Black Walnut Tree!

We went out to our yard to tame the far portion and began to prune and prune.  We came across these sweet-smelling, lime-looking, pretty green fruits.  "What are they?," we pondered.  Well, they are black walnuts!

These trees are very valuable.  This one might just pay for Miriam's college education!  We can make a tincture from the immature fruits.  The tincture is supposed to be a great antibiotic and antioxidant.  How exciting!

Wonder what other treasures are lurking around the next gardening corner!

Romeo the Carpenter Bee

Romeo

A bumble bee has been hanging out around the grill.  He's a funny fellow, just hovering there and daring anyone to come closer.  He's got a light yellow nose like it's always covered with pollen and he's really cute.  Turns out, he's not a bumble bee but a carpenter bee.  Now I've got to look through the structure and look for holes that his future girlfriend might be in.

This little guy is just waiting for his Juliet to emerge so he can mate.  I'll see what I can do to prevent that.

Job Interview clip

Douglas Horn at work

Douglas Horn is our friend, but we've never met him.  Tyrone and I watched his film, Full Disclosure, on our first date.  It set the tone for our relationship.  We still fully disclose.

I wrote to Doug in 2008 to find out how to show Full Disclosure at my bridal shower.  He sent us an advance copy of the film!  Here is a clip from a recent project of his.  Enjoy!

The world's worst job interview.  From Entry Level from Douglas Horn on Vimeo.

5 Reasons I love Jesus

1. He never gives up on me, even when I give up on myself.  He gives me hope for my family, my health, my finances, my work, and my country.  He gives hope in the midst of tragedy.


2. I asked Him to show my Mom a love that she's never even imagined.  I asked Him to hold her in his arms and cherish her.  He's doing that right now!

3.  He provides the model of a good husband that my husband looks to.  I've got one great husband!

4. He always welcomes me to Him in the Eucarist and He guides and loves me through the amazing men He's called to the priesthood.

5. He shows Himself when I'm not too self-absorbed to see.  In the eyes of my daughter, the hug of my husband,  an email from my brother, watching my father hold Miriam, in the daffodils and other spring flowers, and in the face of every person I meet.  

Carol George, 1940-2011

Niskayuna – Carol George, 71, passed away peacefully on her birthday February 17, 2011  in her home with her family and pets;  her long courageous battle with cancer is now over.

Miriam's baptism, April of 2010

Carol moved to Schenectady as a newlywed in June of 1962.  After a brief nursing career, she was devoted to raising her two children.  She performed volunteer work for schools as her children were growing up and then for various community organizations; the most rewarding being her fifteen year involvement with the patrons and members of the Schenectady Civic Players.  Carol was a loving and caring person who enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling.  In her last days, she asked her beloved son, "How will I know I'm dead?" to which he replied, "When your farts smell like roses."  She deduced that she must therefore still be alive.  Her sense of humor was in tact until the end! 



Carol and Ray in Ogunquit, Maine in 2008



Carol is survived by her husband Raymond, son Tony George of Frederick, Maryland, daughter Suzanne George Gonsalves of Taunton, Massachusetts, and precious granddaughter Miriam Rose.

An Orthodox ceremony for the separation of the soul from the body was performed at her bedside by her beloved priest, Father Dennis Nagi, the day of her death.  Following the service, in a final act of total self-giving love, Carol donated her body for research via the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Forty Day Memorial service following the 9:30 am liturgy on March 27, 2011, at St. Sophia church on

440 Whitehall Road

, in Albany.  The memorial portion of the worship will begin between 10:30-11:00am.  Family will receive mourners in the church hall following the service.



Carol and Miriam in 2010



September 2009

Remembrances may be made the through Hans Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to either, the American Cancer Society,

260 Osborne Road, Albany, NY 12211

; or the Schenectady Civic Players,

PO Box 927, Schenectady, NY 12301

.

Deathbed Conversion

My mother is nearing the end of her life.  To be honest, we are all surprised that she's still with us.  She's nearing her end, and, a few days ago, she decided that she would not put off her spiritual life any more. 

She was Chrismated into the Eastern Orthodox Church.  I was floored.  This woman, who had been an atheist, was now embracing Christ.  This followed other severe changes for the good.  In the past few years she's embraced The Culture of Life, released pride and prejudice, showered forgiveness and asked for it too.  Her soul is a glistening diamond now, ready for Heaven.  I am just so floored by this transformation, I cannot tell you. 

When Carol George dies,she will be in a state of complete, spiritual health, cured of all ailments that really matter. 

God be with her always.  Mom, I'm looking forward to your intercessions.  Thank you for forgiving my lack of faith in you.  You are so dear.  I will miss you.

Audio clips of 15 month old Miriam

Miriam reading books
Singing during a diaper change