John Adams

In addition to being America's second President, he was also a signer of our Declaration of Independence.

On the 3rd day of July, 1776, after the Declaration had passed the Continental Congress, but before he signed, he wrote the following to his wife Abigail.

It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Day's Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

Here at OWW's house, we shall have a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by food, fireworks, and other sorts of merriment and celebration.

And a moment of quiet reflection on the true words of John Adams, who pledged his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor, that I might live free.

Music and Weather

It's been raining, with occasional thunder and lightning, all day.

Perfect weather for listening to E. Power Biggs cookin' away at The Mighty Wurlitzer.

Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor. Fugue in G-Minor.

There ain't much better, anywhere, by anybody. J.S. Bach played by E. Power Biggs.

You think you know music? Def Leppard is OK, Queen rocks, the Moody Blues come close, but I tell you three times, pure music is defined by J.S. Bach as played by E. Power Biggs.

And yes, I am Old Weird Ward.

My place, my rules.

One Good Automobile

"Sally the Saturn has...FIVE seats!"
"Sally the Saturn has...FIVE seats!"
"Sally the Saturn has...FIVE seats!"
"And One Hundred Thousand Miiiiles!"

Yes, our 2001 Saturn SL2 has turned over 100,000 miles - 100,083 to be exact.

We've had her since she was new, in 2001.

Two batteries (one under warranty), one big accessory belt (also under warranty), one set of tires, one coolant temperature sensor, and one thermostat. Total cost to us over six years - less than $500. Toss in the cost of normal maintenance, such as oil changes, alignments and the like, and we're still well under $1500.

This is one good car.

Sally has been driven in California, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida - and has never stranded us.

I expect that when our 12-year-old turns 16, Sally will haul her around in the same reliable style.

As a side note, summers in Jawja tend towards a LOT of hot - and Sally's A/C just keeps pouring out the cool, with no attention at all.

Like I said, one good car....