April 15th . . . payday for the government. Given all the expenses Washington DC has incurred on our behalf over the last year or so, I'm pretty sure April 15th isn't going to help all that much! Anyway, I filed our tax returns on-line the first of February, got our IRS refund and sent our our California tax payment as close to the deadline as possible. They don't worry about us losing interest so I like to return the favor!
Still sort of recovering from the 'lost' weekend. Our next door neighbors decided to throw a party with a live band. Just to make sure the LIVE band could be heard within the small confines of their backyard, they amped it up to share it with everyone within six or eight houses away. Since our house was shaking with the vibrations of the LIVE bass, we called the police and I have to admit, the neighbors were kind enough to come right over and apologized and did turn down the amplification. It was still loud. They shared with us that they were having the party for their brother who is very sick and not likely to survive his illness. I told my husband that if I'm ever at death's door, please do not park me out in the backyard next to a loud band in 55 degree weather with a cold wind blowing.
Quilting got some attention yesterday. Started out with a specific pattern in mind and ended up free lancing, AGAIN, with my own scrap quilt concepts in mind.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Can't figure it out . . .
You have to wonder why the people we elect to represent us seem so intent on making the United States a third world country in health care and defense. Yes, there are people who defend everyone's right to health care. Yes, there are people who want this to be a sweet, wonderful world. Realistically,it ain't a gonna happen as we still have that one component of people to deal with . . . human nature.
A little research shows that a one-payer health care plan is not sustainable which would leave everyone with less-than-ideal medical help. A one-payer health care plan will cover abortion. The proposed health care plan has nations like Canada and England wondering what is wrong with us to substandardize our medical support. It hasn't worked as a state-run plan in Massachusetts yet the egotistical powers that be want to inflict the same thing on everyone. Survival rate on some cancers in other countries is half what it is in the United States under our current health plans. Scary stuff!
The fact that the leader of our country would take it upon himself to risk our safety by downsizing our nuclear strength AND advertising the fact to our enemies is boggling to the imagination. It makes you wonder who's side he is on!
I'm hoping the November elections in 2010 and each year hereafter will reflect the will of the majority and teach our elected officials that they were entrusted with their office to represent 'we the people'. In the meantime, we can pray, not get sick, and start building our own bomb shelter!
A little research shows that a one-payer health care plan is not sustainable which would leave everyone with less-than-ideal medical help. A one-payer health care plan will cover abortion. The proposed health care plan has nations like Canada and England wondering what is wrong with us to substandardize our medical support. It hasn't worked as a state-run plan in Massachusetts yet the egotistical powers that be want to inflict the same thing on everyone. Survival rate on some cancers in other countries is half what it is in the United States under our current health plans. Scary stuff!
The fact that the leader of our country would take it upon himself to risk our safety by downsizing our nuclear strength AND advertising the fact to our enemies is boggling to the imagination. It makes you wonder who's side he is on!
I'm hoping the November elections in 2010 and each year hereafter will reflect the will of the majority and teach our elected officials that they were entrusted with their office to represent 'we the people'. In the meantime, we can pray, not get sick, and start building our own bomb shelter!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Some good thoughts for a Friday morning . . .
"Parents were invented to make children happy by giving them something to ignore."
-- Ogden Nash
"One doesn't have a sense of humor. It has you."
-- Larry Gelbart
"Never eat more than you can lift."
-- Miss Piggy
"Absurdity, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion."
-- Ambrose Bierce
-- Ogden Nash
"One doesn't have a sense of humor. It has you."
-- Larry Gelbart
"Never eat more than you can lift."
-- Miss Piggy
"Absurdity, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion."
-- Ambrose Bierce
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Just wondering . . .
I spent the afternoon sewing and enjoying the fact that I had the time, money, and interest to pursue a favorite hobby. It also gives me time to ponder stuff as my sewing machine does the hard part!
I listen to various radio stations, as I sew, and the pronouncements from our government get more and more wearisome each day. It doesn't sound like stuff you'd expect to hear from a strong, supportive government. It doesn't really reflect the desiress of the people who put the politicians into office. Something has gone wrong here.
Interesting, however, that when people voice concern, the opposition say we are being radical even as they initiate radical legislation that is sure to change our lives. Some people just don't know which side their bread is buttered on and I'm hoping the justifiable anger of the people will keep it strength right up to the November elections. So far, many of the politicians seem to believe they are beyond reproach and can make laws THEY want to see enacted, laws that won't effect their exalted status.
I have to wonder, however, about the latest news that we will be cutting back on our military weapons as an example to other nations. Huh? If I were an enemy of the United States and heard the US was scaling back, I'd be MORE prone to upping my nuclear production in hopes of a destructive takeover. You gotta wonder whose side our own government is supporting.
Good thing I have prayer and quilting to get me through this distressing news. You gotta wonder about our world today!
I listen to various radio stations, as I sew, and the pronouncements from our government get more and more wearisome each day. It doesn't sound like stuff you'd expect to hear from a strong, supportive government. It doesn't really reflect the desiress of the people who put the politicians into office. Something has gone wrong here.
Interesting, however, that when people voice concern, the opposition say we are being radical even as they initiate radical legislation that is sure to change our lives. Some people just don't know which side their bread is buttered on and I'm hoping the justifiable anger of the people will keep it strength right up to the November elections. So far, many of the politicians seem to believe they are beyond reproach and can make laws THEY want to see enacted, laws that won't effect their exalted status.
I have to wonder, however, about the latest news that we will be cutting back on our military weapons as an example to other nations. Huh? If I were an enemy of the United States and heard the US was scaling back, I'd be MORE prone to upping my nuclear production in hopes of a destructive takeover. You gotta wonder whose side our own government is supporting.
Good thing I have prayer and quilting to get me through this distressing news. You gotta wonder about our world today!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A thought . . .
"How splendid is fasting
Adorned with love.
Share your bread generously with the hungry
Otherwise yours is not fasting but saving"
Adorned with love.
Share your bread generously with the hungry
Otherwise yours is not fasting but saving"
An unbiased viewpoint . . .
I was visiting my neighbors today and we got to talking about religion, faith, etc. They are Protestant and I am Catholic but we enjoy each other's company and share the differences rather than argue about them.
We were talking about how we observe Holy Week and I mentioned how some of our priests prefer having boys serving Mass rather than girls. One of my friends bolted upright and said, "Excuse me? Did you say GIRLS serve Mass at your church? That just doesn't sound right! Does your Pope ALLOW that?"
I said that Rome had allowed girls to serve but it was sad how it chased away some of the boys who might be missing out on a vocation because they never get to be that close to the altar. My friend just kept shaking her head over it.
We then went on to agree that males and females are different and it was a shame the world kept trying to make them one and the same. She said she worked because she was a single mom and had to in order to support her daughter. She said that when women just work 'to find themselves' or to buy a bigger house or fancy cars, they could be taking away a job that a male head of the household needed for basic support of his family. She wondered if pushing females into the service of Mass could also be pushing males aside.
Personally, I'm for teaching my girls to emulate the Blessed Mother and doing so does not include serving Mass, being a reader, or an extraordinary minister. I did not, however lead this particular conversation on and it was interesting to see how our liberal Catholic ways are seen by someone outside our Faith. Not starting a debate here but you have to wonder how it will all turn out.
We were talking about how we observe Holy Week and I mentioned how some of our priests prefer having boys serving Mass rather than girls. One of my friends bolted upright and said, "Excuse me? Did you say GIRLS serve Mass at your church? That just doesn't sound right! Does your Pope ALLOW that?"
I said that Rome had allowed girls to serve but it was sad how it chased away some of the boys who might be missing out on a vocation because they never get to be that close to the altar. My friend just kept shaking her head over it.
We then went on to agree that males and females are different and it was a shame the world kept trying to make them one and the same. She said she worked because she was a single mom and had to in order to support her daughter. She said that when women just work 'to find themselves' or to buy a bigger house or fancy cars, they could be taking away a job that a male head of the household needed for basic support of his family. She wondered if pushing females into the service of Mass could also be pushing males aside.
Personally, I'm for teaching my girls to emulate the Blessed Mother and doing so does not include serving Mass, being a reader, or an extraordinary minister. I did not, however lead this particular conversation on and it was interesting to see how our liberal Catholic ways are seen by someone outside our Faith. Not starting a debate here but you have to wonder how it will all turn out.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hard to Understand . . .
Has anyone else found that the more orthodox the person, the more judgemental they can be? We are dealing with a situation in our family for the last couple of years and it is very disheartening that so much hurt can be dealt by people claiming to be spiritual and good. The Pharisee and the tax payer parable seems to come to mind a lot these days. You have to wonder how hard it is to be sensitive to others? Going a bit out of one's way is the way to Heaven. Guess a lot of people want their comforts on earth and heck with the people they either work with or go to school with. I always thought (actually hoped!) that such behavior will diminish with the onset of age and maturity. Doesn't seem to be happening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)