I'm shirking from schoolwork. I have two pages of a complicated test to complete, and I can't face anything else. Oh, and I also have to "point" a psalm to Anglican chant. The homework went a bit easier this week. I'm beginning to build a "base" from which I can relate one week to another. I more easily seem to understand what I am reading and some of it actually makes some sense!
And I don't mean Robert! I picked as many tomatoes as I could last night. It's coming up to a full moon, and the brisk breeze felt like frost. It didn't, thank goodness, as I still have many green tomatoes on the vines. I know I could fry green tomatoes, but I prefer red ones.
Last night we joined the Pretty Bay crew for their annual chili night. Everyone brings their homemade chili and adds to the community pot. The result elicits sighs of contentment from those who are carnivores; I made myself a delicious soup to eat instead.
It was a beautiful evening, the setting sun set the lake afire with gold. But the wind from the lake was COLD and we all huddled around the fire. Next weekend is the last for the year. The owner will turn the water off and drain the pipes for the winter. This time of year at the camp is peaceful and lovely. The overnighters are quiet, enjoying the out-of-doors. The "permanents" are beginning to put their belongings away for the winter. Everybody's mood is a little introspective.
We didn't spend the night. I had too much to do at home; more reading, a paper or two, and some searching on the net. Oh yes, I am finding a few sites that deal with exegesis, the Old Testament, and wonders of wonders, the Apostolic Fathers! I still haven't found a site that will let me read Plato's Symposium, however.
We had planned to go over to the camp again this afternoon, but we got unexpected company. That doesn't happen too often, and I wanted to enjoy this old friend from Lyra's neck of the woods. She had come up to the religious institute around the corner from us, and dropped in before her long drive home.
This friend's husband died last year. At 64 she has had to find a way to live a life alone. She is still working, not only for the increased benefits she will get, but also because being alone on her isolated, wooded property doesn't appeal to her. She wonders how she'll keep up the property by herself. One of her sons is talking about buying part of her land to build a house for his family. If this comes to pass, she will be able to stay in her house. I hope for her sake that he makes that decision.
We had a lovely time talking. She is an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, and we have a lot in common. She has always been a spiritual sister. I miss her a great deal. Seventy-eight miles doesn't sound like much to travel to see an old friend, but she lives near my daughter, and when I go that direction, I like to spend my time with daughter and family.
Fall seems to be a good time to get together with old friends. There is reminisence in the air. Maybe it is because we feel a little anxious about the coming winter and the isolation it can bring. Maybe the turning leaves remind us that life is fleeting and we should fill the days we have with those we love. Whatever it is, I find myself touching base with several friends these days. Thanks to the internet, this is easier than it used to be.
Tomorrow is another trip to school. It's hard to leave home, but I know I will enjoy school when I get there. I do look forward to the Chapel and the Daily Offices, especially. I have always enjoyed reading Morning Prayer by myself, writing about the readings and composing prayers, but there is also something enriching about worshiping in community. My problem right now is finding the proper balance.
I haven't been able to find time to walk for two weeks, at least. Today my knee is crackling and refusing to let me walk quickly, or turn quickly. I know it is because it is getting all the wrong kind of exercise( stairs), and much too much sitting in the car with my foot on the accelerator. I tell myself I'll get it together eventually. Probably in time for the ice and snow.
We had a baptism at church today. A sweet little baby girl, just about 3 weeks old. Other babies were visiting for one reason or another. At one point, the Communion Rail had more little children than adults kneeling there. There is something hopeful about little children in church. It makes you feel like mankind has a chance for redemption. One of my parishioners said after church, "You are reading with more authority; good for you." I'm not too sure what that signifies, but it sounded like a compliment.
Life is good; Thanks be to God. Amen
6:28 PM
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