20060612 :::
 

Didn't do a whole lot this weekend; still recuperating from pneumonia. Just hung around the ranch most of the weekend. I did go to mass tonight: Father James gave a lovely homily, what I could hear of it. I've lost most of the hearing in my right ear, although the drs have assured me that this is temporary, caused by my illness.

Father James only has a few more Sundays left in our parish before he heads off to study canon law. It was our bishop's choice. Guess since he's such a young priest that the bishop's grooming him for bigger & better things, but it still seems like a waste of a good parish priest. He had such a rapport with the parishioners.

Ciao!

::: at 04:27

20060610 :::
 

It's really starting to get hot here now, so Summer's finally here. Can't really complain: last year it went straight from cold to hot, skipping Spring altogether. We've had a nice Spring here--if I hadn't had pneumonia it would have just been perfect.

Read "Gregor the Overlander" the other day. You know, before the Harry Potter advent, I was much too snobbish to read children's literature, but now I find it often more enjoyable than books aimed solely at adults. I think that part of the enjoyment comes from the fact that children's literature still has stories, & plots. Too often, adult literature is nothing more than a stylistic exercise where the writer attempts to show you how clever he or she is...this would never fly with kids. This book featured a plucky young boy (reminded me a bit of Achilles, actually), who proves himself with some amazing adventures in a fantastic land. What's not to like? Especially over summer. I've included a link to a review that contains all the pertinent information, including author & isbn #. It's heartily recommended.

The Acolyte's back in town, after being gone for the better part of a month. Looks like he missed his chance with April the Fair--Alex the Bold's been keeping up with here, & invited her to his chateau by the sea. Like they say...you snooze, you lose. Anyway, the Acolyte will be taking care of my 2 parakeets when I travel to Malta in a fortnight, so I can't have too much fun at his expense. He'll look after the birds, we'll board the cat, & take a dog with us.

Artemis & Achilles have finished their schooling for the term, & are back for a few months. Although playing video games now, they have been working quite hard for the last couple of days around the ranch, clearing brush, reposting & otherwise doing grunge work. Think I can find plenty to keep them busy prior to our Maltese trip.

Ciao!

::: at 18:42

20060607 :::
 

We're now getting into the slow part of the year. Will be returning to Malta in a fortnight for my first time this year, & am so looking forward to it. Mom found out that her operation to replace her knees will be next month, the 11th, & is kinda sorta looking forward to it...she'll be in a concelescence home for a couple of months, but hopefully this operation will take care of what's ailing her.

Read The Dame in the Kimono yesterday: a very entertaining book about the development of the Production Code & ratings system in Hollywood, going all the way back to the early 1930s (the title refers to a Jean Harlow picture). The parts of it that dealt with the clash of artistic & economic concerns were fascinating, & when it noted that a code which classifies both Shakespeare in Love & Reservior Dogs under the same designation ("R") probably needs some tweaking. I've included a link to the review that appeared in the trade publication Variety.

It's been quite nice recently: nice warm days (mid 70s) & cool nights. I'm so glad we got Spring this year; last year we went straight from cold to hot.

::: at 09:45