Ducks at the Church (Parking Lot)

After the July 4th fireworks last night lagoon ducks understandably sought quiet elsewhere. This morning three were found resting quietly in the church parking lot. Ducks know that cars will give them a wide berth; they're getting awfully comfortable around humans, n'est–ce pas?

In observance of Independence Day weekend the congregation belted out national songs and the quintessential American hymn Amazing Grace. Below is a recent rendition of Amazing Grace by Jenny Oaks Baker, violin, and Condoleeza Rice, piano.

Yes, that Condoleeza Rice: Stanford University Professor, Stanford Provost, the first female African-American Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. She's an outstanding amateur pianist, an expert on Eastern Europe and--politically incorrect observation--physically attractive. It's a sign of our political dysfunction that no one thinks of her as, nor does she want to be, a candidate for the Presidency.