Sunday Wrapup--7/10/2011
Lord, have mercy.
At 7:00 tonight the temperature is still 105 degrees. We're not even in the "Excessive Heat" warned area. That area includes all the counties in Kansas southeast of here. It's still desperately dry here, although several places around had a bit of rain last night. Most of us saw it slide around to the southeast, as has been the case many, many times this summer. I'm beginning to feel like "The Elephant's Child" who said, with the crocodile pulling on its nose: This is too buch for be.
Joe Y. admitted during share time at church that, with the crops suffering as they are, he's finding it a bit hard to keep his chin up. And he finds it hard to talk about financial matters in church--because he realizes that even when we feel "poor" we are still enjoying a higher standard of living than is true in much of the world--and because talking about money just seems so obnoxiously materialistic. He's a farmer, as are a number of others at church. He has tried to focus on Who God Is instead of What God Does, and finds it a great help in this time of trouble.
Sanford expressed a wish that we would get together some time specifically to pray for rain, and recounted a story from Minnesota about 125 years ago. A terrible grasshopper plague descended on the state, and the governor called people to a day of prayer and fasting. Skeptics mocked, and there was a short period of very warm weather in which more grasshoppers hatched, and the problem worsened. The mocking continued. Then a cold front blew in and the grasshoppers got buried in a layer of freezing rain and snow.
This morning David and Gary made a hurried executive decision and declared 8:00 Wed. eve. as the time to gather at church to pray for rain. David urged us to invite people from other churches to attend. (You're invited.) The regular service had been canceled because of the Faith Builders chorus program tomorrow evening. "If we get rain before Wednesday evening, we'll have a praise service," David said.
************************
Hiromi came in tonight and reported that he saw the mama cat with a dead oriole in its mouth.
"Well, what am I supposed to say?" he asked, a bit defensively, no doubt anticipating my sad noises. "It's nature taking its course, isn't it? I didn't shoot it. I think the cat was proud of her prize."
I know very well that inside he was jumping up and down, seeing far fewer bird-pecked tomatoes in his future. I can't really blame him. It is annoying to see perfectly beautiful tomatoes ruined. But I still mourn the loss of one of the loveliest, brightest birds of summer.
**********************
In one of the last Sunday evenings Harley spent in Russia before he returned to Kansas for the summer, he asked a group gathered in his apartment to tell him about the differences they see between American culture and Russian culture. Culture in this usage refers primarily to how people view life and the world. The list Harley shared with us at church on Wed. eve. grew out of that input. The following information comes from my notes.
1. Americans have the strong belief that we personally can shape the environment around us. Russians subscribe to the concept of fate: "We can't do much to change things." Their language has four different synonyms for "fate."
2. Americans believe in change. They think it's good, and means progress. To Russians, tradition is important. (By implication, change is suspect.)
3. Americans are time oriented. Russians are relationship oriented. The difference can be illustrated with regard to meeting appointments. Americans routinely interrupt a conversation if they see it's necessary in order to be on time for an appointment. Russians would not be so rude as to interrupt a good relationship-building moment of conversation by rushing off to meet an appointment. On the matter of time, approximation is good enough for a Russian. (I think I must be a Russian disguised as an American.)
4. Americans subscribe to equality and egalitarianism based on the Aristotelian idea which was championed in the Renaissance: Man is important. The Reformation reinforced this as well in the emphasis on priests being no more important than the common people they were supposed to serve. The Russians respect authority--to a fault, according to Harley, and presumably also according to his Russian friends.
5. Americans value individualism and privacy, as opposed to collective thinking. Russians think collectively and the evaluate matters in terms of how they will promote the welfare of society.
6. Americans believe in self-help: We can do everything. (Harley did not provide a clear Russian contrast to this idea, but the implication is probably related to #1--and the concept of fate.)
7. Americans value competition. It forms the heart of free enterprise. In Russia, cooperation is a strong value. For example, Russian students regularly engage in what would be called cheating in America. If someone else needs an answer, and you know the answer, why wouldn't you help out another student by sharing yours?
8. Americans have a strong future orientation. Russians cherish the past.
9. Americans are action oriented and work oriented. Russians value who you are, not what you do.
10. Americans are comfortable with informality. Russians value formality. These values are demonstrated in how people dress.
11. Americans value directness, openness, and honesty. To Russians, this can seem blunt and uncouth. They value saving face.
12. Americans value practicality and efficiency. (No contrasting Russian value was specified here or for number 13.)
13. Americans are materialistic.
14. Americans value happiness. The right to its pursuit is guaranteed in the Constitution. Russians value suffering and almost worship hardship.
At Farmer's Market on Saturday, Harley came by to talk. In a bit of chitchat about the subject of his talk on Wednesday evening, he said "There's a reason America is the biggest economic force in the world." He referenced our initiative and our ability to work and figure out how to make things work.
Harley has lived in Russia for the past 17 years, at least during the school year. He lived in several other Slavic countries before that. From that perspective, he has formed impressions about how best to live in such places in a values-influencing way.
1. Learning the language of the people you hope to influence is the first imperative.
2. Work hard at balancing adaptation to local values and maintaining loyalty to basic truths.
3. Forget about establishing denominational "turf" in mission endeavors. Harley has seen too often the confusion and division that results from American religious "hobby horses" being imposed on an unsuspecting audience. For example, Baptists in Russia are not typically Calvinist, but American influence has brought pressure for change in this area.
4. Practice incarnational theology. In other words, live your truth. Harley suggests learning to do something extremely well, and then offering it as a service to those you wish to reach.
On the history of Mennonites in Russia, I gained several insights.
1. In Russia, the Mennonite chapter is over, according to Harley. Only one identifiably Mennonite congregation still exists, and Harley considers its worthiness of support dubious. Nearly all Russian Mennonites went back to Germany after World War II.
2. What is left of Mennonites in Russia often goes by a Baptist label. These people have dissident Mennonite-ism in their history. Years ago, among Mennonites, a sub-group gained a vision for evangelism--something which was frowned upon by the Mennonite establishment, and was in conflict with the terms of their welcome as immigrants from Germany. Evangelism-minded people met on Sunday afternoons, after attending the regular morning service. Eventually these people came under the leadership of Baptist churchmen from Hamburg, Germany, and from then on, these people did not cling to their Mennonite name.
3. Mennonite Brethren from Russia were at one time very active in mission work, especially in India. This denomination still has a strong presence in India, as a result.
4. Today, in Russia, the non-mainstream churches (Russian Orthodox is the denomination which is claimed as the church home of 82 % of the people.) are the main voice against abortion. They are the only voice against alcoholism and recreational drug use.
Harley speaks in glowing terms of the Orthodox theological tradition as being the closest to original Christianity. The worship of God is a major emphasis. Harley believes, however, that in the matter of ethics, there is much to be desired in the Orthodox Church. He recommends two writers on the subject: Calistos Ware (not sure of spelling) in Orthodox Theology, and Don Clendenon (spelling?). I don't have a title for the last author.
Someone asked if infant baptism is practiced in the Orthodox church. Harley said, "Yes. It is a covenantal baptism." I forget exactly how he described this, but I know from having attended a Presbyterian college how they define it, and Harley's description seemed much the same. It is not how a person becomes a Christian, but a way of symbolizing an infant's welcome into a community of people who have a covenant with God to live as His people--much as Israel did in the Old Testament.
**********************
Dale Conkling told us on Saturday at our market stand that he had been to hear the Kansas Youth Chorus program at Cedar Crest on Wednesday evening. He was in awe of how good it was. "I liked it so much that I'm going to go hear it again when they sing at Center," he said. John Miller directs the group this year.
So far they have sung in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on this trip, in at least one prison, and in three churches.
This morning in church, for devotions, Arlyn N. used a phrase from the purpose statement of the chorus to focus our attention on worship. I can't remember the exact quote, but it was something about worshiping God by making an extravagant personal investment. From what I hear, the "extravagant personal investment" is yielding good returns.
**********************
Someone emailed me last week, wondering if writing about the shenanigans here a week ago wouldn't encourage more of the same. I acknowledged that this was possible, and then explained why I decided to write about it anyway. Here's an excerpt from the much longer explanation:
"I may never know whether any of what I hoped would come of it actually happened. And maybe I'll come to see it as a mistake to have said anything about it. I guess if that happens, I'll have to re-think my general philosophy of shining the light of day on the details of life--the better to see whatever significance is present in those details. I tend to have a "Let the chips fall where they may" attitude, since I've long ago figured out that even the most careful calculation does not guarantee being able to predict where those chips will fall and how hard they will strike or how high they might bounce."
***********************
One of my favorite things to do with leftover flowers from Farmer's Market is to pass them out to the Sunday School children after church. I usually do one class at a time, starting with the youngest. I have a little face to face time with them this way, and I seize it as a teachable moment (I'm sure you can't imagine this.) and tell them the kinds and variety names of what I'm giving them. It's sweet how some of them want to make sure their siblings get a fair deal in this handout, and they'd love to round up all their friends and relations to spread the happiness around. I usually talk about how all of their family can enjoy the flowers I'm giving them today, and I'll get to the other Sunday School children another time, etc. This seems necessary in order to make the recipient group manageable.
***********************
The very worst thing about teaching Sunday School is that I can never remember who I asked last to lead in prayer. I'm afraid I keep asking the same people repeatedly without realizing it. This is one of the great inconveniences of having a poor memory. And I often forget even to ask anyone before we've taken prayer requests, and then I feel bad for asking someone to lead who may not have been taking careful note of each request. So I do it myself. Otherwise, I really enjoy teaching my Sunday School class. Each of the ladies is dear to me, and I love to see them around the circle each Sunday.
Teaching on Sundays feels different to me during the summer when I'm not already teaching five days a week. The bulk of my studying--certainly all of my note-taking--usually happens on Sunday morning. I'm not proud of this procrastination, but it gives me a really good reason for jumping out of bed at 5:00 AM on Sunday, and I really don't mind doing that.
*********************
The air conditioner in the minivan is on the blink. It makes the right noises, but it doesn't produce cool air. I'm bummed at this poor timing. The muffler on Hiromi's car has lost its moorings, and the tail end bounced along on the pavement on his way home from work late Saturday night. He spotted a trail of sparks as he was driving along and figured out what must be causing it. When he got home, he purposely parked so that he wouldn't have to back up to move the vehicle. "I don't want to jack knife the muffler," he explained. Good word picture--a fine example of the pleasure of hearing English expression from the lips of a non-native English speaking person.
I suppose both vehicles will have to go to the repair shop, and I'm pretty sure the minivan will not be first in line. It runs, after all, doesn't it?
***********************
Lexi is staying here while Shane and Dorcas are on chorus tour. She's as pleasant as always, trotting contentedly along after anyone who's going anywhere outdoors, and looking up expectantly at anyone who stands still and looks down at her. She's irresistible when she does this, and a pat on the head is the only possible response.
She spends a lot of time lying in the shade under one of the vehicles. (Those short legs are good for getting into low-clearance places.) She also figured out that flopping down in the middle of a freshly flooded okra bed is a good feeling.
**********************
On Friday, a semi driver delivered some of the flooring we ordered online. The flooring was the only thing in that big box trailer when he got here.
He asked me to sign something, and, before he looked at the signature, he said, "Let me guess. Your name is Nisly or Yoder."
Ha. "No. My name used to be Miller, but I married a Japanese guy, so that complicated my last name quite a bit."
"Oh, so are you related to the Miller Seed Farms people?" (For a non-Mennonite, he plays this game pretty well.)
"Yes, but not through the Millers. It's through the Nislys." He shook his head. I didn't bother to confuse the matter further by explaining that we are actually also related through the Millers, but not the Miller family that the seed farm is named for. The original "Mrs. Miller Seed Farm" was the daughter of a Miller (my great, great aunt) who married a Nisly. "Mr. Miller Seed Farm" came from Oklahoma and was not closely related to the Kansas Millers. To those who are still with me, thank you for your perseverance.
*************************
Hiromi shot a skunk the other day out by the old silo. So the other day, when it was a Pig Smell day (i. e. a PS day), the south wind carried an odor of a different flavor to the west garden. It was a PSS day (Pig/Skunk Smell).
*************************
Grant says the moles have invaded the front lawn. He took a picture of some mole damage and sent it to Shane with the message: This is why you shouldn't kill mature bull snakes.
Grant and Shane do not see eye to eye on this matter.
*************************
Tomorrow we get new carpeting installed in one of the bedrooms at the Trail West house. We ended up getting a piece just the right size from Wolcott's on Fourth Street. They're doing the installation as well.
The guy who owns the store knows Andy Yoder well--from Partridge.
************************
For the noon meal today, we had roast beef, prepared in the crockpot with new potatoes, creamy cucumber salad to eat as a topping for the potatoes, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes from the garden, and locally-grown cantaloupe. This is my idea of good eating.
Grant had left a note on the table: Gone shooting. He missed the meal. I can't imagine that that pleasure could possibly have outweighed the summer food eating pleasure. But what do I know?
At 7:00 tonight the temperature is still 105 degrees. We're not even in the "Excessive Heat" warned area. That area includes all the counties in Kansas southeast of here. It's still desperately dry here, although several places around had a bit of rain last night. Most of us saw it slide around to the southeast, as has been the case many, many times this summer. I'm beginning to feel like "The Elephant's Child" who said, with the crocodile pulling on its nose: This is too buch for be.
Joe Y. admitted during share time at church that, with the crops suffering as they are, he's finding it a bit hard to keep his chin up. And he finds it hard to talk about financial matters in church--because he realizes that even when we feel "poor" we are still enjoying a higher standard of living than is true in much of the world--and because talking about money just seems so obnoxiously materialistic. He's a farmer, as are a number of others at church. He has tried to focus on Who God Is instead of What God Does, and finds it a great help in this time of trouble.
Sanford expressed a wish that we would get together some time specifically to pray for rain, and recounted a story from Minnesota about 125 years ago. A terrible grasshopper plague descended on the state, and the governor called people to a day of prayer and fasting. Skeptics mocked, and there was a short period of very warm weather in which more grasshoppers hatched, and the problem worsened. The mocking continued. Then a cold front blew in and the grasshoppers got buried in a layer of freezing rain and snow.
This morning David and Gary made a hurried executive decision and declared 8:00 Wed. eve. as the time to gather at church to pray for rain. David urged us to invite people from other churches to attend. (You're invited.) The regular service had been canceled because of the Faith Builders chorus program tomorrow evening. "If we get rain before Wednesday evening, we'll have a praise service," David said.
************************
Hiromi came in tonight and reported that he saw the mama cat with a dead oriole in its mouth.
"Well, what am I supposed to say?" he asked, a bit defensively, no doubt anticipating my sad noises. "It's nature taking its course, isn't it? I didn't shoot it. I think the cat was proud of her prize."
I know very well that inside he was jumping up and down, seeing far fewer bird-pecked tomatoes in his future. I can't really blame him. It is annoying to see perfectly beautiful tomatoes ruined. But I still mourn the loss of one of the loveliest, brightest birds of summer.
**********************
In one of the last Sunday evenings Harley spent in Russia before he returned to Kansas for the summer, he asked a group gathered in his apartment to tell him about the differences they see between American culture and Russian culture. Culture in this usage refers primarily to how people view life and the world. The list Harley shared with us at church on Wed. eve. grew out of that input. The following information comes from my notes.
1. Americans have the strong belief that we personally can shape the environment around us. Russians subscribe to the concept of fate: "We can't do much to change things." Their language has four different synonyms for "fate."
2. Americans believe in change. They think it's good, and means progress. To Russians, tradition is important. (By implication, change is suspect.)
3. Americans are time oriented. Russians are relationship oriented. The difference can be illustrated with regard to meeting appointments. Americans routinely interrupt a conversation if they see it's necessary in order to be on time for an appointment. Russians would not be so rude as to interrupt a good relationship-building moment of conversation by rushing off to meet an appointment. On the matter of time, approximation is good enough for a Russian. (I think I must be a Russian disguised as an American.)
4. Americans subscribe to equality and egalitarianism based on the Aristotelian idea which was championed in the Renaissance: Man is important. The Reformation reinforced this as well in the emphasis on priests being no more important than the common people they were supposed to serve. The Russians respect authority--to a fault, according to Harley, and presumably also according to his Russian friends.
5. Americans value individualism and privacy, as opposed to collective thinking. Russians think collectively and the evaluate matters in terms of how they will promote the welfare of society.
6. Americans believe in self-help: We can do everything. (Harley did not provide a clear Russian contrast to this idea, but the implication is probably related to #1--and the concept of fate.)
7. Americans value competition. It forms the heart of free enterprise. In Russia, cooperation is a strong value. For example, Russian students regularly engage in what would be called cheating in America. If someone else needs an answer, and you know the answer, why wouldn't you help out another student by sharing yours?
8. Americans have a strong future orientation. Russians cherish the past.
9. Americans are action oriented and work oriented. Russians value who you are, not what you do.
10. Americans are comfortable with informality. Russians value formality. These values are demonstrated in how people dress.
11. Americans value directness, openness, and honesty. To Russians, this can seem blunt and uncouth. They value saving face.
12. Americans value practicality and efficiency. (No contrasting Russian value was specified here or for number 13.)
13. Americans are materialistic.
14. Americans value happiness. The right to its pursuit is guaranteed in the Constitution. Russians value suffering and almost worship hardship.
At Farmer's Market on Saturday, Harley came by to talk. In a bit of chitchat about the subject of his talk on Wednesday evening, he said "There's a reason America is the biggest economic force in the world." He referenced our initiative and our ability to work and figure out how to make things work.
Harley has lived in Russia for the past 17 years, at least during the school year. He lived in several other Slavic countries before that. From that perspective, he has formed impressions about how best to live in such places in a values-influencing way.
1. Learning the language of the people you hope to influence is the first imperative.
2. Work hard at balancing adaptation to local values and maintaining loyalty to basic truths.
3. Forget about establishing denominational "turf" in mission endeavors. Harley has seen too often the confusion and division that results from American religious "hobby horses" being imposed on an unsuspecting audience. For example, Baptists in Russia are not typically Calvinist, but American influence has brought pressure for change in this area.
4. Practice incarnational theology. In other words, live your truth. Harley suggests learning to do something extremely well, and then offering it as a service to those you wish to reach.
On the history of Mennonites in Russia, I gained several insights.
1. In Russia, the Mennonite chapter is over, according to Harley. Only one identifiably Mennonite congregation still exists, and Harley considers its worthiness of support dubious. Nearly all Russian Mennonites went back to Germany after World War II.
2. What is left of Mennonites in Russia often goes by a Baptist label. These people have dissident Mennonite-ism in their history. Years ago, among Mennonites, a sub-group gained a vision for evangelism--something which was frowned upon by the Mennonite establishment, and was in conflict with the terms of their welcome as immigrants from Germany. Evangelism-minded people met on Sunday afternoons, after attending the regular morning service. Eventually these people came under the leadership of Baptist churchmen from Hamburg, Germany, and from then on, these people did not cling to their Mennonite name.
3. Mennonite Brethren from Russia were at one time very active in mission work, especially in India. This denomination still has a strong presence in India, as a result.
4. Today, in Russia, the non-mainstream churches (Russian Orthodox is the denomination which is claimed as the church home of 82 % of the people.) are the main voice against abortion. They are the only voice against alcoholism and recreational drug use.
Harley speaks in glowing terms of the Orthodox theological tradition as being the closest to original Christianity. The worship of God is a major emphasis. Harley believes, however, that in the matter of ethics, there is much to be desired in the Orthodox Church. He recommends two writers on the subject: Calistos Ware (not sure of spelling) in Orthodox Theology, and Don Clendenon (spelling?). I don't have a title for the last author.
Someone asked if infant baptism is practiced in the Orthodox church. Harley said, "Yes. It is a covenantal baptism." I forget exactly how he described this, but I know from having attended a Presbyterian college how they define it, and Harley's description seemed much the same. It is not how a person becomes a Christian, but a way of symbolizing an infant's welcome into a community of people who have a covenant with God to live as His people--much as Israel did in the Old Testament.
**********************
Dale Conkling told us on Saturday at our market stand that he had been to hear the Kansas Youth Chorus program at Cedar Crest on Wednesday evening. He was in awe of how good it was. "I liked it so much that I'm going to go hear it again when they sing at Center," he said. John Miller directs the group this year.
So far they have sung in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on this trip, in at least one prison, and in three churches.
This morning in church, for devotions, Arlyn N. used a phrase from the purpose statement of the chorus to focus our attention on worship. I can't remember the exact quote, but it was something about worshiping God by making an extravagant personal investment. From what I hear, the "extravagant personal investment" is yielding good returns.
**********************
Someone emailed me last week, wondering if writing about the shenanigans here a week ago wouldn't encourage more of the same. I acknowledged that this was possible, and then explained why I decided to write about it anyway. Here's an excerpt from the much longer explanation:
"I may never know whether any of what I hoped would come of it actually happened. And maybe I'll come to see it as a mistake to have said anything about it. I guess if that happens, I'll have to re-think my general philosophy of shining the light of day on the details of life--the better to see whatever significance is present in those details. I tend to have a "Let the chips fall where they may" attitude, since I've long ago figured out that even the most careful calculation does not guarantee being able to predict where those chips will fall and how hard they will strike or how high they might bounce."
***********************
One of my favorite things to do with leftover flowers from Farmer's Market is to pass them out to the Sunday School children after church. I usually do one class at a time, starting with the youngest. I have a little face to face time with them this way, and I seize it as a teachable moment (I'm sure you can't imagine this.) and tell them the kinds and variety names of what I'm giving them. It's sweet how some of them want to make sure their siblings get a fair deal in this handout, and they'd love to round up all their friends and relations to spread the happiness around. I usually talk about how all of their family can enjoy the flowers I'm giving them today, and I'll get to the other Sunday School children another time, etc. This seems necessary in order to make the recipient group manageable.
***********************
The very worst thing about teaching Sunday School is that I can never remember who I asked last to lead in prayer. I'm afraid I keep asking the same people repeatedly without realizing it. This is one of the great inconveniences of having a poor memory. And I often forget even to ask anyone before we've taken prayer requests, and then I feel bad for asking someone to lead who may not have been taking careful note of each request. So I do it myself. Otherwise, I really enjoy teaching my Sunday School class. Each of the ladies is dear to me, and I love to see them around the circle each Sunday.
Teaching on Sundays feels different to me during the summer when I'm not already teaching five days a week. The bulk of my studying--certainly all of my note-taking--usually happens on Sunday morning. I'm not proud of this procrastination, but it gives me a really good reason for jumping out of bed at 5:00 AM on Sunday, and I really don't mind doing that.
*********************
The air conditioner in the minivan is on the blink. It makes the right noises, but it doesn't produce cool air. I'm bummed at this poor timing. The muffler on Hiromi's car has lost its moorings, and the tail end bounced along on the pavement on his way home from work late Saturday night. He spotted a trail of sparks as he was driving along and figured out what must be causing it. When he got home, he purposely parked so that he wouldn't have to back up to move the vehicle. "I don't want to jack knife the muffler," he explained. Good word picture--a fine example of the pleasure of hearing English expression from the lips of a non-native English speaking person.
I suppose both vehicles will have to go to the repair shop, and I'm pretty sure the minivan will not be first in line. It runs, after all, doesn't it?
***********************
Lexi is staying here while Shane and Dorcas are on chorus tour. She's as pleasant as always, trotting contentedly along after anyone who's going anywhere outdoors, and looking up expectantly at anyone who stands still and looks down at her. She's irresistible when she does this, and a pat on the head is the only possible response.
She spends a lot of time lying in the shade under one of the vehicles. (Those short legs are good for getting into low-clearance places.) She also figured out that flopping down in the middle of a freshly flooded okra bed is a good feeling.
**********************
On Friday, a semi driver delivered some of the flooring we ordered online. The flooring was the only thing in that big box trailer when he got here.
He asked me to sign something, and, before he looked at the signature, he said, "Let me guess. Your name is Nisly or Yoder."
Ha. "No. My name used to be Miller, but I married a Japanese guy, so that complicated my last name quite a bit."
"Oh, so are you related to the Miller Seed Farms people?" (For a non-Mennonite, he plays this game pretty well.)
"Yes, but not through the Millers. It's through the Nislys." He shook his head. I didn't bother to confuse the matter further by explaining that we are actually also related through the Millers, but not the Miller family that the seed farm is named for. The original "Mrs. Miller Seed Farm" was the daughter of a Miller (my great, great aunt) who married a Nisly. "Mr. Miller Seed Farm" came from Oklahoma and was not closely related to the Kansas Millers. To those who are still with me, thank you for your perseverance.
*************************
Hiromi shot a skunk the other day out by the old silo. So the other day, when it was a Pig Smell day (i. e. a PS day), the south wind carried an odor of a different flavor to the west garden. It was a PSS day (Pig/Skunk Smell).
*************************
Grant says the moles have invaded the front lawn. He took a picture of some mole damage and sent it to Shane with the message: This is why you shouldn't kill mature bull snakes.
Grant and Shane do not see eye to eye on this matter.
*************************
Tomorrow we get new carpeting installed in one of the bedrooms at the Trail West house. We ended up getting a piece just the right size from Wolcott's on Fourth Street. They're doing the installation as well.
The guy who owns the store knows Andy Yoder well--from Partridge.
************************
For the noon meal today, we had roast beef, prepared in the crockpot with new potatoes, creamy cucumber salad to eat as a topping for the potatoes, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes from the garden, and locally-grown cantaloupe. This is my idea of good eating.
Grant had left a note on the table: Gone shooting. He missed the meal. I can't imagine that that pleasure could possibly have outweighed the summer food eating pleasure. But what do I know?
posted by Mrs. I at
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