who struggled to put food on the table, pay the rent, buy shoes and necessities. Can someone tell me what's going on here? I agree with the host and other lawyer, the whole story reeks with "neglect" and irresponsibility. There is something wrong with this picture. We need to fix it, quickly. Unless you believe, like the songwriter, "that the world owes you a living".

Just One of Those Days

It was almost 46 degrees here but it certainly didn't feel like it. John and I went shopping for small items that we weren't able to pick up yesterday. The wind blew what little hair I have, all over, so as I entered the store, I gasped! It was sticking straight up. John never complained, he is happy to be with me. Or, maybe he just doesn't care about the "little" things.

Today is one of those days. I didn't feel like posting even, but I thought, I'll keep it short. Consistency is important.

We had our first Ladies Society meeting of the year to vote in new officers. It is hard for me to believe that the manner of one member in particular, who is most "unkind" has been allowed to intimidate others for years. The accusation and the tone which she uses to admonish someone, or even ask a question, clearly is her motivation, to "start something." It's like sending in the attack dog. It concerns me, and It does not sit well with me, as I've had to encounter many such moments from hostile people last year. This is how our ladies meeting began, and it is not conducive to resolving or discussion, but this type of provoking and disruptive attitude, throws everything into a tizzy. That could be one of the reasons that the group has diminished in size and significance. Most members are in name only, with minimal participation. The new president will have her hands full. I wish her luck.

When I got home I received a call from one of the members, indicating that she was so tired of this type of behavior, that she wanted to get up and "slap her in the face." Obviously, it bothered her as well. I calmed her down, no sense crying over spilled milk. She has second thoughts about staying on as bullying tactics do not sit well with her. Should there be bad-mouthing, she is going to walk out.

As a Christian, one of the hardest jobs we have is composure. Maintaining it when things get heated, and during those times, being able to answer questions. Rule number one, is to maintain control. My two years are up. I've done my duty, (Over and above). I will be happy not to have to be attacked anymore by people who should know better. That is the price that I had to pay for supporting the parish priest, as I felt, it was the right thing to do, although many of the other's did not. The ball will be in their court now. So, in many ways, I feel that we have had two good years, but fear, we will now regress. I may have to step away to avoid confrontation, in the future.

What am I looking for? I don't know. Perhaps, I've already left that group, at least in my mind. Or, maybe I will decide to be the bigger person and minimally participate. But, I refuse to get into hateful debates demeaning our fellow parishioners, or priest over "money matters," in particular. I prayed that God's will be done as he knows best.

So, as I began to post, I looked on the right side, of the page on my computer, at my little friend of the moment, who very often does silly and funny things which cheers me up. He was crying big tears in a blue puddle. That didn't work! I envied his tears, feeling as bad as he does. Then, I decided to read Linda's blog. For some reason today, I looked up to the left, and saw the quote of the day. It read: "God grant me the courage not to give up." Is someone trying to tell me something?

I'm known as the strong one. I'm the go-to person. The encourager, the supporter, the good listener. I'll cheer you, be with you, keep you in line most of the time. And, I'll laugh and cry with you, after all, I'm the boo-boo kisser.

Your Killing Me

This article appeared on FOXNews.com
It was contributed by the Associated Press
"FDA: Georgia Plant Knowingly Shipped Salmonella-Laced Products
Saturday, February 07, 2009

WASHINGTON — A Georgia peanut plant knowingly shipped salmonella-laced products as far back as 2007, at times sending out tainted products after tests confirmed contamination, according to inspection records released Friday.
Food and Drug Administration officials earlier had said Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for salmonella. But the agency amended its report Friday, noting that the Blakely, Ga., plant actually shipped some products before receiving the second test and sold others after confirming salmonella.
Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health.
In 2007 the company shipped chopped peanuts on July 18 and 24 after salmonella was confirmed by private lab tests. Peanut Corp. sold products "on or after the positive salmonella results were obtained," the FDA report states.
In other cases, the company didn't wait for a second round of salmonella tests."In some instances, peanut products were shipped by (the company) prior to having assurance that the products were negative for salmonella," said Michael Rogers, head of field investigations for the FDA.
Rogers said the FDA made the discovery after a more detailed analysis of records submitted by the company.
The salmonella outbreak has been blamed for at least eight deaths and 575 illnesses in 43 states. The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation. More than 1,550 products have been recalled.
A Peanut Corp. lawyer said the company is investigating what happened at the plant and had no comment on the latest FDA findings.
"We have not made a determination yet on liability," said attorney Amy Rotenberg. "We are neither denying or admitting liability at this point. We are still investigating."
Peanut Corp. previously said it "categorically denies any allegations" that it sought lab results that would put its products in a favorable light.
Problems at the plant are not new. FDA inspectors found in 2001 that products potentially were exposed to insecticides, one of several violations uncovered during the last visit federal officials made before the current food-poisoning scare, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press." Go here to read more.

This is a case of the almighty buck again. If there is ever a question about food, do something about it. Better to lose a product than a person's life, right? We're talking about poison, where "tainted food" means having deteriorating quality or principle. We have more laws than you can shake a stick at. But what good are they if people do not have the law of love of thy neighbor in their hearts. The bottom line is: Throw this out? of course not! We might lose money here.

The goods are staples of the elderly and children of this country who rely on protein and fat that can be consumed with little or no chewing.

Many times, more recently than ever, when I buy strawberries, they do not look fresh, and sometimes they are moldy in between where one cannot see, until purchased. Just because the date is good through--doesn't always mean that it will be good. If doesn't pass the taste test, toss it. Unfortunately we cannot always go by the taste test, and these bacteria are hidden from us until we become "deathly ill".
Lately, no one has the answers anywhere. There is no admitting when we are wrong. This product that was consumed, came from our "own." Can't blame anyone else this time, as we have other countries in the more recent past. That's another topic entirely. Who sets the standards for imported foods, or are there any? Other goods may harm us, and yet, sadly, many goods are imported, good and bad, as we have seen.

Wise up America, What is it? Don't you get paid enough to care about your neighbor? Your neighbors child? Or, is it too easy to pass the buck? When is it going to stop. Certainly not with death as you very well know, in a society that cares little for life. Good job, what's next? And just where are the people who are paid to protect us in all this with our tax dollars?

Labor and delivery of Live Baby

"Lawsuit: Florida Clinic Botched Abortion, Threw Out Live Baby
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Associated Press
TAMPA, Florida — Eighteen and pregnant, Sycloria Williams went to an abortion clinic outside Miami and paid $1,200 for Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacque Renelique to terminate her 23-week pregnancy.
Three days later, she sat in a reclining chair, medicated to dilate her cervix and otherwise get her ready for the procedure.
Only Renelique didn't arrive in time. According to Williams and the Florida Department of Health, she went into labor and delivered a live baby girl.
What Williams and the Health Department say happened next has shocked people on both sides of the abortion debate: One of the clinic's owners, who has no medical license, cut the infant's umbilical cord. Williams says the woman placed the baby in a plastic biohazard bag and threw it out.
Police recovered the decomposing remains in a cardboard box a week later after getting anonymous tips.
"I don't care what your politics are, what your morals are, this should not be happening in our community," said Tom Pennekamp, a Miami attorney representing Williams in her lawsuit against Renelique and the clinic owners. The state Board of Medicine is to hear Renelique's case in Tampa on Friday and determine whether to strip his license. The state attorney's homicide division is investigating, though no charges have been filed. Terry Chavez, a spokeswoman with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office, said this week that prosecutors were nearing a decision.
Renelique's attorney, Joseph Harrison, called the allegations at best "misguided and incomplete" in an e-mail to The Associated Press. He didn't provide details.
The case has riled the anti-abortion community, which contends the clinic's actions constitute murder.
"The baby was just treated as a piece of garbage," said Tom Brejcha, president of The Thomas More Society, a law firm that is also representing Williams. "People all over the country are just aghast."
Even those who support abortion rights are concerned about the allegations.
"It really disturbed me," said Joanne Sterner, president of the Broward County chapter of the National Organization for Women, after reviewing the administrative complaint against Renelique. "I know that there are clinics out there like this. And I hope that we can keep (women) from going to these types of clinics."
According to state records, Renelique received his medical training at the State University of Haiti. In 1991, he completed a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Interfaith Medical Center in New York.
New York records show that Renelique has made at least five medical malpractice payments in the past decade, the circumstances of which were not detailed in the filings.
Several attempts to reach Renelique were unsuccessful. Some of his office numbers were disconnected, no home number could be found and he did not return messages left with his attorney.
Williams struggled with the decision to have an abortion, Pennekamp said. She declined an interview request made through him.
She concluded she didn't have the resources or maturity to raise a child, he said, and went to the Miramar Women's Center on July 17, 2006. Sonograms indicated she was 23 weeks pregnant, according to the Department of Health. She met Renelique at a second clinic two days later.
Renelique gave Williams laminaria, a drug that dilates the cervix, and prescribed three other medications, according to the administrative complaint filed by the Health Department. She was told to go to yet another clinic, A Gyn Diagnostic Center in Hialeah, where the procedure would be performed the next day, on July 20, 2006.
Williams arrived in the morning and was given more medication.
The Department of Health account continues as follows: Just before noon she began to feel ill. The clinic contacted Renelique. Two hours later, he still hadn't shown up. Williams went into labor and delivered the baby.
"She came face to face with a human being," Pennekamp said. "And that changed everything."
The complaint says one of the clinic owners, Belkis Gonzalez came in and cut the umbilical cord with scissors, then placed the baby in a plastic bag, and the bag in a trash can.
Williams' lawsuit offers a cruder account: She says Gonzalez knocked the baby off the recliner chair where she had given birth, onto the floor. The baby's umbilical cord was not clamped, allowing her to bleed out. Gonzalez scooped the baby, placenta and afterbirth into a red plastic biohazard bag and threw it out.
No working telephone number could be found for Gonzalez, and an attorney who has represented the clinic in the past did not return a message.
At 23 weeks, an otherwise healthy fetus would have a slim but legitimate chance of survival. Quadruplets born at 23 weeks last year at The Nebraska Medical Center survived.
An autopsy determined Williams' baby — she named her Shanice — had filled her lungs with air, meaning she had been born alive, according to the Department of Health. The cause of death was listed as extreme prematurity.
The Department of Health believes Renelique committed malpractice by failing to ensure that licensed personnel would be present when Williams was there, among other missteps.
The department wants the Board of Medicine, a separate agency, to permanently revoke Renelique's license, among other penalties. His license is currently restricted, permitting him to only perform abortions when another licensed physician is present and can review his medical records.
Should prosecutors file murder charges, they'd have to prove the baby was born alive, said Robert Batey, a professor of criminal law at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport. The defense might contend that the child would have died anyway, but most courts would not allow that argument, he said.
"Hastening the death of an individual who is terminally ill is still considered causing the death of that individual," Batey said. "And I think a court would rule similarly in this type of case."(for more on this story go to FOXNews) here.

The question should they file murder charges? Are you kidding? Was this infact a killing, death, murder? You decide.
Birth weight in my opinion should not be an indicator of life or death, as my Aunt Irene, who currently lives in CT and is close to ninety, weighed two pounds at birth and was placed in a shoebox behind the kitchen stove. That was when babies were delivered at home.
Go here for more on this...

The Culture of Death

(Taken from usatoday.com). Go here.
Today, February 5, 2009, 9:00 ET, Day 17: of President Obama's schedule, at the National Prayer breakfast, and accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, he delivered his remarks, praying for 'God's grace' to fill the 'space between us,'
He further remarked, "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being," wisely said by the president. I am in total agreement with that statement. Yet, I am deeply disappointed and appalled at the decision to rescind a ban that prohibited the giving of federal money to international groups supporting abortion. (Utilizing our tax dollars, and hard earned money).
Please understand this: It is not "petty grievances" and "worn out dogmas" that I defend, but human lives, the ones whos hearts are beating to the rhythm of life in their mother's womb. For this reason, I went to Washington to participate in the March and in protest of this culture of death, demanding as a citizen of this great nation that their constitutional rights be upheld and that includes the life (within), that you, Mr. President have sworn to protect.
That is the "space between us" and I believe, our Creator, as well. Some would say that pro-life efforts have been reduced to a state of fruitless debate. The Pharaoh would not listen to Moses either. But the Author of Life had other plans for him. You see, there is only one world view that counts and that is "His." This epic struggle is destined to end only in one way and that is a victory on the side of life.
The bible supports my words and throughout it's reading the killing of the innocents in the bible as well as "Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed." (Psalm 139:16), makes it crystal clear that God is watching. He will vindicate His creations.
What should the prayer be of one who is called to a high office? Respectfully, may I suggest this one? (Psalm 26:1) Taken from the Orthodox Study Bible. Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. (6) I will wash my hands in innocence;
As you enter the front door of my home, you will see an Icon of the Holy Mother of God, enshroud with a black veil on her head and rosary across the top of the frame. This was placed there as a reminder that we are asking her intercession, praying for a quick resolution to end the inhuman suffering of the unborn. We carried this Icon in Washington as a symbol of hope and impending victory. Everytime I go by it, I am reminded to pray.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women and
"Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus." Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, for you have born the savior of our souls."

Homemade Adventure

It was a nice sunny day here in New England. The snow was soft and crystal. About twenty-one degrees and perfect for the sled. Nathan, is three and that is the age where they can pull their own sled, providing you don't start on a hill as it will run them down. Luckily the driveway has a slight incline, and knowing that he was coming to play today, we did not shovel it until after he had a fun adventure in the snow. It was an adventure for me just to get him dressed and myself as well, down the stairs and out the door.

The wind was nil otherwise it would have proved too cold, and it took some talking too to get him into the sled. Apparently, his father said, that he had some snow blow in his face and that wasn't too much fun at that age, they don't like it.

Here's how we did it. We have a cute white teddy bear who has a red heart on her chest and a soft red bow. He takes her to bed on occasion. Outside of that, he doesn't really care for too many stuffed animals. Knowing that, I brought her along for the ride. At first, it was just her and his favorite white ball, which we pulled up and down the drive way and street. Then, when he saw it was okay, I got him to hold her while I pulled him along. The minute the rope caused the front to go up a bit he didn't care for it. The ride was successful, no tipping over and hopefully next time it will be longer. Besides, I was tired and I had had enough for the moment. Next, it was his favorite activity, the little shovel. We were working after all, just being able to get a load and dump it, was a chore. I just kept shovelling right after him. It seemed like I never was going to get done. He had colorful cheeks and playtime outdoors agreed with him. Boots off at the door, we unbundled in stages.
Next it was snack time, and a favorite movie with his blanket. He prefers chocolate milk to regular, so we mix it half and half, shaking the beverage, which makes suds. He of course, thinks they are brown bubbles, giggling with every sip. He is such a happy boy, who appreciates little things.

We managed to make five puzzles, and connect the dots, play cars and complete two pages in his sticker book. While he was outside he observed the airplanes and birds which sounded happy today. While inside, he observed that grampy changed the overhead burnt out light. It is strange how he notices all mechanical things, "man things". He is a little man even at three. I got him to use the potty today by showing him the birthday card that he liked so well on Saturday. It made him laugh and put him at ease.

I'm not surprised that he kept asking for more lunch, being outdoors always gives him an appetite. When he completed lunch we played battle, or who beats, from an ordinary deck of cards. This is a great math reinforcement. He won. Then we played red or black. He won. A bit of television, channel two geared to teaching reading skills, and off for a nap, after having a serious conversation with grandma. He is so smart! I showed him how to use the remote control for the television once, and when grampy came home, he went and got the clicker, turned the TV on, and said, "there you go, grampy."

He told me that mommy cried, and he screamed, because he made noise, jumped on the floor while she was trying to sleep. He said "Cars" is missing, and he cried. I told him he was to listen to his mommy and daddy.

Many times I need to remind him that he has ears, two of them. John laughs at that, because he said the apple does not fall far from the tree, and he's given up on me because I do not listen to anyone. He's just joking of course.

We can only hope for peace, between Nathan and his parents. They are so good to him. I suppose this is a natural thing, I don't know. It was between my mother and me for many years.
She was the one who had to discipline me and I resented it. It was a love-hate relationship. I forgave her in the end. She was a strong woman, so I am.

Football or Pornography

I cannot believe my ears. Tonight, on one of the talk shows that I listen to most every evening, it was reported that a hacker broke into the network with not only pornography but a sexual act which I understand was at least 30 seconds long, while watching the Super Bowl. What have we come to, here in America?

People who were viewing with their children, scrambled to avoid having them see the action by turning the box off or, finding another channel, or covering the eyes of the child.

I recall when I was a teen-ager, my family went to Worcester to see a movie. It would have been PG, (that is) if they had ratings then. I know parents were careful about what we viewed. Unfortunately, during a commercial for another movie, David placed his hand under the shirt of his girl in a romantic scene. I was totally embarrassed in front of my father to see something that I didn't understand and was not prepared to see. That was over forty years ago, some things you don't forget.

I feel badly for the parents and children, whose innocence was lost forever. Once you see something of that nature, you cannot take it back. Many mom's now will have to discuss something that they are not prepared to do at this time, and maybe the children will not understand, and who knows how it will effect them.

I will never understand it. This is not a joke. There is no recourse, as I'm sure many were mad enough to want to sue the network. Does it make you want to watch television with children present? And, what would you do if it happened to you? Someone needs to make sure that this will never happen again. Heads must roll!

My kids, who are now grown, will tell you that when it came to steamy and unexpected scenes, I would say cover your eyes. Not only did I want to protect them, but myself from the embarrassment that I once encountered years prior. Modesty is something we always practiced in our home.

Call me a prude, but I believe in decency and respect. Just because it seems to be fashionable to be disgusting, doesn't give you the right to presume that all of us behave in that manner.

That' all you see. Is it all you think and talk about, sex and cheerleaders and pornography? What is so great about it? Does that replace having a real women that you can love in your life. Would you want your wife going around and acting in that fashion in front of other men? A free for all society. Women with their male strip dancers, are they any better? (Maybe we are living in Sodom and Gomorrah all over again).

Sex sells. You are being used. You can't even buy a sports magazine without the swimsuit section. Lately, I saw a commercial promoting healthy food. The poor girl was made to lick and do degrading things to vegetables wearing very little, looking sensuous and, one had to wonder when viewing it, just what she was promoting?

Years ago, they didn't have topless waitresses, and certain products were not promoted on television as they so boldly do today. We know that things are not going to get any better, and we have regressed.

We still do have men out there, to the others, wise up! Don't be a blooter.

When ratings aren't enough, where do we go from here?

Let It Be

"There will be an answer, Let it Be." "Whisper words of wisdom, let it be". You probably guessed that I'm listening to The Beatles, "and when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Okay, today it is snow. He is singing about Mother Mary.

He begins by saying: "When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom, let it be." And, "Broken hearted people living in the word agree, there will come an answer, let it be."

No matter if it is cloudy or snowy, the point is that there is still a light. We are living in troubled times, where sometimes we don't know where or who to turn to.

My children always come to me. And my little grandson, tells me what's bothering him, because it is "natural" to turn to your mother, or someone like her. Because we hope she will have words of wisdom like; "there will be an answer, "let it be."

If you have more questions than answers, there is no one more willing to lend an ear than Mother Mary. "She will shed some light on it."

Aren't we broken-hearted people after all?

SIX MORE WEEKS

This was ground hog day. For those of you who follow the ground hog to see if he sees his shadow, "he did". What that usually means is that it was sunny in Pennsylvania today as it was here in New England. Had he not seen his shadow, we would, have had an early spring. Now we won't. It will be six more weeks of winter bliss.

People who know about these things, and have been using the ground hog for years as an indicator for springtime maintain that it is accurate. I really haven't paid much attention to that but every year we use ground hog day as a marker. Spring has to come sooner or later.

I think it will be an early spring, irregardless of the ground hog's shadow. Others have said the same thing. It's a gut feeling I guess. It will be interesting to see who will be right.

I enjoyed the day, as I always do when the sun is so bright in the morning. It gets me in a cleaning mood. Hope you had a brilliant day. At least we are now in February. Valentine's month. (If your into that type of thing). I will enjoy looking at all the flowers knowing that it won't be too much longer until we see leaves and grass and enjoy the bulbs that we planted in the fall. Now for those valentine surprises...Only a couple of weeks away.
For more information on the groundhog go here.

Women of Faith

It certainly was a great super bowl game. Although they are both winners in my estimation, one will bear the title of champion. While the football exhibition is fresh in my mind I could blog on it, yet, I keep thinking about today's gospel reading. So I'll leave that for the guys to post on, "the six-time champs." Here is a blog of interest.

Focusing on today's gospel, Orthodox Study Bible (Matthew 21-28). If you are a women, a Gentile, and have been sorely tested in life, then like me, this one should be of special interest to you, too.

In this gospel passage the woman's daughter has a huge problem and this poor mother is "hurting" not being able to help her. She turns in faith to the only one who can, Jesus. Interceding for her, she asked for His mercy. He didn't answer her. Like most mothers, she does not give up.

The woman is a Canaanite, whom we know were shunned by the Jews. They were driven out and not allowed to intermarry with them. Jesus was urged by His disciples to send her away. Apparently, this woman was shouting after them. I don't think that Jesus is silent because He does not want to help, but rather seeks to test her faith. (She perservers, determined not going to go away empty).

How are we like her? We are Gentiles and we know that Jesus was sent to save all mankind. We cry out to Him in faith through prayer, because we know that we are helpless except for what He can do for us, His children. We like that woman become desperate enough to shout it out, O Lord, Son of David, "Have Mercy on Me." And we are persistent, because we believe He will grant us our petition.

She went so far as to worship Him, as we do, getting on our knees, sometimes tearfully asking for help. Jesus revealed that He had come to save the lost sheep of Israel, using the example, let the children be filled "first." In the end, there is room for a woman, His creation, to also receive His mercy. Her faith causes Jesus to help her daughter "that hour." In her can be envisioned the future Gentile Church, the true Israel, coming to Christ.

She is praised by Jesus for her faith. And He gives her "her desire."

Many churches are known for having mostly women in attendance on Sunday. Orthodox believers are the exception here, I'm told. I believe both now and through the ages it was the faith of woman that made this great nation what it is today. It was built on the tears and prayers of mothers interceding for her children and others, persistently and with great faith, that like the Canaanite woman, was heard and was shown great mercy.

Jesus shows His great love for woman in the bible. Especially women of faith who call out to Him.