Patriot League Champions

In her second year as Head Coach of the West Point Women's Soccer Team, Stef led the Black Knights to an undefeated league season and championship with a 1-0 win over Holy Cross last night in Worcester, MA.  Several significant records fell in the process, and West Point was ranked nationally in several categories.  The defense was incredibly stingy, and a large contingent of freshmen contributed mightily to the success of the team.  Next on tap is the Patriot League tournament with an NCAA bid in the balance.  What a wonderful job well done!

St. Patrick's Breastplate

St. Patrick's Breastplate is an Irish hymn attributed to St. Patrick during his Irish ministry.  I've posted parts before and have been meaning to put this one up as well.  It is a wonderful way to start your day.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels ...

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth, and
Firmness of rock.

The 3,000 mile road trip

Decided to head back to Defiance, Missouri and check on the house.  Grandpa thought the change of scenery would be good for him, so he accompanied me on this 3,000 mile round trip.  We left Tucson on Wednesday headed for a stop over in Elk City, OK.  As we pulled into Elk City, a brake pad went out.  Bummer.  Fortunately, we found some good ol' boys up and at 'em at 0730 who helped us out, changed the pads on both front brakes and got us back on the road by 0815.  We reached Defiance around 1600.

As soon as we entered wine country, the nostalgia began to hit.  Marie and I had five good years there before returning to Tucson, but the mood turned a bit sour as we got to the old neighborhood.  Too many houses for sale at such low prices.  It's pretty depressing that such beautiful homes with access to such a beautiful lake are unoccupied and remain for sale.  I've concluded that bin Laden definitely succeeded.  On 9/11, his heinous deed did destroy the American economy, and as much as I want to be a good soldier and support the commander-in-chief, Obama has only exacerbated the situation and made friends with all of the free-loaders at one end of the scale, and the rich guys at the other with his $750 billion bailout.  Bad news for America.

Regardless, my Dad and I spent Friday and Saturday cleaning up around the place.  We power-washed, pulled weeds, trimmed bushes, mowed the lawn, etc.  Thursday and Friday, we had great sandwiched from the Bavarian Smokehaus.  Saturday, David Hamilton, my long-time friend and attorney met us for dinner at Ashley's Rose in Augusta.  It was terrific.  In between, I was able to visit Vic and Ruth Ann at their shop, and Grandpa met all the neighbors, the Babors, Cobleighs and Sadowskis.  All very gracious.  Kyle Burrows, who we've known since he and Brad were in nursery school as two-year olds met me at the house Saturday morning.  Kyle, an attorney by trade, has started a Real Estate company.  He now manages our property.  I could not have entrusted it to anyone better.

After our whirlwind days in Missouri, Grandpa and I were back on the road Sunday morning and made it to Santa Rosa, New Mexico.  It was an easy eight hour drive back to Tucson on Monday.  It was great to be back at the old house in Missouri, but we were grateful to return to Marie.  By the way, in our absence, Marie painted Grandpa's room a Southwest burnt orange and painted his bedframe black to really set it off.  All in all, a good trip, but we're glad to be back in Arizona.

From the Celtic Wise One ...

Dave McGrath, my Celtic kinsman from Upstate New York has been my friend for three decades now.  He passed this gem to me this afternoon.  I know you will enjoy it.

"Me wise old grandmither used to say, 'If you can't put a smile on someone's face today, what's the point of getting up?'  Somewhere there's some wisdom there.  I pinch myself daily and count my lucky starts to be blessed with a great family and friends like you.  I haven't missed the ring on the merry-go-round too many times!"

Faith

When I was young, I believed because I was told to.  As I've matured, I believe because I have faith.

"Questioning our faith and even the object of it is a daily, healthy exercise! Faith cannot be shelved until we need it, for then we will discover that it has grown weak and meaningless from disuse and will not sustain us. The virtue of integrity involves a well-exercised faith that will enable us to survive even the most awful challenges. Even the strongest among us can be reduced to helplessness and silence." 

By Father Thomas Rosica, CSB

Blessing for a Journey

In preparation of Stephanie and the girl's trip back to Missouri, I offer this old Irish verse.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May you be held in the palm of God's hand.

Back in the Saddle

I note that my blog has been inactive in September.  No excuses.  I'll get it up and running again in October.