The Circle of Time

After I posted the pic of my glass of Sierra Nevada Celebration yesterday, I was looking through old Musings and found an interesting coincidence. Last year on the same date, November 28, I also shared a post about the same beer.

In an another similarity, last night's glass of this seasonal favorite was also the first I enjoyed this season. And perhaps a tradition is born.

Go Hokies!

With a 23 - 20 win over rival Virginia, the Hokies continue the streaks! We're finally relaxing after a long day Charlottesville and this seemed liked fitting libation to cap off the day.

It was a nail-biter of a game and great send off for Coach Beamer.

Black Friday Range Time Too!

After a good range practice session yesterday, I returned this morning to join a couple of friends for some shooting fun. We got an early start to beat the crowds that were sure come later. The time was spent "just shooting" and enjoying friendly conversation. In fact, we probably spent as much time chatting as shooting, but that's the way it should be when you're just out to have fun.

I got to shoot a gun I hadn't shot before, and I also spent some time shooting my usual carry gun. I don't shoot it as often as a I'd like, mostly because it means cleaning it right away before I carry it again. Interestingly, I had last cleaned this gun less than a month ago, yet when I fired the first shot, I watched a clump of lint float away from the back of the slide. Note to self: Keep an eye on that, especially since it's sweater season now.

It was a treat to hit the range two days in a row, spending time with friends doing what we love to do, on another unseasonably warm day. And I'm pretty sure we had more fun than the folks fighting the crowds at the stores.

Thanksgiving Range Time

While enjoying my coffee Thanksgiving morning, relaxing after Mass and a big breakfast, I started thinking about some range time. I've only gotten out to shoot once in about the last six weeks. Looking through old Thanksgiving-related Musings posts, I noted that I had been to the range previously on Thanksgiving day, and had the range to myself. I figured why not try again?

Sure enough, the park was empty except for a lone fisherman. I took my place near one of the wider berms and set up a couple of IDPA targets. The ground was covered in leaves and pine needles, so I also set out a small tarp to catch brass (at least some of it anyway.)

I eventually spread the targets apart further and spent some time working on transitions between the two. Shooting on the move and head-only shots got some practice too. After the requisite visit from the RO, and no admonishments, I snuck in some close in, and fast, multiple shot, point shooting.

It was a beautiful afternoon, and I greatly enjoyed the time shooting, being thankful for the freedom to do so. I was surprised to have the range to myself on a 60° November day, but grateful for that as well. It was a wonderful addition to the holiday celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my friends and family, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. As we in the United States set aside a day to give thanks and be grateful for all of our many blessings, please take some time to reflect on the meaning of the day.

Today, as every day, I give thanks for my loving family, my faith and the freedom to practice it, my health, for my friends, and for all the freedoms I enjoy as an American. In these perilous times we should be especially conscious of our freedoms, as we are reminded frequently just how tenuous they are. We should pray that the oppressors of our freedom, those within our borders and enemies abroad, are quickly conquered.

Whatever you do today, however you choose to mark the day, I wish you the best and hope your holiday is filled with joy.

Thanksgiving Humor

Starting off the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend with a little humor.

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Tech Specs Make Good Advice

I was looking at kegerators online recently and had to laugh when I saw this in a product description:

Holds either a 1/2 barrel keg or a 1/4 slim keg. The unit converts between a refrigerator and a beverage cooler to suit your needs. Note: Does not hold Coors and Miller brand kegs.

I know, technically, that's because those kegs are larger than standard kegs. Still, if I ever added one of these to my basement, that would be one of the rules of the house.

Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

[Reposted from November 23, 2013.]

November 23 is the Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Pro. Born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel Pro was ordained a Jesuit priest in Belgium in 1925. He returned to his home country in 1926, in the midst of that country's Cristeros War. After being falsely accused of an attempted bombing, Father Pro was executed by government forces without trial. 

Blessed Miguel Pro's final request was to be allowed to pray to his heavenly Father.

After which he refused a blindfold and faced the firing squad bravely, proclaiming ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Father Pro's executioners initially failed at their task, and the deed was finished at point blank range.

I am saddened, but hardly surprised, at the ignorance of the American public regarding the persecution of Catholics, and of the Cristero War that took place in Mexico in 1926 through 1929. Some 250,000 people lost their lives in a persecution that was supported by the government of the United States with both funds and air support. Given the ever-growing intolerance towards Christians, especially Catholics, in the United States, we would do well to remember.

Christ the King, by the intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, I beg you to answer my prayers. Give me the grace and the strength necessary to follow your heroic example and to live my Catholic faith in spite of all temptations and adversities. Amen.

Images from Wikipedia.