Having grown up in Wisconsin - - - - - -

Having grown up in Wisconsin and New Jersey we never saw these things until we moved south. They grow pretty wild here. We planted this one as a "pup" in the front yard the year we moved here. This year it's taller than we are and it BLOOMED!! (Not uncommon, just a first for us.) Can't even tell you what it's called - just a "spikey" cactus I guess.

DaVinci Code - MAAN (Much Ado About Nothing)

It's been weeks since the DaVinci Code movie finally illuminated the screens of the nations multiplexes. So far, the Vatican has remained intact, and the rest of the christian world has not been smitten with plagues. It is, as has been quoted, merely a movie. Not even all that great a movie, really, but something of interest. Having long ago read HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL, I've felt since then that the premise that Jesus was married and had progeny was surely a more logical scenario, and would make his message all the more relevant. What christianity as an institution has done to mutate history to make it conform to it's needs for it's own survival remains qualitatively unknown, but it's obvious to anyone who thinks at all logically and has done ANY amount of historical reading that there has been considerable "rewriting" of historical fact. The criticism and condemnations of this fictional piece seem to come basically from the insecure; people afraid that their belief structure might collapse under the weight of logic or truth. For it to go into a tailspin over a work of fiction only confirms the fragility of those convictions in the first place. A celibate Jesus (and a celibate clergy for that matter) would be the ULTIMATE in unnatural behavior for any loving individual. Yet, somehow, by so many, this is seen as an ideal. The DAVINCI CODE is no more a threat to a true believer than CARS is to an auto mechanic. Thom

FINALLY A RATIONAL CHURCH LEADER!!

The election of Katharine Jefferts Schori to head the Episcopal church in America is a milestone worthy of note and comment. In the ongoing battle over gay marriage, gay rights, and every other issue associated with gay people, she is a brave and caring (not to mention intelligent and practical) voice amongst the chaos. So many elements refer to the so-called bibilical injunctions against homosexuals and their lifestyles as justifications for their prejudices and hates. She has made it clear that the bible is a guide written in different times and circumstances with many intrepretations and numerous "rules" long since ignored, and it is the message of love and tolerance that should be the guide for life. Her message of Jesus' attitude of "inclusiveness" is paramount, be you a believer or not. There have been many comparisons of late between the racial struggles of the last generation and the current situation with the gay issues before the world. Much of the world (especially western Europe) has shed it's intolerance and come to grips with the reality of what love between any two individuals can be. The puritanical roots of the US and its right wing bent and the current misguided administration make that intolerance more difficult to dispose of, but Bishop Jefferts Schori is an outstanding example of what we SHOULD be aspiring to as a free nation. We urge those of you who pray, to do so for Bishop Jefferts Schori. The rest of us will continue to express our support in any way possible.

Thom posing for the photographer.

Bobby on the shore of CADDO LAKE.

The male heron.

A female heron.

The cyprus trees are magnificent, rising out of the murky, greenish waters.

You almost expect a dinosaur or something to appear out of this.

TUESDAY AT THE SWAMP

We have this really great spot just over the Texas border about 20 minutes from here. It's also part of CADDO LAKE, the lake we live very near. We take most of our visitors to this spot, as it's pretty surreal. Here are a few photos taken on this last visit there.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH THE MICHAEL'S CROWD.

Last Sunday we had a few friends in for a "bruncheon". They were people I work with at MICHAEL'S. Bob was taking the pictures, and unfortunately didn't get into any of them. I have promised that will not happen again. We did "ensalada Dennis" along with a great cold beef tenderloin that had a sour cream horseradish sauce. We also enjoyed a cold poached salmon with a cucumber dill sauce, and a colorful pasta salad. It was a hot, lazy summer afternoon in Louisiana.

Relaxing beside the pool are Zina and Denise. Zina is my co-worker at MICHAELS, and a friend.

This is Eddie my boss. He pretends to be shy. NOT!!

Andy retired to the deck seeking a cigarette. We need to get him to quit.

Uncle Thom tried to stay under the umbrella so the sun wouldn't reflect off his head and blind the assembled company.

INTRODUCTION POSTING

Greetings!

This is our introduction to our world of BLOGS!! WELCOME!! We have heard so much about blogs, and had no experience with them until now. Please leave us a comment so that we know you have viewed it, and if you have any suggestions, feel free to make them. We hope to use this medium to communicate to our friends and families our projects, adventures and all the other boring stuff we have been sending to you all in e-mails. THOM and BOBBY'S RANTS, RAVES and PICS; right along side U.S. NEWS and WORLD REPORT!! Please sign your comment so we know who you are!!

Spring 2006 with Bruce on the deck.