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When will it ever end ??? When will we ever begin to fear the four beings that ride out on white, red, black, and pale horses. Although some interpretations differ, in most accounts, the four riders are seen as symbolizing Conquest, War, Famine, and Death…, the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

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We’re about to usher in a new year.  I am only hoping that it will bring better tidings than 2015.  We can do with less bad news, less bad weather, fewer police shootings, less news of Donald Trump, (and the rest of those ersatz political hacks who live in D.C. but provide very little, if any, effectual work.  We could use fewer beheadings, fewer warfronts with fewer bands of terrorists.  Does this sound a bit depressing and despondent to you ?  Well, I have witnessed the terms of 11 U.S. presidents, and most of them have involved this country in a war or some military conflict.  When will the idiots we send to Washington learn that conflict only invites more conflict…., war begets war.  Have any of these numbskulls ever read a book on world history ?  Personally, I’m tired of wars, tired of conflict, and of the type of people who would impose these atrocities on us.  Ok, I’m finished, (for now) !!!  There will be a few more salvos forthcoming…, just not in the immediate future.

 

Man in a Golden Helmet – Rembrandt van Rijn

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Wanderlust had led me far

Following that fated star

Leading to the gates of war

That Satan’s own had left ajar

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And now I see on looking back

With wearied eyes and burdened back

A tired old man with nothing left

With mourning soul and heart bereft

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How can this world not be ready for the

Quiet happiness and calm of peace?

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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY

MAY IT BE A BETTER ONE

FOR ALL OF US.

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In the evening’s quiet I try to find the rhyme

The verse and words that will make us start

That will help open mind and heart

To the love and peace of Christmastime.

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To all of you…

May the celebration of the Christmas holiday, and the coming of a New Year

bring happiness, joy, love, and peace to you, your families, and your countries.

May your days be filled with sunshine

May your fondest dreams come true

Moon and stars to light your night

And your skies be ever blue.

Merry Christmas Everyone

 

Good Night !

Paul

 

An Old Flame

An elderly couple were driving through County Kerry, Ireland. Irene was driving when she got pulled over by the Gardai, who asks her, ‘Ma’am did you know that you were speeding?’

Irene turns to her husband, Mick and enquires, ‘What did he say?’

Mick yells out, ‘He says you were speeding!’ The Garda said, ‘May I see your license, please ma’ am?’

Irene, once again, turns to Mick and says, ‘What did he say?’

Once more, Mick, shouts out, ‘He wants to see your license!’

Irene gives the policeman her driving license.

The Garda retorts, ‘I see you are from Kerry. I spent some time there once and had the worst date I have ever had.’

For the final time, Irene turns to Mick and asks, ‘What did he say?’

Mick yells very loudly, ‘He thinks he knows you!’

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A portrait of a Hummingbird. I’ve always been fascinated by these aerobatic wonders who can travel at the speed of wings, stop, and hover in mid-air, fly in reverse, and turn on a dime.  As birds go, I think they’re sublime. This painting is for someone who especially likes Hummers.  You know who you are !

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Ok !!! So I’ve been a bit Daffy lately ! So what !!!

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I’m feelin’ sorta Goofy tonight !

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 ~ Pere Noel ~

(Traditions of France)

Father Christmas or Santa Claus is known as ‘Pere Noel’ in France. According to French Christmas legends, Pere Noel or Papa Noel gives presents to children who behave well throughout the year. He is accompanied by Pere Fouettard, his dark alter ego cohort, who informs Pere Noel as to which children have been good and which ones behaved badly during the year. Pere Noel is portrayed as an old man, dressed in the traditional red and white attire. He travels around the world on his donkey or on his sleigh pulled by reindeers and stops at houses to leave presents for good children. The French fill shoes and logs with treats for Pere Noel’s donkey or reindeers on Christmas Eve. They do this to please Pere Noel so that he may leave gifts for them. French traditions include preparation of the Christmas log cake, burning of the Yule log till New Year’s Day and enactment of nativity scenes.

Joyeuses fêtes à tous !

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