Strike the Flag

Brother Michael knows a thing or two about computers and is apt to tell you all about them, given the chance. It seems the word flag comes up in the realms of programming, a flag is set waiting for something to happen and responds within nano seconds. Other terms are used such as If, Then, Else and electronic devices called Gates. This is all very interesting but at breakfast? Br M went on to give lots of examples of everyday things, just to make sure I understood; I took my coffee and went for a walk down the garden.

These flags I thought, have only one task and that is to respond in a certain way to to a particular event, which may happen many times or only once. I had a picture in my mind of the world, full of flags, every person had a number of flags, many flags set and waiting; no-one seemed to be aware of these flags and they did not hinder their movement. Each flag had been carefully set to respond in nano seconds to a given situation, event, word or action and each response could be justified by its owner.

In programming a computer we have a set way of working, there can be only two choices, therefore the flag system works well. Our lives and how we interact with each other has many choices and to adopt the flag system sets only one response to a given word, action or situation. Is it that we can't be bothered to think through our responses before setting in motion our reaction?

Note to morning office: What would the world look like without flags?
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Restoration

A train of thought can move so fast, from some random beginning, through links and jerks; pausing briefly to check anything but direction. This seems to be more than a regular occurrence for me, perhaps I should have been an engine driver; or a signal box man!

Today was no exception with a glace at the word Spitfire I was off; bottle of beer, aircraft, seagull and car. A friend of mine a few years ago was restoring a Spitfire sports car; now I have a lot of time for someone who restores things... This got me thinking more.


To restore something (the dictionary says) is to bring back to an original condition. It must take great pains, care and attention to detail; referring to the makers original specification, using authentic parts or at least, made using the same methods. It would be so much easier to replicate with another material, using modern process; plastic does not have the same ring.

It takes I think a special man or woman to restore a clock, a car, furniture, a picture; a dwelling place. We would say, a labour of love for surely without a love for the restoration, work would never begin. I am in awe of a person who, taking pains over what to anyone else would be a ridiculous amount of time, to bring back something to its true original glory. This is something we can appreciate but not understand, imagine and dream but never get round to doing. It must be really fulfilling to restore something.

Note to evening office: Help me see what needs restoring; find me the tools and materials, and I'll find the time.
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Yorkshire Flu

Coughs, sneezes, a croaky voice and a feeling like I can't be bothered; yes its Yorkshire flu. So dear blog land, forgive the absence and I will be back with you soon.
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Perigrinate

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Though friends are far off, and their travels take them along different paths; I know we are still on the same road and so often they are so close, I could touch them.

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Some folk do - no matter what.

Occasionally I glimpse into another dimension and I am utterly amazed. The height the width and the depth of that person takes not only my breath but my sense of understanding. When I see commitment of one person to another in the midst of what seems to be impossible situations; I stand back in awe.

There is something very special happening, and sharing in this is both a humbling and challenging experience. Beyond ritual, beyond love, beyond spirituality; at the core of who we are - we let it out. Jesus sermon on the mount comes to mind and no doubt you bible scholars will come back and add to this?

Note to evening office: Lord you are; let me be all that I am.
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Skylights

Fading light brings a burst of colour to the sky, I would like to think this was an emerging rainbow however I am sure you meterologists will find some latin name for it. For those with imagination, these are flaming wings of a messenger... I will leave the rest to you.

Full veiw of above..

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Sunset

A sunset is quite intoxicating, something holds us till the last drop of lustre has left the sky. The end of a day, a reflection or a sense of beauty in contrast to the chaos. Time to let go of the cares, allow them to dissolve with the fading light; tomorrow will have enough cares of its own.

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