So, last weekend, over the 9/10th, I drove to Chicago, all by myself! I took Thursday off, and despite some rain and flying flakes, made really good time.
Sad to see the Talbot's outlet store go - 5 mins from my sister's house. I will miss sometimes snagging a great deal on something.
Spent Fri. am getting a most wonderful massage from my sister! I need more work on my neck
and shoulder though. Sigh. Too far away, for another massage.
Went to the designer outlet mall. Disappointing for us plus size gals, absolutely nothing in my size.
And still expensive. Did find a pair of sandals, and a ridiculously overpriced costume jewelry necklace at Nieman Marcus - but it good wrapped in a Nieman Marcus box! Dinner was with the
future in-laws at the best Chicago deep dish pizza place. Mmmm....
I arrived in Chicago with more baggage than I care to admit. One person, one mini-van, 1 suitcase,
1 carry on, 2 bags of shower gifts for attendees, 2 bags of shower gifts for bride-to-be, 1 box of sugar cookies, 1 shopping bag with wine, flowers, Belgian truffles, 1 gift bag for sister. The middle of the van was full!!!!
So, Friday night, my niece and her intended opened their shower gifts - contained some pottery that I was not going to lug around Chicago all day long! I kept a couple smaller items for Sat.
Saturday morning, I packed a foldable tote bag with a change of clothes for going out, the two bags of gifts, 1 bag with shower gifts. There was also a bag of snacks - cheese (which I sliced up0 crackers, grapes, nuts.
Off we went, with my sister driving 5 of us into the city for our first activity. Which by the way,
was changed the day before due to the instructor being ill. Frankly, I think the substitute activity was an ever better hit. The car being parked in a parking garage across the street from the restaurant
where we would eventually have dinner, the Uber driver picked us up and drove us to a little
wine shop. All 10 of us gathered there for making a candle from a wine bottle and imbibing as we
learned and did. They even served little flatbread pizzas for us to munch on, since it was noon.
A great time was had by all and we each left with a wine bottle candle we made.
We had to scurry since the next event followed immediately and our Uber driver got us to 1/2
block to the building. With traffic heavy and slow, we popped out and hoofed it to the red awning historic building and old elevator with a gate. We found the room and in it was a mocked up
old EL rail car from which we would have an hour to escape - stop the train, defuse the bomb and get off. Well, one of the gals once worked for UBS and bombarded the guy with a ton of questions regarding strategy, working in groups or a single group and communication. Finally, she asked what
the success rate was in getting out. I couldn't believe that it was only 18 percent!
Into the rail car we went, for the fastest hour in my life. These gals were so quick and smart, and
there was constant activity and calling out clues and figuring out the padlock combinations, and
putting clues together. I admit I was not the greatest of help until near the end. There was one
last padlocked cabinet. I was handed a set of keys to open it. I glanced at the padlock which was a Master, and looked at the first key, and thought this one will fit it and it did, revealing the wire
bombs. The green wire identified, there was one last key to the door of the rail car and we
escaped with 34 seconds to spare! We were ecstatic! we conquered! We did it!
My head was spinning from the chaos of it all and so we headed to a bar just a few doors down.
It was full. at 4 pm on a Sat. and the place was full and it wasn't the only bar. Eventually we snagged
a table and even near the end enough chairs. Refreshments and some appetizers for everyone. It was
the noisiest place ever. I guess that's what regular folks do in the city - the spend the afternoon in
a bar with friends! who knew?
My niece opened her gifts and everyone got their shower party favors that yes I had been lugging
around all day.
From there our next Uber driver got us to the restaurant for dinner - where we met the groom
to be and his dad. My BIL arrived about 40 minutes later - traffic being so heavy.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a small Cuban Restaurant that was darn near as noisy as the bar
and it wasn't even our table of 15!!! Dinner lasted nearly 4 hours.
Then it was over to the garage for our change of clothes bags.
A 5 block walk in a New York minute to the hotel my niece was spending the night at, and a
quick change into clothes.
We went down to the Hotel Lobby and garnered two tables and several comfy chairs. The other
gals drifted and we all had a night cap. Us, older folks, decided that at this time 12 midnight, we
were too tired to go out after all. My niece said the lounge was just 5 blocks away - but in reality
it was a mile away. We left it to the young ones and headed home.
I think I crawled into bed at near 2 am, utterly exhausted.
Thankfully, we slept in Sunday morning and headed out for brunch. 3 people, 2 bloody Marys, 1 Mimosa, 3 coffees, 2 Crab Eggs Benedict, 1 Traditional breakfast (eggs, sausage, toast) and a side
order of bacon and $70.00 later, we were full and headed home for a very leisurely afternoon of
doing nothing.
My niece and her intended came by late in the afternoon (for dinner, of course!) and told us
that even they didn't make it to the lounge! They just stayed in the hotel lobby and for another round or so of drinks!
I left Monday morning and had a good drive back.
What a whirlwind weekend! I think it took all of last week to truly recover. I can't imagine what the wedding weekend will be like! Pure and utter craziness, but goodness in celebrating and family
being together.
I think I'll try to work in an extra nap or two before hand!
Monday, April 18, 2016
FRIDAY FIVE - UNFINISHED THINGS
Many things need attention but this Friday Five* focuses on 5 unfinished things:
1. My sermon for this coming Sunday. God grant me wisdom and insight.
2. The wedding sermon and ceremony for my niece in May. Still largely not together. Bits
and pieces are there.
3. The pile of clothes that need to be bagged for donation. Yikes! That was to be a Lenten
act of stewardship. I blew that one big time!
4. Hemming my husband's linen pants for said wedding.
5. Finding sandals/shoes for the wedding that aren't a mile high and won't hurt my bunions
and feet, look cute and go with the dress. (This one may be a feat in futility!)
6. There is so much more - something for the potluck at the UM church Sat. evening, cleaning
house, wrapping my great-niece's birthday gifts - she'll be 2! Graduation card for my
niece with a check for getting her MD/PhD. Getting the van washed, an oil change needed as
well. And getting gardening work done and stuff planted in the midst of all going on.
*I am well aware this is Monday. I worked on my sermon and liturgy for Joy Sunday on
Friday morning, ran errands, tweaked a memorial service sermon. On Sat. I did grocery
shopping, filled the gas tank of the van, and officiated a memorial service, gathered items
needed for Joy Sunday - made a poster, got costumes, giveaways, cloths, my red nose, etc.
I ran around all Sunday morning, let worship, enjoyed the church brunch, drove the hour
home, filled the gas tank and plunked down for a nap. So Friday Five is late!!!!
1. My sermon for this coming Sunday. God grant me wisdom and insight.
2. The wedding sermon and ceremony for my niece in May. Still largely not together. Bits
and pieces are there.
3. The pile of clothes that need to be bagged for donation. Yikes! That was to be a Lenten
act of stewardship. I blew that one big time!
4. Hemming my husband's linen pants for said wedding.
5. Finding sandals/shoes for the wedding that aren't a mile high and won't hurt my bunions
and feet, look cute and go with the dress. (This one may be a feat in futility!)
6. There is so much more - something for the potluck at the UM church Sat. evening, cleaning
house, wrapping my great-niece's birthday gifts - she'll be 2! Graduation card for my
niece with a check for getting her MD/PhD. Getting the van washed, an oil change needed as
well. And getting gardening work done and stuff planted in the midst of all going on.
*I am well aware this is Monday. I worked on my sermon and liturgy for Joy Sunday on
Friday morning, ran errands, tweaked a memorial service sermon. On Sat. I did grocery
shopping, filled the gas tank of the van, and officiated a memorial service, gathered items
needed for Joy Sunday - made a poster, got costumes, giveaways, cloths, my red nose, etc.
I ran around all Sunday morning, let worship, enjoyed the church brunch, drove the hour
home, filled the gas tank and plunked down for a nap. So Friday Five is late!!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
POST EASTER
What a glorious Easter we enjoyed - after, after all the mid-week Lenten services; preaching 7 times
in 5 weeks, and Maundy Thurs and Good Friday and after all the preparation and Sundays in Lent -
a gloriously joyful Easter! The sun shone brightly and we were at 70 F. It couldn't have been a
better day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.
I did manage a nap on Easter afternoon.
But what has been most surprising is how tired I have been this week - especially Monday and Tuesday. Even today I am dragging and am ready for a snooze. Sigh. I suppose all the busyness of
all these past weeks has come to a hilt.
But now, I am consumed with getting the next Sundays together, my niece's non-traditional shower gift items together and her diploma cookies.
The shower is next weekend - yay! I'm ready for a mini-vacation, but I know how busy it all will be that it won't be a bit restful. Plus the 7 hour drive to Chicago and back. I still have the gift bags to put together, and gathering up the shower gifts into a bit tote bag and pulling out my suitcase. I don't even know what I will be wearing.
There will be a meeting Monday night of our Lutheran cluster churches. It is further away this
month and I will just plan to leave by 8:45 pm and hope to be home by 10:30 pm. Then I am at the
Methodist church on Tuesday. And Wednesday at the Lutheran church with a Music and Worship meeting that night which I pray will be done by 7pm, so that I will be home by 8 pm, able to last
minute pack and get a good night's rest for the long drive on Thursday.
I am anticipating a massage from my dear sister, which will go a long way to help come back from the stresses and lack of time since November.
All around me I see signs of new life - itty bitty leaves on the potentilla bushes, tulips with buds soon to open daffodils still blooming, anenomies & hyacinths blooming, trees starting to bud out and bushes beginning to wear spring green. The garden will soon be calling to be weeded and planted and
a stack of egg shells are waiting to be crushed into garden adding calcium for the tomatoes. I, too, long for new life - more joy, less responsibility(my middle-name), and just stretches of time to
breathe, to think, to relax, to dream, to read, to just be...
It will come, I pray, in June!
I still have to plan for the wedding ceremony in May and get the sermon and service together.
I celebrate that my niece got her first match for her residency, that she laid aside her own want
and desire to have a different first choice and consider the need of her intended - she is growing up
and maturing. I celebrate that she defended her dissertation and passed and can now look to her two graduations - MD & PhD, and her new life together with her soon-to-be-husband.
But for now, a deep breath, and just a wee space to recover and refresh, before the next round
of craziness!
I am thankful for a most glorious Easter and that all went so well. Thanks be to God - for new life,
for forgiveness, for the hope in which we live and breathe, for a love so deep, so great.
in 5 weeks, and Maundy Thurs and Good Friday and after all the preparation and Sundays in Lent -
a gloriously joyful Easter! The sun shone brightly and we were at 70 F. It couldn't have been a
better day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.
I did manage a nap on Easter afternoon.
But what has been most surprising is how tired I have been this week - especially Monday and Tuesday. Even today I am dragging and am ready for a snooze. Sigh. I suppose all the busyness of
all these past weeks has come to a hilt.
But now, I am consumed with getting the next Sundays together, my niece's non-traditional shower gift items together and her diploma cookies.
The shower is next weekend - yay! I'm ready for a mini-vacation, but I know how busy it all will be that it won't be a bit restful. Plus the 7 hour drive to Chicago and back. I still have the gift bags to put together, and gathering up the shower gifts into a bit tote bag and pulling out my suitcase. I don't even know what I will be wearing.
There will be a meeting Monday night of our Lutheran cluster churches. It is further away this
month and I will just plan to leave by 8:45 pm and hope to be home by 10:30 pm. Then I am at the
Methodist church on Tuesday. And Wednesday at the Lutheran church with a Music and Worship meeting that night which I pray will be done by 7pm, so that I will be home by 8 pm, able to last
minute pack and get a good night's rest for the long drive on Thursday.
I am anticipating a massage from my dear sister, which will go a long way to help come back from the stresses and lack of time since November.
All around me I see signs of new life - itty bitty leaves on the potentilla bushes, tulips with buds soon to open daffodils still blooming, anenomies & hyacinths blooming, trees starting to bud out and bushes beginning to wear spring green. The garden will soon be calling to be weeded and planted and
a stack of egg shells are waiting to be crushed into garden adding calcium for the tomatoes. I, too, long for new life - more joy, less responsibility(my middle-name), and just stretches of time to
breathe, to think, to relax, to dream, to read, to just be...
It will come, I pray, in June!
I still have to plan for the wedding ceremony in May and get the sermon and service together.
I celebrate that my niece got her first match for her residency, that she laid aside her own want
and desire to have a different first choice and consider the need of her intended - she is growing up
and maturing. I celebrate that she defended her dissertation and passed and can now look to her two graduations - MD & PhD, and her new life together with her soon-to-be-husband.
But for now, a deep breath, and just a wee space to recover and refresh, before the next round
of craziness!
I am thankful for a most glorious Easter and that all went so well. Thanks be to God - for new life,
for forgiveness, for the hope in which we live and breathe, for a love so deep, so great.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
LENTEN DAYS
Lent arrived quicker than I would have liked. Lent is going quicker than I would have thought!
Six purpled weeks and I am still planning for Holy Week and Easter.
This year the Lutheran Cluster is doing a round robin for mid-week services. That means each week I am preaching the same sermon at a different church using the Evening Prayer Service which I am not chanting. The topic is the covenant of baptism - focusing each week on a different part of the
promises we make at baptism. I picked my week and was told that the focus was servant leadership following the example of Christ. The gospel reading was part of Maundy Thursday's reading. I just couldn't get past preaching two Maundy Thursday sermons. So I changed the reading to Philippians 2:5-11 which talks about Christ becoming a slave (servant) emptying himself and dying on the cross.
When the bulletins arrived, my part then was worded as it is in the ELW - caring for others and God's creation. That is not necessarily the same as servant leadership.
I fumed. I muddled. I had something sort of worked out in my head. And then the focus changed.
What would I do?
And in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday - with a funeral thrown in - I was stressed. I needed
to come up with a sermon. My neck got sore again. About a week and a half ago, I tossed my head, and near fell to my knees for the pain of it. That was a stupid thing to do! Ouch! Last Saturday, morning I worked on that sermon and it came together - somehow the two joined - serving after the
example of Christ caring for others and God's creation. And then wonder of wonders, my neck pain was totally gone! As if that one sermon, was causing all the pain and once written and put together, healed my neck. I am grateful. I felt as though a burden had been lifted from me.
But now, lies before me, the rest of Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. I have ordered wildflower seeded crosses to give out on Easter Sunday as we look for signs of life around us.
I have something partially together for Maundy Thursday. The rest of which I am working on.
Good Friday remains a mystery at the moment!
In the midst of all this, I am to plan the wedding ceremony for my niece and godchild which will happen May 21st. I need to give them some options for vows, etc. I have part of a sermon worked up and will have to finish off.
The shower will be April 9th - and I am providing the party favors. Thankfully, my niece wants things simple and not a formal blown out bridal affair. The wedding is a simple outdoor ceremony and party with barbeque. She doesn't have a bridal gown - just a nice dress. So, that helps.
For the bridal shower, I went to three craft stores looking for lavender paper bags with handles, none to be found. There were purples ones in a pack of multi-colored bags. So, on-line I went and found some. Ordered. Done. I will need to fill little plastic purses with lavender M & M's the week after Easter and put the cute heart-shaped murano-like glass compact mirrors in the bags. Cookies are ordered and everyone will get the most delicious frosted sugar cookie in their bags as well.
I have to wrap all the shower gifts as well. I will do a little at a time since I have several items.
Somehow, it will all get done and in-between I will get the rest I need. I figure between now and Pentecost, it will just be a non-stop marathon just like from November until January. And already
half the year will be gone! Yikes!
This would be the year with the early Lent!
Oh, and since my niece is graduating with an MD/PhD just before her wedding, I am putting
together Diploma Cookies and taking the can with for her shower. These are Pirouline (rolled hazelnut/chocolate wafers) with a string of red raspberry licorice tied around them. I figured
red raspberry would taste better than strawberry with the chocolate and hazelnut. Thankfully, there
is a bulk candy warehouse in Cleveland - not far from the other church I serve - where I found the
licorice.
My Lent is full, filled to overflowing and I am trying to keep my focus there. That is my Lenten
disciple this year - only I am often distracted by the wedding stuff. I am thankful for God's grace that forgives and will bring through - hopefully as sanely as possible!
Six purpled weeks and I am still planning for Holy Week and Easter.
This year the Lutheran Cluster is doing a round robin for mid-week services. That means each week I am preaching the same sermon at a different church using the Evening Prayer Service which I am not chanting. The topic is the covenant of baptism - focusing each week on a different part of the
promises we make at baptism. I picked my week and was told that the focus was servant leadership following the example of Christ. The gospel reading was part of Maundy Thursday's reading. I just couldn't get past preaching two Maundy Thursday sermons. So I changed the reading to Philippians 2:5-11 which talks about Christ becoming a slave (servant) emptying himself and dying on the cross.
When the bulletins arrived, my part then was worded as it is in the ELW - caring for others and God's creation. That is not necessarily the same as servant leadership.
I fumed. I muddled. I had something sort of worked out in my head. And then the focus changed.
What would I do?
And in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday - with a funeral thrown in - I was stressed. I needed
to come up with a sermon. My neck got sore again. About a week and a half ago, I tossed my head, and near fell to my knees for the pain of it. That was a stupid thing to do! Ouch! Last Saturday, morning I worked on that sermon and it came together - somehow the two joined - serving after the
example of Christ caring for others and God's creation. And then wonder of wonders, my neck pain was totally gone! As if that one sermon, was causing all the pain and once written and put together, healed my neck. I am grateful. I felt as though a burden had been lifted from me.
But now, lies before me, the rest of Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. I have ordered wildflower seeded crosses to give out on Easter Sunday as we look for signs of life around us.
I have something partially together for Maundy Thursday. The rest of which I am working on.
Good Friday remains a mystery at the moment!
In the midst of all this, I am to plan the wedding ceremony for my niece and godchild which will happen May 21st. I need to give them some options for vows, etc. I have part of a sermon worked up and will have to finish off.
The shower will be April 9th - and I am providing the party favors. Thankfully, my niece wants things simple and not a formal blown out bridal affair. The wedding is a simple outdoor ceremony and party with barbeque. She doesn't have a bridal gown - just a nice dress. So, that helps.
For the bridal shower, I went to three craft stores looking for lavender paper bags with handles, none to be found. There were purples ones in a pack of multi-colored bags. So, on-line I went and found some. Ordered. Done. I will need to fill little plastic purses with lavender M & M's the week after Easter and put the cute heart-shaped murano-like glass compact mirrors in the bags. Cookies are ordered and everyone will get the most delicious frosted sugar cookie in their bags as well.
I have to wrap all the shower gifts as well. I will do a little at a time since I have several items.
Somehow, it will all get done and in-between I will get the rest I need. I figure between now and Pentecost, it will just be a non-stop marathon just like from November until January. And already
half the year will be gone! Yikes!
This would be the year with the early Lent!
Oh, and since my niece is graduating with an MD/PhD just before her wedding, I am putting
together Diploma Cookies and taking the can with for her shower. These are Pirouline (rolled hazelnut/chocolate wafers) with a string of red raspberry licorice tied around them. I figured
red raspberry would taste better than strawberry with the chocolate and hazelnut. Thankfully, there
is a bulk candy warehouse in Cleveland - not far from the other church I serve - where I found the
licorice.
My Lent is full, filled to overflowing and I am trying to keep my focus there. That is my Lenten
disciple this year - only I am often distracted by the wedding stuff. I am thankful for God's grace that forgives and will bring through - hopefully as sanely as possible!
Sunday, January 24, 2016
FRIDAY FIVE - ANIMAL EDITION
So the challenge for us this week is to write about animals. OK and I know this is two days late.
pent Friday cleaning house and Sat. running errands and prepping for Sunday, but here we go anyway:
- Tell us about an animal you know: perhaps one of your pets, or the pet of a friend or family member, or the cat that hangs around the church.
- What’s your favorite real animal? Walking stick bug? Penguin? T-Rex? Echidna?
- What’s your favorite fantasy/mythological animal? Unicorns? Hippogryphs?
- What’s your favorite fictional animal – Scooby Doo? Garfield the Cat? Grape Ape?
- What animal best represents who you are today, and why? Is it an animal that exhibits fierceness? Or one that’s loyal?
with a bit of a hard shell but soft on the inside. Able to navigate land and water.
Will stick its neck out at times and can disappear into its shell. There are other
attributes, but I can't remember them.
Obviously, since all the questions are numbered one, I had some trouble with this one.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
A NEW YEAR
Yes, a new year! I survived Christmas and New Year's. I had two services Christmas Eve and finally arrived home at 11:45 pm where LH greeted me with brie and champagne! Traffic was a bit heavier this year due to the mild weather.
Christmas was a lazy laidback and quiet day.
On Saturday I promptly got sick and gave up my dinner.
On Sunday, I cleaned two bathrooms and napped for an hour. I did other preparations and rested in between. I was totally wrung out. My niece and her intended arrived and we spent 40 minutes introducing the dogs to one another. Since they came a bit later, appetizers were dispensed with and I made chicken curry, couscous and spinach au gratin. Brownies were served for dessert. I really wasn't all that with it. They opened gifts and played a couple rounds of Jenga and then off to bed.
On Monday, I was starving at 6 am, so I got up at 6:45am and ate some breakfast and had coffee. I really couldn't wait for the others. On Sunday all I had was a piece of bread, and some curry chicken, a spoonful of spinach, and a spoonful of couscous. I was also feeling a bit better. I made multigrain blueberry pancakes for the company and LH. LH slept in while my niece and J came down. Had great discussion about the upcoming wedding in May.
They left near noon while I had a vet appointment at 12:15 which I made that morning since Jazz had a lump in his cheek and wouldn't let me touch it on Sunday. He had an abcessed tooth and on Tues early morning, I took him to vet hospital for a dental. They took most of his molars and he's healed up now.
On Sunday I received word on the death of a parishioner and the funeral was 12-31. Most of the day was spent at church. When I got home, I made brownies for dessert on NYD and mixed meatballs for our midnight snack. (There's also champagne and panettone)
On New Year's Day, I made eggs benedict for LH and I, although he poached his own eggs when he finally came downstairs. I cleaned bathrooms again and prepped for my SIL's who came to
celebrate New Year's Day with us. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon, snacking, talking, trying to Skype which didn't work out, opening gifts and having a ham dinner.
On Monday, Jan 4th I had a meeting and didn't get home til 10 pm. A meeting on Wed. evening and was home by 8:30 pm.
It has been non-stop, except for a few hours here and there to nap and recharge.
My star word for this year is:JOY!
I was hoping for a more complex word. I have always had joy in my life. But perhaps, in these
months, I haven't felt it like I should. So perhaps, God, in God's great wisdom gave me this word to help me reclaim the joy in my life - lately it's been all about duty and responsibility. So I will look
for those things that bring joy to my soul, laugh more, and just savor the joy of the Lord.
In the meanwhile: Lent is coming. I have put together a Giving Calendar, working on the church
women's retreat (Feb.5 & 6), and trying to work up Ash Wednesday. Then I need to work on a
sermon for the every Wednesday round -robin preaching at 5 different Lutheran churches. 1 sermon preached 5 times in 5 different churches. And two of those churches have a noon and evening service and we are to do both. Ughhh...and then there's Holy Week and Easter to plan and prep.
I get tired just thinking about it all. JOY!
Perhaps, summer will ease things somewhat. One can hope and dream.
Christmas was a lazy laidback and quiet day.
On Saturday I promptly got sick and gave up my dinner.
On Sunday, I cleaned two bathrooms and napped for an hour. I did other preparations and rested in between. I was totally wrung out. My niece and her intended arrived and we spent 40 minutes introducing the dogs to one another. Since they came a bit later, appetizers were dispensed with and I made chicken curry, couscous and spinach au gratin. Brownies were served for dessert. I really wasn't all that with it. They opened gifts and played a couple rounds of Jenga and then off to bed.
On Monday, I was starving at 6 am, so I got up at 6:45am and ate some breakfast and had coffee. I really couldn't wait for the others. On Sunday all I had was a piece of bread, and some curry chicken, a spoonful of spinach, and a spoonful of couscous. I was also feeling a bit better. I made multigrain blueberry pancakes for the company and LH. LH slept in while my niece and J came down. Had great discussion about the upcoming wedding in May.
They left near noon while I had a vet appointment at 12:15 which I made that morning since Jazz had a lump in his cheek and wouldn't let me touch it on Sunday. He had an abcessed tooth and on Tues early morning, I took him to vet hospital for a dental. They took most of his molars and he's healed up now.
On Sunday I received word on the death of a parishioner and the funeral was 12-31. Most of the day was spent at church. When I got home, I made brownies for dessert on NYD and mixed meatballs for our midnight snack. (There's also champagne and panettone)
On New Year's Day, I made eggs benedict for LH and I, although he poached his own eggs when he finally came downstairs. I cleaned bathrooms again and prepped for my SIL's who came to
celebrate New Year's Day with us. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon, snacking, talking, trying to Skype which didn't work out, opening gifts and having a ham dinner.
On Monday, Jan 4th I had a meeting and didn't get home til 10 pm. A meeting on Wed. evening and was home by 8:30 pm.
It has been non-stop, except for a few hours here and there to nap and recharge.
My star word for this year is:JOY!
I was hoping for a more complex word. I have always had joy in my life. But perhaps, in these
months, I haven't felt it like I should. So perhaps, God, in God's great wisdom gave me this word to help me reclaim the joy in my life - lately it's been all about duty and responsibility. So I will look
for those things that bring joy to my soul, laugh more, and just savor the joy of the Lord.
In the meanwhile: Lent is coming. I have put together a Giving Calendar, working on the church
women's retreat (Feb.5 & 6), and trying to work up Ash Wednesday. Then I need to work on a
sermon for the every Wednesday round -robin preaching at 5 different Lutheran churches. 1 sermon preached 5 times in 5 different churches. And two of those churches have a noon and evening service and we are to do both. Ughhh...and then there's Holy Week and Easter to plan and prep.
I get tired just thinking about it all. JOY!
Perhaps, summer will ease things somewhat. One can hope and dream.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
AN EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT
So, we here on the North Coast are enjoying incredibly unseasonable weather! We will be in the 60's today! Unheard of!
Yesterday, it was in the 50's and I was on the front porch before dinner time, when I spied what I thought was a leaf that blown into the potentilla bush. So, down the stairs I went and upon closer
inspection saw a mantis egg sac! On this one bush, I tied on a mantis egg sac just this past fall that I found on a spent coneflower stem. Wanting to save it, I tied the stem onto the potentilla bush. This other egg sac I missed because the leaves were still on the bush back then.
Out of curiosity, I looked in the other flower bed across the front steps and lo and behold, in that
potentilla bush was another egg sac! Never had one there before.
I thought I had rescued one egg sac this fall and was thankful that I didn't throw with the rest of
cut down stems over the back fence. But now, this discovery, this gift of 3 egg sacs this year!
I am thinking we will be crawling with mantis come June!!! Hope they migrate to our neighbors so we can share the abundance.
If it hadn't been for this mild weather, would I have even spotted the 2 other egg sacs?
Feel like I was given an early Christmas gift!
Looks like my yard is mantis friendly!!!
Thanks to God for this extra gift and may they survive the winter!
Yesterday, it was in the 50's and I was on the front porch before dinner time, when I spied what I thought was a leaf that blown into the potentilla bush. So, down the stairs I went and upon closer
inspection saw a mantis egg sac! On this one bush, I tied on a mantis egg sac just this past fall that I found on a spent coneflower stem. Wanting to save it, I tied the stem onto the potentilla bush. This other egg sac I missed because the leaves were still on the bush back then.
Out of curiosity, I looked in the other flower bed across the front steps and lo and behold, in that
potentilla bush was another egg sac! Never had one there before.
I thought I had rescued one egg sac this fall and was thankful that I didn't throw with the rest of
cut down stems over the back fence. But now, this discovery, this gift of 3 egg sacs this year!
I am thinking we will be crawling with mantis come June!!! Hope they migrate to our neighbors so we can share the abundance.
If it hadn't been for this mild weather, would I have even spotted the 2 other egg sacs?
Feel like I was given an early Christmas gift!
Looks like my yard is mantis friendly!!!
Thanks to God for this extra gift and may they survive the winter!
Monday, December 21, 2015
CHRISTMAS WEEK
Ahh, the sermon is mostly done! The magnets are done and ready to be given out to folks who come to worship Christmas Eve - Behold the wonder of God's Love. It is also the unpublished title of my sermon and theme for this year.
The staff gifts are bagged and ready to be distributed including LH's secretary.
The gift bags for my niece and her fiancé are mostly done - just need the finishing flourish of tissue paper.
The gifts for my sisters in law are still to be wrapped! Will happen in the next two nights. And bagged.
A food list is in process - every couple days - something is added and will be picked up!
The guest bedroom needs to be dusted and the beds made for my niece and her fiancé when they come right after Christmas.
I have a parishioner in hospice and may not last the week - although yesterday when I stopped by after church, she was doing fairly well. I pray that she will not suffer too much, for God's mercy, and if possible, to hold off til after the new year. However, I know that it is all in God's hands and I pray that I will have time to enjoy my niece and her intended. We have so precious little time to ever see
one another. That is my Christmas wish - to have time with her and J together, for some fun, to talk over the wedding in May which I will be officiating. I pray that all the dogs will get along ok - our two and their two! Poor Jazz will have all his toys taken away and hidden so as my niece's boxer doesn't get a hold of them - he's a toy destroyer. Jazz has a few beloved toys that don't deserve to be utterly destroyed!
I still have to email three Christmas letter to family and friend. All the cards and letters have been mailed.
I had hoped to bake some European spiced cookies - just for the fun of it - after Christmas. Don't know if that will happen. Depends on how the hospice patient is doing.
I still need to get the little evergreen wreath out of the garage, slide some red berry twigs into it
and put it on our kitchen table. In the next night or two, that will also happen!
On Christmas Eve morning, I have bread dough to make for the Swiss bread to bake before I leave for a full night of church.
Then just maybe, I'll be ready for Christmas and can enjoy Christmas Eve Day, Evening and Christmas.
I need time myself, to Behold the wonder of God's love. May you behold the wonder of God's love
this Christmas with time to notice, to hold, to see the precious and tremendous love come to you and for you in the Christ child.
The staff gifts are bagged and ready to be distributed including LH's secretary.
The gift bags for my niece and her fiancé are mostly done - just need the finishing flourish of tissue paper.
The gifts for my sisters in law are still to be wrapped! Will happen in the next two nights. And bagged.
A food list is in process - every couple days - something is added and will be picked up!
The guest bedroom needs to be dusted and the beds made for my niece and her fiancé when they come right after Christmas.
I have a parishioner in hospice and may not last the week - although yesterday when I stopped by after church, she was doing fairly well. I pray that she will not suffer too much, for God's mercy, and if possible, to hold off til after the new year. However, I know that it is all in God's hands and I pray that I will have time to enjoy my niece and her intended. We have so precious little time to ever see
one another. That is my Christmas wish - to have time with her and J together, for some fun, to talk over the wedding in May which I will be officiating. I pray that all the dogs will get along ok - our two and their two! Poor Jazz will have all his toys taken away and hidden so as my niece's boxer doesn't get a hold of them - he's a toy destroyer. Jazz has a few beloved toys that don't deserve to be utterly destroyed!
I still have to email three Christmas letter to family and friend. All the cards and letters have been mailed.
I had hoped to bake some European spiced cookies - just for the fun of it - after Christmas. Don't know if that will happen. Depends on how the hospice patient is doing.
I still need to get the little evergreen wreath out of the garage, slide some red berry twigs into it
and put it on our kitchen table. In the next night or two, that will also happen!
On Christmas Eve morning, I have bread dough to make for the Swiss bread to bake before I leave for a full night of church.
Then just maybe, I'll be ready for Christmas and can enjoy Christmas Eve Day, Evening and Christmas.
I need time myself, to Behold the wonder of God's love. May you behold the wonder of God's love
this Christmas with time to notice, to hold, to see the precious and tremendous love come to you and for you in the Christ child.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
FINAL COUNTDOWN
In just a week it will be Christmas and I have the liturgy together. I just have to print out the scriptures and write the sermon that is floating around in bits and pieces in my mind. It has been a hectic Advent season and for some reason, this year, it has taken me longer to get things done and
together, though not for the lack of working diligently.
Just last night, after working all morning on my 4th Sunday of Advent sermon, I left for church after lunch and stopping to get gas, then a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up 2 bags of salad. a cuke, grape tomatoes and salad dressing for the mid-week Advent potluck and service/study.
Arrived at church, checked in - email and phone. Made a visit, arrived back, worked on a couple things, turned up the heat in the classroom. Put the salad together. Enjoyed the potluck. Led the informal worship, two sessions to finish off the study, closed with prayer and benediction.
Cleaned up from the potluck and was going to leave. One woman with mental health problem and medical issue, couldn't open her car nor find her keys. She called her husband to bring the extra key.
Two of us stayed with her, so she wouldn't be by herself. It took a bit while I was chaffing at the bit to leave for home and the hour drive. Her husband arrives with the extra key - she opens the driver side door and voila! the keys are on the driver's seat! I take off for home and the hour drive.
Arriving home I set down all my stuff, put the extra salad and stuff away, do the dishes (coffee pot, breakfast & husband's lunch items. Dry the few items. Then sit down to fold and stuff German Christmas letters to family so that they can get in the mail today.
After a short rest on the couch, I made my salad and lunch for today, listened to the news, caught the weather and crashed into bed.
It was a long day. Most days have been that way. I am tired. I am worn. I am weary.
I still have staff gifts to wrap and get ready - including husband's secretary. I have LH's gifts to wrap, my sister-in-law's, my niece's and her intended's.
Every night this week I will be cutting out business cards from cardstock - with a color nativity scene and words printed on them and attaching them to vinyl magnets (one side adhesive). They will be given to everyone on Christmas Eve - 149 to go! It seemed like a great idea in October. It still is, just extra work.
In the meanwhile I remain hopeful that by the very grace of God, all will be accomplished and ready for the special celebration that is Christmas!
I just will sleep most of Christmas day!
May your Christmas be blessed and your New Year graced. May we look to God who makes all things new - especially us!
together, though not for the lack of working diligently.
Just last night, after working all morning on my 4th Sunday of Advent sermon, I left for church after lunch and stopping to get gas, then a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up 2 bags of salad. a cuke, grape tomatoes and salad dressing for the mid-week Advent potluck and service/study.
Arrived at church, checked in - email and phone. Made a visit, arrived back, worked on a couple things, turned up the heat in the classroom. Put the salad together. Enjoyed the potluck. Led the informal worship, two sessions to finish off the study, closed with prayer and benediction.
Cleaned up from the potluck and was going to leave. One woman with mental health problem and medical issue, couldn't open her car nor find her keys. She called her husband to bring the extra key.
Two of us stayed with her, so she wouldn't be by herself. It took a bit while I was chaffing at the bit to leave for home and the hour drive. Her husband arrives with the extra key - she opens the driver side door and voila! the keys are on the driver's seat! I take off for home and the hour drive.
Arriving home I set down all my stuff, put the extra salad and stuff away, do the dishes (coffee pot, breakfast & husband's lunch items. Dry the few items. Then sit down to fold and stuff German Christmas letters to family so that they can get in the mail today.
After a short rest on the couch, I made my salad and lunch for today, listened to the news, caught the weather and crashed into bed.
It was a long day. Most days have been that way. I am tired. I am worn. I am weary.
I still have staff gifts to wrap and get ready - including husband's secretary. I have LH's gifts to wrap, my sister-in-law's, my niece's and her intended's.
Every night this week I will be cutting out business cards from cardstock - with a color nativity scene and words printed on them and attaching them to vinyl magnets (one side adhesive). They will be given to everyone on Christmas Eve - 149 to go! It seemed like a great idea in October. It still is, just extra work.
In the meanwhile I remain hopeful that by the very grace of God, all will be accomplished and ready for the special celebration that is Christmas!
I just will sleep most of Christmas day!
May your Christmas be blessed and your New Year graced. May we look to God who makes all things new - especially us!
Thursday, December 03, 2015
ADVENT SURPRISE
So, last Tuesday afternoon, I was on the elevator of the premier hospital (CC) on the North Coast of OH. Two doctors got off on one floor, as a nurse/or doctor (in scrubs with lab coat and I think stethoscope around her neck) got on. I was minding my own business as I usually do on an elevator. You know, not looking or staring at people. I was wearing my plastic clergy ID tag - bought 25 years ago - and use whenever I make a hospital call so that I am clearly identified as clergy. I was holding my oversized purse, and my Bible in hand.
As this woman doctor/nurse exits the elevator on the floor below my stop, she said, "Thank you for all the caring you do."
I was simply stunned. Since it was only the two of us in the elevator (unusual for this huge, busy
hospital) I knew she said it to me as she stepped out of the elevator. I thought maybe she mistook me for a hospital chaplain - but I'm sure they have CC badge and not an outdated general clergy badge.
Here was this medical professional thanking me, someone totally unknown to her, for caring for
the people I visit. I didn't know her. She didn't know me. We, often, don't credit the medical profession with faith and yet, here, this one, obviously knew the value of faith, of healing, of hope.
In this advent season, she gave thanks to one who often doesn't receive thanks.
I was so stunned by the unexpectedness of it all that she was through the elevator doors and on her
way before I even had a chance to respond!
What a gift to give a pastor in this Advent time - to say thank you for caring for all the folks that we do!
What an angel! What grace!
And when it finally sunk in - I was blessed.
Christ comes unexpectedly, when we are not always prepared, surprising us as an infant in a manger and enters our world and lives. And we are blessed beyond measure.
I will hold this gifted moment as a grace and blessing. I pray for this one who had the courage to speak these words to a complete and absolute stranger, on an elevator, and share a gift with another,
who didn't even have a chance to say, "Thank you."
But I did thank God for her.
Who knew that Advent comes in a hospital elevator!
As this woman doctor/nurse exits the elevator on the floor below my stop, she said, "Thank you for all the caring you do."
I was simply stunned. Since it was only the two of us in the elevator (unusual for this huge, busy
hospital) I knew she said it to me as she stepped out of the elevator. I thought maybe she mistook me for a hospital chaplain - but I'm sure they have CC badge and not an outdated general clergy badge.
Here was this medical professional thanking me, someone totally unknown to her, for caring for
the people I visit. I didn't know her. She didn't know me. We, often, don't credit the medical profession with faith and yet, here, this one, obviously knew the value of faith, of healing, of hope.
In this advent season, she gave thanks to one who often doesn't receive thanks.
I was so stunned by the unexpectedness of it all that she was through the elevator doors and on her
way before I even had a chance to respond!
What a gift to give a pastor in this Advent time - to say thank you for caring for all the folks that we do!
What an angel! What grace!
And when it finally sunk in - I was blessed.
Christ comes unexpectedly, when we are not always prepared, surprising us as an infant in a manger and enters our world and lives. And we are blessed beyond measure.
I will hold this gifted moment as a grace and blessing. I pray for this one who had the courage to speak these words to a complete and absolute stranger, on an elevator, and share a gift with another,
who didn't even have a chance to say, "Thank you."
But I did thank God for her.
Who knew that Advent comes in a hospital elevator!
Monday, November 09, 2015
THE CRUNCH
Yup, it's that time of year and I'm feelin' that time crunch.
The flower bed and garden have been laid to rest. I caught the mantis egg sac on a broken coneflower stem just as I reached down to toss it in the discard heap. I tied it to our potentilla bush for the winter. I was overjoyed that I found it since it would've gone over the fence and into oblivion.
For the most part, I've been busy with planning for Advent and now Christmas Eve and post-Christmas, mid-week Advent service and potlucks, weekly sermons, one funeral, confirmation class to teach and prepare communion liturgy, and cleaning house every other week. It seems the harder I work the less I get done.
I am so not ready for Christmas Eve and so not there.
I have a family Christmas letter to write and not much to say - I worked all year! Not too thrilling mind you.
I have gifts to separate, wrap and pack for shipping.
Christmas cards to write.
A Dec. newsletter article to write.
Sigh. And it's only Nov. 9th!
Oh, and did I mention, getting ready for Thanksgiving and getting all the items needed to cook and the house semi-clean?
The Crunch is hitting me hard.
As I am planning ahead post-Christmas, I noticed that Epiphany is really short this year about 5 weeks and Lent begins. I am on that snowball that's racing down a mountain gathering up snow,
getting bigger and picking up speed!
The flower bed and garden have been laid to rest. I caught the mantis egg sac on a broken coneflower stem just as I reached down to toss it in the discard heap. I tied it to our potentilla bush for the winter. I was overjoyed that I found it since it would've gone over the fence and into oblivion.
For the most part, I've been busy with planning for Advent and now Christmas Eve and post-Christmas, mid-week Advent service and potlucks, weekly sermons, one funeral, confirmation class to teach and prepare communion liturgy, and cleaning house every other week. It seems the harder I work the less I get done.
I am so not ready for Christmas Eve and so not there.
I have a family Christmas letter to write and not much to say - I worked all year! Not too thrilling mind you.
I have gifts to separate, wrap and pack for shipping.
Christmas cards to write.
A Dec. newsletter article to write.
Sigh. And it's only Nov. 9th!
Oh, and did I mention, getting ready for Thanksgiving and getting all the items needed to cook and the house semi-clean?
The Crunch is hitting me hard.
As I am planning ahead post-Christmas, I noticed that Epiphany is really short this year about 5 weeks and Lent begins. I am on that snowball that's racing down a mountain gathering up snow,
getting bigger and picking up speed!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
OCTOBER ALREADY
It's October already and I'm not ready for it, yet.
September was very busy with Rally Day and the start-up of our cooperative confirmation program.
We've had several extremely ill parishioners and most of my visitation was running from hospitals to
nursing homes. Some of the folks have been travelling between the two. I was bracing myself for at
least one funeral. Thankfully, she is back in the nursing home and looked better than she has in several weeks. Stable. I am relieved.
With October, the garden needs to be harvested and put to rest. I have plucked most of the tomatoes and pulled the basil since it's finally gotten colder at night. I still have more herbs to cut back and dry,
and pull some and put down the Sweet Peat. And of course, plant garlic for next year.
The flower beds need to be cut down, weeds pulled and cow manure and bone meal put down. Sigh. It will have wait til Saturday as Friday is my cleaning day.
I don't know how much longer I'll be at the L church - it's been three years already as their interim. I know they are in conversation with two other churches to see about sharing a pastor. So, I don't know if I need to plan for Advent/Christmas (which I think I will) but may be gone in the New Year.
I pray that God will open up another position as the part-time visitation position at the M church doesn't pay much at all.
I do feel that L church needs to move on and I do as well.
In the meantime, I know how autumn runs into holidays - thanksgiving, advent and Christmas and am beginning to prepare for the inevitable shortness of time.
I pray that God will prepare me to take leave of these folks for whom I have cared and open me to care for new ones. I will miss this church, even with their problems, and sometimes orneriness.
My van, Eirene, which is 1 year old plus a couple weeks has well over 30,000 miles on it already.
I am slowly getting weary of the commuting and dealing with drivers who hog the left lane, drive way too fast, don't use their standard equipment turn signals, drive without headlights/taillights in the rain splashed roads so you can't always judge how close you are to them (hello, your running lights being on doesn't mean your taillights are on), and of course, all of the trucks and semi's.
This year, I only had one Sunday off and am ready for at least one more. Don't know when I will fit that in.
Transition is in the air. It needs to happen. I yearn for it and I dread it. God is ever present in the constant changes in our lives. God is that steadfast ever abiding presence and I will trust.
September was very busy with Rally Day and the start-up of our cooperative confirmation program.
We've had several extremely ill parishioners and most of my visitation was running from hospitals to
nursing homes. Some of the folks have been travelling between the two. I was bracing myself for at
least one funeral. Thankfully, she is back in the nursing home and looked better than she has in several weeks. Stable. I am relieved.
With October, the garden needs to be harvested and put to rest. I have plucked most of the tomatoes and pulled the basil since it's finally gotten colder at night. I still have more herbs to cut back and dry,
and pull some and put down the Sweet Peat. And of course, plant garlic for next year.
The flower beds need to be cut down, weeds pulled and cow manure and bone meal put down. Sigh. It will have wait til Saturday as Friday is my cleaning day.
I don't know how much longer I'll be at the L church - it's been three years already as their interim. I know they are in conversation with two other churches to see about sharing a pastor. So, I don't know if I need to plan for Advent/Christmas (which I think I will) but may be gone in the New Year.
I pray that God will open up another position as the part-time visitation position at the M church doesn't pay much at all.
I do feel that L church needs to move on and I do as well.
In the meantime, I know how autumn runs into holidays - thanksgiving, advent and Christmas and am beginning to prepare for the inevitable shortness of time.
I pray that God will prepare me to take leave of these folks for whom I have cared and open me to care for new ones. I will miss this church, even with their problems, and sometimes orneriness.
My van, Eirene, which is 1 year old plus a couple weeks has well over 30,000 miles on it already.
I am slowly getting weary of the commuting and dealing with drivers who hog the left lane, drive way too fast, don't use their standard equipment turn signals, drive without headlights/taillights in the rain splashed roads so you can't always judge how close you are to them (hello, your running lights being on doesn't mean your taillights are on), and of course, all of the trucks and semi's.
This year, I only had one Sunday off and am ready for at least one more. Don't know when I will fit that in.
Transition is in the air. It needs to happen. I yearn for it and I dread it. God is ever present in the constant changes in our lives. God is that steadfast ever abiding presence and I will trust.
Saturday, September 05, 2015
RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW!
Please share with us:
I see them it is wonderful.
2. A sound that brings you joy
I love the zen-like sound of snow melting and running in the gutters! And the sound of
cow bells clanging in different tones in the Swiss mountains.
3. A taste that you savor
The melting of Swiss chocolate in my mouth followed by a glass of cold milk. Yummm.
4. A smell that brings you comfort
I love the smell of my fresh picked herbs and the scent that lingers on my hands. I love
the smell of the wood burning in our fireplace and in the crisp night air when I step out
on the porch.
5. A tactile experience that surprised you
How soft Renoir's fur is for a greyhound. He's a delight to rub and hug - except during
shedding season (8 months out of the year) when the fur flies all over!!!!
- A sight or view that brings you continual pleasure
I see them it is wonderful.
2. A sound that brings you joy
I love the zen-like sound of snow melting and running in the gutters! And the sound of
cow bells clanging in different tones in the Swiss mountains.
3. A taste that you savor
The melting of Swiss chocolate in my mouth followed by a glass of cold milk. Yummm.
4. A smell that brings you comfort
I love the smell of my fresh picked herbs and the scent that lingers on my hands. I love
the smell of the wood burning in our fireplace and in the crisp night air when I step out
on the porch.
5. A tactile experience that surprised you
How soft Renoir's fur is for a greyhound. He's a delight to rub and hug - except during
shedding season (8 months out of the year) when the fur flies all over!!!!
Monday, August 24, 2015
STARING AT SEPTEMBER
Well, August went fast!
Hard to believe that this is the last week of August. It went by fairly quickly.
And it is dry here. No real measurable rain in a month and more. Every time the forecast calls for
rain, it fizzles out before reaching us or goes to the North or to the South of us. I'm beginning to think that God has forgotten about our little corner of the county. I am having to water the garden and flowerbeds regularly. The grass is dry and crunchy.
I have been thankful for the summer lull. I really was nearly depleted before vacation and this slow time has extended and made it feel like summer.
Now it's figuring out what to teach for adult SS and how far in advance do I plan for - dare I even start thinking of Advent?
We are now in search of an organist (who resigned the beginning of August - apparently he moves
from church to church every few years) and a Treasurer (who wants to give up it for a second time!) and deserves to be relieved.
Changes that happen in the life of the church.
The L Church has begun monthly chicken dinners and selling pepperoni rolls. They have been
doing quite well but it takes most of our active members to pull it off each month. We're hoping with the start of school that the number of dinners increases as people drive by - teachers and parents bringing their kids home after school and practice. It's so convenient - you just pull up and tell them how many dinners and they deliver right to your car! For older folks this is a blessing. They have sold out nearly every month since April. And last month had over 200 orders for pepperoni rolls. I pray it continues to be a good outreach for the church.
I should have been reading more this summer. I'll get back into it. Since I did most of the driving on vacation, I didn't have as much time to read as I desired. So, it's nose into the books!
Our mantis egg sacks produced at least 2 mantises that we see from time to time. The browner one is the most elusive and this weekend they were only 12-18" apart from one another. Maybe it's a blessing their eyesight isn't all that good or so I've heard. I did saw the greener one actually yawn.
Maybe I'm spending too much time on the front porch!!!! But it is ever so fascinating. Rather than watch it on TV we have Animal Planet or Discovery Channel right in front of us! One can see life
and death, prey and predator from our own front porch!
Well, the day calls, lunch is over and I have visits to make.
Savor this last week of August and these dwindling days of summer.
Hard to believe that this is the last week of August. It went by fairly quickly.
And it is dry here. No real measurable rain in a month and more. Every time the forecast calls for
rain, it fizzles out before reaching us or goes to the North or to the South of us. I'm beginning to think that God has forgotten about our little corner of the county. I am having to water the garden and flowerbeds regularly. The grass is dry and crunchy.
I have been thankful for the summer lull. I really was nearly depleted before vacation and this slow time has extended and made it feel like summer.
Now it's figuring out what to teach for adult SS and how far in advance do I plan for - dare I even start thinking of Advent?
We are now in search of an organist (who resigned the beginning of August - apparently he moves
from church to church every few years) and a Treasurer (who wants to give up it for a second time!) and deserves to be relieved.
Changes that happen in the life of the church.
The L Church has begun monthly chicken dinners and selling pepperoni rolls. They have been
doing quite well but it takes most of our active members to pull it off each month. We're hoping with the start of school that the number of dinners increases as people drive by - teachers and parents bringing their kids home after school and practice. It's so convenient - you just pull up and tell them how many dinners and they deliver right to your car! For older folks this is a blessing. They have sold out nearly every month since April. And last month had over 200 orders for pepperoni rolls. I pray it continues to be a good outreach for the church.
I should have been reading more this summer. I'll get back into it. Since I did most of the driving on vacation, I didn't have as much time to read as I desired. So, it's nose into the books!
Our mantis egg sacks produced at least 2 mantises that we see from time to time. The browner one is the most elusive and this weekend they were only 12-18" apart from one another. Maybe it's a blessing their eyesight isn't all that good or so I've heard. I did saw the greener one actually yawn.
Maybe I'm spending too much time on the front porch!!!! But it is ever so fascinating. Rather than watch it on TV we have Animal Planet or Discovery Channel right in front of us! One can see life
and death, prey and predator from our own front porch!
Well, the day calls, lunch is over and I have visits to make.
Savor this last week of August and these dwindling days of summer.
Saturday, August 01, 2015
RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE: TAKING STOCK
We’re midway through summer (for us northern gals and pals), a good time to pause for a moment to take a breath before the force of autumn’s gravity takes hold too fiercely, and pulls us into its grasp of programming and schedules and commitments. This might be the last chance we have to pause and check in with our inner divine compass, the soul, and reflect on our inner life. Here are a few questions to consider as we do so.
What is one thing bringing you joy today?
The beautiful summer day we had - blue sky, warm temps, popcorn clouds and a quick trip into
the country through rolling farmland.
What is a disappointment you are experiencing today?
Driving past a church I served and how that all ended.
When you think about the past six months, when did your soul feel most awake?
Probably Easter Sunday and even Pentecost Sunday services.
When did you experience a sorrow or regret?
Having to leave the Lake and family when we returned home. So wish I lived closer to my
sister.
For what is your soul most longing?
A position I could stay in for the next 5 years that doesn't entail driving an hour one way!
Bonus: is there a word or image that succinctly summarizes how you find your soul today? Please share it with us.
At peace - lakeside with a calm lake, lazy waves lapping at the shore, sun and blue skies.
What is one thing bringing you joy today?
The beautiful summer day we had - blue sky, warm temps, popcorn clouds and a quick trip into
the country through rolling farmland.
What is a disappointment you are experiencing today?
Driving past a church I served and how that all ended.
When you think about the past six months, when did your soul feel most awake?
Probably Easter Sunday and even Pentecost Sunday services.
When did you experience a sorrow or regret?
Having to leave the Lake and family when we returned home. So wish I lived closer to my
sister.
For what is your soul most longing?
A position I could stay in for the next 5 years that doesn't entail driving an hour one way!
Bonus: is there a word or image that succinctly summarizes how you find your soul today? Please share it with us.
At peace - lakeside with a calm lake, lazy waves lapping at the shore, sun and blue skies.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
SUMMER LULL
Finally, after 11 months, I had my two weeks (but only 1 Sunday off) vacation!!!! Just what the doctor ordered. My spirit, my energy was so drained.
I did get into physical therapy for my neck and eventually a prescription pain killer - of which I didn't need to take many. The first one provided major relief from the pain and I actually got a decent
night's sleep. The physical therapy has been helping. I'm hoping that this may be my last week.
What really did the trick and worked the most wonders (aside from the pain killer) was the hour and a half massage I received at the healing hands of my sister! I felt so much better afterwards, almost like a new person! I wish insurance would cover massages because I would go to a massage therapist over a chiropractor any day.
Hubby and I spent an extra day in Chicago so I could get my massage and to see my niece, newly engaged. It was good to see her and to have a bit of a talk. There will be a non-traditional wedding in May and she wants me to do the service. Only I had to say, that it would be a Christian service if I did it. If she can live with that, we're on. Otherwise, she will need to make other arrangements.
The wedding will be outdoors - weather permitting - with lawn games and barbeque. Leave your fancy clothing at home. Sigh. I had looked forward to getting dressed up. I have so few chances of getting really dressed. She's not even considering a wedding gown. Sigh. I hope she doesn't regret it one day. There will be much to do and plan for before then. I did highly recommend that they get some pre-marital counseling before the wedding and she liked the idea. Thanks be to God.
We made a quick trip to Ikea just to poke around.
And then it was up to the Lake House - and our favorite once-a -year lunch stop at a Greek
restaurant for one of the best Gyros ever!
The Lake greeted us with little beach and waves. Had to walk down to the boat launch right next to
the State Park in order to walk the beach for awhile. Water levels are really high. That was so soothing for my soul - a stroll on the beach, sticking my feet in the water, and finding my first piece of beach glass!!!! After all these years, and time and walks on the beach, this was the year. It is a clear piece and I'm thinking how it could be made into a pendant. I was ever so thrilled.
I got some reading in and sitting in the sun taking in the gulls, waves, and rhythmic sound of the waves breaking on the beach, and even seeing a group of blue herons fly by.
We visited our usual spots and the fresh cheese curds with garlic and dill are a real Wisconsin treat from the cheese store.
We went to the World's Largest Outdoor One Day Fish Fry and took in the sights. The Classic Car Show featured some less than classic cars and the crafts were pretty ho-hum. (It was better 3-4 years ago). We strolled around the Sheboygan Art Fest which was a feast for the eyes and spirit. Thoroughly enjoyable and some expensive artwork and some more reasonably priced but all so
unique.
Time with family was enjoyable and good.
I could have spent another day or so at the Lake.
But we had to return, and I had the next couple of days off - laundry and grocery run, putting away
the suitcases and stuff. Cleaning house, and going to the Rubber City Art Expo on Saturday - another feast for the eyes and spirit. Managed to pick up a few Christmas gift items.
So, a slower re-entry back into life.
Things at the churches seem to have hit the summer lull, only I know that it won't last long as
we prep for the fall and a new church program season. Do I dare even make plans for Advent? It would be my 4th Advent at the L church as interim. Hard to believe!
But let me just linger awhile longer in this summer lull, to savor its gift and grace, to let my
spirit be renewed.
May you, too, have a summer lull and savor these warm, sunny summer days for the gift and
grace they are.
I did get into physical therapy for my neck and eventually a prescription pain killer - of which I didn't need to take many. The first one provided major relief from the pain and I actually got a decent
night's sleep. The physical therapy has been helping. I'm hoping that this may be my last week.
What really did the trick and worked the most wonders (aside from the pain killer) was the hour and a half massage I received at the healing hands of my sister! I felt so much better afterwards, almost like a new person! I wish insurance would cover massages because I would go to a massage therapist over a chiropractor any day.
Hubby and I spent an extra day in Chicago so I could get my massage and to see my niece, newly engaged. It was good to see her and to have a bit of a talk. There will be a non-traditional wedding in May and she wants me to do the service. Only I had to say, that it would be a Christian service if I did it. If she can live with that, we're on. Otherwise, she will need to make other arrangements.
The wedding will be outdoors - weather permitting - with lawn games and barbeque. Leave your fancy clothing at home. Sigh. I had looked forward to getting dressed up. I have so few chances of getting really dressed. She's not even considering a wedding gown. Sigh. I hope she doesn't regret it one day. There will be much to do and plan for before then. I did highly recommend that they get some pre-marital counseling before the wedding and she liked the idea. Thanks be to God.
We made a quick trip to Ikea just to poke around.
And then it was up to the Lake House - and our favorite once-a -year lunch stop at a Greek
restaurant for one of the best Gyros ever!
The Lake greeted us with little beach and waves. Had to walk down to the boat launch right next to
the State Park in order to walk the beach for awhile. Water levels are really high. That was so soothing for my soul - a stroll on the beach, sticking my feet in the water, and finding my first piece of beach glass!!!! After all these years, and time and walks on the beach, this was the year. It is a clear piece and I'm thinking how it could be made into a pendant. I was ever so thrilled.
I got some reading in and sitting in the sun taking in the gulls, waves, and rhythmic sound of the waves breaking on the beach, and even seeing a group of blue herons fly by.
We visited our usual spots and the fresh cheese curds with garlic and dill are a real Wisconsin treat from the cheese store.
We went to the World's Largest Outdoor One Day Fish Fry and took in the sights. The Classic Car Show featured some less than classic cars and the crafts were pretty ho-hum. (It was better 3-4 years ago). We strolled around the Sheboygan Art Fest which was a feast for the eyes and spirit. Thoroughly enjoyable and some expensive artwork and some more reasonably priced but all so
unique.
Time with family was enjoyable and good.
I could have spent another day or so at the Lake.
But we had to return, and I had the next couple of days off - laundry and grocery run, putting away
the suitcases and stuff. Cleaning house, and going to the Rubber City Art Expo on Saturday - another feast for the eyes and spirit. Managed to pick up a few Christmas gift items.
So, a slower re-entry back into life.
Things at the churches seem to have hit the summer lull, only I know that it won't last long as
we prep for the fall and a new church program season. Do I dare even make plans for Advent? It would be my 4th Advent at the L church as interim. Hard to believe!
But let me just linger awhile longer in this summer lull, to savor its gift and grace, to let my
spirit be renewed.
May you, too, have a summer lull and savor these warm, sunny summer days for the gift and
grace they are.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
BLESSED & STRESSED
I can't remember when I have been so busy from Lent until now. Lately, it's been hospital visits and funerals.
Indeed, one day three weeks ago, I drove to the hospital on the North Coast only to be told that the
patient wasn't there. Huh? I just talked his daughter. Oh, they said, it's at their new satellite building
across the city. Couldn't remember how to get there (it's been 15 years). Receptionist put me on a house phone and some department. I asked the young man on the phone how to get to their satellite
building, and he said he wasn't sure and that they were rather busy at the moment and did I have a smartphone? I responded that he wasn't being very helpful at all and hung up. I obviously was not going to get anywhere with him. Since I drove to the hospital (50 mins) first thing in the morning, I
had to get rid of my morning coffee and used the rest room. On the way, back I passed the Volunteer Office and there were a couple staff in there, so I stopped in asked how to get the other hospital. They told me and it involved a 1/2 + drive to the other side of the city on a main road with lights all along the way.
So, I walked back to the garage and drove to the main road and pulled over in the Italian section of town to call the daughter. Couldn't find the slip of paper with her number on it. Called home, hubby answered, asked him if I left the paper on the counter. Nope, wasn't there. Realizing I was going to be later than I said, I wanted to call the daughter. I hung up and looked again through my purse and looked down to see the orange slip of paper between the driver's seat and the console. Great. Called the daughter. Started back on my way and got there, made the visit as they were going over his discharge papers. Walked with them down to the Lobby and waiting with him, while daughter got her car to pick her dad up curbside.
Drove back to the church, had lunch. Drove to a different hospital to visit someone else, and all the while feeling a stronger crick in my neck.
As the day wore on, it get worse.
It's been really bad. I babied it for two weeks and then went to the doctor and got the nurse practitioner. Tried muscle relaxer and anti-inflammatory meds. Used my microwaved rice bag.
Back again last Friday, tingling down the arm, pain across shoulder, stronger anti-inflammatory
meds. She asked what had been going on and I went through the litany of just long, stressful days and lots of driving. Last week she asked if there was less stress - I replied, I just got notice of jury duty right before I go on vacation! Then a cell phone rang - I have 2 cell phones; mine and the one church. Their ring tones are different but somewhat similar, I felt which pocket vibrated and said it
was the church phone, and I would let it get to voice mail. She shook her head!
It still isn't a whole lot better and may have to go in tomorrow. I'm thinking massage therapy
might be the way to go. I think a nerve is pinched somewhere. It interferes with my sleep and
normal movement.
It has just been back to back to back stuff between the two churches.
I want to be able to enjoy my vacation and relax.
I want to get a good night's rest being able to sleep on both my sides.
I want not to hurt any more.
Indeed, one day three weeks ago, I drove to the hospital on the North Coast only to be told that the
patient wasn't there. Huh? I just talked his daughter. Oh, they said, it's at their new satellite building
across the city. Couldn't remember how to get there (it's been 15 years). Receptionist put me on a house phone and some department. I asked the young man on the phone how to get to their satellite
building, and he said he wasn't sure and that they were rather busy at the moment and did I have a smartphone? I responded that he wasn't being very helpful at all and hung up. I obviously was not going to get anywhere with him. Since I drove to the hospital (50 mins) first thing in the morning, I
had to get rid of my morning coffee and used the rest room. On the way, back I passed the Volunteer Office and there were a couple staff in there, so I stopped in asked how to get the other hospital. They told me and it involved a 1/2 + drive to the other side of the city on a main road with lights all along the way.
So, I walked back to the garage and drove to the main road and pulled over in the Italian section of town to call the daughter. Couldn't find the slip of paper with her number on it. Called home, hubby answered, asked him if I left the paper on the counter. Nope, wasn't there. Realizing I was going to be later than I said, I wanted to call the daughter. I hung up and looked again through my purse and looked down to see the orange slip of paper between the driver's seat and the console. Great. Called the daughter. Started back on my way and got there, made the visit as they were going over his discharge papers. Walked with them down to the Lobby and waiting with him, while daughter got her car to pick her dad up curbside.
Drove back to the church, had lunch. Drove to a different hospital to visit someone else, and all the while feeling a stronger crick in my neck.
As the day wore on, it get worse.
It's been really bad. I babied it for two weeks and then went to the doctor and got the nurse practitioner. Tried muscle relaxer and anti-inflammatory meds. Used my microwaved rice bag.
Back again last Friday, tingling down the arm, pain across shoulder, stronger anti-inflammatory
meds. She asked what had been going on and I went through the litany of just long, stressful days and lots of driving. Last week she asked if there was less stress - I replied, I just got notice of jury duty right before I go on vacation! Then a cell phone rang - I have 2 cell phones; mine and the one church. Their ring tones are different but somewhat similar, I felt which pocket vibrated and said it
was the church phone, and I would let it get to voice mail. She shook her head!
It still isn't a whole lot better and may have to go in tomorrow. I'm thinking massage therapy
might be the way to go. I think a nerve is pinched somewhere. It interferes with my sleep and
normal movement.
It has just been back to back to back stuff between the two churches.
I want to be able to enjoy my vacation and relax.
I want to get a good night's rest being able to sleep on both my sides.
I want not to hurt any more.
Monday, June 08, 2015
RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE: HITHER AND YON
Share with us:
1) a favorite city, and what makes it so.
One of my favorite cities is Lucerne, Switzerland. It is nestled on the Vierwaeldstaedersee between mountains. It is picturesque with the lake and mountains, buildings, swans and the long
wooden bridge.
2) a favorite getaway spot, far from the maddening crowd (far being a relative term).
My sister's lake house on Lake Michigan. It's right on the water, there's a bit of beach,
a small state park just two houses down and it is quiet, healing, wonderful place to be to
refresh my spirit.
3) a great local eatery that you stumbled upon while passing through from one place to another.
One our way up to above lake house, up in Kenosha, WI, along the highway there is a place
I spied one year as we were ready for lunch - Sparti's. It is a Greek restaurant and they have
the best Gyros around. We stop there every time we make our way to the lake house.
4) a landscape that inspires or nourishes you.
That would be on a beach or shoreline of a lake or the ocean. I love the water and it soothes
me, fascinates me and is ever changing in color or activity. Water speaks to my spirit.
5) a place you long to visit.
I would love to go back to Greece sometime. But also, to go to Alaska and do a cruise/land
tour but on a smaller scale than the really big vessels. One day....
1) a favorite city, and what makes it so.
One of my favorite cities is Lucerne, Switzerland. It is nestled on the Vierwaeldstaedersee between mountains. It is picturesque with the lake and mountains, buildings, swans and the long
wooden bridge.
2) a favorite getaway spot, far from the maddening crowd (far being a relative term).
My sister's lake house on Lake Michigan. It's right on the water, there's a bit of beach,
a small state park just two houses down and it is quiet, healing, wonderful place to be to
refresh my spirit.
3) a great local eatery that you stumbled upon while passing through from one place to another.
One our way up to above lake house, up in Kenosha, WI, along the highway there is a place
I spied one year as we were ready for lunch - Sparti's. It is a Greek restaurant and they have
the best Gyros around. We stop there every time we make our way to the lake house.
4) a landscape that inspires or nourishes you.
That would be on a beach or shoreline of a lake or the ocean. I love the water and it soothes
me, fascinates me and is ever changing in color or activity. Water speaks to my spirit.
5) a place you long to visit.
I would love to go back to Greece sometime. But also, to go to Alaska and do a cruise/land
tour but on a smaller scale than the really big vessels. One day....
Saturday, May 09, 2015
RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE: FAVORITE PLACES
So for today’s Friday Five, tell us about five of your favorite places.
1. My corner on the couch when I have time to relax and catch an episode of the Big Bang Theory.
2. Lake Michigan Lake House up in WI when I visit my sister and family. It's wonderful to walk
the beach and be by the water.
3. Switzerland - when we go to visit my side of the family. Always good to back in the town
where Dad grew up and where my Grandma lived. Spent a lot time there and
over the years there's been some changes but it's still a second home.
4. Chicago - where I was born and grew up. My sister still lives there and I love to visit her.
Just hate the traffic!
5. My bed where I drop off exhausted and tired every night! It's been very hectic for me since
Holy Week - baptisms, confirmation classes, meetings, sick folks in the hospital, cleaning
house every other week, prepping for Sunday services & sermons, bringing in a new member.
So, my bed and pillow where I can rest and sleep for another day.
6. Extra - my garden, where I've been playing in the dirt; planting herbs, pulling weeds, putting
in flower seed and fretting over things growing or not growing! There's always weeds
to be pulled! Next up will be putting in the wee tomato plants.
1. My corner on the couch when I have time to relax and catch an episode of the Big Bang Theory.
2. Lake Michigan Lake House up in WI when I visit my sister and family. It's wonderful to walk
the beach and be by the water.
3. Switzerland - when we go to visit my side of the family. Always good to back in the town
where Dad grew up and where my Grandma lived. Spent a lot time there and
over the years there's been some changes but it's still a second home.
4. Chicago - where I was born and grew up. My sister still lives there and I love to visit her.
Just hate the traffic!
5. My bed where I drop off exhausted and tired every night! It's been very hectic for me since
Holy Week - baptisms, confirmation classes, meetings, sick folks in the hospital, cleaning
house every other week, prepping for Sunday services & sermons, bringing in a new member.
So, my bed and pillow where I can rest and sleep for another day.
6. Extra - my garden, where I've been playing in the dirt; planting herbs, pulling weeds, putting
in flower seed and fretting over things growing or not growing! There's always weeds
to be pulled! Next up will be putting in the wee tomato plants.
Monday, March 30, 2015
HOLY WEEK
Yes, it's Holy Week once again and no matter how I prepare for it and with 6 weeks of Lent, it still, all of a sudden, is here!
This weekend, I snuck the "Alleulia" out of the box in front of the altar, and colored it in with multi-colored crayons. I snuck it back in Sunday morning all rolled up and tied with it's purple grosgrain ribbon and bow. As though it hadn't been touched! I knew I had to do it this weekend,
because with everything going on this week and all the things to get ready and remember, I might have forgotten, and it would have been a disappointing "Alleluia" without the transformation of
color!!!
As if there isn't enough going on, I have a funeral service on Wednesday for the M church. Actually, it was a relief and release for this faithful saint who has been unresponsive in the nursing
home for the whole time I've visited her since last July - although much longer than that. My visitation list is dwindling quickly and I may soon be out of position!!! So, there is now preparation for that service - mostly the sermon.
I remembered to take down the altar display in the social hall - we did symbols of the cross - yet forgot to bring the canvas bag to put everything in. Yikes, it's starting already!!! At least, the altar is ready to be decorated for Easter - if they have a coffee hour. And I will have to remember to bring the bag on Maundy Thursday and take everything home.
I still have to get a dozen eggs to color on Friday. Bread will be baked on Saturday and thanks be to God, no Sunday School class for 2 weeks!!!
It's only Monday, and I feel tired. God grant us all strength and endurance to face and do all that lies before us in this most Holy and yet hectic week.
This weekend, I snuck the "Alleulia" out of the box in front of the altar, and colored it in with multi-colored crayons. I snuck it back in Sunday morning all rolled up and tied with it's purple grosgrain ribbon and bow. As though it hadn't been touched! I knew I had to do it this weekend,
because with everything going on this week and all the things to get ready and remember, I might have forgotten, and it would have been a disappointing "Alleluia" without the transformation of
color!!!
As if there isn't enough going on, I have a funeral service on Wednesday for the M church. Actually, it was a relief and release for this faithful saint who has been unresponsive in the nursing
home for the whole time I've visited her since last July - although much longer than that. My visitation list is dwindling quickly and I may soon be out of position!!! So, there is now preparation for that service - mostly the sermon.
I remembered to take down the altar display in the social hall - we did symbols of the cross - yet forgot to bring the canvas bag to put everything in. Yikes, it's starting already!!! At least, the altar is ready to be decorated for Easter - if they have a coffee hour. And I will have to remember to bring the bag on Maundy Thursday and take everything home.
I still have to get a dozen eggs to color on Friday. Bread will be baked on Saturday and thanks be to God, no Sunday School class for 2 weeks!!!
It's only Monday, and I feel tired. God grant us all strength and endurance to face and do all that lies before us in this most Holy and yet hectic week.
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