Third Sunday in Advent

Today is the third Sunday in Advent, and by chance was also the day we celebrated Holy Communion. In addition to the usual service (which is certainly not to belittle the usual service), we had 7 people admitted to the Communion roll. Interestingly, two of them were also baptised today as they had not been baptised as a child.

No, they were very good and did not cry!

The Church, as usual, was packed - well over 400, perhaps 500, this Sunday. It was a good service, looking forward to the celebration of Christmas as it comes ever closer. Today, as usual was present a lady, probably a few years older than me, but always very smart. She has a large wardrobe of hats (think Imelda Marcos and shoes) and I commented to her once what pleasure I got from seeing what hat she has on each week. She told me that she has an enormous collection of hat boxes.

I call her La Dame Aux Chapeaux.

Today's hat was a bright red one with a brim and a jaunty feather. Marvellous.

The Second Day of Advent

This morning I went to the exercise class, and was back on form. I had to go to Asda for petrol on my way home as I was driving on air. I put in 38 litres - the most ever.

Once I got home the phone rang and it was the physiotherapist from my own town to offer me a place in January which I have been delighted to accept.

In honour of my gentleman friend coming tomorrow to take me out for dinner, I have put up my Christmas decorations. I had been planning on leaving them until my cleaners came on Friday, but - with a bit of a struggle - I managed myself. I have even put up the wreath on my flat door.

The place looks quite festive now, so I am just waiting for the sun going over the yardarm to pour myself a well-earned libation.

Noilly Prat, of course.-

Bridge and an old friend

I am delighted to report that the new dose seems to be working and I continue to have a good night's sleep.

As this is the first day in Advent, our house manager and one or two residents put up and decorated a Christmas tree in the residents' lounge and hung up many decorations together with some others on tables. There is also a "singing santa" on the fireplace!

The event may be sacred but the decorations are definitely not although I must confess the room looks very bright and cheery.

This afternoon I went to the bridge club. My usual partner had said she might not make it, and indeed she did not turn up, so I ended up playing with S. our leader. In spite of playing for once with a clear head, I made a number of mistakes. I am sure I shall learn from some of them, but I shall never remember them all. My usual partner will be pleased to discover that we came third last week.

I arrived back in time to join the ladies (the gentleman was absent) for a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a good blether.

I had no longer sat down than the telephone rang and an old friend, whom I have not seen for ages, called I. I invited him over for a meal, but he insisted on taking me out. We agreed on a venue as it was better not to be any distance from here and I have phoned and made the reservation for Wednesday evening.

Second Sunday in Advent

At last! I made it to Church, still somewhat wobbly on my pins. Fortunately the rain held off. Had to get to the disabled parking bay at 10am, and got the last space even at that. Intended waiting till 10.30, but noticed quite a few going in, so made my way slowly. It is good to hear the choir at rehearsal.

Today was one of the quarterly Communion Services, and additionally we had 5 people being admitted for their First Communion, which is always moving and reminds all of us of our vows. The 5 comprised one mature gentleman, one member of the Bible Class and one young Chorister as well as two others. We have a very large congregation on Communion Sunday.

With today being the Second Sunday in Advent, the service was looking forward to the birth of Christ. Having recently followed elder son’s visit to Israel, I could not help but compare the descriptions in The Gospels according to St Matthew and St Luke with the photographs from son of modern day Bethlehem.

The 3 shepherds are easily understood, but I had not thought much about the 3 wise men or magi. Our minister reckoned that they were probably learned astrologers from Persia.

This was also the first day with our new hymn book (CH4). With the time of the Church year, most of the hymns were well known, but one was new, so the choir sang the first verse and chorus and then all stood and sung the hymn from the beginning.

The First Sunday in Advent

Today, December 2, is a day with the sky completely cloud-covered. There is little wind whereas yesterday it was stronger; I look out at the trees which have shed all their leaves (oh how quickly they go from green through varying shades of orange to bare branches); the tops of the trees are swaying in the wind. It looks cold and wintery, but at least it is dry.

I ordered some items from Amazon for youngest grandson and asked for them to be gift wrapped. I am delighted with the result, beautiful, neat wrapping attractive silvery paper and silver ribbon, with a gift card including my Christmas message. I have difficulty with my hands and am inclined to make a poor fist of writing cards and, particularly of wrapping presents.

Amazon could have a lot to answer for here.

NB to Amazon, Crisp tenners in a brown envelop for this shameless plug.

I am pleased to report that I am on the mend today, although the legs are definitely made of jelly. I am more than grateful for the two contributions from Occupational Therapy (part of Social Work Department), namely the seat cushion to help me stand up from my chair and also the frame round the loo which again helps me to stand. After really struggling today, I have now ordered a typist chair with arms.

Best sister in the world called in yesterday and, as well as having a good ‘blether’ she made me a life-saving cup of tea and made my bed up nicely so that it was really welcoming at night.

Couldn’t settle myself to much reading or to a DVD, so made good use of the time by wrapping some Christmas presents (it was much easier having Amazon do that job!!