October Snow

Flurries in October is rare in these parts. Measurable snow is even more so. You know, October. When the leaves are changing colors and we're getting ready to mow the lawn one last time. Although the weather forecasters saw this one coming, I'm not sure we believed it.

Sometime in the wee hours of Saturday the rain changed to snow and began sticking to the trees in what would be the beginning of a very long day for all vegetation at Gracerock. All day long the sounds of trees moaning and breaking echoed thru the woods. By Saturday afternoon the driveway looked like a war zone - tree branches everywhere. And we were "hesitant" to go out and begin the removal process - even wearing a hard hat, some of those branches could cause serious bodily harm.

Sunday dawned bright. After an hour or so the tractor and I made the driveway passable. Now we're just waiting for the promised 60 degree weather to melt the remaining snow so autumn can resume

Word point

I don't know how this Gracerock family game began, however years later is is alive and well. The tradition is the awarding of a "word point" when a big word is used appropriately in normal conversation. It is best when another participant awards the point without a hint - however hinting ("I think that deserves a word point") is allowed.

For example, this morning regarding the newly fallen October snow, Sharon said "I hope this isn't a harbinger of things to come". DEFINITE word point.

Although the game is informal and no score has ever been kept, there are just a couple of unwritten (until now) rules:

• Some word uses are SO good that a double word point can be awarded.
• Geek speak (technical, biological, etc) doesn't count.

Maybe it is our subconscious attempt to keep language alive, or maybe we're just easily amused. So, if you're ever in a conversation with one of us and we blurt out "word point", know that it is a good thing - and now you know why.

.

I'm dreaming of a white...

OK everybody - sing along...


I'm dreaming of a white.... Halloween
Although why, I'll never know
Where the lanterns splatter
And spray pumpkin "matter"
To make
orange in the snow


I'm dreaming of a white... Halloween
With every minute cherish dear
May all folks shovel with good cheer
And may all the neighbors give out beer
.

Incredible insect damage

It's incredible what the little buggers can do. Good thing it's only firewood...

Every time I cut wood I am amazed at the variety of life that
habitates just below the bark. From snakes (OK, I saw one only once)
to termites, grubs, and dozens of other critters. There is definitely
life outside your apartment!

My jobsite this afternoon

I don't always do well in high places. I know that it is irrational,
but that's just how it is. So, swapping two antenna leads on an
antenna mast at the very edge of the roof some 20 stories above terra
firma in a brisk breeze makes me particularly touchy. But, it's a part
of the job. And the view really is fabulous!

Photo montage

Last June Alex recorded a song for me. Using the wizardry of Sharon's Super-Mac, he laid down multiple tracks and put them together VERY nicely. And I've finally added some photos and uploaded to youtube for the world to hear. So, here it is...

You can click this link or use embedded below

Goodbye "Glory to Garden"

The season of Advent begins in a few short weeks, ushering in four weeks of anticipation of Christmas. But this year Advent will also usher in many changes to the Catholic Missal - the words that we sing or say at mass every Sunday. Along with the change comes a new "mass setting" or the music that accompanies many of these weekly prayers. However, my point is not a grumble about change - I really like the new music. The setting that we'll use reminds me of Pachelbel's "Canon in D" which I like very much. My point is that we'll need to say goodbye to the version of the Gloria that our choir has sung for the past twenty years. The version that we old-timers fondly refer to as "Glory to Garden".

Why "Glory to Garden"? Well, because a certain firstborn son once accompanied me to choir practice each week in order to provide his mother with a bit more quality time with second born son. Firstborn was roughly four years of age at the time. It was this same time of year and advent was quickly approaching - thus lots of practice was required. And to his ears, instead of hearing "Glory to God in the highest", firstborn heard "Glory to Garden the highest". Choir director Bev still reminds us to clearly pronounce our words.

Even at that young age, I knew that music would play a large part in Chris' life - simply by the way he watched carefully over our practice, added his direction, and put great big check marks in my music next to the notes that we sang correctly. I still use that music and smile a knowing smile when I get to the part with the big check marks. Rest assured that, even though that particular sheet music will be officially retired in the next couple of weeks, the pages will go safely into the archives along with the big check marks and memories of the kid swinging his arms and singing "Glory to Garden..."