Looks like I can post again

I'm not sure why I can suddenly gain access to the electronic tablet that allows me to post, but low and behold, this just might work. And wouldn't you know it, I can't think of anything to actually type about.

The news has just broken on the election of the new Pope. Because it is so soon since the billowing of the white smoke, the various news outlets have not yet had time to assemble their experts to let us know what we are supposed to think of the new honcho. From what little I was able to glean from a few news sources, it sounds as if this new Pope from Germany is as conservative, if not more so, than Pope John Paul II. My concern about this selection is not so much that he will continue to focus on orthodox teachings/practices, but the image that this selection gives to the rest of the world (non-catholic/Catholic alike). I'm not so thrilled with some of his comments on homosexuality and the more recent crisis within the American church. But again, this is based on some very limited information and we'll see where this new guy takes us.

My wife and I have done all sorts of hard work out in our .00045 acres of land outside of our townhouse. Really when I look at it, I cannot believe that it actually took us nearly three weekends to do all that we did, but it does look better and when my wife and I complete the planting of the flowers it will look fantastic I am sure. Because I did a bunch of turning over of the clay-like soil, I have developed some calluses on my hands. When I notice things like that, I always think of my grandpa (my mom's dad) and his hands. They have always been so strong, thick, and gnarled and I've always had a respectful admiration for the work that he has performed in his life to have developed these hands. Comparatively, and in part because of him, I have had an easy life. I think when he passes on, the image of his hands will be one of most vivid memories of him.