January 30, 2005
Photo album
Photos - This isn't the most interesting album. I worked on it a bit on and off during the weekend: a bit at Claire's piano lesson, a little more when the kids were playing MarioParty, and finishing up tonight. It's mostly pictures of the twins and their birthday celebrations. They opened presents on the 14th when Michelle's friend, Kathy, came over. We thought Christian and his family would be there as well, but the weather delayed their plane (by over a day!). The pictures with the birthday cake represent their actual birthday a week later. Note that in the first picture of the boys with their cake, the boys are holding balloons. Half a minute later there are no balloons and half the candles are out. That's because Michael held his balloon too close to the candle flames and "bam!". There went the balloon and the explosion put out a few candles. Sigh... it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating their third birthday.
Confirmation - Congratulations to TJ Tarpey, who made his Confirmation today. The only new sacraments from here are Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. Hope you don't make any of them in the next several years... Looking forward to seeing a picture of TJ (aka Luke) standing with the Bishop and a light sabre.
Iraq - While often linking to politics on the right sidebar, I've kept my opinions regarding the Middle East to myself. Today was election day in Iraq. (Some photo galleries here and here) According to this story “Insurgents struck polling stations with a string of suicide bombings and mortar volleys, killing at least 44 people, including nine suicide bombers.” I think we all suspected it would be a bloody day. Nonetheless, the fact that the Iraqis turned out despite such acknowledged likelihood of violence confirms their desire for self-governance. Voter turnout appears to have been 70-75%! I'm not saying it justifies everything that's happened, but it does dispel a myth that representative government isn't desired in the region. I pray that the new government can be transitioned in and we can get our soldiers home soon. With the diversity of cultures within Iraq, I hope their future self rule doesn't dissolve into their own version of "The War between the States" as our North and South went through over a century ago. The differing cultures in Iraq make our red state/blue state division pale by comparison. My feelings reflect those of Neal Boortz who wrote:
They said it couldn't be done in Afghanistan. It was done in Afghanistan. They said it couldn't be done in the Palestinian territories. And it was. They say it can't be done in Iraq, and it will be.
Warm spell - After over a week of bitter cold, this weekend felt downright balmy with temperatures hovering around 40°F. We spent late yesterday morning with the kids and four friends sledding in the back yard. After Mass today I vacuumed out the car and van. The back row of the van is always scary. Old french fries, fishy crackers, and other assorted finger food remnants. After I vacuumed Michelle went with the girls to pick up some fresh floor mats for the van.
L.L. Bean run - Mid-afternoon the girls visited friends down the street to do some sledding while the rest of us made a trip to the Nashua L.L. Bean outlet store. It was a waste of time and gasoline. I was looking for something I had not seen before moving here: lined bluejeans -- ordinary looking jeans where the inside is lined with fleece or flannel. Man! Could I have used a pair of those on my last snowblowing excursion! The local outlet store only had odd sizes left. Yes, they're on sale -- if you have either a 32 inch waist or a 38 inch waist. Everything in the middle of the bell curve was sold out. While the leftovers were reasonably priced, I don't think I want to order online at $50 a pair. I kid you not. $50! The clearance jeans in the store were well under $20.
Movie - The girls and I watched "Where the Red Fern Grows". Good story. A bit on par with "My Dog, Skip" but at an earlier time. It reminded me that I've never seen "Old Yeller". I'm not sure how many movies can be made about a boy and his dog. Spoiler: yes, the dog dies. Don't they always? (awww... thanks alot Scott!)