BLAKE'S BLOG: February 2005

The Phantom of the Opera

Wow! If you have read my previous post regarding the Labor Day Weekend in New York, then you know how much I enjoyed the live production of "The Phantom of the Opera". Three times and equally enjoyable.

After reading reviews, I was a bit angered by them. Panning the play because the dialogue was lyrical..with the same basic theme running throughout. Dissing the movie for the same or similar reasons and too critical of the stars, especially Raul and the Phantom.

I have to admit, the film added a bit of depth that didn't come through (at least to me) in the live productions and the music hit home once again. When the chandelier lifts and lights..and the pounding rythmical music begins I'm lost and totally consumed by "The Phantom of the Opera".

Therefore I offer to the critics of this fantastic film...the same that was offered to me by a literature professor..."if you don't understand or like something, it's most likely not the work, rather more likely something lacking in you."

That being said, don't take my word for it..but take the time to see it...and until next time "think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye".

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Things to Look for Next Month

Not much in this post but notice that coming in March will be the diary with photos of The Millenium New Year trip to Europe. This action packed trip was a "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure. This was the perfect way to start a new year...and the people and sights were terrific.

We started with a brief tour of London..but we knew we would end this trip there...then off we go to Dusseldorf, Germany. Then the driving tour began. Countries visited: Chech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and England. We made the rounds, and looking back, it would have been nice to document this trip as it happened. But, not to be out done...look for it as the postings begin the first week of March.

I'm currently in Florida with Doug. Had to come see the pups..that's right, Boji and Charley and Molly. It was nice to see that I had not been forgotten..and the kisses have been in abundant supply since my arrival. They all sleep with Boots and me. I manage to find a place to curl up to make room for them. With the exception of Boots, the pups are small, but seem to take more space than Boots. Boots snores, too! Loudly! They never cease to amaze me. All of them manage to make it out just at daylight. When they return, it's as if they haven't seen me in a very, very long time, making sure that I am awake and know how excited they are to see me at this very moment. I love the kisses, but not that early. With wet feet..and cold noses and sometimes damp fur, they are all over me...can't turn my head without a pup's face lying in ambush with bad breath (the puppy breath is long gone) and a wet tongue for the exposed nose, ear and sometimes even the mouth should I not move quickly enough. In all honesty, I enjoy every second of it..and each of them know it. If I make the mistake of laughing or not moving quickly enough...they just delight in a frenzied strategic attack...cute little buggars! As I make this post (10:35 p.m.), Boots is lying across the bed at the head and snoring (sounds kind of like my dad), Boji is at the corner of the foot with her head on the corner board, Charley is stretched out along the rail and Molly has cleverly placed herself near the center so no one moves without her knowing and being the first to react. At least she's still tonight. Last night she was much too hyper and just would not settle down. Finally she curled up on the pillow by my head....licked my ear once..and seemed to settle for the night. Good night.

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Brownie and Boots with Blake

It should be noted that Brownie always had to be between Boots and Blake. The closer Boots tried to get, the more Brownie pressed against Blake. Both pups were very affectionate and loved attention from everyone after a very long period when they would only respond to Blake.

Blake, Boots and Brownie are shown here. Boots was a stray that showed up at the marina where Blake worked. They adopted each other quickly and have been the best of pals for almost 9 years. Brownie belonged to a family that lived about 1 mile from the marina. Funny that she never stayed with her family, rather she enjoyed being at the marina with the other dogs and Blake. She took an almost immediate liking to him. Her family moved away and left her behind. It was sad, but Blake quickly stepped up to the plate and took her in, much to the chagrin of Boots. However, after about 3 months, Boots adjusted and we became one happy united family. When Blake took the job in California in mid year 2000, neither Boots or Brownie were allowed to go with him. Friends in Augusta took Brownie and have her still today. She seems to be thriving at her new home. Boots went to friends in Illinois that owned a golf course. He enjoyed riding the golf carts and chasing rabbits there until Blake was allowed to take him back. It was a much favored reunion...but a long time in between.

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Uncle Bill and Aunt Jane

FEBRUARY 8, 2005 LAUS DEO

I received the following message from my uncle, W. K. Spaulding. He never fails to amaze me with his insights, always cheery demeanor and his zest for life. The following message is important for many reasons and something that we all should do on a daily basis: give praise to the Lord! It's time we all remember that it is HE who hath made us...and not we ourselves. Now comes an explanation of Laus Deo!

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: LAUS DEO! No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. However, once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

LAUS DEO! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be toGod!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation "Laus Deo: Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant, a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the North. The Jefferson Memorial is to the South, the Capitol to the East and the Lincoln Memorial to the West. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on how interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6.

Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society.

Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique republic: "One Nation, Under God." I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep theUnited States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo! As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail. Do you wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss, does the United States continually prosper? Now you know; but do not let the arrogance of some instill doubt within you. The truth is, we have always been one nation under God!

Laus Deo! Praise be to God! You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning,or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)>a

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Labor Day 2003: NEW YORK CITY

It's hard to believe, so hard in fact, that even I could not believe how easy it was to navigate New York City and all of the boros. Whether we walked, or dared to venture into the subways, we never seemed to run into problems. Quickly we learned that cabs were not a vital part of this network as the traffic was so atrocious even the cabs would be delayed in the quagmire of the New York City grids.

It's disappointing that the weather during this terrific weekend was drizzly, grey and cool most of the time. It didn't stop us from taking in the sites, however. I found it surprising that Times Square is not really a square, Central Park is huge, Grand Cental Station is confusing and that the Empire State Building is not all that I've heard it was supposed to be. With the bad weather, we didn't even venture to the top as the cloud cover would keep us from seeing this magnificent city.

Doug purchased tickets online for us to 3 plays. Beauty and the Beast was our least favorite of the 3, but The Producers (with Steven Weber) and The Phantom of the Opera were terrific. I've never laughed as hard as I did at The Producers, the farsical production that..., well, Springtime to Hitler and Germany, cracked me up. I had seen The Phantom of the Opera in England during a 1988 visit to London. I found it to be just as engrossing in New York as London. A very impressive production that lost nothing in the trek across the pond or time.

We enjoyed Brooklyn and the Village..and no trip would have been complete without a trip to Coney Island or the Statue of Liberty. We took in both, and even had a Nathan's Hot Dog while we reminisced about the Seinfeld episode that featured Nathan's. We weren't allowed in the Statue due to the increased security since 9-11. But being near it was awe inspiring and the feeling of National Pride was spine tingling.

Our visit to Ground Zero, for me, put a damper on the trip. It was sad to see the "hole" were the WTC Towers stood as well as the damage to the adjacent buildings. But it was something that just had to be seen. There was a bit of anger mixed in with the thoughts of remorse and disbelief that something of this magnitude could happen on American soil. My thoughts rested on those that lost their lives here and the families that were jolted with their loss. The American Spirit within me rose to a crescendo as my heart saluted all those that are no longer with us.

The pictures following this post,while not complete, cover most of the things we were able to experience. Remember, that it was rainy and misty most of the trip and the pictures somtimes reflect this, and to prevent damage to our cameras, we were unable to photograph sights at times.

Comments are always appreciated...positive or negative..either way it is a learning thing for me. Please take a minute to make a comment. Please!

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