I took out the garbage today

 I know, after yesterday's late realization that it was Columbus Day that the garbage won't be picked up tomorrow.

But I put it out anyway.

I'm nothing if not stubborn.

Ok, two more things that bug me--besides not remembering holidays

1) kids walking down the street looking at their phones. I have a dumb phone and I like it like that.

2) men my age in shorts and short sleeved shirts while I have on a shirt, a sweater and a coat.

Aren't they chilly? And aren't those kids watching out for traffic?

Some things just confuse me.

Columbus Day is also Indiginous People Day (which I can't spell) but it seems like a good thing to remember: those who were here already when the white men 'discovered' America...

White men get too much credit for all kinds of things....

Who knew?

The staff of the library knew. It was closed when I went to get new books and drop off 4 I'd read. I put the old books in the slot and was so upset I took the copy of the New York Times outside the closed door.

(I felt so guilty about that I took the newspaper back without having taken it out of the plastic bag....)

The post office knew because there was no mail today.

The garbage collector knew because there was no pick up today.

The teacher in line behind me knew because she had the day off to go to Big Y and stock up.

So, why didn't I know it was Columbus Day.

Bern knew.

I looked on my calendar and it wasn't there--it's an Episcopal calendar so maybe Episcopalians don't celebrate Columbus Day.

Maybe I just don't pay close enough attention....

 

Church was very good today

 Trinity Church was in good form today.

Great hymns--and the Postlude was "The Sound of Silence" on the piano. I could have listened for an hour it was so good!

My sermon went over well and several people told me today's lessons were hard to figure out so the earlier sermon was fine.

Coffee hour, as always was tasty and high spirited.

We also did a healing service after the confession and absolution.

Some people tell me what they want healed and one person said, "my hatred of Trump is distracting me too much."

Afterwards I told that person I need the same healing....

The folks there are wonderful and everyone was talking about missing Ann, whose funeral was last week.

I miss her too and hope she has met God and is at peace.

Church does me good--but driving 30 miles through the rain both ways doesn't do me good....

Is this a cop-out?

 I struggled to write a sermon on the reading of the week.

I didn't like the readings and couldn't seem to find positive ways to speak about them.

So, I'm going to use a sermon I wrote several weeks ago and church was cancelled because of a threatening storm.

Is that a cop-out?

Probably, but it's what I'm going to do.

Wish me luck getting away with it....

The King in waiting

 Our so-called president, Donald Trump, would like to be a king and be in charge of everything.

He does all sorts of things to indicate he doesn't respect the popular vote, the Supreme Court, Congress and any of us.

His health is in question these days.

I hope he does poop his pants and that his left leg doesn't work right.

I know his brain and his awareness doesn't work right.

Given how much he's messed up our country and our foreign relationships, how long will it take to get back to normal?

And who can do it?

I'm very concerned.

The mid-term elections could begin the 'get rid of Trump' process.

Let's wish and hope and pray it does.

God help us....

Today is better

I went to the new doctor at the practice where we go today.

Bern saw him last week and said he was very good.

She was right.

I told him about all the things I put in yesterday's blog and he was great in his attention and responses.

He gave me a RX for one of my complaints.

And we shook hands before I left.

I have an appointment to follow up with him next month.

This is what doctors should do--listen, respond and help make you feel better about your body and your self...

 

This morning's realization

 As I was showering and getting dressed I had a remarkable thought.

"I'm not the man I used to be," was the thought.

Truth is, I've probably never been the man I think I used to be.

I was not as strong and active and witty as I think I was, most likely.

But I have so many issues to deal with right now that I'm a tad depressed.

    1. bad knees

    2. strange urinary tract stuff

    3. a sore on my face that won't heal

    4. short of breath after walking up our 13 stairs to the upstairs

    5. ringing in my ears

    6. needing a cane

I realized this morning, maybe for the first time, I'm an 'old man'!

I don't like being old but there's nothing I can do about it except be glad I'm still alive.

Old Man Jim, get used to it....