Povey Prattle

It’s hotter than hades in Sarasota right now (6:45 p.m. 17th July 2010). My outdoor thermometer registers 95 f (35 c). It should have cooled off by now. I understand that most places in the northern hemisphere are also overheated. So I am not complaining, nor should I, blessed as I am with central air-conditioning, [which I set at 84 f (28 c]. That’s higher than the local norm. Nonetheless it is bearable if I slow down, drink a lot of water, and allow my electric fans to move the air. The outdoors temperature does not seem to bother Penne. She is “at the ready” for a walk at all times and in all weathers. I am happy to oblige her. I say to myself “what’s a bit of sweat?” and then we sally forth. We sally forth. Twenty minutes later we are back at hom  e where a long drink of cold water helps; and the ever present electric fans greet us. Then I pause for thought and a bit of prayer. My prayer is of gratitude for my good fortune. My prayer is also of compassion f...

In these days of retirement I have a great deal of discretionary time: i.e. time in which there is nothing that I must do, and time in which there are many things which I can do. So it is that I spend many afternoons reading books (which I have taken out from the splendid Sarasota County (Florida) library system) .  (At aged 66, I no longer need or wish to purchase books!) My preference is for history and biography.  I especially need to read books about the history, and the notable persons of my adopted United States. One of the most notable American figures was Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America.  He is an intriguing and important figure.  So it is that I have been engaged in reading a splendid biography of Jeff Davis.  It is “Jefferson Davis, American” by William J Cooper, Jr. (published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2000). I recommend this book to those who are interested in American history.  I remind you that that the Con...

I read a word the other day which I had never before seen. It's a terrific word when used to describe the statement of  politicians, preachers, and errant spouses. The word is "tergiversation" . (Look it up). If I could remember how to to spell and pronounce it,  I'd use it more often. Nonetheless, I know how to practice it.

Hi Goodfolks: My mind is a bit like a dry well.   I have temporarily run out of steam. I am uninspired. You have the picture n'est pas? Of your goodness, check in a few days when I'll once again be able to add something wise, or funny, or ridiculous, or provocative  to "Povey Prattle". In the meantime my blog is on holiday/vacation. 

I have a lot to say about .. . the Gulf of Mexico Oil Volcano; the lies of Fox news; the failure to close Guantanamo; the endless and futile wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; the stupidity of the Church of England; the anachronism known as the Roman Catholic Church; the arrogance of the American Episcopal Church; the disrespect and hateful treatment of females in the Catholic Church,in  the Evangelical movement,in the ranks  of the United States military, and in the religion of Islam. Why does power always diminish woman? I have so much to say about these matters that I will say nothing.  "Mums the word from me."

Not that I am sentimental (!) but I have two items which I purchased in Oberstdorf some 40 years ago. They are a cross with the “Chi-Rho” symbol; and an ash tray which has within it an “edelweiss”. From our base in Oberstdorf we took two trips. The first was across the Bodensee (Lake Constance) into Switzerland and Austria. The second took us to Oberammergau and to (mad) King Ludwig of Bavaria’s fairytale castle at Linderhof. 40 years on ..... I am grateful for these memories. I will always have a soft spot for Oberstdorf.