Saints Triumphant!

The second Sunday in my favorite (one of my favorites) time of the church year, End Times. Oh, those deeply meaningful hymns...Sadly, our congregation did not sing "Jerusalem, the Golden" today, which I guess would be because we have no one to play the piano or ogan for it. The hymns from the Supplement are not in the MIDI, though I was sure one of our members had loaded all that several years ago. Hmmmm....anyway, I wanted to sing it and know I can't without sobbing. 

We did sing "For All the Saints", four stanzas worth, before the MIDI stopped. I don't know if all the stanzas aren't loaded or if the operator just cut if short. I made a noise when it stopped playing, and Terri patted my leg to comfort me. I wanted to sing some more!

                          

After worship four of us went to Chili's, a lesser number than usual. Terri had to go to work, Justin was at the football game, and Michael had a meeting. He is dog sitting for his brother and family while they are off camping in GA. Michael wears many hats! 

When I got home, I tuned in to the Jaguar game where they started out in a favorable position. This, however, proved short-lived, and they lost to the Cardinals. It was downright embarrassing at the end, oh my. I guess last week's victory was a fluke, just enough to please Gretchen. 

While I was worshiping, eating, and watching football, my family was enjoying special worship as well at my home church. First German was celebrating the 140th anniversary of its current structure. A former pastor, Joel Otto, was the preacher and a former teacher, Carl Nolte, was guest organist. The Lancer Singers from MLHS added their voices to that of the church choir with special anthems to "join the full throng". The church band played as well, not an orchestra because of not having stringed instruments. 

I saw photos on Facebook posted by Pastor Hoppe, including one where my family is seated at table in the gymnasium waiting their turn to eat. Three of my sisters are there, my niece, her hubby, and the three little boys, plus, of course, Grandma K! I was so tickled to see this picture, and others taken inside the church proper, where Pastor Schaefer presented a slide show history of the building, etc. Everyone was in their appointed pew! This made it easy for me to pick them out.

In the afternoon, I watched the Packer game on the iPad (they lost, too!) and on the laptop tuned into the anniversary service from the Seminary. It was great, it was lovely, it was well done, it was significant. And, I saw people I knew in the choir and in the congregation. 150 years for the Seminary and 140 for the church building. A really good 'heritage' Sunday!

Saturday in the shop!

Today I spent about six hours meeting and greeting at Great Hang Ups for their Holiday Open House. Oh, I just love being there!! This peacock is created using cut paper---simply amazing work.

Julia tended the register and wrapped up purchases for the steady stream of shoppers while her hubby, Michael, was set up creating ceramic ornaments to be hung on the tree, once they are fired. Many of those already made were sold---angels, cherubs, and birds---went like hot cakes!

Here is some of the ceramic pottery that Michael and Julia work on in their spare time...Michael and I took about a 30 minute break and had lunch at Koko's next door, and brought back lunch for a very busy Julia!

  

While all that was going on inside the store, Sonya, back to the camera, was doing a workshop just outside the door for folks who wished to make painted silk scarves. I think she had about eight customers ("never had an empty chair!") including my friend, Pat, who actually painted two scarves plus bought one of Sonya's cross-body purses for her mother. It was a good day for painting outside, not too hot and not too windy, either! 

Another cold day

Justin and I had lunch today at 5 Guys for a change. Usually we eat outside there but the cold temps made that not a good option. We love the 5 Guys fries, the small portion being sufficient for us both, easily. He had the small burger and I had the hot dog, of which the last bite went in the trash, just could not finish the whole thing. They have the fancy soda machine with 85 or more different flavor choices. Mine was Diet Decaf Coke with Raspberry. I should have listened to Justin and not taken a full cup of it, but had to learn for myself that a little of a good thing is enough. After drinking some, I added regular Diet Coke to thin out the flavor. Tasty but too much, you know?
                                  
We'd had a busy morning already, starting with an early start hauling our loaded totes to the car.  It  was cold out there, layers were required, but at least the wind had died down some. Justin used the dolly to get most of them down to the car, plus loaded Connie's Christmas tree into our car, her donation to the Victory yard sale. We got it all in, amazingly enough.

The unloading proved swift, with Justin being able to pull the car up near the doors and folks around to grab the totes. In the sanctuary, tables were set up in long rows, with volunteers in there to sort and price the items. We got our empty totes back in no time at all. I hope our items make for good sales on Saturday. 
                        
The stuff on the chairs is some of what we brought. These are some substantial chairs!

The study was good, but a little more awkward with us sitting in a circle on chairs in the narthex. All the tables were used for the yard sale, and all the extra space as well. It was hard to juggle coffee cake on a napkin plus my folder, pen, and People's Bible for Isaiah. Glad we have tables otherwise. When we first were getting situated, Pastor mentioned his hope that we would manage and Justin piped up that his mama would have a tough time of it. Does he know me or what? Next week we will be back to normal and I thrive in that environment!

Chestnuts roasting

This evening I enjoyed time with my neighbors and friends at The Club, sitting in the former Palmolive family living room in front of the giant walk-in fireplace. I could smell the fire going from outside as I shivered my way from The Palace to The Club. Brrr....temps were in the low 50's with high, biting winds. Miserable outside, but delightful inside. Nice 'n cozy!

          

Here is the room dressed out for a wedding but you can see how the fireplace has considerable presence 

It was all I could do to not go and poke around in the fire which I absolutely love to do. The owner and the bar manager took turns stoking the fire and placing the logs in as needed. I'd have thrown all the logs in at once if it was mine, but oh, well...The tapas menu offered chicken sliders this month plus the crispy fried onions, which I greatly enjoyed. Kathy and I had a good chance to get caught up since I was absent last week due to the funeral home visit. Loved our time together.

While over there I got to see several of my pool friends who were there to have dinner including the couple who hosted the going away party for Lee. Speaking of Lee---her house was packed up on Tuesday and when I sent her a text that night to see how she was doing, she reported being exhausted and ready for bed. I can sympathize with her, but I have only moved cross-country once. Her car is being moved via an auto-transport carrier so she doesn't have to drive all the way to Napa. I am sure going to miss her, but am wishing her all the best on her new page in life.

Today I read some articles about what foreigners have observed upon living in the US. What were the things they were surprised by or disappointed to find? Most of the people who wrote in commmented on finding the huge portions of food which are served. What would serve two or three in some regions are consumed by one person here. Others were amazed by the immensity of our nation, from sea to shining sea, and how varied the terrain can be. While so many Americans are obese, almost as many are pre-occupied with fitness and exercise, running in particular. In the cities more than in the suburbs, interestingly enough. 

                             

Folks are impressed by the availability of materials and products, especially in the grocery stores. We are certainly a land of plenty. And, something I had a problem believing, people from other lands found Americans to be religious folks, having secure morals and knowledge of right vs wrong. Good for them being able to see that, right? And, we are patriotic! I like to hear that. One more thing, among the many others in the article, was how Americans more often use credit cards instead of using cash. Very interesting observations...At least I found them so.

11-12-13

This is a pretty cool date, if you ask me. My friends in MN made a family pyramid and posed for the camera to commemorate the big day. Always a good reason to have a party! Mom mentioned that folks were choosing this date to be married, to help them remember their big day. Hopefully they won't forget that easily. I do have a friend who was married on 2-2-02, not sure if it was by plan or not.

Some places had food drives to commemorate the special date

Today I ran some errands including bank stops, and then stopped at Publix to get some soda. While I was there, I picked up a few things for our ThanksLiving feast, including my festive bird. The last time I went looking for the type I like, they were sold out so was glad to find one waiting for me. I like the bake in the bag turkey breast and hope my guests don't have their taste buds set for dark meat. I could secure a turkey leg and thigh just in case someone insists on dark meat. As I told Justin several times recently, I am so excited about the feast!

Last year, Justin and I went to The Club for our feast where he dined lightly because he was expected at his father's house for dinner. I was invited to the Chappell's and went there to hang out. We dined later there, with Judy's bird being stubborn about popping its thermometer, which was fine with me. Since I was still rather full, any delay was welcome. Regardless, when dinner was served, I had some of everything!! And had a marvelous time with the two Mike's, David, and Judy. 

This year the two Mikes will be here around my table, plus my friend, Nancy W., and I am asking one more lady from church if she would like to come. A man who serves with the Navy in GA did not accept my invitation as he gets to go home to MN for the holiday. Corey is excused! And this year Justin will not be leaving to go to his father's so it will be an awesome day. Complete with football!

Accumulating Junque

Justin was off work today due to Veteran's Day. His boss, William, took the time to spend with his wife, a teacher, because she had a long weekend. Took advantage to enjoy some time away. Nice! Justin had the day at home, at least the first few hours before Jesse and he did battle at the Mall, going to see a movie. Wow! When I went passed the parking lot, cars were already parked on the grass, since all the official parking spots were taken. School is out and the movie "Thor" just opened. I think Justin and Jesse got their tickets on-line to make sure they get some for the matinee price.                                                                               

While he was getting ready for the movies, I was at Bible study where we had a good turnout. We had a great study and interaction today, much to ponder in this portion as regards our attitude toward the poor, etc. and fellowship. Might have created more questions than answers this time...

We had only 5 in our lunch group today and the ladies were wondering where to go. The one lady who thought the waitress there 'picked on her' suggested Long Horn, and I was all about it! The waitress could not have been more accomodating and attentive. I am not sure everyone was thrilled with the restaurant choice but it was wise to go here when we did due to the high traffic from Veteran's Day and the discounts offered them.

I sent Justin a text message, asking him to stop for soda on the way home. Sadly, none of the area stores had a really good deal on Diet Cokes, once again the CVS was sold out of product. How can that be? Instead he went to Winn Dixie and got the Pepsi products which were sort of on special to hold us over. My tendancy is to drink them too quickly because they go down so well. He made dinner for us using some smoked pork from the freezer, cooking it up with some spatzel. Just delicious!

Ed is already busy at church, sorting and pricing

Justin and I are gradually getting plastic bins packed up for the yard sale at Victory. I started rather slowly but have picked up some momentum of disposing of things. I should rephrase that---recycling items I no longer have use of. Justin and I haven't done this (or, I should say, I have not) since the Great Flood. That time, it worked out perfectly to have Christ Lutheran having a yard sale. Michael C. three times took stuff from our house to the yard sale for us. This time it's less emotional a purging than the previous one!

How do you like your neighbors?

I like mine around my table, enjoying the fruits of Justin's labor. Or, the Pad Thai of Justin's labor. He had no other plans Saturday than to make dinner and invite Dick and Debbie down to share it with us. Justin had Pad Thai for lunch Thursday at PF Chang and was not impressed with it, which prompted him to make his own. 

                              

He'd talked about doing this not long ago after finding a recipe online for making his own sauce. That plan did not work out as the ingredients were quite expensive as compared to the kit. It was simply delicious and I even got to help him prep for it. Cutting up onions and chopping peanuts are something I can do, especially since I was concerned he wouldn't be done in time for our guests to arrive. We worked together and no one was hurt---how about that?

                               

Besides his yummy Pad Thai, he made a dessert he'd been wanting to try. It was called Apple Wontons. He had to cut up the apples into what almost looked like shoestrings, flavor them with cinnamon and sugar, and then, using wonton wrappers, make a teeny dessert using the wontons. A few weeks ago Justin bought mini-muffin pans and has pressed them into service regularly since, including muffins and the apple wontons. He bought Blue Bell vanilla ice cream to serve with them, and wow! Just so delicious together, and pallete cleansing to boot.

He suggested we dine in our formal room, which required my getting out the tablecloth and the 'good dishes', which I very much enjoy doing, and 'laid the table', as the expression goes. Debbie was impressed that my dishes match the tablecloth (I like it, too!). I had water in the glasses already and Dick brought along a bottle of wine for them, and urged us to have a sip. It was not bad, sort of sweet. It was a German wine in a blue bottle, not Reisling. The name appears at the end of this posting.

They just LOVED the salad and meal, taking 2nds and 3rds on the Pad Thai. Even I had a bit more than my first serving, even had some salad to be socialable. The dessert was just divine, with us having to avoid the 'sharp' edges of the wontons. A consequence of baking them rather than having them deep fried. A small price to pay! Just a wonderful evening---dinner, conversation, and then more conversation. The way I like it!

                           

Pieroth Blue Burg Layer Schlosskapelle Nahe Auslese, if you are so inclined to buy a bottle.