church

I am loving my church.

The beautiful old building where happy memories echo, and I feel the warmth of the people and hear the peal of the church bells at eleven and noon on Sundays is the one I claim as mine. I am glad First Baptist is the church I joined. Of the past fifty years, only seven were spent being a part of a Baptist church, and I didn't feel Baptist in the least. But here I am in this congregation once again.

Choir has made a real difference. For the past several months, we have been working on Christmas music that will be performed with full orchestra for three nights in a row in a couple of weekends. Practice is such fun, and I am loving the build-up to the big events. I just wish I had a better voice to offer the group, but so far none of the nice people have suggested that I not show up. Today for our anthem we sang a chorus from Messiah, And the Glory of the Lord, that will be one of our concert songs. It is one of my favorites because it gives the altos a chance to shine.

Even better was last week when we hosted a Thanksgiving service with several downtown churches. We did a combined anthem, but most of all and in one glorious group, we got to sing the hymns of Thanksgiving. I think they are my most favorite.

Lots to be thankful for.

My Grand-donkeys

What a nice day we had at Peter and Sally's country house today.
They are loving it, and what's not to love.
Here are their sweet new donkeys, the mother and five week old baby who is still nursing.
They got a whole lotta lovin' today.

in the wee small hours of Thanksgiving

As I have been making dinner rolls to take to Peter and Sally's tomorrow, I have been listening to great music courtesy of Pandora. First was folk music of the sixties that was popular when I was in college. I had practically forgotten that musical era of songs that lamented the Vietnam War and the  conditions of human beings in general. But it was what I sang and danced to in my dorm room. Then I moved on to my Rita Coolidge station that spans a decade or two. Or three. So many singalong songs! There is nothing like music to take you to other places in your head and remind you of how precious all of life's moments are.

Sharing

While driving back from Charlotte yesterday, I kept thinking that maybe I could make it to the church dinner after all. My Sunday School class was supposed to help with the set up. I knew my absence wouldn't make much of a difference, but if I could get there, why not.

I had plenty of time to plan as I cruised south on 74. As soon as I got in the house, I assembled my one dish that, upon completion, reminded me of an old commercial. "This rice is all . . . stuck together!" Nevertheless I did not go empty handed. Then I freshened up a bit.

One of the fun things about Baptist churches is the way they hold those old fashioned covered dish suppers, and the one at FBC that precedes Thanksgiving is the biggest. There is turkey, ham, wild game, stews, and roasts. Seasonal side dishes are brought in by everyone and placed on the eight long tables. It smelled so good! 

As it turned out, they needed my help after all.
After the blessing, the hordes of people came through, and kept coming, lining both sides of the tables, finding their favorite Thanksgiving foods. Everyone was happy to be there, including me. 

scenic autumn

Stopped by Greenfield Lake to see how autumn is changing the foliage. Lucky for me there were birds. They always make for more wonder. Unlucky for me, I did not have my new, better camera that would have produced an awesome picture.
Oh well.

gift to me

It is only November twelfth, and I have already received my Christmas present. The wonderful hospital organization that allowed me to work for them for sixteen years sends a hundred dollar check to their retirees every Christmas season. Last year I made it a real gift and spent it on frivolous stuff. One thing I bought was a bottle of amaretto. Years ago Ned gave me some small bottles of liqueurs for Christmas, and I especially liked the taste and versatility of the amaretto. You can pour it over ice cream, add it as a flavoring, and spike your cocoa in the wintertime, my favorite use. I wonder what frivolous thing I will buy this year. hmmm...

another pic from last week

I have posted pics of these black skimmers before. There were hundreds of them at the marshy end last week!

across the waves from Figure 8

beautiful marshy beach

only ten miles away