| Messages from
the Dean
This summer I had a technological breakdown at home. First of all, my email program completely exploded on me so that I was then relegated to going on the Internet to access my email. After a while, that program also quit responding and so, after talking to a “Mac Genius” (a misnomer if I ever heard one) as well as Road Runner, I was told that Road Runner had, through constant updates, gone beyond the capabilities of my computer.After much grumbling and double-checking of my bank account, I bought a new computer. I was so used to Mac that the fact that this new computer was a Windows-based machine put me into a minor panic. After getting it set up, however, I discovered how paleological (is that really a word?) my old computer was, and I reveled in learning a new system and discovering the benefits associated with it. At about the same time, my main telephone (which included my fax and was also connected to my answering machine) quit working. I went to Staples and splurged on a new phone/Fax machine. I set it up (and, if any of you have done that, you know that it is a feat in itself!), only to discover that the problem wasn’t with the phone but with my phone connection. After procrastinating (by using my upstairs portable phone for a while), I contacted AT&T for a repair visit. It turned out to be a minor thing (just replacing the little connection box on the wall). Since having my new phone/fax up and working, I have been entranced with all the bells and whistles on that machine. All this is leading up to my hope that each of you followed my plea last spring that you would use the summer to learn new repertoire and do a little practicing. My experiences with these technological marvels confirm to me that you can (with apologies to Katie, my pure-mixed-breed-black lab/beagle mix) teach an old dog new tricks. The day that we think we don’t have anything else to learn is the start of a downward progression. This newsletter comes to you at the start of a new program year in our faith communities as well as for AGO. Take a good look at the wonderful events that our Program Committee (under the very able leadership of Subdean Marilou Kratzenstein) has set up for all of us this year. Plan on attending as many as possible, and Best Wishes for a wonderful New Year! Pax Dei, Jack Lasher |
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