some thoughts

I have written a letter to the editor of our local paper about the loss of my son's bicyle.

I am wondering about the cost of bread. It is about $4 to purchase good bread these days. We don't eat a lot of bread but it makes me shake my head. And the cost of gas - $1.25 litre... that makes me shake my head too. It makes me think I may need to look for a job closer to home. My husband and I have talked about working closer together so we can commute together but the odds of that happening seems unlikely. So, then both of us can look for work closer to home. My husband is a teacher and quite enjoys his school; it would be a great loss to him to change communities.

I am wondering why the heck is it so cold and foggy out on the last day of April?

I think I need a good piece of fiction to read.

I have submitted a story idea to my writing tutor.

Last Sunday evening - we had good friends stop by - we were all slightly tired and full of chocolate and cheese and roasted lamb... (not me - I am not a fan of lamb) but we stumbled on a GREAT IDEA for a business. I am super excited about it and I took charge and gave everyone a task and we meet again next weekend to report back on all our findings.

This weekend we will venture forth and pot up our container garden... and I WILL plant the lettuce.

paschal photos

interlude

We have one computer that we can upload photos. It is currently being used by the husband to scan his own Paschal images. So, my photos of the weekend will be coming shortly. In the meantime I have been snacking on brie and triscuits; and chocolate. We are having steak tonight. The weather has not really cooperated and it is rainy and dull outside, with the odd sunny break. I see one now. I am off to sit in the sun whilst it shines.

oh the harshness of it all

to the poor unfortunate soul that stole my son's bike from the school field while he was practising for the football team. I guess you missed the part about not taking what is not yours to take, or the "Thou shalt not steal" lesson. Or do unto others what you would have done to you... I guess you just saw his bike locked up and decided you liked it so you would take it. With no care to how much time and work and energy went into saving to purchase the bike and to make it truly his own.

I have to say I was filled with great anger and disgust this afternoon at the audacity of the action. My thoughts have tempered somewhat now and I have this to say to you.


Thus says the Lord:

I will take revenge and be satisfied. In due time their foot will slip, because their day of disaster is near. Their doom is coming quickly. Deuteronomy 32:35

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)

preparations

Friday was a good day. I am coaxing my lilies to open.
We prepared the church with flowers for the service of Holy Friday. That was hardcore church. 7 to 11pm. It was a day of fasting so we all had a bit of a snack after church and went to bed.
Today, Saturday a bit of regular life creeps in. My son has football practice and my daughter is watching a friend compete in a horse show. There is more prep to be done at church. The white flowers - the lilies and tulips will be prepped and put behind the altar so we can quickly make the transition from the darkness of the purple and red to the brightness of the white. A laurel garland embellished with white flowers will be hung. All this takes place while the congregation processes around the church singing.

A few last things to be gathered for the Paschal Baskets. We all bring baskets filled with good things like meat and cheese and eggs and chocolate. My husband orders his favourite pizza and brings a couple of slices. I bring bread to go with my meat and cheese. My daughter chooses this year to bring ice cream and put in the freezer. After the liturgy Fr. Lawrence blesses the baskets and we all share are goodies.

The anticipation is building.

Holy Thursday

egg photo credit here
First the list:

120 glass jars have been wrapped with red cellophane.

Lillies to be picked up today. ( They will reside in my sun room with the fireplace on to encourage them to open. Last year we kept them in the dark too long and they barely opened for Pascha. )

Shopping for cheese. This will be exciting. Also, hungarian salami; garlic roast beef; ham and butter. And eggs for dying.

The house cleaning. Floors must be done. Bathrooms too.

Coffee with my mother in law as they are just back from Arizona and are suffering from the climate change.

Then, after school - the daughter and myself have to make a quick trip to choose something to wear for the Solo dance photo for ISOBEL by BJORK - because somehow in the confusion of losing a teacher and gaining a new one this was overlooked. We have a pretty good idea of what we want.

We are also keeping an open eye for something suitable for Pascha.

projecting towards the weekend

I heard we may be fortunate enough to have some warm weather this weekend. I can only hope.

a day off

Palm Sunday yesterday. A day of green and gold.

Today:

A day to houseclean and attempt to create order out of chaos.
Have to go for my first mammogram.
Totally not excited about that.

Lazarus Saturday

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, 0 Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, we cry out to Thee, 0 Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

(Troparion of the Feast, sung on both Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday)

It is begun. The descent into Holy Week begins today with Lazarus Saturday. My family will all be at church cleaning and scrubbing and preparing it for the week ahead. We will have friends over for dinner who will help wrap the jars with cellophane. The tulips have been procurred. Final plans are being discussed. It is good.

for those keeping track

- purple cellophane has been purchased - tomorrow we will wrap the jars
- dress has been cut out and almost finished. need to find some white ribbon
- waiting until more appropriate time to make the call about the flowers
- chocolate has been located

peer pressure

Blackbird's post on quirky/green things she doeshas prompted a few thoughts on the whole plastic vs. paper vs. cloth bags for groceries.

We have slowly accumulated a collection of canvas/eco-friendly bags to take to the markets. I used to keep all the bags in a bin in my laundry room. I usually do our grocery shopping weekly and it is organized and planned so I purposefully pick up the bags and load them into the vehicle in preparation for leaving the house. But, lately we have been going to the shops en route to somewhere else and I don't have them with me. Nothing for it; I stand in line with my groceries between two people who both have brought their bags and feel conspicious and uncomfortable. I feel the need to explain to total strangers that I normally bring my own bags but we really needed a few things and rather than drive home and pick up the bags and drive back.. it really was better if I just used plastic this once - save on gas... emissions etc.

Why do I feel like that? Funny.

I have since moved some bags into our vehicles.... for emergency purposes. Once the groceries are unpacked the bags go back into the vehicle so they are available for next time. It is just about building a habit.

they said it was decaf

After liturgy and a common meal we stopped by our local cafe - everyone had a soda but I chose a decaf americano. I asked for decaf and they said it was but I don't know. My mind was racing. I wrote in my journal. I tried to read a book. It took me ages and ages to fall asleep. I finally rose and put on some long flannel pants which seemed to work. As I cross things off my list; maybe I will sleep better. Maybe it is my age? All I know is that I do not function well if I start missing sleep. Time to take action. Next week. After Pascha. I will take action. But, for now I will forgo all coffee - decaf or not - after 10pm.

thinking about

flowers - I need to talk to my source for while tulips and lillies. I need to procur a bunch of both for next week. I need the lillies earlier... as last year they didn't open in time Pascha. We also need red roses or purple tulips for Holy Friday. I found some iris' which would be perfect but I need lots... so not sure how feasible that plan is. We could also use red roses for around the Shroud.

tea lights - I need to buy tealights.

cellophane - I need to buy purple or red to wrap the glass jars to hold the tealights for Holy Friday.

commitment - I need firm commitment from others to help assist the transformation of the sanctuary on Pascha. I need commitment from a few people to light the candles before the processions.

who is putting up the tents?

financial statements have to be signed and delivered to the lawyers

dress for Pascha - the pattern is cut out. the fabric sits folded on the blue chair.

chocolate has been bought and stashed away... do I remember where I put it?

cheese and deli meats - making the list - so far hungarian salami; jarlsburg cheese; french bread, decorated hard boiled eggs

eggs to be dyed - we will do that Friday during the day

a few words about the weather

The word is that we are in for an Arctic Front.
This weekend we can expect snow flurries and a high of 5 degrees celcius.
What is that? Gah.
All I can say is that it had better warm up for Pascha! I am not interested in processing around the church at midnight in below freezing temperatures.
I need sunshine and warmth.
I do.

all the time in the world

I sit here with my americano in the sunroom looking out at the rather grey day. It is cold and wet again. Typical west coast spring weather. But, bleak after the sunshine we experienced on the weekend. I am not even dressed for work yet. Lunches are made though. Today is my long day. Once I get to work and prep for the day it will pass quickly but right now, I would be happy to stay home and work on my domestic chores.

accomplished

- taxes filed - finally - that was painful process - we get a refund but I just couldn't sit down long enough to work through the program

- laundry within reach

- groceries (complete with ginger ale for the son who was up in the middle of the night with stomach issues) and subsequently did not go to school and has pretty much slept through the entire day without eating a thing

- vegetable garden weeded to prep for the lettuce

- garden help negotiated - we are hoping next Monday they will be able to come so that it is done before Holy Week

- attempted to locate good friend's missing purse - she left it behind at church and we can't find it; we have since learned that someone put it somewhere safe... but we are not sure just where it is

I still need to go to the stationary store for fine pointe sharpies for writing on CD's. I need a new stapler. I need some paper clips. I need to locate some small rubbermaid storage bins. We bought the last 3 small ones at the large superstore yesterday.

We are off to dance soon. I will run the errands while the daughter dances. I will be glad to go to bed.

assortment of photos

while you were sleeping

I woke up at 1 am precisely. I was very warm. I lay in bed for 53 minutes tossing and turning. I don't know why I woke up. I decided to change my template for my blog. I have been thinking about doing it for a while but could just never commit to the time involved. This was the perfect time.

yesterday

The weather was fabulous as promised.
It was lovely to be in the sunshine and wearing only a T-shirt. We were going to see friends for dinner but then I remembered my son was going to a birthday party and I had offered to pickup a friend and take him also. This meant that we would not be available to leave until much later making our dinner plans impractical.

loose ends

My daughter received her grade 5 ballet exam marks. She was 2 marks shy of distinction which she had set her heart and mind on achieving. Her instructors were quite sure she would achieve her goal so everyone was slightly disappointed. H has approved most dramatically this year. She is starting to find her groove in the world of dance. We are very proud of her successes and this grade result is one woman's opinion after 1 hour of time. She spent the evening feeling sad an is moving on to next year and intermediate foundation.

Today we are driving across the city to watch some ex-team members participate in a jazz festival. Later today she will audition for the competitive dance team at her school.

We are to hit 20 degrees C today. The sun is shining as I type and I need to find my sunglasses. I do believe this day will be the first day of spring.

The son and the father will walk over to the track field and get the lowdown on the football club. My son is making noises that this may not be the thing he wants to do after all. He is a bit of a free spirit. He wants to learn how to use a video camera, he wants to spend time fly fishing with his father. He wants to learn how to take B and W film pictures and develop his film. But, they will go and check out what is required.

Gardening... well maybe some planning of the garden. I want to change a few things. I want to make a couple of trips to the nursery without buying anything to get some ideas. We had arranged for some help to come with the front garden but for some crazy reason they have not called back and the number is now out of service.... how can that be in 3 weeks time?

My in-laws have returned from Arizona so we had to move all the darkroom chemicals and supplies from their bathroom - it is now sitting in my sun room with the snowboards and boots... remember how last week I was going to put them away. I didn't. So, we have reached a tipping point.

We will have dinner with the in laws here on Sunday. I am thinking about that meal too. I am so thankful for the extra day off today.

facts of life

When you work at a financial institution you get robbed.
Two days in a row.
I have a headache.
I am not feeling particularly charitable.
Thank God it is Friday.

widening the circle

Monday was my day off.
I forgo the piles of laundry and the taxes to be filed and chose to drive into the city to hang out with sister. It was raining and bleak and cold. It was a good day. There is no room for self pity or complaining when you spend a day walking in her shoes. We drove to the mall. This is the fancy mall where you find Banana Republic, Michael Kors and Coach as well as Safeway and Starbucks, Lululemon and the Gap.

It was a successful trip. She picked up sliced bread and fruit and veggies and french roast. She found a lovely hoodie at Lululemon. There is no rushing about with my sister. Every movement is slow and deliberate. She walks with an obvious disability and I felt very protective of her. There were obvious stares and sighs of frustration when someone came up behind us and could not pass quickly around.

We shared a diet coke and had some good conversation.

My daughter got the word she passed her grade 5 exam. We have booked a time on Wednesday to review the results. Her Jazz teacher is not returning. So, her dance will be finished by a new instructor. A little disheartening. But, she is coping quite well. They told her the bad news about the teacher not returning and offset it with the news about passing.

on wine and friends

I worked and my son and my husband went to up the mountain for one last snow boarding adventure. I am putting the gear away now. I have stared at it every morning in our sunroom since November. Time to move on. Maybe that is why it is still so cold outside. We have not packed away the snowboarding equipment. So, Sunday it goes away.

My daughter chose to visit a friend. She also received an invite to audition for the competitive jazz group for next year. She was caught off guard as she is not a "jazz dancer" but she will audition and see where that takes her.

I worked a short day - until 3.15pm and then I had to go to the grocery store. Saturday afternoon is not the most efficient time to shop and in my current state of feeling pressed for time it was even more painful. I seriously thought the world conspired against me. The line ups were horrendous. The traffic unbearable. I bought gerbera daisies and irises for the church. I bought ingredients for vegetarian chili and 3 kinds of bread and lots of veggies. We invited our good friends over. I stopped at the liquour store and bought some wine.

I tried a SilverLeaf Shiraz from Australia. Screw top and plastic 1 litre bottle. I had misgivings about the bottle. I have only just come around to the screw top ... so we tried it. It was OK. It passed as table wine. It was not great. But, I have to say that aesthetically speaking the whole environmental - uses less fuel to recycle than glass bottle - idea just didn't work for me. Does it really make that much difference? There is something about uncorking a bottle of wine. Something aobut the weight of the glass bottle and the first pour that is part of the experience....

But, we enjoyed wine and vegetarian chili with the best of friends. Friends with whom the masks can fall away and you can say life is rather crappy right now -pray for me. We struggle on together in the knowlege we are not alone. And for that I am truly grateful.

something new

My son has garnered abit of a reputation of being faster than the wind. The local football club has come a calling. He is not just fast but has grown rather tall and broad the last year as well making him quite attractive to certain positions or so I am told. I am not a sporty person. I watch a bit of hockey - throughout the year and I sort of know what they are doing on the ice. I can't stand baseball. Especially on the TV. Football mystifies me.

My son is very excited to be asked to play. He is quite keen to try. I have mixed emotions. He is starting a new orthodontic phase. He wears glasses - so he will have to switch to contacts (this may be a good thing) but really if I am honest. I do not want to see my son tackled to the ground in the name of fun.

So,we are getting all the information and meeting with the coach. The only challenge is if games are Sunday mornings then he will not try out as he cannot miss Church to play football. That is just the way things roll.

encroachment and giving due when you should

I worked till 7pm. I drove to st.hermans to meet la famille at liturgy. I arrived to find the township has taken ownership of the two roads that border our property. We have known for a while that the development was coming but it came as a shock to see all the work they have done in just a few short days. We have lost at least 4 parking spots. They have every right to take the land; but it would have been nice to say we are coming.

I have no time. Or that is how it feels. I get up and my day is filled with tasks. My work day is filled with tasks. I am feeling swallowed up. Like I am being swallowed up. My decisions are being questioned at every turn by almost everyone.

I read this post about plagerism and I wonder if I have unknowningly plagerised someone's style. I know that I have eliminated using the first names of my children and my husband for privacy sakes. There are only so many times you can my daughter, my son... my husband. And so I have shortened them to their initials like Blackbird.

So, I will give credit to them both. I love both of their blogs and I take inspiration from their writing and their style. I hope I have not offended.

Things are feeling quite bleak these days. The battle is hard and long and I am failing. We are more than halfway through Lent. I am finding this year particularly trying. I am edgy and grumpy. I am highly irritable. I am not pleasant to be around. I want to sleep off my demons and hide from the cares of the world.
I completely forgot to make my children lunches today. That is unacceptable.

I must do better.

where is that bag from?

I was out and about yesterday.
No cavities. Which makes me very happy. I do have a very old large filling that should be replaced with a crown sometime this year. But, we are moving on to phase 2 in the orthodontic treatment of the son. I need to focus on that first. He next consultation is Monday.

While I was out I popped into new local home design shop. They had great bags. Handbags. I love bags. But, I am painfully practical and I have a sturdy - conservative - messanger bag that is functional and funky. So, I usually end up walking out empty handed. I saw a great bag yesterday. Actually two. I have thinking a green bag would be fun for spring/ summer. This one was the perfect green. But, when I checked the tag it was made in China.

I have been thinking of China and the production of goods for a long time. I don't think I should be buying a bag made in China. Am I boycotting all goods from China? Not yet. But, we are asking more questions. We are slowly making the transistion to evaluate where are goods are coming from. From food to the dishes we eat the food on. We are fortunate we live in an area of the country where local food is abundant.