Heads-Up!

The other day, I mentioned that I had an odd feeling about the next six months. This from Stephen Green at PJ Media is one part of some very disturbing patterns in the data. There are some domestic issues as well. For all that these exist, there are also opportunities to continue walking the edge of the knife to better and safer places.

Remember that there are those who would like us to step off the knife edge in a bid to retain power and control for the failed institutions of the past. There are yet others who believe, wrongly, that it is the fastest way to seeing them on top. Both groups are desperate and stupid, and we need to avoid their attempts. There are indeed many ways for the West to fall; but, there are opportunities to achieve something greater than ever before.

So, have Faith, hold the line, pray, and prepare. This too will pass. Maybe like a kidney stone, but it shall pass. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE I: Eric S. Raymond is all over this story and makes some good points. Start here and check out his timeline.

UPDATE II: Really do need to do a longer post, and may do so soon. Short take for now: the best thing that can happen is that all NATO members make clear that any incursion will be met with full force. Right now, Vladimir is banking on the fact that NATO won’t respond with full force. He’s betting that most of NATO lacks troops and the necessary means to project force to protect Estonia given how hollowed-out most of NATO is. The Royal Navy can’t even get a two-boat squadron underway (unless they are rowboats); Germany lacks the means to defend itself, much less get troops anywhere in a hurry; and, the list goes on. Poland has capability and will, but helping Estonia carries significant risks for them. The U.S. is the wild card, and Vladimir is quite well aware that a good number of Americans have no interest in saving Europe yet again, and few even know where Estonia is or why it’s important. The fact is, if he does act and NATO blinks in almost any way, shape, or form, it’s dead. Eastern Europe realizes this far more than Western Europe and the EU do. The latter have not figured out that the gravy train has stopped, and the few that do think this is temporary and will end as soon as Trump is out. This ties into a lot of domestic politics here as well. Maybe a longer post provided I don’t have to head to the ER again. If Vladimir gets multiple messages that NATO will act and not get away with this very old playbook, he’s likely to not act — at least not for now. If the DSA/DNC takes power again in a couple of years, no bets. Just look at all the whens and wheres in regards Crimea and Ukraine.

UPDATE III: Col. Kratman has a few thoughts. Pretty good ones as usual.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Hurricane Prep

Okay, so we are enjoying a nice break with no hurricanes so far. Still, they and other major weather events can happen. Tree Hugging Sister (aka Beege) has a good post up at Coalition of the Swilling on hurricane prep that can and does apply to a lot of other events. She’s done her annual repost/promotion of it as what she does works even in the worst of storms.

I’ve got more coming too as I’ve got an odd feeling about the next six months. Not just winter, but…

More soon.

Please check out my Summer Bleg.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Bill

Well, I am back from the Celebration of Life for my friend Bill. For everyone who donated and helped me get there, thank you! I will note that I think Vancouver is the most expensive city I’ve ever visited, as it costs more than London, Paris, or New York City. Feel free to hit the tip jar in the upper right as it took a chunk out of things even with all the help.

After the very full week(s) at church, I led the small Compline last Wednesday evening, went home, and packed. Thursday morning at oh-dark-30 I was up and at the airport bright and early to catch my flight. I ended up heading to Denver first, where I did find a delightful “speakeasy” to spend my 3.5 hour layover. May do a post on it as it was fun, though I was disappointed that I had to leave just before the marrow-bone plate would have been available.

From Denver it was a straight shot to Vancouver, and I arrived late afternoon. I stayed near the airport as hotels downtown were around $500 a night low end and you don’t want to know high end. Airport area was high, but not that high. Bill’s widow had told me of some places around there that he liked to go, so I took off and walked around to them. Nice enough area, had fun, got some food, got some more food, and went to bed.

The next morning, got breakfast at the hotel (only real option nearby), got a shower, and headed out to see what I could of Vancouver. Again, Bill’s widow had provided some excellent suggestions though I did them a little differently than some.

Vancouver has extensive public transportation including a light/elevated (mostly) rail system called Skytrain. There was a station about 100 yards from the hotel, and I took it downtown to the terminus. From there, it was a short walk to the waterfront. Once there, I headed west, found the seawall trail, and walked along it until I hit Stanley Park. The park is huge, and I really wish time had allowed me to walk all the way around it and even through it. It looks to be a two- to three-day exploration just on the park.

Not having that much time, I stayed on the east side and eventually came out in the area of Robson Street. Having been told that there were lots of neat shops and places along it, and that it was headed in the general direction of the Italian Cultural Center where the Celebration of Life was to be held, I hit it at the start and started walking. Once I made it down to the BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena, I used Apple Maps to guide me on the route to the Cultural Center. Got there a bit early, so went into one of the two Italian restaurants to refresh and rehydrate. For the record, the day ended with a solid 8 miles of walking.

The Celebration of Life was wonderful. I finally got to meet some of his family and friends I had only heard about over the years. There were people there from his earliest days as well as from his later years. We shared stories, laughter, and a few tears. Let me share a little bit of Bill with you.

I met Bill the first time I worked (contractor) for NASA. He moved into the apartment next door to me/right behind me (depending on how you want to look at things). Bill never met a stranger. Within a week, this Chinese-Canadian crazy guy was a friend. His take on American culture was unique, and could make you laugh as well as think a bit. Quite artistic in his own way, and over the years I’ve gotten video and other cards from him that were amazing.

He was a designer, and one thing he did very well was design human/technology interfaces. He was working for Intergraph at that time, and one thing I can share is that he ended up designing one of the “dashboards” aka control panels for the ISS. Human/machine interfaces were his thing and he did them well. He ended up working for Microsoft and some other interesting companies over the years. Not bad for a kid from Calgary who used a Commodore 64 (and a previous computer) to learn computers, programming, and design (and get his younger brother into tech as well).

While we were both in Huntsville that time, he became an integral part of my family Thanksgiving. He was all-in on the traditions, learning the traditions, and I still laugh thinking about him talking with my Dad about football. There were times Dad would just shake his head, laughing, at some of his takes. The day after Thanksgiving each year, he would drive from Huntsville to Memphis to visit Graceland. Drive there and visit the day after, then the next day drive back to Huntsville. My mom always worried about him and was relieved when he got back. Thanksgiving was never the same after we both moved away. He took a job with Microsoft in NYC, and I remember my mom carefully asking ‘he didn’t try to drive to Graceland after Thanksgiving, did he?’

I am horrible about staying in touch; but, Bill wasn’t. I wasn’t the only person he made sure to stay in contact with. One of the earliest groups of friends he had been a part of was the Jewish community where he grew up. Next came some Italians, and his wedding was actually in the Italian hometown of one of those friends. He married a little late in life to the love of his life. I didn’t need him to tell me how much he loved her, I knew just from watching him around her and the way he talked about her. Oh, he said the words, but the other two things were as blaring trumpets of his feelings for her.

I got to meet her not long after they got married as we all ended up in Vegas at the same time. I was there for a conference, not sure why they were there but we were all so happy that we could get together. It was a wonderful visit and I knew just how lucky he was to have her in his life rather quickly.

We all had a laugh at the comment that he wasn’t terribly Chinese. Chopsticks? Fork please! A lot of favorite foods were Italian, and he picked the Italian Cultural Center as the site of his Celebration for more than one reason. Again, the night proved he never met a stranger — and he kept more than one group together over the years.

On the one hand, I’m realizing that there is now a huge hole in my life. Yet, at the same time, it isn’t empty. The love he had for all of us, all of his friends who were family, still fills it. That’s a heck of a legacy for someone to leave. Few can pull it off, but Bill did.

To all who made it possible for me to go, thank you. Being there meant the world to me, and my being there ended up meaning a lot to his extended (Jewish, Italian, Chinese, etc.) family. Great people, and we will try to live up to Bill and stay in touch.

I’m exhausted, but oddly happy and content. Who knows if I will make it out to Vancouver again (winning the lottery wouldn’t hurt), but am glad I got there as I can see why he liked the area.

More soon.

This Page Intentionally

Sorry, probably another break in posting. More to share soon. Meantime, a quick bit of history.

Years back, when doing any writing or publishing for the U.S. Government (particularly the military) you were not allowed to have a truly blank page for any reason. Even if absolutely needed. Any blank page had to have centered in it “This page intentionally left blank.” There may have even been type, style, and size considerations (depending on which branch of the bureaucracy was involved). It’s on par with military letterhead having lines on it on one side, specific width, length, and color, so that people would know exactly where to fold it for a standard envelope. When looking for unnecessary regulations to cut, I’ve got suggestions on where to start…

Trying to get some coursework and related done today, and practice before I do the service this evening.

More soon.

Please check out my Summer Bleg.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Wow! Catching Up

I know I haven’t been posting regularly, but life has been interesting, busy, and a few other things. Even with some of what has gone on, there is Joy in my heart — and pure exhaustion in my body. I really should take today off and rest, but also need to get all my seminary studies and assignments done today if possible. We will see.

Backing up a bit, I agreed to help cover a lot of things done by our Deacon while he was on vacation. While I can’t do anything at the Altar itself, these are mostly maintenance, various inspections, entry issues, AC issues, and related. That said, my service in the Sanctuary has expanded a bit and this last week saw some additional things added.

Life was busy, but not too bad until last Wednesday. For background, our priest received a grant to go on a three-month sabbatical to refresh, recharge, and re-invigorate. One of the stipulations of the grant is that he is not to be in touch with the church (except in emergencies as specified). Things were set up with that in mind, and it was anticipated that the time chosen should be quiet and calm.

Now, on top of this, our Deacon is on his annual vacation. Given that he is at the church every day and pretty much has to be pried out to go home, take care of himself, etc. via explosives and large pry-bars, it was and is very much needed. Especially as he is in his 70s (and while prayers for him are appreciated, would really appreciate lots of prayers for his wife who tries very hard to get him to take care of himself). Originally, the sabbatical and our Deacon’s vacation would not have overlapped, but the sabbatical had to shift as the wife of our Priest ended up giving birth about the time they were originally going to start.

Father P, who is part of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was blessed by our Bishop and his Bishop to fill in for the three months. Which were supposed to be quiet and calm. Yeah, that went about as well as you are probably thinking it did.

When our regular priest, Father J, is here, we usually do Wednesday night Vespers. Sometimes it may be an Akathist or a Moleben, but mostly Vespers. Which requires a Priest. Father J worked up a small Compline that could be done as a Reader service — meaning it can be done by a Deacon, Sub-Deacon, or Reader. In the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Readers are tonsured by the Bishop to be Readers (and Altar Servers) and on any given Sunday we have more than one attending or taking part in the service. Not so much on weekdays.

As I do hope to be Tonsured as a Reader, our Deacon has been training me on a number of things. Since he would be out and unable to lead the service for three weeks (I really hope only two), he got Father P to Bless my doing the service though I am not (yet) Tonsured. I know how to do the service, though I am not (again, yet) fully trained on all the singing. I can do parts, but not all. So, I was instructed just to chant the parts I can’t sing. So, last Wednesday I got the Sanctuary ready for the service, was frantically trying to practice and be able to sing more of the service, etc. when I got word that things were changing.

There is not enough time this morning to tell you about the wonderful woman and Friend that was Ruth. The short version follows. I almost never saw her when she wasn’t smiling, and she could and would crack jokes even at the worst of times. She and her late husband were, for a while, park rangers who lived at remote state parks to manage and maintain them. Loved the outdoors. Loved animals. Was just full of Love and led a remarkable life of unshakeable Faith.

Despite problems in life. Despite health issues. Despite beating cancer more than once. Despite cancer returning one last time for the final time. I met her through Church at our church, and she quickly became a friend. We talked nutrition, nutrition and health, nutritionists, doctors, and life. We both loved animals and shared tales of wildlife and pets.

I almost hate to admit it, but I was a bit wary of accepting rides from her when I was not able to drive. Not because she was a bad driver; but, every trip with her turned into an adventure no matter your schedule. I found myself introduced to a 200 (?)-year-old oak tree; taken to a wine place for a flight (samples) and then to meet a Polish family who had been here for a year for his work and were getting ready to go back; and, well, you get the idea. All of it with a smile and a laugh, even when the cancer was getting the upper hand. She was one of the first people I met with when I got back from my Pilgrimage. We met for “breakfast” at a place near her owned by an Orthodox family, which turned into several hours and then a trip to her house as she was packing to move into a smaller place for her final days. Among other things she wanted me to have some of her cast iron cookware: she went ahead and gave her things to the people she wanted to get them before she died. So she could do so with that trademark smile and a laugh. She planned her demise as if it were her second wedding, for she saw death not as an end, but her being Wedded to Christ. Hold that though, bit dusty in here.

Back to last Wednesday. I’m nervous and trying to get as good as I could as fast as I could, when the word came. Ruth had needed to leave her small apartment near the church, and was in hospice. They were going to have to start giving her serious drugs for the pain, so before that she wanted to do confession, receive the Eucharist and Unction, and meet with people. So, I stopped what I was doing and helped Father P get ready for that. That even resulted in my being Blessed to enter the Altar area to help him find, get, etc. As with most of this last week, I was less a Go-Fer and more a Hold-Er, but did what I could to help. I very much would have loved to attend the event with Ruth, but was reminded that in Orthodoxy, services go on no matter what. Even if someone drops dead in the middle of things, you press on.

So, I stayed and did the service for the few people who showed up. Knowing them, I apologized for my bad singing and the need to chant, and we got the service done. Probably not bad for a first solo effort, but hope to get in more practice before tomorrow. We’ll see.

Not sure of the exact timeline here, but it seems like right after the service I was part of a group message from Father P, letting us know of an unplanned funeral Saturday morning and asking who was available to help. Seems I was the only one who could, so on top of working on the Vigil text for Saturday, classwork, etc., I had to go in and get the Sanctuary set-up for a funeral. It’s not difficult, but you do have to move things around and where some things go is up to the Priest. Did what I could, got things ready, met the funeral director when they brought the departed to the church, helped get the casket inside and in place, and got things as ready as I could for Father P.

Long story short, Father P and I did the service. I was the choir, and sang what I knew and chanted the rest. Father P Blessed me to continue acting as a Reader. Partway through, it hit me how much responsibility I had taken on spiritually and otherwise. Made me more determined to do right by the family and the departed, and to do right for Father P. At the end, the family was pleased with the service and such, and while Father P went to do the graveside portion, I not only re-arranged things for that night’s Vespers but also started re-arranging things for an infant Baptism the next morning. The infant is the daughter of two friends, and I was determined to have everything as close to perfect as I could for them.

Thankfully our Music Director was back that evening for Vespers. May have forgotten to mention that she was out of town for a week or two as well. I decided to get some rest rather than attend Vespers and Matins as everything was either done or covered. Good thing, as I had to be back at the church about 0515 the next morning as yet more needed to be done to get ready for the Baptism and regular services. Also, to be honest, I had found out during the day that Ruth had fallen asleep in the Lord before I could get down there.

I do want and need to share with you what I was told of her falling asleep. By the way, if you don’t know where that phrase comes from, find a good translation of the story of Lazarus and read it. Ruth had had a rough morning, and was sitting up to sleep. Those with her reported that her eyes suddenly opened, went wide, she lit up with that huge smile of hers as if she was recognizing and greeting someone, her eyes closed, and with that smile still on her face, she left this world.

So, Sunday was a long day. Back at church at 0515, got things ready and lit, did what I could to assist Father P — which honestly wasn’t much as he did the preparatory prayers early as you really need a Deacon for that. Then helped him get ready for the Baptism, shot photos for my friends during the Baptism, then went to the Kliros to be part of the choir (and help chant some of the prayers during the service). However, since the Altar side was short of people, I got asked to help out a bit during the Eucharist (by holding down the table with the wine and bread that is eaten immediately after the Eucharist) and then at the end by standing next to the Priest and holding the basket/tray of blessed bread given out at the end of the service as people venerate the Cross. So glad our Music Director has been making everyone train on doing the prayers before Eucharist and the post-Eucharist prayers that end the service. They did a beautiful job that I actually got to appreciate for once.

After our Coffee (meal following the service), I just stayed at church and got the Sanctuary ready for the Ruth’s Visitation and Panikhida service that evening. Once again, we were a bit short-handed so I helped out as best I could. Ruth was at the rear of the church for the visitation, and then moved forward towards the Altar for the Panikhida. Some re-arranging on the fly, but it all went well and it was a good service. Ruth literally looked like she was asleep, and more than once I talked to her and was almost surprised she didn’t wake up and talk back. We don’t believe in embalming, but the funeral home and director work with us a good bit and do an amazingly good job. Glad to highly recommend them if you are in the Indy area.

Ruth then lay in state overnight with Psalms being read over her by volunteers. I finally went home, fielded a couple of issues by phone, and then got some sleep. Back down early as, again, I wanted everything I could to be perfect for her. Ended up catching a couple of dropped balls, and we had a wonderful funeral service for her that was very well attended, especially as it was Labor Day. Then, we got her loaded into the hearse, and this time I joined Father P and played Go-Fer and Hold-Er for him. A lot of what I did was hold the Censer (and keep it fed with incense) and Cross for Father P. Once the graveside service was over, six of her relatives lowered her casket into the grave. Everyone had the opportunity to put a shovel-full or handful of dirt onto her casket, which is an Orthodox tradition.

As Father A put it (the priest of the church in who’s graveyard she was buried, being downtown our church does not have one), what came next is the last act of love we can give to those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. We filled in her grave, and I was glad to have the chance to help do that. Towards the end, her Brother called out “Right now, my sister would be asking if everyone had their car keys” and we all broke out laughing as yes, she would have and we could just hear her doing it. What made it even better was how many (far too late) reached down to check that their keys were indeed still in their pocket.

We said our goodbyes and left her freshly-mounded grave to go into the church and have a small bite to eat. We chatted a bit, smiled even more, and left at peace. We were a ways out in the country, and that just made the drive back all the better as we enjoyed the scenery. If I didn’t need to be close to my church (closer even), I really would prefer to be out and away. Have to admit, think both Father P and I were eyeballing houses for sale.

Coming on top of the loss of my friend Bill, it has been an interesting couple of weeks. I’ve got things covered for the three days I will be gone to attend his celebration of life. Thank you to everyone who has donated, and please do feel free to hit the tip jar as Vancouver is expensive. Anything raised over expenses goes to pay for my taking Seminary courses. I literally will fly out one day, attend the CoL the next day, then fly back early the next morning. Part of me is reluctant to be gone for those three days, given how short-handed we are, but Father P has admonished me to take the three days and to look after myself a bit.

So, that’s a bit of why I haven’t been posting as much as I would like. Oh, forgot to mention that seminary classes have started. In fact, one professor kicked things off a week early. Yay me. So, keep in mind that in addition to Vigil Texts and such during all this, I’ve also had classwork and assignments. Looking forward to learning as much as I can, but already have to juggle more than expected.

More soon.

Before I Forget

With fall approaching, and with a lot of odd things going on, this is a good time to start checking your prep list for fall. How are you set for going a day or three without power? Other services?

The recent floods here have caused me to re-assess some things, and I’ve added a couple of things to the wish list as a result. While I don’t have to worry about the river flooding and getting me, we do have to worry about too much rain too fast. Right now, what the landlord has in place, we can deal with a lot provided the power stays on. If it doesn’t… Got him looking into battery backups for the sump pumps, but I’d like to be a bit more pro-active if possible.

Take some time, make sure you have plenty of food, water, and other supplies in place. Hopefully things will fall in the inconvenience category and not true disaster, but being prepared never hurts.

More soon.

Please check out my Summer Bleg.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Thank You!

I booked my flights to and from the Celebration of Life today, and will book the hotel tomorrow once I’m sure everything truly is set. I even got a special senior citizen’s price, though by the time all the fees and such were added in I was about $300 more than the advertised price. Seems they charge fees or “upgrades” for everything these days, from carry-ons to seat selection. Think it was about six fees or upgrade-fees to get what used to be basic economy. I declined a number of fees and upgrade opportunities to get out as lightly as I did.

There is more to come. Seminary started yesterday and I’m already behind my personal schedule for same. Also, I’m filling in for our Deacon on a number of non-Altar duties and so have to be at the church building pretty much every day.

More soon!

Please check out my Summer Bleg.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Thanks on HTA

I can’t say thank you enough times, or strongly enough, for all who are responding to yesterday’s post. I really do appreciate your gifts, and you. This is a huge help, and I will again note that anything over the cost of the trip will be going to my Seminary expenses.

Right now, there is no financial aid, so everything has to be paid by me. On my limited income, that is a challenge. Thanks to your help, it is doable. I will keep you posted both about the trip and about Seminary.

I will also be getting out additional thank-you’s to everyone I can as soon as I can. We have special services today and tomorrow, and then regular services Saturday and Sunday — all of which I am involved with. Also, one of my professors has kicked things off a bit early (which is good, I think) which adds to that schedule. I will be getting out thanks as soon as I can.

Know that I appreciate each of you, and your generous gifts, very much. Thank you for your help.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

HTA, Travel Request

I hate to ask, but I was just asked to attend Bill’s Celebration Of Life. I don’t have the funds, and it looks like a round-trip airfare and two nights in a hotel. If you can, please do hit the tip jar in the upper right, and anything not used for this goes to my seminary tuition and books. If I can’t go, I can either refund or put it towards seminary tuition and books. Thanks.

UPDATE I: Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! to everyone who is donating, and to VodkaPundit (Stephen Green) for his kind link at Instapundit. I will be sending personal thanks to everyone I can, but it may take a while as there are a number of you and we have services at church now through Sunday. More soon, and again, my thanks!