tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53561141869872529722024-03-18T18:00:31.951-04:00The Closet Professor<br><br><br>
A blog about LGBTQ+ History, Art, Literature, Politics, Culture, and Whatever Else Comes to Mind. The Closet Professor is a fun (sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes very serious) approach to LGBTQ+ Culture.
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.comBlogger6885125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-68521238024736986212024-03-18T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-18T18:00:00.265-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_5816_c96a_1259_4717" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1F9T0oBW4Gp9XS2w5uqRRgba1Icwg3PPv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-14781629323106223542024-03-18T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-18T06:00:00.137-04:00Aggravated <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_b870_1ac8_50e0_7d07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1I6UXDkUShovm4HvaXIOeFDdY4960mYLj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>I enjoy my work from home days. It means I can actually make myself something for lunch and do some housework, like laundry, while also monitoring emails and getting some other work done. Not to mention, it’s one less day I have to drive into work and that saves a little gas money. Normally, I work from home on Fridays, but this week, I was supposed to work from home today. I have work responsibilities Tuesday through Friday that require me to be in person. </div><div><br></div><div>However, it’s not going to work this week. I had a coworker who took a trip and was supposed to come back yesterday and be in person at work today so I could have a work from home day this week. When I rescheduled my work from home day to Monday, I had said that I doubted I’d get to take it because with this coworker, there seems to always be an excuse for why they can’t work on a day after returning from a trip, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt this time. By the way, this coworker had a commitment that they were supposed to be in person for, which I why I gave them the benefit of the doubt.</div><div><br></div><div><i>Maybe</i> it’s not just an excuse this time. <i>Maybe</i> my coworker’s plane really was delayed and the airline couldn’t rebook a flight until today. <i>Maybe </i>those things are true, but I looked to see what flights were delayed, and the only ones that were would not have been flights my coworker would have been taking. <i>Maybe </i>I’m mistaken, but this <i>delayed</i> flight fits in with this coworker’s pattern of behavior. Regardless, I’m aggravated that I have to be the one to lose my work from home day this week, and I’m sure my coworker will still take their work from home day this week because they never, no matter the reason, miss their work from home day. I’m hoping to have two work from home days next week, at least that’s what my boss has promised me. We’ll see. 🤞</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-37272743156857124442024-03-17T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-17T18:00:00.138-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_8035_e563_d697_1129" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QViuaQukN1hQVXAEiOBleehG8SVZHGqi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-75696586277242554632024-03-17T06:00:00.002-04:002024-03-17T15:03:55.643-04:00Whispers<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_ee54_294f_78d6_fede" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15EDq1jYqFHiFsWfzEP_UHZIfLBxRlFba" style="height: auto; width: 425px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i></i></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><b>—Proverbs 11:9 </b></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I grew up in a very small county church. We only had about a dozen members, though it grew to about two dozen by the time I went to college. I remember that before church started, everyone talked about what had happened during the last week. Sometimes, this was just neighborly news and was good natured, but then there were times when it was just a group of people gossiping about others. Gossip is not something we should spread, though I know that can be very difficult. I admit that I can be a bit of a gossip at times. We probably all can, but I am also sure that we have all been the subject of gossip. Back when I was a teacher at a small private school, there was always gossip about different teachers, students, or their parents, but I was also often the source of gossip because, in a way, my sexuality was an open secret. I never confirmed I was gay except to a select few who I could trust implicitly because if I had been openly gay, I would have lost my job. So, my sexuality was often a source of gossip. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Everyone has experienced the harm of gossip before. Whether the people talking didn't mean direct harm, the result of gossip is always broken trust and hurt feelings. Gossip can be defined as information about the behavior or personal life of other people, often without the full truth revealed or known. God's Word warns us to stay away from people who gossip and to guard our words when we speak about others. James 4:11 says, “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.” Often, people gossip because they are judging others with statements like “Did you hear about so and so? I can’t believe they would do that.” We often hide behind gossip to make ourselves look better or to deflect from our own issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I was reading a book by A.J. Truman called Out of My Mind (It’s part of the Browerton University series of m/m romance novels.) In it, one of the characters is Jewish and worries about the gossip at temple. The following passage jumped out to me:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i>Whispers was what he called temple gossip. Temples and churches claimed that their main purpose was a place of worship. That was only a front. They served as gossip chambers for communities, places where people went to judge and be judged. He had confirmed it with his non-Jewish friends, too. The news floating in between the pews held more importance to congregants than what was being said on stage. It was like gossiping inside a church or temple allowed people to be instantly absolved of their sins.</i></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” We sometimes think that gossip is harmless, but if we are gossiping, then we are most likely causing harm, especially when the gossip is either untrue or does not tell the whole story. The Bible talks about slander which means making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. Slander can destroy someone's marriage, job, wealth, and family. The tongue has power, and we must be careful with how we use our words. The Bible tells us what words we should speak and which we should not. Proverbs 10:18 provides the following wisdom, “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">More often than not, when someone spreads gossip about someone’s sexuality, they are judging that person and being unkind. Ephesians 4:29 advises us, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Gossip is usually disguised as a friendly invitation for fellowship but contains a disastrous disease inside. Gossip is like a cancer, spreading like wildfire through gossipers. Have you ever heard a Christian talking bad about someone with the same voice they use to proclaim their Christianity? Their own image becomes tarnished as their gossip poisons the reputation of the one they are gossiping about. This sting of betrayal throws shade on the light of Jesus that is supposed to shine from within us. James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Gossip can have widespread consequences. It’s not just a small group that it can harm, but it can harm thousands at once if it is spread in the social media and 24-hour news stations of our current times. And as long as there have been newspapers, there have been gossip columnists, some who purposely ruined other people’s lives. The political world today is full of gossip and hatred. Groups like QAnon spread harmful rumors and conspiracy theories that have no basis in fact or have been taken out of context. Gossip is often giving information without the correct context. All you have to do is what news media like Fox News for just a few minutes to see how quickly they take words out of context and twist them to their own use for spreading hatred and distrust. Conspiracy theories are the worst form of gossip because they can harm to a much wider group of people. Politicians love to gossip or tell half-truths, and we will hear more and more of the lies that are spread through politics. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">While gossip can be entertaining and can seem harmless, it’s not. We may tell one person in confidence, but it will spread from there. Most people can’t help themselves from gossiping, and I know I am one of them. However, I try to do better, and if the people of the world tried to do better, not just with gossiping, but with all aspects of their lives, then we would live in a better and safer world.</p></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-85069380849264758902024-03-16T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-16T18:00:00.165-04:00Pics of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_caa7_11f2_d0bb_ea58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GX9FadsTLOBOR9xICArAPfHGuxKzPf_5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_229d_80d7_4402_d0d2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QFG9mEcNrqgtvad9BAGPdHjsMbvOz1lV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_e9a0_1de6_de79_3424" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M-71EKBcu4S9BAIvS1JJawPnzl6nY-Df" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-58120338832217847622024-03-16T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-16T06:00:00.135-04:00Moment of Zen: A Hot Shower <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_98c4_e2ce_a473_7526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ga3cnRRoAlHLICEWwG8hobPreheGVinZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_ee24_40d6_719c_877" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sEhSvPpjNOSUZievqoJd5RbrmcPY65PK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_90aa_7821_2a30_f334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IceGIuo3zclsd79xXebiedvVy1fVOSDQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_a330_7681_a32a_fb99" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nCpOF2RdrmemH2Ld2iy9yF5jXdOYwYN3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_72e3_d52e_6f50_2cbf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NA-YucxtRT5y0WHDHuPan3lGHHYHVeFK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_e203_65e5_cea2_3e2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FyfFW2i51U6pSJyevnjvgL_gTSXEU_Ht" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-27510926158247266472024-03-15T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-15T18:00:00.134-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_85c8_9c83_b434_f2b8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m_97GZmHfTzEx073Pc-XKBu3uNm_qOxF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-6994045285046904612024-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-15T06:57:15.020-04:00Furry Friday<div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_f7d0_7920_d5b0_5dea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10fL1T1KCPOojnn7afts5akP-zrHuM9B9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>Today is my work from home day. It couldn’t have come soon enough this week, while I have a few things to work on, it should be an easy day. It will just be Isabella and me staying in and keeping dry. We are expecting a rainy Friday here. Speaking of Isabella, here’s one of my favorite pics of her:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_652d_2307_4f63_e655" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16sEMgeEd526ZGnbhj84sRF5ZMORCl4oq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a curious girl!</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-3197929640267147722024-03-14T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-14T18:00:00.134-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_6c90_3102_3c50_9b89" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zY-rQm5mb2nnKMg4PblkpiIqHEpPrXYH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-51427300516287683322024-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-14T06:00:00.147-04:00Thinking<div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_a3aa_acb1_1b13_a7be" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lbtJr5lxvdak5k32TtkjwczzWIjYO6qJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>I was thinking about what to write about this morning. I thought about how this had been a rough week because of a migraine I’ve had since Sunday, but I didn’t want to just complain. The problem is, as much as I tried, I couldn’t come up with anything else, and I really don’t want to complain about my week. Thankfully, I’ll be working from home tomorrow, and I can just relax and take it easy over the weekend.</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-87560610416634218062024-03-13T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-13T18:00:00.138-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_9d2d_57c0_31d8_6145" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1txBLBPnNv8UgyyE2Xb2ZC3U5u4keTlBf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-20009531453632136542024-03-13T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-13T06:00:00.240-04:00Up Early<div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_1a6f_42_d6f9_c6fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OcXSuadS6P_OBILmDtR1245mDVyfRBri" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>Today, it wasn’t Isabella that got me out of bed early. It was me, or at least my body and mind. I woke at 3:30 am to use the bathroom and went back to bed. That’s where the body comes in. However, I could not fall asleep again. This is where my mind kept me awake. It wasn’t anything specific that was running through my mind, but I just couldn’t make my brain settle down and go back to sleep. After lying in bed for 20 or so more minutes, I just gave up and got out of bed to feed Isabella and make something for breakfast. I suspect this will be a long day.</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-80736646894599698802024-03-12T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-12T18:00:00.137-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_779a_abb5_ecea_7d12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DBYrDf4YVVUwRcqmt_IQQemAlXLydupl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-502298438285213642024-03-12T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-12T06:00:00.129-04:00Ah! Sunflower <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_77ed_7a16_a688_e8fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14RZPyAqcGm_A52PqZ9BIGUrknrsv9NjC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Ah! Sunflower <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">By <i>William Blake<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Ah! sunflower, weary of time,<br>Who countest the steps of the sun,<br>Seeking after that sweet golden clime<br>Where the traveller’s journey is done;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Where the youth pined away with desire,<br>And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,<br>Arise from their graves and aspire;<br>Where my sunflower wishes to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">About the Poem<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">‘Ah! Sun-flower’ by William Blake is a multi-layered poem that depicts a weary sunflower, tired from counting the sun’s progress. Despite seeming quite simple, this poem is fairly complicated. There are numerous different possible readings, and it is likely that most readers will come away with different interpretations of what the sunflower is supposed to represent. In the second stanza, after explaining that the sunflower is “weary of time,” the speaker says that it wants to join the “Youth” and the “Virgin” in what is presumably Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Blake's mysterious "Ah! Sun-flower" suggests that life itself is a state of longing. The poem’s image of a sunflower reaching towards the light and warmth of the sun evokes the human longing to be reunited with God in heaven. In this interpretation of the poem, life on earth is a journey back to God’s loving embrace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">About the Poet<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">William Blake was born in London on November 28, 1757, to James, a hosier, and Catherine Blake. Two of his six siblings died in infancy. From early childhood, Blake spoke of having visions—at four he saw God "put his head to the window"; around age nine, while walking through the countryside, he saw a tree filled with angels.</span></p></div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-70825345633852222262024-03-11T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-11T18:00:00.197-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_4f61_1d20_916_455e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ouTCVOGOyXQVrrTSjhTtG5l8RBGPWRhB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-67809645881739775752024-03-11T06:00:00.000-04:002024-03-11T06:00:00.131-04:00It Begins Again <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_3165_6f55_2178_fc08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19bVJRTE3Rgdt4E58yW6KYntQL9bVC289" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>It’s Monday again, and that means the beginning of another work week. I did not want to get up this morning, but Isabella had other ideas. I ignored her for a while but eventually got up. I was awake and couldn’t fall back to sleep, so why not just get up, feed her, and make my own breakfast. </div><div><br></div><div>There isn’t much scheduled for this week at work. I have a five minute presentation on Wednesday, but otherwise, for now my week is pretty open. The last few weeks have been busier than usual, so it will be nice to have a slower week.</div><div><br></div><div>Have a great week, everyone!</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-36883039655193530212024-03-10T18:00:00.000-04:002024-03-10T18:00:00.141-04:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_7684_cb82_b8e_13ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1014qYPGJkFlyGWPj76KMhlsxirTjOs0v" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-52392354577863457542024-03-10T06:00:00.001-04:002024-03-10T06:18:44.216-04:00Courage<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_9a41_e29_c55d_f230" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17MVoEEbo2_fGrj520K4AcnAx2y7njwVX" style="height: auto; width: 425px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i></i></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><b>—Joshua 1:9</b></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Let’s face it, the world can be a scary place. Fear is the main driving force behind many of the world’s problems, and the fear that manifests as hate is the worst kind of fear. In 1 John 4:18, John writes “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” The LGBTQ+ community faces hate every day. Homophobia has been defined as contempt, prejudice, aversion, hatred, or antipathy, may be based on irrational fear, and may sometimes be related to religious beliefs. While homophobia has been around since antiquity, the term itself has only been around since the 1960s. Just as with homophobia, racism and other negative attitudes often come from fear and insecurity. What makes homophobia and other forms of hate scary for those on the receiving end is that the fear associated with hatred is often illogical.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">People with fear that manifests into hate are, in their minds, like a trapped animal who is absolutely desperate to escape and will be ready to fight viciously. Fear and hated are also derived from ignorance. People do not want to understand those who are different from them. They are insecure in their own self-worth and therefore lash out against others. Fear is a powerful thing, but Christ tells us that fear is devoid of faith. However, faith can be strengthened with courage. Psalm 31:24 says, “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The fourth chapter of the Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus teaching near the sea. It contains the Parable of the Sower in which Jesus talks about how the seeds of truth in the gospels will grow in the right hands, but he says in the wrong hands it can grow into hatred. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells of a farmer who sows seed indiscriminately. Some seed falls on the path (wayside) with no soil, some on rocky ground with little soil, some on soil which contains thorns, and some on good soil. In the first case, the seed is taken away; in the second and third soils, the seed fails to produce a crop; but when it falls on good soil, it grows and yields thirty-, sixty-, or a hundred-fold. In Mark 4:15, Jesus says, “And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.” When the teachings of Christ are used to harm others, they spread hatred, which causes people to turn away from God, which is exactly what Satan wants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Later in day, after Jesus taught these parables by the sea, He and His disciples took a boat to cross the sea, but a great storm arose. Jesus is asleep during the storm and seems unworried. In Mark 4:38, his disciples wake him and ask, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” The passage continues in Mark 4-39-40 to say that after they had woken Jesus, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How <i>is it </i>that you have no faith?’” Fear is a lack of faith in God. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He <i>is</i> the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The hate manifested by fear uses religion to cause harm and often drives people away from God. However, if instead of being turned away from religion because of hate, courage and faith can motivate us to combat the hatred that is present in all religions. As God says in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God gives us hope that we can one day conquer the hatred in the world. The ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism believes that at the end of time, the great battle between good and evil will end with the triumph of good. Christianity believes the same thing, but we believe that good wins the battle against evil every day as our faith and love for God grows within us. Our faith and love in God gives us the courage to love others and to work to make the world a better place.<o:p></o:p></p> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-84587773718051295442024-03-09T18:00:00.000-05:002024-03-09T18:00:00.184-05:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_c29b_c587_5ba5_e904" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uz31XcVufJxJTGxZwTX7XGcWsLR0NNr8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-30851021423241418382024-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:002024-03-09T06:00:00.154-05:00Moment of Zen: Briefs<div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_d8f8_376f_bcab_534c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ccYK4INJfkOz9sDq_xuEu5r1rM9dH0kQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_4a71_eabe_69ea_5768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TVFl2ADo_iPhquNgMRYdWnSlwVW8N3Bq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_f99c_d513_ce71_8ace" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16fMd9SyOPqj_c1luWYBG13-A_HVZoiTO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_e570_7a15_695b_2eb4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1edFrc6ZvsweZSvNDynQ5o_qR0uAwP2e5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_d6c7_be80_18cb_91d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1eYnjIM-CRDaaMaion3z5vVVrz6hjrM29" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_ceae_3e94_aac0_a075" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dzw0n87dZGayn8_WocMYU-e1HcDnHGo2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_40f_6d3a_ddba_c622" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EMFuHUiPvPolk8MmIsjlE11EW1hPpRpH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_46a9_babf_fdf8_a170" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YvxYfp5DxUG_8KK-oDUKcZrk_pZirhPo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_c165_ca06_5da0_c8e9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AVVcN0TKaJl0ZYX0pSTsA38tCyBBGER4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-2386094179782555792024-03-08T18:00:00.000-05:002024-03-08T18:00:00.242-05:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_1895_15ed_5779_95f5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pxLzAJf0LolKs5ddWuAvZPkgvgmks4rM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-57419190088840164422024-03-08T06:00:00.001-05:002024-03-08T06:00:51.297-05:00TGIF<div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_b557_ce10_b8c2_789b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KtrWeaCdTxzBnYoVS7MwNN1c0viLtrTO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> <div>All I really have to say today is: <i>THANK GOODNESS IT’S FRIDAY!</i> I am so ready for the weekend, not because I have plans, but because I don’t have any plans. I just want to relax and read all weekend. I’m back to working from home on Fridays. The last few weeks, I’ve had to change my work from home day, but thankfully, that’s not the case today. I have one virtual meeting and a conference call today, but otherwise, I can just take it easy.</div><div><br></div><div>Have a great weekend, everyone!</div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-11538694263868571342024-03-07T18:00:00.000-05:002024-03-07T18:00:00.239-05:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_ab9b_4989_2dc3_d3b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QB4wvn9wPf_iZDZdT4PpWX5b7eD2f67G" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-11542587623918238752024-03-07T06:00:00.000-05:002024-03-07T06:00:00.244-05:00Zuppa Toscano (Tuscan Soup)<div style="text-align: center;"><i><img alt="" id="id_ab5f_9039_e5d3_6ab3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kY_BQi7SSm4R5AU92_zjGfZvnnAtsBMf" style="height: auto; width: 425px;" title="" tooltip="" /></i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I know that Olive Garden does not have the best reputation in the restaurant industry, and their food only has a passing relationship with Italian cuisine. The last time I went to an Olive Garden, the food was not only inedible, but nearly everything we ordered was “out of stock.” It was not a pleasant night, because I went with a good friend of mine, and we were going to see the movie Bros afterwards. We only went to Olive Garden out of a sense of nostalgia. At one time, I thought their food was good, but then I went to Italy and have eaten at some great Italian restaurants here in the U.S., and my opinion changed dramatically. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Anyway, there is one thing on Olive Garden’s menu that is a favorite of mine: their Zuppa Toscano. The “Tuscan Soup” is a sausage, kale, and potato soup, that is delicious when it is made correctly. The salad and breadsticks were always good, but the Zuppa Toscano was always the best thing on the menu. By the way, that last time I had it at Olive Garden, it was watery and tasteless. Luckily, I found a wonderful copycat recipe. Some of the copycat recipes you can find online are a pretty good approximation of the original dish. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">The recipe below is, in my opinion, even better than what Olive Garden serves. Some people don’t like kale, and I will admit that I am not a huge fan, but it has the perfect consistency for this soup. I would not use anything as a substitute because while kale wilts in the soup, it has a better consistency and does not add a bitter taste like some greens would. Even if you don’t like kale, give it a try. I think you will be glad you did.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">I don’t make this recipe very often, and usually only in the winter. I tend to eat too much of it when I make it, so it’s best to limit myself. I’m actually planning on having some leftover Zuppa Toscano for lunch today. The link for this copycat recipe in on <a href="https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a45873/copycat-olive-garden-zuppa-toscana-recipe/" style="color: #954f72;">Delish</a>; however, the recipe is now behind a paywall. Below is the version that I have found to be the best.<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><br /></i></p> <div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><img alt="" height="200" id="id_6fc1_d769_b844_b3a7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14LDpdPbJ38XxrbIYw7jt0Ya3GCb5AxAF=w133-h200" style="height: auto; width: 425px;" title="" tooltip="" width="133" /></i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u>Zuppa Toscana</u><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Prep Time: 20 min<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Cooking Time: 45 minutes<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Servings: 4</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed *<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 1 large onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 3 cloves garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth **<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 2-3 cups of russet or red potatoes peeled, sliced, and cut into bite sized pieces ***<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 1 bunch curly kale, leaves stripped and chopped<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 3/4 c. heavy cream<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• 1/4 freshly grated Parmesan, for serving ****<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">• French bread or a crusty rustic bread for serving, if desired (it’s delicious for dipping in the soup)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Preparation Steps<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">2. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">3. Add onion to pot and let cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">4. Season with salt and pepper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">5. Add chicken broth and potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender, 23 to 25 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">6. Stir in kale and let cook until leaves are tender and bright green, 3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, sausage, and bacon and simmer 5 minutes more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">7. Season with pepper, garnish with Parmesan, and serve.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Notes:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>* I buy the Italian sausage with the casing already removed. It saves time, and I find the casing disgusting anyway. Also, the hot Italian sausage adds the right amount of heat that is needed to make this soup very tasty. I have tried mild Italian sausage, and the soup was just bland. If you think the hot Italian sausage will be too much heat for you, I suggest using half hot and half mild Italian sausage.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i> </i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><b>**</b> Make sure that you use low-sodium chicken broth. If you use unsalted chicken broth, the soup will be somewhat bland, and if you use regular chicken broth, it will be too salty. Using the low-sodium chick broth allows you to add the amount of salt you desire.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>*** I actually use two 15 oz cans sliced potatoes. It is up to you whether you drain the potatoes or not. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. If I don’t drain them, it adds a thicker consistency to the soup. The canned potatoes stay together better than fresh potatoes. If you cook the potatoes fresh, the red will stay together better than the russet, but they too will begin falling apart. If not using the canned potatoes, a waxy potato works best. Canned potatoes do not need to cook for 23-25 minutes because they are already cooked and just need to be warmed up, but I cook them for 25 minutes anyway to allow for the chicken broth to reduce a little.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i>**** Because this recipe calls for low-sodium chicken broth, the parmesan adds the perfect amount of additional saltiness to the soup. It also adds a wonderful additional layer of flavor to the soup.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Additional Note: </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">If you want to make a large batch and freeze the soup, the canned potatoes do not become as mealy as the fresh potatoes when they are frozen. If you decide to make a large batch and freeze this soup, take out the amount of soup you’d like to freeze before adding the cream. If you add the cream and then try to freeze it, it will not freeze correctly. As a coworker of mine recently said, cream does strange things in the freezer.<i><o:p></o:p></i></p></div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5356114186987252972.post-69117051718856016052024-03-06T18:00:00.000-05:002024-03-06T18:00:00.271-05:00Pic of the Day <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_de82_8d1f_dcb1_c88e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1p_mXS3DDA2JsVWtWO11lI13H3J7TcOqd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 425px; height: auto;"></div> Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05299122685163501819noreply@blogger.com2