Well, at last! Today I managed to get to Church on Scoot for the first time. Still finding the road crossings difficult, particularly as the traffic is so heavy. Nonetheless, several drivers waved me across.
An excellent service as usual, with the choir and the minister in fine form. Easter means so much to the Christian church as it celebrates the birth of Christ.
Many others celebrate at this time of the year as it is the beginning of new life, the grass starting to green, the flowers starting to bloom, the leaves on the trees starting to show buds.
Although there was a bit of a nip in the air, the sun is shining and it really feels like Easter.
This afternoon I am making cock a leekie soup. I am making it with a fowl that requires 4 hours boiling. For the soup, basically you make a stock (usually veal from roasted bones : games of soldiers here) then use the stock to make the soup, so I have decided to make my own version which involves effectively pot roasting the bird and never mind making a separate stock.
I may change my mind later in the day.....
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Farmers Market
This morning , TBSITW came over. She was quite early for the farmers market, so we were in time to get chicken livers from a really good free range chicken farm. Having bought that, I bought more leeks to add to the Cock - a - Leekie Soup I am making tomorrow, also sausages and streaky bacon from a wonderful piggery place, just down the road. Then it was on to the stall where I could get lamb chops followed by the fish stall for a salmon steak. To cap it all, we sat down in the local park and had an ice cream cone.
I think it is easier to go behind anyone rather than ahead, when we can't go side by side (when I am on my scooter) as it is very easy for me to match speeds that way.
I have now made chicken liver pate, put it into three dishes and frozen two, putting the other in the fridge. I have also frozen the sausages, divided into portions of three and two double loin chops.
It was really good to have TBSITW there to show me a better route and to show me that I am able to go to the farmers market on my scooter on my own (though it will be better when I get the saddle bag for the back (not to mention the stick holder!!!)
I am going to go to the Church tomorrow and look for help to get into the body of the Church.
If you don't try, you don't get...
I think it is easier to go behind anyone rather than ahead, when we can't go side by side (when I am on my scooter) as it is very easy for me to match speeds that way.
I have now made chicken liver pate, put it into three dishes and frozen two, putting the other in the fridge. I have also frozen the sausages, divided into portions of three and two double loin chops.
It was really good to have TBSITW there to show me a better route and to show me that I am able to go to the farmers market on my scooter on my own (though it will be better when I get the saddle bag for the back (not to mention the stick holder!!!)
I am going to go to the Church tomorrow and look for help to get into the body of the Church.
If you don't try, you don't get...
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Church and the Scooter
This morning I moved the OT trolley back to the living room (I really need it) and moved a dining room chair through to use to stand the modem and so on.
Later, TBSITW came and collected me and took me to Church, entering via the vestry to collect my hymn book and to find out how to get there by scooter. The poor minister didn't get his coffee either.
While I was in Church TBSITW sussed out the route for me and then drove me home.
As well as bringing me the bread I had asked for, she brought an AMAZING gift - a bottle of Molton Brown's Refreshing shower gel. Now we both love their Naran ji products, but were disappointed to find they did not make a shower gel in naran ji. However, a sniff at the bottle makes it out to be a very close approximation.
She really is The Best.
Later, TBSITW came and collected me and took me to Church, entering via the vestry to collect my hymn book and to find out how to get there by scooter. The poor minister didn't get his coffee either.
While I was in Church TBSITW sussed out the route for me and then drove me home.
As well as bringing me the bread I had asked for, she brought an AMAZING gift - a bottle of Molton Brown's Refreshing shower gel. Now we both love their Naran ji products, but were disappointed to find they did not make a shower gel in naran ji. However, a sniff at the bottle makes it out to be a very close approximation.
She really is The Best.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Consequences
Thursday was a day of doing nothing apart from confirming my move to another (closer) physiotherapy class: this has a big advantage in being able to arrange ambulance transport.
Today I phoned Motability to change the appointment for them to come and take away my car - now it is the same day, but an afternoon appointment (ie between 1 and 5 pm).
I also had a telephone consultation with my GP when she agreed that two of my medications might have inter-acted causing my recent bout of ill health. She has increased the dose of one medication and left the dose of the other unchanged.
Fingers crossed. She has also booked me in for a telephone appointment in 4 weeks time.
I happened to meet one of my friends here and we have arranged that we will walk together to Church on Sunday. The only downside here is that I will have to go the early service where there is no choir.
But beggars can't be choosers.
Today I phoned Motability to change the appointment for them to come and take away my car - now it is the same day, but an afternoon appointment (ie between 1 and 5 pm).
I also had a telephone consultation with my GP when she agreed that two of my medications might have inter-acted causing my recent bout of ill health. She has increased the dose of one medication and left the dose of the other unchanged.
Fingers crossed. She has also booked me in for a telephone appointment in 4 weeks time.
I happened to meet one of my friends here and we have arranged that we will walk together to Church on Sunday. The only downside here is that I will have to go the early service where there is no choir.
But beggars can't be choosers.
Monday, 3 November 2008
A welcome extended
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, autumn chill in the air, but warm sunshine and virtually no wind.
Our minister preached his sermon on the passage from the Gospel according to St. Matthew which told of Joseph of Aramathea taking Jesus from the cross and placing Him in his new tomb, wrapping him in cloths.
Additionally yesterday was All Saints Day.
He used passages from Gray’s elegy written in a country churchyard, which churchyard may have been like our own, to illustrate many of his points. I came home and found the poetry book which I used at school – A Poets Quair edited by Rintoul and Skinner and read the poem again. I was going to type it out to put here but it is somewhat long.
The interesting thing about this poetry book is that one of the editors was the father of a friend of mine at school (she is still a friend). He taught English at George Watson’s Boys College and we went to the sister school, The Mary Erskine School for Girls (now part of a conglomerate of 3 schools and called Erskine Stewarts Melville). These schools were and are in Edinburgh.
Later on in the day, TBSITW came with the new addition to her family, a rescue dog because she was not sure how the dog would cope with fireworks. I had a hide chew for her, and she took it from me, but then spent most of the next half an hour pacing round the room. After she had let me stroke her several times she suddenly decided it was all right here and settled down to give the chew laldy. I am so glad she settled, and perhaps she will find the next visit easier.
It is not easy for an older (she is about 2 ½ ) dog to adjust to rehoming, with all the new things she has to learn. She is a lovely dog with a good nature and certainly gets on with the other dog. So time, the great healer, will do its work.
Our minister preached his sermon on the passage from the Gospel according to St. Matthew which told of Joseph of Aramathea taking Jesus from the cross and placing Him in his new tomb, wrapping him in cloths.
Additionally yesterday was All Saints Day.
He used passages from Gray’s elegy written in a country churchyard, which churchyard may have been like our own, to illustrate many of his points. I came home and found the poetry book which I used at school – A Poets Quair edited by Rintoul and Skinner and read the poem again. I was going to type it out to put here but it is somewhat long.
The interesting thing about this poetry book is that one of the editors was the father of a friend of mine at school (she is still a friend). He taught English at George Watson’s Boys College and we went to the sister school, The Mary Erskine School for Girls (now part of a conglomerate of 3 schools and called Erskine Stewarts Melville). These schools were and are in Edinburgh.
Later on in the day, TBSITW came with the new addition to her family, a rescue dog because she was not sure how the dog would cope with fireworks. I had a hide chew for her, and she took it from me, but then spent most of the next half an hour pacing round the room. After she had let me stroke her several times she suddenly decided it was all right here and settled down to give the chew laldy. I am so glad she settled, and perhaps she will find the next visit easier.
It is not easy for an older (she is about 2 ½ ) dog to adjust to rehoming, with all the new things she has to learn. She is a lovely dog with a good nature and certainly gets on with the other dog. So time, the great healer, will do its work.
Monday, 20 October 2008
An Interesting Church Service
Yesterday was another day of mixed weather, but not the extremes of Saturday. Off I went to Church and it was dry and blowy for the walk, although there is one particular corner where the wind always tries to knock you off your feet.
It was a most interesting service today with the baptism of a beautiful baby girl who had enough family to fill several rows of seating. She behaved impeccably throughout the whole thing and was taken through to the vestry shortly after the actual baptism. Why does “The Lord bless you and keep you….” Always cause me to tear up? The parents (members of this Church) had travelled back from England to where they had moved from. The family filled several rows of seating. I had wondered why they were all sat on one side of the aisle, but it later became clear that the elders were acting as very efficient ushers.
The second event was the re-dedication of the Boys Brigade and the presentation of the colours. First the officers, then the non commissioned officers then the rest of the troop stood and in turn took the promise. They had all been seated on the other side of the aisle.
The third event was the dedication of a new altar fall, beautifully embroidered by one of the Church members and, of course, displayed today. The design of the fall depicts the new Church coat of arms, and it was interesting to hear of the meaning of each part, much of it with a long history.
After we left the Church the Boys Brigade marched past the Church and all the way down the path and over the road – and made a magnificent sound.
Just as I was nearing the Church gates I realised I was hearing the band rather close behind me and realised I had been marching (?) ahead of them. Oops. A swift movement to the right got me out of that….
I then returned home by which time the rain had really got going. I now seem to have well and truly got the hang of reverse parking, ending up straight and in the middle of the bay.
Hope I shall then be able to avoid the one or two scrapes with my new car after I pick it up in January.
It was a most interesting service today with the baptism of a beautiful baby girl who had enough family to fill several rows of seating. She behaved impeccably throughout the whole thing and was taken through to the vestry shortly after the actual baptism. Why does “The Lord bless you and keep you….” Always cause me to tear up? The parents (members of this Church) had travelled back from England to where they had moved from. The family filled several rows of seating. I had wondered why they were all sat on one side of the aisle, but it later became clear that the elders were acting as very efficient ushers.
The second event was the re-dedication of the Boys Brigade and the presentation of the colours. First the officers, then the non commissioned officers then the rest of the troop stood and in turn took the promise. They had all been seated on the other side of the aisle.
The third event was the dedication of a new altar fall, beautifully embroidered by one of the Church members and, of course, displayed today. The design of the fall depicts the new Church coat of arms, and it was interesting to hear of the meaning of each part, much of it with a long history.
After we left the Church the Boys Brigade marched past the Church and all the way down the path and over the road – and made a magnificent sound.
Just as I was nearing the Church gates I realised I was hearing the band rather close behind me and realised I had been marching (?) ahead of them. Oops. A swift movement to the right got me out of that….
I then returned home by which time the rain had really got going. I now seem to have well and truly got the hang of reverse parking, ending up straight and in the middle of the bay.
Hope I shall then be able to avoid the one or two scrapes with my new car after I pick it up in January.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Church
Yesterday morning I had a mammoth cook-in and by lunch time was just about flat out; however the feeling of achievement is really something.
We were back to the usual weather, grey skies, rain and wind. I did like the way one of the bloggers I read looked on the weather and time of year was and saw it as an opportunity to look forward to the Spring; definitely a glass half full kind of person.
This morning, following a good night’s sleep, I am once again sitting looking out of the window past my computer monitor. The sun is shining and my living room should feel considerably warmer as I switched on the central heating radiator there. The weather has to get seriously cold before I switch on the one in my bedroom/study. I prefer to sleep in a cold room, but don’t like to get too cold once I am up and about.
As I walked along the path to the Church, there were scurries of leaves in their early autumn colour although the leaves on the trees were still green. The path consists of setts (cobbles are rounded and setts are more rectangular) and in places there are irregularities caused by tree roots undermining them somewhat. This means that I have to watch very carefully where I put my feet.
The sermon today was on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I often think that nowadays, while many people would refuse to offer to help, a rather large proportion would want to gather round and stare and only a few would offer help. Sadly, it does seem from news stories that people ‘having a go’ to help can often end up injured or even dead.
I do enjoy hearing the choir sing, and we usually have a further contribution from them as the collection is being uplifted. Now I give by Standing Order which saves having to have sufficient funds ready every time. Most of the people round about know that I do this, but when we have a new Elder handing round the bags for the collection and I can see that he or she has noted that I put nothing in the bag I have on occasion said that “I pay by Standing Order instead of I give by Standing Order!
We were back to the usual weather, grey skies, rain and wind. I did like the way one of the bloggers I read looked on the weather and time of year was and saw it as an opportunity to look forward to the Spring; definitely a glass half full kind of person.
This morning, following a good night’s sleep, I am once again sitting looking out of the window past my computer monitor. The sun is shining and my living room should feel considerably warmer as I switched on the central heating radiator there. The weather has to get seriously cold before I switch on the one in my bedroom/study. I prefer to sleep in a cold room, but don’t like to get too cold once I am up and about.
As I walked along the path to the Church, there were scurries of leaves in their early autumn colour although the leaves on the trees were still green. The path consists of setts (cobbles are rounded and setts are more rectangular) and in places there are irregularities caused by tree roots undermining them somewhat. This means that I have to watch very carefully where I put my feet.
The sermon today was on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I often think that nowadays, while many people would refuse to offer to help, a rather large proportion would want to gather round and stare and only a few would offer help. Sadly, it does seem from news stories that people ‘having a go’ to help can often end up injured or even dead.
I do enjoy hearing the choir sing, and we usually have a further contribution from them as the collection is being uplifted. Now I give by Standing Order which saves having to have sufficient funds ready every time. Most of the people round about know that I do this, but when we have a new Elder handing round the bags for the collection and I can see that he or she has noted that I put nothing in the bag I have on occasion said that “I pay by Standing Order instead of I give by Standing Order!
Monday, 29 September 2008
The Dreaded Washing
Yesterday after Church I managed to get 2 loads of washing done and out of the way. I know I talk about this beyond the point of boredom, but it is such a bore for me too as I have quite a long (well -ish) walk to the laundry room and each time you hope against hope that there will be a machine free. I was in luck and the place was empty, not one machine in use. So on with the first load and the second load in a bag in front of the machine to show that it was the next wash to go in there. You are not allowed to use more than one machine at a time (and I can see the point of this, but by the time the first wash was transferred to the tumble dryer there was still nobody there.
Ah well I got it all finished in time for lunch at 2 pm.
I have been trying to practise my exercises for the class on Tuesdays but I am finding it difficult as I get sore and tired....
Ah well I got it all finished in time for lunch at 2 pm.
I have been trying to practise my exercises for the class on Tuesdays but I am finding it difficult as I get sore and tired....
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Church, Sunday Times, Arctic Chill
Today is a lovely early autumn day, perfect for that walk to Church from the gates. The service today was taken by the Associate Minister as the Minister was visiting the Sunday School.
After I finish the Sunday Times I shall continue with Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indridason. This is a roman policier set in Iceland by a native of Iceland and translated into English (among many translations.)
I really enjoy all these different romans policiers from many countries. You get so much more that the detective story; you get the different heroes, the different relationships among the police teams, but most of all the feel for the countries. Iceland is almost a world on its own, but had American Air Force personnel based there during the Second World War, had the "Cod Wars" some time ago and is now having to come to terms with immigrants.
The hero is Erlendur (first names are nearly always used as surnames tend to indicate only son of xxx). As is not unusual in these types of novels he has his problems in his personal life, starting with losing his brother in a snowstorm when a child and continuing with a marriage which went sour and difficult relationships with his two children as a result.
After I finish the Sunday Times I shall continue with Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indridason. This is a roman policier set in Iceland by a native of Iceland and translated into English (among many translations.)
I really enjoy all these different romans policiers from many countries. You get so much more that the detective story; you get the different heroes, the different relationships among the police teams, but most of all the feel for the countries. Iceland is almost a world on its own, but had American Air Force personnel based there during the Second World War, had the "Cod Wars" some time ago and is now having to come to terms with immigrants.
The hero is Erlendur (first names are nearly always used as surnames tend to indicate only son of xxx). As is not unusual in these types of novels he has his problems in his personal life, starting with losing his brother in a snowstorm when a child and continuing with a marriage which went sour and difficult relationships with his two children as a result.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Church and worse
It is a lovely warm day here today, but nevertheless I put on my thermals to cope with the cold in the Church. Today was the third of our Statutory four Communion Services each year and , as usual, the Church was packed (with about 400 or so). The numbers present in themselves raise the temperature inside the building, so perhaps I did not need all the extra layers.
The reading was once more the parable of the talents. After confirming once again that in the parable the talents were money he expanded the lesson to mean the talents that we have all been given by God - and do we use these talents wisely? He asked if we thought our politicians used their talents wisely. That raised a laugh followed by a resounding no!
After the service I went once again to the big garden centre because I had spotted some things there the last time I visited - just silly nothings - which I wanted to buy before they disappeared. Our bridge club has a social and competition evening just before Christmas. They put on a good spread too.
I hope to win the competition for the best Christmas outfit. (Note that this does not require there to be any good taste involved.) I have the usual red tinsel to wear as a scarf, a flashing santa hat, a flashing handbag charm, and - the piece de resistance - a flashing biro for recording my score.
How about then, soup fans?
While there I had the usual cheese scone and lemon refresher for lunch then went to the big supermarket A***. I trailed around getting hotter, then by the time I was standing at the checkout I was feeling faint. I apologised and sat down for a bit, then had to speak to an assistant and apologise that I just had to abandon my shopping and go home. She was really nice. I went into one of the loos and removed two thermal layers and splashed my hands and face with cold water. After that I felt better and headed home but dropped in to the little A*** for one or two things that I really needed. Thank goodness for air conditioning in the car!
The reading was once more the parable of the talents. After confirming once again that in the parable the talents were money he expanded the lesson to mean the talents that we have all been given by God - and do we use these talents wisely? He asked if we thought our politicians used their talents wisely. That raised a laugh followed by a resounding no!
After the service I went once again to the big garden centre because I had spotted some things there the last time I visited - just silly nothings - which I wanted to buy before they disappeared. Our bridge club has a social and competition evening just before Christmas. They put on a good spread too.
I hope to win the competition for the best Christmas outfit. (Note that this does not require there to be any good taste involved.) I have the usual red tinsel to wear as a scarf, a flashing santa hat, a flashing handbag charm, and - the piece de resistance - a flashing biro for recording my score.
How about then, soup fans?
While there I had the usual cheese scone and lemon refresher for lunch then went to the big supermarket A***. I trailed around getting hotter, then by the time I was standing at the checkout I was feeling faint. I apologised and sat down for a bit, then had to speak to an assistant and apologise that I just had to abandon my shopping and go home. She was really nice. I went into one of the loos and removed two thermal layers and splashed my hands and face with cold water. After that I felt better and headed home but dropped in to the little A*** for one or two things that I really needed. Thank goodness for air conditioning in the car!
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Sundays
Our Church is always cold, particularly in summer ironically enough, due to the height of the roof, and the size of the building. This morning I went prepared and wore my thermal vest and long johns as well as a cotton polo neck under my polo neck all topped off with a fleece. Did I mention that I took my woolly Iceland mitts?
It was a good service with both the minister and the associate minister in attendance. The minister always shakes hands inside the door while the associate minister stands outside. He is a good man and when he sees me struggling a bit to get through a rather awkward two steps up and two steps down exit he steps forward to assist me - much appreciated.
I was still cold when I got back to the car, but I set off with the heater on full blast to buy some more long life bulbs TBSITW changed the ones at the window end of my sitting room, but one is not going on - may just need another slight screw in. So I got one to replace that one if it proves necessary and three to put by for the (hopefully distant) future.
After that I went to the big garden centre and bought one or two things before returning home to have a lunch of a crisp white loaf bought there served with cheddar and tomatoes accompanied by a glass of Fursty Ferret ale, followed by a slice of an apple and bramble tart.
Now quite warm and going to relax for the rest of the day.
It was a good service with both the minister and the associate minister in attendance. The minister always shakes hands inside the door while the associate minister stands outside. He is a good man and when he sees me struggling a bit to get through a rather awkward two steps up and two steps down exit he steps forward to assist me - much appreciated.
I was still cold when I got back to the car, but I set off with the heater on full blast to buy some more long life bulbs TBSITW changed the ones at the window end of my sitting room, but one is not going on - may just need another slight screw in. So I got one to replace that one if it proves necessary and three to put by for the (hopefully distant) future.
After that I went to the big garden centre and bought one or two things before returning home to have a lunch of a crisp white loaf bought there served with cheddar and tomatoes accompanied by a glass of Fursty Ferret ale, followed by a slice of an apple and bramble tart.
Now quite warm and going to relax for the rest of the day.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Weather and Clothing and more
During the spring/summer (hah!)/autumn I tend to wear one of a choice of fleeces; I have a black one, a bright green one and a pale cream (almost white) one. Which one I wear tends to depend on the weather. I looked out this morning and the sky looked a bit grey but it was dry, so off I went in my cream one (and before dickiebo gets the wrong idea, it was worn on top of my clothes).
By the time I parked the car, the rain started.
I have never managed to master the art of using a stick, carrying a handbag and an umbrella, but as a friend says, I am a drip-dry person.
Last Sunday, when I was shaking the minister's hand at the end of the service, I apologised for my absence and explained that it was due to a rather nasty fall, but that I was all right now.
This morning as I was sat in my pew, someone came to tell me that there were flowers for me and that I should collect them after the service.
They turned out to be a beautiful bunch of roses in assorted colours.
I am just so touched.
By the time I parked the car, the rain started.
I have never managed to master the art of using a stick, carrying a handbag and an umbrella, but as a friend says, I am a drip-dry person.
Last Sunday, when I was shaking the minister's hand at the end of the service, I apologised for my absence and explained that it was due to a rather nasty fall, but that I was all right now.
This morning as I was sat in my pew, someone came to tell me that there were flowers for me and that I should collect them after the service.
They turned out to be a beautiful bunch of roses in assorted colours.
I am just so touched.
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Life Returns to Normal
It started off very cloudy, but now the sun has started to come out; there is, however, a cold wind.
It was really very good to get back to Church again after finding it too difficult to face the walk after the fall - every step with my right foot seemed to jar my sore rib. When I said to our minister how good it was to be back and that I had had rather a nasty fall, he quipped "as long as it wasn't a fall from grace". Of course, I had to try to top that by saying "Grace was nowhere near at the time!"
Outside the Church grounds are only 2 disabled parking bays, with a small space in front of the second one. When I got there this morning the first bay was occupied and the non-disabled bay was occupied. It was very disappointing to note that the car in the first bay displayed no disabled sticker, and what's more to add insult to injury was not being used by any of the congregation. It also had been parked right to the front of the bay meaning that it was rather a small space left for the second disabled bay.
I was rather proud of myself that I got in.
I would love to invest in a load of stickers (of the kind that are not too easy to peel off) to stick on the windscreens of cars that are illegally parked in disabled bays. Some people are so selfish.
Anyway,that apart it was a good service. I had expected the Sunday School to be back, but not yet. Two others who live in this block of flats were also there - we usually sit together, but quite often one or more of us is absent. We are all getting older, although the other two are MUCH older than me.
It is a fair indication of how long it has been since I made it to Church that there were two editions of Life and Work waiting for me.
Now that I am home, the sun is shining, which is good to see.
It was really very good to get back to Church again after finding it too difficult to face the walk after the fall - every step with my right foot seemed to jar my sore rib. When I said to our minister how good it was to be back and that I had had rather a nasty fall, he quipped "as long as it wasn't a fall from grace". Of course, I had to try to top that by saying "Grace was nowhere near at the time!"
Outside the Church grounds are only 2 disabled parking bays, with a small space in front of the second one. When I got there this morning the first bay was occupied and the non-disabled bay was occupied. It was very disappointing to note that the car in the first bay displayed no disabled sticker, and what's more to add insult to injury was not being used by any of the congregation. It also had been parked right to the front of the bay meaning that it was rather a small space left for the second disabled bay.
I was rather proud of myself that I got in.
I would love to invest in a load of stickers (of the kind that are not too easy to peel off) to stick on the windscreens of cars that are illegally parked in disabled bays. Some people are so selfish.
Anyway,that apart it was a good service. I had expected the Sunday School to be back, but not yet. Two others who live in this block of flats were also there - we usually sit together, but quite often one or more of us is absent. We are all getting older, although the other two are MUCH older than me.
It is a fair indication of how long it has been since I made it to Church that there were two editions of Life and Work waiting for me.
Now that I am home, the sun is shining, which is good to see.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Another Baptism in the Family
Today has been an excellent day. My younger brother's son's son was baptised today, so sister drove me to their Church in big city. There were 4 baptisms today, so the Church was really full.
There were so many of my brother's family and my family (daughter, M, and 2 grandchildren made it) not to mention the proud mother's family. Afterwards we all went back to a groaning buffet at the baby's mother's mother's home. This is getting a bit complicated isn't it, so I hope you are paying attention.
I had contributed a bottle of Champagne to help out, but it was probably not necessary as they already had so many bottles on ice. I took a little gift for the baby (just a soft toy), and he treated it with all the contempt a 6-week old baby can muster! I also took a small toy for his big sister, because it is terrible at 4 years old to have your nose put out of joint by a new arrival. Funnily enough I just happened on it - it was a little doll, about 2 inches high, which could hold a message. On its base it said "Sister".
She couldn't really believe that I was her grandfather's big sister (and that my sister is our little sister.)
Sadly, elder son and his family could not go because of work commitments.
I discovered that my brother's wife's sister in law reads my blog! My sister in law had given her the address. I had no idea, but am delighted, and would be glad if they were to comment along with other friends.
I managed to have a chat with many of the people there, but did not manage into the garden.
We were very lucky that the weather held dry as there were black clouds ahead at many times during the day.
After, we went to shopping mall and went to M and S where I got some nibbles and also some crudites with a dip. I was going to buy some flowers as there was a sign above saying 2 for £5, but when I got to the counter I was told that the ones I had chosen were full price - of course I laid them down on the counter and said "Thank you very much. Good bye".
Also on the way home TBSITW took me round to show me where a local butcher is, who has very good quality meat and makes his own sausages, black pudding and so on. I shall certainly try it sometime.
There were so many of my brother's family and my family (daughter, M, and 2 grandchildren made it) not to mention the proud mother's family. Afterwards we all went back to a groaning buffet at the baby's mother's mother's home. This is getting a bit complicated isn't it, so I hope you are paying attention.
I had contributed a bottle of Champagne to help out, but it was probably not necessary as they already had so many bottles on ice. I took a little gift for the baby (just a soft toy), and he treated it with all the contempt a 6-week old baby can muster! I also took a small toy for his big sister, because it is terrible at 4 years old to have your nose put out of joint by a new arrival. Funnily enough I just happened on it - it was a little doll, about 2 inches high, which could hold a message. On its base it said "Sister".
She couldn't really believe that I was her grandfather's big sister (and that my sister is our little sister.)
Sadly, elder son and his family could not go because of work commitments.
I discovered that my brother's wife's sister in law reads my blog! My sister in law had given her the address. I had no idea, but am delighted, and would be glad if they were to comment along with other friends.
I managed to have a chat with many of the people there, but did not manage into the garden.
We were very lucky that the weather held dry as there were black clouds ahead at many times during the day.
After, we went to shopping mall and went to M and S where I got some nibbles and also some crudites with a dip. I was going to buy some flowers as there was a sign above saying 2 for £5, but when I got to the counter I was told that the ones I had chosen were full price - of course I laid them down on the counter and said "Thank you very much. Good bye".
Also on the way home TBSITW took me round to show me where a local butcher is, who has very good quality meat and makes his own sausages, black pudding and so on. I shall certainly try it sometime.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Supermarkets, love 'em or hate 'em
At Church today, I was once again reminded of my advancing years! The sermon today was based from the parable of the wheat and the weeds - of course, I immediately recognised it as the parable of the wheat and the tares...
After Church, I took my car to the car wash (badly needed); this will have two inevitable effects: the nice shiny car will attract the immediate attention of an overflying albatross and of a a dirty great rain cloud.
Following on I went to a little local supermarket (A***) but there were no disabled parking bays; it is not just the distance to walk that matters but also the need to open the car door wide to allow easy ingress and egress. So, on to big supermarket (T****) where I got what I needed, in other words chicken thighs to make a casserole. I am still not at all sure whether organic is better than free range - in other words, can organic mean horrible shed raised but fed on organic meal? What I really wanted was organic free range and in the end went for organic. I wish I had bought some at the Farmers' Market the other week.
While at T**** I saw strawberries at half price and went to make sure they were Scottish, as were the raspberries, so I bought some of them too.
I am not being xenophobic here, it is merely a matter of food miles. Just to demonstrate this, I bought blackberries from Hants. One of the few disadvantages of the particular veg box to which I subscribe is that you never seem to get soft fruit.
I find it quite amazing how my ideas about food have changed over quite a short number of years, starting with the influence of Farmers' Markets and then of organic veg box deliveries. Some ideas have come from press items, but most is from thinking about things myself.
After Church, I took my car to the car wash (badly needed); this will have two inevitable effects: the nice shiny car will attract the immediate attention of an overflying albatross and of a a dirty great rain cloud.
Following on I went to a little local supermarket (A***) but there were no disabled parking bays; it is not just the distance to walk that matters but also the need to open the car door wide to allow easy ingress and egress. So, on to big supermarket (T****) where I got what I needed, in other words chicken thighs to make a casserole. I am still not at all sure whether organic is better than free range - in other words, can organic mean horrible shed raised but fed on organic meal? What I really wanted was organic free range and in the end went for organic. I wish I had bought some at the Farmers' Market the other week.
While at T**** I saw strawberries at half price and went to make sure they were Scottish, as were the raspberries, so I bought some of them too.
I am not being xenophobic here, it is merely a matter of food miles. Just to demonstrate this, I bought blackberries from Hants. One of the few disadvantages of the particular veg box to which I subscribe is that you never seem to get soft fruit.
I find it quite amazing how my ideas about food have changed over quite a short number of years, starting with the influence of Farmers' Markets and then of organic veg box deliveries. Some ideas have come from press items, but most is from thinking about things myself.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Aaargh!
Just in case, I have been having a few problems accessing the Internet over the past few days. I think I know what the problem is, but am reluctant to grovel round on the floor to sort it out. The external modem has to be connected to the PC (obviously) and to the telephone socket via a splitter (also obviously, however those wonderful people at T***co haven't worked out that your computer might not be absolutely against the telephone socket.
My desk is, but the PC is below the right hand side of the desk.
Not exactly a million miles, is it?
However the two cables necessary to complete the connection are rather short, so I suspect that the modem now has rather a loose connection, and probably at the USB port.
As long as I can continue to work this is OK, but I may well be "missing in action" at some point.
When I log on I keep getting a message that the PC could not get a dialling tone.
Moving swiftly on, it has been a lovely day, bringing with it a very pleasant walk to Church.
Our minister has been preaching a series of sermons about the letters sent by Paul to the different Christian communities of the early Church. Today it was to the people of Ephesus; this city is now completely in ruins, but is a fascinating archaeological site. I had no idea that the Temple of Ephesus was one of the Wonders of the World, due to its size, which dwarfed mere humans, and its splendour, particularly for its statue to the Goddess Artemis, or Diana.
At the end of my last post, I had meant to mention that I had made 413 posts since I started! This is now the 414th!
My desk is, but the PC is below the right hand side of the desk.
Not exactly a million miles, is it?
However the two cables necessary to complete the connection are rather short, so I suspect that the modem now has rather a loose connection, and probably at the USB port.
As long as I can continue to work this is OK, but I may well be "missing in action" at some point.
When I log on I keep getting a message that the PC could not get a dialling tone.
Moving swiftly on, it has been a lovely day, bringing with it a very pleasant walk to Church.
Our minister has been preaching a series of sermons about the letters sent by Paul to the different Christian communities of the early Church. Today it was to the people of Ephesus; this city is now completely in ruins, but is a fascinating archaeological site. I had no idea that the Temple of Ephesus was one of the Wonders of the World, due to its size, which dwarfed mere humans, and its splendour, particularly for its statue to the Goddess Artemis, or Diana.
At the end of my last post, I had meant to mention that I had made 413 posts since I started! This is now the 414th!
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Church and State
At Church today, the lesson was about the man who called together three of his servants and gave one man 5 talents, the second 2 talents and the third 1 talent. When he returned, the one with the 5 talents had used the money wisely and returned 10 talents, the one with 2 talents also used the money wisely and returned 4 talents; however the one with one talent was fearful and buried his talent in the ground and had nothing to return to his master. The first two were suitably rewarded, but the third was cast into outer darkness.
The minister, in his sermon pulled no punches. He said the lesson was about financial management, and related this to household management and the financial management in this country by the banks, the financial institutions and the government.
The rise in house prices was a bubble that was inevitably going to burst. How did the banks and building societies not realise that sub-prime mortgages was a strategy doomed to failure? He was also highly critical of the Prime Minister and his actions as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
This all also relates to what is happening in the management of the National Health Service, the Education of our young and the Police – all the victims of top-down mis-management.
In the end the government is bound to be rewarded in the same manner as the servant with 1 talent – they will be cast into outer darkness.
The minister, in his sermon pulled no punches. He said the lesson was about financial management, and related this to household management and the financial management in this country by the banks, the financial institutions and the government.
The rise in house prices was a bubble that was inevitably going to burst. How did the banks and building societies not realise that sub-prime mortgages was a strategy doomed to failure? He was also highly critical of the Prime Minister and his actions as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
This all also relates to what is happening in the management of the National Health Service, the Education of our young and the Police – all the victims of top-down mis-management.
In the end the government is bound to be rewarded in the same manner as the servant with 1 talent – they will be cast into outer darkness.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Communion Sunday and a Sermon
Today was Communion Sunday, a service which is conducted 4 times a year on the second Sunday of March, June, September and December. The service was conducted by our minister and the sermon was preached by the assistant minister.
He made the point that they both, in common with most Church of Scotland ministers (and no doubt those of many other denominations) make a point off going to the Church entrance to shake hands with the congregation as they leave. Not only is it a nice gesture, but also they pick up much of what is going on in the parish, and particularly if members are unwell and so on.
He said that people say different things to him, such as “I really liked the hymns today” , or I enjoyed the sermon.
Well at least the sermon was written and delivered by him but it was certainly not the most important part of the service. That is the Blessing at the end.
However a good sermon will link together the hymns, the bible readings, the prayers into a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.
We had the opportunity to shake hands with both ministers at the end, the minister inside the Church and the associate minister just outside. The latter saw I was having some difficulty negotiating the steps out and stepped forward with a hand. I told him that if he helped me I promised I would not tell him I liked the hymns!
I decided not to wear my polo neck today, but wore a pink cashmere vee neck with a collar. I had quite forgotten I had it as it became too small, but I am now able to wear it which is very encouraging. I had also forgotten how nice is the feel of cashmere against the skin… On top I wore my new pale cream fleece (very smart and also summery I thought.) because the church is so cold.
The car thermometer said the temperature is 16 degrees, but with a cold westerly wind, I can tell you it does not feel it – so here I am back at the ranch with my polo neck on again.
Before you think I am a complete slut, I should mention that it is a jumper that I like so much that I ordered it in several colours!
He made the point that they both, in common with most Church of Scotland ministers (and no doubt those of many other denominations) make a point off going to the Church entrance to shake hands with the congregation as they leave. Not only is it a nice gesture, but also they pick up much of what is going on in the parish, and particularly if members are unwell and so on.
He said that people say different things to him, such as “I really liked the hymns today” , or I enjoyed the sermon.
Well at least the sermon was written and delivered by him but it was certainly not the most important part of the service. That is the Blessing at the end.
However a good sermon will link together the hymns, the bible readings, the prayers into a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.
We had the opportunity to shake hands with both ministers at the end, the minister inside the Church and the associate minister just outside. The latter saw I was having some difficulty negotiating the steps out and stepped forward with a hand. I told him that if he helped me I promised I would not tell him I liked the hymns!
I decided not to wear my polo neck today, but wore a pink cashmere vee neck with a collar. I had quite forgotten I had it as it became too small, but I am now able to wear it which is very encouraging. I had also forgotten how nice is the feel of cashmere against the skin… On top I wore my new pale cream fleece (very smart and also summery I thought.) because the church is so cold.
The car thermometer said the temperature is 16 degrees, but with a cold westerly wind, I can tell you it does not feel it – so here I am back at the ranch with my polo neck on again.
Before you think I am a complete slut, I should mention that it is a jumper that I like so much that I ordered it in several colours!
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Boys Brigade..
Today we celebrated 75 years of the Company of the Boys' Brigade attached to our Church. It was a splendid, uplifting service at which the colours were presented and the collection went to the Boys' Brigade band. The anthem was Handel's Zadoc the Priest (you know, the one that is always played at coronations), the collection was for the BB band and afterwards there was a march past.
Coincidentally, one grandson is in the BB (but not, of course, here) and was recently at BB band camp - and seemingly had a grand time. He plays, amongst other instruments, the guitar. I have been somewhat subversive, as grandmothers are allowed to be, and have encouraged him into a love of Pink Floyd. As you can imagine, "We don't need no educashun..." from 'The Wall' went down a treat.
Today, I put on summer clothes, and of course, put a jinx on the weather. What was worse was that I forgot how cold the Church gets! The weather is still reasonably mild, but there is no sun, so now I have changed back into a jumper and think it will be hot soup for lunch (when I had planned on having it chilled.
Coincidentally, one grandson is in the BB (but not, of course, here) and was recently at BB band camp - and seemingly had a grand time. He plays, amongst other instruments, the guitar. I have been somewhat subversive, as grandmothers are allowed to be, and have encouraged him into a love of Pink Floyd. As you can imagine, "We don't need no educashun..." from 'The Wall' went down a treat.
Today, I put on summer clothes, and of course, put a jinx on the weather. What was worse was that I forgot how cold the Church gets! The weather is still reasonably mild, but there is no sun, so now I have changed back into a jumper and think it will be hot soup for lunch (when I had planned on having it chilled.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Church and Shopping
To Church today for the second Sunday in Trinity. It was, as usual, a good sermon based this time on the letter of St Paul to the Galateans, and moving away from the view that Christianity was merely a sect of Judaism, with all Christians bound by the laws of the Old Testament, rather than of Christ in the New Testament.
Before we sang the last hymn, the minister told us that a young man (16 years old) was to play Bach's Toccata and fugue in D minor at the end and that anyone who wished to stay could do so. I haven't heard that played in Church since I was young and attended Inverleith Church in Edinburgh when the organist would play it from time to time. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
He got a very strong ovation at the end, and when I turned round to leave, I was delighted to see that most of the congregation had waited to hear him. On my way out, I discovered that he had started playing the organ only last September.
After that I went to the big supermarket beginning with a T and took back one of their "bags for life" and told the lady at Customer Services that it had died. So now I have two. She apologised that it was not the same design, but that was of no import. Got some greens and a lettuce as I have run out and creme fraiche and fruit compote. To my shame I also bought some grated cheddar as sometimes I find that the thought of grating can put me off altogether.
Before we sang the last hymn, the minister told us that a young man (16 years old) was to play Bach's Toccata and fugue in D minor at the end and that anyone who wished to stay could do so. I haven't heard that played in Church since I was young and attended Inverleith Church in Edinburgh when the organist would play it from time to time. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
He got a very strong ovation at the end, and when I turned round to leave, I was delighted to see that most of the congregation had waited to hear him. On my way out, I discovered that he had started playing the organ only last September.
After that I went to the big supermarket beginning with a T and took back one of their "bags for life" and told the lady at Customer Services that it had died. So now I have two. She apologised that it was not the same design, but that was of no import. Got some greens and a lettuce as I have run out and creme fraiche and fruit compote. To my shame I also bought some grated cheddar as sometimes I find that the thought of grating can put me off altogether.
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