Did you know that there was a war in our nation’s history which was the only time that an enemy fought into the capital and burned the president’s dwelling? If the US had won, Canada, which was then a British territory, would most likely now be part of our country. Had the British won, we would have possibly rejoined the nation after 30-some years of independence. It’s been called “Mr. Madison’s War," “The silliest damned war we ever had," and even the “Second War for Independence." All three of these descriptions are quite accurate.

The Piano: Love is the ivory; the white and brown bells, the chiming. There is something so personal and quiet, but also outgoing. The piano is you, your moods and feelings. One can just look upon a Grand and say to themselves “Oh! It is a handsome piece of fittings, is it not?” But it is not a piece of furniture, however much a Steinway Grand may brighten up a Palace. Others may look upon a Grand and say to themselves “Oh! How I ache to play it and how I long to feel those keys.

There is one thing I have learned throughout my life, and that is, do not leave a cup full of any liquid out in the open for more than five seconds when a bunch of friends are around you. You see, there could be trouble, and that there was. This, my friend, is coming from personal experience. Take my advice.

Tonight while singing the “Salve Regina” as I sat in the fourth pew
In front of me I heard a young lady; she sang and went flat, that I knew.
It went on and on, HOW out of tune it was! She just wouldn’t stop
Then she HAD to swing her rosaries against the kneeler with a “clop-clop”.

So I turned and I switched positions and counted my wooden beads,
I couldn’t take it any longer, so I prayed “Oh God, shut her mouth, puh-lease!”
Now it was the third mystery and I wanted the lady to go
But she would just keep singing. I guess she didn’t know…