Mondays Music Moves Me. 2013 A reflection.

2013 was an amazing year, although when it began, you would not have known that.

It started off where 2012 left off in many ways, I was still going to the library four to f ive days a week to search for work, I was going to Adams County Employment service to get help in finding work.

And in all honesty I was beginning to wonder if I would ever find work,

In March my wife got a job, on line and was able to have her own income and be active.

Then in April several things happened at one time.  I managed to get a job after being out of work since October of 2011.  My wife had the opportunity to return to Sedona, Arizona to help her mom after having surgery.   

At the beginning of June, my wife's mother came and visited us, which was wonderful.

In August my wife had the opportunity to visit her grown children and grand children in Illinois. 

In November my wife and I had the opportunity to see "The Day of the Doctor" the 50th Anniversary movie for Doctor Who.

Although separated from our (step) children  and grand children at Christmas, we had a remarkable Christmas.

2013 has been one of the best years in a while, and 2014 looks to be a continuation.

Here is a song that reflects this positiveness, by Ms. Paula Abdul.

So here is hoping your new year brings you many promises of a new day of success, joy and happiness.

Opening Presents Christmas 2013

Pictures from Midnight Mass Christmas 2013

Believe it or not...?

As of 1:30 today, my wonderful Wife and I will have been married for five years.  Yep it has been 5 years and they seemed to have flown by at warp speed.

What is interesting, in some ways the last day and a half, have been so much a repeat of that first year.... with a few changes er exceptions.

In December 2008, my fiance and I had her daughter Natasha visit us for Christmas, Natasha is I believe now 26, so she was 21 at that time.   This was me meeting the family, in a way.

So on December 24th, Natasha, Naila Moon and I went to Midnight Mass.  I got there early, around 11:15 and no-one was there yet, I was talking with Naila and Natasha on their Cell phones and telling them they needed to get there quickly, because people would be arriving.  They arrived about 20 minutes later and there were only a handfull of people at the Basilica.

Mass was started in the dark, with people lighting candles and then the church slowly being lit by the lights of the church itself.

When Mass Ended we went to Toms' Diner and had breakfast.

After which we waited for nearly an hour and a half for a Bus to arrive.  It was bone chilling cold, snow was on the ground and Natasha coined the phrase, "Come on Bus" , because it was so cold and the bus was taking so long to arrive..

We got home around 4:30 in the morning and opened Presents.

FIVE YEARS LATER...

My wife and  I went on the same bus together, hardly anyone on the bus besides us.  We arrived at the Basilica at five minutes past Eleven and the Church was near capacity, we had to look for a pew to sit in, my wife was told she needed to remove her hat.

We found a pew and sat.  Soon the pre mass music began, the church was dimly lit, but you could see well.

No candles were handed out.  As the Mass itself began, the lights were brightened several times until the church was fully and brightly illuminated without the aid of any candles.  A tradition had ended.

Much of the language had changed, it was not in full Latin, but it was also much more complex language.  Much more feeling old and very sexist in nature.  Only one reading was done by a woman, and even the Biblical references had been changed, key words were changed, passages seemed hollow because the way words had been replaced that, as far as I had known, had always been there.

When the mass ended we stayed and took pictures and then walked to... Yes you guessed it, Toms' Diner where I had Eggs Benedict and my wife had a French Dip.

We managed to catch a bus immediate, so no "Come on Bus" and the weather was surprisingly warm.

We got home, tired and thought we would go to sleep and open presents later in the day.  After about 40 minutes we both had caught our second wind and opened presents.

The only thing missing, really was Natasha.  You were missed, too bad you could not have been here, just so we could have you said.  "Come on Bus" for old times sake.

I will be doing a page of some photos here and a Facebook album of all the photos my wife and I took.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, and Happy Celebrations to everyone else.

May 2014 be a fantastic year for us all.

Oh and yes it will be Five years that Naila Moon and I have been married.  Where did the time go.

Mondays' Music Moves Me... Merry Christmas,

Okay now this isn't your normal Christmas song or video, however when I was growing up I saw the original special and had the album of this holiday album for years.  So here are Alvin and the Chipmunks with Christmas don't be late.

Next up This is a very different version of a very popular song, sit back and enjoy

Now for a classic piece of Christmas music,

Totally amazing, this will blow your socks off.

And of course my favorite Christmas duet, do I even need to say more...

So there you have it my annual Christmas Mondays' Music Moves Me.   This is a tradition that the week of Christmas is always my favorites for the celebration.

Blessing to everyone, no matter your path, and few surprises at the end.

A  few songs for those of other celebrations.

Lisa Theil Winter Solstace Song.

A Fire for You John Boswell.

Til next week I hope you all enjoy this music and have a happy Holiday season and Merry Christmas.

Five Days to Christmas

It is hard to believe that this year has almost gone, and it is harder to believe for the first time in five years, that my wife and I will not be traveling or visiting our extended families.

Before I was married in 2008, I had not seen my brother and sister in law since I had moved to the Condo I had moved into in 2003, okay I had seen them... but it was visits to check in.  

In all honesty, I had not spent any real time with my brother since we had been together for Christmas in 1984.  After  that it was hit and miss and catch as catch can.

Then in 2008, I met and married my wonderful wife, who opened my heart in so many ways it would take a year to detail that completely.

One thing she did do, was bring back the specialness of Christmas and of how Christmas is about being with ones' family.

We spent the holidays with her family in Missouri from 2009 to 2011.  Those were amazing experiences.

Last year we spent Christmas with her mom in Sedona Arizona and that too was amazing.

Why?

Because I was around people who love each other deeply and who have made me part of their collective.  It had been so long since I had felt that way that it was amazing.

Unfortunately this year it will be just us and our cat.  It will not be the same and it is hard to be disconnected especially when we have two grand children, one of whom I have not met as yet.

Yet the magic of Christmas is still here.  The two of us have each other and our fur baby.  

I hope that no matter where you are, that you have a magical Christmas or holiday celebration.

Here are some pictures.

1975 Kauai Hawaii David Espinda the  fourth, My Aunt Karen, David Espinda the Third

Me, My mother Evelyn My Aunt Karen and David Espinda the fourth, Kauai, Hawaii Christmas 1975

Bella, Mary My Wife Me Josh and Natasha, Christmas 2010 Festus Missouri

My wife Bella and Josh Christmas 2011 Festus Missouri 

Mary, Josh and mom in Law Ree, Rose Marie Hudson Christmas, Festus Missouri 2010

Marcus Hudson and Ree Hudson, Christmas 2011 Festus Missouri

Jason and Della Hudson Sedona Arizon Christmas 2012

Another great book on a far away land, of Kenya

Another great book in Carole Romans' series is "If you were me and lived in... Kenya.

This time we go to a land in Southeast Africa that rarely do we hear about in the west, that is unless there is a war or other crisis in this country.

The book opens one to the unique culture that is part English in its' customs and currency and uniquely Kenyan based on the Massai  culture.  Examples of this mixed culture are in that you may play Cricket, an English sport, and may eat Samosa, a small triangular pastry filled with either meat or vegetables.

The book makes you want to learn more and even sit down and have a cup of Chai with someone from this land known as Kenya.

The book is well paced and again opens one to a unique place that many of us may never have the privilege of visiting, however when we meet someone from Kenya, we will have a better understanding of this land and its' people.

I give this book 4 stars.

Giveaway for Michael Phillip Cash's books Schism & $50 Paypal

Another Michael Phillip Cash giveaway. This time $50 Paypal and his new Sci-fi book, Schism. If you know me at all, I like most anything Sci-fi and this one looks great. I will hopefully be reading it soon.

After the success of his first three books, Brood X, Stillwell, and The Hanging Tree, Michael Phillip Cash is fulfilling his dream of creating his own fantasy world. Introducing his newest book, Schism: The Battle for Darracia (Book 1)



"On the planet Darracia, an ever-widening social gap between its inhabitants is causing turmoil that is fracturing a once peaceful world. Struggling with his identity, nineteen year old Prince V'sair must harness the power of the elusive Fireblade, the secret to a warrior's heart, in order to overcome his uncle Staf Nuen's lust for supremacy. Will the energy of the Elements guide the young prince to his true destiny or will Staf Nuen conquer Darracia?" 

Michael Phillip Cash is celebrating this new release with a giveaway. He is offering $50 Paypal Cash (US and Canada only) and a signed copy of his book. Enter today to find out about the world of Darracia and a chance to win $50 Paypal cash!







Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash and is being coordinated by Away We Go Media. Chronicles of the Man Cave was asked to help promote this giveaway and is not responsible for prize shipment. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. Winner has 48 hours to respond to an email sent to them or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is open to US and Canada. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,YouTube or any other social media site. Giveaway ends January 2, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Tree and Christmas Cat

An interesting book for Children about. Norway

Just recently, I had the opportunity to read a book for children titled "If you were me and lived in... Norway.

This is one of the latest books by Carole Roman, a woman who has taken on the task of writing books that look at different parts of the world for a yo of young persons' point of view.

... Norway, is one of her most recent books in the series, and it uses a conversational style, as if you were sitting across a table and listening to someone from Norway discuss their country.

Fascinating facts are revealed in the book, it explains that Norway is known as the land of the midnight sun, because part of the year the sun never sets.  This is a unique aspect in Norway and a few other places in Europe.  Could you imagine not having the sun set for several months?

It describes how Oslo has 343 rivers and 2 lakes, talk about a lot potential fishing?

Her narrative is engaging and entertaining.

Overall this is a great book for learning about another culture in an easy and fun way.

4 out of 5 stars.

Mondays' Music Movies Me. Christmas time and Holidays of the Season

I apologize for taking last week off, I was in a funky place and was not in a musical mood.

But I am back with some Christmas favorites and other seasonal music.

Why do I put other seasonal music here?

Because this is a time of year of celebrating and sharing the most important aspect, being together as a family.

So here is a mix, that I hope you will enjoy, no matter your path or the music you love.

What better way to start, than with this classic

Now for something completely different, a piece by Enya, a charming and amazing Celtic singer.

This next song became very popular during World War Two, it spoke for the hopes of service men and their families.

Listen carefully to the first part of the song, where Bing sings solo then where the chorus comes in, you will hear changes in the words.  This was the original version where it was "You can count on me."  

Here's some music for my friends who celebrate Chanukah this time of year.  Hope you enjoy this musical mix.

Last up is this song.  Talk of two cultures coming together Celtic Women singing this classic song.

Until next week, this does it this time out.  Hope you enjoyed this mix of music.

A bit of Missouri here in Denver, Co, St. Louis Pizza

On Tuesday of this week, December 9th, my wife and I went to a new restaurant that was like a journey back to Missouri.  The restaurant is the Arch Pizza, Saint Louis style Pizza located on on East Colfax Ave.

What makes this different from all other Pizza parlors?  First is the sauce, this is not out of the can Tomato Sauce, but a special sauce from a restaurant in Missouri that set the standard and style of Arch Pizza.  Imo's Pizza.

The sauce is like when KFC was Kentucky Fried Chicken and Colonel Saunders had his original mix of herbs and spices that made Kentucky Fried Chicken unique and as the ad used to say, finger licking good.

Arch Pizza also features something unique to Missouri too, Toasted Ravioli. There is no explaining this, it is something you must taste... It is amazing.

Two other things that make Arch different from your average Pizza Parlor is there use of Provalone cheese instead of Mozzarella, American or Parmasian cheese which are the standards for most other Pizza parlors, and then there is the Itallian Dressing.  Netither too spicy, nor too sweet, just that right mix which is great for the salads and for putting on or dipping your Pizza in.

We can not forget that unlike most Pizza's Arch cuts their Pizzas' into squares and that it is thin crust Pizza.  The square cut Pizza is a trademark again of Imo's.

So if you can't get to Missouri then come to Arch Pizza on 6110 East Colfax and enjoy some of the best Pizza in Denver.

 Toasted Ravioli's

 Amazing Salad with Provolone Cheese.

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 The logo of this restaurant

 Photos from the actual Saint Louis Arch under Construction.

 Small, Medium, Large Extra Large size for the Pizza lover.

 One of their tables next to their logo

Two very happy patrons of the Arch.  My wife and I.  This last photo was taken by Jacob, one of the staff at Arch Pizza.

Sorry, I did not get any pictures of the Pizza, thought I had taken them, but apparently we ate the Pizza so quickly that we never took any photos.

SKYFALL, one of the BEST JAMES BOND films in a very long time

I just watched SKYFALL, on Netflix.  For those not familiar with this film, it is the most recent James Bond films to have been released.

After the Quantum of Solace, I walked away from the Bond films, because Quantum... was such a dark film overall and in some ways it left a very bad taste in my mouth.

I actually avoided seeing Skyfall in the theater because I did not want to be disappointed again.

I can say, that Skyfall was not disappointing, if anything it reminded me why I liked Bond so very much.  The plot was intense and  dialogue had some great one liners, and weather it was intentional or not, Daniel Craig, the current Bond, actually came across reminding me very much of Sean Connery in the way he spoke and even some of his body language.

The movie is longer than most Bond films, nearly five hours long, but it is well paced and has several surprises through out.  There are some nice red herrings that misdirect the viewer about who the insider may be at the beginning of the film.  One surprise the heroine whom Bond meets at the beginning of the film is not rescued and there is no sex scene hinted at, in the end of the film.

There are some nice twists, which I will not reveal, I will say be prepared for some powerful moments involving Dame Judy Dench, M.

I gave this move 5 Stars and I stick with that,  If you have not seen this Bond film it is well worth it.  Look for it on Netflix.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Every year I do a tribute to the Men and Women who died or were wounded at Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941.

In the past I have used many pictures to express the time, I will again use pictures but I will also attempt to look at why The United States was so unprepared to deal with what happened at Pearl Harbor.  

When the First World War ended in 1918, the people of the United States, Great Britain and France all swore that they would never be drawn into a war like this again.  Both France and Great Britain made this acclamation because so many  of their young men died in the war.

The United States had been an isolationist nation before the First World War and fell back into this mindset after the war,

Although the Military attempted to build up its' base of weapons, from 1918 to nearly 1934 the aircraft in all branches of the armed forces remained the twin wing aircraft of the past war.  It was in 1934 that the first monoplane design came onto the scene, but until 1937 most aircraft were still twin wing biplane design.

In 1934 the pacifist and isolationist movement in the United States was reassured that NAZI Germany posed no threat to this nation by one Charles Lindberg.

When Pearl Harbor took place on December 7th of 1941 There were only 8 Battleships in service 7 Aircraft Carriers, the largest contingent of surface ships were destroyers.  The Army Air Corps had something in the range of 100 bombers and slightly more in the area of fighter craft when the war began.  

The lack of weapons to wage war came from a congress unwilling to put forth funds for weapons, when the Congress had promissed the people of the United States, that they would do what it took to keep the U.S. out of another war.

Bellow is a link that gives more detail on both the Japanese force that attacked Pearl Harbor, and Guam and the Phillipines, as well as the U.S. forces at Pearl as well as Guam and the Phillipines.

http://www.navweaps.com/index_oob/OOB_WWII_Pacific/OOB_WWII_Pearl_Harbor.htm


When Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared War on December 8th. 1941 the nation had been transformed, the Senators and Representatives who had opposed a strong military suddenly were passing legislation to build every weapon system to defeat an enemy/ enemies that had been ignored just years before.

Here are some photos and some movies to of the time.  

A great book to understand why both the United States and Great Britain delayed preparing for the war that came is "Why England Slept" by a very young John F. Kennedy.

Here is more than just some footage from the attack, but part of a documentary on the attack

A few additional photos.
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USS West Virginia



   






So this ends my yearly tribute to a Day that will live in infamy.  

Worldless Wednesday Day of the Doctor

Last Monday, my wife and I went to the Pavilion Movie theater in Downtown Denver to see "The Day of the Doctor" the 50th Anniversary Movie celebration of DOCTOR who.  Here are two special photos from the event.

 My wife a Time Lady

Matt Smith, the current Doctor at the Pavilion movie theater???

Mondays Music Moves Me It's that special time of year

Sorry for the delay, but had things that came up.  This is my first posting for music not just for Christmas, but this special time of year.

To start off, I am using what was one of the shortest radio shows of the 1930's and 40's Moonlight Serenade featuring the music of Glenn Miller.  This is different, so I hope you enjoy this broadcast from December 24th 1941.

And now for something completely different,  The Maccabeats Burn A Hanukkah song

Now something different again.  For many this is a Pagan time, a time of celebrating the cycle of nature, of the Green man, a time of Yule.

And now Julie Andrews singing a classic Christmas song.  Silent Night.

We have come full circle, starting with Glenn Miller and his orchestra doing a popular tune and additional Big Band music from December 1941 we had some Jewish music, then Pagan music to celebrate Yule and then a traditional Christmas song by one of the best singers of all time

I  hope all of you enjoyed this first musical trek for music of the season.  Til next week.