Category: General

Thank You!

I just want to say thank you to two people who were very kind to me.

I really would like to try a lifestraw out on a hiking/camping trip. If some things work out, I’m looking at maybe trying something like that this summer. As for the book, I’ve enjoyed Gad Saad’s writings and commentary online and am looking forward to reading this one day soon. May not be immediate as my stack of unread books is getting a bit big and needs to be whittled down.

Thanks to both of you for doing this. It is very much appreciated!

Also, this may be my Friday post. The current plan is for me to be at Church most of Friday doing some liturgical homework. I’m in the process of learning how to figure some parts of the liturgy out and being sure that we are set for them. It’s been an adventure and what I thought would be a simple thing (it was a simple question that led to this) is anything but.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Take Care Of Yourselves

Non-political today, but a suggestion and a warning all the same.

You are your best and only true health advocate. Your health is up to you.

Writing this as I got the news this morning that a high school classmate had died, apparently dropping dead from an ‘unexpected’ heart attack. Hate to say this, but that rarely is the case as most often there were symptoms that either weren’t followed-up on or didn’t get a push from a doctor. Fact is, I know too many people that have had to push their doctors on heart issues, cancer, and more.

No, doctors don’t like being pushed but too bad. Push. It’s YOUR life that is at stake.

Even if you have to do it out-of-pocket, a lot of places offer a very inexpensive heart scan that can save your life. You can even get them for free quite often. Lot’s of places and organizations offer free or inexpensive cancer screenings of various types. Such can be a quick way to get the jump on things, as cancer is one of those where the earlier you start to deal with it the better the odds.

You need to be pro-active, aggressive even, on your health. Remember, you know your body far better than your regular doctor. If something seems off, it likely is. Get it checked out. Don’t let it get you checked out of life.

When I tell you to be careful out there, just remember that there are many threats to our lives, health, and safety. Heart disease, cancer, and other such delights are part of that. Be careful, be safe, and make sure your body truly is ready for anything.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Random Thoughts On A Friday

Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…

I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.

It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.

Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.

If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.

I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.

I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.

Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).

Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.

If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.

More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Back, Sorta

Whew. Last week was intense. It was tiring. It was also flat out amazing. Wonderful, educational, enlightening, and inspirational are also words that apply. I almost lost my voice as I did participate in every service. By the time yesterday rolled around, I was more croaking than chanting (at least at home), but got through it all.

This time last year was what I describe as an “argggghhhhh blur.” I am not sure it matters how long you have attended a given Church, but when you become a formal Catechumen there is so much going on and at such an intensity that you are doing good to see the big blocks start to fit together.

Last week, it was intense but different, and it is hard to describe it. Instead of a blur, everything seemed to flow together, almost like a panorama. I will say that yet more blocks fit together: it was a chance to see how historical events, scripture, and more fit together such that more of the picture of faith is revealed. I thought I had learned a bit about the liturgy but have discovered at least a part of how much more there is to learn. Then again, that applies on all fronts.

There is more to come.

Lite Week/Light Week

I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.

Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.

However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.

I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.

However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.

We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.

We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.

So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.

The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Best Laid Plans…

Sorry to be away from keyboard, but Tuesday evening decided to eat dinner out on the way home from the ENT appointment. Stopped at a place I don’t hit often but have enjoyed as they do good hamburgers among other things. Tried a different appetizer with homemade aioli, and then did get a burger. Started feeling off even before the appetizer completely done, and feeling bad by the time I left. Few hours later I was in the bathroom with the joys of food poisoning.

I will do a longer AAR here soon, as there were some preparedness lessons learned. Couple of tweaks needed in my plans and systems, and if I am going to be collapsed on the floor I want a nicer, more comfortable restroom. Definitely not one where literally freezing air from outside is being vented onto me.

I’m on the mend but no where near 100 percent yet. May end up having to call the doc on Monday, but also hoping it won’t be needed.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

It’s Monday

My apologies for the lack of posting, but life has been interesting. Think I noted before that I am having to switch over to Medicare from my current insurance, and that has been a process. I actually have a meeting on Wednesday to go over everything and make my decisions on what I’m going to do for now. Complicating things is that my upcoming birthday actually increases my options so what I do for now may only be in place until the next enrollment period. Fun.

I’ve also continued to have some digestive issues, and am about to go do something either brilliant or stupid to try and finish getting over the current round. Looking at going to see a nutritionist as a lot of what we are having to do in regards diet is trial and error. Have some ideas, want to get some good input on them and modify as best.

There is a lot going on in the world and I am trying to keep up with it. Hope to get some more substantive posts up soon, but for now will note that the first 100 hours of Trump were amazing. Instead of the usual, he came in with a blitz from which they still have not recovered. They have yet to figure out where to start because he’s hit with so much, so fast.

Glad to see Pete approved, and it is the most military thing ever to see a junior officer rescued by a member of the E-4 mafia. The defense industry worked hard behind the scenes against him, and one might want to look at donations to the three alleged republicans who voted against him. Noting that the AF is going all-in on malicious compliance to directives, thinking that might not be a good idea nor go as they think it will. Lots of topics for discussion later.

Not surprised to see the trans-dating terrorist (former? You sure about that?) president of Columbia suddenly become the darling of the progressives. Yep, he sure stood up to Trump and showed him — for about 30 minutes. Short take for now: Columbia has many serious problems, and the people are already fed-up with this guy to start with. As someone noted on X, this isn’t Central America where calling the gringos names gets you approval. The path he started on will collapse their economy pretty quickly I suspect, and even if all ends up patched up with the US, the reality of what he did and it’s potential impact may result in a rapid departure for him. Again, lots of good topics for discussion later, though I do wonder if Japan still has some ties/influence that could be leveraged…

More on Ireland here in a bit. After they dragged a pregnant Jewish woman out of the Holocaust Memorial (and threw out a dozen or two other Jews) for that midget (mental and physical) fascist anti-Semite of a president, I’m done. He was asked by the Jewish community not to attend I understand, so of course he did, had thugs throw out Jews, and then bashed Jews and Israel. Disgusting is too kind a descriptor.

I may talk about Greenland, if I can quit laughing. Good reasons to have good relations with an independent Greenland, or even to have it become the 51st state.

Also find it interesting that Russia is cutting back its coverage of Trump. Seems Trump has become too popular with the Russian public for the comfort of Vladimir and others. Fractures and fractals, oh my.

Have appointments that may keep me out most of the day tomorrow, and Wednesday is also filling up. That said, hope to get more up this week than I did last week.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Some Quick Reads

Tied up with medical stuff this morning, mostly appointment joys, but came across the following good reads.

Glenn has a good essay up that is well worth the read.

Steve has a good post up at PJ that I enjoyed.

And also Steve but at Instapundit. Follow the links.

May add some more later, will see.

Ed on the rapid turnover at the FBI (deserves a double facepalm)

Steve is on a roll today, good thread on X. Yes, the classification system needs major overhaul, if not gutting and starting over.

Itchy Feeling (Updates Below)

Okay, not sure what is going on other than that I think The Attack should be in non-fiction. Of many things going on right now, check out this story which should be ringing alarm bells far and wide about sleeper cells and worse. There are several others out there, all of which should be raising hackles and alerts.

For all I would be reluctant to step beyond the Firelight yet, starting to get a real itchy feeling about Monday and the days just beyond. Everyone is happy (and should be) over the election results and the chance to save the Republic. Problem is, what makes you think the deep state and progressives are going to play by the rules? They’ve already shown a large and varied willingness to step beyond the law on various fronts. What makes you think they are just going to lay down and follow the law now?

Interesting that the WEF is 20-24 January, right in time with the inauguration. An inauguration that looks to have a host of those hated by progressives (Milei, Nigel, Katie Hopkins, Musk, Bezos, Pichai, Cook, Altman, Zuckerberg, possibly Meloni, Orban, Bolsonaro, and more) in a small area. Now, add to that a number of darlings of the WEF and Deep State who are suddenly announcing they won’t attend. On one level, good as their absence will raise and enhance the event. On a different level, interesting that some of them will be at events or places well away from a potential ground zero. At the risk of sounding very “conspiracy theory” some of them are at locations where there have been multiple reports of emergency bunkers being built by “nervous” millionaires. Or bigger.

Also, how do you think corporate (legacy) media would respond if something like “The Attack” took place on or just after Inauguration Day? Heck, given what has been going on with DOJ, FBI, DHS, SS, et al, what if they stood aside if not helped?

Yes, I am a professional paranoid. There is a point to game things worst case, so as to be prepared. What we are seeing now could be totally random and innocent, or it may not. Face it though: you are about to have most major and many minor “enemies” of the elites/deep state (world wide) in a small area for several days while good progressive elites are well away and bunkered up (and dispersed).

Probably paranoid, but my shoulder blades are itching. After Butler, I have no faith in those in charge of security at almost any level. Frankly, I hope some foreign who have been cagey do stay away, just to thin the target pool. I also think that Trump and JD need to be widely spaced. As in very, very, nuclear-level widely spaced. Something’s not right. Pay attention. Hope this is wrong, but life could get very interesting real fast.

I’m going to be very busy with Theophany (spent most of today on it actually) the next few days. Will mostly be at Church, but will be keeping an eye on things and will cover as needed/can. Again, hoping I am wrong and the itchy feeling between my shoulder blades is just dry skin. That said, not going to bet on it for all I hope that is all it is.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE: Moving inside due to “weather” and some major changes to security perimeter. Note that “weather” could well be legit, or it could also be a good cover for reacting to other things. Only time (and the usual DC leaks) will tell. Also, looks like security is beefed up elsewhere too (Not a big DCD fan, but info is info). See this as an additional info point.

UPDATE II: I am delighted at all the continuing last-minute changes to events and plans. Funny that so many progressives are highly upset at them, you would think (as quite a few have noted on X) that it upset sightlines and plans. I want to see more to be honest. Not just on the day, but after. I noted above that the next few weeks could be very interesting. Then you get stories like this which prove the point. It’s still not too late to prepare, or to read The Attack if you have not already done so. No, link generates no payback to me FYI, prefer honest donations if I do good. I’ve been using the recent time at Church to offer up some prayers for today and the days ahead, prayers for peace, for growth, for safety, and more. I encourage you to join me, as I think such is very much needed. I don’t often do this, but will share a daily prayer that is modified from a traditional Orthodox Christian prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ Our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

I will note that non-respectful discussions of the prayer will see the banhammer brought out of storage. Also, is anyone surprised at the last spasm of pardons? The Biden Regency is protecting all those it can, and through them others as well. All the more reason change is needed.

And if you need something unsettling for the day, think about this. Note the dragging of feet on confirmation hearings for several key players in the new admin. Now, look at the line of succession. Particularly look at who is where as of about 1230 hours today. Now, literally, look at where 1-3 are at that time. Now, look up who is 4, 5, and 6 and where they will be. More soon.

UPDATE III: Made it through the day surprisingly peacefully. Thank you Lord! As of this morning, Rubio is confirmed so as soon as he is sworn in a major problem in succession is fixed. Now to get the others in place.

Now to make it through the next few weeks. Read the comments as several good calls about things. One of my concerns remains attacks against civilians and infrastructure. It would not need assistance from elements of the government (already had that) nearly as much as weaponized elements of DOJ, etc. standing down or simply not standing up at need. Blame the new admin and not the failures and machinations of the past Regency. The next 2-6 weeks are critical in terms of change-of-command and dealing with rot. That said, Trump seems to be coming in with better intel this time, and plans laid out, and that could narrow the window, possibly even considerably. The top of the chain is relatively easy in many respects, it’s down the chain that time is needed along with good leadership. Keep those prayers and thoughts going folks. We are NOT out of the woods yet, but we are in a much better place than we were yesterday morning.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Whew

I had planned to get another post up today, but had to head out this morning to an appointment. From there, I did a bit of grocery shopping in an area where the sidewalks were at least semi-clear, as they are not cleared in most of Indy from what I can tell. Makes walking, much less getting my bus-compliant grocery cart around. One errand turned into about three, and there was much walking in the snow. Also, I had to clear a path through the snow down the driveway and to the garage for myself and the grocery cart.

And it has wiped me out. The cough from the URI is still not completely gone, and hopefully the gut is returning to normal. I might not should have pushed as much as I did, but we have more snow forecast for tomorrow and Sunday. Joy. So, I’m stiff, sore, and sleepy already.

So no boom, er, post today. There will be a post tomorrow. There is always a post tomorrow. Sorry, couldn’t resist abusing that quote.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.