They're back!!!!

Once again a group of people will gather at a Masonic Lodge in Burien on Dec 24 and 25 to cook and deliver lovely meals to small local homeless shelters. This year they will also cook for needy people coming right to the Lodge dining room for a Holiday meal. Shouldn't people be acting like that all the time not just on dec 24 and 25? Yup, but I'm glad they do what they do. Yay, Christmas People!

Slow down, be quiet and listen

How's that for some holiday advice? That was wonderful Father Ward's sermon on the first Sunday of Advent. Father Ward included trying to ignore Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday as part of the slowing down part of his suggestion. By being quiet he was referring to us listening to our God. I would also extend that to mean listening to ourselves and those people around us (both loved ones and strangers). Father Ward is awesome. His advice rocks even though he admitted to hitting the Bartell's sale on Friday!!!!

A Cup of Tea

In the midst of a crazy day, before the cold commute home, my co-worker brought me a cup of Earl Grey tea. Amazing how nurturing a simple gesture can be. Joked about Jean Luc Picard ordering Earl Grey - hot from the replicator on Star Trek. Love Patrick Stewart. Anyway, what a difference Theresa made in my day. Remembered how another co-worker made me hot tea with honey months ago when I was feeling rotten and could hardly talk. I need to develop the tea-nurturing side of myself I think. Speaking of nurturing, how about coming home to a warm house with hot homemade chili after a 2 1/2 hour commute? Thanks to my wonderful hubby. I need to develop the chili making-nurturing side of myself I think.

A new take on Obamacare

Have to either laugh or cry about lots in the new lately. Let's try laughing ------

The American Medical Association has weighed in on Obama's new health care package. The Allergists were in favor of scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thou...ght the Administration had a lot of nerve. Meanwhile, Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, "Oh, grow up!" The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it. Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow. The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would "put a whole new face on the matter". The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea. Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and those lofty Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington.

Stole this from a friend on facebook who stole it from a friend's relative's friend (or something like that)

In the Dark Street Shineth by David McCullough

Missed club, the special guest appearances by sons Ian and Jonathan, and the Roosevelt talk.  This book was about Churchill and the Roosevelts on  Christmas Eve 1941.  I especially loved Churchill's speech - - -

Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Churchill went to Washington with his chiefs of staff to meet President Roosevelt and the American military leaders and coordinate plans for the defeat of the common enemy.  On Christmas Eve Churchill broadcast to the world from the White House on the 20th annual observation of the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

I spend this anniversary and festival far from my country, far from my family, yet I cannot truthfully say that I feel far from home.  Whether it be the ties of blood on my mother's side, or the friendships I have developed here over many years of active life, or the commanding sentiment of comradeship in the common cause of great peoples who speak the same language, who kneel at the same altars and, to a very large extent, pursue the same ideals, I cannot feel myself a stranger here in the centre and at the summit of the United States.  I feel a sense of unity and fraternal association which, added to the kindliness of your welcome,  convinces me that I have a right to sit at your fireside and share your Christmas joys.

This is a strange Christmas Eve.  Almost the whole world is locked in deadly struggle, and, with the most terrible weapons which science can devise, the nations advance upon each other.  Ill would it be for us this Christmastide if we were not sure that no greed for the land or wealth of any other people, no vulgar ambition, no morbid lust for material gain at the expense of others, had led us to the field.  Here, in the midst of war, raging and roaring over all the lands and seas, creeping nearer to our hearts and homes, here, amid all the tumult, we have tonight the peace of the spirit in each cottage home and in every generous heart.  Therefore we may cast aside for this night at least the cares and dangers which beset us, and make for the children an evening of happiness in a world of storm.  Here, then, for one night only, each home throughout the English-speaking world should be a brightly-lighted island of happiness and peace.

Let the children have their night of fun and laughter.  Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play.  Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the stern task and the formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied their right to live in a free and decent world.

And so, in God's mercy, a happy Christmas to you all.

Dad art

Now our new place is more like a home.  Dad's lighthouse picture and 3 pictures of New Orleans scenes are above our fireplace. 

Folks  and Brother John's family are all in New Orleans again for the filming of new Will Smith movie called Focus.

Eleanor Roosevelt quote

Reading Eleanor and Franklin books for book club.  This quote is from the book by her young "radical" friend Joseph Lash.  He attributes it to her but I couldn't find the speech it came from.

The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world "Love thy neighbor as thyself"  Christ, some of the other great Jewish teachers, Buddha, all preached it. Their follower forgot it.  What is the trouble between capital and labor, what is the trouble in many of our communities, but rather a universal forgetting that this teaching is one of our first obligations. . When we center on our own home, our own family, our own business we are neglecting this fundamental obligation of every human being and until it is acknowledged and fulfilled we cannot have world peace.

Victoria

What a fun week-end.  Wonderful people, beautiful city and silver medal. Even the 10 hour trip up by car, shuttle, ferry, and taxi was fun with teammates Luise and Mike.

Lak had the bagpiper escort us to the boats during marshaling of heat 3.  Last year, he had the bagpiper serenade Cyndi on her birthday.

Captain Bill's boat Sick Day was in it's normal spot in Victoria Harbor right at the finish line.  As usual it was party central and race watching central.

Here's a link to a video of heat 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y03QpjQjZkY

Graduation Season

And nephew Rome is graduating from preschool.  Love it!

This is why I love Patrick Stewart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y15pkRzWVbY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TqFaiVNuy1k

Patrick Stewart talking about domestic violence, PTSD and the link between the two.

He talks about his personal experience (his Father had PTSD or shell shock) and his mother was abused. 

He also talks about his work on both issues through various organizations.  Talk about taking a traumatic event and making a positive impact on this world.

I tried to imbed the video but no luck.  You can also search youtube to find more videos including one at a comicon where he opened up to a fan who apparently had been abused herself.  Very moving!

Kenny Chesney concert

Concert last night at Century Link Field.  Acoustics were terrible up high but had a great time. 

How come I didn't get the short shorts/short skirt and cowboy boots memo?  Probably a very good thing!!!!!

Our new home in Lake Stevens

It needs paint, vents, appliances, carpeting, but we love it already. Has a huge shop in back and large fenced back yard!

Saints Martins Dragon Boat Race

First dragon boat race of the year was last Saturday.  I was the official photographer and cheerleader since I had to work that morning.  Great job Habu!

Happy Birthday Ty

Ty and his new wife Carrie manage the apartments.  His sister and mom have also been managers here over the years.  Last name is Wine so guess what we got them for Christmas and Birthday!

Really an awesome loving family.  Nice to have a chance to hang out with them.

This is a Jim MacCarthy original creation fresh from facebook.

Little poetry on the brain tonight.....please be gentle.....

 If I am to Love
As a moth is to flame
Let me leap into the pyre
To be consumed utterly!


Love my poetry writing, dragon boating, hurling hubby.

Ducks

Ducks are funny during mating/nesting season.  This morning a female walks across the street near the bus stop, stopping traffic.  The male keeps staring at her and then slowly walks the other direction.  A few seconds later, he flys across the street to join her.  Duh!

Habu practise

Cool Habucam!!!!  Now we need some video so that we can critique our own technique.  Turned out to be a lovely evening with sunshine and very calm water. 

I missed the Connorman!

Missed book club last night and missed meeting Jan's adorable grandson Connor.  Mary's grandson is adorable too - just saw a new picture on facebook.  Boy, do those ladies love those grandchildren!  Lucky grandchildren to have such awesome grandmas.

By the way, Jan said Connor told her he only liked boy book clubs, not girl book clubs. Cute!

Declaration of War

This movie was recommended by Jan.  Awesome!  Is french language with subtitles.  Romeo meets Juliet (that's the character's names).  They have a beautiful baby and deal with his extremely serious medical condition with bravery, humor and love without one sappy moment that you would expect from a dying/seriously ill child movie. 

Romeo and Juliet are not perfect in any way, but come close to seeming like perfect parents. Even their escapism moments of partying and riding motorcycles feels more like survival than selfishness. The actors who play the young couple are beautiful and expressive and you can see the story in their faces and body language.  By the way, this is based on the movie maker's true story.

Love the wonderful hodgepodge of quirky family and friends who are totally there for Romeo Juliet and beautiful baby.

The movie has a surprise (to me) happy ending and sad ending.  Loved it!  See it!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Kept delaying borrowing this movie and am so glad I did (borrow it and watch it that is).  A wide range of older British characters are brought to the hotel in India due to mostly money issues.  The young man running the hotel is trying to save his father's hotel by promoting it as an affordable senior citizen retirement oasis.

Love all the stories bound together by the wonderful hotel.  Love the glimpses of India both ugly and beautiful.  Love the acting jobs including the "senior all stars" Judy Dench and Maggie Smith. Oh, yeah one of my favorite Coronation Street characters also does a wonderful acting job as a dissatisfied nagging wife.

First Spring Practice

Love Ilana's "habucam".  What a beautiful evening with awesome people.

Jesse is a rock star!

Jesse's band Dog Don't Hunt had second gig at the Ship Canal Grill.  Jesse is on the far right.  Very talented musician!  Then enjoyed some chocolate wine!!!??? on the Sick Day in nearby university marina.

Book Club Wednesday Night

What a wonderful evening talking with the book club ladies about life, the universe and everything. Book (Nujood) was great, healthcare problems not so great.  We all agree that we miss Lynn.

Thanks for being your wonderful, diverse, fascinating selves ladies!

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

In 1951, just before Henrietta died of cervical cancer, doctors took some of her cancer cells and sent them to the lab.  Since then these cells have thrived and multiplied and been used in multiple research projects and even been to the moon apparently.

Love the mix of history, personal interest and history.  The facts about racial segregation are fascinating.  This is the story of Henrietta, the doctors, Henrietta's family and the journalist who spent most of her adult life researching and telling Henrietta's story. Rebecca Skloot overcame initial resistance from Henrietta's family to develop a close relationship with them, especially the somewhat troubled daughter Deborah.

The author tells the story both positive and negative.  Whenever possible she uses the people's words without editing.  She also helps make the complicated science involved a little more understandable.

Here's a link to a BBC documentary on this story if interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVhm4emsNus

Blarney Castle

We were given permission to scatter Mac's ashes on the grounds and Jim chose this beautiful bridge.

Happy Birthday!

Mom and Dad at Legoland helping Rome celebrate his fifth birthday.  Dad has birthday tomorrow.  Mom had birthday while we were in Ireland.  Happy Birthday all.  Love you guys!!!!

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Garden

Some Ireland pictures

Clonmacnoise, High Cross at Clonmacnoise, Jim in Kylemore Abbey Garden, and Kylemore Abbey mini-cathedral 

The Aran Islands by JM Synge

An awesome book by the wonderful Irish author of Playboy of the Western World. A memorable recounting of the author's time with the rustic people of the Aran Islands off the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.  He really made the lives and culture of these people relateable and fascinating.

By the way, got to see one of the very old original copies of this book at Trinity College in Dublin.

I love Ireland

Last day in this beautiful country.   Mass at St Mary's Cathedral included the angelic voices of a girl's choir.  Apparently, St Patricks Cathedral is an Anglican Church.  Went to Trinity College  and saw the Book of Kells, their amazing library which resembled the cool Hogwarts library and the Science Center which is a place for Trinity students to showcase their advanced science projects.

Chester Beatty Library had books from as far back as the time of Christ from all over the world, one of the earliest fragment of the New Testament (536ad)  artifacts from all the world religions,  and more paintings from many European masters. Blown away by jade books and beautiful Japanese scrolls.

Later at the hotel pub .......    Do you see a trend here.

Ireland day 10

So many galleries and museums and all the national ones are free. Natural History yesterday.  Today went to the National Gallery and saw many famous painters' works, many religious themed paintings, and wonderful Irish ar,twists. Then saw artifacts back to the Stone Age at the Archeology Museum. Later, at the Guinness brewery (how's that for a transition again?) had a 360 degree view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.

Ireland day 9

Dublin is beautiful, bustling, vibrant, modern/historic and very friendly. started on the on/off  bus which stops at all the attractions. Wonderful narration by the awesome driver. First stop was Kilmainhan Gaol which is where leaders of the 1916 rebellion were executed. love the story of leader  Joseph Plunkett who was allowed to marry his love Grace before he died. The song Grace by Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns tells the story. We saw the chapel and went inside the prison cells. What brave people!  Kind of cool how freedom is freedom is freedom whether it is Irish freedom from Britain, France from tyrannical monarchs or the US struggles.

Grace by Irish Tenors

As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jail
I think about these past few weeks, oh will they say
we've failed?
From our school days they have told us we must yearn
for liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here
with me

Oh Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye

Now I know it's hard for you my love to ever understand
The love I bare for these brave men, the love for my
dear land
But when Pádraic called me to his side down in the GPO
I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go

Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye

Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too
On this May morn as I walk out, my thoughts will be of
you
And I'll write some words upon the wall so everyone
will know
I loved so much that I could see his blood upon the
rose.

Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
For we must say goodbye

Lyrics from eLyrics.net

Ireland day 8

I am blown away by all the wonderful people and places that are Ireland. We are blessed to be able to have these experiences.

Went to Clonmacnoise founded in 548, which because of its central location to ancient transportation routes became a hub especially of all things religious. It has churches, burial sites and amazing stone carved high crosses. It is a beautiful site on the River Shannon.  It seems appropriate that we shared this historic visit with 2 bus loads of French teenagers.

Later at the Tulamore Dew visitor center (I know what a transition) we shared a tour with those well behaved kids and their teacher. Had a nice visit with their teacher and our sweet tour guide when the kids got kicked out during the whiskey tasting. Most were only one year shy of the drinking age of 18!!!!

We did share Mac's love of the Dew and how we shared a drink of it the night he passed.

Staying the night right next to Trim Castle - can see it lit up tonight off our balcony.  Trim Castle is actually a whole collection of stone structures which used to be a village as well as the castle. This space is now shared with a lovely jogging/Irish puppy walking trail once again blending the ancient with the new.

Ireland day 7

We reluctantly left lovely Galway and braved many narrow roads and  many sheep blocking the road to arrive at Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore is like Downton Abbey except its in Ireland not England, and instead of rich people Benedictine nuns live in Kylemore and instead of favorite characters having love affairs and getting killed off,the nuns pray in the nearby mini cathedral that the     Owner built in honor of his deceased wife. OK Kylemore is nothing like Downton but it is lovely as are its prize winning Victorian gardens.

InAthlone tonight near yet another castle.  Love to all. Loving Ireland especially the sheep except when they graze in my road. I know I know they were there first.

Ireland day 6

Wow. Long walk along promenade by Amber Bay and Galway Bay.  Got to check out the Irish Tenors Irish Bay song. Beautiful..

Exploring city of Galway by foot including St Nicholas Church built in 1354!!!!! And they say Christopher Columbus worshipped there????

Beautiful Galway Cathedral and lighthouse which is last sight most Irish emigrants saw as they left for US, including probably Jim's great grandfather. Galway is awesome!

Stopping often to rest and for wifi!

Galway Bay by Irish Tenors --------
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
Then maybe at the closing of your day
You will stand and watch the moonrise over Claddagh
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay

Ireland day 5

Wow. More amazing Irish hospitality in Killorglin. Spent morning chatting with hostess and fellow guests. Met more Americans now living in Ireland. hostesses kids went to college in America.

On way to Galway, took Irish open ferry across Shannon River, saw Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. I think the Cliffs are like the White Cliffs of Dover and less white. : ). Burren is the stone structure filled landscape used in Harry Potter and other films.

Ireland day four

Left our wonderful hosts in Cork and headed west to Killgorin and the ring of Kerry. Passed some of the most beautiful, verdant green land ever. Lots of sheep, wool factories and wool shops. Also passed some of the most spectacular seascapes ever.

Drove to the Dingle peninsula where is apparently great surfing ??? According to a local lady. Also met an ice cream shop owner originally from New York. Talked rugby and hurling in the pub with awesome bar tender.  Jim now has hurling stick. His next athletic endeavor?

Ireland day 3

Scattered Mac's ashes off a beautiful bridge in the shadow of Blarney Castle. We were touched to tears by the lovely woman who refused to take our money once she heard our story.

So much green lush natural beauty, ancient stone structures and lots of fairy and witch folklore.  We did climb the steep stone steps to kiss the Blarney Stone. Yup they did have us bend over backwards to kiss the stone all the while holding tight to us so we did not fall down the crevice!

Explored the port city of Cork and pub grub in a rugby/Gaelic football/soccer sports bar.  Wonderful!!!!!

Ireland day two

After braving many narrow stairways and roads and still remembering to drive.on the left side of the road we arrived in cork. More sweet wonderful people who seem to love Americans. I was a little afraid we might encounter anti American bias.

We are close to Blarney castle and will scatter dad-in-law's ashes there tomorrow. 

Book club ladies I am reading James Joyce Jonathan swift and Jm Synge. Having my own Irish authors celebration.

Ireland day one

Greeted by sunshine as we arrived at Dublin airport and so far lovely weather everywhere.  Everyone has been so sweet starting with our Irish flight attendant. Everyone has been touched I think to hear Jim's promise to his dad to bring his ashes home to his ancestral land. Mac always was a proud Irish American.

After Jim's very brave 2 hour drive on the left side. Of the road!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived in. Southeast city of  Wexford location of many Battles for Irish independence. Went to battle of vinegar hill museum. Very touched by.the young couple who ran the place and their dedication to preserving Irish history. They spent a lot of time with us. By the way, they spoke Gaelic as do many people here. Most signs are bilingual. So much for it being a dying language.

Spent the night in what was a doityourself hostel. Comfy and heard so many languages in the common area.  Went to a pub where local musicians were playing Beatles music. Too late for pub food so took bread fruit and yummy local cheese back to hostel.