Like Magic!

The snow keeps falling...the wind keeps blowing...roads are slick...wind chill is ridiculous...my car died. Yesterday after my practice time it wouldn't start and Hubby had to come rescue me. Tonight he took it to a hockey game and got stranded. I went to help him jump it and it wouldn't jump so it's in the lot for the night, hopefully it won't get towed away. Last night all I wanted to do was sleep. In the morning I find it more and more difficult to get out of bed...I wish I could be like the animals and tuck myself in for a long winter's' nap! I should be making cards, but by the time I finished all my chores tonight there was only time to drag out the supplies and make a mess...it's too late to be creative.

I'm feeling quite overwhelmed again with my organ education. My mentor joined me yesterday in my practice time...the man sits down and places his hands on the keys and magic happens!! I want so much to play like he does. He says I will....I honestly don't see how. It's so natural for him, it's as easy as breathing for him and I should have taken better notes...I wish I could have written down everything he's told me for the last 22 years. Half of it I didn't think I'd ever be able to use and here I am. Some days I feel as though I have missed the bus...that it's too late to put to work what I know and to late to learn the rest of what I need to know. I just hope and pray he will continue to want to work with me....he's retiring soon...that combined with the fact that I often feel like I am a pest make me wonder if he's not getting tired of our arrangement. I had so many questions for him yesterday and there was no opportunity to ask them. Time just marches on and more and more I feel as though I'm being left in the dust of life.

Today we received an invitation to drive 3 hours south of here to see an installation of a pipe organ. It's in a Catholic church whose pastor is the former pastor at the church where my mentor is organist. I miss Father Eric. The church just hasn't been the same since he left. I love this idea for a road trip...maybe this summer some time.

Tomorrow is more household chores and several students as well as practice time for me. I'll have to drive Hubby's truck...in the snow...on the slick roads...not sure I'm ready for that.  I'll put a pork roast in the crock-pot in the morning for supper and cook up a stir-fry for lunch.

Almost time for bed...

Practice Time

Church was good yesterday, though I was disappointed as were some others that we didn't sing more Christmas hymns. It was my turn to play the offertory and it went well. I experimented with a registration that reminds me of my favorite pipe organ. Hubby said it sounded very nice. Only one other person made a comment, which is fine. I think the newness has worn off and people are finding it sort of normal now, which is a good thing.  Hee, hee, I'm sounding more and more like my mentor everyday. 

Daughter came over after church yesterday and helped a little with some Christmas decorating.  I always put up this little tree on the piano.

We still don't have our big tree up yet, but everything else is done.  It's always a bitter-sweet time for me as most all my decorations  have been handed down by my mother. Most of them were on her tree when she grew up, so they are quite old. This one is a cookie! I even have a picture of her about age 4 in front of a Christmas tree and this ornament can be seen hanging on the tree behind her!

Some, I remember buying or making with her when I was growing up. Either way, she is always on my heart as I bring them out each year to decorate. The little wax choir candles are quite a collectors item, I'm told. Mom left them on the TV one year and they began to melt. ;) I bought the porcelain ones when I got married because they reminded me of my mom's wax set. Now I have both. I always miss her, but especially this time of year.

Scolding myself...do you ever unload your heart on someone, then wished you hadn't? Do you ever open up to someone and then feel as though the most important thing on your mind and heart made no impact at all on the person you shared it with? Have you ever sought advice, sympathy or just a little understanding and felt like you were talking to the walls? Truly, sometimes I think I share too much to the wrong people and I'm the only one who pays the price...disappointment, rejection. Am I the only one who does this repeatedly?? Someday maybe I'll learn. There...that's my rant for the week. 

The big plan for today is practicing. I'll do some cleaning around here this morning and I plan to be at the church from 1:00-4:00 or 4:30. If my mentor isn't too busy, he said he might come up to work with me for a bit. I hope he makes it, we have so much to discuss...I just hope I am able to get the answers I seek and tell him the things that are on my heart.

Celebrating Advent

I just can't seem to get myself moving this morning. I think it's this awful weather. It's snowy and blowy and cold and it doesn't look to let up any time soon. 

Today I need to find something for us to eat...I didn't take anything out of the freezer and I only have one meal available. I plan to make some chowder, but I had planned that for tomorrow's lunch. I should go to the grocery store, but dread the thought. I do need to go out this afternoon to practice and I need to still pay bills, get some cards made to send out and find some time to get in my work-out. There just aren't enough hours in the day. 

I was so fortunate to be able to attend Lessons and Carols last night and got to hear and sing along with my mentor as he played the organ. The music and readings were so beautiful. I was disappointed though...for some reason he has backed the organ way off and it just didn't sound like the organ I know and love and it didn't sufficiently support the singing. We had talked about it, he told me he had backed everything down, but I didn't know how much. I want to talk to him about it, I need to find a way to lovingly offer constructive criticism. It will be difficult for me to say anything but if the organ isn't doing it's job, he needs to know, but it's hard to be critical of the master. 

Well, it's time to get busy...

Crossing My Fingers and Toes!

Plans for today include finishing the laundry I started yesterday, get in a work-out, pay bills (we finally got paid), teach three piano lessons, make ham chowder for supper and hopefully go to hear My mentor play the organ this evening in Lessons and Carols. It's such a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season...always puts me in the Christmas spirit. I don't know if I'll get to go though due to the weather, but I'm crossing my fingers and toes! 

Last night the siding began blowing off the roof line of our house. Hubby crawled up on the slippery roof and hung over the side and drilled in a few screws to hold it. I was so afraid he was going to fall! He didn't do as good of a job as he hoped, because he didn't want to go further down the roof where he needed to be for fear of slipping off. It's still rattling some this morning in the wind, I just hope it stays on until we can get to it better or get it replaced which won't be until spring. 

My poor daughter, she just posted the attached picture to her Facebook...that's her car barely peeking out from under the snow and she has to get to class this morning. 

Okay...off to get this day started - there is always so much to do! 

Where Did Everything Go???

We are in the middle of a lake effect blizzard. Schools are cancelled all over the area today - we didn't get all that much snow last night, but the snow that did fall had a lot of moisture to it, so the roads were very slippery this morning. It has been snowing quite a lot today and the wind has been gusting up around 40 mph. Quite often I look out the window and can't see my neighbors house it's just a few yards away! The trees have disappeared from across the street...street...what street? LOL! I don't have to go out today, thankfully. Hubby was supposed to have a game to referee today but with school cancellation comes game cancellation. It's a bummer because we were counting on that $90.00. All my students have also cancelled and I understand that for sure, but my budget doesn't. Our new neighbors are experiencing their first Copper Country snow storm and loving it. I can't wait to see how they feel come March...April...May! 

Hubby and I went out to dinner last night in this blizzard, then came home and watched movies together. We celebrated 32 years of marriage. 

The wind is now blowing the siding off the house!!! I heard it banging and went to look, then the neighbor called to tell me. Oh my, this is not good! 

I'm actually enjoying my quiet afternoon...with the exception of the banging siding. I've been thinking about typing up a Christmas newsletter, but honestly, I don't know what to say this year. We have gotten to be so predictable that we don't have much news to share. If I knew for sure I wasn't going to have students tomorrow, I would drag out my card making supplies and make a mess. 

Speaking of tomorrow, a friend and fellow organist and I are supposed to go to my mentor's church (where I learned to play the pipe organ) tomorrow night where he will be playing the organ in their annual "Lessons and Carols". It's such a lovely service and a beautiful way to start the season...BUT with this weather the way it is, we might not be able to go and I will be so very sad as I've looked forward to it for a week and a half now. Oh how I miss practicing there!!

Well it looks like it's going to be a long, cold night...stay warm!

My First Hodgepodge Wednesday!

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens? 
Selfies are fine...if you're careful and the angle is right. I've seen some pretty nasty looking selfies. I think the last time I did one was to show a new haircut. It's been a while ago now. I prefer to be behind the lens.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?
I will send out cards - I usually type up a newsletter and make cards to go with them. I'm very behind this year and haven't even got started. I have a lot to catch up on.

3. Do you trust easily?
I probably trust too easily and I have gotten hurt before because of it.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
Vanilla and cinnamon are at the top of my list.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?
I think a pretty even combo of both. I'm a piano teacher so listening is key, but so is talking.

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )
O God Beyond All Praising. It's a great one to have stuck in there and I don't mind at all, thank you.

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why? 
I'm not much of an explorer. I'd rather have someone else do it and send me back the information and pictures. ;) I'm more comfortable tucked away in my little house, living the simple life.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This is my first time joining Hodgepodge Wednesday and I'm hoping to get to know some new friends by doing so. 

Thirty-Two Years Ago

Thirty - Two years ago I married the most wonderful of men! Our life has had it's up and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. He shows his love for me in so many ways, the most recent was the new organ at church. If it wasn't for him supporting me and standing by me I would have a brand new electric keyboard to play instead. If it wasn't for him searching the internet for three years, doing tons of research on organs, speakers, placement, etc., etc., it wouldn't even be here because no one else would have done any of that. He organized committees, sent emails, made phone calls...the list is endless and I'm sure he did things I don't even know about! In the last 32 years he has never and i mean never, ever no matter what else was going on in his life or the business or anything...he never has forgotten my birthday, our anniversary, Valentine's Day or even Mother's Day! As you know our financial picture right now is not a good one, but several weeks ago I noticed a $100.00 bill in his dresser drawer. I wondered about it, but didn't ask. I check for it periodically, it hasn't been moved. Yesterday I found out he tucked it away just to take me out to dinner tonight! I told him not to waste money on flowers this year...he loves to buy me a bouquet of red roses (I carried red roses on my wedding day) but last night he brought me a single red rose and said "my bride has to have her flower."

I made him a card last night and I ordered him a new music stand for his music. It's a surprise! He has always been so hard to buy for that I was really excited to see him struggle with his flimsy music stand while trying to practice his euphonium...I knew exactly what he needed! 

This week I finished making 15 thank you cards to send to everyone that had anything to do with getting the organ here and installed: 

I had fun making the "thanks so much" look like another stop on the organ! 

Yesterday morning was a check-up chiropractic appt., she made several more adjustments, but mostly all is well, just some continued healing needed. I taught from 1:30-5:00...the last little girl dragged herself in not looking well. I kept the lesson simple and as short as I could. I put my hand on her back at one point and her whole body felt warm. I told her mom I think she was running a fever. She apologized for sending her ill, but thought she was just tired. It happens when working with children, but I washed the piano keys down with disinfectant. 

My weight is a big concern again...I want to look good sitting on the organ bench for our recital!! I bought a pretty new top to wear...it sparkles ;). I have successfully made it through the first two days of my health/weight loss discipline. I got in my exercise and with no cheats on my eating!! Tonight will be a challenge going out to eat, but I will do all I can to stay on track.

I was a bad girl yesterday! I bought myself a present...well...three...make that four. A local store has been selling Magnabilities, I could go in periodically and buy a new one for my setting and for only $4.00 I could treat myself with something new. When Son and I went in there on Friday, they seem to no longer be carrying them. I got on the website last night "just to look around" and discovered I can make my own with my own photo! I have one necklace and several of the interchangeable magnets, but...MAKE MY OWN?? LET THE FUN BEGIN! I uploaded three favorite photos and had fun making it fit the circle just right...another click or two and...they're on the way and I'm like a teenager, I'm so excited! These are the photos I chose:

This is the pendant I chose for them along with a black ball chain. I'll be able to wear three of my best friends around my neck!

Today I'll be heading back to the church to practice...at least I hope so. They are predicting nasty weather to come our way including rain turning to ice!! I'm not a happy camper and I certainly don't want to be out driving in that, even in town, so I'll have to make an assessment after lunch.  

Here are some random photos of Thanksgiving weekend:

I've been here too long today...gotta run! 

Thanksgiving Weekend

My Thanksgiving was good, though very painful. My son came up (he's taking care of his girlfriend's dog, Simba while she's out of town, so he came too) and of course Daughter #2 was here. Daughter #3 and her Hubby couldn't make it, but plan to be here for Christmas. Last Sunday my back went out, well, I went to the chiropractor on Wednesday and I was WAY OUT! She put me back in, but the muscles on one side were almost like they were sprained. She said I could even have some micro- tears in it and it would be several days before I felt relief and she was right. She told me walking would be fine, but no lifting. Sooooo the bad thing was every time I moved I was in pain...shoot I was in pain constantly, no matter what I did so cooking dinner was so hard! The good thing was I got much more help than I normally do...too bad I had to be laid up before that happened. Daughter made two pies and two cheese spreads and set the table. Hubby and Son helped with moving the turkey in and out of the oven and they both also helped clean up dishes after. It was hard to relax though no matter what I did. It still hurts, but it's much better. I just hope I can get back to my workouts this week. Even after all that, I'm so thankful for so much in my life, it would take volumes to list it all. 

Our houseguest,Simba afforded us lots of laughs, he sure is full of energy! He is a two year old Golden Retriever and poor old Gil at age 15 had a tough time keeping up. I'm trying to upload a video, but Blogger is just not cooperating!

While the turkey was cooking Son wanted me to show him the new organ, so we went to the church and I played for him. He and Daughter took video of me, but they have yet to send them to me. It made me so happy that he was interested enough and cared enough about me and what was important to me to ask to hear me play! That's so rare in my life these days. He said he liked it and said he was so happy for me.

Friday Daughter had to work so Son and I went downtown shopping. It wasn't too bad because most people were up the hill in Shop-Ko and Walmart. I bought myself a metronome for the organ and a new belt. My Christmas shopping is already done. Son was happy to find his girlfriend's Christmas gift. We had lunch with Daughter after she got off work, then spent the rest of the day/evening watching Castle and relaxing. Saturday I took some time to go practice and the rest of the day was more Castle...I got Son hooked  hee hee. He started watching them online and trying to catch up, so I was happy to help him LOL! 

Church went well today and Son got to hear me play again and sing with the new organ. We went out to dinner at a local Mexican place we all enjoy and when we got home he had to pack up and leave. Daughter is out with friends and Hubby is reffing a game. The house is so quiet now. I should be cleaning and taking down my fall decorations and preparing for Christmas, but I'm just not in the mood. It just doesn't seem like it's possible that's it's the Christmas season! My "to-do" list is so long and I just want some time to take care of personal things. 

When Overwhelmed is an Understatement

I just went back to see when my last entry was...almost 2 weeks ago. Everything is such a blur that I've had to go back through the entries on my desk calendar to remember what happened last week.

Last week was pretty normal - whatever normal is. It was a busy teaching week and the weekend was even busier with two parties to attend on Friday evening, one for Steeped Tea and the other for Partylite. The mom of a former student does a Partylite party every fall and I always go to see her and her sister in law who also had a daughter that took lessons from me - it's the only time I ever see any of them anymore. I had never been to a Steeped Tea party, but it was nice, I bought some tea for stocking stuffers and got to visit with some other ladies I rarely see anymore. Saturday morning was the annual rummage sale at the scrapbook store. I got lots of beautiful paper...12x12 sheets for only .10 each!! Fortunately my friend gave me a ride home as the weight of the paper and the rubber stamps I bought was quite heavy and I walked because daughter #2 borrowed my car while hers was in the shop.

Tuesday and Wednesday (the 12th and 13th) the boxes were constructed for the organ speakers, the holes were cut in the wall and the speakers were installed. The music director who also operates the Bible camp and has lots of woodworking experience took most of the work off my Hubby's shoulders which was a blessing as Mel is one of those guys that when he gets the urge to do something he goes at it with a vengeance until the job is done. With Hubby's schedule, it would have taken longer. Sunday was my first Sunday playing the organ with everything in place and it was a bit disappointing. I was still unable to hear the organ during congregational singing, mainly because of the percussive nature of the piano which means any chance of being creative, using different settings for different verses of some hymns is now not a possibility because if I can't hear with what I had going it would be much worse with anything else except something bigger...which brings up another point. Comments that came back after the service were "sounds great", "nice tone colors" and "is there a volume control on that thing". Too loud?? Really??

Monday afternoon was spent trying to figure out what to do about the volume. I am torn between wanting to allow the organ to be all it should be and not offending anyone. As a result, I found myself dissolved to tears and overwhelmed with stress. I came home and emailed my mentor, David and almost immediately a reply came back: "Is there anyone up at the church after eight tonight do you want to go over for just a bit and I can listen and see what's going on?  Call me- if you wish".

I called. I was concerned about him driving up as the roads were slippery but he said not to worry and promised to be careful. Hubby and I met him at the church where he played with the organ for about 10 minutes or so. I could sit and listen to him play and change registration and play some more for hours! Pastor T came in and talked to Hubby and I while he played. Pastor T said it sounded great...sure it did...the master was making music! The conclusion that night was that nothing in the organ needed to be adjusted, he found everything to be sounding good. His wise counsel was that I learn to cope with the difficulties as there is nothing to be done about the situation and that I have put off learning to comfortably use the expression pedals far too long and now I have no choice. "Julie, we've had this conversation before", he said. Yes, I know.

His encouragement overshadowed the mild scolding and in his eyes I found both love and pride. I needed that so much. I needed him to tell me it wasn't perfect, nothing is this side of Heaven, but that it was going to all be alright and I would learn to adapt and be fine. It's his faith in me that has kept me studying the organ through the years - sometimes I think he must wonder what he got himself into when he took me to hear the pipe organ for the first time!

Wednesdays practice day was better, but my tension has made it's way up to my shoulder and neck to the point where I had to visit my chiropractor yesterday. Nothing really out of place, but she did do some manipulation and I feel some relief today. I was supposed to go over and practice again today, but I can't start my car! Hubby had a very bad day at work yesterday, left this morning before I was up and never came home for lunch. He was supposed to jump it, but I think his work troubles have caused him to forget all about it. I just hope I can get to the church tomorrow...Hubby will have need of his truck and we have a heavy snow warning for tonight into tomorrow. I also just found out we are having communion on Sunday and so I have three more short pieces to prepare! In addition I need to do a big grocery trip tomorrow and should stop by the scrapbook store and there is a craft bazaar I was hoping to see. If I'm mobile it will be a busy day...if I'm not it will be stress filled, spent worrying about pulling everything together in the hour before church begins on Sunday morning. 

Last Sunday was also the Music Teacher's Association's Fall Recital...it went well and for the first time ever my studio was the most represented. We are already planning the next one, our Family Recital for just my studio - it will be on the 15th of December. 

I hate to say it, but I'm actually looking forward to the new year when, hopefully, my life will slow down some. I haven't even been able to think about Christmas gifts and writing out cards. 

SO...that's what's on my mind this afternoon. I did spend some time reading all your blogs that I have missed. Take a moment to say thank you or send a note of encouragement to your church organist or musicians...they have a lot to deal with. 

So Much Music, So Little Time

The last two weeks (I think it's been two weeks) is a blur. I remember some highlights, but I've been spending 3 1/2 hours at a time, 3 -4 days a week on the organ while at the same time, teaching 15 students and trying to cook for my husband and keep his laundry done. I'm trying to practice music for the coming Sunday as well as the big Thanksgiving service we are having and I have to start work on Christmas music if I'm going to have anything ready in time. Organ practice is mentally, emotionally and physically depleting. I haven't been online much and when I do get on, I'm so tired that I can't think clearly enough to put words into sentences, so I find myself on Facebook mindlessly playing a few games, liking, sharing and shutting it down again.

I have played the organ twice now in public but I'm having a very hard time until the speakers get in place and I can hear it like it's supposed to be. My mentor went on vacation for a week, I can't wait until I can see him again...I have so many questions. The men were gathering in groups yesterday talking about how the speaker job is going to get accomplished, I'm told they should be up and finished before next Sunday. Hubby will be so happy to have this project behind him, but it has been such a labor of his love to me. I can't tell you how much my heart swells when I think of all he has done to make this possible. If it wasn't for his hard work it wouldn't be...it just wouldn't. I'm excited to start planning our dedication celebration, but also very nervous because I want it to be perfect and I know that's not possible.

Friday afternoon I had planned to practice, but found myself being called away to spend some time with daughter #2. We visited a favorite shop which is open only one weekend a month and then she showed me around campus - the places where she spends most her time. It was a great afternoon.

I'm supposed to be working on cards, but I haven't had time to do that either. I need to make thank-you's for all the men who have helped with the organ installation, thank-you's for ladies who donated card supplies, cards to sell for the organ fund, cards for the visitation committee at church to send to church members and a get well card for Hubby's friend, not to mention my own Christmas cards! I was urged to try and take part in the Artist Trading Card trade this past Saturday and so I spent Friday night until 11:30 working on them and was back at them at 8:00 a.m. I finished 12 cards in time for the trade at noon. Probably not the best use of my time, but it keeps me active in the group.

After church yesterday I canned what tomatoes we were able to salvage from our crop this year, I only put up 2 quarts. Last night after church we had a pie social, so I brought an oatmeal pie I literally threw together in an hour. While we ate, I was able to touch base with an old friend. Years ago we used to have a Bible Study together and we were close, or so I thought we were...I wanted us to be. There is still something there, but it's like there is a barrier there. It seems that happens a lot, it must be me.

Well, I have been reading posts, just not responding much and I'm sorry but I honestly don't see that changing much until after Christmas.

We Will Make Art

I am joining Emily Freeman today at Chatting at the Sky in her linky party on the final day of her series, 'We will make art'.

I am so giddy with excitement and anticipation! Twenty years of frustration with a substandard instrument, literally retarding my skills; twenty years of praying for intervention have finally come to an end.

I have been a church organist for 20+ years but have just recently...very recently been blessed by God with a new to us church organ. It has been quite a journey getting it here and the journey will continue as we learn and grow together, the tool and worker. I will make art as I learn how to join the congregation with the organ to sing God's praise. I will make art as God leads in a ministry of music through the organ in His church.

He has worked this out in so many obvious ways; He has timed each detail down the the final seconds. Time and work continue as we get closer to the first sounds of the new organ blending with the voices of the congregation.

God is The Artist and He is blessing me to be an artist too.

Thank you Emily for your inspiration, I'm looking forward to reading your book A Million Little Ways. 

Church Mice

The organ keys finally arrived on Monday. My usual practice day on the pipe organ is Monday, so I sent my mentor a quick email at lunch time and told him Hubby and I were on our way over to get it powered up and see if everything was in working order and to join us if he could. He wasn't far behind us and I was so glad. After Hubby got it all wired in and he and my mentor worked some bugs out of the pedal placement, we turned it on and played it for the first time. I should have taken a camera. I played a few notes and then my mentor played some so I could go out into the room and hear what it sounds like. It was so wonderful that he has been a part of this all along. When I sent him the pictures of it in place for the first time, this is what he had to say: 

Thanks for the note and pictures.  Wow.  It all is very beautiful.  You know, as soon as I saw the photo of the console in place I thought, "This is my dream for First Baptist, too"...and has been for years and years.  I didn't know that that was the case...meaning: my thoughts have been more with you and you learning the organ and the literature for your actual ministry of music.  This means that all gets shared and I'm glad I am so happy for my Baptist friends in their blessing.

The men left and I practiced from 2 until 4:30, it was quite a workout! I told Hubby about a few problems I was concerned about and he was afraid we might have a bad board, so in order for him to sleep that night, we went back over at 8:00 after Awana and decided to return everything to factory settings; we worked until 10:30. I kept my mentor in the loop and let him know what we had done and this is what he had to say: 

Good for you folks!  That's just what I had to do - learn it by doing - as far as "How To".  Your husband is the perfect person to be in-the-know about the Rodgers.

Tuesday was my busy teaching day with six students, that night we went back for about an hour and Hubby did some things with the speakers while I practiced. I was back there again today from 1:00-3:30, in between students. I really need my mentor to help me set up my presets, I'm really overwhelmed in that area since I have very little experience with that aspect. Since I've been "borrowing" others' organs all these years, I, for the most part, have had to leave the settings alone since they were not mine to change. He will meet us there again tomorrow night at 8 to help with that and other sound adjustments. I must remember my camera!

It is quite a project as I knew it would be. I know Hubby is getting excited to hear it played in church and was thinking it could even be this week, but I have to have everything set up as close to final installation as possible because I don't want to run the risk of giving any bad impressions. The first time people hear it, it has to sound as good as it possibly can. I understand, his anxiety, but I'm trying to get him to be patient. 

I feel like we've been church mice this week since we have been over there so much. It will be my second home for a while...guaranteed! I can have heat on Mondays and Wednesdays, if I practice other days I may have to make do with a space heater because the church cannot afford to heat that large room so often. This week is going by so fast and I'm beyond tired.

Hubby decided to be "cute" on Facebook today and this is what he posted:

It is difficult to keep track of all my wife's boyfriends . . .
Pierre Cassavant - French guy with "big pipes" she meets at St. Joseph's just about every monday
Martin Felgemacher - A German of lower "rank" she sees at St. Paul's once in a blue moon
Paul Barchoff - Another German whose "ivories" she tickles at St. Anne's a few times on thursday during the summer
Now Sebastian Rodgers - of English descent, was born in Oregon, she sees him at First Baptist (every Sunday)

I did take the time this morning to catch up with you all by reading your blogs. I did not take the time to comment...I'm sorry. Life will get back to normal at some point. 

Whirlwind Weekend

Friday was very busy getting everything ready for my children's arrival. They started arriving around 9:00 p.m. Friday evening; they were delayed coming through the next town because of a downtown trick-or-treat that the businesses put on. 

Son brought his new girlfriend and she brought her dog. Simba is an energetic 2 year old Golden Retriever. He's beautiful, but he and Suki did not get along at all so she had to spend the weekend in confinement and it took a long time for him to settle in with Gilmore. I thought I was going to lose my mind with all the activity around here and the tension between the animals and the girlfriend. She is pleasant, pretty with dark hair, dark eyes, almost Mediterranean in appearance. She talked a lot...a lot...a lot. I don't know if that's the real her or if she was very nervous. 

The whole weekend is a bit of a blur. We all talked for a while Friday night until time to turn in. Daughter #1 and her Hubby rented a hotel room as she has not been feeling well or sleeping well and felt they would do better with the privacy. Daughter #2 had to work Saturday morning so she also did not stay over. 

Saturday morning we took our time over breakfast and later we went for a walk downtown and had lunch at a favorite spot. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying conversation. Son left around 7 Saturday night, daughter left Sunday morning. It all went so fast and I don't feel as though I got any time with anyone in particular, nor did I learn much about the new girl. 

After church today I cleaned the entire house again, there was so much dog hair rolling around the floor in big puffs...a nervous dog sheds a lot. 

The good news is the house is clean, shouldn't take much to keep up on this week so I can focus more on my projects. 

I didn't even take any pictures this weekend! 

Quick Check - in

It's a busy day for me today and will be busy the rest of the week. My plans for today include:

General cleaning and chores

Wash guest bedding

Start cleaning basement

Dust living room and dining room

Errands - Hair cut at 1:00 ,Media shop to check on my order, grocery store

Teach one lesson

Prayer meeting?

Work on organ installation? 

I wanted to share something with you that I found on Facebook last night. It's written by a friend and parent of one of my piano students. I thought it was so cute and well written. I hope you enjoy. Sympathies accepted. ;)

Dear Winter,
You know and we know that we live in your territory, your home turf. You make the rules up here and we live under them. And, really, we like you a lot. We love the sun glittering off your snow on a clear day, all those winter sports (and the snow days, don’t get me started, those are awesome!). You make Christmas feel like Christmas after all. But, I think the time has come for us to have a little honest chat. Really. Last year we were delighted to see you and enjoyed our time together. But, frankly, you overstayed your welcome. By a lot. Remember Easter? Usually that is your final goodbye. But then it was well into April and you were still partying on. Remember how May came and you were finally making that last trip out to the car? That was a little tiresome. Now we have not even reached Halloween and you have come blustering back with all your luggage in tow like you plan to stick around a while. Usually a quick overnight stay around this time is expected. Maybe even a long weekend. But this? This feels like you have moved in for good, and it’s just too early (There. I said it.). So, Winter, here’s the deal. We’ll be happy to host you for Thanksgiving, delighted to see you at Christmas, and please, stay until Easter if you want (we kind of expect it). But you just can’t get too comfortable yet. We don’t have room for you in October.
Love,
The Yoopers