The Duel

This morning I alluded to a poem about a Gingham Dog and Calico Cat. Bekka Nelson found it, and here it is.

The Duel
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)

The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t' other had slept a wink!
      The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
      Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
            (I wasn't there; I simply state
            What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

The gingham dog went "Bow-wow-wow!"
And the calico cat replied "Mee-ow!"
The air was littered, an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico,
      While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place
      Up with its hands before its face,
For it always dreaded a family row!
            (Now mind: I 'm only telling you
            What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

The Chinese plate looked very blue,
And wailed, "Oh, dear! what shall we do!"
But the gingham dog and the calico cat
Wallowed this way and tumbled that,
      Employing every tooth and claw
      In the awfullest way you ever saw---
And, oh! how the gingham and calico flew!
            (Don't fancy I exaggerate---
            I got my news from the Chinese plate!)

Next morning, where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks think unto this day
That burglars stole that pair away!
      But the truth about the cat and pup
      Is this: they ate each other up!
Now what do you really think of that!
            (The old Dutch clock it told me so,
            And that is how I came to know.)

Not new, but a must read

A great article by Dinesh D'Souza. Ten Things to Celebrate.

One of My Traditions

I am looking forward to listening to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge. It is on MPR tomorrow morning at 9am local. Of course, with a gazillion munchkins around, I probably won't hear much. So, I am going to record it and listen a little later - and relax. Every once in a while the choir master will pull out a strange "carol." But, all said, I am looking forward to it.

On Your Marks

The family is starting to arrive. Things will be ratcheting up for the next two days to hit a three day crescendo. Can hardly wait.

Thanksgiving 2010

The kitchen is finally clean again. A really great Thanksgiving meal. Loving the family here. Missing those who could not make it. Wishing we were there/they were here.


God is good. Many blessings this year. Sat on the couch with my wife - my arm around her. Many of the things for which I am thankful revolve around her - God's gift to me.

Thinking about all of this.

What can I say? Not enough. But I can say.

What can I do? Not nearly enough. But I am compelled to do.

How much do I love Him? Ah. As the Bard said, "Aye, there's the rub."

There is a thankfulness that does not spring from love. The thankfulness of a customer for services rendered; the thankfulness of a manager for the effective work of an employee. But that is not the thankfulness that I should render to my Lord.

The thankfulness of a man who has been delivered from death by one who stood to gain nothing by the deed. The thankfulness of a woman who has fallen irretrievably in love with the man who has chosen her. The thankfulness of a creature whose God has deigned to pour out blessing in spite of the creature's rebellion.

I am thankful. At the prayer for our family meal - tears for the goodness of God, for the tender mercies of God, for the gift of His Son, for the gift of His Spirit.

I am thankful - beyond words.

Forgotten Space

I have sort of forgotten about this space. Forgotten space is like forgotten opportunity - both give pause for reconsideration. After careful reconsideration, I am going to try to remember this space more often. I have some other things in mind as well. I will try to get them incorporated.

Now, Happy Thanksgiving. I know that I am a day early. But, Jacque and I have much for which to be thankful. So, I start early.

I am going to do something formal tomorrow. But, it is supposed to snow again today. (I really don't see how the "snow" follows the "something formal" but there you are, Sometimes randomness just hits you.)

A Great Day Today

Today was a great day. We were reminded strikingly of the full spectrum of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the morning service. Several of our adults brought us from the Prophet Isaiah, through the Nativity, and ended with a statement from a Roman Centurion. Put the children and music in the mix, and the program was challenging, enjoyable, and a blessing to those who were there. I really want to thank all those who had a part in the program.