ICEMANforChrist: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Tue, Nov 11 – Holy Face Rosary II: Struck & Mocked / St. Martin of Tours / Veterans Day

Virtue: Mercy, Dignity & Sacrifice
Cigar: Habano Maduro – bold, peppered
Bourbon: Eagle Rare – smooth, reflective
Reflection: “What wounds do we name and bless—and how do I honor those who gave?”

🌿 Naming and Blessing the Wounds

Here’s a symbolic typology you might ritualize in your guides:

1. Wounds of the Body

Named as: fatigue, hunger, illness, disability, aging
Blessed through: meals of healing, touch, rest, and shared labor
Hospitality cue: offer warm broth, foot washing, or a communal nap ritual

2. Wounds of the Mind

Named as: confusion, despair, trauma, addiction, isolation
Blessed through: storytelling, silence, song, and shared breath
Hospitality cue: curate a “litany of the lost” with candlelight and gentle music

3. Wounds of the Civic Heart

Named as: injustice, poverty, displacement, corruption, neglect
Blessed through: protest, pilgrimage, policy, and Eucharistic solidarity
Hospitality cue: serve symbolic meals that contrast rich and poor, paired with civic reflection

4. Wounds of the Spirit

Named as: betrayal, abandonment, spiritual dryness, exile
Blessed through: lament, liturgy, sacred texts, and ritual acts of return
Hospitality cue: design a “returning ritual” with salt, water, and olive oil

🕊 Honoring Those Who Gave

To honor the givers—those who bore wounds and still offered love—you might:

Name them aloud in your guides, meals, or blog reflections
Pair their story with a symbolic act: a drink, a song, a walk, a candle
Create a “Communion of the Wounded”: a litany or calendar that remembers their gifts
Offer a daily toast or blessing: “To those who gave while bleeding—may their mercy multiply”

Nov 11

Tuesday

Weekly Fast

Veterans of the soul

Bean stew + cornbread

St. Martin of Tours

Candace’s Corner

· Spirit Hour: Martlemas Martini

· Pray Day 2 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops

· Washington’s Statehood 1889

· How to celebrate Nov 11th

o Alright, imagine waking up to a day filled with endless possibilities. Start by honoring veterans with a moment of gratitude.

§ Embrace independence by immersing yourself in Polish culture through food or music.

· Show appreciation for education by learning a new skill or visiting a local museum.

o Next, indulge in a sweet treat on National Sundae Day, either by making your own or supporting a local ice cream shop.

§ Share the love by participating in World Orphans Day, whether by donating to a charity or spreading awareness on social media.

· In the spirit of data governance, organize your digital files or clean up your inbox.

o Celebrate life with National Indiana Day by exploring nature or trying a new outdoor activity.

§ Honor those who have passed on Death/Duty Day by visiting a memorial or spending time with loved ones.

· Reflect on the importance of peace on Armistice Day in France,

perhaps by lighting a candle for peace or participating in a moment of silence.

§ Treat yourself on Pocky Day with the iconic Japanese snack or by trying out a new recipe.

· Embrace your independence on Singles Day by pampering yourself with self-care activities or enjoying a solo adventure.

o Lastly, channel your creativity on World Origami Day by trying your hand at the ancient art of paper folding. Remember, you don’t need a special occasion to make the most of your day. Embrace each moment, celebrate the little things, and find joy in the everyday. Cheers to a day filled with diverse experiences and meaningful reflections!

Today’s Menu:

· Wine

· Lyonnaise Salad with Sausage and Walnuts

· Coquilles St-Jacques (Gratinéed Scallops)

· Steak Diane

· Barigoule of Spring Vegetables

· Pain au Chocolat

· Candace’s 52 Week Vineyard World Tour

· 🍇 Week 3: Tuscany, Italy

· Theme: “Rooted in Joy, Broken in Beauty”
Dates: November 11–18, 2025
Base: Montepulciano & Montalcino

🗓️ Tuesday, November 11 – Travel to Tuscany

· Depart from Peñafiel to Florence via train (~$38 USD).

· Transfer to Montepulciano via Chiusi (~$14 USD train + $4 USD bus).

· Lodging at Albergo Il Marzocco (~$72 USD/night).

· Evening walk through Montepulciano’s old town. Toast with Vino Nobile.
Symbolic Act: “Rooted in Joy”—bless the land, name the fruit.

🗓️ Wednesday, November 12 – Vino Nobile & Olive Harvest

· Morning tasting at Avignonesi Winery (~$28 USD).

· Afternoon olive oil tour at Frantoio di Montepulciano (~$12 USD).

· Dinner at Osteria Acquacheta (~$26 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Broken in Beauty”—honor the press, bless the oil.

🗓️ Thursday, November 13 – Vineyard Walk & Naming Ritual

· Walk the vineyards of Boscarelli or Poliziano.

· Journal and name each row with a beatitude or saint.

· Picnic from Mercato di Montepulciano (~$10 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Naming the Rows”—plant joy in the soil.

🗓️ Friday, November 14 – Montalcino & Brunello Legacy

· Bus to Montalcino (~$6 USD).

· Tasting at Castello Banfi or Caparzo (~$30 USD).

· Visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo for Gregorian chant.

Symbolic Act: “Legacy and Light”—bless the monks, pour the Brunello.

🗓️ Saturday, November 15 – Vineyard Eucharist & Olive Grove Pause

· Morning reflection in an olive grove.

· Prepare a Eucharistic meal: bread, cheese, and Vino Nobile.

· Evening journaling with psalms or poetry.
Symbolic Act: “I believe and I break”—a Eucharist of oil and wine.

🗓️ Sunday, November 16 – Siena Day Trip: Civic Mercy

· Bus to Siena (~$10 USD roundtrip).

· Visit Siena Cathedral and Piazza del Campo.

· Optional tasting at Enoteca Italiana (~$18 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Civic Mercy”—bless the stewards, walk the stones.

🗓️ Monday, November 17 – Departure and Sending Forth

· Final toast with Riserva Vino Nobile.

· Write a vineyard blessing for the next traveler.
Symbolic Act: “Tuscan Benediction”—send forth the joy of the land.

🗓️ Tuesday, November 18 – Travel Day

· Depart Tuscany for your next vineyard destination.

· Suggested next stop: Sicily or Stellenbosch, depending on your seasonal arc.

💰 Estimated Total Cost: $498 USD

Includes 7 nights lodging, 3 vineyard tastings, 2 symbolic meals, and 1 day trip with transit and picnic.

🍷 Tuscan Eucharist: A 7-Course Meal of Joy and Beauty

Week 3: Tuscany, Italy – November 11–18, 2025
Theme: Rooted in Joy, Broken in Beauty
Base: Montepulciano & Montalcino

1️⃣ Appetizer – The Breaking of Joy

Dish: Tuscan Bread (Pane Toscano) with Montepulciano olive oil

Ritual Cue: Break the bread in silence. Speak aloud a beatitude or blessing for the land.

2️⃣ Soup – The Pressing of Beauty

Dish: Olive Oil Tasting with crostini and a warm bean or vegetable broth
Ritual Cue: Honor what is crushed to nourish. Reflect on beauty emerging from brokenness.

3️⃣ Salad – The Named Rows

Dish: Arugula, fennel, and citrus salad with vineyard herbs
Ritual Cue: Name each ingredient with a virtue or saint. Journal your naming.

4️⃣ Fish Course – The Rooted Cup

Dish: Grilled trout or anchovy crostini paired with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Ritual Cue: Toast to the soil and the vine. Bless the vineyard.

5️⃣ Main Course – The Legacy Poured

Dish: Roast lamb or mushroom ragù with Brunello di Montalcino
Ritual Cue: Pour the Brunello with reverence. Speak of legacy and light.

6️⃣ Cheese Course – The Aged Delight

Dish: Pecorino di Pienza with honey and walnuts
Ritual Cue: Name a joy that matured through hardship. Share aloud or write in silence.

7️⃣ Dessert – The Benediction Dip

Dish: Vin Santo with Cantucci

Ritual Cue: Dip and bless. Write a vineyard benediction for the next traveler.

NOVEMBER 11 Tuesday-Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

Veterans Day

John, Chapter 13, Verse 34-35

I give you a new commandment: LOVE one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Have you ever wondered how Jesus really loved?

How the disciples felt in His presence?

Jesus commands us to love one another even as He loved us.

The crux of this command is to understand how Jesus loved us. Our text reveals five aspects of this love:[1]

1. Jesus’ love was costly love (John 13:31-32).

For Jesus, the way was a costly one. He traveled the road of sorrows, and it ended with his death on a cross. Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us because his death would enable us to escape from our sins and to live with God forever. Though he was God in the flesh, Jesus let himself be whipped and spat on and crowned with thorns. He let himself be crucified, with nails driven through his hands and feet. He offered his life as an act of love for us--an act so perfect, so pure, and so valuable that it paid for the sins of the whole world. This was something only God could do. No matter what we might do to atone for our sins, we are merely finite creatures and never could pay for our offenses against the infinite holiness of God. But God could pay for them-- and, because he loves us, he did. After the Crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. The Resurrection serves as a sign of what is waiting for all who turn to God. One day Jesus will return, and those who have loved God will experience their own glorious resurrection, the overthrow of death, and eternal life in the love of God.[2]

2. Jesus’ love was caring love (John 13:33).

THE MANDATE of Christianity is simple: love. Yet in this simplicity, complicated problems can spring up like weeds, for we more often than not use “love” as a mere excuse for self-indulgence. In the modern world especially—although it has been a problem throughout Church history—we commonly scorn real love. We scorn the suffering, self-sacrificial love with which Christ loved us to save us from our sins. And even though Christ told us to love each other “as I have loved you,” we scorn this love because we have so perverted and eroticized the concept of “love” that we even condone sin today in the name of Christ.[3]

3. Jesus’ love was commanded love (John 13:34).

Some people claim that the Church puts too much emphasis on the concept of sin, and that, if parents didn’t scare children with talk of sin and focused more on love, the world would be a better place. This argument can even lead to the idea that we should accept everything in the name of Christian love, and that we lack charity and are being judgmental merely to speak about sin. “It’s offensive to another’s individuality,” they claim, “to say that something that ‘does not really hurt others’ is morally wrong.” Well, it’s a great sadness that most parents do not teach their children how to love. Love is hard work, and most parents shrink from that work. When children misbehave, for example, it’s far easier to tell the children that they will go to hell because of their misbehavior than it is to show them consistently, by example, that all behavior should be motivated by love for God. When parents take the easy way, the children grow up being afraid of hell and understanding nothing about real love.

The irony, though, is that parents fail to teach their children real love because they fail to understand the psychological reality of sin.[4]

4. Jesus’ love was conspicuous love (John 13:35).

In psychological terms, sin can be described as a sort of infatuation with the vanity of our personal desires. That is, most people are narcissistically preoccupied with their immediate desires and have little, if any, altruistic awareness of anyone or anything else around them. Psychologically, this behavior allows you to feel good about yourself (that is, to feel strong and “in control”) by using, hurting, or neglecting someone else. Sin therefore leads you away from true love and compassion, and it sends you right into all the predicaments of self-indulgence. Sin really does hurt others because sin defiles love. Simply teaching children to be kind to one another, therefore, will not make sin “take a back seat.” In fact, teaching kindness without also teaching the full meaning of sin unwittingly promotes sin. Without an awareness of sin, anything goes. “If it feels good, do it,” is equivalent to the devil’s motto: Do what thou wilt. To see what is really required to overcome sin, let’s look more closely at the various forms of love.[5]

5. Jesus’ love was committed love (John 13:36-38).

Love, in its purest and most divine meaning refers to something so far beyond our comprehension that it is, well, incomprehensible. Christian theology says that “God is love,” but most us can grasp that concept only intellectually. Many Catholic mystics through the ages, however, have had an immediate experiential encounter with divine love, and they all end up saying essentially the same thing: I thought my heart would burst and that I would die right there. This sort of love is what Catholic mysticism is all about: a love for Christ so overwhelming that a person would risk anything and give up anything to get close to it. But this divine love is not something you “fall into”; it’s something you have to work at. To understand this, let’s first consider love’s other forms naturally accessible to general human experience.

· A child’s love for a parent refers to a natural emotional bond every child must make with a caretaker in order to survive the helplessness of infancy and childhood. This childlike love for a parent serves as a preparation for the eventual experience of real love for God.

· We also naturally love our siblings within our families; this is called brotherly love, and it is necessary for peace and growth in families—although sibling rivalry often manifests in dysfunctional families.

· We can naturally love our neighbors, too; this is called neighborly love, and it, too, is necessary for social survival—although aggression and war often stain all societies.

· What we commonly call romantic love, or erotic love (from the Greek eros), is just “common love”—a politically correct distortion of real love. Romance—in all truth, and contrary to popular sentiment—is actually a mixture of two things: a dependent, infantile attachment to a caretaker, and desire. Now, infantile dependence needs no further explanation. Desire, in the psychological sense, refers to our attempts to fill ourselves with things that feel pleasurable or soothing, so as to hide from ourselves the reality of our essential human emptiness and brokenness. When you look at another person with desire, you do not see a soul enrobed in chaste beauty; you see only your own exuberant fantasy that your aching throb of loneliness might be alleviated.[6]

Desire

isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however. Although Buddhism, for example, teaches that all desire must be avoided, and although Christian theology teaches us that misplaced desire can lead us straight into sin, desire can be raised to the level of the divine. In fact, that’s the essence of the Catholic mystic tradition: to desire union with God as the supreme desire. As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God (Psalm 42:2). In this mystical desire for God we turn away from the illusory social attractions of the world around us and turn only to God for strength and refuge. That’s what it means to “die” to the world. And that’s a necessary step toward holiness for everyone—clerics, religious, and the laity. Thus, our natural human capacity for some forms of love is but a faint reflection of the divine love by which God created and redeemed us. Yet when natural love is raised to the level of the divine through Christ, it enters into a true mystery. In regard to this mystery, Christ told us something very important.[7]

No one has greater love than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. —John 15:13

Copilot’s Take

On November 11, as we honor Saint Martin of Tours and commemorate Veterans Day, we are invited into the heart of Christ’s command: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is not abstract—it is embodied, costly, and conspicuous. Jesus loved with a sacrificial tenderness that bore the weight of sin and the agony of the cross, not to shame us but to redeem us. His love was not permissive sentiment but a divine mandate, calling us to care deeply, confront sin truthfully, and commit ourselves wholly to the good of others. In a world that often eroticizes or trivializes love, Christ’s example reminds us that true love is not indulgence—it is incarnation. It is the kind of love that lays down its life, not just in death, but in daily acts of mercy, truth, and communion. On this day, let us remember that to love like Jesus is to live visibly for others, to desire union with God above all else, and to raise every natural affection into the mystery of divine charity.

St. Martin^{^[8]}

MARTIN was born in the year 316 in Pannonia, or Hungary, of pagan parents, but he received secret instructions in the Christian religion, and in his tenth year was received into the number of the catechumens, that is, of those who are preparing themselves to receive holy Baptism. At the age of fifteen he became a soldier, being, as is probable, forced to do so by his father, to whom the religion of the boy had become known.

Out of love of God he not only kept himself aloof from the excesses so common in this state of life, but he took advantage of it to practice love for man, by dividing his pay among the poor. Being one day solicited for alms by a beggar, and having nothing but his arms and his cloak, he gave him half his cloak.

The following night Christ appeared to him, wearing that half of the cloak, and said to him: Martin, who is yet a catechumen, has clothed Me with this garment. Moved by this comforting apparition, he received holy Baptism, gave up the life of a soldier, and betook himself to St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, in France. As he was careful about his own salvation, so also he was careful of the salvation of others, particularly of his parents and relatives, for the sake of whose conversion he undertook a journey to his native land.

On his return he built, not far from Poitiers, the first convent in France, into which he received twenty-four monks, with whom he led a strict and virtuous life. His great faith made him like the apostles in regard to miracles, and the fame thereof spread abroad to that degree that, in spite of his refusals, he was chosen Bishop of Tours. This high dignity made no change in his manner of living; rather it increased his humility, his patience under the greatest persecutions, his zeal for the glory of God, his love for his neighbor, and particularly for his enemies.

After he had in such manner ruled over his diocese for twenty-six years, then over eighty years old, the strength of life left him. He thereupon collected his disciples about him, and said: Children, I am dying. They wept and mourned. Moved by their tears, he in his prayers professed himself willing to labor longer if it were God's will. But he had labored for heaven enough, and God desired to place upon him the long-merited crown. With his eyes raised to heaven, he prayed incessantly, allowing himself no relief. At his last moments the enemy sought to confound him by a horrible apparition, but, full of confidence in God, the saint cried out: What do you seek, cruel monster? In me you will find nothing that is yours; and soon after his spirit gently sank to rest. Would that we might learn from this saint truly to love God, and to care not only for our own salvation, but for the welfare of our fellow men in body and soul! Then we, too, might have nothing to fear in death.

Prayer.

O God, Who seest that we cannot subsist by any strength of our own, mercifully grant that by the intercession of blessed Martin, Thy confessor and bishop, we may be protected against all adversity.

EPISTLE. Ecclus. xliv., xlv.

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was found just, and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore, by an oath the Lord gave him glory in his posterity. He gave him the blessing of all nations and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings, He preserved for him His mercy: and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood, and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name, and to offer Him due incense for an odor of sweetness.

GOSPEL. Luke xi. 33-36.

At that time Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel: but upon a candlestick, that they that come in may see the light. The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body will be lightsome: but if it be evil, thy body also will be darksome. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If then thy whole body be lightsome, having no part of darkness, the whole shall be lightsome, and as a bright lamp shall enlighten thee.

What does this gospel teach us?

1. The same that it once taught the Jews: thus, Jesus is always the light of the world, and He has not left Himself without witness that He is so. This light is ever shining upon the world in His doctrines, His life, His acts, in His Church and in the mysteries of grace laid up therein, in the growth and preservation of that Church, and in the miracles which to this hour continue to be wrought within it. Hence, if we do not know Him, if we do not obey and reverence His Church, it is but blindness and obduracy on our part; there is wanting to us a pure, sincere mind, that loves only the truth. This gospel accordingly admonishes us:

2. That we should acquire such a mind; for, says Jesus, as a sound, clear eye keeps the whole body always in the right direction, and guides it in all its movements, while an eye that is awry, or otherwise defective, causes the body to fall, in like manner a heart that is pure and always turned towards God gives the right direction to our thoughts, wishes, and actions, and causes us to see the light of truth, whereas a heart fixed upon the various goods of the world, but blinded to God, fills our thoughts, wishes, and actions with corruption and sin. How great in that case must be the darkness, the depravity, the misery!

3. This gospel contains the emblem of that which, all superiors, masters, heads of families, parents and particularly priests should be, namely, lights, like Jesus Himself. For this they are set upon the candlestick. They are, accordingly, to give light by their teaching and life, by their avoidance of scandals; of that which every Christian should be a light, by his faith, his good works. Finally, of the temper with which the faithful and all inferiors should meet those who are set over them, with believing and trusting minds.

Prayer to St. Martin,

O St. Martin, precious heart of the priesthood, loving father of the poor, bright example of the religious, who, out of zeal for the glory of God, couldst neither be overcome by labor nor by death itself, at whose departure hence the angels therefore rejoiced, I implore thee, through thy powerful intercession, to obtain for me a heart full of compassion for the needy, for the apostolic pastors of the Church, true zeal, and for all, on the bed of death, the grace by which, after this life of misery, we may together enter into that joy of the Lord which thou, as a good and faithful servant, already possessest.

In honor of St. Martin today would be a good day to go through our closets and cut our cloaks in half to donate to the poor. While serving in Germany myself I have a fond memory of St. Martin Day in which my children participated in the nighttime St. Martins Day Parade in the small town of Gersbach, Germany. On St. Martin's Day, children in Flanders, the southern and north-western parts of the Netherlands, and the Catholic areas of Germany and Austria still participate in paper lantern processions. Often, a man dressed as St. Martin rides on a horse in front of the procession.

The children sing songs about St. Martin and about their lanterns. The food traditionally eaten on the day is goose, a rich bird. According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location to the people who were looking for him.

Things to do[9]

Recite the Iste Confessor in honor of St. Martin.
Cook a special dinner of roast goose or duck in honor of St. Martin. Bake some horseshoe cookies.
In Europe this day is traditionally known as Martinmas. Many foods and traditions are connected with this day. See also Women for Faith and Family for more Catholic traditions.
St. Martin is patron saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau Beaujolais wine from France.
Read Painting Angels, Saints and Their Symbols for a discussion about St. Martin's symbols in art.
For more biographies and other information on St. Martin, read Patron Saints Index.
See the Life of St Martin as depicted in the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral (c.1220) here.
The children will enjoy this dessert St. Martin's Horseshoes and you can learn more about customs for this feast.

CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS[10]

In the Christian era the custom of celebrating a thanksgiving harvest festival began in the High Middle Ages. For lack of any definite liturgical day or ceremony prescribed by the Church, various practices came to be observed locally. In many places, as in Hungary, the Feast of the Assumption included great thanksgiving solemnities for the grain harvest. Delegates from all parts of the country came for the solemn procession to Budapest, carrying the best samples of their produce. A similar ceremony was observed in Poland, where harvest wreaths brought to Warsaw from all sections were bestowed on the president in a colorful pageant. These wreaths (wieniec), made up of the straw of the last sheaf (broda), were beautifully decorated with flowers, apples, nuts, and ribbons, and blessed in churches by the priests.

The most common, and almost universal, harvest and thanksgiving celebration in medieval times was held on the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours (Martinmas) on November 11.

It was a holiday in Germany, France, Holland, England, and in central Europe. People first went to Mass and observed the rest of the day with games, dances, parades, and a festive dinner, the main feature of the meal being the traditional roast goose (Martin's goose). With the goose dinner they drank "Saint Martin's wine," which was the first lot of wine made from the grapes of the recent harvest. Martinmas was the festival commemorating filled barns and stocked larders, the actual Thanksgiving Day of the Middle Ages. Even today it is still kept in rural sections of Europe, and dinner on Martin's Day would be unthinkable without the golden-brown, luscious Martin's goose.

Today is Veterans Day. Let us remember to pray today for both our military and veterans. Also ask today's Holy Saint Martin of Tours to intercede for our military and veterans who have born the yoke of service to this nation.

Bible in a Year Day 129 David commits Adultery

Fr. Mike breaks down David's tragic downfall as he commits adultery with Bathsheba and kills her husband, Uriah the Hittite. We learn that David's road to grave sin began with small acts of disobedience and selfishness. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 11, 1 Chronicles 14-15, and Psalm 32.

Veterans Day^{^[11]}

106^th Anniversary of the end of WWI[12]

Veterans Day seeks to honor and give thanks to all the men and women who have served and are serving in the US Armed Forces. Ceremonies are held across the country at Veterans Hospitals, cemeteries, and National Monuments. At 11:00 a.m. EST, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery.

At this ceremony the President of the United States, or his assigned ambassador, places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans Day is observed on November 11th each year.

Veterans Day Facts & Quotes

· In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation urging the nation to support the Veterans Day effort in any way possible.

· During World War II, over 16 million men and women served in the military. The war resulted in over 400,000 deaths.

· The War of Global Terrorism, encompassing October 7, 2001, to May 29, 2012, has seen 54,820 casualties of which 6,456 resulted in death.

· This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. - Elmer Davis

Veterans Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Volunteer at a local VA facility.

· Thank everyone you know who has served in the armed forces.

· Take flowers to the grave sites of deceased military personnel.

· Invite local veterans to a special luncheon in their honor.

· Make a donation of time or money to a local Veterans organization.

Remember we are all in a battle with the forces of evil that seek the destruction of ourselves and our prosperity.

Are You Tough Enough for the VETERAN’S Workout Challenge?

[13]

45-minute program to push your body and mind to the limit.

The Warmup

warmup movements that will directly prepare your body for the challenging work ahead. Repeat 3 rounds before starting the workout.

10 Lunge and reach
10 Prisoner Squats
10 Inchworms to Cobra

Mental Challenge

Lay out 10 random objects. Take two minutes to memorize as many details as possible about the items. For example: the logo, color, shapes, and words.

Strength Circuit 1

Set your timer for 10 minutes. Complete 3 reps of each exercise, then 6, then 9, working your way up a 3-rep ladder.

25-meter Bear crawl
Iron mikes

Cardio Round 1

Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees

for time. The faster you finish, the more rest you have before your next set of strength work.

Strength Circuit 2

Set your timer for 10 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible. Complete both carries on one side before repeating on the other side.

50 ft Single Arm Kettlebell Farmers Carry
50 ft Single Arm Kettlebell Front Rack Carry

Cardio Round 2

Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees for time. Try to complete them faster than the first time.

Strength Circuit 3

Set your timer for 10 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible.

10 Walking lunges
10 Kettlebell swings

Cardio Round 3

Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees for time. Make this round your fastest.

Mental Challenge

Set a timer for two minutes and recite as many details as possible about the items you memorized at the beginning of the workout.

Mastering Wellness: Fight Health-Robbing Inflammation with 9 Simple Steps[14]

In a world where our daily routines are often filled with stress, unhealthy diets, and little time for self-care, inflammation has become a common health concern. Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on your body and lead to various diseases. The good news is that you can take control of your health by combating inflammation through simple yet effective steps. In this article, we'll explore how to fight health-robbing inflammation with nine practical strategies.

1. Prioritize Your Diet

The food you consume plays a pivotal role in your body's inflammatory response. To combat inflammation, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as they have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid or limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive red meat consumption, which can exacerbate inflammation.

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential to maintaining a healthy balance in your body. Dehydration can trigger inflammatory responses, so ensure you drink an adequate amount of water daily. Herbal teas and infusions like ginger and turmeric can also be great choices, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Get Active

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps reduce inflammation by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

4. Manage Stress

Stress is a well-known trigger for inflammation. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. These may include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking time for yourself to relax and unwind.

5. Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is when your body rejuvenates and repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Poor sleep can lead to increased inflammation and a higher risk of chronic diseases.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body fat can release pro-inflammatory chemicals. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce inflammation and its associated risks.

7. Say No to Smoking

Smoking is a major source of inflammation in the body. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.

8. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation, particularly in the liver. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation to minimize its impact on your body.

9. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices

Nature provides us with an array of herbs and spices known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic are just a few examples. Incorporate them into your meals and enjoy their flavor and health benefits.

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injuries and infections, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health issues. By following these nine simple steps, you can take control of your health and effectively combat health-robbing inflammation. Remember, consistency is key, and these lifestyle changes will not only reduce inflammation but also promote overall well-being. Start your journey towards a healthier, inflammation-free life today, and watch your vitality and quality of life soar.

After Workout Feast

In honor of Vets and Saint Martin we should make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.

· St. Martin is patron saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau Beaujolais wine from France.