Just thankful that our travels this Thanksgiving week are by car. Sure hope this is stopped before our two daughters fly north for the Christmas holidays. Please, pass this on ... it is outrageous, and as Rep. Paul says, if it is illegal (not to say anything about immoral) for an individual to do this, how on earth can it be okay for an agent of the Federal government to do it?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pass it On!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwhKuunp8D8&feature=player_embedded
Likely this will be taken off soon ... but our President is not legally able to be our President. Why on earth do we have to continue. Put Joe Biden in and have done with it all. That is why we have a Constitution. That is why we are a Republic, ruled by law, not by the whims of the majority ... and even less so by the elite who "know better." Another thing ... find this book and read it:
A History of the American People by Paul Johnson
It is not a simple book to read ... don't expect to find this easy to read, either. But, I'd bet that if you read my blog, you enjoy thinking, and this book will make you think. It will also make you laugh, chuckle, cringe and see how we are seen by someone who is not from the USA.
Oh! And Pass on this link ASAP .. we know that YouTube isn't able to hold on to many things for long because of the oversight (in part from Homeland Security) ... Just hope I don't get stopped at the border the next time I cross!!!!
Likely this will be taken off soon ... but our President is not legally able to be our President. Why on earth do we have to continue. Put Joe Biden in and have done with it all. That is why we have a Constitution. That is why we are a Republic, ruled by law, not by the whims of the majority ... and even less so by the elite who "know better." Another thing ... find this book and read it:
A History of the American People by Paul Johnson
It is not a simple book to read ... don't expect to find this easy to read, either. But, I'd bet that if you read my blog, you enjoy thinking, and this book will make you think. It will also make you laugh, chuckle, cringe and see how we are seen by someone who is not from the USA.
Oh! And Pass on this link ASAP .. we know that YouTube isn't able to hold on to many things for long because of the oversight (in part from Homeland Security) ... Just hope I don't get stopped at the border the next time I cross!!!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Life's Curve Balls
Practically from the first, "Mom?" over the phone I can detect whether I'm about to hear good news, sad news, or just the standard chitchat that my older daughters and I enjoy while keeping in touch. This past month has had more sad news than good. But even from the sad comes good, as you know from reading my posts about my lovely mother-in-law, Cathy.
Some other good news, though, is that our oldest is safely in Germany and adjusting to life in a new culture and environment. She is getting the experience of living in college dorms, though softened a bit with her husband by her side. We don't get to talk on the phone, but rely on both gmail chat and Skype for conversations.
We don't hear much from #2, though with a new production (MacBeth) in the works I'm not surprised. She was the one who had the unfortunate task of letting us know that, first, the air conditioner on their little VW Bug had died. Then a call telling us the brakes on my Sonata, that they were borrowing for the summer, needed to be replaced. To top off the summer of expenses, she had to let us know the compressor for our downstairs air conditioning unit in Houston house needed to be replaced.
Our third daughter is not as ready to call, but when she does it is usually good news. Sadly, not a few days ago. At first it was a bit of a surprise, but not after Tom and I talked about everything that had gone on before. Now that time is helping settle things a bit, life is again approaching stability and normalcy.
The news wasn't anything shocking, scary or even truly dismal. But, after a late night discussion she and her fiancé had decided to call off their engagement, and put the wedding on hold. That, of course, means money spent that can't be recouped. As she said, now she knows why the wedding industry makes out like bandits. The very fact that she and Brian were brave enough to say stop is good! Money, in the end just represents time, not a lifetime. I imagine there are plenty of couples who feel extreme pressure to say "I do" when deep inside they don't want to, but feel compelled because of all "the money" spent.
Our daughters and son all know that we love them, no matter how much money they cost us! Seriously, though, we do hope and trust that they will always trust us to be completely honest, even when it means serious disruptions in plans and expectations. After all, it truly is sinful for parents to believe they have the right to guide their children once they are young adults. Not saying we abdicate our role as parents, but we also realize that there is a point that emerges where we have to step back, let our adult children make their own way in life, and bite hard on that tongue.
The gratifying thing, though, for me is when what I thought was the wise thing turns out to be the foolish one, and their choice is the best. When our children were young it was simpler, "Which color do you want to wear? The blue or the green?" We could limit their choices depending on how mature they were, and how much time we had. Now that they are testing the waters as adults, we don't have as many limits to place.
The ultimate test will be in the end, and by then there will only be the ultimate choice, "Do you love Me?", spoken at our own intimate end in this world. All the choices we allowed to our children, and our own parents allowed us, we pray and hope lead us to emphatically shout "YES!" when we are called to account for our earthly life.
So, the wedding is off. Perhaps completely, perhaps only pushed into the future. Far better to have to undo our expectations and contracts now, rather than see our daughter go through with something her fiancé felt he wasn't ready to commit to in January.
Some other good news, though, is that our oldest is safely in Germany and adjusting to life in a new culture and environment. She is getting the experience of living in college dorms, though softened a bit with her husband by her side. We don't get to talk on the phone, but rely on both gmail chat and Skype for conversations.
We don't hear much from #2, though with a new production (MacBeth) in the works I'm not surprised. She was the one who had the unfortunate task of letting us know that, first, the air conditioner on their little VW Bug had died. Then a call telling us the brakes on my Sonata, that they were borrowing for the summer, needed to be replaced. To top off the summer of expenses, she had to let us know the compressor for our downstairs air conditioning unit in Houston house needed to be replaced.
Our third daughter is not as ready to call, but when she does it is usually good news. Sadly, not a few days ago. At first it was a bit of a surprise, but not after Tom and I talked about everything that had gone on before. Now that time is helping settle things a bit, life is again approaching stability and normalcy.
The news wasn't anything shocking, scary or even truly dismal. But, after a late night discussion she and her fiancé had decided to call off their engagement, and put the wedding on hold. That, of course, means money spent that can't be recouped. As she said, now she knows why the wedding industry makes out like bandits. The very fact that she and Brian were brave enough to say stop is good! Money, in the end just represents time, not a lifetime. I imagine there are plenty of couples who feel extreme pressure to say "I do" when deep inside they don't want to, but feel compelled because of all "the money" spent.
Our daughters and son all know that we love them, no matter how much money they cost us! Seriously, though, we do hope and trust that they will always trust us to be completely honest, even when it means serious disruptions in plans and expectations. After all, it truly is sinful for parents to believe they have the right to guide their children once they are young adults. Not saying we abdicate our role as parents, but we also realize that there is a point that emerges where we have to step back, let our adult children make their own way in life, and bite hard on that tongue.
The gratifying thing, though, for me is when what I thought was the wise thing turns out to be the foolish one, and their choice is the best. When our children were young it was simpler, "Which color do you want to wear? The blue or the green?" We could limit their choices depending on how mature they were, and how much time we had. Now that they are testing the waters as adults, we don't have as many limits to place.
The ultimate test will be in the end, and by then there will only be the ultimate choice, "Do you love Me?", spoken at our own intimate end in this world. All the choices we allowed to our children, and our own parents allowed us, we pray and hope lead us to emphatically shout "YES!" when we are called to account for our earthly life.
So, the wedding is off. Perhaps completely, perhaps only pushed into the future. Far better to have to undo our expectations and contracts now, rather than see our daughter go through with something her fiancé felt he wasn't ready to commit to in January.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Highway Travel
What can I say, except sitting for long hours in the car is, well ... not our favorite way to see the sights. But, sometimes it is the only way to get from here to there in a reasonable amount of time.
Our trip to Colorado was in the dark, for the most part. But here are some pictures captured as we left Colorado, and along the way. They were taken with our Sony Handycam, on the still photo setting. These aren't the highest or best, taken though the window of a moving car, but I promise, I spared you the poor ones!
Our trip to Colorado was in the dark, for the most part. But here are some pictures captured as we left Colorado, and along the way. They were taken with our Sony Handycam, on the still photo setting. These aren't the highest or best, taken though the window of a moving car, but I promise, I spared you the poor ones!
Stormy weather moved in for the drive home.
First snow fall on the Rockies!
Along the South Platte River
Almost halfway home
Crossing the Mississippi River
Fall colors in Michigan
Words Worth Remembering
You'll notice one of the links to the left on this page is Catholic Thought. This ranks at the top of my reading list each morning. Sometimes I follow links on their lead page, and today I opened up a letter written by Archbishop Chaput of Denver to his people. The entire article is solid, as are all the writings from Archbishop Chaput. Here is a snippet from this particular letter:
"Holiness isn’t some magic formula available only to the obviously pious. It’s the simple, daily decision to live differently from the habits of the world; to place the needs of others before ourselves. We can all be holy. That’s our vocation. That’s why God created us. We only need to turn our good intentions into good actions—one day at a time."
I've been leading a study group for a small group of women here in London. We are reading and discuss "Letter to Women" written by John Paul II in anticipation of the Beijing Conference in 1995. We are challenged through out the discussion to understand how we approach holiness, how we approach our particular role as women in our families, communities and society in general.
Words, like Archbishop Chaput wrote, and quoted above, help me remember that my purpose isn't to become famous, wealthy or gather large numbers of people to "follow me." Rather, my real purpose is to live an authentic life, to be the gentle light drawing others to Christ and ultimately back to union with the Trinity in heaven. In turn, I am drawn to others, especially when my path veers off, by their own gentle lights.
The analogy of a gentle light is important to me. Often I get distracted by much brighter lights. You might be able to relate. They can be those glaring lights that loom from the covers of tabloids and magazines as I stand in the checkout line. It can come from just reading daily news items, being drawn in by the brighter light of celebrity gossip, a tragic accident, the bickering of politicians, even gossip. Fortunate or not, I haven't made the deeper connections that come from living in the same area my whole life, so most gossip I am in the presence of does not draw me in as tight as what I remember growing up.
But these other bright flames, I need to be very wary of. When my attention wavers, I can find myself being caught up in failing to live different habits than the world wants us to live.
May you each be given the grace to follow the gentle light, as well as be a gentle beacon to others. And may we all be together in heaven ... even those who don't know they have gone astray. Perhaps most especially we can pray for those who appear to be so far off the road, that they be gifted with lights to pull them away from destruction, and back to sanctity.
"Holiness isn’t some magic formula available only to the obviously pious. It’s the simple, daily decision to live differently from the habits of the world; to place the needs of others before ourselves. We can all be holy. That’s our vocation. That’s why God created us. We only need to turn our good intentions into good actions—one day at a time."
I've been leading a study group for a small group of women here in London. We are reading and discuss "Letter to Women" written by John Paul II in anticipation of the Beijing Conference in 1995. We are challenged through out the discussion to understand how we approach holiness, how we approach our particular role as women in our families, communities and society in general.
Words, like Archbishop Chaput wrote, and quoted above, help me remember that my purpose isn't to become famous, wealthy or gather large numbers of people to "follow me." Rather, my real purpose is to live an authentic life, to be the gentle light drawing others to Christ and ultimately back to union with the Trinity in heaven. In turn, I am drawn to others, especially when my path veers off, by their own gentle lights.
The analogy of a gentle light is important to me. Often I get distracted by much brighter lights. You might be able to relate. They can be those glaring lights that loom from the covers of tabloids and magazines as I stand in the checkout line. It can come from just reading daily news items, being drawn in by the brighter light of celebrity gossip, a tragic accident, the bickering of politicians, even gossip. Fortunate or not, I haven't made the deeper connections that come from living in the same area my whole life, so most gossip I am in the presence of does not draw me in as tight as what I remember growing up.
But these other bright flames, I need to be very wary of. When my attention wavers, I can find myself being caught up in failing to live different habits than the world wants us to live.
May you each be given the grace to follow the gentle light, as well as be a gentle beacon to others. And may we all be together in heaven ... even those who don't know they have gone astray. Perhaps most especially we can pray for those who appear to be so far off the road, that they be gifted with lights to pull them away from destruction, and back to sanctity.
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Peaceful Death
Cathy passed away last evening surrounded by most of the family. We received the call while driving in Iowa on our way to Colorado. Her wake will begin after all the business has been taken care of and extended family and friends receive proper notice.
While I know we all miss her, and that empty sadness will descend on each of us, some far more than others, today is simply one of gathering, reminiscing, and taking care of business. Right now Meg and Kate are driving north with Meg's fiancé Brian to be with us this weekend. Since our oldest daughter, Liz and her husband John Paul fly out of Houston early Sunday morning for Germany they'll be Skyped in when the party gets going.
Cathy's wishes were for no funeral, just a party. So, planning for that is what part of the business involves. We'll gather with family, tell more stories, celebrate her life and support Ray. Plus enjoy a feast of foods we all associate with her.
We take great consolation in the fact that she was visited by a priest, and anointed, prior to her death. Many of our friends and family have been praying for her, and several masses have been offered for her as well. Now we simply rest and trust in God's infinite mercy, and justice.
May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And may Lynn Cathleen Rinaldi, nee Kelting rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light be made to shine upon her.
May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And may Lynn Cathleen Rinaldi, nee Kelting rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light be made to shine upon her.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Happy Birthday
Tom celebrated his birthday on Friday. It was twinged with a bit of sadness as his Mom is in the hospital back in Colorado, experiencing some unforeseen difficulties with her health.
Mary and Peter schemed to make him smile, and I think they succeeded. Peter has been Tom's right hand man with building and home repairs. Sometimes we think our kids don't listen, but they do. Peter knows that there are two small tools that Tom, unknowingly, has mentioned he needs to replace quite often.
One of them is his tape measure. The one he currently uses was a Father's Day gift from our 22 year old when she about 8. So on Friday, among other errands, we stopped by the local big orange box store and after much consideration, Mary and Peter selected and split the cost of their gift.
When they got home they retrieved the old tape measure from the workbench. On the outside they labeled it a "BIG BUBBA" ... attached it to the new gift's packaging, wrapped and placed it on Tom's dinner plate. After opening a really funny birthday card his Mom and Dad sent a while ago, Tom opened the kids' gift. He chuckled pretty hard, and reminisced about where Kate bought that one.
Mary pulled the real gift out from under the table, and gave it to Tom. His grin was wonderful to see when he pulled his new tape measure out of the bag. Naturally, he tested his FAT MAX immediately to see if it really did stay rigid for 11'. Passed the test.
Mission accomplished! Happy Birthday Tommy ... and thank you Ray and Cathy for a wonderful husband, and father to our children.
Mary and Peter schemed to make him smile, and I think they succeeded. Peter has been Tom's right hand man with building and home repairs. Sometimes we think our kids don't listen, but they do. Peter knows that there are two small tools that Tom, unknowingly, has mentioned he needs to replace quite often.
One of them is his tape measure. The one he currently uses was a Father's Day gift from our 22 year old when she about 8. So on Friday, among other errands, we stopped by the local big orange box store and after much consideration, Mary and Peter selected and split the cost of their gift.
When they got home they retrieved the old tape measure from the workbench. On the outside they labeled it a "BIG BUBBA" ... attached it to the new gift's packaging, wrapped and placed it on Tom's dinner plate. After opening a really funny birthday card his Mom and Dad sent a while ago, Tom opened the kids' gift. He chuckled pretty hard, and reminisced about where Kate bought that one.
Mary pulled the real gift out from under the table, and gave it to Tom. His grin was wonderful to see when he pulled his new tape measure out of the bag. Naturally, he tested his FAT MAX immediately to see if it really did stay rigid for 11'. Passed the test.
Mission accomplished! Happy Birthday Tommy ... and thank you Ray and Cathy for a wonderful husband, and father to our children.
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