Here it is Sunday again. And every Sunday I dutifully take out the puzzle page, fold it just so, put it down on the table, and -- look at it. Then I look at LAST weeks puzzle, which, by the way this one is. I don't get very far with Sunday's Crosswords. I do Monday through Wednesday pretty thoroughly. Thursday and Friday, not so much. Saturday is pretty iffy too. Sunday is my greatest challenge.
My sister, Jacquie, does ALL of the Sunday Crossword. With very little or no help from Google. She has a store of facts -- current, obscure, and historical -- and is aware of all the nuances and subtleties that are inherent in the clues. Our dad did crosswords. For as far back as I can remember. Jacquie had the privilege of sharing the morning crossword adventure with him for many years. I suppose it must have been a "bonding" time for them. I am a little jealous of that, but I am so happy that she has those memories of their time together.
It is still "Christmas" at our house. It is Saturday. The sun is shining. There are great piles of snow everywhere. I am lovin' it all.
The weather gurus and the media hype mongers are warning about the next snow to come that will dump another ten to eighteen inches of snow. Already the masses are moaning and groaning about the inconveniences of it all. BRING IT ON!!! Let's enjoy it. Let's savor it. It will be here such a short time. Then we can enjoy spring and all of it's wonders -- like the endless rain that people are then going to be complaining about.
Why is it that what we have is never just right? Not round enough, not warm enough. Not soft enough, not sunny enough. What is that about us anyway? Let's just enjoy the day. Enjoy the moment. Whatever it is will be different soon. And that will be another challenge for enjoyment.
Connecticult is still digging out from underneath the snow. It is the main topic of conversation everywhere. Everyone has a story to tell -- and so willing to tell it.
Would that we were so willing to tell other stories, stories of our lives, faith stories, stories about how we deal with prayer and God and forgiveness and all that stuff. But we don't. We can tell the snow stories, but the stories that are at the core of our being seem difficult to tell.
At Grace Episcopal Church we are learning to tell our stories. We have created a friendly environment that is non-threatening and trusting. It becomes a comfortable atmosphere in which to share our stories. We are not judgmental and we honor confidentiality. Our stories are who we are and by sharing them we share ourselves. Our collective stories are the stories of the people of God and unite us as the People of God.
This is what I can see from the upstairs back window. Cupid is underneath there somewhere. I hope he is well insulated and comes back to us still smiling with wonder after the thaw. This has been amazing. Later I hope to get a picture of Gabriel out between the front walk banks of snow.
Tomorrow morning's snow arrived TODAY!!! I had a seven AM appointment at the dentist. When I came out at eight thirty it was SNOWING!! I was glad that I could drive home and just stay in for the rest of the day. Being semi-retired allows for some benefits. Wednesday is NOT my day to work.
So, two froached eggs, two pieces of white toast with butter, and some good coffee. An hour and a half in the dentist chair does deserve reward. Read the paper. Checked e-mail. Snow. Snow. Snow. Some times thick, fat clumps. Sometimes big flakes. Constant, though. By the time I decided to take some pictures of the garden cupid, I had to shovel the deck. All this beautiful, amazing snow.
Now onto the daily puzzles and some "Tell Me More" Spanish. Life is good!
Ah, more snow. Beautiful clean white snow. Soft. Fluffy. This must be where the saying 'pure as the driven snow' comes from. Except that this isn't driven, it is just drifting gently down on top of what was already there. Covering up whatever sins lie there. Giving us a clean slate. Purifying our world. Giving us the promise of a newer, better day.
Lois Keen in one of the most amazing women that I have ever had the privilege to know. She is the Priest-In-Charge at Grace Episcopal Church, Norwalk. Would that she could be named 'rector' but we just don't seem to have the financial advantage for that -- right now. But she leads us as a completely viable parish of whom she is proud to serve and to whom she gives her all. See her above as she celebrates the Eucharist this past Sunday -- yesterday, Epiphany 3.
Unfortunately, our director of Music fell this week and is concussed and must rest to heal. Lois steps in at the piano to lead the music. And lent her voice to the choir in order to lead the congregation in song -- harmony on the odd verses, I might add.
After the service we held our Annual Meeting. Lois gave a superbly inspired address encouraging us to look forward and ......
"CHOOSE LIFE"
Photos by Jeffri
