Wednesday!

I love Wednesday

Wednesday, Poetry Break

Advice

There is that within you that can reach a star...

Find it!

A song no one but you can hear ...

Sing it!

There is that without you that would pull you down ...

Fight it!

A bird doesn't get into trouble unless it flies too low ...

Fly high!

The universe is a question ...

Answer it!

A bird flew across the car in front of me one day and I got to thinking that it would not get into trouble if it just flew higher. It gradually grew into this.  For several years I posted it as a poster on my classroom door.

Getting me over Wednesday's Hump

What you know?  

It is Hump Day.  

And it is March 4th.

My students hated it when we would march into the other classroom and march around.  I would tell them that is was MARCH FOURTH and it was time to March forth.  (I wonder if any of them remember that?) 

So here is a marching band to help you with your day.

And here is a palate cleanser
"The answer to the mysteries..."

Wednesday

Snowy Owl Rescue & Release - Cape Wildlife Center )

WEDNESDAY

Family Dinner on Tuesday Night to celebrate Ginny and Vickie's Birthdays.  We were all disappointed that Aunt Jo and Georgia couldn't join us.

It was a hot one today.

They had the fireworks in Ames and Molly did not like them. She spent part of the evening on my lap, under the footrest on the recliner and over hiding behind the couch.

I was tired so I forgot to turn on some noise before they started shooting them off.  I had driven to Clear Lake this morning for a Funeral

We all had a great time.  The food and the company was excellent and the Birthday Girls (Ginny's Birthday was on the 1st and Vickie's is the Fourth. Vickie gave her ice cream sundae to her granddaughter.  And now just because it is Wednesday here is  Wednesday Adams doing a little jig for your pleasure.

Enjoy your holiday.  Thanks for stopping by.

IT IS WEDNESDAY -

I got 'nuttin.  Wisconsin Sux

Wednesday

It's Wednesday, I Got Nuttin Else

This is totally against everything I believe in but you are getting it anyway.


A woman from Los Angeles who was a tree hugger, a liberal Democrat, and an anti-hunter, purchased a piece of timberland near Colville , WA .

There was a large tree on one of the highest points in the tract. She wanted a good view of the natural splendor of her land so she started to climb the big tree. As she neared the top she encountered a spotted owl that attacked her. In her haste to escape, the woman slid down the tree to the ground and got many splinters in her crotch.

In considerable pain, she hurried to a local ER to see a doctor. She told him she was an environmentalist, a democrat, and an anti-hunter and how she came to get all the splinters. The doctor listened to her story with great patience and then told her to go wait in the examining room and he would see if he could help her.

She sat and waited three hours before the doctor reappeared. The angry woman demanded, "What took you so long?" He smiled and then told her, "Well, I had to get permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management before I could remove old-growth timber from a "recreational area" so close to a waste treatment facility. I'm sorry, but due to Obama Care they turned me down." 

Grand Lodge Neighborhood Meeting

These are the pictures from the Grand Lodge Neighborhood Meeting which Kurt and I attended at East Gate Lodge in Des Moines tonight. We had a good time and there were interesting discussions at our tables. I enjoyed myself immensely.

Following the meeting Kurt and I went down to Dos Rios and enjoyed a very nice supper and watching the scenery as it passed by our table on the patio. All in all a very nice evening. Thanks for stopping by, ARTYAL. Hugs, j

Hump Day

I went to the Consistory today for the second week of the Consistory Social time. It was nice. We had a lot of guys drop in and out over the 3 hours we were open and they were still there talking when I left to go get some supper.

Some played pool (or maybe it was billiards) and others talked about all sorts of things. Kurt heard a couple of guys talking about a degree they were both in. There were practices and just a really nice time to talk and visit. There are two more of these scheduled. I enjoy them. I think we ought to make it a monthly event.

Kurt and went to Chef's Kitchen to get a bite. I brought home enough meat loaf to last me at least through tomorrow. They serve great big servings.



Thanks for stopping by. Hug someone and Always Remember That You Are Loved. j

Wednesday

First I went down to the Scottish Rite (after a stop at Costco to pick up the shrimp and veggie tray) and set up the Library for the Meet and Greet event.

For awhile I was worried that no one would show up. But there was a group that started to come and so it begins. There will be four Wednesday opportunites for people to come in and get to know each other a little better.




We would like to raise some money to improve the library but the main purpose of these events is just to give the members a chance to come in and socialize.

Even the Grand Master stopped by. He was between speaking engagements. He spoke to the High Twelve Club at noon and then tonight he was going to speak at the DeMolay Legion of Honor Annual Banquet.












The pictures below are of that event. Every year on March 18 we gather to hold out meeting and remember the death of the Last Grand Master of DeMolay. (See Below)



Last year I was the Commander and this year I was elected Secretary/Treasurer. I enjoy this group. All members of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Those with Red Cords were actually DeMolay members. The white cords (mine) are Honorary Legion of Honor members.

The Legion of Honor is the highest Honor conferred by the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay. Since amendment of the Statutes of the International Supreme Council in 1985, nominees for the DeMolay Legion of Honor must be at least 25 years of age before January 15. The International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay may confer the DeMolay Legion of Honor (LOH) upon a Senior DeMolay for outstanding leadership in some field of endeavor, service to humanity, or for success in fraternal life, including adult service to the Order of DeMolay. The International Supreme Council may confer upon a Freemason, who was not a DeMolay, who has performed unusual and meritorious service in behalf of the Order of DeMolay, or who has evidenced a spirit of cooperation and appreciation for the Order of DeMolay, the Honorary Legion of Honor (HLOH).

Thanks for stopping by, Hugs, ARTYAL, j

Wednesday

I went to the Eye Doctor this morning. I had to be there at 8:00 AM. Not fun but I did it. Dr. Hamousch invited me to be part of a study. Instead of having to put drops in my eyes he would do something else and I would not have to do the drops.

I declined.

It would have involved an injection (with a NEEDLE) into my eye (or close to it - when he said NEEDLE I immediately said NO WAY...). The first thing I imagined was that I would jerk and put the needle right into the eyeball. I just did not think it would be something I wanted to do. And besides I don't like NEEDLES.

Actually when I left the house to go over there I walked out to the car, drove two blocks and then came back home and got my glasses. They are my old glasses because I had lost my newer ones. I have no idea what happened to them. I never wear them around the house. TV is a little fuzzy but it always was fuzzy. They just disappeared - today I ordered the new ones after I met with the doctor. They will come in a week. I don't like to spend the money but I suppose I should. I started out thinking I would get the transition lenses without the lines in the trifocals and the kind that darken in the sun. When I heard the price we went back to something more reasonable (for my pocketbook)

This afternoon I went down to the Consistory Building and worked in the office. I got fifty year certificates and class pictures and some letters to mail ready and did some filing and wrote a mini-bio for one of the men who will be honored at the Reunion this Spring.

Then I went downstairs and attended the York Rite Meeting. I enjoyed myself a lot. We are getting ready for a York Rite Festival on Saturday and I am doing a part I have not done for 30 years. I switched parts so that Charlie can take the part I usually take. He needs it to get the Royal Arch Ritualist Award. I am sure he will do a better job than I do and I just hope I will do all right on my new (old) part. I am not sure whether or not I enjoy doing ritual or not but I am willing to do it to help Charlie get his award.

It was announced tonight that Grand Commander, David Dryer will be the next North Central Department Commander for the North Central Department. He will do a great job and will represent Iowa and the Department well. He will have responsibility for several states and will have charge over an annual meeting of Sir Knights from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. He will hold this position for three years and I am sure he will do a great job.

I must catch up on things tomorrow night. Lots to do and I need to do it! (don't we all) - But I did have a lot of fun working in the Consistory tonight. They are getting decorated for the Jingle Bell Bash coming up and the place is looking really nice. I ordered ticked for this event for myself and some friends I can't wait to watch the kids when they see the show.

Things are going really well in my life. I hope you are having a great time. I seem to have gotten over being disappointed about last week. Can't dwell on S *^&T. ARTYAL, Hugs, j-bear

Over The Hump

This afternoon I met Matt at Starbucks in the old Masonic Temple Building for Coffee. We had a great visit. I wanted to take a couple of pictures out the window down there. I had been there before and wanted to take the bottom picture - Then as I was sitting there I looked at the library and saw the bricks reflected in the glass surface of the Library and took the other picture. I like both of them. I told Matt that I was really very happy with my camera.

Then I went to the Officer's meeting at the Scottish Rite. I am not an officer but I get to go to take notes to write articles for the Consistory Blog.

After that the Knights of St. Andrew met to formalize their organization. I guess I should say "our" organization as I am joining. I wasn't going to but I am a sucker for new lapel pins. :~)
I brag about my camera and then I take this picture. But to be fair it was not the camera's fault. I was a little shaky. I ponied up the money and Kurt and I both turned in our petitions. I got home just before the rains started. There was another tornado in Iowa. This time 4 Boy Scouts were killed. They were at a camp. May have been the same camp I attended when I was a Scout. I think it is so sad. My nephew says the reason we are having this weather is because George Bush did nothing about Global Warming. I'll buy that.

I really enjoyed myself today. It was good to sit and visit with Matt and also Kurt, Kevin and I went out to Chef's Kitchen (where else?) for supper. I had a small Mediterranean Pizza. There was good conversation there too. We ran into Jim Ford who was eating there also. He said he had flooding in his home.

Jon was over this afternoon. He found out that there is a program at ISU that will enable him to get his Master's in 15 months and be certified to teach Science. They told him that there was a shortage of Science teachers in Iowa and he could probably get a job in Central Iowa. I told him to go for it. I think that is what he wants and he will do a good job.

It is raining and we are having thunder right now. Bailey does not like it . He barks at every clap of thunder or rain noise. Oh well, perhaps it will be gone in time for me to sleep. ARTYRL. Hugs, j-bear

Arcadia After Hours

Worshipful Master Jeremy Davis started something called Arcadia After Hours. I have never gone to one before but tonight I went. I had a great time. Craig McFarland, Josh Tostlebe (Jr. Past Master) and Kent Naughton and I met at Olde Maine for some quality Masonic time.

None of us had ever been to one of these events before and this was the first time I had ever been to the Olde Maine Brewery. There were a lot of other people there but I really didn't know any of them.

We had a wide-ranging discussion about a lot of things but mostly about Masonry. I took some notes.

" You can either come with me or I can sit here until you f&*^kin die."
That was someone talking to a group of old Masons who did not want to move the organization forward.

"He will never be commissioner of baseball?"

"It doesn't matter what the Ritual says, it matters how it is delivered."

You ought to do what you can do - that is all you can do."


We also met Terri (After Josh left) and isn't she gorgeous?

I am sure there were more profound thoughts that I missed and there is one note I can't read (I think is says "Is this ice out?") but you get the general idea. I am a blogger and I want to report the events of the day.

Josh accused me of not being aggressive (I think) enough and so I made sure the waitress heard me when I ordered my third single-malt scotch (Is there anything better in the world than the nectar of the Gods?)

When I got home (thank you Jesus) I made it to the recliner and fell asleep (passed out) and missed the Season Finale of Boston Legal (Damn) - and Jon came by for two hours and worked on things, He answered his e-mail, worked on things (My Microsoft word shuts down when he uses his) and brought Max back from his walk and watched the TV that was running. He even says Bailey whined at me (as he is doing now) and left. I called him when I woke up.

What a great time!

I have not done that for years.

I am now going to watch Dave and Craig and reflect on the wonderful time I had tonight with my Brothers. ARTYAL - Big Hugs - j-bear.
P.S. I ordered my Masonic License plate and tickets to Newton Lodge's Table Lodge and Oklahoma Indian Degree Team event and I also got my book in the mail by Bob Davis. "Understanding Manhood In America. Freemasonry's Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine." As I have said before Bob is my favorite Masonic speaker/author going right now and I recommend him. See his link in the left side bar.

This just makes me feel good.

I never could dance like that. But I tried! (I was also never that skinny). Thanks Cathy for sending it to me.

I had my Legion of Honor ring cut off tonight. I had jammed my finger and could not get it off. With the hot weather I was afraid it was going to swell up even more. They did it for free so a shout out to Riddle's. They are a great store. I ate at Flame and Skewer tonight. I had a Reuben and then I went to Younkers. I picked up some Aramis cologne. I haven't had it for years. I needed something to "pick me up" - Medicare won't let me get my testing strips until Friday so I go for three days not knowing what my blood sugars are. Kind of iffy when I am not on the meds and I need to monitor. Oh well - just shoot me.

I sat out on the back porch and had coffee and Cassie and Bailey and Max joined me. Bailey peed on the Chaise (as usual) and Max went on guard duty and wanted to bark so we came in.
I love it that I can be out there again. I stayed home from York Rite in Des Moines tonight. Gas is just too expensive for me to keep running down there four or five times a week. So I will go to the Scottish Rite Party tomorrow to take pictures. ARTYAL - Hugs j

Wednesday

I feel like I have been through a wringer today. I went to Mason City this morning for the funeral of Robert Kornhauser. Ken Smith went along with me and I was glad for the company.

It was held at St. John's Episcopal Church and I had been there once before for Bob's wife' service last summer.

Bob was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master's of Iowa. He will be missed.

When I got back Jon was over and he was visiting about the fact that he is also considering Purdue University and has had contact from them. He was worried about whether or not he should feel loyalty to the college he visited previously and was offered a position there. I told him that he should consider all offers and take the best one.

Then this evening I went to Des Moines for the York Rite Meetings. Kurt engraved my mark in my Royal Arch Coins. He even cleaned the one coin up. I love that I finally have my mark on my coin. This is something we get when we join the Royal Arch Masons and are told to have our mark engraved. I have never been able to get mine engraved.

We had a good meeting and I enjoyed being able to be the prelate pro-tem. We had five toasts and I read the Easter Message. It was good practice for me to be ready for next Wednesday when I have the York Rite here in Ames. I have been asked to do the Easter Service for Ascension Commandery. I also enjoyed being able to talk with Kurt and Charlie and David about some things. I really enjoy these guys. More and more all the time.

Tomorrow I need to get things ready to go to Kansas City (actually I will be staying in Lee's Summit) and spend time with Ginny and Bruce. I am a little worried about the weather forecast as I heard something about "snow statewide" on Friday.

So I am kind of weary tonight. It has been a long day but a good one. I feel so sorry for Lisa Kornhauser. She had both her mother and her father pass this year. But she takes after her mother. She is a strong woman. Hold her in your thoughts and send white light" her way to sustain her during this time and Always Remember That You Are Loved. Hugs, J-Bear.

PS. I almost forgot to mention the passing of Arthur C. Clarke. He was a great Science Fiction author and many of the things he imagined have come to pass. A great talent.

Wednesday Oh Wednesday

WOW!

817 posts on here and 20,072 hits. Incredible. I am awestruck.

First some humor from my friend Judy

To all my friends who in 2007 sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel' letters or other promises of good luck if I forwarded something,

NONE OF THAT SHIT WORKED!.

For 2008, could you please just send money, BEER, chocolate, movie tickets or gasoline vouchers and airline tickets instead?

She knew I would like it and she was right. In the past few days I have gotten several threatening e-mails from supposed friends promising me bad luck if I did not forward it on to at least 5 people. One even threatened death. Well kids, I am still here and if I shoot off (nobody dies in my family) you can blame them.

I have known Judy since I was in college (eons ago) We hung out together there and then we lost track of each other and eventually re-connected. We were both elementary teachers and always had something to talk about. We were both active in the Association and so we always had that in common also. Judy eventually went on to become a principal and eventually won a place on the Waterloo School Board. She is one of my favorite people and I miss seeing her but I do enjoy getting e-mails from her and we keep up that way.

I went to Des Moines for York Rite tonight and really enjoyed myself. Kurt and I got into a discussion of the relative merits of the York and Scottish Rites. I belong to both and I enjoy both of them but if I had to give one up I would have to say that it would be the Scottish Rite.

To me the York Rite has always had a place for me to participate. I have always said that if Jay Simser could work his way to be Grand High Priest that anybody could. I never set out to be Grand High Priest and I am sure that I was not the best Grand High Priest that I could have been but I tried and I was able to participate and I did enjoy it. And I only had the few years in authority so I couldn't really do much damage.

In the Scottish Rite the authority is vested in a hierarchy that seldom changes. There is one person in charge of the entire state and while he relies on a lot of others to help him (personal representatives, advisory conference) the actual authority is his. A person who has received honors is honored and should be proud of that honor but it is really not a person in authority. In actuality he is expected to work harder and perform many tasks. Officers can take up to 21 years to go through the "line" to become the Master of Kadosh. That involves a lot of work and meetings. Then you have one year to be the spokesperson for the Rite in that Valley. But you can still be overruled by a small unchanging group.

So if I were going to recommend to someone which Rite to get involved with I would say both if you can afford to and have the time. But if you are interested in actually having authority to do something for the Rite you will have a better chance in the York Rite. Now my friend Brent Morris would not agree with me on that. He has risen high in the Scottish Rite and is one of those in authority and does not feel that the York Rite was the place for him. I won't argue with him about that because one of the reasons we have two rites is that they appeal to different people. I like them both. There is lots to do in both of them and both are worthy of my time and effort.

I finished reading The Appeal by John Grisham. It was a good read. I have enjoyed his other books. It didn't take me nearly as long to read as the last book I read. So now I am ready to start another. As long as I can read....

I got this joke in an e-mail the other day. I love it and I hope you do also. ARTYAL jcs

New supermarket

A new supermarket opened near my house. It has an automatic water misting system to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the scent of fresh mowed hay.

In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks with onions.

When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.

The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread and cookies.

I don't buy toilet paper there any more.