General – Page 5 – The Laughing Wolf

Merry Christmas 2025!

May your day be Blessed and filled with light, love, and all the things that truly matter. May the kids/grandkids/yourselves be delighted with what awaits under the tree, while not forgetting the birth that is the reason for the season.

I have Vespers this evening, and a service tomorrow morning though not a Christmas service. Our Church is Old Calendar, so Christmas for us will be on January 7, which is December 25th on the Old Calendar. Interestingly enough, January 7 and December 25th were the two dates debated by the early Church for the Birth of Jesus, which was less an argument about the date of birth as it was about the date of conception.

Me, I will enjoy tomorrow and hope to do my usual Christmas call with my Uncle who is about the last immediate family left. He’s 90 now and I do need to get down to visit one day soon. On the 7th I can focus on the spiritual, which is a good thing.

Be safe, enjoy, and make the most of the day.

A Small Bit Of Beauty To Share

Since it keeps me busy, and sometimes from regular posting, thought I would share some photos that catch a bit of what I’ve been up to. I will note that I call our Church a TARDIS church as it is much bigger on the inside than it looks to be on the outside. Here’s some of what I’ve been up to recently.

Our Deacon is out of town, so I stopped by yesterday morning on my way to St. Nicholas church to take care of a few things. This put me in right at sunrise, so I got a few shots to share. These are okay, but really do make me want to upgrade the phone/camera before the pilgrimage…

The big windows at sunrise…

A closer view of the big window. The Lord’s face is dark because over the hundred-plus years this has been up, sunlight has reacted with the pigment used on his face. The windows have been restored, but there is nothing we know of that can be done about the aging of the pigment.

The flanking windows

The Iconostasis and altar area being slowly illuminated by the rising sun. It is fun and fascinating to see beams of light come in and at different times on different days of the year, illuminate faces and things as if the entire layout was planned that way.

We also had a special visitor at Vesper’s the other night: St. Nicholas himself.

It was such fun to watch the children interact with him, and each got a small treat from him.

This is where I spent most of my time during the Christmas Village. The bar is a replica from the Eagle and Child pub where the Inklings — a group of writers including Lewis and Tolkien — met each week. We normally use it for Bible study, small events and discussions, and such but once a year it becomes a full pub complete with temporary license. Hence the 21 sign which is not there normally. (smile).

One of our new attendees is a professional mural artist and she painted this in a matter of just a few hours, and has volunteered to help touch-up or repaint some of our existing set pieces as they sorta need it after 30+ years.

I managed to get out from the Lampost Saturday afternoon and caught a couple of shots in the main Village. It was a good turnout but not frantic which was nice. I ended up out a good bit of Saturday afternoon as I helped with caroling, singing, and working in the Sanctuary answering questions and helping get it ready for Vespers.

Also, today I finally got my little tree decorated and plugged in for the season. Life is good. I hope your lives are as well, and that the Season is good for you. More soon, though I warn you that between now and January 7 there will be a LOT of services keeping me busy.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

I Survived, Sorta

Well, the annual Old World Christmas Village was a success and I mostly survived it. Had some issues yesterday that I suspect were a result of only eating one real meal a day for several days and then eating some very rich food. Bouncing back, though tired from a week plus of long days helping get ready for the event. Totally worth it. Just sorry I missed meeting one person who came by.

That out of the way, I want to thank everyone who has donated towards my seminary course(s) including covering my deposit! I can’t tell you how much I do appreciate that. I’ve spent part of this morning working on getting set-up via the online system and think I’ve got the important things done. I need to go back and take care of some minor things, but there is no rush on some of those. Almost wish I was an in-person student as they are doing some cooking lessons on campus that sound wonderful.

There is more to come this week. I am behind on posts, but will get caught up — one day. It’s going to be a busy week, as it also appears that I will be switching gyms. Have the chance to join a much nicer facility courtesy of silver sneakers, which will give me a lot more workout options over winter. More on that soon. We also have some extra services this week, so that is also a factor. Even with all that is going on, hope to get some things done here.

More soon, very soon, I hope!

Seminary Studies

Well, I think I alluded to it here, but it is now official: I’ve been accepted as a non-degree student (HCHC Open Learning program) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. What this means is that I am going to be taking some online courses from them in the next year plus. During that time, based on discernment and growth, I have the option to apply for degree or certificate programs.

This is a very different path for me, and it is one that has several possible destinations. For me, simply walking the path is a start towards something I feel drawn towards. Ever since I got up after the lightning strike, I’ve felt drawn towards a new path. I’m simply happy to be walking it, and am very happy to leave the destination to the Lord. I know that I will be guided towards that which is right, be it some form of monastic life, academic or administrative work, the Deaconate, or Clergy. I am content to let the destination be revealed in due time.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, it would be very much appreciated. Right now, there is not a lot of financial aid available, and I need to start paying fees and such ASAP as I have a $200 payment that has to be made now. My goal is to take at least one course starting in January, preferably two, and each course is $1,500.00. Any and all help is appreciated, especially as I still need (more than ever) to do my pilgrimage next year for spiritual growth and discernment. See the link above for more details.

I’m still going to be here, still offering pithy takes on things of interest, noting the struggle against the godless authority, and more. That said, I also plan to share some of what I learn in the process of walking this new path.

So, please do feel free to hit the tip jar above (upper right corner). Also, please do feel free to offer prayers for me. I need them.

Thank you all, particularly my regular readers. It has been an interesting time these last few years, and it does give an additional twist to my starting a new life. Not at all what I expected when I first thought a new life would be moving out West. The journey now continues but towards a truly new life. I hope you will continue to check in and share a bit of that journey in the days ahead.

A Happy And Blessed Thanksgiving!

As with most years, there is so much for which to be thankful this year. With so much negative, and even evil, tidings going around it is far too easy to get sucked into a negative mindset and viewpoint. I’m sure the evil one delights in it; but, life is much better for us with a positive focus. Rather than looking at the world, take a moment to look at the small picture that is yourself.

For me, I would start with my health. On top of long-term chronic conditions, getting hit by lightning four-plus years ago wasn’t exactly helpful in a number of respects. Heck, between what hit directly and what came in through inductance, I effectively lit up like the element on an electric stove. Seems like it was just a couple of years ago we were looking at yet more heart surgery.

Instead, after my baptism, the damage done to my heart healed completely. Doesn’t mean I can’t and won’t have future heart problems, just that the damage done by the lightning has healed. Along the way, we may have fixed some other issues that might have been building. Tests this year show things continuing to tick along nicely (all puns intended) and that I’m good to getting back to good workouts at the gym. Need to get my lazy rump back to such…

This year, my mobility has improved rather dramatically. I got around, but my right shoe shows a lot of damage from not being lifted and placed correctly; and, I found it easy to get down but not so easy to get back up. The “new” neurologist worked with me to get the physical therapy I should have had about four years ago (right after I was hit), and despite some payment issues (always appeal claim denials!), the physical therapy got me to the point I can now run with it on my own (figuratively speaking).

On top of that, I was introduced to a wonderful massage therapist by a friend at Church. Before taking me on, she researched lightning strikes and massage/therapy related to same. One of the more interesting things she found is that the fascia (which surrounds muscles, blood vessels, etc.) can and does harden from the shock. While it has not been pleasant, she has broken a lot of that up by her work. Net result is that on top of the physical therapy, I’m moving my legs and feet in ways I’ve not been able to for four years. All of which is helping me start getting back into the shape I want to be in.

There are some digestive issues that have popped up since the lightning strike. Not surprising in many respects, but we’ve been able to dial in some simple changes to my diet and routine that limit the impact. We are working to take my diet a bit more towards Mediterranean now, but this year has seen a good bit of improvement. While the accidental verification this year that I am one of the growing number of people who have problems with garbanzo beans (like trip to the hospital level problems) was not fun, it is good to know and has helped cut down some problems.

While I technically went on disability last December, a lot of things didn’t really kick in until this spring. It is nice to have a steady income and resources, for all that it is not lucrative. It gets me by and with help from you and from friends, I not only get by but also can pursue a few opportunities for growth.

One such is the religious pilgrimage I will be taking next year. This is a trip for spiritual growth and discernment that will take me from our “home” church to Mount Athos in Greece, allowing me to learn more about my faith, experience different and important traditions, and grow both spiritually and as a person. It will build on some of the things I do at my Church, such as being a Chanter and helping with preparations for services.

Another such is the recent opportunity to apply for online learning at a seminary. While that is an ongoing process, if it is approved, I will have the chance to take a course (or courses depending on financial assistance) to verify that I am up to that level of work and learning (the tests say yes, I seek practical validation via real-life data). This not only will apply to those courses, but to any potential formal study at a seminary.

I’ve also been blessed with the gift of a car. It may not be much to look at, but it runs, seems to be mechanically solid, and it has already been a blessing. It lets me get to and from Church much more easily and despite weather; it has let me run errands related to the Church and activities there; and, it has made grocery shopping much, much easier. Even with insurance, fuel, and such, right now it is saving me money as I am not using Lyft to do these things. I’m grateful for Lyft and what it let me do this last year, but I’m also quite grateful not to be dependent upon it.

I also enjoy and appreciate the blessing that is you, my readers. Some of you have been reading me for years, either here or at Blackfive. Some of you are newer. All of you are appreciated, and your comments, suggestions, and critiques help make this blog, and make it a home for rational discourse and discussion. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.

On top of that, regular and other readers have hit the tip jar (upper right for those new here) and made gifts, given gifts through the Amazon Wish List, etc. Those, along with the prayers offered, are very much appreciated as well.

There is more, much more, for which I am thankful this year. However, this gives both me, and you my wonderful readers, a place to start for further Thanksgiving. Don’t just take a moment, take time throughout the day to give thanks for the wonder and bounty within it (even for annoying friends and relatives) for it all makes our lives richer and fuller.

For me, I will close with thanks that I am alive and capable of starting to walk a very new path. I know not where it leads, but I am content with that as the preliminary destination is not up to me. That is up to another, and I am thankful to have this opportunity.

Thank you all for making this last year a wonderful and blessed time. We don’t always appreciate it as it is happening, and it can be hard to see at times; but, it all happens for the good.

May your day be Blessed and full of thanks at the bounty in our lives. Remember that while we enjoy the bounty of food and plenty, that the true bounty are the people in our lives and the Grace that surrounds us. May your day be bright and warm with both.

Happy Pre-Turkey Day!

Sorry for the silence, but life has kept me busy. On the plus side, got Mrs. Broughton’s Asparagus Supreme made and ready to go into the oven today. Each year it is a bit different, depending on what cheeses I can find and how much I tweak it. Today was interesting as I couldn’t find my casserole dish from last year, so had to get a new one and wasn’t sure how much it would hold.

Doubled the recipe but ended up only doing two layers of asparagus, white sauce, egg, and almonds. The white sauce was a bit dark as I put in some smoked sweet paprika with the flour, and I found a hickory smoked sharp white cheese that was amazing but added some color. In addition, had some hard goat cheese, extra sharp white cheese, English coastal cheddar, and real Gruyère. Nice mix that tasted amazing. Will bake it tomorrow just before heading out to the dinner to which I’ve been invited.

The last few days have been interesting. I’ve had some minor medical issues that appear to be mostly sinus. That said, lots of fun waking up because you feel like you can’t breathe. Also fun having the first nose bleed I’ve had in decades, had to put a plug up one side to deal with it.

All of this led to my discovering that the 4+-year-old inexpensive chain-grocery BP machine I had appears to have zorched. No way to recalibrate, cheaper and easier to buy new. Even the newer pulse-ox finger monitor was doing funny. Neither were true medical devices (most inexpensive pulse-ox monitors are not medical but rated sports/aviation as they are not accurate enough to be medical devices, same holds true for a lot of inexpensive home BP monitors). So, after doing some research, got a new medical-grade BP monitor and ordered a new medical-grade pulse-ox.

Really wishing I had gotten the BP monitor a long time ago. When I bought my first BP and pulse-ox, it was a bit of a rush and no real time to research. They got me by and I’m frankly amazed the BP machine has lasted this long. The new machine is nearly fool-proof to use (and, yes, being a fool I need that), far more comfortable, easier to use, and far more accurate. It even can detect if I am starting to go back into afib (I’m not). The new pulse-ox is supposed to be better and even give me perfusion readings. Won’t be here for a day or three, but looking forward to it.

I’m also using a nasal spray that was highly recommended to help deal with the bleeding and the congestion. Two versions: one for everyday use and one for “rescue” use if bad things are already underway. Have used both and things are better. More on the sprays later if there is interest. I’ve had to get a humidifier as well, should be here Friday. Not in the budget or what I wanted to spend money on, but all are worth it in the long-run.

On top of that, I’ve been busy in another area. Short version is that, with the blessing of my Priest, I applied to take some online courses from a seminary. After some e-mail exchanges last week, I had a telecon this last Monday with the very nice lady who is the admissions counselor for the online courses. Not long thereafter, I submitted my application to take two courses this spring semester as part of a non-degree program. Acceptance is not guaranteed, but this is a good first step. Also, were I to end up attending this seminary later, these courses should count towards any degrees or certificates being pursued as I understand it.

Because I am a non-traditional student in a non-degree program (for now), conventional financial aid does not apply. That said, they are aware that I am on disability and will be looking for any options that might apply to me. If there are none, I will only take one course as that would be the limit of what I can finance for now. Really hope something can be found as would love to take both. One is on the Liturgy and Liturgics, and the other is on the Book of Matthew. If I am accepted, can take one or both courses, etc., etc., etc., next fall semester I would be looking at taking some courses I need to take as prerequisites for yet more courses that I would need to take.

I’ve also been playing chauffeur to a 40- or 50-year-old meat slicer (that feels like it weighs 50+ lbs) that came to the Church from Brother Juniper’s. Been a while since it was last serviced, so got it in to service so it is ready for use as needed. The service guy was amazed at how good in shape it is given that it is from the late 80s. Some work was needed, but nothing bad and I am warning everyone the blade is now razor sharp. Frankly, if we keep it serviced and clean, wouldn’t be surprised if we got another 40 years out of it. I’m not sure even Hobart builds them like that anymore. It’s not a Hobart, but a rival, and nice to know what it is and a bit more about it. Even know how to sharpen it at need now.

More soon.

Sorta Back

Well, the yard/pre-estate sale went well. More than half of what I put out sold; most of what I really wanted to get to good homes did so; am keeping a few things for now/the next yard sale; and, most everything that didn’t sell is headed to the closest major charity that takes donations starting in just a bit.

I didn’t make Vespers Saturday or Church yesterday as I managed to overdo it a bit. I pulled some muscles in my right arm Wednesday (I think) during preparations, and then went into things as if I were still a teenager. Seems setting up and tearing down six tables, plus hauling stuff out to put on them and then hauling stuff away at the end of the day, would have been better for two people to do. The good news is that I can still open up a six-foot (or eight-foot) table, get the legs down, then do the jerk-and-flip to get it on its legs in roughly the right spot, and repeat in reverse at need. The bad news is that doing it repeatedly is not something the body appreciated, nor did it appreciate all the lifting and toting. Seems my days of ‘eh, it’s easier just to carry it than to use a hand truck or dolly’ are mostly behind me.

The other good news is that the shoulders held up well and I’ve got more confidence on doing some work at the gym than I’ve had. Once the arm is healed, really thinking I need to add in some serious arm and shoulder work.

Still dragging, but suspect part of that is allergies. Not sure what it was, but something set off the sinuses during all this and it has made breathing fun. It can make me feel a little short of breath, but pulse is good and blood oxygen is in the high 90s, so sinuses seem to be the culprit. Yet and still, may get it checked out if it doesn’t clear up fast. Glenn Reynolds makes a good point in this substack post about not putting things off to age, etc. Thinking about adding a good iron supplement as my iron and red blood count have been low the last couple of times. Can’t hurt, might help.

I’ve put a little bit away for the pilgrimage, paid cash for a few things such as food, and am not flush but not too tight right now. Even better, made headway on clearing out the storage unit (still a long ways to go) and am in a better position to clean and re-organize here as a part of that. Really do want to get rid of everything but my books, kitchen gear, and a few sentimental items.

Remind me and I will do an update on the pilgrimage soon. Not a lot happening on some levels, but a lot on some others. Hopefully more posting this week, will see how things go. Also, making some changes to the Amazon gift list for things for the car, making sure those are marked. Onwards.

Belated Veteran’s Day

While I am not a veteran, I respect and honor all those who have served in uniform over the years. It has been my honor to have been a small part of the parade in NYC a couple of times, and to head up some events at the NASDAQ on Veteran’s Day. I’ve even marched in or helped out a time or two with the Indianapolis parade.

I’m blessed to have met a number of regular readers from here and from Blackfive over the years, and I salute you all. And, per my usual posts there and here, Veteran’s Day is the right day to thank for service and to honor the living (Memorial Day is for those who gave all).

Yesterday was very different from years past. Instead of being involved in events (and raising a glass with real Vets), I spent it going through years of things getting ready for my yard/pre-estate sale this weekend. I was actually surprised at how many assault packs I have, and will be selling them all along with a tactical briefcase and other odds and ends. Lots of clothing and even some artwork. There are some antique tools, a modern drill press, and a grinder/motor stand that is a bit unusual: it was made from scrap at an aerospace machine shop. It is a bit rugged, shall we say. I’ve even decided to sell a few mementos given me over the years. I have no children to give them too, and would rather see them off to a good home while I can rather than risk them hitting the garbage can once I’m gone.

Today I hope to hit the storage unit one last time before spending the afternoon and evening at the Church. I have a meeting with a nun who knows a great deal about liturgics who may be willing to help me as I learn about the same, then Vespers and a class. Also, borrowing two folding tables from the Church for the yard sale. Tomorrow will be spent on final pricing and preparation. Friday morning I roll things out and the adventure begins. If you are in or near Indy and interested, drop me a line and I will give you the addy.

Finally, don’t limit your appreciation of Vets to Veteran’s Day. All this week is a good time to buy a meal on the QT, buy a drink for them, or do other things to say thanks. For some, simply sitting and listening to them is the best and nicest thing you can do, especially our older Veterans.

Yard Sale

Sorry for the lite posting, but if the weather allows I’m going to have a small yard sale Friday and Saturday. Am thinking I may sell my Wilton drill press and a few other things, along with clothing, bags, rucks, and other items I can’t use anymore.

The goal is to eventually sell off everything but my books, cooking gear, a few sentimental items, and minimal furniture. Want to be able to move light and fast at need, particularly as a return to education may be in my future. Now to hope that the weather will cooperate. Especially as I want to make another trip to the storage unit tomorrow.

Another Old Memory

Again, X strikes again. In response to a post on X, I remembered the time a group of unsuspecting passengers participated in a mock carrier landing with a 747.

My go-to airline used to be Delta, and the second time I worked for NASA I usually made Platinum-level frequent flyer by March of each year. Domestically, Delta at the time was very good. Other than some issues with things being stolen out of luggage (and oddly enough one time returned), things went fairly well.

Internationally however, I had a huge issue with the fact that one of their major partners was Air Chance, aka Air France. There was a chance the flight would not be cancelled, there was a chance it would take off on time, there was a chance it would arrive on time, and you get the picture. It was also a given that Air Chance would lie to your face about any number of things.

I will give them credit for one thing: they knew they were lying and while they didn’t really care, they had a unique way of dealing with the customer service issues. After having been lied to about arriving on time; about having my connecting flight delayed for us on it; and, about a few other things, I and others were put aboard a later flight to the same destination. Pretty much the entire plane was filled with passengers who had been lied to and delayed. The flight crew came down the aisle with carts full of wine and booze. Pick your bottle, shut up, and be quiet we are not going to deal with it. By the time we landed, we may have been still PO’d but we didn’t care. Amazing what a bottle of good cognac will do to help you cope with the unchangeable. I will say that from then on I told the transportation people to not put me on anything Air Chance and have avoided them like the plague.

Which brings me to the story seen above. The flight was supposed to be Delta, but was (of course) Air Chance. We did the trans-Atlantic bit, came into land, and for some odd reason the pilot decided to re-enact a carrier landing. Now, to be fair, I’m not sure that’s accurate as there are several other possible reasons he decided to land on the overrun and stop the plane before the first cross taxiway. Not sure what those could have been (chemically induced perhaps?) but there may have been a reason of which I am not aware.

Had it been a real carrier, I’m pretty sure we would have hooked the first wire. Seriously, I think we hit on the overrun. We hit hard and we braked hard. Not entirely joking that we could have stopped on a carrier deck. To say the plane made odd noises is an understatement. We stopped. We stayed stopped for about ten minutes at a very busy airport.

When we moved, the plane made VERY odd noises and parts of the plane did not appear to move in unison. During our sitting phase, I had already made a mental bet we would have to be towed in. Still amazed we were not. As it is, with a mechanical cacophony, we eventually made it to international arrivals. I heard later that the plane was then towed (with no passengers or other witnesses around) to maintenance.

That was almost as much fun as the time we passed the abort point on takeoff and were still on the ground. Different flight, but another time I thought we were going to make the news in a bad way… Remind me and I will tell that tale one day.