dual personalities

I have a busy weekend ahead, which follows a very busy week. I was on the radio yesterday–interviewed on the local “classical” station about our flyover institute! Also, an old friend was in town for our Veterans Day event today and I had lunch with him. Then daughter #1 drove into town because she was leaving early this morning to go to a wedding in D.C. We watched The Magnificent Seven together! Sometimes when it rains, it pours!

Tonight the OM and the boy and I are going to see Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at the Sheldon, which is a relatively small venue that we like very much. It should be a rip-roarin’ good show.

On Sunday I have tickets to see the STL Winter Opera production of The Student Prince! It is cultural overload this weekend, right?

I grew up listening to the Mario Lanza LP, so I am well versed in this light opera. Remember that album cover? Remember this song?

Good stuff. Anyway, two musical events in one weekend is way more than my usual quota.

And as I mentioned, Veterans Day is tomorrow and we should all have a thought and a prayer for all those men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here’s a prayer:

Gracious God, we give thanks for military men and women, both from the past and present, and for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people to secure the blessings of life, liberty, and justice for all. May our remembrance be a timely reminder that our freedom was purchased at high cost, and should not be taken for granted. Give us resolve to labor in faithful service to you until all share the benefits of freedom, justice, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

And here are a few great scenes: from Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) with John Wayne as Sgt. Stryker

…and Gregory Peck in Twelve O’Clock High (1949):

…and from Life Is Beautiful (1997):

How and why we fight.

Have a good weekend.