Long weekend

It's been stressful around here for the last week. We went to R.I. for the memorial service and burial of J's brother, who died just before Christmas. His sister who lives in Florida called to say they would like to visit while they were in New England, hence the rush to finish Ameranth's/guest room. We told them it would have to be after the funeral, not before (or I would have had a meltdown) and luckily unfortunately they had to be back to work and couldn't make it. We're hoping they can make it another time.

Saturday went well, both the mass and the military ceremony at the Veteran's Cemetery in Exeter. Quite a few family members were able to come, so that was nice. Between the 10 siblings there are 21 cousins and then 9 cousins (so far) in the 3rd generation.

Shoeshine made a quick trip out from Boulder so it was nice to see him. Ameranth stayed home with the 3 dogs, and Ms. M and Mr. C came down but had to leave early since Mr. C had the duty phone from work and needed to go back to solve some problems. No pictures before they left. 

Reviewing these pictures I feel the need to point out that everyone dressed up for the service and changed into comfy clothes afterwards, knowing it would be a long day. There are lots of jokes about Irish wakes but the truth is that they know how to celebrate life and laughter. They cry easily but laugh just as easily, drink and dance and eat and joke. It's a good way to remember a loved one. 

One ongoing joke was that J's brother (being the eldest) had often proclaimed himself the patriarch of the family- a statement made only half in jest. Saturday the next oldest, (the Florida sister) declared herself the matriarch, to which J jumped in and pointed out that he was now the oldest son, hence he was the new patriarch. I think this photo shows how seriously his sisters took that.

 

It was a very nice weekend.

Ta da!

Although we ran into some warpage with the closet door that needs to be addressed before we can call the bedroom completely redone, it has reached our benchmark level of "good enough". Ameranth will sleep in there tonight.

 

Let's take a little journey through the wayback machine to last summer to maximize our enjoyment of the final result. 

                                              We like it.

Okay then

I don't write (much) about my political stands or religious beliefs but I cannot ignore this today. So fair warning- you may want to skip this since I just need to vent.

WTF Terry Jones ?!?

"In a statement, Mr. Jones demanded that the United States and United Nations take 'immediate action' against Muslim nations in retaliation for the deaths (in Afghanistan in protest of his burning of the Quran). 'The time has come to hold Islam accountable,' he said."


Really?

Accountable. Would he like Muslim nations to retaliate directly against him and his church members for the Quran burning? No, of course not, no one would, that's crazy. As crazy as the Westboro Baptist Church disturbing military funerals with signs saying the deaths were direct signals from God that gays are bad. Who can believe that crap? Who would want a god that is that vengeful and disturbed and angry?

I have no problem with anyone believing in and worshiping whatever form of god (or gods) they choose. As long as it's a peaceful worship. I understand that many people honestly believe their way is the only way, and that they are helping others to achieve salvation through conversion. I can appreciate the concern, but No means No. If someone doesn't want to convert from (or to) a thousands-of-years-old brand, then go away graciously.  Mind your own business.

And by minding your own business, I mean live your life the best you can- don't hurt other people, with words or stones, or bombs or bullets. Help others as much as you can, as often as you can. If you just can't bring yourself to do either, then just stay quiet. If everyone did that, I think your deity would be happy, and I know the world would be better off.

Live and let live.
That should be the golden rule.

Just.... stop