replies to others?

It appears my son is upset with the Pirates and their recent deal with Boston. I long ago reached the conclusion that Pittsburgh doesn't really want to spend money to get and keep good players. I think I read their players are the lowest paid in the league....soooooo, you only get what you pay for. I think.

As for us here in Nashville. Al and I cut down a holly tree yesterday. The chipper is supposed to come on Friday so there are piles of brush all over the subdivision waiting for the big machine to grind them up and haul them away.

The fence people were supposed to come last Friday...no shows. This Monday is the new date.
Why is it that workmen never come when you expect them? Friday was the scheduled date. As usual I expected them about 8 a.m. Eight a.m. came and went and no workers. I was getting madder by the minute and at 9:30 someone called and said there would be a delay...not till Monday. So, now I have two days that I'm rearranging my schedule to accommodate the workers. We shall see what we shall see.

As for the rest of life here...much the same. Nothing exciting is happening. Boring is the word. We do say here that boring is ok. Sometimes the alternative isn't too good.

I'm gearing up for my 50th class reunion. I didn't know if I wanted to go to it, but then decided I would go because after the fact I'd probably be sorry I missed it. So, it's midAugust and that's on the agenda for the Steinmetzes.

Karen and family are home and healthy. Karen said she had to go to work (gasp) the first day back from her long sojourn with the family to parts across the ocean. I told her if she was looking for sympathy, she was barking up the wrong tree. She said she was just stating a fact, not asking for sympathy. Isabel weathered the trip well.

Joan goes back to school next week. It seems as if they just got out yesterday. Maura goes the week after. Maura got her kitten for her birthday. Joan and Maura took Dad and me out for his birthday. We went to Red Lobster for lunch. Our new RL is very upscale. The waiter offered to put his arm in the lobster tank and pick one out for Maura...but we nixed that idea.

Al has been golfing a lot lately. Good for him. We were rooting for the old guy at the British Open last week, but he lost in the playoff. What a graceful loser. He commented that nobody died after the loss, putting all things in perspective.

That's it for now. Till next time.....

judgmental?

I've come to the conclusion that I am judgmental...re. many things. I've judged the men who don't live up to their marriage vows and women who chase married men very harshly. I think, perhaps I'd not be so outspoken regarding those life choices if we weren't bombarded by the media with details that aren't any of our business. But we are, and I am.
I chose to avoid details of memorial services of Michael Jackson and Steve McNair but I did read the eulogy given by his pastor at McNair's service. He said several times...let those without sin cast the first stones. That's what Jesus said in regard to the woman taken in adultery who was going to be stoned by her "judges."
Those words hit home with me. I am going to promise to try and not judge others. I'm not God and it isn't my place to comment on other's choices and behaviors. I do believe in consequences and unfortunate choices oftimes lead to unfortunate consequences.
The trouble with bad choices is that innocent people, children and spouses, are hurt and that is sad.
As for me....I'll try to remember the words..."let him without sin cast the first stone."

A recent nonjudgmental moment. I was gassing up my car and who should I see at the next pump....Bishop Choby...bishop of Nashville. He was pumping gas, too. Naturally, I asked him what he was doing in my neck of the woods. He'd returned from a minivacation with family and had been picked up at the airport by a friend. I told him I was from St. Stephen and he asked if we (the congregation) were happy with Father Pat Kibby returning to St. S. Naturally, I said Yes and hoped that Father Steve Wolf, our departing priest would be happy at St. Henry. He said, Father Steve seemed to be happy and Father Pat seemed to be happy and that made him happy. So, we said "goodby" and he shook my hand. He headed off to Nashville..I headed home to tell Al of my meeting with the Bishop.

One last comment...good for our Anton. Sorry your team lost, honey, but you certainly showed your stuff, didn't you? Next year all the teams will be wanting you...maybe there will be a bidding war for your services..Just kidding. Good job, Anton. Grandpa and I are proud of you.

That's all, folks.

Who died?Who's unfaithful?

Well, Michael Jackson and Farrah, too. It is a shame that so much time and space is devoted to the deaths of some folks. MJ had more problems than one life should have, but for me, it is enough to know that he probably never grew up. I don't need to rehash every detail of every record, video, baby birth, marriage, etc of this man/boy's life. Rest in peace.
Farrah, also, led a life I wouldn't have wanted. I'm glad I'm not somebody that all the world wants to know every detail of life and death about. I didn't watch her story about battling cancer as I just watched a dear friend go through that experience. I would be willing to bet that most folks have a loved one of an acquaintance who has died a nasty death from cancer. Enough is enough.
In Nashville, Saturday, Steve McNair was killed apparently by his girl friend. She was 20...he, 36. He had a wife and 4 sons. What was he doing messing around with someone half his age? I surely don't know.
I do feel sorry for the children of people who die violent deaths. They are forever plagued with unanswerable questions. Why?
Then in last week's news...Gov Sanford of SC...has a soul mate in Argentina? He also had a wife and 4 kids. And Mr. Edwards-a presidental potential...another husband and father who gave in to baser instincts.
I recall the story of a Hollywood type who with his wife was celebrating their 50th anniversary. When asked by a reporter what the secret of their long marriage was, he replied..."We promised." Amen, brother.
I'm not saying the "grass sometimes doesn't appear greener on the other side of the fence" but often that grass is pretty yellow when you actually cross the fence. My mom used to say...try to be happy with what you have because the unknown may not be better.
Have I gone too far with this commentary? One last thing. Mother Teresa died the same week as Princess Diana. Who did more for the world? Who had more scandal attached to her name? Who elicited more press, and still does,...the Saint or the other?

So, I'm done for the day.....Till next time.