OF THIS AND THAT

Since my retirement one of my projects is to re-read some of the classics I read while in college. I just finished REPORT TO GRECO by Nikos Kazantzakis. What a gift that book is. He writes of his tumultuous life "wrestling with God" and when talking with his friend, Zorba speaks of the universe following a "divine rhythm. Seeds in the ground, birds, stars,--all obey. Only man lifts his hand in rebellion and wants to trangress the law and convert obedience into freedom. This is why he alone of all God's creatures is able to sin. To sin--what does that mean? It means to destroy harmony." I think the world is full of sinners today.

I travelled to Torrington (a town in southeastern Wyoming) to visit Heartland Biocomposites (http://www.heartlandbio.com/) where they re-cycle plastics to make fencing which is stronger then wood and has a lifetime warrenty. What a neat thing! We would like to start a recycling project here in Casper to supply Heartland with the plastic they use, and are doing the research to get that done.

I attended a book signing at Casper College over the week-end. The author is Lynne Cheney, the wife of the vice-president. The book title is BLUE SKIES, NO FENCES. It is about her life growing up in Casper in the 40's and 50's. I was one year behind her in school and our lives are similar in that regard. I remember Dick and Lynne in high school. Dick was Darth Vador even back then, quiet, surrounded by his group, not reaching out much and powerful behind the scenes. Lynne was always friendly and felt comfortable talking to everyone. I went, feeling I was at a conservative love fest, mainly because I love Wyoming history. Her book brought back many memories of a simpler time. All of us are connected, even if we don't much want to acknowledege it.

Pax Tecum

October

If you ever wondered what Fall is all about, (you in Houston or Phoenix might question it), you need to be in Wyoming now. This morning the sun looks crisp, frost covers the roofs of houses, and the mountain sends her message: get ready, things are about to change in a big way. I love October. It's a transitional month, taking our hand, leading us from the heat of summer into the stark coldness of Winter. I love Wyoming. This beautiful place where nature speaks to you in the warmth of the sun, in vivid colors, in falling leaves, and in crisp fall mornings. You know that days ahead of searing cold winds and blowing snow and harsh sunlight will be here all to soon.

This special place speaks to us and prepares us for what's ahead. It's comforting to know that despite the hard winters, nature is predictable in the changing of the seasons. We know what's coming, so button down the hatches, stock-pile the pellets and get ready! Were that man made situations could be as comforting. Issues of our making such as war, injustice, poverty and the many other problems we perpetuate change in a heart-beat without warning or preparation.

Why can't we take a lesson from the seasons?

Pax Tecum