Good Friday

Another beautiful service at St. James. I still have trouble sitting still during the singing of the Passion.
I think the assembly should be divided into three sections with each singing a part. It would be more exciting if we participated. 
Always love the Good Friday Music. This  is the only time I wish I was a member of the Saints of Schola.
They don't need me, as the alto section sounded great. However, I sing along with them in my mind and have a difficult time being a spectator.
Then there is the music by the experts, plus the youngest choir member (soon to be an expert) They sound so fantastic, ( for the most part).
 Rebecca's high range is  heavenly.

Joe is joining me tonight so I hope parking isn't too difficult and he will enjoy the lengthy, but beautiful service.

Yes, He washed her feet................

The high point of Holy Thursday for me was the washing of the feet. Archbishop Sartain washed the feet of June Whitson. It was an inspiration to see his goodness and humility as he held her foot.  It gave true meaning to the hymn being sung by Schola " I've never felt such Love".

June is recovering from a stroke and has lost most of the use of the right side of her body. June is unable to move her right foot. Roger &Sharon were there to help. Truly a loving family.

Fr. Ryan gave a memorable homily as well.

Back on earth......traffic  was horrible!

Really?

Our Family Dr. moved to West Seattle so we had to choose another.
I met our new Dr. this morning and was impressed with her expertise, intelligent questions and answers.
Yes, I was impressed until she asked me to send her some poo. " Send me some poo" Really? Is that what it's called in Med. School?
Since she speaks with an accent I'll accept her comment. Perhaps this is what they call it in her country.
The Dr. also called me honey and dear. Call me silly, but isn't that the same as telling me I'm an old lady?
I already know this to be true but don't need to be reminded in a condescending manner.

 However, now that I have shared this, I will tolerate it as niceness overdone.

Joyful Noise and Just Plain Noisy

We had a great time at the Dinner Dance at Sealth. The food is always a little "iffy" but I managed to do OK.
I asked for salad..." the salad is only available if you have vegetarian lasagne"  So the wonderful volunteer gave me enough lasagne for 4 people. Her knife needed sharpening! I gave some away and enjoyed an extra plate of delicious salad.
The music is always great. Sealth has a wonderful music program.  Zoey played drums with Jazz 2 and sang with Jazz1.   She played drums first and was already nervous about her vocal solo so drums were a breeze.
She did a good job on both. I was very proud of her. She said she was proud of me as well for not groaning if she hit a note that wasn't perfect. Apparently I have a habit of groaning when this happens. I taped my mouth shut....actually it wasn't necessary.
The kids danced in front of the band so the noise in the background is pretty loud. But, they are so cute dancing (and staying out of trouble) that I didn't mind.

We got a chance to visit with some of our family and that is always a pleasure. Joe & I didn't talk much .
 We decided the reason was that we don't do much. We'll have to change that.

The best comment of the night was when Zoey finished her solo...ran to family table and said," Hey Guys,
the people who hate me said I did a good job."

If you read Liz's blog this is repetitious. Sorry.

Mass for Special Needs

Attended the Special Needs Mass this morning and was blessed to be able to sing with the choir.
The choir consisted of a few St. James choristers, and many volunteers.

Our director is very good with special needs people. This made a huge impression on me, and will help me overlook  times when I want to scream.

I was expecting more elderly in wheel chairs but this was different. Many young people with different
problems. Each so different,  so sweet, inspirational.
 Some played the bells, some read the intercessions. It was great.

I plan on attending the next one. I hope they make it an annual event.

I'll Catch it Next Time

.
Walked to a pond and beyond this morning, with camera ready for any creature worthy of a photo.
Nothing!  However, the music of the birds is always worth a walk.

Later, Joe was working outside and called me to come out to hear an owl hooting.
I rushed outside but the hooter had moved to another location.

I see a pattern.
Whenever this occurs I realize how fortunate we are, when we do have wonderful sightings or sounds.

While I'm on my nature kick...I learned something the other day. I'm sure everyone else is already aware of this.   It is about the crow. I love crows and know that they make many different sounds. What I just realized is that while making one sound the crow lifts it's wings. Joe & I watched for several minutes to make sure the crow did it each time.  Fun! I'll have to do some research and see if it is a mating ritual.

Passing The Time Away

I think I'm in love with the new Pope. Holy Thursday with young prisoners. How impressive is that.
Even though his beliefs may be too conservative for many of us, you have to admire his down to earth ways.
I love what he said to the Cardinals. "May God forgive you for choosing me."

I have written a couple lines that go with the song "Don't Cry For Me Argentina"

Please pray for me Argentina...I didn't intend to leave you
Please stand by me...don't crucify me
It isn't easy being a Pontiff
 
 Verse 2 by Portia (our niece)

Please pray for me Argentina..The Curia is dour
I'm just a nice guy, and I'm not sour
I ride the bu-us     I wait an hour



Please feel free to contribute!

Can Boredom be a Godsend?

We have had a plethora of drama in our life. I'm ready for a slow down. Maybe boredom is not what I seek...how about peace.

Several of our friends are battling illness... extended.family problems including fighting over custody of children, and  a cousin diagnosed with leukemia. Prayers please.

On the fantastic front..Liz is doing great. Her Dr. said her reconstructive surgery is the best of his career.
He told her to take it easy (good advice) since she seemed to be feeling so well, there could be a tendency
to overdo.

Joe and I are doing fine. We walked for an hour and a half along the Green River Trail near Costco.
Not exactly camping, but a good way to prepare for summer camping trips.

I like the shack.....by the riverside.


                                        Bridge over calm waters...........

  

  

                                          Spring  on the trail

  

  

                                        

  

                                           Interesting!

  

                                           Close up of another bridge. By Joe

  

  

Good News!

Elizabeth had successful  reconstructive surgery this morning. Our family is grateful for the good news.
Elizabeth is such an outstanding person. I know all mothers think that of their children but I'm totally impressed by the way she has handled her illness. Her blog is informative, witty, touching and an inspiration to others. Her husband John has been fantastic.  In her own unique way, our Grand-daughter, Zoey has been
a help to her mom.
Liz's brothers and their families have been a blessing along with her many friends.

Love you all.
Martha

This will be my last post for a while. Time to do our taxes!

Last letter for a while...Tax Time

   11/28/52
Dear Richard
  
Thank you very much for the leaf. I was thrilled. Really though, anytime you have any old leaves around that you don't want, just forward them to me. I go wild over leaves.  Seriously, it was very thoughtful of you. With all the wonderful sights to see in D.C. it is  a wonder you had time to think of me. Sounds silly, but you know what I mean.
     Enough of that. While we're so close to the White House I'll tell you my political leanings. I am not old enough to vote but I still have my views. I am for the individual and not the party. This election I would've been almost entirely Republican. I firmly believed that a change was absolutely necessary. I really think Robert A. Taft would've been one of the great Presidents. He was not popular , no appeal, and never won the nomination. Still, the Taft Hartley law though misunderstood is a great law for the laboring class.
No doubt you disagree with me. Oh, well, it was fun while it lasted.
 If you liked Truman, don't write  to me anymore. Ha! Ha! what am I laughing at? One more thing. I believe it would have been morally wrong to elect Stevenson President.    2013 ( I wonder why?)
Amen!
       Saw a lousy musical last night or rather I should say a poor interpretation of a good musical. It was the road show of "Oklahoma". We left the show early. I had already wasted money on tickets, why waste my time as well.
     This is a little off the subject of analysis but here goes. To me, there is only one way of dressing that can be called well dressed.  Follow? I didn't think so but I'm not easily discouraged so I'll continue.
This is a combination of neatness and good taste. By this I mean not mixing plaids and tweeds, checks and
plaids- stripes and- oh you know what I mean. also, when to wear what, and what to wear where. colors that go together etc. One of my pet peeves is women with slacks and fur coats- anklets and heels, rhinestones in day time- earrings with slacks etc. I hate slacks anyway.  Of course I wear jeans to work all winter and peddle pushers all summer, but I'm an exception. There is only one garb for the Public Market and that's it. Right now I'm wearing so many clothes, because of the cold weather, that I'm just waddling around.
     Forgive me for keeping you so long but sometimes I get so wound up and windy.

                                                                                                              Hysterically Yours,
                                                                                                                  Marty

Dear Rich....11/13/52

Dear Rich,
     Guess who? With guess what?  You follow?  No? I can't understand it. Anyway,here I am.
I can't believe I'm so silly, so soon. Usually I wait til the end of the letter.
     Am sitting here in our car waiting for my sister (Judy) to come and ride home with us.
She is singing for a convention of some sort. Barb is here also, sitting in the back seat sewing rhinestones on a dress for the S.U. variety show. She's singing  "The Lady in Red"  It's a production number...she is being featured. I've really been giving her the razz. Reason? One of the advertisements for the show said," S.U's annual variety show featuring torrid....Barbara Torlai."  I thought this was rather funny, course I guess that's
because I know her rather well.
     Seriously though, she's bound to raise some kind of a sensation with her dress, if nothing else. It's fiery red lace and net with splashes of rhinestones, glitter etc. Now that I've finished my fashion commentary, what shall we talk about?
You asked if I was kidding about the Spanish sailors who asked my sister and I to go with them to Spain.
Definitely not, for once.
     If you can't read this, don't try as you won't miss a thing. It really is rather difficult to write while sitting upside down and sideways in a car. But don't despair. I have good news. I can draw no matter what. I shall draw you a picture of what I am looking at right now.

(Update 2013
I drew  Seattle Trust & Savings...Klopfensteins....Florshiem ....Von's Cafe....and others I can't decipher

Strange drawing with even stranger little cars.)


Oh! I say! Pip pip- This is jolly fun
Do I like to get away from it all sometimes? Yes. Do I have a special place? No.

When my thoughts are serious, It is usually when I am alone. No special place. Just has to be the right atmosphere. On a bus, walking down the street, even at the store when I'm alone. I know I do a lot more serious thinking than people think.  I actually believe that they think I tell jokes to myself when I'm alone.
To me there is no more interesting a subject than human beings--human nature etc. I could go on and on but I'd bore you to death.                                                   
                                                                                                        Till then,
                                                                                                           Marty

Richard....10/16/52

Dear Rich,
     Here I am again with more of the same. I hope this letter finds you in good humor (mood). You'd have to be to appreciate (tolerate) it.
    I'm practically out of my mind..our house is a mess!  My older sister, who lived in an apartment in Seattle, is moving to Alaska for a while and guess where she carts all her furniture? Out to our stinky little house. What a rat. She's really insane. I don't know what she expects to find up north, but she's bringing real good dressy clothes with her.  I told her that she would  do better bringing 10 pair of jeans and 6 pair of saddle shoes.
     Isn't this interesting!
You'll have to wait a while for a lock of my precious hair. The reason..I just cut it and have none to spare. Believe me.  I was going to send you a piece of our dog's hair for two reasons.
1. To test your sense of humor.
2. To see if you would still give out  the compliments.
Seriously- what would you have said?   Really though, I appreciate your sweet talk even though it isn't true. It boosts my sunken ego.
     Say Sweet- hasn't anyone ever told you that nice girls don't read college humor magazines? Or didn't I ever mention that I am a nice girl?
     Well, best I journey on.
     I just remembered a reason why I didn't send a lock of  dog hair.. He has fleas and I guess that wouldn't be fair at all.
    Did I ever tell you about sending a friend of mine a bunny for Easter?  Anyway, it just had seven babies. He was overjoyed to be able to give me the news. Ha! I hate myself when I do things like that.
Be waiting to hear from you.                                                              
                                                                                                          Your over-rated pal,
                                                                                                               Marty

                                                    

Oh Deer, Deer, Deer!

This is probably the luckiest shot  I have ever taken of deer in our yard. This was very exciting.
First Joe and I walked (stumbled) through our woods. When we were almost back in the yard we
spotted 2 deer. I had my camera but Joe was in a better spot so I had him take the shot. When he tried to get the photo on the computer it had been set wrong. I was very disappointed..
 A short time later, I spotted one through the kitchen window, then three more. I ran downstairs to get my camera and made sure it was set correctly. The group of four was a different family...two doe and two fawns.
The first group of two were both adult and different. So, we had a total of six deer in our yard today.

Dear Richard 8/29/52

Dear Rich,
     Of this perfumed stationery. I had no idea I was using it until you mentioned it. I must've had a cold when I bought it.
     Saw "Stalag 17" the other night. We roamed backstage, gave our feeble congratulations and started on our way.
They either thought we were nuts, and were just having a little fun with us, or possibly they were interested
in finding out why we seemed so unimpressed.  Anyway, they were unbelievably nice to us, graciously offered to show us around, introduced us to the rest of the cast etc.
After we left the theatre we went out to dinner (as usual) and we bumped into the same fellows. We spoke to them for quite  some time. I found it extremely interesting. Characters!
     So you found me in a pessimistic mood last letter, did you? I guess it happens to the best of us.
     Your analysis is coming right along. I hate to see you work so hard so I'll help you out a little.
Seriously, I am not pessimistic, sarcastic or cynical, but I do enjoy mild doses of these when used as a form of humor. I also enjoy satire which is in the same family.
Examples: 
"The Bob & Ray Show"
Satires on National magazines.
I remember one I read on advertisement used by travel agency.  A picture of a girl in a bathing suit with the caption." You wanna see Samoa"
One of my favorite daffynitions is that of a cynic--" One wonders if it wouldn't have been better if Plymouth Rock had landed on the Pilgrims."

     I received a proposal today from one of our steady customers. He is about 80 years old and is a graduate of one of the better and most famous mental institutions. I'm thinking of accepting as I've heard he has a dimple on his left elbow that is out of this world.
     This Saturday I'm going to see "Call Me Madam" with original Broadway cast, with the exception of Ethel Merman & Russel Nype. I'm rather excited to see what is considered a top musical.
We have second row orchestra seats.
     I suppose I should be going now. Keep up the good work on my analysis and keep me posted on how I am doing.  Be waiting with baited breath for your answer.
                                                                                   Yours, my macaco
                                                                                          translated( my crazy nut)
                                                                                  Clever....yes...I thought you'd think so.

                                                                                     Marty
     

Dear Richard's Almanac

10/05/52

Hi Rich,

I've been here for five minutes, staring at this blank stationery and pen, when it finally dawns...Maybe I should take the pen in hand and start pushing it around. I'm in a trance trying to think of some inspiring message.
Not happening.
Went to a good dance the other night. Billy May was in town. Very good.
Another musician was in town also, but I didn't bother to go see him. No style. His name is Truman.
He has an interesting hobby...President of the United States.

I return to school again, tomorrow night. Should be interesting. Saw all the old gang the other night.
Good times ahead after a rather quiet summer. I guess our first show will be the annual Variety Show. I'll tell you about it when it comes along.
I'm glad you enjoy my letters even though it means you must be some sort of idiot. While I'm in an extremely insulting mood I'll tell you what I think of your pictures. When you said you were ugly and unappetizing
I thought you were just being modest. But, I can truthfully say that you're not. I mean,you can be ugly, but why abuse the privilege. Before you go out and test the razor's edge, I'll let you know that I am merely jesting.
    Seriously though, you are pretty ugly, but no doubt your soul is beautiful.
    Seriously, (this time for real) you look so different in each of the three pictures that I can't figure out what
you look like. Have you lost weight since the first photo you sent. No doubt, it's just my imagination.
    Well I have run out of insults so better close this epistle.

Say Rich, take it easy on those jokes. Not that I don't enjoy them, but I'm a girl and you're a boy and certain things embarrass me even with you miles and miles away. I'm laughing and blushing at the same time.
                                
Well, that's about it for now.
                                                                                                  See  ya,
                                                                                                   Marty


3/2/13  What a brat!  I have made it a point not correct or change any of my teenage wisdom.

Shave & a haircut ...6 bits

When boys were young I was in charge of  haircuts. I had no idea what I was doing, but the price was right.
I gave them each a buzz cut and I thought they looked very cute.
One day the boys handed me a note from one of the Sisters at St. Anthony School.

"Mrs. MacKenzie...please don't give the boys a haircut today...we're having class pictures tomorrow."

That was going to be the end of my story, but Joe & I watched  President Obama this morning and
he has the exact same haircut!  So there, Sister, I was just ahead of my time!