The World of Grandpa Don
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Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works
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What's New In the world of Grandpa Don |
Week Ending Friday |
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Unlike last week, the ink is not dry on the previous issue of this page and I am starting on the next issue. (Ink? What's that?) A short trip was made to the Village Hall and I paid my annual fee for the state vehicle licence. From there I went to the store for provisions. Upon my return, Mikey got fed and we went out to the yard. Mikey did a thorough inspection while I sat in the gazebo and did some reading.. The temperature was in the low 70's and there was a little breeze so it was not the most comfortable but ... pleasant.
One of the seniors at Marist HS died suddenly the night before graduation. The graduation ceremony was, as a result, rather grim. One would say it was an untimely death, but when is it ever timely? We are never ready for the death of one so young. We can only pray for him and his family.
I could not drag myself out of the yard on Saturday. It was predicted to be cooler than Friday but such was not the case. Thankfully, they got it wrong. After breakfast I had my coffee on the patio along with my visit with God and Anne. There was much to talk about. It was the most pleasant day of the year so far, as close to perfect as it gets. The bonus was that no one was cutting grass so it was a quiet as it get as well. There were a few unimportant things to do in the house but they were left for another time. The rest of the morning was enjoyed in the gazebo with my book and the coffee pot.
In late morning Anne Marie and Joe arrived. I had told her that I was going to hire someone to do some planting but she would not hear of it. They came to take me to "Every Blooming Thing" the nearby garden place so off we went. I knew what I wanted to accomplish and after viewing the options we left with eight perennials, having spent about $200. When I first envisioned the garden I wanted to be able to see the entire space from the gazebo and avoided any plants taller than 18". I have finally realized that this was not the way to plant a garden. I don't think any of the original flowers or plants, other than the trees and backdrop of evergreens have survived. That is thanks to the poor soil and the rabbits. Over the years I have, with the generous help of my family, planted several varieties of day lilies and a few other plants. They have survived quite well and have provided unique little areas for some of the statues. This year we added some decorative grasses at the entrance of the garden and one as a backdrop to St Francis. A flowering shrub was planted near the gazebo and two flowering shrubs directly in front of the gazebo. In this way the garden, though small in size, has a number of unique areas or scenes providing diverse beauty depending on one's location and point of view.
After unloading the plants from the car, we were off to Ashford House for lunch. Joe and Anne Marie dug into the planting when we returned. Joe seems to have a knack for the task and he insisted on doing most of the work. I got tired just pointing and watching. Would you like to see some photos?
| To the right of the path ...Center ... The Gold Variegated Hakone Grass will reach 12-18" The Ebony Knight Mondo Grass below it will 5-6" tall and spread |
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To the left of the path - same grasses in reverse order. |
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Next to the gazebo and near our
resident fairy is the Dart's Gold Ninebark. It will reach a height of 4-5" and have white flowers in summer and red seed pods in the fall. |
A view looking west. |
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| The two shrubs directly in
front of the gazebo are Wine & Roses Weigela They will attain a height of from 4 - 5' |
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Two views of St Francis and the animals. Now featuring the new Rubrum Purple Fountain Grass. It will reach a height of 30-36" |
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| Nothing new here |
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An Angel with a bowl | St Francis with a bowl |
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| Only some of the many angels are shown here. |
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An Angel with the children |
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I have a large round ball in the garden with the inscription, "Garden Angels gather here". They do indeed. And Saturday two of them came and helped me select and than planted these plants to beautify my life. If it weren't for my "garden angels" there would be no Grandpa's Guardian Angel Garden or it would be very plain indeed. Thank you Anne Marie and Joe for this year and all the others that in past years have made my garden grow. It is a little bit of Heaven.
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Did you notice that I said I made a mistake in the original design of the garden? I did. Do it all the time (mistakes, that is) but no big deal, I learn from them and do better the next time. This particular mistake is well on its way to being corrected and the garden gets better all the time. Changing our approach to something is good when we find a better way of doing things or even find that we were going in the wrong direction. However, we apparently have a different rule for politicians and our leaders. We very often do not permit them to change direction and bind them to their original course. If they find a better way based on new information or discover they made a mistake in judgment and want to make a change, we call them indecisive and wishy-washy. We leave them no room for new knowledge or growth. And, unfortunately, they often continue on the wrong course rather than admit to error and suffer our criticism which makes things worse. We judge too readily as we are too reluctant to forgive.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go to my grand nephew, Dominic Ialacci. He is the grandson of my big brother Jim Cecora.
Sunday was as glorious as Saturday but more so. Our pastor however had a bit of a problem. He was visibly disturbed when the reader proclaimed the first reading and between readings had the deacon check the lectionary. When it came time for his homily he explained. Our diocese, as does most of the US dioceses, celebrates the Ascension on that the last Sunday of Easter and he had prepared his homily based on the first reading for the feast of the Ascension. The lectionary has a different reading for the seventh Sunday of Easter and it was that reading which we heard. No problem ... we heard a good homily anyway. Everyone makes mistakes. We just live with them and go on.
The Buchler Clan and the Plefka Clan joined for a cook-out at Dan and Karen's Sunday. Please don't ask how many were there ... I lost count. The younger kids enjoyed the pool. It's the Buchler clan that still has children in that age group. Some of the teens and adults played the bean bag game. Some were gathered around the patio table and some were inside watching baseball and hockey. There was a churning of people and no one group remained the same for any length of time. We mix well. We even had some non-family there ... Ray, of Ray Buick and his wife Mary were in attendance, but then they have been friends for so long that they may as well be family. I was glad to learn that Ray's dealership had survived the "cut" and this family business will survive. A great time was had by all with plenty of food, drink and camaraderie It was a wonderful "opening day" for the Summer season. .
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Tom came by on Monday morning. I had joked that he had my hammer drill so I was not able to mount my flag holder on the house and would have no flag flying for Memorial Day. The flag had been flying from my wooden fence and I was afraid my new plastic fence would be damaged so ... no flag. Well, in short order, Tom had my flag re-installed on the house. He stayed for lunch and then returned home with his hammer drill. Thanks Tom.
Memorial day was cool and cloudy and came with a little rain in the afternoon. It was in stark contrast to the bright and sunny Sunday that preceded it. This facilitated an afternoon of reflection ... thinking about those who sacrificed all in the service of their country. We complain sometimes about our government and about how thing are in general. But we live. And ... we live pretty good. The nature of the day also gave me the opportunity to sit down and listen and watch the DVD given to me by my big brother. Jim had sent a copy of a DVD of a Gershwin concert at One Symphony Place. Jim and I both have an affinity for Gershwin. I suppose that should not be surprising. The one hour concert was wonderful and I thank Jim for the afternoon.
I was up early on Tuesday ... 6:30 ... that's early for me. It was cleaning day but it was also blood test day. After taking care of Mikey ... morning treats ... I tidied up the kitchen a bit, left the front door open for Marie and went to the blood lab. It was just after 7 and there were no other patients there so I was quickly processed. I have appointments later in the week with my GP and my cardiologist and both have me get the tests before coming in. I have a standing order for my GP ... every 8 weeks and I had an order from the heart Dr ... every 6 months. The tests they order are almost identical so they combine them at the lab and send the results to both. I always schedule the appointment so they coincide. The three little vials of blood were soon drawn quickly and painlessly. and 7:20 I was on my way to Ashford House for my traditional "reward" breakfast. By 8:15 I was back home to find Marie hard at work upstairs and to be greeted with a cherry Goooood Morn'in.
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A friend sent a plea for assistance and how could I resist not help in the only way I can. They have friends who wish to adopt a baby. They are able to provide a loving home to an infant that needs one and so I invite you to view my Adoption page. When you get there, click on the "Adoption" button to see their message and while you are there please feel free to browse the several stories that you will find there. This page is part of the "Sundry Subjects" section of this web site.
It was cloudy and cool Tuesday morning but I felt sunny and warm and then after lunch, as if to verify Bishop Sheen's statement, it was just that. I took a cup of coffee along with my book out to the gazebo and was still out there when Marie came to the patio door with a cheery "Bye", waving the envelope I had left on the kitchen counter for her. I am nearing the end of N.T. Wright's book and that is where the 'meat" of it resides. We think of the first 70 years of Christianity as being very well organized and uniform but apparently is was far from being so. To begin with there were no written Gospels to guide the new followers of "The Way". The early church was very much Jewish, in fact, more Jewish than anything else. It's main opponent was paganism and of course the Roman empire which promoted the pagan gods and revered the Caesar as one of them. The followers of Jesus believed Him to be the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites and that it was time to bring all the world into the covenant of God. They also realized (after a time) that it would be a hard sell to expect to convert pagans if they had to be circumcised and conform to all the rules of the Torah in order to be baptized. On the other hand, the new religion spread remarkably fast throughout the Roman Empire considering that membership required moral values foreign to the pagans and possible persecution as traitors for not giving homage to Caesar as a god.
After feeding Mikey I returned to the gazebo. It was too delicious out not to. This time I had my Bible study books with me so I could do my homework. We are doing Paul's letter to the Romans. Amazingly, what I had just read of N.T. Wright fit right in. It was obvious that Paul considered that there were only two kinds of people in the world. Jews and Greeks.(at this time in history, Greek was the universal language and so the Romans were "Greeks". In any case, the name "Christian" had not come into use. I had just finished my reading assignment for the week when the skies darkened and there was rumbling in the oncoming clouds. My emotional universe could not overcome mother nature and the rain began.
I had noted that after a couple weeks of just being there, doing nothing, the newly planted Potato Vines had surged in growth a few inches. Today I saw that one of the three has sprouted a few sprigs of flowers. They are adapting well to their new home. In the mean time the climates is reaching to the sky, long past the top of the trellis. Buds now appear through out the vines. Yes, spring is here.
An egg given during life for love of God is more profitable
for eternity than a cathedral full of gold given after
death.
~
St. Albert the Great
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Wednesday morning I had my coffee and visit with God on the patio. If you saw the weather report for Chicago you would have been deceived because the official temperatures are at the airport on the north side of town. It was cool there but very comfortable here in the southland. There had been thunderstorms during the night and everything was washed fresh and clean. It was a delightful start to the day.
My granddaughter Kelly Plefka has received her life guard certification and she and her sister Caitlin will be working in that capacity at the Evergreen Park Aqua Park. Good job girls. I think that qualifies as one of the ideal summer jobs. Sure beats serving up fries at the local Quick-Meal. Summer jobs for students serve several purposes. At the very least, they occupy time that could be either boring or troublesome. They also provide a paycheck, funds for any number of good uses. In addition, no matter what the job, it teaches responsibility in the need to be on time and perform the duties of the job satisfactorily and honestly. It also provides lessons in interaction with supervisors, fellow employees and in most cases, the public. So it may be a break form school but it is never a break from learning life's lessons. It is a stepping stone to the future as every opportunity to learn and grow is invaluable as a growth in wisdom. This is where responsibility starts and the wise person does his job, no matter how menial, to the best of his ability, thereby building trust and worth. In doing each task successfully the individual will find that he needs not search for success in life for it will seek him out. He will not be able to avoid it if he tried.
"And then some...
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These three little words are the secret to success.
They are the difference between average people and top
people in most companies.
The top people always do what is expected...
and then some.
They are thoughtful of others; they are considerate
and kind...and then some.
They meet their responsibilities fairly and squarely...
and then some.
They are good friends and helpful neighbors...
and then some.
They can be counted on in an emergency...
and then some.
I am thankful for people like this, for they make
the world a better place. Their spirit of service is
summed up in these three little words...
And then some."
From "Simple Truths" Newsletter
"When we have done our best,
we can await the results in peace."
~Unknown
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I have not given up! Somday we will have snapshots from Catilin's graduation.
"Have a good day!" That's a parting wish we often here and it is well received, My reply is most often, "That's the plan, and I'm going to stick with it." I make it a point to enjoy every day. I start out with that plan and stick to it. If anything happens that could disrupt the plan I try to put it into perspective and concentrate on all the other things that make it a good day. It works. Being happy is a choice, not a condition. I refuse to allow another person or an external event control my happiness. During most of my life I didn't know I could make this choice and like many people I looked to other people or places and events to make me happy. I thank God I have discovered the secrete of happiness.
On Wednesday, Mikey had some problems. At lunch time he didn't ask for his usual treats, a couple dog cookies and he was sitting right next to me as I ate. Then I noticed that he was trembling and I picked him up and held him, trying to sooth his tremors. After a few minutes they stopped. He may have been having a mild seizure. It has been well over a year since he has been troubled by seizures. He was listless the rest of the afternoon and when I went out to the gazebo with my book, instead of roaming about the yard as usual, he asked to be put on the chair where he laid while I read. At 2 PM I went in to get his food ready and he just stayed in the Gazebo. I finally coaxed him into the house but he didn't touch his food ... most unusual for him. Later, I found his food gone and he seemed to be back to normal.
My little friend was 'normal' Thursday morning when I took him for his bath and hair cut. I then went on to Bible study and Paul's letter to the Romans. As usual it was a spirited discussion and the video commentary was very good. When I came home I had a brief time to review my email and then Paula called from Touch of Class to let me know that Mikey was ready to come home. When I picked him up she reported that he was fine while there. That was verified when he asked for his cookies when I sat down for my lunch.
Productive prayer requires earnestness,
not eloquence.
~
Anon.
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Thursday afternoon I made my semi-annual trip to the cardiologist. The nurse asked if I wanted a copy of the report from my blood tests and I got a copy. I felt pretty good when she checked my pulse (62) and then got a blood pressure reading of 110/65. While I waited for the doctor I reviewed the lab report and knew I was in trouble. My diabetes was causing several problems. That was confirmed when he came in. I left with the name and phone number of an Endocrinologist along with instructions to make an appointment. My heart is fine but what good is that if the rest of me is falling appart?
Great News! A phone call came from the bank. We had been waiting to get a technicality cleared up in order to proceed with my Reverse Mortgage and the bank called to let me know that it was done. My closing will be early next week. Another call came from the service used to handle the paperwork and an appointment was made for them to come to the house. Needless to say ... I am happy.
Indeed ....
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I am blest |
Grandpa Don
Plefka
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Anne wanted everyone to be 'Nice'.
This button was in one of
her dresser
drawers I cleaned out in August of 2004
