Sunday we went to 10:30 mass followed by breakfast at our new favorite place Blueberry Hill in Homer Glen.  There are other options closer to church but since it was such a glorious day we decided to take the ride.  The hostess called Mary out and then hesitated and apologetically mentioned that what she had available was a two person booth along the back wall. Since there were two of us we agreed that it was certainly acceptable.  After a wonderful breakfast (as usual) the hostess confirmed out theory that many people do not like to sit there.  I can only assume that the claim must be lack of space.  However, we like it and will continue to accept such seating.  Why should two people take up space which could accommodate other guests.  As we sit here this afternoon, our hearts and minds are in the Gulf Coast region. This is not only because we have family near the area targeted by Gustav but because of the thousands of folks who once again after three years must leave their homes, sometimes for places unknown.  As I write this, the storm path is basically unchanged and my family may get outer band winds which depending on the path may be of tropical storm or hurricane strength.  The possible effect is more widespread than at first glance as many inland communities brace to receive (I hate the term refugees but it may be appropriate) many persons displaced by the storm. The effect is also being felt in the twin cities where the Republican Convention has been modified to become more of a legally required meeting than a party.  Both President Bush, who was scheduled to speak tomorrow night and John McCain the presumptive nominee will be absent.  This afternoon McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin were to proceed to Mississippi to examine conditions.  They particularly I believe went to Mississippi to avoid distracting preparations in the more immediate area of the "bulls-eye".  It appears, that President Bush, criticized for not rushing in immediately for Katrina may be going also.  One can only hope that while there are obvious political ramifications here that the trips are more compassionate and altruistic.  I can recall in 2004, when three or four hurricanes criss-crossed Florida in a two week period, that we watched the red line of one on TV as it bore down on Tampa.  It was only almost at the last moment that a small change in winds changed the trajectory away from Tampa. No, we wished no harm to anyone, yet the human emotion is to be relieved.   I remember a comment that someone made that called my attention to the fact that when we hear an emergency vehicle, such as a fire vehicle, we have a tendency to say "let it not be my house" before then saying "Lord protect those affected".   I heard another great and funny comment in a movie we are currently watching. It is the 1949 movie Adam's Rib starring Kathryn Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.  The David Wayne character said:

      "lawyers should never marry other lawyers. It is in-breeding which produces idiot children and other lawyers."

This movie which we jumped into after watching another CUBS loss.  Although they split the series, the CUBS still lost ground the last two days to Milwaukee.  If there is any change in the standings regarding St Louis I have not checked.  However we started the weekend with a little more breathing room with them.
    Well, today is a holiday and we are in Orland Park, how did that happen?  Well, there wasn't really time to go to Florida, and I am not sure we should have under the circumstances of Gustav. I have a medical procedure on Monday.  However, I guess we could have gone to Hilton for the weekend.  Looks like Gustav may not be as terrible (although still dangerous) as the experts first thought.  Thank heaven that it does not appear that it maybe a tragedy of Katrina proportions.  Once again I can hear my son-in-law saying that the force field has prevented a hurricane from approaching Tampa.  Next it appears that Hanna needs watching off the East coast of Florida.  Looks like a busy storm season.  The procedure on Monday requires a healing time of about 6 weeks.  That leaves about 6 weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday.  I am hoping that the hip surgery and associated re-hab can be completed in time for a Thanksgiving trip followed by a winter in Florida. The Republican Convention was scaled down today because of Gustav.  All political speeches were cancelled and only required business was transacted.  It was felt that it would be inappropriate to create a carnival party atmosphere when many Americans were directly in harm's way while others were scattering across the country out of immediate harm's way.  Sarah Palin, the Republican choice for V.P. was forced to announce that her 17 year old unmarried daughter was 5 months pregnant and would have the baby and marry the young father.  This event which was private family business had to be made public to counteract apparently vicious rumors that the baby which the candidate had in April was her daughters and that she claimed it to preserve a secret.  There are apparently some who will say anything to further their aims.

     I lay awake way too late last night. I had the TV on in my bedroom and got interested in tapes of the evenings activities at the convention.  Before I knew the clock said 2 AM so I turned it off. Needless to say I was dragging a bit today.  I have been hanging in the house a lot lately. The hip has caused an abnormal walking gait, this in turn has caused pain on the outside of the right knee and right calf.  However, since it will still be a while before I can get the hip done, I decided it was time to get out and do some errands.  To compensate, I used the drive up at Walgreens to drop a prescription for my Monday medical procedure.  Then it was off to Walmart where I parked near a cart drop and used a cart as a walker to facilitate getting in and out of the store.  Although my purchase necessitated a cart, I often use them when just browsing.  From there I headed for Radio Shack and although I was never a big fan of Handicap Parking cards, I did use mine while there.  The return trip from Tinley Park involved a quick stop at Goodwill  and at the bank to drop off an order slip for new blank checks.  Once again, as a glutton for punishment I am watching a CUBS game in which they are currently down 3-0.  Is this the infamous September swoon?  Sometimes it is hard to stay positive even though all teams often go through dry spells.

     Thursday dawned with the cloudiness and threat of rain.  It did rain early but somewhat sporadically where we are leading to the question of where was the heavy downpour promised as a result of Gustav.  We did not have to wait long as by afternoon it was really coming down.  Although I am not moving as quickly I decided to go to my meeting anyway.  Orland Park has a Family Support Group which meets monthly.  The main purpose is to provide a support system for the families of servicemen and women to share stories and of course gain strength and realization that they are not alone.  I began going when I was the American Legion Commander and myself and a friend (also a past Commander) go each month to offer whatever support we can.  Last night was particularly gratifying because we were able to offer thanks to one of our own young people home for a short leave.  In addition the group sends parcels to the troops in addition to those sent by Illinois Support Our Troops which I believe is based in Naperville.  One of the couples that is part of the group are among the volunteers for Support our Troops.  On the way home in the driving rain, I thought I saw an older gentleman building a boat.  By the time I arrived home my clothes were damp to the point of needing to be changed so even though it was early (around 9PM) I got ready to retire.
 

       This morning I went up for the Legion coffee and to solve the problems of the world.  The general feeling was that we need to make sure that we do not elect an empty suit (you know who I mean) in November.  One of my fellow Legionnaires also mentioned that he was making arrangements to do business out of Canada, just in case.  He recounted a discussion he had with a son, an Obama supporter which proved that the young supposedly educated generation (his son is a doctor) just does not get it.  Luckily the aging ( sorry maturing) process brings with it a wisdom that helps us see through the B.S.  Up until now wisdom has won out. Unfortunately, this time I am nervous.  After decades of being told we are not bright enough to take care of ourselves we have a new generation who idealistically falls for the same B.S. and looks upon us with a bit of wisdom like we just don't get it.  How many times must it be proven that Socialism does not produce true prosperity.  Unfortunately this generation was close to diapers when Communism failed. Maybe they should check out a site shared by my friend Don. To see it CLICK HERE.  If you still need help deciding you can CLICK HERE and then scroll down for another comparison.