I treasure each birthday--it always means that God still has something for me to do or finish.
George Washington and I have birthdays together, but actually George was born 11 days earlier because the calendar was changed. When I told Sam that G. W. and I had birthdays on the same day, he asked if we were the same age.
It was a very good day; lunch with good friends, savoring the day before with Quartet, and ending with Ash Wednesday. I will celebrate with the family later.
My class on Ecclesiastes is going well--lots of lively discussion with the sages who attend.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Each Day I'll Do....
The title is from an old hymn from the 30's--it came to mind when the 10th person of the week asked me, "What do you do all day long?" It seems that when one is retired, others think you would have to look for things to do.
I never have to look--things just find me. Today, for example, I had to do lab tests for my yearly physical at Abilene Regional which is far away from where I live; I am finishing up writing my comments for the Lament Service we are having Sunday night; and then working on Chapter 1 of Ecclesiastes for teaching my class next Tuesday. Along the way, I hope to have time to read the newspaper and do the crossword.
In her new book, Lauren Winner says, "...glimmerings of hope keep interrupting my day." I pray that hope interrupts me today too.
I never have to look--things just find me. Today, for example, I had to do lab tests for my yearly physical at Abilene Regional which is far away from where I live; I am finishing up writing my comments for the Lament Service we are having Sunday night; and then working on Chapter 1 of Ecclesiastes for teaching my class next Tuesday. Along the way, I hope to have time to read the newspaper and do the crossword.
In her new book, Lauren Winner says, "...glimmerings of hope keep interrupting my day." I pray that hope interrupts me today too.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Have You Read......?
A recent survey found that on the average household bookshelf there were at least 80 books the owners had not read. How many do you have? I think I have more than that.
I don't know what the problem is; maybe I just like to look at them. Or as a retired librarian, I like to pretend I have a library. Or is it just greed? There is no way I will ever read them all unless (God forbid) I am bedridden for several years.
Why then do I keep buying books? It is a puzzlement...... Lately I have been buying books I had to read, like books for the book club, or books for Sunday class, or books about Eccelesiastes to help me in my studies. I yearn for a good book just to enjoy reading! Know one?
I don't know what the problem is; maybe I just like to look at them. Or as a retired librarian, I like to pretend I have a library. Or is it just greed? There is no way I will ever read them all unless (God forbid) I am bedridden for several years.
Why then do I keep buying books? It is a puzzlement...... Lately I have been buying books I had to read, like books for the book club, or books for Sunday class, or books about Eccelesiastes to help me in my studies. I yearn for a good book just to enjoy reading! Know one?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Happy Birthday Sam!
This would have been my hon's 79th birthday! Born on Friday the 13th--a perfect day for his puckish personality which compelled him to use plastic spiders, roaches, flies, snakes, etc. to other's disadvantage; it compelled him to stuff frightening dummies for the enjoyment of others; and to think of other devious plans to prank others. All in good fun--his. Because people loved him, they quickly forgave him for any uncomfortable moments he caused and often tried to get him back (usually failing).
He was a kind, compassionate man who loved children, his job as a teacher and principal, and his family. God was #1 on his list of those to be adored, and his life and conversation showed it.
I often wonder what he would have been like in old age because he never seemed to age. He loved me and his son Brandon with all his heart, and we returned the love and high esteem. I wish there could have been more days to spread the love.
I read at Thomas Elementary yesterday, and had to pause under his portrait in the hall and think about how much he would have loved his school (although he would have been very shocked and humbled by the honor of having a school named after him.)
Happy birthday Sam Thomas -- wonder if heaven has birthday cakes? Maybe angel food? With ambrosia and divinity on the side?
He was a kind, compassionate man who loved children, his job as a teacher and principal, and his family. God was #1 on his list of those to be adored, and his life and conversation showed it.
I often wonder what he would have been like in old age because he never seemed to age. He loved me and his son Brandon with all his heart, and we returned the love and high esteem. I wish there could have been more days to spread the love.
I read at Thomas Elementary yesterday, and had to pause under his portrait in the hall and think about how much he would have loved his school (although he would have been very shocked and humbled by the honor of having a school named after him.)
Happy birthday Sam Thomas -- wonder if heaven has birthday cakes? Maybe angel food? With ambrosia and divinity on the side?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Sifting and dusting
I'm sifting through Christmas cards; saving pictures and enjoying the cards one more time. Got the Christmas tree down thanks to the BST and Sheryl. So those little pieces of leaves from the tree have to be vacuumed--honestly, they seem to breed in the corners. Dusting is a must too--quotidian tasks after a great time!
Pictures are mostly up in my house. That makes such a difference in making the space seem like it is really mine. Plus, I get to look at them each time I enter a room.
Thank you God for such menial, small tasks that make us happy on this day in January.
Pictures are mostly up in my house. That makes such a difference in making the space seem like it is really mine. Plus, I get to look at them each time I enter a room.
Thank you God for such menial, small tasks that make us happy on this day in January.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Dog Days After Christmas
Nope, not depressed. Just dog-sitting Cisco and Bear for a while. They are generally well-behaved except when Cisco is biting Bear's tail and getting retaliation.
Our Christmas Day was just as wonderful as expected--presents, fun, good food and church. Maddie read part of the Luke account and Ella was Mary in the nativity scene. Brandon and Sheryl led worship. There was a bigger crowd than I thought there would be.
The girls got some handsome clothes and hats which they wore to church. I told them that they looked as if they stepped out of Mademoiselle. I don't think that magazine exists anymore, but they were so stylish.
They received a Wii and the game Just Dance. It was SO fun to watch Sam perform the dances like a pro. His daddy would not perform.
Went to see War Horse with Ronnie and Darla. It is a good movie for the family--except for some scenes of WWI which are realistic. The horse gets tangled up in wire from the barracades. Although predictable, I enjoyed the film. I think it will be nominated for the Oscar.
I hope to see Sherlock Holmes for sheer entertaiment this season. And, of course, can't miss Tom Cruise. Looking forward to Meryl Streep's Margaret Thatcher too.
Why do all the good movies come out at once? The family and I enjoyed We Bought a Zoo. Recommended except for one word which could have been left out.
Boo!
All, in all, I think we had a very merry Christmas.
I already miss the Christmas carols on the radio.
The weather is weird; it is supposed to almost reach the 70's this week. It was very cold on Christmas Day, like winter is supposed to be. As they say, in Texas one has to wait only a minute until the weather changes.
Our Christmas Day was just as wonderful as expected--presents, fun, good food and church. Maddie read part of the Luke account and Ella was Mary in the nativity scene. Brandon and Sheryl led worship. There was a bigger crowd than I thought there would be.
The girls got some handsome clothes and hats which they wore to church. I told them that they looked as if they stepped out of Mademoiselle. I don't think that magazine exists anymore, but they were so stylish.
They received a Wii and the game Just Dance. It was SO fun to watch Sam perform the dances like a pro. His daddy would not perform.
Went to see War Horse with Ronnie and Darla. It is a good movie for the family--except for some scenes of WWI which are realistic. The horse gets tangled up in wire from the barracades. Although predictable, I enjoyed the film. I think it will be nominated for the Oscar.
I hope to see Sherlock Holmes for sheer entertaiment this season. And, of course, can't miss Tom Cruise. Looking forward to Meryl Streep's Margaret Thatcher too.
Why do all the good movies come out at once? The family and I enjoyed We Bought a Zoo. Recommended except for one word which could have been left out.
Boo!
All, in all, I think we had a very merry Christmas.
I already miss the Christmas carols on the radio.
The weather is weird; it is supposed to almost reach the 70's this week. It was very cold on Christmas Day, like winter is supposed to be. As they say, in Texas one has to wait only a minute until the weather changes.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
It is actually snowing in Abilene, Texas as I write this--melting as it touches the ground; but it is still snow....what a way to spend Christmas Eve!
We are having chicken spaghetti tonight as we open presents at my house--all my gifts to them. Probably will have trouble getting the kids to eat with the gifts under the tree calling to them. I was cooking Brandon's requested hash-brown casserole while the Christmas carols were playing on the radio, and I couldn't help but remember those days at Potosi when I did the same thing on Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow, I will go to the kids' house for Santa and opening more presents, then to church. We are having Sharon's brisket for lunch YUM. It all sounds like lots of family fun which it always is. Very often there is a tinge of nostalgia or longing as we remember the days when Sam was here, and we spent the holidays either in Pasadena or Groesbeck and sometimes at Dorothy's house in the Woodlands. Those days are all gone, but good memories still remain. Those memories thrust at us to try to create those good feelings for Maddie, Sam and Ella. I hope that is happening.
Then Monday the carcass of Christmas will remain with the attendant boxes, tissue, wrong sizes, and credit card bills. HOWEVER, it is worth it to watch children enjoy the days.
We are having chicken spaghetti tonight as we open presents at my house--all my gifts to them. Probably will have trouble getting the kids to eat with the gifts under the tree calling to them. I was cooking Brandon's requested hash-brown casserole while the Christmas carols were playing on the radio, and I couldn't help but remember those days at Potosi when I did the same thing on Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow, I will go to the kids' house for Santa and opening more presents, then to church. We are having Sharon's brisket for lunch YUM. It all sounds like lots of family fun which it always is. Very often there is a tinge of nostalgia or longing as we remember the days when Sam was here, and we spent the holidays either in Pasadena or Groesbeck and sometimes at Dorothy's house in the Woodlands. Those days are all gone, but good memories still remain. Those memories thrust at us to try to create those good feelings for Maddie, Sam and Ella. I hope that is happening.
Then Monday the carcass of Christmas will remain with the attendant boxes, tissue, wrong sizes, and credit card bills. HOWEVER, it is worth it to watch children enjoy the days.
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