Christmas

2021

Several days ago I hung this Stocking by the Chimney with care:

Today after enjoying a Bountiful Christmas Morning Bruch at the Home of Friends I returned Home and examined the Stocking:

Thank You Santa!!!

 Alan

20 December 2021

Greetings,

Not knowing what the balance of 2021 has planned for me I will note that this is My last Sibling Letter of 2021.  That stated, I will reaffirm what I stated in the Christmas Card to You, Wishing You a Very Blessed Christmas.  A Prosperous 2022 also.

In recent days we have received adequate rain so we are not now suffering from a prolonged dry spell.  The days have been relatively nice with cool evenings.  I think we had one or two mornings when it was 32 degrees.  You may consider a warm spell if this happened in the Holy Land.  Now you know why I chose to live in Georgia.  Thinking ahead to New Year’s Eve 2021 I just realized that it will be forty years since I transferred to the U. S. Navy Fleet Reserve and thirty years since I was placed on the Official U. S. Navy Retired List.  So Much for History!!

As I reflect on the year past – 2021 I realize that the highpoint was the opportunity to be in Fellowship with My Siblings during our September Trip to the Holy Land.  Sure we saw a lot of sights, but the most critical aspect or should I state, the most rewarding aspect was the Fellowship!

I suspect that I am reminded of this because at the current time our Adult Bible Class at Church is studying the Book of Acts and the New Church or should I say the New Congregation that started.  The most important aspect of this New Group of believers was their “Fellowship” which enabled them to support each other and also grow the Church.  What I recently learned is the fact that they did not expand their outreach for the first eight years.  They supported each other and only then did they reach outside of the area to commence “Mission” work. 

So here we are about two thousand years later and we continue to reach outside of the areas wherein we reside!

As I finalize this letter I frequently look out the window and see the Red Birds enjoying the food I just place in the feeder an hour ago.  They and the other birds that frequent our feeder consume about a pint of seed each day.  No grief, because they are so interesting to watch as they conduct their affairs.  

As I anticipate 2022 I am sure that I will face unknown, at this time, challenges that I will live through only by the Grace and Love of My Savior.  I conclude this December Sibling Letter with that thought not only for Myself, but for You and Your respective Families also!

Sibling,

 

Duty, Honor

and Country!!!

Today I shared My concerns with My Georgia Senators and My U. S. Congressman. Read to the end to appreciate the title of this Blog Post!!!

Alan Thiese

15 December 2021

This letter for:

Georgia Senators Raphael G. Warnock and Jon Ossoff

Representative for the Second District Sanford D. Bishop Jr.

Greetings Honorable Gentlemen Elected to represent the Citizens of Georgia, United States of America,

You may be wondering why I addressed you each as I just did.  From time to time as I observe and even read about the actions of our U. S. Senate and the House of Representatives I have to wonder who are these vaulted organizations representing!  

To be frank, sometimes I get the impression that our Duly Elected Leaders at the U. S. Capital are serving the purposes of our enemies. Sometimes our current occupant of the fine Home we all own at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue also causes me the same concern, however that will be the focus of another letter that I will compose soon.

Today, I will focus on our Senate and the House.  What are you doing to help the Citizens of our United States of America?  

• Just yesterday I renewed My Natural Gas account for the immediate future.  I learned that the best option for my renewal was 65 cents a therm. For 2020 it was 47 cents a therm.  A rather large increase.  I suspect that we are no longer energy independent and must rely on the global price of Natural Gas!  Why I ask.  You and I know the answer, however you appear to be sitting by and merely observing!

• You and I know that fuel for our pick-ups and cars has increased a lot.  Again, Why?  You and I know.  What have you accomplished regarding this?  You may point out to me in your “canned reply” that You have worked hard to get the “Build Back Better” legislation passed and have been thwarted by your colleagues in your respective branch!  You know the ones who I identify as having “red shoe laces” while you enjoy your “blue shoe laces!”

• My next concern, and you also should be acutely concerned for the Security of Our United States of America is the crisis at the Southern Border.  You know Texas and the states in between until you get to California.  Not only are illegals a threat to our Republic because of the criminal activity such as murder inflected on our Citizens as You, hopefully, have read about; but the large amount of dangerous drugs that pour through this border which have killed more of us than the Covid-19 and the resultant variants have.  I know that you are aware of this, but I am shocked that our U. S. Leaders, including You have not done anything about these drug killings.  

• The smash and grab activity we have all heard about and even viewed on our News!  We have become a Nation of Spineless law enforcement organizations.  I think it started when we saw the advent of “Defund the Police!”  We all know how that is working out.  I recently learned that some of the leading cities/governments that jumped on this band wagon are now reversing course.  This is now news!  It should never have happened.

• Our Department of Justice now attempting to classify “Concerned Parents” who object to “Critical Race Theory” which as taught makes “White Citizens” supremacist!  You and I know that our United States of America is not perfect however I would submit to you that if we are so bad why do we have people of most countries crossing the Southern Border?  Of for that matter, many waiting to gain legal access to our Country.  Recall with me a bit of History that is often overlooked:  “Who was the President who issued the “Emancipation Proclamation?  What political party conducted a rather long filibuster in our Congress when the “Civil Rights Bill” was being debated?  You and I know these answers and I am confident that none of can be intensely proud of our accomplishments as a Society as regarding the equal treatment of us all.  Yet You and I know the root cause:  Sin!!  As a Member of the Clergy, Senator Warnock I am confident you can agree with me.

• Our Country’s Record concerning Abortion!  A real hot button issue.  As a Society we have again also done rather poorly.  The unborn appear to have no rights!  Yet again, all Clergy should support the rights of the unborn, and also those who are of the Jewish Faith.  From my point of view, the Holocaust was and still is no matter to be ignored or even laughed about.  Senator Ossoff should agree with me on that!!  As regards My representative from the Second District of Georgia, I suspect that Mr. Bishop will also agree with me also.me!

Today during the Advent Worship at the Church I attend we sang several songs.  The one verse that captured my attention as I sang it was:

“O, come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; Oh, bid our sad divisions cease, and be yourself our King of Peace.  Rejoice! Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!”

I was also shocked to hear how our upper levels of Leaders are now telling us that the “Congressional Budget Office” is now incorrect as regards the real cost of the “Build Back Better” legislation that our Senate Leaders and House Leader tell us we must have to insure our economic recovery from the Covid and other related crisis!  I am wondering how our U. S. States that did not clamp down on their citizens have now a much better economic outlook than those states that were led by Governors who wore shoes with blue laces!  Just wondering.

Then the ongoing situation concerning the correct “Health Protection” actions that we all must follow to insure our respective lives.  You and I know that many consider such activity as getting shot and wearing mask is an over reaction by our current duly elected leaders to continue to maintain control over the citizens of our Country.  Yet I am also amazed and continue to be shocked to see many entering our U. S. via illegal means who do not now have to have been shot or wear a mask!  Then the stories I have heard about our government sneaking these into states in the dark hours of the night to resettle them.  Simply amazing what we are allowing our highest level/s of leadership to accomplish.  Admittedly you each have your task to accomplish, but I would also remind you that a task that should be high on your list of priorities should be to adhere to your Oath of Office:

“And I do further swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

The above is really not much different that the Oath I took or reaffirmed during each reenlistment in as much as it defined my duties:

The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

As I see it, your task is to insure the Security of all the Citizens of our Unitd States of America.  Simple enough, again from my point of view often ignored by those who we elect.

Was Nikita Khrushchev right?  You and your peers in the U. S. Senate and the U. S. House are in a unique position to insure that he was incorrect.  You have a major responsibility.  Exercise your rights and also exercise the appropriate laws to insure the security of our United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic just as we “Enlisted Members” of our Military swear to when we take the Oath or affirm the Oath when we reenlist.

Yes, a serious task, but one you sought and “We the People” elected you to perform.  Please do not let yourself, your family or Your Country (USA) down.  Your neglect in this matter has consequences as Maude Findley in the show “Maude” would say when anyone offended her and sense of Law and order and/or great values:  “God Will Get You For That!”  What you may not know that the part of “Maude” was performed by Bea Arthur born into a Jewish Family who served our Nation as U. S. Marine during World War Two and among her duties she was a Truck Driver.

I realize that this is a rather long letter, but please be confident that I sent this with great respect for each of you and trust that you will serve our United States of America to the best of Your Ability.  

Again, Do not let the USA, Your Family and your fellow citizens down.  I recall with great pride the motto of the U. S. Army and stressed by General Dwight D. Eisenhower of World War Two who also Served our USA as the President.  His motto also was Duty, Honor and Country!

Sincerely,

Alan F. E. Thiese

Thirteen Heroes who were Murdered in August 2021!

 

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California

Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.

Celebrating

Seventy Years of

God's Grace, Mercy and

Love

December 4, 2021 

Macon, Georgia 

The following are published here

in the order they were taken.  

The Celebration started at 

1:00 P.M. on December 4, 2021

The Program for this 

Celebration!!

Thank You to All who participated in this Celebration of:

God's Grace,

Mercy and Love

 

2021 Holiday to the Holy Land

(Concluded)

Day Thirteen - September 13.  This day saw the departure from Eden Prairie, Minnesota and the Town Home of My Cousin.  We had enjoyed five full days in the Twin City area as documented in my previous post here.  Therefore it was very proper to document our Host and Chef as we set to depart to Iowa and a visit with our dear friends in Altoona, Iowa.  Our Host was a Shipmate of mine when I served in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the 1962-1964 timeframe.   We did not know each other at that time but we had connected through the Ranger Reunion WebSite and Reunion Association.

The most direct route for our Visit in Altoona was by I-35.  It was a hazy day and we took the opportunity to travel at the posted speed limit and to enjoy the visual sights.

The first stop for a leg stretch and fuel was The Top of Iowa Rest Area.  After fueling it was back on I-35 and as we traveled South we were made aware of the interesting sight which My Bride captured with her Cell Phone.

Day Fourteen - September 14.  After an enjoyable evening with our Host we next traveled to the Famous Freedom Rock, which is West of DesMoines, Iowa on I-80 very near Greenfield.  When ever we travel to the Holy Land and visit our Altoona Friends we make the pilgrimage to the Freedom Rock!  Here are the 2021 shots of this wonderful "Rock."

The graphic artist who repaints this rock does so every May so that has new scenes for Memorial Day.  He was inspirted to do this project after viewing the epic movie "Saving Private Ryan."  He has been painting this rock since 1999.  Additionally, he has painted a "Freedom Rock" in each of the 99 counties in Iowa.

After this adventure we dined at Applebee's in Altoona.  Our Host and the manager of this location are genuine Patroits.  Our wonderful meal was "On The House!!

Day Fifteen - September 15.   This day was a casual day and we were tourist in the Altoona and Ankeny.

A Grain Elevator in Altoona.  In Ankeny we visited the Amazon Distribution Center. 

 

 Additionally, we drove past the Facebook complex where only a few years ago there were two "Server Farms.". That number is now seven.

Day Sixteen - September 16.  A Travel Day to Saint Louis, Missouri to visit our youngest Son and His Family.  We did do a stop for a meal in Hannibal, Missouri and observed a Paddle Wheel Ship that was moored on the Water Front.

Day Seventeen - September 17.  Our Son took us to the Arch and of course several pictures were taken to document this event.

During the evening hours we visited the famed Ice Cream Shop on U. S. Route 66, just West of downtown Saint Louis.  It is known as Ted Drews Ice Cream and is a must stop whenever we visit our Son.  

Day Eighteen - September 18.  We were tourist in the small River Town of Kimmswick, Missouri.  This small town of 157 has a Restaurant that draws tourist for their famed Morning Brunch.  Our Son and His Bride were tourist just like us.  

We then traveled back to Saint Louis and enjoyed the Famous Pretzel Shop which is across the Interstate from a Famous Brewery.

That afternoon and evening Our Son displayed his Grilling Skills on his new equipment.  Yes, the Ribs were excellent.

Of course if the fire had gotten too hot, Our Son was well prepared to cool things down.  

Satisfied Foodies after enjoying the Ribs!!!

Day Nineteen - September 19.  Sunday and a day filled with viewing curated Football games as determined by Our Son.  

I did not keep a record of when this picture was taken, however it shows My Bride and I along with Our Son's Son after a meal at a local Cracker Barrel.

Days Twenty and Twenty-One -- September 20 and 21.  The return to the real world.  It was a fun filled and also a wonderful Holiday.  Not only to the Holy Land, but several States close by!  We missed the 2020 Holiday, but the events of the 2021 Holiday were appreciated by My Bride and I.

Thank You for following My Blog entitled "The World This Week!"