Saturday, August 29, 2009

RIP Ted Kennedy

The "Lion of the Senate" was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery today. He was a veteran, so that is totally appropriate. I find that I believe in many of the same end goals as Senator Kennedy, especially in the area of health care. I contend that, in a country as affluent as America, that no one should have to go without health care, and everyone knows that was one of Senator Kennedy's passions.

I differ with Mr. Kennedy on the methods of reaching the goals we both believe in; I am leery of government financed public compassion. No, I don't have the answers, since I haven't devoted my life to the issue, but I do believe that America can solve the problems we face.

I knew that the Senator was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act, but I was truly surprised that he was equally involved in the No Child Left Behind Act. This only illustrates his ability to work with his fellow legislators of every political stripe.

He was a hardcore American liberal, and he never wavered from his convictions. Even though I am much more the conservative, I salute his constancy.

Of course he was flawed. His political career would have ended with the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident had he been anyone other than a Kennedy. But he was a Kennedy, and he was larger than life.

Joe and LaToya Were Right

Michael Jackson's death has been ruled a homicide. Not a conspiracy, just a doctor who was either incompetent, overwhelmed by celebrity, or bought off.

The mind would spin with befuzzlement, were such stories not so prevalent nowadays.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Did I Say...She?

We took the cats to the vet overnight Tuesday when we went to visit family in Whiteville, and the professionals there had something different to tell us than the volunteers at the SPCA. The new cat is a three year old guy.

We haven't figured out his name yet.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

She Followed Us Home, Can We Keep Her?

Lisa and I have been discussing getting a companion for Blazer. Earlier this week, a co-worker sent me a flyer from the SPCA of Guilford County, about their "Adoption Frenzy" this weekend. We went to take a look around, and this two year old girl came back with us.

We're trying different names. She's sort of responded to Piper and Tempe, so far. Something will work out soon, I'm sure.

And, of course, Blazer is going to learn to tolerate her. One step at a time.

Sunday morning edit: I believe her name is going to be "Tempe", as that what she actually responds to.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

David Turns 16 Today

Today has been a reprise of a couple of years ago, of sorts. David is here in Greensboro, and he's flying back to Indiana tomorrow. I captured him doing something he truly loves, and I'm very proud to share it with the world.

Happy birthday, son. I have loved these past two weeks, listening to you play your guitar (and Lisa's keyboard), riding along while you drive, watching movies we haven't watched in ages, and catching up on Burn Notice. I wish you could be here longer, but work, school, and friends beckon. Lisa and I both love you, more than we can adequately tell you.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

2nd Anniversary

I've now been babbling here for two years, and I couldn't have cheaper therapy. Nor a more enjoyable catharsis.

Sleepy Man

Last night, like many nights lately, I settled in our reclining love seat after a big dinner, popped the foot rest up, laid myself back, and fell asleep about 9:30. Lisa woke me about 11:15, and we went to bed. I got myself in bed and was almost out before Lisa came out of the bathroom. She leaned over and said, "Sleepy man." I was just awake enough to respond: "Somnambulist hero of legend, when only stillness and even breathing will do." She said something back, but I was already drifting off again.

That often happens with us, a silliness where we riff off of each other. Our dialog is often juvenile, puerile, intimate, or some combination of the three. We laugh until it hurts, sometimes until we cry, and our world is a better place for a while.