Thinking Like Toad

Michael is taking care of a friend's dwarf hamster. Unfortunately, his bedroom door was left open one day and Toad discovered the "rodent-in-hiding".

Footnote: no animals were harmed in the filming of this post. :-)

Christmas Humor - 1

The Seven Menopausal Dwarfs

Let It Snow

Winter in Michigan!

(Pictures are taken from various webcams across the state)

Boyne Mountain

Lake Superior

Busy, Busy, Busy

Haven't posted in a while. Been busy with final exams, research papers, and responsibilities at our church.

Here's a little humor i received from a friend.

Melinda, Rachel & Michael,

This is what you have to look forward to!

Friday afternoon, Fr. Joe Gallagher, left this earthly existence and returned home to God, who nurtured and support him for 84 years.

Joe had such a profound influence on my life.

Many years ago, Joe retired to Grand Rapids and ministered at our Center. To say he was a vital part of the Paulist ministry is an understatement. We were proud and humbled when he chose Grand Rapids as his 'home'.

Known for his quick wit, compassion, straight forwardness and stubborness, Joe ministered to our community for many years. Even when the affects of Parkinson's slowed him down and increased his suffering, Joe continued to hear confessions and counseled those who were struggling. Later, his body would become his prison but he continued to persevere.

Joe tolerated no fools and was known to quickly and succinctly put people in their place, but he had the heart of a lion and the compassion of a saint.

Last year, I took Joe to see one of bob's high school plays. It was a sunny, fall day and the leaves were in all their glory. Joe, stubborn as usual, refused to use a wheel chair and struggled with each step using his walker. As we stood on my patio at intermission, he looked at me and in that crusty, New York accent said, "Marni, I don't know why God keeps me here. I'm useless, a burden and God knows, I'm not easy to be around." I chuckled and told him it was his penance.....but that day, we talked about God and 'going home' in His time, not ours.

Joe, I know why you were kept here so long. To be a light for us. Pointing us to the Spirit who guides us all.

Rest in peace, dear friend. I will miss you.

Comet, Dark Sky...Utter Frustration!

Friday night I was having trouble sleeping so I started wandering the house and while passing through the dining room I looked out our back slider. Lo and behold....Stars in November!

Imagine my excitement. Not only stars in November, but also a comet I've wanted to see which is visible to the naked eye. This comet had recently 'exploded' and was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Lights were extinguished quickly, clothes hurriedly thrown on, vest and scarf found, pockets crammed with batteries, lense cloth, kleenex, mittens, etc. The dog, who is totally confused by my behaviour, is now beside herself because we're going outside at NIGHT! whoo-whoo

So I drag and maneuver my telescope outside from the sunroom. Locate the comet with my eyes and then with binoculars. Wow, this is going to be GREAT!

Start to adjust my telescope when I hear a 'tunk' sound. In the dark, this is not a good. I slowly look down (using my red gel flashlight) and can't see any objects. Slowly scan the telescope and my heart sank.

The spotter scope had lost one of it's nut and the other is loose.....it has tilted out of place. To non-telescope users...this means I'm going to fly blind tonight. The spotter scope must be aligned with the telescope in order to find anything in the sky. The only way to align the scope and telescope is during the day. groan.

Saturday morning, I aligned my scope and am ready for the next clear night..........in Michigan, that could in two days or two months!

This is a picture of the comet (17P / Holmes) which I hope to one day see clearly in my telescope.