headed to Ben's nephew's wedding, this time.
Looking forward to the trip; Ben's niece and nephew are not much more than 10 years younger than I am, and they're fun. Plus Ben's brother and sister-in-law, with whom we are staying are both very hospitable and have terribly cute little dogs.
The WonderMutt goes to the vet for the weekend, which will no doubt spoil him. At least he'll get a bath. He is filthy!
So projects for the travel time:
1: taking no more than 2 of the books I need to read for my class this summer
2: taking dissertation notes on the new baby computer, in case I'm inspired to write or whatever
3: taking yarn and hooks to work on a piece of crocheting as part of an art installation called the Milkweed project. If I weren't so darn lazy, I'd link to the site.
and there need to be graces; haven't been for a while.
1: The Exceptionals are well (so says grandma)
2: I get to take part in the above art installation. Fun. I've never done anything like it.
3: I have a week or two of grace from studying/writing
4: the garden is growing well.
5: yummy chicken quesadillas last night. Absurdly simply, absurdly good food.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
We've corrupted the dog
Today was a lazy Memorial Day for us. Little on the agenda...chores, getting ready for this weekend's trip to see Ben's nephew get married, a trip to town to look at what became my new toy--a red Asus eee netbook.
But that has nothing to do with the dog. This morning, we all decided to sleep in for a while. For me that meant about 9:30, at which point my back woke me up and I came into the living room for some recliner time. At about 10:15, the WonderMutt jumped off the bed (where I had left him with Ben) and wandered into the living room. I asked him if he wanted to go outside, and he went back into the bedroom. A few minutes later we did the same routine again, with the added twist that I actually got up and but somewhat appropriate clothes to take him out...and he got back into the bed. The third time, I finally got it: he wanted me to get back into the bed with him and Ben...so I did, long enough to get them both up so we could get to work. We've ruined the dog.
But that has nothing to do with the dog. This morning, we all decided to sleep in for a while. For me that meant about 9:30, at which point my back woke me up and I came into the living room for some recliner time. At about 10:15, the WonderMutt jumped off the bed (where I had left him with Ben) and wandered into the living room. I asked him if he wanted to go outside, and he went back into the bedroom. A few minutes later we did the same routine again, with the added twist that I actually got up and but somewhat appropriate clothes to take him out...and he got back into the bed. The third time, I finally got it: he wanted me to get back into the bed with him and Ben...so I did, long enough to get them both up so we could get to work. We've ruined the dog.
Friday, May 22, 2009
F5: Vacation
From Mary Beth at RevGalBlogPals:
1) What did your family do for vacations when you were a child? Or did you have stay-cations at home?
2) Tell us about your favorite vacation ever:
3) What do you do for a one-day or afternoon getaway...is there a place nearby that you escape to on a Saturday afternoon/other day off?
4) What's your best recommendation for a full-on vacation near you...what would you suggest to someone coming to your area? (Near - may be defined any way you wish!)
5) What's your DREAM VACATION?
Bonus: Any particularly awful (edited to add: or hilarious) vacation stories that you just have to tell? ("We'll laugh about this later..." maybe that time is now!)
Can't think of any just this minute...may have to come back to this one!
let's think about VACATIONS! I certainly am!
1) What did your family do for vacations when you were a child? Or did you have stay-cations at home?
We mostly went to Tennessee to visit family there. My sister and I would often go for an extended visit in the summer, and then our mother might come meet us for a short vacation. I also remember local trips to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA and trips to Washington DC and Disney World. Long drives!
2) Tell us about your favorite vacation ever:
Hmmm...I think that might be last year in the mountains. Staying in a friend's vacation home, with nothing on the agenda but whatever we wanted to do. I roamed the Blue Ridge Parkway and local festivals in the mornings and met Ben for lunch and to make the day's plans. Lots of fun! Hoping to manage a repeat this fall...
3) What do you do for a one-day or afternoon getaway...is there a place nearby that you escape to on a Saturday afternoon/other day off?
Kayak...my and my little boat and the camera take a little tour around the local waterways. On bad weather days, there's always a comfy chair and a book, or a quick run "home" to visit one of my parents. Haven't made as many of those lately.
4) What's your best recommendation for a full-on vacation near you...what would you suggest to someone coming to your area? (Near - may be defined any way you wish!)
Come here. Beaufort is wonderful. Rent a house and sit on the porch in the evenings. Take in a local festival or event. Walk around downtown and eat seafood. Rent a kayak and poke around. Tons to do here if you want to relax or be active. I can even find you a volunteer opportunity if you like that kind of vacation.
5) What's your DREAM VACATION?
2 solid weeks somewhere with a fully stocked kitchen (in a house or condo, not a hotel). A one- or two- day cooking class. A local spa nearby. A huge library of books and DVDs. Somewhere to walk. Local attractions not too close but not too far. A fabulous view and a great porch or deck from which to watch it. A local diner with great breakfasts served all day, and a couple of great restaurants for evenings out. Family with us for part of the time, especially Exceptional One and Two and their entourage of parents!
Bonus: Any particularly awful (edited to add: or hilarious) vacation stories that you just have to tell? ("We'll laugh about this later..." maybe that time is now!)
Can't think of any just this minute...may have to come back to this one!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thoughts on Spring
(from this week's newsletter article)
Ponderous Thoughts
It is Spring, allegedly. As I write this, it’s windy, gray, rainy, and cold, so my belief in Spring at this point has more to do with faith than reality. There are signs to see, though, of Spring:
The garden is in. Some pest seems to love eggplant leaves to the exclusion of eating the (very leafy, almost out-of-control) squashes right next to it. There are little tiny green tomatoes on the vines, and the thyme I planted is in flower.
The owl in a neighboring backyard has begun its night-time conversations with…well, I don’t know what. I generally don’t hear an answering hoot, but we do hear barking from the local dogs. Our dog, Paraclete Duke the WonderMutt, known fondly as Cletus, responds with grumbling and growling from the safety of the bed, and the occasional round of midnight or 3 am barking. He’s also been protecting us from snakes displaced from the garden, and I in turn have been protecting the poor snakes (garter snakes and earth snakes, nothing too large or scary).
Last week I went to the Beaufort Middle School’s Spring band concert. I sat next to a church member whose grandson was performing for the first time with the sixth grade band, and realized that I’ve been with this year’s eighth graders (soon to be high school students) for their entire middle school band career. I had a lot of fun pointing members of the church and MYF out to my seatmate, saying, “That one’s ours. She’s a member of our church. He comes to MYF.”
It’s wedding season, and this past weekend two church families had celebrations. I was unable to be at the wedding held at the church, but presided at one held on Front Street. Dolphins were in attendance, and passing boaters hollered their good wishes. It was a beautiful Spring evening on Saturday, and perfect for weddings, indoors and out, in contrast to Friday’s outdoor rehearsal, which let us get the wind and rain out of the way.
In worship, the long season of Easter is another sign of Spring. The white altar cloths remind us of the resurrection and the gift of salvation. Short sleeves and the occasional pair of blue jeans show up in the sanctuary, along with bright colorful dresses and sandals for warm weather. The walk from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall and back is much more pleasant than on some of the bitterly cold days this winter.
The EOG’s are this week, a fateful sort of sign of Spring. I’m praying for all the children and teachers in our church and community who have this difficult week ahead, although by the time you’re reading this, the tests will be over, and we’ll be waiting for results.
And in happier, cuter news, this week is Graduation week for some of our Preschool students. College students have received their degrees in past weeks, and now it’s time for some younger students to cross the stage in their finery and then to go on to bigger things: in this case, kindergarten. Our prayers are with all this year’s graduates, whatever age they are, that whatever the next thing is for them, that it be good!
And so, rotten weather aside, I am forced to conclude that it is, indeed, Spring. My kayak is calling, as is my camera, and so I’m waiting for a good warm day (without too many breezes) to enjoy. Hope you are finding hope and enjoyment this Spring!
Grace and peace,
Anne
Ponderous Thoughts
It is Spring, allegedly. As I write this, it’s windy, gray, rainy, and cold, so my belief in Spring at this point has more to do with faith than reality. There are signs to see, though, of Spring:
The garden is in. Some pest seems to love eggplant leaves to the exclusion of eating the (very leafy, almost out-of-control) squashes right next to it. There are little tiny green tomatoes on the vines, and the thyme I planted is in flower.
The owl in a neighboring backyard has begun its night-time conversations with…well, I don’t know what. I generally don’t hear an answering hoot, but we do hear barking from the local dogs. Our dog, Paraclete Duke the WonderMutt, known fondly as Cletus, responds with grumbling and growling from the safety of the bed, and the occasional round of midnight or 3 am barking. He’s also been protecting us from snakes displaced from the garden, and I in turn have been protecting the poor snakes (garter snakes and earth snakes, nothing too large or scary).
Last week I went to the Beaufort Middle School’s Spring band concert. I sat next to a church member whose grandson was performing for the first time with the sixth grade band, and realized that I’ve been with this year’s eighth graders (soon to be high school students) for their entire middle school band career. I had a lot of fun pointing members of the church and MYF out to my seatmate, saying, “That one’s ours. She’s a member of our church. He comes to MYF.”
It’s wedding season, and this past weekend two church families had celebrations. I was unable to be at the wedding held at the church, but presided at one held on Front Street. Dolphins were in attendance, and passing boaters hollered their good wishes. It was a beautiful Spring evening on Saturday, and perfect for weddings, indoors and out, in contrast to Friday’s outdoor rehearsal, which let us get the wind and rain out of the way.
In worship, the long season of Easter is another sign of Spring. The white altar cloths remind us of the resurrection and the gift of salvation. Short sleeves and the occasional pair of blue jeans show up in the sanctuary, along with bright colorful dresses and sandals for warm weather. The walk from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall and back is much more pleasant than on some of the bitterly cold days this winter.
The EOG’s are this week, a fateful sort of sign of Spring. I’m praying for all the children and teachers in our church and community who have this difficult week ahead, although by the time you’re reading this, the tests will be over, and we’ll be waiting for results.
And in happier, cuter news, this week is Graduation week for some of our Preschool students. College students have received their degrees in past weeks, and now it’s time for some younger students to cross the stage in their finery and then to go on to bigger things: in this case, kindergarten. Our prayers are with all this year’s graduates, whatever age they are, that whatever the next thing is for them, that it be good!
And so, rotten weather aside, I am forced to conclude that it is, indeed, Spring. My kayak is calling, as is my camera, and so I’m waiting for a good warm day (without too many breezes) to enjoy. Hope you are finding hope and enjoyment this Spring!
Grace and peace,
Anne
Monday, May 18, 2009
Weekend roundup
Okay, here's a little more detail as to what I've been up to:
Thursday, had the "site visit" evaluation for my DMin project. All is well. Collected lots of stories, have already seen some change in how people interact, and looking forward to my next major information-gathering opportunity, which is a listening/visioning session re: plans to make the sanctuary building fully handicap-accessible (requires moving offices elsewhere).
Friday, went to regional hospital to sit with a family whose loved one was having surgery. Was told they weren't there yet but I could wait for them in the surgery waiting room (should be fine, right? but no...). Asked repeatedly, is there anywhere else in the hospital they might be? Can we call back to pre-op and see if patient there? No, no, can't do that. They're just not here yet. After an hour and a half, I left, having lost my morning to waiting around the hospital with no info. Thought maybe schedule changed and they didn't think to call, which would have been no big deal. Happens. Except that's not what happened. The family was in the hospital, and they really felt they needed me to be with them, but they were in the ambulatory surgery waiting area...something that could have been easily resolved, had anyone had the grace to make the phone call I'd requested, or suggest that I try the other waiting room. Still trying to decide, do I write to complain or just file it away as a learning experience.
Also Friday, worst weather for a rehearsal for an (outdoor) wedding ever. Rain, wind, rain...tent collapsed later in the night. Rehearsal interrupted by a sheet of rain coming off the water. Fortunately, we laughed.
Saturday...I'm supposed to have those off, right? Went to city almost 2 hours away for Annual Conference briefing session. We have some amendments to the Discipline to vote on, and to help us clarify the issues, we had advocates for each position: Eddie Fox, heap big UM evangelism expert--big name, too--and a very bright articulate (young) man who had just graduated from seminary the previous week. I'm sure there was no bias there.
And then the wedding. At the rehearsal, I promised the bride and groom it would not rain, but as I drove back from the briefing session, it poured and poured. Fortunately, the skies were clear by time for the wedding, everyone was relaxed (as much as they could be) and it was a delightful time. Dolphins were frolicking nearby, passing boaters shouted congratulations, and a good time was had by all.
And then there's Sunday. First evening service in over a month--boy, was I out of practice. First service with the new format, which wants a little tweaking but is generally fine. First service with use of video clips, which I just had to try. And it was good.
But now it's Monday and I'm a little tired. Senior pastor's on vacation, so I'll be carving out little rest-type blocks from a busy week. But in the end, it's all good!
Thursday, had the "site visit" evaluation for my DMin project. All is well. Collected lots of stories, have already seen some change in how people interact, and looking forward to my next major information-gathering opportunity, which is a listening/visioning session re: plans to make the sanctuary building fully handicap-accessible (requires moving offices elsewhere).
Friday, went to regional hospital to sit with a family whose loved one was having surgery. Was told they weren't there yet but I could wait for them in the surgery waiting room (should be fine, right? but no...). Asked repeatedly, is there anywhere else in the hospital they might be? Can we call back to pre-op and see if patient there? No, no, can't do that. They're just not here yet. After an hour and a half, I left, having lost my morning to waiting around the hospital with no info. Thought maybe schedule changed and they didn't think to call, which would have been no big deal. Happens. Except that's not what happened. The family was in the hospital, and they really felt they needed me to be with them, but they were in the ambulatory surgery waiting area...something that could have been easily resolved, had anyone had the grace to make the phone call I'd requested, or suggest that I try the other waiting room. Still trying to decide, do I write to complain or just file it away as a learning experience.
Also Friday, worst weather for a rehearsal for an (outdoor) wedding ever. Rain, wind, rain...tent collapsed later in the night. Rehearsal interrupted by a sheet of rain coming off the water. Fortunately, we laughed.
Saturday...I'm supposed to have those off, right? Went to city almost 2 hours away for Annual Conference briefing session. We have some amendments to the Discipline to vote on, and to help us clarify the issues, we had advocates for each position: Eddie Fox, heap big UM evangelism expert--big name, too--and a very bright articulate (young) man who had just graduated from seminary the previous week. I'm sure there was no bias there.
And then the wedding. At the rehearsal, I promised the bride and groom it would not rain, but as I drove back from the briefing session, it poured and poured. Fortunately, the skies were clear by time for the wedding, everyone was relaxed (as much as they could be) and it was a delightful time. Dolphins were frolicking nearby, passing boaters shouted congratulations, and a good time was had by all.
And then there's Sunday. First evening service in over a month--boy, was I out of practice. First service with the new format, which wants a little tweaking but is generally fine. First service with use of video clips, which I just had to try. And it was good.
But now it's Monday and I'm a little tired. Senior pastor's on vacation, so I'll be carving out little rest-type blocks from a busy week. But in the end, it's all good!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday Graces
I will blog again, I will. Meantime, here are some graces for today:
1: great evening service. Lots of people, lots of energy.
2: I'm starting to get vacation-y thoughts. Perhaps because senior pastor's away, but whatever.
3: Exceptional Two is getting bigger by the day. Can't wait to see the cute!
4: Exceptional One is taking gymnastics. Can't wait to see this cute, either.
5: I'm home and cozy inside while it's raining out there...watering my garden.
1: great evening service. Lots of people, lots of energy.
2: I'm starting to get vacation-y thoughts. Perhaps because senior pastor's away, but whatever.
3: Exceptional Two is getting bigger by the day. Can't wait to see the cute!
4: Exceptional One is taking gymnastics. Can't wait to see this cute, either.
5: I'm home and cozy inside while it's raining out there...watering my garden.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
5 Graces for Thursday
1. My project evaluation meeting went well.
2. I work with a bunch of really great people.
3. I slept the morning away.
4. It's almost time for sleeping again.
5. I'm taking a few days off from DMin stuff!
2. I work with a bunch of really great people.
3. I slept the morning away.
4. It's almost time for sleeping again.
5. I'm taking a few days off from DMin stuff!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The truck has a twin
Who knew in a community this size there would be two late 80s tan Ford F150s running around?
It's owned by the parent of one of our day school students, and so of course now I see him everywhere!
We're friendly, though. We wave.
Wonder what the etiquette of similar-truck-ownership is? Is a wave sufficient? Should I honk? When we see one another, are we obligated to turn into the nearest parking lot, pull up alongside one another and talk?
The pressure!!!
Just kidding. It's been a good Tuesday. Long day, and long day tomorrow. But good, nonetheless.
It's owned by the parent of one of our day school students, and so of course now I see him everywhere!
We're friendly, though. We wave.
Wonder what the etiquette of similar-truck-ownership is? Is a wave sufficient? Should I honk? When we see one another, are we obligated to turn into the nearest parking lot, pull up alongside one another and talk?
The pressure!!!
Just kidding. It's been a good Tuesday. Long day, and long day tomorrow. But good, nonetheless.
Monday, May 11, 2009
must.blog.more.
I have a good excuse for not blogging. Honest, I do.
I was worn out last week from the Arts Festival, and the project evaluation is this Thursday, so I'm getting ready for that. (By which I mean, right this minute, blogging during commercials while I watch "Firefly" episodes. Again.)
This past weekend, we had the UMW yard sale, which was a huge success--and tiring. And we have another yard sale to come at the end of June, to support the new Loaves and Fishes ministry.
In case I haven't mentioned that one, the Beaufort Fellowship of Churches (local ministerial association) is starting a non-profit called Loaves and Fishes of Beaufort. We hope to house a local food pantry and thrift store, consolidate some local ministries, and give support to more. It's pretty good stuff.
And Saturday afternoon, in a brief coma (due to the afore-mentioned yard sale), I conceived the notion of taking my mother out to supper for mother's day.
She lives just over 4 hours away, so I spent the night.
I've been busy, but it's been good.
5 graces recap:
successful project
successful yard sale
clergy and churches working together
supper with Mom (we ended up eating in...scallops and shrimp...yum!)
back at home and back at it again.
I was worn out last week from the Arts Festival, and the project evaluation is this Thursday, so I'm getting ready for that. (By which I mean, right this minute, blogging during commercials while I watch "Firefly" episodes. Again.)
This past weekend, we had the UMW yard sale, which was a huge success--and tiring. And we have another yard sale to come at the end of June, to support the new Loaves and Fishes ministry.
In case I haven't mentioned that one, the Beaufort Fellowship of Churches (local ministerial association) is starting a non-profit called Loaves and Fishes of Beaufort. We hope to house a local food pantry and thrift store, consolidate some local ministries, and give support to more. It's pretty good stuff.
And Saturday afternoon, in a brief coma (due to the afore-mentioned yard sale), I conceived the notion of taking my mother out to supper for mother's day.
She lives just over 4 hours away, so I spent the night.
I've been busy, but it's been good.
5 graces recap:
successful project
successful yard sale
clergy and churches working together
supper with Mom (we ended up eating in...scallops and shrimp...yum!)
back at home and back at it again.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Bug's Life F5
From Sophia:
1. Ladybugs or ladybirds? Pillbugs or roly-polys? Jesus bugs or water skeeters? Any other interesting regional or familial name variations?
2. Stomp on spiders, carry them outside, or peacefully co-exist?
3. Favorite insect?
4. Least favorite?
5. Got any good bug stories to share?
Bonus question: share a poem, song, quotation, etc. about insects.
As I was walking the beach today, I was surprised and delighted to find it swarming with ladybugs. The sweet little red beetles are one of my favorite insects and also my daughter's blogname--though as of this morning she was thinking of changing it to Butterfly. I'll keep you posted.
This got me thinking about spiritual insect trivia: Did you know that medieval mystics and theologians esteemed the bee for its dedicated work and transformation of ordinary ingredients into sweetness? That Spider Woman is an important creator Goddess to many Native American tribes? Or that Francis of Assisi was reminded of Jesus not only by lambs being led to slaughter, but also by worms (think "I am a worm and no man" from the Psalms)-- so he picked them up and took them out of stomping-vulnerable spots?!
In that spirit, this week's Friday Five is a magical mystery tour through God's garden of creepy crawlies!
1. Ladybugs or ladybirds? Pillbugs or roly-polys? Jesus bugs or water skeeters? Any other interesting regional or familial name variations?
Ladybugs, roly-polys, and water-skeeters, definitely! And then there's the local "water bug", which sometimes come into our homes. Other folks call them roaches, but of course, we're too clean and well-bred for that!
2. Stomp on spiders, carry them outside, or peacefully co-exist?
I generally have to get someone else to stomp on them. I have an irrational fear of spiders and other creepy-crawlies.
In fairness to myself, I have an almost-healed spider bite on my leg. I was bitten in the house in Nov. 2000. 8 1/2 years. Sigh.
3. Favorite insect?
The daddy-longlegs or grandaddy-longlegs spider. Also known as harvestman spiders. These gangly critters don't inspire terror, and I can manage to relocate them when necessary. Since they eat mosquitoes, they're among my favorite critters. I've been told that they are among the most venomous of the spiders, but their teeth are too small to pierce human skin. My grandparents taught me that they are friendly, and that lesson stuck.
4. Least favorite?
Almost anything. Especially the cutworms that devastated lasy years squashes.
5. Got any good bug stories to share?
Hmm...no.
Bonus question: share a poem, song, quotation, etc. about insects.
I'm sure I learned this one at Girl Scout camp once upon a time:
I woke up Sunday mornin', I looked upon the wall
The 'skeeters and the bedbugs were playin' a game of ball
The score was six to nothin'; the 'skeeters were ahead.
The bedbugs hit a home run and knocked me out of bed.
(I'm singin') Eeny meenie and a-miney moe
Catch a whiffer-whoffer by the toe
And if he hollers, hollers, hollers, let him go
(I'm singin') Eeny meenie and a-miney moe
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Piggy flu is here.
Good thing it's not as severe as they thought it would be. All 7 cases (at of this afternoon) are in my part of the state: one in my county and the others in adjoining counties.
My only real worry is that I might get sick around the time I'm planning to go see Exceptional One and Exceptional Two.
Sigh.
My only real worry is that I might get sick around the time I'm planning to go see Exceptional One and Exceptional Two.
Sigh.
5 Graces for an incredibly busy weekend
1: the arts festival went really really well.
2: Saturday, although rain threatened, it didn't dare rain until our event was over.
3: some of us know each other better
4: The research project phase of my DMin is almost over.
5: I made chocolate chip cookies tonight!
2: Saturday, although rain threatened, it didn't dare rain until our event was over.
3: some of us know each other better
4: The research project phase of my DMin is almost over.
5: I made chocolate chip cookies tonight!
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