Environmental Visionary Rev. Thomas Berry Crosses Over

If you haven't read any books by Thomas Berry, start now. His writing, particularly "The Great Work" has been instrumental in helping me reconnect with the physical world and nature. I regret that I didn't read his work earlier in my life.

Berry died yesterday at age 94. He was such a bold thinker, and I particularly respect him since he came out of a Christian background with proposals that continue to challenge mainstream Western culture. I like his work because he doesn't hammer you over the head with how terrible things are. Instead, he presents reasonable, logical explanations of what he believes, and you can't help but agree. I may not know exactly how we'll get to the world he envisioned, but I do believe it's a world worth creating.

Environmental Visionary Rev. Thomas Berry Crosses Over

If you haven't read any books by Thomas Berry, start now. His writing, particularly "The Great Work" has been instrumental in helping me reconnect with the physical world and nature. I regret that I didn't read his work earlier in my life.

Berry died yesterday at age 94. He was such a bold thinker, and I particularly respect him since he came out of a Christian background with proposals that continue to challenge mainstream Western culture. I like his work because he doesn't hammer you over the head with how terrible things are. Instead, he presents reasonable, logical explanations of what he believes, and you can't help but agree. I may not know exactly how we'll get to the world he envisioned, but I do believe it's a world worth creating.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Lightning Bugs Usher in June!

Finally caught my first few moments of watching lightning bugs (or fireflies for non-Southerners) light up the evening. I just learned that they're really a kind of beetle, and they're beneficial to have in the garden.

One thing that isn't beneficial, however, is a groundhog! It appears the one we trapped has sent reinforcements! We spotted one yesterday and ran him off, and then we set the trap again. Looks like the Battle of the Garden is back on!

Lightning Bugs Usher in June!

Finally caught my first few moments of watching lightning bugs (or fireflies for non-Southerners) light up the evening. I just learned that they're really a kind of beetle, and they're beneficial to have in the garden.

One thing that isn't beneficial, however, is a groundhog! It appears the one we trapped has sent reinforcements! We spotted one yesterday and ran him off, and then we set the trap again. Looks like the Battle of the Garden is back on!

Goodbye to My Boots

This is sad, y'all, and if it were cowboy boots, this would be a hit Country song. I've had these here boots for almost 20 years--I know, 20 years! And now it's time to say goodbye. Can't wear 'em anymore because of my dang right foot. I've tried everything I know to make them comfortable again, but it hasn't worked.

So I've bought some new Harley boots, and they seem to fit right, at least for now. But will I have them 20 years later? This is silly, I know--they're just boots. Funny how we get attached to things. It isn't the boots themselves but what they represent.

I could shine these boys up and wear them with most anything, and I always looked sexy (*wink*). They're tough and have held up for years. They're actually Air Force boots that I bought in an Army-Navy surplus store. I've worn them everywhere, while hiking and while on the motorcycle. They've been covered in mud and soaking wet, and reheeled at least 3 or 4 times.

If it weren't for my delicate big toe bone, I could keep wearing them. Ah well, rest in peace my loyal boots. You served me well! I know it's probably just the codeine I'm on for my cold, but I--I got a little something in my eye...