Wednesday the 20th

Hello friends!

Two anniversaries stick out in my mind on December 20th. In 1975, my Grandma Bell had a stroke. She was busy with her Christmas tasks, one of which was making potica, a Slovenian nut cake/bread. She would hand grind the walnuts...pounds and pounds of walnuts. That year, it took it's toll. She was partially paralyzed on her left side.

The second remembrance happened a year later, 1976. Richard J. Daley, The Mayor, passed away of a heart attack in his doctor's office. Of course, for many Chicagoans he was the only mayor they knew. He was first elected in 1955 and served almost 22 years. I still have the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times from December 21st.

I am going to Chicago Jan 4-7. I was looking at the Trib this afternoon and there is an article about a production at the Prop Theater about Mayor Daley. http://www.chicagotribune.com/ I think I am going to try and see it when I am up there. The actor who plays Richard J. says he had to gain 60 pounds. I have some extra I can give him!!!

Slow day at work today. My boss' daughter-in-law was supposed to have a baby by C-section today in Atlanta. Waiting to hear how things went.

BIG NEWS from this afternoon...our Commissioner is leaving! The governor made an announcement that Commissioner Chumley will be leaving at the end of his first term, which would be January 20. So let the political games begin!

I stayed in tonight. Didn't feel like going out in the damp. Feels like it is going to rain, which the weatherman said it should by tomorrow morning. Wonder if we'll get any snow from that storm that hit Denver. WOW!!! The snow!!

For people interested in the Catholic Church and it's news, check out Whispers In The Loggia, a blog by Rocco Palmo. Rocco is a Philadelphia guy in his early 20's who has a wonderful resource in his blog. We've emailed back and forth some, and he is a good guy. His sources are top-rate.

Well, washing dishes and clothes tonight. Caught up on some paperwork and a little housecleaning. Tomorrow night is the big Preds vs. Buffalo game I've been waiting for. Always have liked the Sabres, and this year they got off to a fantastic start. It bodes to be an excellent game.

Let's see whose feast day today is...

Ammon, Zeno, Ptolemy, Ingen, and Theophilus MM

Died 249.

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Dominic of Brescia B

Died c. 612.

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Dominic (Domingo) of Silos, OSB, Abbot

died 1073.

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Eugene and Macarius MM

Died 362.

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Blessed Gundisalvus (Gonzalo) of Silos, OSB

Died c. 1073.

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Julius of Gelduba M

Date unknown.

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Liberatus and Bajulus MM

Date unknown.

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Malou (Madeloup)

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Blessed Peter de la Cadireta, OP M

died 1277.

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Blessed Peter Massalenus, OSB Cam.

died Venice, 1453.

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Blessed Peter Thi M

died in Hanoi, December 21, 1839.

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Philogonius of Antioch B

Died 324.

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Ursicinus of Cahors, Abbot

Died c. 535.

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Ursicinus of St-Ursanne, Abbot

Died c. 625.

Does the name St. Dominic of Silos ring a bell? Remember the Chant CD's that were popular a few years ago? They were recorded at the monastery at Silos that St. Dominic was abbot at.

Tonight's prayer is from the Church Office Night Prayers:

Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is light. Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and reign for ever and ever. May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

Catch you all tomorrow...the last day in the office until next Wednesday!!