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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Fields of Gold
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welsh dragon
Shipmate
# 3249
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Posted
Hello Molly,
It's so good to hear your print again! Winter is drawing in apace wetly here and the season of Christmas carols is hard upon us. (This is partly because this is a University town with short 8 week terms; term is coming to an end in 10 days or so and the students will have to fit their Christmas festivities in pretty sharpish if they want to celebrate with their friends...) And of course we don’t have Thanksgiving (is this a dumb English question, or does this mean you get twice as many mandatory massive turkey dinners?…)
The patients in the psychiatric hospital where I work had a "bizarre"(that’s how one of the nurses managed to spell it) on the 14th November, a bit early perhaps, but chosen by democratic patient vote. At the other hospital where I work, lopsided wreaths and curiously shaped knitted infants are festooning the corridors courtesy of the fund-raising attempts of the occupational therapy department. I have been chivvying the nurses on the ward into organising a Ward Christmas Do at which someone will no doubt Do Something They Regret that will go into the annals of hospital folklore...
I am sure actually that all this activity is probably pretty similar to hospitals both sides of the Atlantic. After all, it's important to remember the real meaning of Christmas...beer and parties...
...that is to say people having an excuse to get together and be generous and celebrate and be joyful...together with the religious festival that got amalgamated with the ancient winter festivities (I do like Christmas, I really do...)
Am so glad you liked the new Pratchett (good idea Sparrow…) My idea of heaven I think would be to discover a library of books by new authors I had never read…who were all diverting, witty, poignant and profound in their own inimitable ways…and had all written 30 or so previous books to delve into…that were at least as good…mmmm….
Anyhow, will insomniacly try to get more sleep…
You take care xxx
And love also to the anchorite-to-be St. Seb.
WD
Posts: 5352 | From: ebay | Registered: Aug 2002
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Duo Seraphim*
Sea lawyer
# 3251
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Posted
Hello Molly,
Work continues at Chateau Duo Seraphim. The dust has abated somewhat - but now they are painting a waterproof membrane on the concrete so the place smells like a petrochemical works.
I am concerned that my de facto cat Figaro (a lilac Burmese girl despite the name) will get a nasty shock from sticky paws if she pays me a visit tonight.
I am off to reform education for readers (apprentice barristers) at the Bar now - future victims will, no doubt, call me cursed.
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2^8, eight bits to a byte
Posts: 3967 | From: Sydney Australia | Registered: Aug 2002
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Sparrow
Shipmate
# 2458
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
My idea of heaven I think would be to discover a library of books by new authors I had never read…who were all diverting, witty, poignant and profound in their own inimitable ways…and had all written 30 or so previous books to delve into…that were at least as good…mmmm….
WD, living in Oxford I wonder if you're a Peter Wimsey fan? Do you know of the sequels written by Jill Paton Walsh? Of course sequels written by other authors rarely come up to the standard of the origials, but the other JPW one (Thrones, Dominations) wasn't half bad. Anyway I saw today she has written another one
[sparrow dives under her desk to retrieve her copy of the Times]
called "A Presumption of Death". Based on notes which DLS left for a story set in 1940. Might be worth a try!
Posts: 3149 | From: Bottom right hand corner of the UK | Registered: Mar 2002
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Gill H
Shipmate
# 68
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Posted
I have a thankful heart today, Miss Molly. It's my last proper day of work before I go on a week's holiday. Tomorrow I'm at a conference in York, which enables me to spend some time afterwards eating Fat Rascals in Betty's tea shop with the delightful Sophs. It will be the first time we've met in the flesh. We'll raise a cup of tea to you!
Then I'm off to Preston (Lancashire) with Peter to spend some time with his parents, and then we spend a few days with my parents in South Wales. The week will be a flurry of rushing around stuffing presents into people's arms, as it will be the only chance we have to see them before Christmas. Not exactly relaxing, but great fun.
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*sigh* We can’t all be Alan Cresswell.
- Lyda Rose
Posts: 9313 | From: London | Registered: May 2001
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Beethoven
Ship's deaf genius
# 114
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Posted
Good morning, Molly dearest, and a very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours - and to all our US shipmates ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
The sun is shining here - there's a bright blue sky with a few pretty, white clouds up there too. Unfortunately the scenic outdoors has to hidden away behind the blinds this morning; otherwise, until the sun moves round a bit I can't see my screen!
B is full of cold at the moment, and I'm fighting one off - I will not give in to it when I'm just getting back into all my singing! Especially as we may have another recording coming up soon...! Mr B is working hard on his thesis now - I think looking for a parish and getting so close to it being finalised has really given him the incentive to press on with it now, so that the bulk of it is done by the time he's ordained.
The pussy cats decided last night to show that they and not we, are in charge. As I got home from the supermarket at about 9.45, I left the front door open for a couple of minutes while I was bringing the bags in from the car. Predicatable as ever, George decided it was time to go out, even though he knows he's not supposed to go out of the front door. Darn, I thought - that's him out for the night.
About 10 minutes later, as I was just finishing putting things away, he appeared at the kitchen window, not entirely sure if he wanted to come in, but apparently feeling that he really ought to be there... As I opened the door to let him in, out ran Alice - and as I held the door open to call her back, out went George again! Fortunately he's a bit of a piglet, so the promise of some treats got him in quickly - but Alice decided no, there was something she just needed to check on down the garden, so off she ran... ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Then, a little later, as I was feeding the bunnies, back she came - hooray! A careful bit of cat-holding (George) and treat-rattling (at Alice), and eventually we were all back in the house, ready to settle down for the night.
The cats send purrs & cuddles, bunnies send you whiffles & nose-rubbings, and lots of love, hugs & prayers from all of us.
Beets
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Who wants to be a rock anyway?
toujours gai!
Posts: 1309 | From: Here (and occasionally there) | Registered: May 2001
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dolphy
Lady of Perpetual Responsiblity
# 862
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Posted
My dearest Dame Molly,
Sorry for not having posted here recently - I hope I have made up on that with our little chats on MSN. I am continuing to save this thread to disc as promised - please tell your Mum that it is a pleasure to do so ![[Wink]](wink.gif) .
Things in the Dolphy household are good and we all send our love. Brandy and Jessie are becoming real love birds; they now have to lie on our bed before we go to sleep and have a kiss and a cuddle. This means that Brandy will lick Jessie's ear and then they lie side by side touching paws. Jack and I are thinking of moving into the spare room and leaving them too it!!!
Keep an eye out for the post Molly
God bless you and yours and a Happy Thanksgiving too.
As ever and always,
Dolphy, Jack, Brandy and Jessie, and love from my parents too. xxx ![[Love]](graemlins/lovedrops.gif)
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Looking forward to my rock moving closer again.
Posts: 15134 | From: my camper van | Registered: Jul 2001
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ChastMastr
Shipmate
# 716
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Posted
St. S: Why, certainly you may have a word with me outside -- here you go:
antidisestablishmentarianism
But you can take it inside as well if you like; it is big but I don't expect many crumbs.
"Dame Molly"? Is that anything like Dame Edna? ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Happy Thanksgiving, possums!
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My essays on comics continuity: http://chastmastr.tumblr.com/tagged/continuity
Posts: 14068 | From: Clearwater, Florida | Registered: Jul 2001
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multipara
Shipmate
# 2918
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Posted
Dame Molly like Dame Edna???!!!!! God for-bloody-bid!
cheers,
m
and yes-there REALLY is a place called Moonee Ponds!
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quod scripsi, scripsi
Posts: 4985 | From: new south wales | Registered: Jun 2002
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Miss_Molly
Toujours gai
Beloved
# 2339
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Posted
Dear brothers and sisters, dear shipmates! Good morning to you in the UK and the continent, and a gentle stroke of the cheek to wake up the eastern US shipmates, a few more sweet dreams to the westerly US shipmates, and a wish for a nice last cuppa before bed to the Oz shipmates.
Dear Dragon of the Welsh, certainly many Americans have a huge turkey dinner both at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we plan to eat ham at the December festivity. Since the side dishes will remain the same, it will still be a huge meal! As well as the meat, we have both white and sweet potatoes. green beans, celery stalks stuffed with cream cheese with crushed nuts blended in, black and green olives, special homebaked rolls, a special cranberry relish, pumpkin pie, and as often as possible, a special strawberry and nut dessert, blended into gelatin and topped with a sauce of cream cheese and marshmallows. With turkey, we have a bread dressing made with sage, onion, and celery. As this is my favorite part of the meal, I shall be lobbying hard for dressing at Christmas, although it won't see the inside of a turkey!
Dear and chaste master, I received also a lovely magazine from you, about Lewis and Clark. I had a splendid time vacationing in history while I read it.
My Jedi Sister, Judy, thank you for sending on the quilt blocks from the Campbellite, from a certain friendly alligator, and from someone unidentified (or at least I have not located a signature yet) who wishes me to be dressed in Christ. All these squares are lovely and much appreciated.
Dear Marchioness, I played the CD of you and the rest of the choir for my parents last night. It was much enjoyed by all!
Beets, my lovely, I am glad to hear things move on well towards ordination and the new parish. I was amused but not at all surprised by the cat show of power. The other night a lady in Oz, who like myself has occasional lapses in memory due to illness, and I were saying we would be fine as long as we remembered: our respective names, that we were friends, and that cats ruled the world! Of course, I have an ace in the hole as far as name recollection goes, as PaulC has promised to remind me of my name as often as necessary!
No, my name is not Barry Humphries! I checked with my mother, and also checked for any Humphries-ish masculine bits about my person. Negative on all counts.
I am glad that things are moving towards a snug house conclusion at the Casa Duo Seraphim. I have been much interested in your travails, and hoping the mess would be cleared up and all the moisture sealing etc., done soon.
Golf demi-god Brent, and dear shooter of sharks, in your honor I watched golf on Sunday morning. It was the match at Tiburon, which I believe was designed by a golfer you are interested in, my Canadian shipmate!
My parents and I thank all of you for your warm wishes. We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day. Marian had a migraine and so was unable to be our guest, but St Sebastian appeared. He brought lovely orange and yellow flowers. I do not know what they are called, and they are not sunflowers, but they remind me of Van Gogh's Sunflowers for some reason. I admire Van Gogh because his love and faith, even during distress and increasing mental difficulties, radiate from his paintings.
I did not put any zombie drops in St Sebastian's food, being forbidden this course of action by my father, who as a church elder, tends to be a stickler on these matters. This is probably just as well, since he must accompany my father on a furniture-buying expedition this morning.
I hope you will think this a good use of a portion of your touchingly generous gift, dear shipmates; I have decided to buy one of those chairs in which the seat rises and lifts you most of the way to your feet. It is undetermined yet whether it or my black chair will then go into my bedroom. I am finding it increasingly difficult to sleep in a bed, so the plan is to rearrange the bed so the table with my fighter mask is between it and a chair, so I can use it in either sleeping mode.
Smiles, hugs, kisses, whuffles, strokes and side scratchings as appropriate to all whom I am privileged to call shipmate!
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"I come from a state that raises corn, and cockleburrs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me"
Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver at a naval banquet in Philadelphia, 1899
Posts: 1242 | From: home | Registered: Feb 2002
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Janine
The Endless Simmer
# 3337
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Posted
I don't know why I didn't think to bossily recommend one of those stand-up chairs before... It was an odd lapse on my part as I usually revel in telling people what they ought to do.
Remembering times when my breathing was restricted... such as, final portions of pregnancies. (All the babies insisted upon tap dancing alternately on my bladder and my lungs.) (Middle son weighed 10# 4 oz. & was almost 2 ft tall at birth. And I'm not quite 5'5".)
Anyway, the best sleep I got in those weeks (some of the best sleep I've had any time) was in a recliner. I could tilt my head up, take my weight off my spine, put my feet up. It was great!
I don't own one now, but I still choose the recliner any time I'm "camping out" at someone else's house. They think I'm being all noble and everything, leaving the beds for others, but I (& now you) know what's really going on. ![[Two face]](graemlins/scot_twoface.gif)
Molly, I am so relieved your friends & loved ones are able to get to you. I run into a lot of "alone" people in limited circumstances in my church work, and (please it God) hope I help them a little, but nothing replaces a relative or close friend being nearby to champion you & fuss you & take you to task when you need it.
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Our Thanksgiving meal was designed by my Michael & cooked bravely and single-handedly by moi. The only thing I didn't get to do, so I may do it for Christmas, is a dish of baked sweet potatoes with so much brown sugar, walnuts, pecans, etc., it might as well be candy. Mike prefered the potatoes (yams, really, as big as an NFL football) simply baked in foil, served with a little cinnamon & butter.
We also had seafood-stuffed mushrooms, jalapeno cheese bread, a green salad (lettuce, spinach, grape tomatoes and cucumbers), and field peas over rice and corn. These are his favorites, although only the mushrooms rank as "holiday".
And the TurDucHen. That's a deboned turkey, stuffed with a deboned duck, stuffed with a deboned hen, stuffed with stuffing. Sausage, in our case. Mike wondered why it wasn't called a 'TurDucHenAge'.
All the preoccupation with food! Really, it's the mental/emotional connections, the family traditions, etc., I think. That and the fact that it's a special day because Mom is actually cooking!
Happy Holidays to you all, especially to the Divine Miss Molly.
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(P.S. Welsh Dragon, have you seen any sign of a bulky envelope from Louisiana?)
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I'm a Fundagelical Evangimentalist. What are you?
Take Me Home * My Heart * An hour with Rich Mullins *
Posts: 13788 | From: Below the Bible Belt | Registered: Sep 2002
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jedijudy*
Jedi defender of ship's cats
# 1059
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Posted
Hi Molly! We had a terrific day yesterday! Wall-to-wall people, platters and bowls of food and much merriment.
We had 31 pounds of turkey all together, and there's hardly any left! There were almost as many potatoes, I boiled and smashed 15 pounds, and my friend brought a huge bowl of sour cream smashed taters. Plus my other friend brought a sweet potato/ cranberry dish. Yummy! We had squash and corn and green bean casserole, friut salad, and three kinds of cranberry relish, including "Mama Stamburgs Famous Cranberry Relish" which has horseradish in it. (Yum!)
As we sat at table, and told tales, the gracious hostess (me) was roasted and ripped to shreds! I'm just surprised they didn't tell "the Gravy Story"...again.
"The Gravy Story"
When I was about 15 years old, my parents were called out of town unexpectedly, so they left a note for me (as the eldest) which I received after school. It had instructions for preparing the meal, and other household duties to attend to until their return late that night. I was to roast a chicken, cook mashed potatoes and peas, and make apple waldorf salad, all of which I had done on many previous occasions. The new thing was to make gravy. Mom knew I had never done that, so she left ingredients and amounts. I followed her instructions precisely, and stirred, and stirred and stirred the gravy. I stirred that stuff for at least a half hour, and it didn't turn into gravy. I figured something was wrong, but didn't quite know what, so I served it "as is". My siblings protested that the gravy didn't look right, but ate everything else.
Mom had just assumed that I knew you have to cook the gravy .
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ENFP...do you see a "T" anywhere??? I don't think so.
Posts: 3248 | From: Soon to be inhabiting identity # 333!!! | Registered: Aug 2001
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Lady A
Narnian Lady
# 3126
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Posted
Such a relaxing day for us this year. Only my Mom, and my two boys were around. We did turkey and stuffing, carrots and corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry fruit bread, gravy, fruit salad. Not a lot of work, but well worth the time to cook and eat! We managed to get done rather earlier than we had thought we would, and so drove out to Mt. Angel Abbey about 35 minutes from here.
We were in time to look around a bit before Vespers. It is set on a beautiful hill top. As we turned off the road out of Mt. Angel, we came up a long narrow winding roadway. Along the right side are small huts, back, two short sides and a roof, where they have the 12 stations of the cross. They looked beautiful, all in carved relief with vivid colors. Nestled along a winding pathway, and lit for the deepening evening. The monastery is beautiful with sandy-rosish colored bricks for all the buildings. The library is magnificent and I shall have to go there some day to walk among the books and monks, and look out at the incredible view. We could just see Mt. Hood 50 miles off in the distance, the new snow calling the night in by putting on its alpenglow cloak. I read a plaque under a giant sequia up there that had been planted in 1939 (I laughingly called my Mom over to show her that she was older than the tree....!). We could see the bells for the calling of the monks, ropes disappearing down into another building. There is a Guardian Angel up between the church and the retreat building. She is gentle, wings outstretched, holding a small child by the hand. We walk into the quiet but open retreat house. There is a light on upstairs. We see a gift shop (the truffle boxes were calling my name), and the office of the guestmaster. Outside is a small pond with a waterfall. There are fish in there! and I wonder if they freeze up during the winter.
We decide to go into the church and get ready. We have no idea what to do and wait for someone else to come in. A lovely couple come in and get us the Vesper book and show us on the board that we are to be at the 56th reading. The church is fairly modern, the rosish brick all around. A huge pipe organ is in the back, but tonight there are only us 4, the nice couple and just 3 other people in the main church. The bells call us to worship. The monks file in. I have never had an experience like this before and it is beautiful. We chant Psalm 46. I feel wonderful as one of the other chants is the Magnificat. It is amazing to me that this is being sung all around the world tonight. That probably there is not a moment of the day where this has not been heard and witnessed by the stars, or caught the ear of God.
We step outside into the dark night, the stars are gently singing since no angels have appeared. The lights from the surrounding valleys shine off into the far distance. We head for home nearly getting lost in the labyrinth of back roads through the farm country, but the pumpkin pie has been patiently waiting for us.
Sunday night is Advent and we will be taking an Advent walk here at a local golf course.
Love to you in the walking, I'll be thinking of you as all the lights shine in the darkness...
Lady A
Posts: 2545 | From: The Lion's Mane, Narnia | Registered: Aug 2002
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Bronwyn
Shipmate
# 52
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Posted
Just want to say have and will continue to be busy but am trying to see what is going on, still this moving busness is hard. I have MSN now :-) I begged the computer owner for it.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Fragile X syndrome is part of our lives. Someone I love makes me proud who has this syndrome. I love you Miriam.
Posts: 1221 | From: Melbourne (Australia) | Registered: May 2001
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welsh dragon
Shipmate
# 3249
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Posted
Hello Molly,
All this talk of food is making me very hungry you know.
It's fascinating really, because it's pretty similar to traditional English festive winter cookery and yet subtly different; the sweet potato for example, not a vegetable we are used to using much. I am also wondering whether I have been unfair to celery. Maybe I will experiment this Christmas. I am so glad that you have all been having such a lovely time with your families.
Maybe we should have more excuses for festive winter dinner parties.
Wow, Lady A that's really beautiful btw. Have you read the novel Miss Garnet's Angel by Sally Vickers? It's rather good. I read it some time ago, and then I was talking to this very wise priest (Anglican) about some stuff in my life, and he said, go read this book. It's all about this woman who takes a chance on life, goes to Venice (meets some rather wonderful Americans on the way). And all through her journey, in all sorts of ways a journey, through this baroque and wonderful city, with its ancient carvings and magnificent art and quiet candlelit corners, with people as always with their own reasons for behaving the ways that they do, all the way through there are angels. It is a book overshadowed by feathery wings that are just out of sight...
Do you know I had not the faintest idea I was going to start writing about that when i sat down?
Anyhow, I am going to get something to eat because I am absolutely starving.
God Bless
WD xxxx
Posts: 5352 | From: ebay | Registered: Aug 2002
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Miss_Molly
Toujours gai
Beloved
# 2339
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Posted
Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear Shipmates...
Thank you Lady A, for the gentle and evocative account of your trip to the monastery. Welsh Dragon's suggestion of a book sounds wonderful; I would also like to recommend a book called Cloister Walk. I am glad you had a peaceful, happy time with your sons and your mother.
Dear Sister Jedi, that sounds like one wonderful spread and group of dining companions. I have never had relish with horseradish in it; what an amazing idea. Our cranberry relish is ground up berries, combined with some cherry flavored jello an orange and its peel, and pecans.
Ma jolie Janine, that sounds like a real, rollicking Cajun time you had. I was imagining some two-step music! I hope the diners were sufficiently grateful for all that work, especially deboning the various fowl. I bow down and so does my mother. We usually eat our sweet potatoes baked with some butter, but my mother occasionally bakes them and then heats them through with a mixture of orange juice and brown sugar. Thank you, by the way, for your concern and butting in on me! I am truly blessed, not only to have local friends, and family able to come and see me, but all my nosey and devoted shipmates!
Amiable dragon, I hope you found something decent to eat. Here there would have been left-over Thanksgiving food at the police stations and hospital wards, as normally people forced to work on the holiday will club together and bring a potluck of holiday dishes. The downside of that for you would be that Thanksgiving is a busy time for psychiatrists, probably second only to Christmas for emotional and mental distress, run-ins with the law and substance abuse. I wonder if Americans have a harder time because we have two "family happiness" holidays so close together? I know that for many years, the only way I could deal with these two holidays was to work Thanksgiving and deal with Christmas as a purely religious holiday. This was not because of a lack of love in my family of birth, but owing to my own failure to reproduce a family.
Dear Sister K., I have been thinking of you and Sean very often. I am glad to hear that, although busy you are getting things sorted. At some point, could you PM me your address, so I have it to send you the item we discussed?
Beloved Dolphy, we played your compilation CD last night, and much enjoyed it. My mother has been extremely entertained by your account of the lovebirds.
Mme Pipkin, I hope your maths exam went well. I prayed for you on the day, as only another person feeble at math can! I am glad you are enjoying your work at the midwifery unit. What is a cottage unit or cottage hospital, as I have sometimes run into the phrase?
I smell the delicious aroma of a breakfast burrito in preparation by my dear mother. I must away to eat this gustatory treat, as later this week it will be back to frozen entrees and Mickey D's!
I will try to post later today. In the meantime, God bless you all.
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"I come from a state that raises corn, and cockleburrs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me"
Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver at a naval banquet in Philadelphia, 1899
Posts: 1242 | From: home | Registered: Feb 2002
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Rossweisse
High Church Valkyrie
# 2349
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Posted
Dear Molly,
We had a lovely Thanksgiving, with the four of us (plus two cats; the un-shy one made out very well); my sister-in-law, her husband and their daughter, in from New Hampshire for the occasion (their son is a freshman at the University of Hawaii); and two young Japanese women. I got over a killer sinus infection just in time to gain an appetite and regain the ability to taste my food -- Deo gratias!
Last night was a truly wonderful orchestra concert; today is crisp, clear and cold, and my husband and the Junior Child (the one who was a cat for Hallowe'en) are out raking leaves.
I am glad to see you better and posting!
A ho-jo-to-ho-o for you,
Rossweisse
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I'm not dead yet.
Posts: 15117 | From: Valhalla | Registered: Feb 2002
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Nanny Ogg
Ship's cushion
# 1176
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Posted
Hello Molly,
Things in the Nanny Ogg room have been a bit of a mess recently having been told to rest up by doctors - but there is improvement I'm glad to say.
It means that I've spent a couple of days gazing out at the dull grey sky through the balcony windows seeing the occassional magpie on the roof.
The family have gone to their second home in Swanage on the Dorset coast. It is lovely in that part of the country - with such a varied coastline from the sandbanks on Studland Bay to chalk cliffs of Ballard Down and Old Harry rock to the beach at Swanage and round again to more cliffs at Tilly Win caves.
Because of all the geology the area holds bad memories of an A'level geography field trip - hours spent trudging the coastal walk marking out the various rock formations and pretending to be interested when all you really were interested in were the boys...
Still I did return for a rather insane holiday at a later date - camping with friends who were at university at the time. Memories od country dancing in Swanage town sentre whilst humming the theme tune to "The Archers" and kidnapping teddy bears...
I had a lovely visit from Welsh Dragon today - who came bearing food and cooked a wonderful lunch. It was lovely to have company and I felt so pampered and undeserving of her generosity. She is an angel ![[Angel]](graemlins/angel.gif)
I spent time not in the company of the wonderful dragon making my own Christmas cards. I've still a lot of sticking to do but they seem to be coming along fine. I have to get them finished by tomorrow afternoon when the family return otherwise there will be 4 children wanting to "help" which, whilst appreciated, may not be a very good idea.
Take care Molly
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Buy me a beer and I'm you friend forever
Posts: 4137 | From: Away with the fairies | Registered: Aug 2001
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Janine
The Endless Simmer
# 3337
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Posted
Molly:
Speaking of rollicking & dancing & Cajun music, you should be getting some in your mailbox about now. I haven't tracked down the traditional stuff yet, but I did send the slightly more modern type influenced by Zydeco. The kind you might hear at a "fais-do-do" (as to a baby, "make sleep").
St. Sebastian has been "speaking" to me if he notices me on line. Yet another "leak", dear, so do be good.
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I'm a Fundagelical Evangimentalist. What are you?
Take Me Home * My Heart * An hour with Rich Mullins *
Posts: 13788 | From: Below the Bible Belt | Registered: Sep 2002
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St. Sebastian
Staggering ever onward
# 312
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Posted
Molly's parents are the sweetest people! I enjoyed listening to them as we went chair-hunting. They've been married 50+ years and still call each other "honey". Their conversation reminds me of puppies at play, their sentences bounding into each other, rolling over each other, butting each other out of the way. They both tend to try to tell the same story simultaneously, but without the irritation one often hears in long-term couples doing the same. Molly has been holding out on us, it seems. The P's were telling me that in highschool I think it was she had articles or stories published in the Denver newspaper more than once. She was also rescued from a deadly mosquito attack following a shale landslide (of which she was a component)by a ruggedly handsome lineman for the phone company. My favourite story was that when her mother was sitting in the hallway of her first grade school waiting for a parent-teacher conference. The teacher checked the hall a couple of times, ignorning Mrs. Dillon each time. Finally, Mrs. Dillon went into the classroom and said, "excuse me, but wasn't my appointment at X O'clock?", which was a good 15 minutes past. The teacher burst into laughter. 6 year old Molly had told the teacher her father was an Indian and her mother a "raven-haired Spanish beauty". Having taken her at her word, the teacher overlooked the lovely but markedly Caucasion beauty in the hallway who proved to be the actual Mrs. Dillon. ![[Killing me]](graemlins/killingme.gif)
I feel so awful for the two of them. They are all practical cheerfulness, but you can see the panic and grief in their eyes. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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St. Seb
In Spite of Everything: Yes.
Posts: 962 | From: Burlington, North Carolina | Registered: May 2001
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Miss_Molly
Toujours gai
Beloved
# 2339
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Posted
Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear shipmates on two or four legs, with skin, fur, or scales. I am thinking affectionately of you all, late on a chilly Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
Preparations are being made for attendance at the early morning Eucharist at St Mark's, the service based on the Prayer Book of 1549, the form of devotion closest to my heart.
I have had my toenails cut (now I will not be able to employ them as deadly weapons on anyone who gets the rubrics wrong or is a tedious lector) and my hair trimmed. My parents have spiffed themselves up in Sunday go-to-meeting style as well. St Sebastian will be joining us.
I shall be able to see dear elderly friends in the parish: the Caffals, the Meiers, and the Lewons. Some of you may remember my attending the funeral of the Lewons' grandson last spring. His little coffin lay in the area just in front of the chancel steps. We all had to walk around it to go to Communion. At the time, I thought it a forceful and curious reminder that the way to our everlasting life is through death. Now every step and every breath reminds me.
But we will go, and draw strength from each other and from a centuries-old form of worship. Then we will return to my apartment, have brunch, and listen to the tapes from cher Janine and her friends, which arrived today.
May God send you all a happy and peaceful Sunday, and for you Nanny Ogg, continued recovery from your illness.
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"I come from a state that raises corn, and cockleburrs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me"
Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver at a naval banquet in Philadelphia, 1899
Posts: 1242 | From: home | Registered: Feb 2002
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
Hello, Miss Molly!
(waving from west of you)
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Blessed Gator, pray for us!
--"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon")
--"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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Sparrow
Shipmate
# 2458
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Lady A:
We chant Psalm 46. I feel wonderful as one of the other chants is the Magnificat. It is amazing to me that this is being sung all around the world tonight. That probably there is not a moment of the day where this has not been heard and witnessed by the stars, or caught the ear of God.
Thank you Lady A for sharing these beautiful images with us. I was especially moved by the image of the Magnificat being sung somewhere around the world every minute of the day. It reminded me of the lovely words from "The
Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended:"
We thank thee that thy Church unsleeping
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping,
and rests not now by day or night.
Posts: 3149 | From: Bottom right hand corner of the UK | Registered: Mar 2002
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Janine
The Endless Simmer
# 3337
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Posted
It is perhaps a good idea that Miss Molly, her folks and St. Sebastian weren't going to listen to the "Blast From the Bayou", performed by Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, before going to worship. The stuff is positively infectious; they'd never get the proper contemplative attitude back on.
Somehow, I doubt that "centuries-old form of worship" includes two-step jigging in white shrimpers' boots up the main aisle.
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I'm a Fundagelical Evangimentalist. What are you?
Take Me Home * My Heart * An hour with Rich Mullins *
Posts: 13788 | From: Below the Bible Belt | Registered: Sep 2002
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Janine:
Somehow, I doubt that "centuries-old form of worship" includes two-step jigging in white shrimpers' boots up the main aisle.
Sounds like a good service, to me!
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Blessed Gator, pray for us!
--"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon")
--"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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Duo Seraphim*
Sea lawyer
# 3251
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Posted
We lit the first candle on our Advent Wreath at St Francis on Sunday. It is a beautiful metre wide circle made of pink everlastings and lavender in front of the altar. The wreath was blessed and then sprinkled with holy water. As the first candle was lit, we sang "Rorate caeli de super, et nubes pluant justum" roughly translated as "Drop down dew from heaven and rain grace on the just". We will continue to light another candle each Advent Sunday (with a pink candle for Gaudete Sunday).
Thank you for your kind words about the horror of builders. It rained, as only Sydney can, on Saturday - the membrane held up. Unfortunately, they have been digging down below in the lower floor of my house, so water got in through the window they had taken out....
My nephew was born at 7.30 am on Friday morning. Like all neonates, he was red and looked like a little old man - very alert though, with blue eyes. They have given him Joseph Paul as his Christian names, his father being Paul Joseph. His two year old sister Bianca was a bit shocked and not that impressed at the sight of her mother, Hannah, with a baby. But then she cheered up and climbed up on the hospital chair to stare out of the window at the rain, the hail and the lightning, happily saying "Don't fall, don't fall."
On the other end of life, I have had to choose the readings and prayers, as well as the music for my old friend Allan's funeral on Wednesday, 4th December. I was given free choice - except for the recessional. His former partner Martin chose one of Allan's favourite songs "Fields of Gold", sung by its composer Eva Cassidy, to be played as we all leave the church, after Mass. We will sing the plainchant Allan loved in our choral robes (red soutane, white cotta).
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2^8, eight bits to a byte
Posts: 3967 | From: Sydney Australia | Registered: Aug 2002
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Miss_Molly
Toujours gai
Beloved
# 2339
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Posted
My dear hearts. my thoughts and prayers are with you on this late Sunday night/very early Monday morning.
In my defense, St Sebastian, it must be said that my father indeed has Indian blood and is proud of it, and my mother's maiden name was Rivas. She just happens to belong to a mostly fairskinned family, even having a cousin Pilar who was blonde and blue-eyed!
May Allan's soul rest in peace, dear Seraphim. I know he will enjoy what you have chosen for him. All good wishes and prayers for every blessing to the new little man, and to his family. Thinking of your builders, I am reminded that the Ark was constructed in haste by an amateur, while the Titanic was put together over years by trained professionals!
(((((Golden_Key))))), my prayers continue for you. My friend Joyce is afflicted with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. She has been disabled for ten years, her case being one of the first granted SSI. She actually had to go to court, so their is legal precedent for a favorable decision in your case.
Ma cher Janine, we did indeed enjoy some of the music you sent, but have not reached the song involving white shrimpers' boots yet. I am in eager anticipation!
I was not able to attend church after all. I had passed a not-so-good Friday, and my parents were very concerned for my Saturday. At one point my parents wanted to take me to the emergency room because I looked so "awful" to them. I declined, as there was nothing that could be done for me but more oxygen. I am afraid, too, that they might decide to intubate me again, if I am unable to speak for myself, even though I have given power of attorney to my friend Marian.
I have become weaker over the past few days, and increasingly intolerant of activity. I now have to sit down on a chair placed next to the tub when I am through showering. I catch my breath, and then can finish drying off. This, despite having paused at least five times while showering to do nothing but breathe. I pause in my postings now, too, as even this small activity makes me tired.
I was in a great certain amount of pain last night, and worried because I could not take any more Acetaminophen for several hours. I knew also that I could not get any prescription on Sunday, as Dr Reilly's office is only open weekdays. I tried to lie down and sleep in my bed, feeling this would relieve me, but I could not breathe well enough lying down, even at the angle to which the head of the bed has been raised. I finally managed to fall asleep sitting up in my chair.
I have asked my mother to remain with me, and she has lovingly consented. My father will return to Colorado today. After my initial cowardly request, I got hold of myself and said, of course I was better now, and would be all right until Christmas, as it really is an imposition to ask her to come now. Among other things, she has a dentist appointment she will now miss. So I asked her to go, but she says she will be too worried about me if she goes now.
I am grateful she can stay; there is nothing like your mother when you are ill. I will do my best not to throw up or wet the bed, and I will eat and drink as much as I can of what she prepares. And she will hold my hand and hum to me when things are worse, and that will be the most comforting thing. I know some shipmates have not been fortunate in their family relationships; I report this pleasure at the approaching end of my life not to brag but to express profound thanks. I hope in each one's life there may be such love, although it may not be from a birth mother.
I will continue to read and post as I can. I am saving my strength to be in touch with my dear shipmates.
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"I come from a state that raises corn, and cockleburrs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me"
Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver at a naval banquet in Philadelphia, 1899
Posts: 1242 | From: home | Registered: Feb 2002
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welsh dragon
Shipmate
# 3249
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Posted
Hello Molly,
I am so sorry you are feeling weaker. And I am very glad you have your mother there with you. It is great that you are so very close. As you say there is nothing so comforting as a mother's love when you aren't well. God Bless you both, and your dad.
Oh and I wrote this last evening thinking of you and Lady A and my book - though it doesn't feel finished or together, but the mood seems appropriate...
Golden lights are distant in the winter sky
Advent candles flicker in the church
Angel wings are brushing on the window panes
The night is quiet and it’s filled with love
Far away the morning air is lightening
Softly lifts the day...
WDxxx
Posts: 5352 | From: ebay | Registered: Aug 2002
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JoyfulNoise & Parrot OKief
Ship's pirate
# 2049
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Posted
My dear Miss Molly,
Holding you in my heart, sorry you are feeling so weak at the moment.
JoyfulNoise and I went to see The Alchemist in a play to celebrate 15o years of Little St Mary's Church in Cambridge.
To make sure I could see everything that happenned JN placed me on the pew back right at the front of the church. From there I could see Seasick conducting the chorus, and the 6 Saints who were so lifelike sat or stood in their stained glass windows on the stage.
St Francis was a friend to all animals, he had a wee mouse scurrying at his feet, and St Monica was cuddling a most gorgeous Hippo (reputedly property of her 32 year old son, St Augustine). St Andrew did slightly concern me though, he proudly held a fish to teh fore throughout teh play, has no one told him they should be kept in water!
The play was most excelent, and I am pleased to say that JoyfulNoise didn't go to sleep once. (yeah!) which meant no noisy snoring to attract everyones attention.
Love to you from all in the JN&O'K household,
God Bless,
O'Kief
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Written from my alternative universe.
Posts: 1101 | From: East Anglia in the UK | Registered: Dec 2001
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dolphy
Lady of Perpetual Responsiblity
# 862
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Posted
My dearest wonderful Molly,
Just to send you all our love and cuddles. Our love to your family too - give your Mum a hug from me.
Holding you tight my dear friend,
With all our love,
Dolphy, Jack, and Brandy and Jessie (I think a wedding is on the cards for these two love animals!!!)
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Looking forward to my rock moving closer again.
Posts: 15134 | From: my camper van | Registered: Jul 2001
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Smudgie
Ship's Barnacle
# 2716
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Posted
My dearest Molly,
At last you force me to succumb and post on this thread which I never ever read. How could you??? I am sitting here, enjoying the decadence of drinking coffee and not getting bathed and dressed until mid-morning – you’ve taught me well, my friend. And how peaceful the house is now that the Smudgelets have departed for school. I am definitely getting too used to this life of leisure – it’ll come as a real shock to the system to have to start working again.
I am so glad to hear your mother is now going to stay with you. Please do give her my love – there should be a little bit left over out of all the love the boys and I are sending your way. You are indeed blessed with the love you have from your parents – just as I have been. We may moan about them from time to time - and times like these maybe pull us back from taking them for granted – but I for one really do appreciate how fortunate I have been. I only hope I can provide that same unconditional love and support for my two throughout their lives.
I am feeling slightly remiss as we have not quite got into Advent properly yet… the calendar we generally use is still tucked away somewhere at the bottom of the box I retrieved from the attic on Saturday. The candles are set up and ready to light. We settle down round the little coffee table in the lounge and Tiddles – in his esteemed position as man of the house – gets to light a match. The boys take it in turns to light the advent candle (and a couple of extra candles) and turn the lights off – although this year we shall be lighting three, as the boys made their own candles at church this weekend. Then we turn to the advent calendar. We use the same one every year. It’s a model of a stable, with a book. As the days of advent pass, we read one more page in the book which tells, slowly but surely, the story of the occupants of the stable. And with each page we read comes a cardboard figure or object to slip into the stable scene… the ox, the stable boy’s lunch, some kittens, a spider at the window who spins the word “peace” into his web… building up, of course, to Mary and Joseph and the infant Jesus. Read by candlelight, snuggled together on the sofa – what nicer way to get in the mood for Advent? And then, once they’re in bed, I raid the chocolate calendar which my friend buys for me to have hidden away in my room!!!!!
The two of them were allowed to stay up late last night for the Circuit Advent Service in our local church. The church was packed. It was lovely to hear the hymns sung with such gusto! Smudgelet was a bit overwhelmed by it all, but couldn’t go to sleep on my lap because he was far too nosey! (I remember the first year we took Tiddles and he did sleep on my lap, but was woken every few minutes during the sermon as the theme of it was “WAKE UP!”) The theme this year was the Christmon tree, with symbols of Christ being placed on the tree by a series of readers. The symbols were all in white and gold – an angel, a daisy, a star, a shepherd’s crook, a cross etc. It was really effective. I was asked to read and place a butterfly on the tree, while our lovely boy, dressed in his best Sunday clothes like in the photo (except a white shirt instead of blue) stood and read beautifully and clearly about the crown. I was so proud of him. Thank goodness I read first – last year he did a reading too, and I had to do one straight afterwards, and had trouble fighting back the lump in my throat to get the words out.
Molly, you know you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. God bless you. ~o~
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Miss you, Erin.
Posts: 14382 | From: Under the duvet | Registered: Apr 2002
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Janine
The Endless Simmer
# 3337
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Posted
My friend Judy, with whom I sing Southern Gospel music, an educator, specifically also a music therapist, is coordinating a multimedia Christmas display.
She is filming children reading the Christmas story from the Bible, explaining it in their own words, or sitting sweetly (and tartly) about listening to the other kids telling The Story. This will be edited together and the video played on a wide screen behind the usual manger sceen at her little Baptist church.
That'll probably bring out a few throat-lumps.
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I'm a Fundagelical Evangimentalist. What are you?
Take Me Home * My Heart * An hour with Rich Mullins *
Posts: 13788 | From: Below the Bible Belt | Registered: Sep 2002
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Miffy
Ship's elephant
# 1438
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Posted
Dear Molly,
Thinking of you all the time. So sorry to hear that you have been feeling weaker. Please pass on my regards to your mother. It's good to know that you have someone there with you, and what better person to have.
I'm pausing to write this before an early lunch -prior to rushing off across town. The work that has been taking up most of my time these last few weeks is near completion; it should, hopefully, pass out of my area of responsibility midweek. A couple of hours this afternoon should do the trick.
Ms M too, is up to her ears in project work, with her art coursework due in this week. The almost completed work is being temporarily housed in the dining/music room, (we eat mostly in the kitchen chez Miffy), and we are reminded regularly to SHUT THE DOOR! whenever we enter. The prospect of Mephi getting in and using the work as a scratching post doesn't bear thinking about! I fear that the old excuse 'the cat/dog/mouse ate my homework,' does not wash at the public exam stage. School is only five minutes walk from home, but British weather being what it is (and the work being half the size of Ms M), she has accepted her father's kind offer of a lift in on Thursday, the day of reckoning!
Meanwhile, the textiles project continues. She will be producing a costume loosely based on that of Lady Fuschia in Ghormenghast. This requires huge amounts of material. We may be able to skimp a wee bit on the quality, mind you. But not too much, as Ms M may well be called upon to model her creation at the school fashion show next year.
Our church held its Advent Eucharist yesterday evening. (The little ones had their Christingle earlier in the afternoon). There is something rather special about a wintertime evening's service. The choir processed up with their candles, those of the congregation being lit during o Come, O Come Emmanuel and left burning for some ten minutes hereafter. Those of the choir were left massed up at the altar.Light at the back of the church was supplied by the lights on the huge Christmas tree, which was put up last week.
The Advent Antiphons were sung and chanted as we moved through the service. The whole was markedly different from our usual 'style'; it reminded me slightly of those cathedral services I attended as a teenager. I can't say I always appreciated it then, nor do I always now, but last night was a welcome pause in the frantic run-up to Christmas.
I'm becoming even more aware of this last than in previous years, and as always am pulled both ways, trying both not to be a Scrooge, but hating all the razzmatazz found in the shops and in the media. I gave up reading magazines from October to January last year. This year I shall do the same with TV adverts. (Hence the many visits to the bathroom - as a result of hopping out every 15 minites or so to make a cup of tea!).
I had one of those pleasant, unexpected surprises just now. Having wandered into the kitchen to make one of aforementioned 'cuppas,' decided to be rash and brew up some proper coffee. Very extravagant this - such luxuries are normally reserved for Saturday mornings only, when Mr M brings me a cuppa in bed with my fried egg on toast.
Anyway, I set up the machine, and opened the tin, only to find we'd run out of grounds. Then.. remembered a tiny sachet of Taylors of Harrogate Finest Italian (sounds like something from the MW board, doesn't it!)that we'd been given as a freeby by Tescos.
What I call one of those 'aah!' moments. Equal only to those 'mint crisp' moments. (I can feel a new thread coming on here).
Signing off now, Molly. Hoping you have a peaceful day.
love
Miffy
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"I don't feel like smiling." "You're English dear; fake it!" (Colin Firth "Easy Virtue")
Growing Greenpatches
Posts: 4739 | From: The Kitchen | Registered: Oct 2001
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Scarlet
Mellon Collie
# 1738
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Posted
Molly, just sending many hugs and prayers. Fearless is sitting on your virtual lap, gazing at your beautiful face with concern and gently patting your cheeks with her paws.
I have to go to work, now - but will post more later of the Rosebride/Wandering w/Hope happenings. And as I type, Fearless is trying to eat from my cereal bowl. She is the original opportunist!
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They took from their surroundings what was needed... and made of it something more.
—dialogue from Primer
Posts: 4769 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Clíona
Shipmate
# 2035
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Posted
Molly, a stor
Hugs from Ireland.
Cliona
xx
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Starting (yet) again...
Posts: 1262 | From: Back in Dublin | Registered: Dec 2001
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Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
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Posted
Hello Molly, I'll keep this brief so as not to tire you out, but just filling you in on last week.
Tuesday. Out of sorts.
Wednesday. Still out of sorts. Went round market, but couldn't find any.
Thursday. Now very out of sorts.
Friday. Fed up with being out of sorts. Must find supply somewhere.
Saturday. Out in evening to 15th century black and white timbered pub for glass of beautiful ruby-coloured mulled wine, hot, sweet and gingery. Encountered pub cat, was warned by companions that cat was of an evil disposition and not to mess with it. Looked at cat, which stared back with look of contempt and inflated itself to size of small labrador. Cat probably drinks too much and is aggressive with it. Moved away quickly.
On to restaurant where curtains were made of fairy lights. Swopped seats so that companions could feel queasy instead. Dinner arrived: 1 fish with fangs, 1 squeaky cheese, 1 excellent steak, on huge plates the size of cartwheels. Mistake on restaurant's part, because although portions were decent, there was so much white space between ingredients that diners instantly felt resentful at not getting more for money. Table behind us vociferously upset that vegetables had arrived cold, one person saying it had spoilt her meal. A second told the waitress it had ruined her evening, a third informed the manager that her weekend was a write off. As we left, the fourth was preparing a press release saying it was the nadir of her year.
Sunday. Not quite myself. Definitely nothing to do with previous night's mulled wine, burgundy and large glass of brandy. Steak must have been undercooked.
Monday. Back at work. Emboldened by previous success of small coloured stripe on intranet web page, added small coloured dot. Manager stunned by ineffable beauty of page, remarking on it to rest of section.
And so it goes.
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
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jedijudy*
Jedi defender of ship's cats
# 1059
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Posted
((((Molly)))) my dear friend and sister Jedi. I was so happy to talk with you the other evening. You are a most amazing person, even though you were having difficulty breathing and talking, you were asking about the members of the Jedi Temple! God bless your sweet heart!
Oh, I have a request to give the keyboard to an important family member...here's Belle!
Hiya Molly! Mama told us that you've been receiving the kitty and lizard treats we're sending! We're saving a special surprise for you...purple bird feathers! You can use them for Advent you know! Jasmine and I are sitting on either side of you, purring and keeping you warm. Snuffy is hanging on the side of her cage, enjoying your company. Snuffy didn't think you'd really like a kiss from her, so she asked me to give you one. **Belle rubs Molly's nose with her own**
All the girls in the Temple here send love and hugs and purrrrs to you and your Mom!
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ENFP...do you see a "T" anywhere??? I don't think so.
Posts: 3248 | From: Soon to be inhabiting identity # 333!!! | Registered: Aug 2001
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Viola
Administrator
# 20
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Posted
Thinking of you, praying, and thoroughly enjoying this thread Miss Molly.
I am always surprised and impressed how your elegant writing style influences the other posters on this thread. Have you noticed how much better their grammar is, when they are talking to you?
Anyway - much love, from an irregular poster but avid reader.
K.
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"If ye love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15
"Commandment number one: shut the hell up." Erin Etheredge 1971-2010
Posts: 4345 | From: West of England | Registered: May 2001
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Rowen
Shipmate
# 1194
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Posted
Hello my dear.... I returned to work yesterday- after an absence of 3 months... Rather jet-lagged so only made a half day. My welcome was warm- I think they missed me, in my department.
The Chaplaincy Department had a service last week to celebrate those who went on to Jesus this last 6 months. Folk who came were encouraged to write the names of loved ones on stars, and tie them to a living and beautiful Christmas tree. The tree is now in our chapel, and anyone can write on stars the names of anyone they care for. Now the tree will be used as a prayer focus for Advent.
Your name is on a star.
Hugs
me
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"May I live this day… compassionate of heart" (John O’Donoghue)...
Posts: 4897 | From: Somewhere cold in Victoria, Australia | Registered: Aug 2001
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Wandering with Hope
Shipmate
# 3431
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Posted
((((Molly))) -
So sorry to hear you are feeling weaker but may all our prayers give you mental strength. I am so happy that your mom has decided to stay - I know how much of a blessing this will be for you both. I am fortunate (like you) to have a loving relationship with my mom. I am always grateful that even through the tough times (and boy were there some) she always stood by my side.
I have been quite busy the last few days - Thanksgiving activities (two on Thursday) - Shopping on Friday (yes, we are the foolish ones - thanks mom! ) - and then got a call that my grandmother had fallen and needed someone to stay with her the rest of the weekend - so the kids and I packed up and went to her house. This is one of those weekends when you need a vacation from your vacation - but everyone is home safe and grandmother is feeling much better - so I'm looking forward to staying in tonight.
Spudz, CJ, Son-Unit & even the grumpy teenager say hello
Many hugs and prayers
Wandering with Hope
Posts: 113 | From: between the ocean and the mountains | Registered: Oct 2002
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daisymay
St Elmo's Fire
# 1480
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Posted
As an antidote to the deeply spiritual experiences of others:
Sunday am: Matt (7) and Jack (6) escape from their mothers and hide under the covered altar in the Lady Chapel. Spend the first part of the service popping their heads out to those of us sitting in the aisle and making faces at us. Mothers can't go and grab them as they are too close to the nave altar where the service is taking place. ![[Help]](graemlins/help.gif)
One is eventually enticed out by mother's gestures and risks coming so close he gets caught. The other sticks his tongue out, gutted at losing his naughty mate. they decide to go through to Children's Church, where they are supposed to be. ![[Yipee]](graemlins/spin.gif)
Sunday pm: a street sleeper snuggles himself down with all his plastic bags in the back pew during the pre-service rehearsal. He doesn't smell too bad. He enjoys the music and stays for the service.
Halfway through he gets out his booze bottle and doses himself up quite a bit. He snoozes.
Three quarters of the way through, after the sermon, he wakes up, and rustles around for his packet of fags. When he finds them, and his lighter, he spends some time trying to light up.
Eventually he lights his cigarette, and the scent/stink of the smoke spreads throughout the church building. Various members of the congregation sniff. The man in the pew in front of him expostulates without effect.
When the service finishes, it turns out that the vicar had been totally oblivious. The street sleeper joins us for coffee and biscuits. ![[Snigger]](graemlins/snigger.gif)
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London
Flickr fotos
Posts: 11224 | From: London - originally Dundee, Blairgowrie etc... | Registered: Oct 2001
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Lady A
Narnian Lady
# 3126
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Posted
Ah, I forgot to write in a piece of the Advent walk, so since it is short, I will post it for all. I hope you got the e-mail? The stable we arrived at was all lit by lanterns. A wonderful nappy headed Joseph (I'm not sure of the politically correct term! Person of color?) stood next to an enchanting Mary. His attentive posture and look were wonderful. A true norwegianish blonde haired beauty as an angel behind. But there was a new member this year. Down, lying prostrate was a creature of the stable. The ears were white, but bent and curled under, so I couldn't quite tell the species. The coat too, was inconclusive as to the bearer, whitish, but flecked with faded spots. Two limbs, covered in whitish socks peeked out from the bent head. The complete reverence from this figure overshadowed for me, the wise men with their golden gifts. Even the angel was as nothing before the grace of this creature. And so I too wish to come to Christ, in a skin that only he knows who I truly am, feet formost that have brought me to the throne of Him I love. Head not dared to lift in His presence, until He in grace will come to me, and lift me whole and healed into His arms.....
Peace to you and yours,
Lady A
Posts: 2545 | From: The Lion's Mane, Narnia | Registered: Aug 2002
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St. Sebastian
Staggering ever onward
# 312
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Posted
I just called Molly and Marion answered and said they were waiting for a callback from the doctor and that things weren't wonderful. I wish I'd asked more questions, but I wanted to clear the line. She said this weekend she thought her lungs were filling up, so perhaps that has caused a crisis.
Molly, I have Ibubrofen 800's if you want some. What do you mean you couldn't take any more for several hours? I take 2 or three at a time whenever I feel like it. Of course, we've long established that I view the instructions on medicine bottles as vague suggestions more than anything else. I'm stuck at work waiting for the slow-assed pharmacy to fill another prescription for Lortabs, so let me know if you want some (sure hope nobody from the FDA is reading this. ![[Embarrassed]](icon_redface.gif) )though I doubt they'll touch cancer-pain.
I hated that I missed saying goodbye to your folks (or your Dad, as it turns out). I was out of Lortab and my arm was making me irritible and sullen. Not the impression I wanted to leave with them for the holidays. Have Marion or your Mama call me if you or they need anything. I'm still taking you to the doctor Wednesday, right? Even if your Mama decides to take you, if either of you would feel better if I went with you I'm there!
Worried and fretting a bit,
Posts: 962 | From: Burlington, North Carolina | Registered: May 2001
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Scarlet
Mellon Collie
# 1738
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Posted
Adding my bedtime prayers for Molly, Mom and Marion.
St. Seb, I've been praying for you as well, and I have called on every Orthodox Saint I can think of on your behalf. What else can I do? I so wish I was there....
Love and hugs all around.
Fretting a bit with you.
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They took from their surroundings what was needed... and made of it something more.
—dialogue from Primer
Posts: 4769 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Duo Seraphim*
Sea lawyer
# 3251
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Posted
Today is a beautiful summer's day in Sydney - a sunny 25 degrees (mid 70s to you) with a light north-easterly sea breeze to stir the Harbour and make the sea shimmer in the sun. I try to get off the bus a few stops early and walk in to chambers past the War Memorial and the Pool of Reflection and across Hyde Park in the cool,deep shade of the giant Port Jackson fig trees.
I am coming to the end of my year as a reader i.e. apprentice barrister (trial attorney from your perspective). Mostly I appear in court in my usual business suit (black) but every so often I climb into the full fancy dress to go to work at Court - horsehair wig, white jabot or bands (think Presbyterian minister), black skirt or pants, black bar jacket and gown (like academic robes but more complex). You can imagine what all this lot - traditional to the Inns of Court in London - feels like on a hot Sydney summer's day! I carry it about in a gladstone bag. My consolation is that the judge is tricked up in something equally bizarre.
I will have to find a permanent set of chambers to work from. We are all self-employed but band together in chambers to share office services, receptionists, clerks and so on. My current chambers is a magnificent blend of Oriental divan, bordello and gentleman's club - decked out with gilt Empire mirrors, New Guinea statues (grass skirts not quite concealing their attributes), a beautiful Victorian dining table and set of 10 chairs and what looks like an opium smoker's bench out in reception. Elsewhere in other chambers, I have walked into rooms with Egyptian sarcophagi, marble sculptures, model airplanes, stuffed lions, pinball machines, fairground automata, complete articulated chicken skeletons and stuffed fish. Giant challenging oil paintings are everywhere in every conceivable artistic style. The Bar doesn't go in for bland corporate decor.
I'm very tempted to stay where I am and buy or licence rooms on my current floor. I am happy here - happiness at work is important. Phillipa, the other reader, has Norah Jones on the stereo singing "Feelin' the Same Way". This morning it was 14th Century homophonic chant. Neither of us would have been allowed to get away with that in the large law firm factories we both came from.
May God hold you in His arms, secure in His love, Molly.
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2^8, eight bits to a byte
Posts: 3967 | From: Sydney Australia | Registered: Aug 2002
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Nunc Dimittis
Seamstress of Sound
# 848
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Posted
Molly, I missed you coming online just now.
Bronwyn says you are very very ill.
I love you. And will be praying for you, both now and after the end...
May God always hold you close to his heart. May he guide guard and protect you on the journey. And bring you safely home.
Love always,
Nunc
Posts: 9515 | From: Delta Quadrant | Registered: Jul 2001
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babybear
Bear faced and cheeky with it
# 34
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Posted
May God grant peace and comfort to Molly, and those around her.
Speaking as a Mam, I don't think that I could leave one of my girls when they were so ill. It was a big enough wrench when they had chickenpox to leave them with their Daddy whilst I went to a christening (I am the godmother).
bb
Posts: 13287 | From: Cottage of the 3 Bears (and The Gremlin) | Registered: May 2001
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welsh dragon
Shipmate
# 3249
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Posted
Hi Molly,
I am writing this to the accompaniment of Janine's tapes that arrived in a big package from the States. (Could she tell the bass guy btw if she sees him that the word from England is that he is really cool?) It's aaamaaazin grace at the mo...oh and the tenor's really neat too...
Am trying to continue writing without clapping along..and thinking that this could prove distinctly hazardous in the car...
I hope that you have had a more comfortable night and that you are feeling less tired. And breathing more easily. All good strength to you Molly. And I hope that your mum and Marion are keeping well.
The team effort on the Knockout Quiz is going rather well btw. This is mainly because I am enjoying being Judy's team mate so much ![[Cool]](cool.gif) . But also because of the inspired overseeing of the ![[Not worthy!]](graemlins/notworthy.gif) manager who put the team together...
I don't have a very picturesque journey ahead of me; round the ring road in Oxford, playing Russian Roundabout Roulette trying not to get hit by a bus, past the factory and the supermarket complex and so to work...automatic doors that don't open, peeling and scraped paint...but I will risk playing a different set of Country Gospel songs on this morning's journey so I guess that is something to look forward to
You and yours all take care
Love and God Bless
WDxxx
Posts: 5352 | From: ebay | Registered: Aug 2002
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chukovsky
Ship's toddler
# 116
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Posted
My doctor told me to take as many ibuprofen as I need, and that's only for headaches. You aren't exactly likely to get a stomach ulcer now, are you?
TAKE THE PILLS!
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This space left intentionally blank. Do not write on both sides of the paper at once.
Posts: 6842 | From: somewhere else | Registered: May 2001
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sophs
Sardonic Angel
# 2296
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Posted
![[Waterworks]](graemlins/bawling.gif)
I love you molly
Posts: 5407 | From: searching saharas of sorrow | Registered: Feb 2002
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