Ricky Skaggs | dual personalities

Pickin’ and grinnin’

by chuckofish

As you know, I had quite a week, what with volunteering at Vacation Bible School…

…but the fun did not end there. After a slam bang VBS finish on Friday morning (which included a big slip ‘n slide on the front lawn), I rushed home to meet the OM so that we could drive to Jefferson City where we celebrated Father’s Day by attending a Ricky Skaggs concert with daughter #1 in the city’s outdoor amphitheater.

(As usual I did my best to advertise for Ultimate Lacrosse as well as use my Unclaimed Property fan to great advantage! It was super hot.)

We have seen Ricky in concert at least four times. The first time was in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry twenty-five years ago.

We have all aged quite a bit since those glory days, but ol’ Ricky and his Kentucky Thunder Band still put on a great show.

No one goes to a Bluegrass concert who isn’t really into it, so the crowd is always rockin’–and this crowd of mid-Missouri oldsters was no exception.

I went to my first Bluegrass concert back in the 1970s. It was the legendary Doc Watson and his son Merle, playing in Graham Chapel at Washington University. I went with my brother and his friend Tom, who were bluegrass musicians themselves. I have been a fan ever since.

Anyway, we stayed up way past our usual bedtime on Friday night, but Ricky Skaggs was worth it.

On Saturday, daughter #1 and I went to a few favorite places in JC…

including the always interesting “Vin-tique” antique mall. Then we all had lunch at Steak ‘N Shake, followed by a treat at Central Dairy before heading home and collapsing.

On Sunday I had to wear my VBS t-shirt one last time to church for the final celebration and explosive display of Christian enthusiasm before we all settled back down into our more sedate Presbyterian worship. The OM and I thought we would bring the boy lunch at his store after church since he had to work, but every place we tried to stop was way too crowded and the drive-through lines were too long, so we just stopped by and said “Happy Father’s Day!” and went home. C’est la vie.

Here’s hoping life will be calmer this week while I ready myself to visit this little tyke and her parents in North Carolina next weekend.

Cheese!

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June 21, 2019

Troubles and trials

by chuckofish

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John Charles Ryle (May 10, 1816 – June 10, 1900) was an English evangelical Anglican bishop. Ryle was a strong supporter of the evangelical school and a critic of Ritualism. Among his longer works are Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century(1869), Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (7 volumes, 1856–69), Principles for Churchmen (1884). Ryle was described as having a commanding presence and vigorous in advocating his principles albeit with a warm disposition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIOV4pzxtUg

(And a little inspiration from Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and Dolly Parton, “Green Pastures”)

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March 29, 2018

A science snippet and a reminder

by chuckofish

MP moon.jpg

The full Moon that shows up for a second time this month (March 31) is known as a “Blue Moon.” This full Blue Moon is also known as the “Paschal Blue Moon” and it has a special connection to Easter. The first Sunday after the Paschal Moon is usually designated as Easter Sunday, as will indeed be the case this year (April 1).

japan moon.jpg

The last time we had a Paschal Blue Moon was in 1999. In that year, that second March full Moon fell on a Wednesday, so Easter Sunday fell on April 4. If you’re wondering when the last time Easter Sunday fell on April 1, that was in 1956!

Here’s another “Blue Moon” for you; watch the whole thing…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hkngjEgHgk

Suddenly I feel like having a

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How about you?

I will have to wait, however. I have a busy day at work and then I am reading at the Maundy Thursday service this evening,

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followed by my one hour waiting “in the garden” with our Lord. I won’t be home ’til late I’m afraid.

Tomorrow is Good Friday. Time to get our act together.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

– Collect for Maundy Thursday, Book of Common Prayer

Blue Moon information from The Farmer’s Almanac 2018; Last Supper painting from the Ottheinrich Folio.

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November 10, 2017

Saddle up

by chuckofish

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.

web 900 x 600 Ricky Skaggs02.jpg On Sunday I have tickets to see the STL Winter Opera production of The Student Prince! It is cultural overload this weekend, right?

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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