FINNERAN LANE

MAIDEN DREAM

 MAIDEN  DREAM

 

Behold ! As you lie here

Handsome Prince on white charger

Rides bold to your rescue-

Brandishing  broadsword - right here on your street  !

 

“Unhand that fair Maiden

Give her money for shopping

For high-fashion rainment

And fine shoes for her feet !”

 

“Let Hairdressers woo her :

Right gently shampoo her,

And annoint her styled tresses

With ointments most sweet !”

 

The Prince can’t resist you !

He swings from his saddle ;

To warmly embrace you

His arms open wide …

 

Your heart should be singing -

But the alarm clock is ringing :

And ringing and ringing !

Satisfaction denied .

 

Camelot fades,

 And the music goes flat:

All too  soon you’ll be asking:

“Do you want fries with that ? “

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embracing Hallowe'en

It's October, and I remember

The time we sat together

On the front porch

Greeting little Trick or Treaters,

Sharing wine and greasy pizza

And embracing Hallowe'en.

 

It's years later, and I wonder

And wish it could have worked out

Wish there could have been enough

To keep us both together

Sharing wine and greasy pizza

And embracing Hallowe'een .

 

I stole a kiss at Christmastime

And returned it on your Birthday-

As if I were some backwoods boy

With a crush on blushing gal -

Still, I wish it could have been "Hello !"

Not  "Goodbye, dear old pal "  !

 

Now, October just brings  memories

Of a very special time

When we sat on the front porch

Greeting little Trick or Treaters

Sharing wine and greasy pizza

And embracing Hallowe'en.

 

MOM'S UN-FAVORITE THINGS

 MOM'S  UN-FAVORITE THINGS

(W/ apologies to Rogers & Hammerstein and "The Sound of Music" ) 

 

Backpacks and notebooks

With tabs and dividers-

Well-written footnotes

From scholastic insiders-

 

Bus passes, lunch money-

"No time now !", she sings

Schooldays are Mom's most

Un-favorite things !

 

When the dog barks,

When the the cake falls,

 Mom doesn't feel too glad-

But when she compares to

Un-favorite things---

She doesn't feel

So bad !

 

Don't Bother Me ! I'm TWERKING !!

There are all sorts of earth-shaking events going on :

 SYRIA, for example.

Recent reports indicate some 3600  poison gas victims were seen in Syrian hospitals by Doctors Without Borders ; and on-ground media reports say over 1300 men, women, and children - all apparently civilians -were killed by  poison gas : most likely delivered by shell fire or aerial bombardment.

Who is responsible for this crime ?

The Syrian rebels and the the Syrian loyalists both say : " NOT US !!  NOT US !!! "

Our government thinks it was the Syrian government -and is thinking about military intervention.

The UN arranged to have inspectors go to the scene yesterday morning (August 26,2013), but they had to withdraw after being fired on by unknown snipers....

But, guess what was the TOP NEWS STORY on CNN that morning :

 

A teen-age singer named Miley Cyrus "twerked" onstage during the music awards show !!

 

Twerking- is the rhythmic gyration of the lower fleshly extremities in a lascivious manner - usually to the accompaniment of what passes for "music".

I watched about 10 seconds of the video: incredibly skanky - looking young woman , trying to look sexy amid a galumphing group of butt-shaking giant teddybears .

The worst part was the audience reaction shot : all those people sitting there open-mouthed with shock during this incredibly meaningless and degrading performance.

I wanted to ask them:

 "Why didn't you just stand up and walk out ??"

 

They wouldn't dare , I imagine !  They would be accused of all sorts of nasty things-including "lack of tolerance."

 It occurs to me we have gotten WAY too tolerant of insults to our intelligence,our hearing, our vision,and our sense of ourselves as a society ; and, in doing so, have traded our birthright for a "mess of pottage".

 

 Way too much of America responds : "Well.....maybe so-----but-but  Beyonce has changed her HAIR again !!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Rabbit Terrified By " Shark Week " !!

Ms Rabbit has been visiting us -and makes herself right at home. She's right there at mealtime, snuggles up in front of the TV, and today - because of the warm weather - decided to take a dip in the pool.

She had barely gotten wet, when she came flying out of the pool; and she was trembling like a leaf.

 

 " POOL SHARKS !! " , she screamed.

 

Where the HECK does she get ideas like that, I wondered ; then I remembered.

They're having "Shark WeeK " on TV : all those scary stories about monster sharks, and sharks biting people, and sinking boats, and stuff.

 

" Silly rabbit !" There's no shark in our swimming pool !

" There is ! There is !!  I saw it !!! "

 

I laughed again. " You've been watching too much "Shark Week" ! "

I pointed to the pool. " See ? No sharks there !"

I dried her off with a towel, and brought her in for some Cheerios.

Behind me, I could hear the others laughing and splashing in the pool.

 

 That rabbit !!

Such an imagination !!!

 

 

EDWARD SNOWDEN ---and-----JUDAS ISCARIOT ??

 

 

We’ve heard a great deal about Edward Snowden: the
contractor employee who (reportedly) stole 4 laptops worth of data from the
National Security Agency (NSA) ; fled to Hong Kong, gave exclusive interviews
to leftist reporter Glenn Greenwald; then skipped out to Russia-where he took
up a sort of residence in Moscow’s International Airport-flapping his jaws with
disclosures all the while.

One might think this would result in almost universal
condemnation – but “Our Edward” is being treated as some sort of cockamamie
“hero” for betraying his oath, stealing “top secret” data, and offering it up
to  the world-apparently, in hopes some
country will hate the USA enough to grant him asylum.

The people supporting his treachery are an oddly mixed lot:
Green Party Progressives,Neo-Nazi and/or Anti-Government militia types, some
“middle-of-the-roaders” who worry about Big Government, and a whole lot of
ordinary working stiffs who have been conned by a calculated media blitz
(designed, in part, to distract the world’s attention from political “hatchet
work” in Russia.)

I’m no Bible scholar, but am reminded of Judas Iscariot (Man
of the Village of Keriyyoth – 15 miles south of Hebron) who was in charge of “the
money box” that followed Jesus Christ and his disciples. He is also considered
to be a thief-who sometimes stole from this box.

John 12-2-8 relates Judas’ distress when Mary (probably Mary
Magdalen) ANNOINTED Christ’s feet with costly spikenerd oil. “It could have
been sold and the money given to the poor !” , Judas declaims---and some of the
Disciples agree.

“It was Judas who showed what was in his heart when he complained about the
oil was poured over Jesus preparing him for his burial. John 12:2-8 “There
they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat
at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard,
anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was
filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas
Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this
fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denari and given to the poor?” This
he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had
the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let
her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. “For the poor you have
with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Notice that in retrospect what they say of Judas. He was a thief in charge
of the money given to the apostles.

He looked at the oil as if to bring in a lot of money (John 12:5-8). Judas
estimated the value of the oil at nearly sixty dollars (worth hundreds of
dollars today). His apparent concern for the poor was to conceal his own
covetousness. He had just missed a chance of stealing on a larger scale than
usual. Evidently, no one kept track of what was going inside the box and going
out except Judas and Jesus.

Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said,
“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denari, and given to the
poor people?” Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor,
but because he was a thief, and he had the money box, he used to pilfer what
was put into it. Matt: 26: 8, But the disciples were indignant when they
saw this, and said, “Why this waste?” For this perfume might have been sold for
a higher price and the money given to the poor.”

Mark 14: 4 records, “ But some were indignantly remarked to one another,
“Why has this perfume been wasted?” Judas, who pretends to care for the
poor, influenced the disciples to join with him in his rebellious spirit.”

(Note how Judas the Thief manages to
Transform himself into  (Dare I say it
??)  Judas the Whistle Blower .)

The rest of the story should be at least marginally familiar: Judas the
Thief goes to the Chief Priests and Elders---and offers them “ the inside story”
of his 3 years with Jesus of Nazareth; and-for 30 pieces of silver, agrees to
point him out when the Temple Guards come to arrest this Nazarene upstart.

Did Edward Snowden ever get his “ 30 Pieces of Silver” ??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Anniversary - July 21st , 1956

This would have been our 57th year - but - Ruth was "called home" in 2007.

 

This song seems appropriate.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYDbMHwagw8

 

In loving memory of the woman who trembled like a leaf as we said our vows - but who became my rock in the years to come.

Very Nearly Time

 

Thunder rolling in the East

And thunder in the West :

Four Horsemen of Apocalypse

Assemble at the crest.

 

See the lightning dance upon them

And hear the thunder roar :

Pestilence and Famine;

Brutal Death and War.

 

(Chorus)

                                                                
(AND)  It’s time-time-time

Yes, it’s time-time-time

Oh I think this time

It’s very nearly time !

 

 

Leaders mumble alibis:

This isn’t what we planned

It wasn’t meant to go this far-

Things just got out of hand !

 

 

Angry people fill the streets

Enraged by shattered dreams

Gunshots punctuate the night-

A hopeless siren screams.

 

(Chorus)

 

I awake with pounding heart-

My body drenched in sweat-

My mind still filled with visions

Of what hasn’t happened yet .

 

It hasn’t happened , but it’s near

We live on borrowed time –

The Horsemen of Apocalypse

Ride nearer all the time.

 

(Chorus)

 

 

 

 

HOLY COW ?? I Don't Think So !!

In Britain, a pensioner was trampled to death-and his older brother severely injured when a herd of cows suddenly stampeded...

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/farming/10057010/Pensioner-trampled-to-death-by-herd-of-cows.html

 

In Brazil, things were even worse: a quiet country resident, had just settled in for the night-next to his wife- when a cow climbed on the roof of their little home, crashed through, and landed on the man: killing him. (Wife and cow uninjured.)

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/10177786/Brazilian-man-dies-after-cow-falls-through-his-roof-on-top-of-him.html

 

What is going on here ??

 

Is this some sort of revenge for the "two double all-beef patties" , and the increasing number of steak houses ??

 

 http://s468.photobucket.com/user/mrmeangenes/slideshow/insane%20cow%20posse

 

No bull !!

I"m beginning to supect there is a plot a hoof ( or afoot-depending on your perspective) - and I must tell you I am udderly dismayed !

I thought the NSA was supposed to spot this sort of thing....but...I suppose cows don't text very much-and, down on the farm, "twittering" is pretty much limited to the birds.

Like this post-some might say : for the birds.

 

Ms Rabbit Denies "Vicious Rumors" !

I ran across Ms Rabbit - that young, suburban Bunny matron-on the beach-at the Jersey Shore.

 

I noticed -after a while - her pelt was a silvery grey -instead of the usual splotchy rabbit brown, and I commented politely.

" I like your ummm...new fur-style . It's quite.....regal !"

Ms Rabbit beamed. " It's called "Royal Platinum".

She simpered flirtatiously - an unnerving sight. " I'm sure all my Alpha Male Choices will approve !"

I'm sure you're something of an expert on Alpha Males, I thought---but decided it might be wiser to keep that thought to myself.

"One of our neighbors said she saw you going into the beauty parlor the other day", I said.

"The place had kind of a funny name...what the heck was it ??"

Ms Rabbit began to tremble with agitation.

"It will come to me ", I soothed.

"So: what else have you been up to lately ?"

 

"  IT'S  A LIE ! ", she screamed. " IT'S A VICIOUS LIE !!!"

 " I DID NOT GET A BIKINI WAX  !!!

I stared at her, uncomprehendingly.

Car wax , surf board wax , moustache wax ---okay---but what in heck is a "bikini wax" ?

I   shrugged and waved goodbye : having decided it might not be wise to ask Ms Rabbit any further questions about what was quite possibly a sore topic.

 

 

Ms Rabbit Confirms : Jersey Shore Is Open For Business !!

After Hurricane Sandy passed through, many wondered if the storm-wracked Jersey Shore would ever be back again.

 Not so Ms Rabbit !

 

 

As many of you already know, Ms Rabbit is a smart young suburban matron , who visits me from time to time . I'd like to think she visits out of friendship and admiration -but in truth, she knows she can usually hit me up for a few Cheerios.

I hadn't seen her in a while, and asked where she had been.

"I was at the SHORE, silly !", she answered.

"The shore ?"

" The JERSEY SHORE !!  Is there any other ??" 

 

"Wow  ! Rabbits at the Shore !!", I exclaimed. " Did you get to meet the Governor ?"

Ms Rabbit scowled. " I certainly did - and I must say I did NOT like the way he kept looking at my legs !!"

"Are you suggesting the Governor of New Jersey treated you as a ... sex object ???"

Ms Rabbit giggled. " No, silly ! As a MENU object !"

" Oh. Well...they say he recently started a diet, so his stomach might have been a bit...growly."

" I suppose...but you can believe I kept my distance from him ! "

"Apart from that, did you have a good time at the Shore ? "

" Oh, yes ! I went on rides, and everything ! "

 

" Tell everybody you know  !!"

 

APRIL DAYS

I ran out of April days

A thousand years ago-

And the golden Summers of my youth

Are all buried under snow.

 

How did the Autumn pass so fast ?

What day did Winter start ??

And where did the cold winds come from

That tear so at my heart ???

 

I know -of course- the answer:

I'm bound for Memory .

But, Lord, I'm in no hurry-

Don't speed things up for me !

 

First Snow

First Snow

I stand,childlike, at the window:

Old fool ! Nose pressed against the glass ;

Remembering other snowfalls; other wonders

Shared with someone else- at other windows and other times.

 

I’m sure the snow falls gentle On her churchyard resting place

But I stand and watch it for a while :

Remembering dreams of childhood;

Remembering years of marriage;

And wondering if this first snow

Will be  the last for me.

ARMED SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS ??

With all the anger and fear over school shootings, perhaps this idea might be considered .

 

All schools rely on substitute teachers to a small degree. That said, why not put the subs through special training : ninja tactics, shooting, and other police/military skills ??

Once trained and duly certified, they could be issued appropriate weaponry , which they would bring to school with them - properly secured, of course. They could thus provide an unexpected response to any would-be school attacker.

Let's imagine such a scenario !

Mr. Substitute's class is in session . He is delivering a lecture and his students are copying notes feverishly - (You really don't want to get behind in his classes !)

Mr. Substitute : Oontogeny recapitulates philogeny.

(Sound of shots and screams is heard.)

Mr. Substitute : Never mind that ! Make sure your notes are complete, as there WILL be a test !!

Classroom door flies open and pale, sweaty student rushes in.

Student: Mr. Substitute ! Mr. Substitute !!  You gotta come quick !! 

Mr. Substitute : (Eyes panting student skeptically.)  May I see your hall pass, please ? You did bring one, I hope !

Student: But there's someone out there killing people !! Can't you hear it ??

Mr. Substitute : I certainly can---and I shall go out and investigate--(looks at watch) --I'll go right after my break. 

As for you - Mr. No Hall Pass : Go wait for me at the Principal's office.

 

 

When Old Dogs Dream

They lie there : soaking their aged joints in the warm sunlight : quiet for the most part; but-from time to time, their paws will move; and sometimes the movement will spread to their upper legs.

They breathe hard at such times, and sometimes they whine softly, or emit a little bark.

"Look !", we say. " The dog is dreaming."

 

Ah, but what is he dreaming of ?

Does he race with the ancient pack he descends from , and whine as it closes in on the caribou they have wounded and brought to bay ?

Is it something from his own time ? When he was a puppy, did he race this way against his littermates, and engage them in noisy-but-harmless bite fights ?

Does he flee the old master, who mistreated him so cruelly before he was sent to the pound to die ?

 

I don't know....and, still pondering, I slip off into my own world of dreams.

 

My dreams are so close at hand these days ----and I wonder where they come from.

Who are these people ? Where is this place - and why am I so familiar with it ? Why am I dreaming about things I never did - and who is this all-new, greatly-improved "ME" in some of my dreams ?

Is he what I could have been ? Should have been ??

Not likely !

 

The deck of the carrier rises and falls-pitches and yaws as I come in to re-arm and re-fuel my dark blue Grumman Wildcat. One of the deck crew salutes as I climb down. I return his salute, but tell him to belay that Officers' Country crap, and get me flying again.

Behind us I see Mount Suribachi - where my fellow Marines are fighting and dying in the black volcanic sand; but the ordnance we are are dropping on the Japanese is finally taking effect.

I watch as they fill my gas tanks, reload my guns,and put bombs under the wings-and catch a quick glimpse of myself in a reflecting surface.

Red-headed, dressed in Marine jungle green fatigues; wearing a yellow Mae West flotation jacket, and a comforting-but-probably-useless sidearm in a shoulder holster...

 

Red-headed ? Me ??  A combat pilot ?? Where in hell did that come from, and why was the roar of battle so loud, and the stench of fire and fuel and death so pungent ??

Do we just sort out our mental baseball cards when we dream---or do we cross paths with another, parallel lifeline ?

I wonder if the old dog knows ????

 

 

Return of the Cheshire Cat

Do you remember the famous Cheshire Cat , from Alice in Wonderland ?

 

Well, this is the Walt Disney version, and he smiles a lot.

I smile too---and try to be cheerful for those who have to put up with me. 

 

Whether it's the Lewis Carroll original, or the Walt Disney version, the Cheshire Cat doesn't just smile: he fades away.

 

 

I've been fading too  of late - and sometimes I feel  like that Cat.

Two years ago, I couldn't wait to get out and explore .

One year ago , I slowed down - but still managed to get out there and meet people, and take pictures,and post discoveries here.

 Now, I prefer sleeping on the hearth to going out roaming ; mere existence to actual life.

No biggie !  It's just my over-stuffed ego  getting used to the same eventuality we all face :

non-existence.

 

 Since we all have to fade-eventually-let's light up the world with our smiles,our kindness, and our good deeds  !

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER , 2012

September sneaks up on our summer : one cool night, and one misty morning at a time; so that - one day it is August and then-the clock ticks, and Summer is over !

Technically, it will be Summer for 3 more weeks - but the dawn of September brings all that to a shuddering halt.

First comes Labor Day weekend------------------------

-------accompanied, of course, by holiday weekend traffic jams. Millions of people fling themselves simultaneously onto the roadways, in search of a memorable (but soon to be forgotten) final celebration of Summer.

Horns honk, curses and anatomically unlikely suggestions  are screamed.

Holiday destinations welcome this final assault ---and its attendant inflow of cash.By Monday night,they will be so tightly shuttered, it will be difficult to tell what joys they offered .Where do these people go ? What becomes of them ??

 Lake,ocean,creek; even backyard pond waters are splashed - and probably peed into. Barbecues smoke and sizzle, and children eat stuff they will  want to upchuck during the long journey home...

Politicians make speeches - and vie with one another to pose as the best thing to hit Organized Labor since the invention of the bathroom break.Those forced to listen to such speeches sigh.The Fanatics-to whom Politics is the ultimate Team Sport-sigh in ecstasy.

Suddenly, Labor Day weekend is over, and Summer is gone.

Schools are open and swimming pools are closed...

 

It's  ---September: a month that slips in quietly to yank Summer out from under our feet !

 

 

BIRD BRAINS ??? (Hmmmm....)

My Daughter-in-law decided to arect a bird feeder in the back yard : something she had long wanted to try.

For the first week , the feeder was zealously guarded , first-bird-takes-all territory.( The caption is a joke, of course---but just barely !)

Then something odd happened: the birds (most of whom are House Finches) seem to have discovered when they fight over the feeder and try to swarm it...

 

... Some of the seeds they are fighting over drop to the ground , where any bird - including some too big to use the feeder-can reach them.

 

 

 (Last shot is a bit fuzzy: had to shoot through screen door as birds were a bit shy.)

 

The birds seem to have developed a "cooperative framework" out of their natural instinct to compete to the death !!

Not bad for " Bird Brains" ----and a pretty good example for us : the smart species  !!

 

 

 

Secret Rites of Passage Exposed !!!

In the summer, older male members of the Omigawd Clan are forced to undergo an unparalleled test of courage and resolve called " Shooting the Vapids" . 

 

Here in this candid shot, a Candidate contemplates the obstacle before him : summoning all his wisdom, experience, and raw courage before essaying this cruel test.

 

Soon he will paddle his little kayak into "The Vapids" -

 

The "Vapids" are well-named. After all, what could be more vapid than paddling a kayak up the steps of a swimming pool ----at the kiddy end ???

 

Once this truly non-monumental task has been accomplished, the intrepid Candidate must run a gauntlet of jeering, sneering, laughing - even giggling fellow Clan Members.

 

Savages ! Little more than ignorant , politically unevolved savages !!!

 

THE DOG ( Canis Over-familiaris )

Widely known for its implacable ferocity ...

 

Seemingly tireless....

 

 

 

The DOG (Canis Over-familiaris) is the product of millenia of evolution : capable of incredible feats !

Note how this dog - previously "conserving energy" - has snapped to instant situational awareness :

 

Stimulated by a faint rustling sound from inside the house, the Dog prepares to intercept a perceived threat against its family !

 

 Racing inside, the Dog leaps to the defense of a young man sitting at the table. Will he be able to intercept the crackers in time ? (One can only hope so-for they contain materials Dogs believe are better suited for Canine consumption !)

 

 Another job well done !!

Deciding to take no further chances on Human consumption of preferred Canine comestibles, the Dog takes up station to guard the kitchen against intruders.

 Lord, what marvelous creatures Dogs are !!!

Blue Eyed Rascal

 Purty Blue Eyes ,look what you have

Gone and done to me :

Gal, before I met you

I was happy as could be -

 

As happy as a pig in mud

Or a turkey in the straw-

Now dang it all you rascal

Yer stickin' in my craw !

 

(Chorus)

Watch yer step you pretty l'il thing

Or I might just fall in love:

There's a big ol' moon a shinin'

An the stars are bright above-

 

Yer perfume makes my head so dizzy

That I don't know what I'll do-

But I reckon I'll think of somethin'

You Blue-Eyed Rascal you !

 

Blue-Eyed Rascal I don't know

Just what I'm gonna do-

I should be out a- plowin'

'Stead of moonin' over you-

 

But yer purty as a speckled pup

Or a struttin' banty hen -

An' every time I see you-

Well, there I go again !

 

(Bridge)

 

I went down to the County Fair

To see the Livestock show

An' git advice from the Agent there

On how to get  my crops to grow.

 

I took a chance on the Raffle

An' - by golly won a prize :

Saturday night date at the ol' Barn Dance

With a gal with big blue eyes !!

The Owl on the Porch---'n Stuff

 

WHEN the big fiberglass Owl on the porch turned its head, looked at me and winked----

I knew it was apt to be that kind of morning.

It also occurred to me this might be a neat way to start a story.

 

"That's been done before !", rasped the Owl. "Done to death, if you want my opinion !"

He clacked his beak, and tried to look wise - but succeeded only in looking insufferable.

 

I put my coffee cup down carefully. " Shouldn't you be scaring rabbits away from the vegetables,or something ? "

 

The Owl hung its head and groaned. " They just look at me and snicker !"

 

It's always gratifying to have a Critic right where you want him; but I'm a forbearing sort, so I merely said "Ummmm...." , and reached for my coffee.

 

We were sitting there in semi-companionable silence when the Rocking Chair decided to speak .

She is a fine, grandmotherly plush rocker, who likes nothing better than to put you on her lap and rock you to sleep....but I don't generally hear from her (other than a slight squeaking ).

 

 "Pardon me," she said softly. " While you two were chattering, the story just up and started---and I'd like very much to know how it comes out !"

 " For example,", she said. "We should have a "Meet-Cute" : girl meets boy in cute way; boy falls for girl; boy loses girl; then boy wins her back again. You know."

 

"Oh, boy !" , I said to the Owl. " Do you want to tell her ?"

"No way !", the fiberglass bird responded, clacking his beak. " She's your chair !"

 

" Okay," I said to the Chair. " There have been a few changes since the 20th Century."

"It isn't always "boy and girl" these days. It could also be ...."Other" - in a wide variety of combinations and permutations."

"What's more, when ...protagonists meet, they rush directly to " Hook-Up Hanky Panky " - and- if that turns out well, they exchange names and cell phone numbers."

"The next big step in a relationship is Facebook. Each party posts the other's particulars , and everybody gets to vote on whether they "like" the person presented."

 

The Owl nodded. " Yep. That's about the way it works these days."

 

"Oh my !",said the Rocking Chair. " That's really----I don't know. Where's the magic ? The love songs ? The dancing in the rain ?"

She began to cry-very softly - and I didn't know what to do - other than pat her - rather ineffectually,and say : "There-there !" 

It was definitely that kind of morning.

 

 

IMHO ???

How many times have we seen "IMHO" (In My Humble Opinion) on an internet post, letter to the editor, etc. ??

How many times has the person writing "IMHO" actually been humble  ???

Not very often would be my guess !

 

Writing IMAO (In My August Opinion) might be tempting- but others would soon substitute different "A" adjectives : arrogant, asinine, antiquated, arbitrary, etc.in response.

I make the motion we "deep six" the false humility, and (if we absolutely must tell people our opinion is ...well ---an opinion )  then let's just say " IMO" : "In My Opinion" .

 

That's just my humble opinion, of course...

The Return of Ms Rabbit

Ms Rabbit is a sophisticated young suburban bunny , who balances the responsibilities of eating lots of good stuff  with raising a family - and lining up new Baby Daddies  in a rapidly changing world. She checks in from time to time to let me know how she is doing ---and to  con me out of a few Cheerios.

 

 

This morning - just after 5 AM, my son knocked on the bedroom door. (I was already awake -having heard some odd noises from downstairs.)

 

"Do you know a Ms Rabbit ? ", he demanded. " She's downstairs - asking for you, confusing the poor dog, and trying to get someone to feed her Cheerios ." He scowled. " I haven't even had my coffee yet !"

 

 

By the time I got downstairs, Ms Rabbit was already inside : snuggled up with the dog .

" He generally chases rabbits", I remarked. " How did you get him to do that ?"

 

 " I promised him some of your Cheerios", replied Ms Rabbit. " DO hurry up with them, !"

 

Needless to say, I complied - with all due haste.

For a while things were peaceful. I made my coffee , and listened to the sound of Cheerios being scarfed down. (I hoped they'd save a few for me !)

There were some Cheerios left in the box, and, while I was eating them, I heard a curious sound. It sounded like someone dialling. (Who uses a dial phone these days ? )

I should have known ! That bunny is just full of surprises !

 

"Who are you calling at this hour ? ", I wondered. (I really didn't want to get into where she got that stupid-looking pnone !)

"I'm calling wineries", Ms Rabbit replied. " I came down to South Jersey to do a little wine tasting."

She looked thoughtful. " I wonder if the dandelion wine is in yet ?"

"May I borrow your phone book ? "

 

 " I'll be darned !", I exclaimed. " I didn't know you wore glasses !"

" Shhh ! I generally wear contacts. Much sexier !!"

 

I heard the porch door open and close . I glanced up and saw  Ms Rabbit had gone outdoors, and was engrossed in  "trimming the clover"....

 When I looked up again, the unpredictable bunny was out front-waiting for a taxi.

 

 

 

"Here today-gone tomorrow " indeed !  With her it's " Hare today - gone today !"

 

ps: I've heard she sometimes has trouble getting a cab because she's such a cheap tipper ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVELATIONS

The old man lay on his back-shivering a bit.He knew he had run out of time,and he wondered what the final moments would be like.

"Don't worry", said a voice. "It will be okay."

The old man looked around the hospital room: seeing only the purring,clicking,surging equipment.

"Who's that ?"

" It's just me. God or Allah,or Jaweh---or Flying Toaster.Whatever you want to call me is all right."

"No ! Don't try to get up !! I don't need gestures of submission, or reverence,or any of that stuff --no matter what the pious and well-meaning may have told you. If I did, I wouldn't be very powerful now, would I ? "

" Okay: listen carefully. The act of dying can be a little rough, so - before that starts, I'll be leading you out of here to that very special place and that very special time of life you've always dreamed about: a happy time you can never quite remember. You'll be radiant with joy - even as your body tries to fight off being shut down."

"Sweet !" , said the old man. He was silent for a while, then: "Where were you when I was younger and I needed your help ?"

Tears came to his eyes. " I was feeding my family on fish I caught in a little lake near our house,and the mortgage was overdue,and we were burning wood in the fireplace to keep warm !"

"I remember that", said God. " I also remember you managed to work your way out of that situation - and you actually improved your lives soon after . Right ? "

"You did that", He continued,"Because you had learned to overcome adversity."

"Adversity was one of the most important gifts I gave Man - back when he was a vague, unspectacular member of the Primate clan."

"That ancestor of Man had -even then - an incredibly brilliant brain - but there was little for him to use it on in that ancient "Garden of Eden"; so - instead of giving him a nice comfy fur coat, I shaped him into Desmond Morris' "Naked Ape" : a creature that would be forced -because of his nakedness- to build shelter (using his wonderfully opposable thumbs), and to think about-and design and build hunting and defense weapons and tools of all sorts ---every reluctantly undertaken step requiring heavy use of his brain."

"Had Man NOT been so challenged, would he not have wasted his intelligence on fooling rabbits-until the rabbit supply ran out ?"

"Moreover,as the good Dr. Morris used a whole very long chapter to point out, Humankind was given extraordinary gifts which have a wonderfully incredible effect oh Human sexuality. "

The old man smiled through his pain. " Amen to that, Lord !"

" Time to move on ", said God. " Let's get out of here !"

Strong, gentle hands helped the old man out of bed , and onto his feet; then guided him to the glory of an early summer day.

" My God !", the old man exclaimed. " I can see the mountains ! There's Sam's Point, and Tillson Lake, and the roller skating rink; and that's...that's Ellen ! Lord, she is a pretty girl ! Hope she'll skate with me....."

 

Back in the room, the machines purred and clicked and surged - sending out a message the old man could no longer hear :

 

"CODE BLUE. CODE BLUE. CODE BLUE."

GREEN WILLOW TREE

GREEN  WILLOW  TREE

I

I wish- oh I wish

Though I wish all in vain -

Wish I could be young

And in love once again-

 

But young, once again

I can never, ever be

Til the red roses bloom

On the green willow tree !

 

CHORUS

 

Willow tree weep for me-

Green willow tree !

An Old Fool in love

Is a sad sight to see:

Filled with bittersweet daydreams

That never can be-

Though the red roses cover

The green willow tree.

 

2

 

In the Springtime Love blossoms

And the bright Summer day

Fills us with so much beauty

That it steals breath away-

 

But in time sunshine fades

And we feel Winter's chill-

Though the roses of Springtime

Touch our aching hearts still.

THE LADIES ' "Hmmmmmm...????" JOURNAL

 

June , 2012  Issue

 

Interspecies Sexting : Could it be a major problem in your community ?? Even your Home ???

 

 

 

 

No, huh ? We didn't think so either----BUT-----We got ya lookin "  !!!

 

HIGH FASHION , GIRLFRIEND  !!  And Just For YOU  !!

 

 

 

YOU'LL NEED SOME CLASSY SHOES TO GO WITH THAT...

 

NOW: You Got the LOOK to Make 'Em Look . You're HOT STUFF , LADY !!!

 

 

 

(So, you had to send out for the specialty pizza : So what ? "Mr. Excitement" is finally out of town on a business trip, and you've got something hot for someone special !)

 

That should keep you busy till our next issue...............

A Turkey Vulture Kind of Morning

Thanks to Google, I now know the graceful wind walkers I've been calling " turkey buzzards" are really Turkey Vultures; and-despite some earlier (very persistent) mis-classification, aren't Raptors either - but members of the Stork family. ( Imagine what kind of babies THEY would deliver !!)

 

I mention all this because I've just had my morning visit from "Vinnie the Vile" -  who soars low over our house,hovers over the back yard,and peers into the picture window--where I just happen to be sitting.

 

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr50/mrmeangenes/turkeyvulture7.jpg

"Are you done yet ? ", he wonders .

 

"Not quite !" , I respond frostily.

 

This morning, he said: " I'm Vinnie the Vile , and, when you're ready, I'll be your Server."

 

With that, he soared into the next yard. It was sort of like watching a flat stone skip on water.

 

He circled around again. " What ???"

 

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr50/mrmeangenes/turkey-vulture-flying-4a.jpg

 "What does "serving me" entail ? " , I demanded

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr50/mrmeangenes/turkeyvulture2.jpg

Vinnie bobbed his rather ugly red head up and down. " Okay ! Technically, I would be apportioning you : making sure everyone gets a fair share.I've got dibs on your liver, of course..."

 

" Whoa !! TMI !!! Way too much information !!!! ", I shout. " Besides, I'm planning on cremation."

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr50/mrmeangenes/turkeyvultures8.jpg

 "Ewwwww....disgusting !" , croaked Vile Vinnie. "I can't abide "extra crispy" !! "

With that, he flapped away almost frantically.

 

 http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr50/mrmeangenes/turkeyvulture5.jpg

So: How did YOUR morning go ??

 

http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=4241887&q=hi&newref=1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horton Hears a WHU ----and I Do Too !!

Happy New Year , USA !! I love you- warts and all .... but the WHU does not.

 

In case you hadn't noticed , (and much as I hate injecting politics into this site) , one of my pet peeves is the WHU .

WHU : "We Hates United States -  !!!" ( "An' we sneers at U !" )

The WHU are  Academically Fashionable Radicals:  Leftists for the most part - but sometimes rooted in the Radical Right ; or nestled among the most militantly Anarchistic Libertarians

The WHU sometimes claim to be patriots (but more often deride the entire idea of patriotism) , and they have a "default response" to almost any situation involving a foreign government- no matter how despicable- and the United States : "The United States is at fault !!!"

(To prove this contention, they will often reach into past centuries : the Indian wars, Slavery, the conquest of the Phillipines, etc.. The hideous violence wreaked upon our early Countrymen and women -that was an integral part of the situation -  is almost never mentioned : it being politically incorrect to do so.)

Like it or not, we are all part of a Society : one we keep tinkering with, in hopes of removing some of the worst blemishes . You'll never hear the WHU admit it, but we've made huge strides in the last 50 years; and, having been alive to witness some of them, I don't think they should be ignored ---even by those who feel we should rip the world up by the roots and create a new social monstrosity.

(Does this mean we should be silent when we disagree ? Of course not ---BUT ---when OUR COUNTRY is ATTACKED, saying things like : " Well, Boo Hoo to you  ! We had it coming !!" are beyond the bounds of acceptable disagreement ....and, if you don't realize this, I can only wonder at the reasons.)

I say to the WHU : You're part of us too-by birthright, if nothing else -but- if you are not with us -and you are siding with our foes ---what the Hell good are you ?

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!

South Jersey : Harvest Time

Hallowe'en is almost upon us, but Autumn has barely begun to tiptoe in. It  seems later than usual  - some blame global climate change-and it is a bit tentative, but it sneaks in here and there.

A lot of South Jersey is still farmland: not "country acres held for city gentlepersons " - but actual working farm land.

Crops are being gathered and readied for market ...

This crew has been picking red peppers, and getting them ready for a trip to the city.

Some of this fresh-harvested produce will find its way to roadside  stands - like the very popular Rosie's  in Mullica Hill.

South Jersey has no shortage of roadside produce stands : many of which sell food the owners themselves have grown - plus enough jams, jellies, bread, rolls,pickles, locally bottled wines,real creamery butter, etc. to save the roadside shopper a trip into town.

I have to admit to coming home with a bag of local goodies...

Doing my "walk-arounds" in the Autumn is always rewarding !

 

A Visit to Rosie's Farm Market

Out and about today, looking for Harvest themes and Fall colors . Happened on Rosie's Farm Market  317 Swedesboro Rd. (Route 322) Mullica Hill, NJ 08062.

Discovered, when I went inside to ask permission to take pictures, the market is owned and operated by good friends of the family !

 

Quite a selection of Autumn flowers !

It wouldn't be October without some fine pumpkins !

Plants to go !

Mmmm....! Jersey Tomatos !!!

...And, here's our good friend Lisa !!

I resisted "buying out the store"...but it was tough !

All in all, a pleasant way to spend a morning .

 

 

 

South Jersey - Mid October

I've been getting out and about again : not as frisky as before - but out there ! (Found this display right up the street !)

I'll let the pictures do the talking... starting with this Tuckahoe Rd. dude ranch that had some goats for sale.

 

As you can see, there is only a little "color" in the trees - probably because it has been fairly warm ;but Autumn is definitely upon us !

Chuck Costello - a 9/11 Remembrance

 

CHUCK  COSTELLO

 

 

Dedicated to First Responders Everywhere

 

On the Eleventh of September
In the Year Two Thousand One
America lay wounded
In the smoke-filled morning sun.

 

It was a day of horror
To sear the very soul-
It was a day when Heroes
Like Todd Beamer cried : “ Let’s roll !”

 

 

In the blazing World Trade Towers
Where so many people died,
Some thirty thousand lives were spared
Because Heroes rushed inside.

 

A civilian, Chuck Costello
Was one who heard the Call:
He was not paid to risk his life,
But he bravely risked it all.

 

 

He rushed to the fierce inferno:
Pulled people out of Hell ;
And he went back – time and time again
Till the great South Tower fell.

 

Though he died an unsung Hero
May his memory live on-
Till the Great Clock chimes its final note
And the Human Race is gone !

 

Chuck Costello, of Old Bridge, NJ - a Navy veteran- was a family friend -best man at my daughter's wedding- and is still missed.

 

 

I've Been Biting My Tongue Too Long !!

Very recently, I joined the "No Labels" organization - which takes the heartening position we need to cut out the extreme political partisanship, start thinking of our country, and start making an honest effort to solve our problems.

I've been on this little crusade for quite some time - as evidenced by this "relatively ancient" blog entry:

http://genefinneran.typepad.com/finneran_lane/2009/06/politics-and-clocks.html

 

At least 3 times a week, I get forwarded e mails, containing the latest attack on the President - and- on checking the facts, I generally learn the story is (at best) an exaggeration, or (most often) a deliberate and malicious lie : in a word " disinformation" ; and I find myself wondering about the authors of such scrurrilous garbage.

Wouldn't the literary talents of the Wingnut Right be better used to unite us ?

I'm also at odds with the Wingnut portion of the Left - with its constant carping-(anyone who disagrees with OUR version of what is right for America is just a traitor !), and its never-ending "guilt" for the fact our country is trying to be a sucessful nation.It's all "big oil", and "the CIA, man !",and (especially on this 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks)  vicious diatribes about how monstrous our country is.

I have friends in other countries who find it at once pathetic and hilarious that we spend so much time on this tiresome bit of academically-endorsed affectation.

This nation was founded in the expectation there would be political differences AND a spirit of compromise -so the business of government could be carried forward : NOT the present "dog-in-the-manger" attitude of "Country be damned ! Win at all costs !"

If you agree with me - don't tell ME : tell your Congress critters - and hope we can reach them on time !

http://nolabels.org/

ps: Pass this on to a friend. Let's see how many people we can reach !

 

 

 

 

 

An Alarming Morning

It's not unusual to see rabbits around our backyard - so,when one hopped into view yesterday morning, I was not surprised.

 
I called out a cheery "Good morning" ,but the rabbit just flicked her ears disdainfully and hopped over to the far edge of the swimming pool.

At first I had grave misgivings : was the pool about to be invaded ?

 
 

To my relief, instead of diving in, the rabbit simply vanished !! 

I went to the other side of the pool-and-after some diligent searching of the disappearance area, discovered a tiny burrow !

 

Closer examination disclosed a tiny white sign in front of the burrow.

It was VERY difficult to read: written in tiny Rabbit Cursive script; but I persisted----and this is what it said:

BUNNY  BIRTHING  CENTER

La Maze Classes , Rm. 203

Coaches and Midwives 24/7

Major Credit Cards Welcome.

 

(  Oh, boy ! Now I'm REALLY worried !!  )

 

 

 

 

Just So You Know....

I'm going in on Thursday, August 4th for another "staged intervention" : balloon angioplasty, and placement of an additional stent or two to hold back the night.

Had a similar procedure done July 14th. It stopped most of the angina---but did leave me shorter of breath than when I started. (I've been sticking pretty close to home as a result - that, and resting a lot.)

 

In September, the doctors want to have at me again....

It's a mite depressing, but I'll get over it---------------or not.

 

A Photo Worth Seeing !

 

What has been photographed - in the center of our own Milky Way galaxy- appears to be a "Mobius (Moebius) Strip" -which some have described as a two-dimensional artifact : a strip of pure energy - concentrated, and twisted upon itself - forming our symbol for Infinity.

It would be an excellent representation of the Deist concept of God.

 

How Great Thou Art

Lyrics ~ Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940
English Translation ~ Stuart K. Hine, 1899 –

New Stanza 3 – 2011 – EJ Finneran


O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;


Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;


Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!


Stanza 3:
When thou shall come,
With tender invitation,
To take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,

My God, how great thou art !

God's Love For Us Revealed (In humble fashion)

If you are a DEIST - like Thomas Paine,Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington,Abraham Lincoln, etc. , you believe God's truth is revealed in Nature far better than in the foamings and fulminations of so-called "prophets". and their "priestly" successors.

Consider this hideously intimidating insect :

Giant hornet ? No : it is a CICADA KILLER.

It hatches at the same time as the Cicada :
The Cicada is a hungry insect, which - unchecked- would devour every green plant in sight - but it has an enemy : The Cicada Killer.

 

 

The Cicada Killer utilizes its powerful sting to immobilize its leaf-munching prey---so it can carry it off to its burrow, and dine at leisure.

 

This is but one tiny instance of the "balance" that has been built into our world by our Creator.

It is readily visible-and understandable-without benefit of Bell, Book, Candle, Incense, Oratory, or Incantations - no matter what the present generation of "High Priests" may proclaim.

Be.

Be still.

Be still and know.

Be still and know God speaks to you.

Neighborhood Flowers

 

The lady across the street likes flowers , I think. ( I'm not sure where I got such an idea.... ) Click on images for close-ups.

 

 

 

 

 

Just a lucky guess, I suppose !

 

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

 

 

 

 

 

ps: She and her husband host a pretty good barbecue, too !

On the Banks of the Delaware

Today I followed the roads west until I reached the Delaware River . West Deptford Township had built a beautiful park at River Winds Point.

 

Philadelphia was right across the river...

 

...as was Philadelphia International Airport.

 

A Swedish/Norwegian ship was passing through. A lookup suggests it was loaded with new cars shipped from Europe.

 

 

Some flowers-and a gazebo - improved the view.

I sat for a while and enjoyed the view : another "face" of South Jersey : a place I've grown very fond of.

A Visit to SHADOW Equestrian

I went fishing for a little while at nearby Franklinville Lake : excitement was quite controllable - one little "Calico Bass" - which I released-a number of hungry turtles, which proved rather adept at bait-stealing - and a loud, downright rude "Outa the way ! " from a gaggle of Geese.

 

Feeling a little bit miffed at the attitude of the Geese (surely they were from Northern New Jersey !) , I packed up; but, instead of going straight home, decided to meander down Monroeville Road .

Along the way, I saw some horses grazing in a pasture, and slowed down-debating a photo. Were horses being boarded here ? I noticed most of them seemed "quite experienced", and wondered if they had been "rescued" . (That would be worth checking out !)

 

I decided to check it out,and, a short while later was chatting with a Mr. Drissel, who got me a business card and a flyer, and who invited me to walk around,look at the stable and generally help myself.

 
This is the outdoor equestrian track, and the next picture shows the combination stable and indoor equestrian track.

 

From the Drissels, I learned the "SHADOW" in Shadow Equestrian stands for : Special Horses And Disabled Overcome Weakness.

SHADOW Equestrian provides low cost therapeutic riding instruction for children with physical,mental, and learning disabilities: relying on donations, sponsors, and volunteers; noting: Recreational Therapeutic Riding provides relaxation and stimulation of unused muscles and joints; improves posture,balance, and muscular strength;increases attention span and stimulates speech;improves self-esteem; and offers these children the chance to bond with one of the gentle old horses used in the program.

I'm finally getting the chance to stop off and enjoy some of the beautiful people and places I spent so many years hurrying past . Sometimes the beauty is physical - other times spiritual. Once in a rare while-like today-it is both.

ps: To learn more , I suggest visiting the SHADOW website at:

http://www.shadowequestrian.org 

 

 

 

 

HORSE FEATHERS FARM

After a (brief) fishing excursion at nearby Scotland Run, I decided to stop feeding the lake's turtles my worm supply , and go for a drive - turning off this time to explore Pitman - Downer Road.

Out near Mount Royal Road, I came upon the Brown family's "Horse Feathers Farm" , where a nice-looking pair of white Percherons were grazing in a field near an attractive house; and, on impulse decided to drive in, introduce myself, and ask permission to take a few pictures.

The owner and his wife were extremely gracious : even showed me a "bluebird nest" that had been taken over by a barn swallow.

 

Even the horses were friendly, and wasted no time in ambling over to meet me.

 

 

The Browns had a very attractive flower bed outside their home.

 

 

I said goodbye - a bit reluctantly - and traced my way back home on the Gloucester County roads : with a treasure trove of warm memories to ease me through the inevitability of winter.

ps: The remaining worms got a new lease on life in some freshly dug soil : safe - for now - from hungry panfish and turtles.

GREENSLEEVES BLUES

 
Oh you said I was un-cultured

Uncouth and un-refined-

So I signed up fer night school

To improve my backwoods mind;

 

But,while I was vettin' Latin

And a- sweatin' my degree

In Medieval Classics

You was steppin' out on me !!

(Chorus)

Alas, my love, you do me wrong-

( I was fixin' to spend a little time with you )

For I have love-ed you so long-

You up an' left me - what am I gonna do ?

(two-three-four)

Greensleeves Greensleeves was  * my delight

But I couldn't keep her home at night -

Now I can quote from Shakespeare

(Or Chaucer if you choose)

But that don't seem to help none

With these Greensleeves Blues !

 

Verse 2

 

Oh you nagged me into Night School

Just to rid yerself of me-

I never seen it comin' --

What fools we mortals be !

 

Now other scholars quote me-

But I'm still outa luck :

You're givin' all yer lovin'

To some guy that drives a truck !

 

South Jersey Solar Power

South Jersey tends to be pretty conservative -politically and socially - but solar power is catching on with one of the most conservative segments of the population : the farmers.

 
This impressive array powers a busy winery.

 

 This array is an important part of an apple orchard.

Driving through this part of the state, I've seen many similar installations - including one that powers a roadside diner in Atlantic County.

I've been fascinated with solar power since I was a kid: we had an outdoor shower behind a chicken coop ,that used summer sunlight to heat water. The shower was a godsend-after hours of "haying": what a delight to sluice the sweat and itchy hayseeds off our skins !

There are those who insist we should ignore alternative technologies -such as solar-because they don't offer the instant gratification of petroleum-based energy.(Some of these same people look on wars in the Middle East as "a good thing"; some are financially invested in petroleum; and some apparently just want to be in step with the movers and shakers.)

All I can say is: Some day the wells will run dry.Then what ???

 

 

Thank You For Your Support, Mr. Hurff !!

 

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. John Hurff this weekend . Mr. Hurff is a working farmer -(you'll notice it when you shake hands)- and has succeeded his Dad-the late Myron Hurff as President of William Shober & Sons, Inc. (Orchards and Farm Market) 1125 Monroeville Rd., Monroeville, NJ 08343.  

I asked permission to take pictures, after seeing his "Thank You Veterans" display along the country roadside.

I learned from Mr. Hurff he hosts a special Veterans' Day celebration, in which any Veteran who shows up receives a "thank-you" gift of apples and cider.

Mr. Hurff thanked me for my (humble) service. I'd like to thank him for his consistent support.

 I've noticed a quiet patriotism here - due,in no small part to the large numbers of South Jersey residents who have volunteered to serve their country - and the substantial number of those who sacrificed all to do so.