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Showing posts from October 9, 2016

Of course I miss my little Ada

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Adelaide Ada, the sweetest and most affectionate of my two cats. I had to let her go because of her illness.  But of course I miss her.   Her passing has made it clear that she was the alpha. She and Adelaide got on well enough, but from time to time I would observe Ada as she asserted  her authority. Ada would "bat" Adelaide, then chase her into submission. Sans Ada, Adelaide has demanded  (as only cats can demand) more attention from me.  She is also trying to become Penne's best friend.  Penne is not impressed. St. Penne of Sarasota.  Penne has also reacted to Ada's death.  For you see Penne had decided that my bedroom/office was "Ada Territory".   If  Penne was resting in my bedroom she would immediately exit when Ada entered. She had decided (I think) that my room was "Ada Territory".  Now that  Ada has gone Penne has claimed the room for her own. She now loves to sleep at night on a mat alongsi

"Development?" I was filled with sadness and anger

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I took this pic from the office I was visiting.  Goodbye: animals, birds, snakes, essential ground bugs, natural drainage and water purification  the aquifer.  The office staff have seen the critters trying to escape and find new homes via their parking lot. I was in an office at the south east corner of Honore Ave and University Parkway on Thursday 13th Oct 2016 The office overlooked some land being cleared on the south west corner.   It was a precious spot of wetland. Soon it will be "developed" as the site of a Whole Foods Market https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_Foods_Market and a WAWA store https://www.wawa.com This is in a area partly in Sarasota County, partly in Manatee County which is already horribly over-developed and despoiled. It's adjacent to Interstate 75, and it was only AFTER the de-spoiling that the builders, the planners, the merchants realised that the increase in traffic was overwhelming the intersection between University Park

Back to my spiritual (Christian) roots in these angry days.

Oh there is so much anger, hatred, dis-information, bitterness and violent speech in the run up to the American General Election. I am tempted to despair and anger as I read the news, or follow the postings from supporters of both candidates on Facebook. The "social media" can bring out the best in us (but often with sentimental prose, or "cute" videos of dogs and cats). The "social media" also manifests intense hatreds,lies, and destructive speech. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This afternoon as I was well  on the way to wallowing in despair, fear, and overwhelming sadness I was reminded that my primary call is to follow Jesus Christ.  My mind went to this text by John Bell and Graham Maule of the Iona Community. The Summons John L. Bell & Graham Maule Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don'

Wake up America! This may be your last chance

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It began in Bristol U.K. "A man dies" and "Jesus Christ Superstar"

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I well remember the swirling controversy in Bristol, U.K. when a (Presbyterian) Minister the Revd, Earnest Marviin created a ":Rock Opera", called "A Man Dies"  in and for his congregation in the Lockleaze area of Bristol, U.K. Earnest Mrvin I was a sixteen years old member of the Plymouth Brethren Church back in those days, so I most likely disapproved of "A Man Dies" .  We, (the Plymouth Brethren),  disapproved of everything! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had forgotten all about "A Man Dies" until earlier today when saw these pictures on the "Bristol, Then and Now"  Facebook page.   St. James Presbyterian Church, Lockleaze, Bristol  The Bristol Then and Now page includes the following commentary: Lockleaze, Bristol  -  'Jesus Christ Superstar' began at St.James (Presbyterian) Chur

Fie on the Presidential "debates"

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I will not be watching the so-called debate tonight. Firstly . because such events bear no resemblance to the classical debates which are a feature of High School and College debating clubs and societies ---   viz "It is proposed that......" Secondly , because the televised debates afford each nominee the opportunity to bloviate, to  score points, and to exploit any "gotcha" opportunities. "How sophomoric!"  Thirdly, because such events rarely if ever give us deep and trustworthy information regarding the realistic, hard-nosed, and difficult decisions which the candidate will face if elected. Fourthly, because whatever is said or is not said, each side will proclaim "We won'' ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have so very little interest in tonight's political reality show that I will skip it, in favour of taking my car to the local car was