Rugby: The New Zealand flyhalf (that’s a position) is 22 years old and a cancer survivor

Aaron Cruden, who wasn't even in the original World Cup team, but was called into the national side when the first two choice players were injured during the tournament. Cruden Triumphs Adversity Again It should not surprise anyone that first five-eighth Aaron Cruden had the mental and physical fortitude to guide the All Blacks into … Read more

Update on Tim’s knee

We saw Dr. Weinstein (who did the surgery) on Friday. things are comingalong fine. he drained about 25 cc's of fluid from his knee, and will take out the staples this Wednesday. It was the first time we (Tim and I) had seen the incision area, since the ace bandage covred the dressing since the … Read more

Episcopal Parish in Maryland converts to Catholicism

Interesting – thay had been a Anglo-Catholic parish, with rites very similar to Roman Catholicism, but still part of the Episcopal communion. At the basilica, before the archbishop, parishioners stood for Communion. But at St. Luke’s, they’ll be allowed to kneel under the guidelines laid out by the Vatican in 2009 when it announced plans … Read more

Despite low pay, long hours, no sex, Catholic priests “are among happiest members of society”

UPDATE: Got an email from one of my correspondents and she says "sounds like an average American worker, married with kids!" A study, which also references other studies with similar findings. Study: Most Priests Are Happy, Appreciate Celibacy Isolation causes unhappiness. We are meant to be connected with others. The good news here is that … Read more

Tim’s knee surgery went well

The surgeon Dr. Weinstein was pleased. A very efficient same day surgery set-up at White Plains hospital. It’s still hard to believe that the technology has progressed so far that you can have a reconstruction of a knee ligament starting around 1PM and be home at 6! Anyway, back at the house now – Tim’s watching the … Read more

Tim update: Surgery today

As a reminder, Tim suffered a ridiculous flukey injury on the sideline of his football game  two Saturdays ago. This afternoon, he is having his right knee lateral collateral ligament repaired by Dr. Rick Weinstein, at White Plains hospital. We first saw Dr. Weinstein last Monday, and he felt the ligament had to be reconstructed. The … Read more

Always fun; Aussie contingent in for a short visit

Brigid's niece June arrived with her daughter Pru for a USA visit a couple of days ago, and came up to visit us Friday evening through yesterday afternoon. People with good memories might recall that June and her husband Andrew visited us this past New Year's - Quick recap of our Aussie visitors!! Here's the post-champagne welcome, … Read more