GOD BLESS IRELAND

I’ve begun to reread a favorite set of books…a three-volume history of the British Empire – by James Morris.
I have read it several times and refer to it frequently, but it has been years since a thorough read thru.

It is relaxing.

It tells the story of the rise and fall of a unique institution – very likely the most important institution of international consequence in history, certainly in modern history, whatever modern history is.

It is a familiar story to me in big picture. Many details I have forgotten, but there is a lifelong awareness of parts of the big picture, and reading over the good parts imparts a soothing influence.

These are days which need soothing influences.

It is St. Pat’s Day….

A dear friend sent the following gift to me this day…check it out:

http://www.andiesisle.com/ThisBlessingIsForYou.html

A true soothing influence.

The situation in Japan is so horrible in so many ways…and it came out of the blue, so unexpected…at least the magnitude of the quake and resultant wave…
And the nuclear horrors….
The human suffering and pain and all that is involved in that….
Beyond the scope of my writing tonight….
One of the great economies and cultures of the world so severely injured….

And now there is the Libyan war with imminent international action said to be about to happen.

And the war in Afghanistan goes on…crowded out of the news….and the problems in Iraq, tho hopefully improving…

And our own economic problems….

And the incredible energy policy of the national democrats…
The dithering of our government in the face of all these threats…..

Go to the website referenced above…

It will do you good…..

May the road rise to meet ye….
And the sun be always …you know where.

Take care.

These are hard times.