Tab, I know its Easter but I got out Christmas finger puppets. They made me smile.

Well, crazyheart, goat's don't overly excite me, but their milk does LOL. Can you imagine how many little goats need to be milked to make a few tubs of yogurt? I also got some goat's cheese too - now there is a few more goats needed :). Anyone here ever milked a goat?

(Thanks for the kind words and thoughts, Pinga - you ever milked a little goat?)

I am actually wondering who here has milked a cow?

lol Thanks CH.

I got an Easter card in the mail yesterday :)  I have a relative who likes to do that, I'm still a 'kid' to them in some ways- birthday cards with money or a little gift, easter, thanksgiving, etc.

I think I've milked a goat at a petting zoo at some point.  A cow for sure, multiple times, usually school trips but probably a few times going out with my parents too.

Lots going on in our special room.  Too many to reply to each individually.  I'm the person sitting quietly by the fireplace listening to the conversation buzz around me.  Milking goats or cows - I've milked cows.  Giving yourself a needle on a regular basis - Seelergirl will be starting this soon - treatment for her crohns.  Finger puppets and Easter eggs.

The dishwasher is installed and doing the dinner dishes.  Both Seelerman and this new man in Seelergirl's life (new since last summer) seem good with tools.  Do I like him?  He seems just about perfect.   Good looking, hard working, mischievous grin and dimple.  Patient and kind to a resentful and moody teen age girl and to a little boy who needs attention.  Respectful to us old folks.  And best of all; he loves Seelergirl and makes her happy.  

(His mother told me at Christmas that she has never seen her son happier than he is now.)

aaah, what more could a mom ask for?

I agree, Pinga.

goat's milk is so expensive.  i remember when we had to give our oldestson goats milk as a baby as cows milk gave him eczema. 

I was going through the grocery store with a bag of milk and sometimes they would ring up normal milk.  it was really tempting to not tell them, when money was tight.  

I told them..but...the temptation was pretty high.

I know the yogurt i s more expensive, but by exactly how much I'm not sure. Were you able to buy it in a regular grocery store. I bought powder goat's milk in a Nutters I believe.

yes, our chain (zehrs) carried goats milk even 20 years ago

About 6 months ago, I sent out a simple ask to a handful of folks that I had worked with in my last few projects at work.  Basically asked them if they were willing to endorse me for the skills that they felt that I had.

This week has been a challenge at work politcally with some leadership.  

What a wonderful surprise to get a note that I had not only a bunch of endorsements in linkedin from a previous coworker, but a glowing reference.  

It made it all the more sweet that it highlighted the skills that drove the previous project to success, and will drive the current one to success...but aren't always welcomed by those trying to drive stuff under the carpet or push for completion without actually doing the job....seriously not doing the job.

so....i am thankful for folks who bring a smile to my face

who make work livable through laughter, honesty and an occasional "wtf"

who strive for excellence and are ok with accepting reasonable

this person is also someone who was there for me when my Mom died.  He has now moved to Pigrim's Progress part of the world and is no longer with the same company as I am.....but good people stay in your life forever.

Just popping in to wish everyone Easter greetings......

Pinga is right when she says "good people stay in your life forever".

Whatever happens when Wondercafe winds up - I'll forever have fond memories of my Canadian friends.

You rock, possums! 

Good morning Pilgrims Progress! Nice to see your smiling face. 

Good morning everyone!

Ready to start the day . . .

Spending Good Friday looking at LTCFs for Dad. Not sure why the tours got booked on a stat, but it works better for me since I don't need to take time off work and Little M is off school so I can take him with me and drop him at my brother's place to hang with his cousins. Sister-in-law invited us to stay for dinner so that's taken care of, too.

Rest of the weekend, assuming weather is as good as they are predicting, I hope to get the garage and car interiors cleaned of all the salt, sand, and crap from winter and rake the yard. Of course, with Mrs. M away, I also have to cook and clean but that has to happen no matter what else is going on.

Mendalla

PS. Oh yeah, probably squeeze in some work on WC2 stuff, too, at least in the evenings.

Mendalla is yoyr dad capable of going with you?

it may be a dad day. i am taking mine to church at 4pm and dinner will be fish and chips herr i think

Just got home from Good Friday morning service at the church.

Going to listen to some music, read some, watch Jesus Christ Superstar sometime today, and clean some kitchen cupboards.

Mendalla, thinking of you as you assist your dad through this stage of his life and juggle your own family commitments.  And you too, Pinga.

What kind of fish?  My hubby is out ice fishing, hopefully I will have some nice pickerel or a nice white jackfish for supper .

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Beloved, my favorite. Pickerel- pan fried

I've been reading Borg and Crossan's book "The Last Week" following Mark's account day by day.  Today of course I read the chapter on Friday.  Then I went down to church for the Good Friday service.  It was a dramatic reading, interpretitive dance, a solo, and congregational singing - very well done.  And well attended. And since my reading was fresh in my mind I could pick out that it was mainly based on Mark, with a bit of Matthew added  (Mark only has Jesus speak once from the cross.)

This afternoon, as usual on Friday, I went bowling.  Surprised myself in the first game by bowling 96 with two spares.  The other two strings were 75 and 71 - almost like a different person was bowling them.   Still they averaged over 80 - while my average for the season is still below 76. 

Supper tonight will be cod fish, with spinach and baked potato.

Seeler, is it wrong to be envious of your church service.

The service that I took my Dad too was a music service put on by the New Apostolic Church at our congregation.   As I sat and listended to fundamentalist music very well performed, I became more uncomfortable.  There was something that just didn't feel right.

I googled the denomination, and of course....well, ugh for me.  Men are pastors only. Women are now able to be teachers of sunday school. Premarital sex between heterosexuals are frowned upon. People living together prior to marriage are not allowed to be in positions, and then there is the other stuff....i mean seriously ugly funadmentalist stuff in many ways.

So, how does a church that was the progressive leadign congregation in the area complete with inclusive language policies back in the day, Affirming, great preaching.....go to having a fundamentalist choir lead their Friday worship coz they sound good and make pretty music

sigh, and then to be praised in awe by the choir director who on the spot invited them back for next year..

The brand of the church has shifted and this one is a sign of how far.

Pinga, that would be the congregation  that changed the ethos. New Minister? Congregation follow like lambs.

no, not a new minister..a different model from a fulltime minister. 

yep.  I'm worried about that these days too.  Waiting on a Search Committee choice soon.  Praying for progressive.  And praying for fun too.

Long quiet day today - lots of shopping but not fun shopping.  Well, I don't like shopping at the best of times, so maybe some folks might argue.  And working out control issues with 2 teens in the house.

I can't wait til noon tomorrow.  Ok, I'm sure Church will be happy and Eastery- but I can't wait til noon.  Gonna kick off my shoes, and have a nap.  Dinner is at mom's tomorrow, but there is time to snooze before being friendly again.  

Pinga - I'm sorry to hear that about your church.  No wonder you don't feel at home there anymore.  Something similar happened to one of the UCC in this city a couple of decades ago - except they didn't have so far to go.  They were already right of center, and hired a minister who they were sure wouldn't support any inclusion of the LGBTQ community.  It was a disaster.  Many people left - to other UCC congregations, to the Presbyterians, or just stopped going at all.  Yet for a time his church flourished with Christian pop music, colourful banners, drives to attract young families, high profile in the local papers.  But many of these people didn`t stay.  When that minister finally realized that he was a better fit with another denomination and he and the church parted ways it was almost too late.  They are struggling to rebuild but still very much right-of-centre. 

We hold join services with them once in awhile, but it is becoming increasingly clear that we have very different ways of looking at things.    I anticipate our differences will become even more visible as we work through the Affirming process. 

I wish you lived near enough for me to invite you to my church.  I`m sure you would be an asset.

Blessed Easter to you all....to all who are present in words, or in reading.

I woke up at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep, so, please enjoy an Easter brunch.

The side board is groaning with food:  a fruit salad, quiche, fresh coffee, croissants, 

(at home, i am just having coffee but, I think in this room, we will definitley have everything that folks will desire)

May your life include a service that is life-giving.

My oldestson and husband are headed north early today, so it will be an unusual easter at our house.  Just Dad & I going to church, so likely will fit in a brunch somewhere with him.

Duplicate post

Happy Easter!

Good morning, Pinga (and everyone!) - thank you for preparing the brunch!  You were up very early!

I'm preparing to put my turkey and get vegetables ready before I go to church. Hubby will look after the cooking til I come home at noon, and we will have an early meal.  Sis and daughter coming to join us.

I am going to go to our church service with the anticipation that I will find something that will be life-giving to me.  A word, a thought, a prayer, a hymn, something that will offer hope and life.

Hope everyone has a day that holds some . . .

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Good Morning, all!

Went to see Heaven Is For Real (the movie) yesterday. I had read some reviews which dismissed it as Evangelical Christian propaganda . . . it was much more nuanced than I expected. Both spiritually and psychologically speaking. 

Will help myself to the breakfast Pinga has provided. 

Happy Easter, everyone. 

Happy Easter, all!

Leaving for church (UU) in a few minutes but thought I'd pop in and see how brunch is going.

Pinga, Dad's fairly lucid and aware and could go, but he's not crazy about us looking at LTCFs so his wife has been going but not him. We saw two homes on Friday and liked one hands down. Alas it's a small facility so likely will have a long waiting list, but it's run by the Mennonites and Brethren in Christ and has a strong Christian orientation (2 chaplains, 2 church services a week, was showing a Good Friday-themed religious movie when we were there) which we think will be good for him.

Mendalla

.

Happy Easter!

Mendalla, my great grandma was in a facility run by Mennonites.  She complained about it to all of her children, but when they weren't around she would tell the grandchildren that it was actually a pretty decent place.

Hopefully you can get your dad into something he finds at least equally acceptable and it's available for when he needs it.

Chemguy and I did some cleaning yesterday.  I finally bought cheap toothbrushes for getting the edges of the sinks, they were pretty bad as they had built up a bit.  Normally, I don't notice being swollen after, but doing repeatitive motions like that would cause me to be in pain after.  It never happened and I just realized that this morning.  I'm hoping it is a difference due to the medication and not just a one time fluke.

Easter Greetings to all. Thanks Pinga for the brunch. Sun is shining here. Up to 16 today. whoop.!!

Love your heart egg, crazyheart!  Is it made out of chocolate - if so, even better!

I hope it is not a one time fluke, either, chemgal - hope you get better and better each and every day!

Caring thoughts continue to be with you Mendalla as you journey with your dad.

Hi Pardox3 (miss you on the LPT!)

Took in the 11 a.m. Easter Sunday worship service, then home to  a turkey supper and trimmings.  I still am not able to eat bread, but did some rice stuffing for myself - it was okay, but definitely not bread stuffing.  My hubby said that the stuffing was almost exactly how my mom made it - I have been trying for 15 years to perfect the stuffing to get it to taste like my moms LOL - and I missed it!  Enjoyed the visit with my sis and daughter as hubby puttered in the garage.  Sent them both home with turkey and trimmings meals for the next two days.  I am boiling bones for soup that I will make tomorrow.

It was warm here, but not 16!  But melting a little bit.

Hope everyone has a good evening and a restful, rejuventating sleep.

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Only got to + 11 today and rain showers.

Greetings all!  Good to read of your comings & goings, celebratings, wanderings, seekings.  

I went to the 10:00 service - the church was bursting with people, music was fabulous, some youth did a wonderful drama while the adult choir sang a beautiful anthem by Stephen Hatfield, good sermon & prayers ... a spirit filled occasion. 

Later in the afternoon friends arrived, family arrived, a delicious dinner and good conversation - and dishes now done & everything put away.  Back to work tomorrow for me. 

Hope everyone has a good sleep tonight ... new beginings ... 

I mentioned my UU service in another thread, but I was disappointed by one thing. We sang an Easter hymn from our hymn book but skipped the second verse that explicitly mentions the Resurrection. The other verses are more about the Resurrection as a broader metaphor for spring and renewal. If 'twere I, it would have stayed in.

Mendalla

Our church service had a fun skit of a Holmes/Watson at the time of Jesus...what happened to the missing body

The hymsn though were completely from Voices United and could have been chosen from the old Hymn Book I swear. as compared to a mix of understandings of Easter.  In the past the minister would have enusred something that respected other understandings.  

sigh, 

It is hard when the music doesn't move you or let you ponder

I wonder who is picking the music these days....

Ugh, I think today's appointment went worse.  I didn't lose consciousness but just barely, and I didn't end up starting the IV.

Patience chemgal-you will get it!

I'm not sure whether or not to thank St. Anthony but those glasses were found.

I stripped my bed. Took off mattress and box spring and fixed middle support.

Over the foot of my bed were a couple items of clothing. Folded in one of them were the glasses.    Clothing didn't get moved when sheets were changed but did in this total overhaul!

I hope so Tabitha!  At least Chemguy did a great job.  I screwed up and broke the skin when I had to regrip the needle for a proper view of the tubing.  My options were limited from the previous needles, and I lost all my confidence while switching to a fresh needle.  Chemguy did my arm - not the typical spot but it's the one to use in an emergency so we got that down at least.

I'm concerned though, I assumed I would feel better this time.  Especially since I'm not the one who did it.  I feel a bit defeated.  I didn't go in with the anxiety I had last time.  I thought I was much calmer, but reaction wise it worse.  I'm not sure what I can do to get around that.

Oh, glad you found your glasses!

Whoo Hoo! Tabitha! Excellent news on your glasses.

Chemgal, give yourself time to learn something new and foreign to you. You will master it.

Beautiful, warm sunny day. Snow is slowly melting.

Tabitha, that is awesome news, and so glad you didnt' give up on them.

I have just got my replacement lens after dropping them on the floor at the hairdressers a couple of weeks ago.  I have been walking around with tape on them. They have advised they now need to order replacement lens as the shape is different.  Good thing it is under warranty.

Chemgal, sorry you are dealing with this one.  hmmm, would smoking pot before going help or taking some form of relaxant?

Chemgal, do you need these shots every day, or once a week? Do you have a treatment centre where you could go to have it done. We have one here fo such things.

I'm just seeing a nurse for now Pinga, so no prescriptions.  If I don't get control of this quickly though, I'll look into that.  I have an appointment with a counsellor, so hopefully that will help.

CH, it's 2x a week.  I can keep going to the hospital (out patient building) for as long as it takes.  I'm not sure if there's other options here or not.  There are many patients going there for IV treatment who aren't on a home training program.

Just a though, chemgal, that a relaxant of some sort to help with the anxiety may just make it easy enough to do the first time.  Alcohol is probably not suggested!

Did a bunch of yard work this weekend and tonight.  Threw away old chairs which I am happy to see have gone to a new home as they are gone from the boulevard.

I have 12 bags of yard waste out there, thankful that they will be composted by the city.  I have a couple mores worth to be bagged.

Figured out how to order replacement laces for the some very comfortable chairs , and think that I have figured out how to order a replacement umbrella cover for our stand.  I wouldr ather fix than buy new.

Feels good to be outside and doing stuff.  The gardens are totally out of control,but, hey, have to start somewhere.  

Alcohol does dilate the blood vessels which is what is best...

lol Probably not for my 8am appointment though.

I'm open to suggestions, the relaxant isn't a bad idea.  The doctor treating me at the clinic isn't currently in, I assume it would have to go through him.  I'll ask about if it things don't get better this week.

Today was a rushed appointment, the next one I will have more time which will hopefully help.

Chemgal - just lean into the learning - try not to pressure yourself to meet timelines and perhaps you will find more success.  Do the best you can - and remember, our 'best' may change from day to day.  

Woot Tabitha!  Now you can see the good work you're doing in that bedroom! LOL 

Pinga - are you feeling stiff yet from all that yard work?  I did a lot of pruning 2 weeks ago & yes, sadly, my muscles reminded me I've been a slug this winter!!  But it is so rewarding to see all the bits of green emerging from the soil - I like to make a little tour of my gardens when I get home from work, to see what's pushing upward each day.    Gardening is a such a faith filled activity.  

Green . . . What is this green stuff? I can see a little brown in places where the snow has melted on edges of yards, but green . . . I think green is a ways away here.

Now, purple, and black. I can see that . . . Slammed the church safe door on my finger (yup, middle one) on Sunday, and it is black and purple underneath the finger nail . . . And it hurts, especially when I bump it.

Glad you two gals are getting your yard work done. I find gardening yo be very calming, carolla, and I also would consider it a faith filled activity. I do my best contemplation and conversing with God when I garden.

Thanks Carolla.  I keep jumping between it seems silly that I have such a strong physical reaction to something when my stress level *seems* not bad, but then I think of people I know who pass out when laying down to get any blood drawn or who would absolutely freak out at just the thought of doing this (lol had an interesting conversation where the other person requested I stop taking about it).