finally posting Jon's senior pictures...

they are also on my photog blog. you should look at them there... this layout stinks and cuts the pictures off....... i say we go back to how it was when the cool grandchild made it ;)

Doesn't matter what it looks like

A poem from Garrison Keillor's Daily "Writers Almanac".
Doesn't Matter What it Looks Like
by Hal Sorowitz

"After you blow your nose,
Father said, its not polite to look inside
your handkerchief to see wha tit looks like.
You're not a doctor. What's more important
is getting the handkerchief back in your pocket
without staining your pants. There are some things
it's better not to look at. It should be left
to your imagination, but if you have
a strong desire you can always
find pictures of it in a medical book".

I prefer the one fingered farmer's blow myself, as long as no one is looking. No fuss. No muss.
G'pa the grump

More Photos!

Who is doing well in spite of the economic recession?

If you are a "geek" or curious you might enjoy this.

What industries may be doing well in spite of the recession?

Psychics
Soup
Repossessers
Pawn shops
Gambling
Gold
Used cars
Community colleges
Cycling shops
Used car parts
Recycling centers
Video games
Libraries
Employee outplacement industry
Green energy
Small start up companies
On-line dating
Applications to Divinity schools and seminaries
Door to door cosmetic selling (Mary Kay says they are doing well)

I've kept track of these since the recession got so bad.
The recession is expected to last thru 2009 and into 2010. Hope the "Ecoomimc Stimulus" package works.
G'pa the grump economist

A Look Back In Time...

Each week I will add more old Wilkins Family photos. You guys can look back at these photos and remeber back in time. On this post there is some school photos of the girls and a few other photos.

The Guernsey Literary Society and Potato Peel Pie Society

"Guernsey Literay....." is a good novel and its been on best seller lists for a while. Recommend you read it.
Here is a quote from it I like about finding your soul, but I had to read it several times and think about it.

"I was never able to get a grip on faith--till Mr. Carlyle* posed religion to me in a different way. He was walking among the ruins of the Abbey... when a thoght came to him and he wrote it down:

'Does it ever give thee pause, that men used to have soul--not by hearsay alone, or as a figure of speech; but as a truth that they know, and acted upon!...but yet it is a pity we have lost the tidings of our souls...we shall have to go in search of them again, or worse in all ways shall befall us'.

Isn't tht something--to know your own soul by hearsay, instead of its own tidings? Why should I let a preacher tell me if I had one or not? If I could believe I had a soul, alll by myself, then I could listen to its tidings all by myselg".
Page 101 of "The Guernsey Literary Society and Potatoe Peel Pie Society" by Shaffer and Barrows. (A fun read)
*Thomas Carlyle in "Past & Present"

This what the Gospel teaches: you can (must) find out for yourself.
Grandpa the grump

Ripped off by Kuni Cadillac/Saab?

Saabs are cool cars but parts are expensive and often have to be ordered from out of town. I took mine to Kuni to get some things fixed to get thru DEQ. $950 for a temperature guage sending unit, an oxygen sensor and a fuel filter. And they want me to spend another $1,500 for brakes, muffler and water pump. Labor rate must be astronomical.
I'll find someone cheaper. I should have been more patient and taken it to Vladimir in Multnomah, who is hard to catch, or to Hortnagel on River road.
Kuni reeks of luxury. Guess I had to pay my share. Service check in is shiny, clean and indoors. Lotta cool dudes running around in leather jackets and well dresssed shapely blondes, a waiting area with free snacks with a full view of shiny new caddies and Saabs. (new Saab convertible sure looked sharp) And a free ride home in a Cadillac. Its not my style. I'd rather deal with greasy mechanics or Les Schwab.
First thing tomorrow morning I'm headed for DEQ.
Bunga

Foggy puffed up English

Here is a quote about "Messiah" from last night's program notes for the performance downtown. In my view, it is an example of how not to write, of putting ones self above the ordinary reader.

"What is obvious, among other things, about Messiah... It's biblical message is not delivered in theatrical manner by dramatic personae ( it must mean actors?), but rather is an anonymous metaphysical discourse by a type of utopian, universal and humanistic church, one that really unites all religions, confessions and weltanschauungen (world views)." by Alexander Weimann

What is he talking about? Couldn't he have just said that Messiah is beautiful and uniting?
grandpathegrump

Sophie Pic's!

We were really bored today so we put my glasses on Sophie and took pictures.

The Snow Returns!

Althought it can be exciting the snow has returned again and sometimes it can get really boring because we cannot go many places. sometimes we will be sitting in the house looking for something to do because we have no school (3rd day off). The snow is now back and now we might have a 3 week break from school because christmas Break starts next week and the snow keeps coming and coming. Here are some pictures from right when the snow started falling today.

Tuba Christmas & crass Christmas list

Beautiful job on the web page, Mad dog. You are a genius.

Hope the kids are enjoying the snow and time out of school. Hope the parents are survivng.

I went downtown Saturday for the annual Tuba Christmas at Pioneer square. It was the worst weather I've seen for the concert (very cold and a litttle snow) yet the apprciative crowd was the largest I've seen. How nice to get off the MAX to the sound of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". Wonder how those muscisians play in the cold weather?

"Dr. John", aka John Richards still conducting at 91 years old. Someone said that almost all the horn players were at one time his students or students of his students. Thursday nite I'm going downtown to a short version of the Messiah. It can't be Christmas without hearing the Messiah.

Ignoring the self-serving crassness of listing my Christmas wish list, here it is: An "Il Divo" music CD, a small bottle of tea tree oil, Applets and Cotlets, an issue of "Outside" magazine, socks (ankle length argyle), a good looking bottle of olive oil ("good looking" means, old Europoean looking or great graphics on the label. Try New Seasons or Haggens, etc.) paperback books about interesting people, emerging ideas, mystery, but NO economics nor politics; tired of both, an electric screwdriver, gift cards appropriate for a "geezer", a 20 guage double barreled or over/under shotgun made only of blue steel and wood; no plastic nor camoflage (sp?); cost $300-$25,000, and/or a mini Cooper; used is OK, and a "zero gravity" flight; cost $3-4,000 and that's about it. (Just kiddong about the expensive stuff). Oh, yes; I also wish for Comrade Justinski to come home, for Courtney to have a "not too bad" pregnancy, and for the continued physical, emotional, and spirtual safety of the beautiful g'children and thier parents.
grandpa the grump

The Comrade Returns!

Justin's official release date is Jan. 21st! He does not have a flight plan yet, but says he should probably be returning to Portland late in the afternoon or evening....so save the time if you want to go to the airport.

I will also host an Open House for him the following Sunday evening, the 25th from 6-9 at my home. YOu're invited!