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On the feast of Stephen

Finally catching up on my Christmas sleep deficit. Daughter, SIL, and grandson left on Christmas eve afternoon to arrive by 5 p.m. for services in the log church at Eden. The snow and wind in some parts of the highway made it difficult to see the road in some parts. After a stop in the "saloon" across the highway for nature needs, we had a fun time singing carols to the old pump organ. Grandson played Good King Wenceslas for the offertory.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

Two of the women who were there were born near the church in a log cabin. Their father had helped build the church.

After some spiced cider and several cookies we headed for Rock Springs. Clear roads and the Senior Warden's warm house welcomed us. SIL made mac and cheese to sustain us through the rest of the evening. Carols began at 10:30 p.m. and service at 11. Grandson reprised GKW. The most fun for me was having grandson and daughter acolyting for the service. All dressed in red cassocks and white surplice - they did a great job - daughter had not acolyted for 20 years - g-son - never.

We had a nice crowd - many people I had never seen before - so that was lovely. In the morning 2 of us did Christmas Day service and then back in the car for the drive home. Roads much better tho it was snowing - no wind. Arrived in time to do the opening of the presents. Then after a nap I made gravy and we ate a delicious dinner cooked mainly by our DIL -- who stayed home slaving over the hot stove and oven to feed us. It was a great Christmas gift to me not having to think about cooking when knee deep in Christmas services.

Now it is the day after - kids watching the Grinch (who was featured in my sermon!) along with Superman.

Leaving on a jet plane

Just spent a week at the beach with the g-kids (ages 2 and 5 months) and their parents - our younger son and our daughter in law. Tomorrow our daughter and I leave for England and Scotland. We will visit friends in the south of England, then go to Alyth, the birthplace of my grandmother who emigrated to the US when she was 14. Following that we go to Iona for a few days and on to Chester where we stay in a library! St. Deiniols. Then back to London where we hope to catch up with a cousin who lives there and another friend. It is a leisurely trip - mostly staying several nights in one place with no real agenda. Just will see whatever crosses our path. We have train passes and will not be driving. More when I return - hope to get some photos to post.

When I get back - we will have our DC kids visiting with their 3 year old and 5 month old (only she will be 6 months old by then).

Mama brags

Our son on youtube - he is the one in the suit:



To see all the videos click here. Check out all of them but the Coffee one and the outtakes are especially funny. Our other son contributed ideas to them.