SUNDAY SERMON

FRIDAY RECAP

My 80th birthday yesterday was, as I told my hard-working wife last night, one of my best ever.

The BRD came over for a wine therapy session in the early afternoon.

We met in our garage and sat at a respectful distance from each other and chatted for about 2 hours.

Then a period of rest, followed by our first "cocktails on the patio" for this summer.

But by early evening the shade was on the patio and the breeze was a bit brisk and cooling so we came in fairly soon.

Then to the kitchen and My Master Chef (Judy) took over, assisted by her Sous Chef (me) in preparing the meal of the day.

She's finishing up her Shrimp Scampi, the shellfish bathed in a sauce of butter, garlic and onions.

She accompanied it with Fettucini Alfredo and a nice salad.

And then the pièce de résistance - a Carrot Bundt Cake with frosting and SPRINKLES!

I guess, even at 80, some guys never grow up!

I was beautifully treated on my special day and I was heartily gratified.

(It's hard to show one's joy and gratitude when one has to take one's own selfie.)

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES - BIRTHDAY EDITION

Okay, let's just get over it.

It's my birthday.

When people say "Happy Birthday" . . . I think . . . they're thinkin' of someone way younger than me.

But, wothehell, let's get on with it.

Okay, let's get to the crux of it.

When people ask me how the (....) old are you, anyway, Old Taylor, . . I go into the Pirate Mode.

And there it is.

Another turning point.

From now on you can refer to me as an octogenarian and I won't even ask you to spell it.

And since it's Friday, allow me to wish you a quiet, peaceful, gentle weekend.

But what else could you have if you're, like me, in quarantine!

And always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

EARTH DAY PLUS ONE

Yup, I know.

I didn't post anything yesterday about Earth Day.

And it was its 50th Anniversary!

As Jimmy Fallon said last night: "You can tell 
Earth Day turned 50 because earlier today, Earth 
changed its hairstyle and bought a Corvette."

So I suppose I could blame my ignoring the day yesterday on a mid-life crisis but if that's the case I'm going to set a real record for longevity!

Actually I did take a couple of nature shots yesterday so here's my tribute to Earth Day.

What?

A picture of a dead dandelion isn't a satisfactory tribute?

Well, then, how about this.

I was chatting with my neighbor, Captain Doug, awhile back and noted the pretty flower at the edge of his property.

He said it was a weed and he was going to have to dig it and its brothers up pretty soon.

By the way, my first attempt at photographing the pretty flower/weed lacked something and I suppose my longtime friend and renowned wildlife photographer Carol could have explained it to me.

The lesson would have been basically this: if you're trying to photograph a blossom on the ground on a sunny day try not to stand between your object and the sun!

I brought up Carol's name because just yesterday she provided an entry for my Humor Bank, earning her the title "Carol the Comic".

Here it is.

That truly captures the spirit of this pandemic.

As does the final thought of the day, which I swiped from the BRD.

Stay well, everyone.

HERE COMES THE SUN

It seems like just yesterday that I said, "Finally! The 70's are coming!"

But I know that wasn't so because it rained yesterday and the temperature stayed in the 60's.

We also had some terrific thunderclaps during the afternoon.

But today the sun is back and the mercury is forecast to climb into the mid 70's again.

By the weekend, the 80's will be here, followed by the mid to upper 80's next week.

So it's time to put aside all those bitter complaints about how cold it is and bring out the seasonal complaints about how hot it is.

One thing about the weather - it's always changing.

Frankly, I like it when the temperature gets into the 80's

It makes the early evenings (i.e. The Cocktail Hour) pleasant enough to sit out on the patio.

I have noticed that the birds apparently like the warmer weather too.

We have seen an influx of goldfinches, house finches, the occasional robin, some warblers and, of course, the flirting doves.

But the doves seem to stay all winter.

Incidentally, I watched our rent-a-cat Matty up on the wall around our backyard a few days ago with a fixed gaze on something on the ground on the other side.

Then he disappeared, only to appear a short time later with what appeared to be a baby bird in his mouth.

He paid me no nevermind.

He just hurried along the wall, clear around our house and bounded down, heading for his real home with his prey.

So, the cycle of life continues, in spite of the pandemic.

Stay safe and well and sane, Gentle Readers.

We'll get over this in time.

And get out of your houses and enjoy some sunshine.

DRIVING HABITS FOR THE LOCKDOWN

MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASK

In these times of the Corona-19 Pandemic and its attendant shortages, I thought it would be good to show you how to make your own face mask at home.

So here is a short video.

(scroll down)

Just so you know, I am indebted to Phunny Phil for sending that to me.

Thanks, Phil!