hot air balloon

Red Bird

I found this poem in a poetry book by Mary Oliver. The name of the book is Red Bird. Red Bird is also the name of the poem. Every time I think of Dad, I remember how he loved to watch the birds at the feeder in the back yard. He would get excited whenever he saw a finch or a cardinal. This poem made me think of Dad, and of his passing on October 30, 2002. It is hard to believe he has been gone 8 years.

Red Bird by Mary Oliver

Red bird came all winter
firing up the landscape
as nothing else could.

Of course I love the sparrows,
those dun - colored darlings,
so hungry and so many.

I am a God - fearing feeder of birds.
I know He has many children,
not all of them bold in spirit.

Still, for whatever reason_
perhaps because the winter is so long
and the sky so black - blue,

or perhaps because the heart narrows
as often as it opens_
I am grateful

that red bird comes all winter
firing up the landscape
as nothing else can do.

Busy Weekends

The last two weekends have been busy ones for me. Last week the Cancer Council of Ellis County hosted a fundraiser called The Day of Caring. It was spectacular. Women gathered to celebrate the lives of breast cancer survivors! The event consisted of a brunch, a speaker and a fashion show. Humor was plentiful. Here is the introduction for Lady BraBra, who opened the show.

She is a double D ... dazzling and delightful...
She will LIFT your spirits and ... SEPERATE those with a
sense of humor from those who do not.
She is always supportive
Never droopy... always perky
Put your hands together for LADY BRABRA!!!!!

Lady BraBra was a torch singer who pulled multiple items out of her bra while she sang. This vivacious cancer survivor gave a stellar performance as Lady BraBra. I had no idea a bra could hold so much stuff!!

Then the serious stuff! Our speaker was Dr. William Smith, the section Head of Breast Imaging, at the KU Medical Center. He encouraged women to do self breast exams often. He urged women over the age of fifty to have a mammogram every year. Why to both questions? It is easier to treat a stage one cancer than a stage four cancer. Advances in medical technology are allowing doctors to find and treat breast cancer early. Dr. Smith talked about treatments that will be available to breast cancer patients in the near future. It may be possible to treat breast cancer without surgery in the years to come. Of course, how soon the cancer is detected will determine the course of treatment. Dr. Smith's presentation was inspiring and gave the audience members a sense of hope.

The models for the fashion show were breast cancer survivors. They ranged in age from 41 to 85. About half of them detected a lump during a self breast exam. These women whirled and twirled on the runway, while modeling clothes from local businesses. The 85 year old model was elegant. She wore sophisticated evening wear with style. A local spec. ed teacher showed her spunky, fun loving side while modeling sports wear. There were 15 models all together. Most of them modeled two different outfits.

The community really came together to make this fundraiser a success. Every aspect of it was wonderful; the food, the clothing, the speaker, and the people.

Yesterday (Saturday) I drove to Lincoln, Kansas for a double baby shower. Doug's sister Cindy and her husband, Kerry, became grandparents on September 11th of this year. Their daughter, Carla, gave birth to Colton Renyer on that day. Their daughter-in-law, Amy, is due on Christmas Day. Both gals look wonderful. Little Colt is a handsome treasure. Cindy and Kerry looked very proud of their adult children and new grandson. Not to mention Grandma Betty!!! The shower was well attended and the the two guests of honor received many wonderful gifts. The party was a fun, casual get together and it was good to see everybody. One sad note. Virginia, Kerry's Mom, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and thyroid cancer. Virginia is having a lung removed this coming Wednesday. The surgery will be in Salina. Thankfully, Virginia lives in Lincoln, near Kerry and Cindy, so she has family close by. Please keep Virginia in your prayers. She passed her tea pot collection to me a few years ago, and she told me at the party, that she has one more to give me. What a woman!!!! She has had other health issues in the last couple of years which required surgery. She has been strong so far. But right now she is in shock and still reeling from the latest diagnosis.

Beth, Cindy said to tell you that the baby clothes you gave Carla have been a life saver. Carla really needed them, so Carla is grateful to you.

I know that there is a lot going on in KC, Emporia and Wichita. When someone gets the chance, write a bit on the blog and catch the family up on what is happening. I miss everybody. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nora The Piano Cat: The Sequel - Better than the original!

new job

I have a new client who is difficult. Yesterday he needed a hair cut and he finally agreed to go. We went to pro cut on one of the days when they had more people getting their hair cut then they could keep up with. We were there 2 hours, six people were ahead of us. Eventually my client became board and decided to ask me why I was growing a mustache. He really wanted to discuss it in front of all these people. I had nowhere to go nowhere to run I just sat there hoping the earth would just open up and swallow me whole. It seems funny now but, at the time laughing was not the reaction of choice. I just said thats what happens when you get old. omg!

Blessing of the Animals

The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi fell on Monday, October 4th. In Hays, St. Michael's Episcopal Church celebrated that feast day on Sunday with a special outdoor service. That ceremony was the blessing of the animals. The public was invited to bring their pets to the church Sunday afternoon. The officiant, Rev. Linda English, said a prayer for each animal and blessed them. I attended the event and prayed for all the Fiddler kin pets. I had no pet of my own to bring, but I enjoyed interacting with other people's pets. Most of them had been adopted from the animal shelter in town. In fact, one lady had just picked her new puppy up at the shelter and brought it directly to the service. Six dogs and one cat attended the ceremony. (Hopefully more animals will attend in the future.) Three pups were shih tzus, one was a yorkshire terrier, one was a lab mix and one was a shepherd mix. They were all very well behaved. The cat was in a crate, so the dogs did not pay any attention to her. She was a large black and white long haired creature named Bobbie. I think her owner said Bobbie was 12 years old. Bobbie is a very reserved female and so I was not formally introduced. I was impressed with her regal bearing. A short reception for all the guests, 2 legged and otherwise, followed the blessing and a prayer for homeless animals.

Here is the blessing. Rev. English used. Each pet owner can say the prayer for his/her special companion.

Blessing of the Animals:

Bless O Lord, this your creature, (name). Keep( him/her) safe from all harm and illness that (he/she) might continue to bring delight to the hearts of those who love, guard and protect (him/her), through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen