Sad news about one of my favorite actors, Peter Falk has Alzheimer’s disease. I loved him in The Princess Bride and Murder by Death. Great, entertaining films. My favorite Falk story was one I heard a long time ago. It seems when he was very little he had a problem – a tumor, I think – that necessitated the removal of one of his eyes. Some years later, playing Little League, he was called out by an umpire. Convinced he... Read more
First the Advent Conspiracy! H/T Deacon Greg Vespers for tonight – it’s flying by the seat of my pants; I knew what I wanted to say, but didn’t write it down, then found the dog and Buster both intruding…if I sound a little disjointed toward the end, it’s because as I was trying to speak, Buster was pacing around the desk waiting to show me a gift for his girlfriend. So, I have no idea if this will be any... Read more
I said I was “done” writing about Christmas gifts, but a few emails have changed my mind. Here’s a real quick rundown of ideas from readers: If you have a knitter you need to buy something special for, Hannah Rose Unique Handmades has “Knitting Bling” which are really CUTE stitch markers that fit over the needle. Monk Hot Sauce. No, really. I don’t know how it got by me during my survey of monastic gift ideas but this stuff is... Read more
I helped Elder Son make these a few nights ago for a party he was attending. This is an especially nice recipe for two people to work on together – allows for relaxed chatting time. I’m making two more batches this week for my husband’s office. Serve these with a cup of Jingle Bell Java and you’ll the boosted on to people’s shoulders as they sing songs from The Student Prince. Oreo Truffles 1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) Oreos,... Read more
Kind of downer Vespers for today. Not the readings and psalms, they’re fine, but I’m not quiet “with it” in this podcast, sorry. No talk, and I even screw up and forget the final blessing, “may the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to eternal life.” Vespers for December 15. Sorry. I’ll try to do better tomorrow, and the beautiful O Antiphons begin on Wednesday the 17th, so…hang in there. Those are worth tuning in... Read more
Lots of talk, of course, about the shoe-throwing incident in Iraq. The point has been made, enough, I think, that this Iraqi reporter would never have been free enough to throw his shoes under Saddam. In reading some of the forums, this commenter at Ann Althouse made a spot-on analysis that actually can be broadened. Harsh Pencil wrote: The reporter knows deep down that he can throw his shoe at Bush only because of Bush and it shames him. He... Read more
Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have left comments or emails of condolences on the passing of my brother John. I have been immensely touched by the prayers, the very kind and thoughtful messages – even by one person painting a nativity set and dedicating St. Joseph – patron of the dying – to John’s memory. I have been exceedingly moved by so much generosity of spirit, and pray God blesses all of you, especially in... Read more
The remarkable, effortless, bell-like clarity of soprano Emma Kirby makes this one a stunner: Read more
After two weeks of readings prompting us to “clear a pathway” and “make straight” the wilderness of our hearts, that the Lord might come, today we take rest from the interior work, that we might dance off a bit of that anticipatory energy in joy – a dance of the heart. The readings are especially comforting. Isaiah reminds us of Jesus proclaiming himself in the synagogue: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; he has anointed me; he... Read more
I learned today that another one of my “birth” brothers has died – that he died yesterday. He was much older than I. He was in the USAF and then married and out of the house by the time I was 6 or so, so my relationship with him was distant, but we “sort of” kept in touch. Moreso than other family members, anyway. I remember, when I was very, very small and he was home on leave, being fascinated... Read more
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