Nativity Scene

I went in to the Church office yesterday. As I pulled up to park, there were two women wandering in front of the Church. I asked if they were looking for something and they said they used to go to St. Matthew years ago, like 30 and would like to see the Church. I took them in and they were very happy to reminisce. The younger woman went to school there when we had a school. One woman was from Tennessee and the other from Canada; they were visiting a relative in Skokie.
When I left the office, I noticed a shepherd in the Nativity scene was leaning. So I went to set him straight and noticed that Jesus was not in the manger. Oh no, did we have a thief stealing Jesus? I told Dana, our secretary and she was going to call the police after she talked to some of the guys that put up the Nativity. She went on a hunt in the building and found Jesus still on the shelf. Evidently the guys were going to wait till Christmas morning to put Him out and forgot. Mystery solved!
Happy New Year!

Lights Out

I had to cancel Bible study last night. The power went out about 5:30 and when I called ComEd they said it would not be on until 8:00. BS is from 7:00 to 8:00. So here I sat in the candlelight reading a book by a battery operated light. It started to get a little chilly [outside temp was 20 degrees] so I lit a fire in the fireplace. Thank goodness for that. Power was back on at 7:50. Then because of the power outage, my computer was being stubborn this morning. I finally got it going after rebooting the modem and restarting a couple of times.

Monday

Still putting away Christmas gifts and straightening up for the BS group tonight. The flamingos are frolicking in the snow that fell Saturday and the guy in the canoe keeps paddling. Had a good time at the Christmas dinner yesterday with my artist friends. Always good for a few laughs. The rest of the week is pretty quiet, time to start thinking of what to carve next now that ornaments are done.

The Snow

It snowed all day yesterday. I stayed in. My neighbor Mike came over in the afternoon and removed the snow, then later in the evening after another couple of inches fell, my neighbor and his 3 young boys came over. The boys rang the doorbell and asked if they could shovel my drive for $5. I said sure and come back when there is more snow. I gave them 6 because there were 3 boys. So it snowed another 1/2 inch since then and it is snowing now, hope the young lads come back.

Carved Nativity Set

Thought I would share the Nativity set that I carved for my niece Samantha.

And share with you the ZhuZhu pet I got for Christmas. His name is Num-Num. They are cute.

The Big Day is Over

Karrie and I went to Church Christmas morning. The Church looked beautiful with all of the poinsettias on the altar, and the tree glistening with white lights and hand made Chrismons. Poor Ryan who works for ComEd worked 16 hour days due to the ice storm, so he spent Christmas day sleeping.

Christmas dinner was started with appetizers and cocktails, then ravioli, sausage, meatballs, salad, followed by pork tenderloin with an apricot sauce, white and sweet scalloped potatoes and dilled carrots, and tons of dessert. Thanks to my daughter, Karrie for cleaning up before and after dinner.

I just have to show the little penguins made out of black olives, cream cheese and carrots. I smiled when I made them as did all of my guests when they saw them. The directions for these came from The Center cook book submitted by Lois H.

Biscotti

Just finished a batch of biscotti. Made some with cranberries and walnuts, some with chocolate chips and walnuts and some with just walnuts. Now to call my nephew to come over and help me move furniture and get the table and chairs up from the basement. He's a good kid, came over yesterday to shovel my driveway. Still have butter out to make chocolate chip cookies.

It's Snowing

The weather guy said one inch, I wonder what kind of ruler he uses. Looks more like 4 to me. I went to Jewel to pick up stuff for Christmas and thought I got everything I need, but now have to go back because I forgot 1 thing on my list and no thought of three others that I need. It was crowded today and tomorrow should be worse. Ho, ho, ho.

Christmas Caroling

We had a good time caroling. We went to a few houses and a nursing home. One guy said he had something in the kitchen for us and it turned out to be a bottle of blackberry brandy. Some of us took a shot to warm us up. Another guy had us stand outside, we could have used the brandy then. Then we went to the Lemont nursing home to visit a Church member and found a few friends of the singers. It was sad to see some of the residents, but heart warming to see the ones that enjoyed our singing. One woman stood up and joined us. It was nice to see the smiles.

Snow

We had a little less than an inch of snow last night. Makes everything look clean and glistening. Today I plan to bake cookies and wrap gifts. I made some cookies yesterday to take to the shut-ins when we go Christmas caroling. We will be going right after the late service and a light lunch. I went last year and it was fun and the folks that we visited really enjoyed our singing.

Look at This!

A friend, Pauline gave me this dish that she made. At the top it says "he will raise you up on Eagles wings" and towards the bottom it says "and holds you in the palm of his hands"; this is my favorite hymn.. You can see the hands in the center of the dish and on either side of the hands is one of my favorite sayings, "let go, let God". Above the hands is the eagle. The process is called sgraffito. When she gave me the plate, I was speechless so thank you again, Pauline.

Party Last Night

We had a nice time last night. Every one brought great appetizers. They loved Rich's bacon wrapped dates. Above are the ornaments that were given to the attendees. Hope they like these. I keep looking for new ideas for each years ornament, I think I know what I will do next year and I will start early so I can get them all done. I still have to carve and paint a couple for myself.

Gifts are ready

The gifts are ready and wrapped.
I stopped in to Celina's new market down the street. Very interesting. I bought a few things to serve tonight; herring in sour cream, smoked polish sausage, and pickled mushrooms. I'm not sure if I like the mushrooms, but I do like the other 2 things. I also bought some chicken noodle soup and some golumbki(stuffed cabbage rolls) to eat later this week.

Party Tonight

Tonight is the Bible study Christmas party. It's a pot luck appetizer party. I still have much to do, finish the ornaments, clean up the kitchen and family room, make the date wrapped with bacon hors douvres(thanks Rich). I also have to deliver my old Christmas tree to the township so they can give it to a needy family. I'm tucking a small nativity set in with the tree as I did with the package I wrapped for the giving tree recipient. He is a ten year old special needs boy who put a Christmas tree on his list; he didn't need a big tree so I had a small one footer that I included with the purchased gifts and I had another small Nativity set. I think that I will start this as a new practice.

Isabella's Lunch

These are the "girls". Back row, l. to r. Nancy, Bonnie, Kathy, Frani, and Sue. Front row, Ruth, Pat, and me. we had a lot of laughs and laughed about what we forget. Lunch was a little pricey (for lunch) but was very good. I had a chicken breast stuffed with 4 cheeses with a white brandy sauce. Really good. The restaurant is cute as it is in an old house on Oak Park Av. in Tinley.

Lunch

I'm going to lunch today with a few "girls" that I used to work with. We're going to Isabels in Tinley, hope its a good restaurant. Frani, an old payroll girl[actually she is younger than me] lives here in town and is picking me up.

What Makes You Smile?

I was driving through the parking lot of the local Jewel and the Salvation Army guy was ringing his bell and dancing. As I drove by he waved, and I smiled and I gave him a thumbs up. Christmas cheer, that's what makes me smile.

It's Brutal

It got too cold too soon. Yesterday was a super windy day with blowing snow. Today the sun is shining but still cold, 1 degree. I didn't go to carving class because the street in front of my house looks slick.
Yesterday I made sweet sour cabbage soup using the recipe from Scott's Prime Rib, a restaurant that was in East Hazelcrest. It turned out a little sweet, but still good, so next time I will cut down on the sugar.

Tuesday

Today I paid bills at Church and then went to Target to get a couple of gift cards. Now I have to get going with decorating or Monday will roll around again without decorations.
We had about an inch of snow but more is predicted this afternoon and evening. Aah, a winter wonderland.

Party

Today is the Ladies Aid party at Aurelios. We find out who our secret pal has been all year and get a new one for next year. Should be fun. Tomorrow is the LWML party at Church. This party is a pot luck with store bought fried chicken. We bring a white elephant gift which is always good for laughs and food for the food pantry. Still don't have all of decorations up and the tree is naked. I should get finished next week as I have all of my shopping done except for a couple of gift cards. And then there is the wrapping.

Little Audrey

I was going to change my picture on Facebook to one of the cartoon character Little Audrey and when I went to upload the picture, I was warned about getting permission from the people that own the copyright. So not wanting to get sued for illegal usage of her picture, she remains in google. I always tell people that I was named after her, but lo and behold I wasn't; she was born in 1947, nine years after I was named. I met another woman at a memorial service named Audrey yesterday. There just aren't a whole lot of us, but the name is having a comeback. There are a lot of "little" Audreys around.
Still working on decorating the house. Slowly but surely it is getting done. I managed to get the tree put together and now I need to decorate it. I went last night to help decorate the Church for Christmas. It is very festive and will be even more so when the poinsettias decorate the altar.
Off to the store to get some sesame seeds for the appetizers I'm making for tonight, asparagus sesame rolls.

Done!

Shopping is done except for my secret pal. Hope those kids fill out the questionnaire so we know what their likes and dislikes are. Now back to finish those ornaments. Tonight is soup supper at Church followed by an Advent service. I still have to carve and paint a couple of ornaments before Christmas.

Getting Ready

I have most of my Christmas shopping done, thanks to the internet. Today I'll run out to pick up a couple of things. I also have all of the decorations and tree up from the basement. My nephew Brad brought everything up and now I need to decorate and get rid of the boxes and tubs that are sitting around the house.

The youth from Church are selling hand crafted items at the Hometown Holidays in downtown Lemont Saturday. I gave them a couple of gourds and some carved ornaments to sell. A friend asked if I would decorate some plain ornaments to sell. She has these neat velvet boxes to sell them in. Here are a couple of the better ornaments.

I'm off to the mall.

Black Sunday?

Not because of shopping, but because of the black clouds and drizzle. I did wander out for a bit today after Church. It was my first visit to Bass Pro Shops, wow what a store. I did pick up a few gifts, so I'm slowly getting my shopping done. I also put a turkey breast in the oven so I can have left over turkey sandwiches.
Today was the first day of Advent, so the Sunday School kids and their parents put together the clothes pin wreaths and attached all of the little envelopes. We received many compliments on this year's project.

Black Friday

Not me! You won't catch me out shopping today. I did buy something on-line with no problems, in the comfort of my own home, in my robe. I will run out to the local grocery store, but that is it.
Had a real nice time yesterday at Lee and Tom's. The turkey took a little longer than expected, but we survived.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A dreary morning and no newspaper. Today's paper has all of the sale ads for tomorrow and I did not get one. I called the Tribune to report the lack of the paper; we'll see if they deliver. Karrie will be very disappointed because she loves going through the sale papers.
I have to make the horses doovers to take to Lee's this afternoon.
Hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve

Since I'm not cooking, I'm just relaxing today. I have to go to the store to buy some food to take to church for the food pantry during our Thanksgiving service this evening. I do have lots to be thankful for: a loving family, good friends, a caring Church family, and fairly good health. At least I am still mobile enough to get around and keep active. I will be making dates stuffed with walnut and cheese wrapped in bacon for an appetizer tomorrow. It's a great combo of flavors.

It's a Horse of Course

Here is the horse's head. He is about 8 inches tall and carved in butternut. Thanks to Elena for letting me copy from a horse she bought and to Lee for the chunk of butternut.

Friday

Just got back from Church, Nancy and I collated the Advent Project kits and are ready for 11/29, the first day of Advent.
I am almost finished with the horse's head carving. I'll try to get him done so I can post a picture. I have picked up and started working on the tiger's head that I started some time ago. What's with me and animal heads?

Service for the Unemployed

Last night was the soup supper for the unemployed followed by a Church service of prayer and hymns. Unfortunately no one from the community came to partake of the soup supper and only 3 from outside of the Church community came to pray for employment. The 3 happened to be my sister and niece and nephew who are not working. One of the hymns we sang was the one below, What a Friend We Have in Jesus; sure fits the situation. Right after the service a Church member gave me his business card to have my niece send him her resume.
Today we had an LWML get together for a brief service in Church followed by lunch. We bring our little "mite" boxes for the missions. There were a few people missing, maybe they were ill.

Tuesday Night

Tonight is the soup supper and Church service for the unemployed at St. Matthew. I hope people take advantage of it.

A Friend

This weekend in Church we sang What a Friend we Have in Jesus. The words to this hymn are so simple but say so much I think many people can use this advice in their lives.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh what needless pain we bear-
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged- take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness- take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge- take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Joseph Scriven

Art Show

My display at the art show. Gourds, pins, ornaments, crosses, a golfer and the gnome home. Sold a little but had a nice time seeing all of the people. I bought a few things that are still out in my car. I'll take a picture later of the things I bought. After the show it was off to Hackney's for a burger , fries and their onion ring loaf. There were seven of us and we couldn't finish it off.

It's Wednesday

I neglected to mention that I did buy something at the art show in Lemont. It's a copper butterfly that caused me to rearrange some of the art on the walls.

Still busy trying to get stuff done for the Art show and sale at The Center in Palos Park. It is Sunday, Nov. 15th from noon til four. I will be selling carvings and and gourds. Its an intimate show held in the lodge at the center. Artists display their work in different rooms of the lodge. Students and teachers will be there.

Advent Project

This is the sample that we put together yesterday/ There are 26 clothespins with little envelopes clipped on which contain a small picture of different things(Moses, Joseph's coat of many colors, Mary, Jesus and they are called love letters from God. Each day of Advent the family opens an envelope to see the picture and reads devotions that relate to each picture. Advent starts on November 29th this year.

Friday

After 3 meetings and getting home at 10 last night, I finally got to rest today since tomorrow will be a busy day. Tomorrow morning is the Advent Project Workshop and then Lee and I will be greeters at the Lemont Artist's Guild art show for an hour.
The praise team will be singing in Church on Sunday followed by a catered meal in the gym in honor of Consecration Sunday. Won't have to cook on Sunday.
Tonight will be going to my sister-in-law's house to see our Florida relatives. Won't have to cook tonight either.

Work on Advent Project

Today we dyed 1300 clothespins green. Here is Nancy stirring the pot. We used regular Rit dye

Here are the clothespins laid out to dry. It only took three of us two hours to get them done. Now ready for the next step. The next work day will be Saturday morning. Hope we get a lot of help.

Zagnut

I googled Zagnut and they are indeed still made. They are owned by Hershey and are sold at Meier and Family Dollar. So I ran over to Meier and purchased a couple and also a Mallo Cup which I haven't seen in quite a while.

Halloween

It's over, not my favorite holiday. There were 81 trick or treaters yesterday between 3 and 6 and then it's over. I watched Beetlejuice last night for the very first time. Karrie has watched it hundreds of times, she says a thousand. They showed a Zagnut bar in the movie; I used to like them. Do they still make them? I'll have to google it so see if they do.
Our Church service had 2 trombones and 2 trumpets accompanying the organ and choir today in honor of All Saints Day. It was quite majestic.

The Sky

What is it up in the sky? Oh, it's blue and that big yellow thing must be the sun. I better get ready, trick or treaters will be here in 20 minutes.

Butterfly Gourd

Back from the dentist. Look ma, no cavities! I do have to go back because a bond broke loose and he has to repair it.

On a happier note, the butterfly gourd is done. I like how this one turned out. It sort of looks like a world globe based on the colors. I still have an autumn leaf gourd that I'm working on.

Gloomy Again

Rained last night and it's gloomy again today. What makes it even gloomier is that I have a dentist's appointment today, yuch. Yesterday I went to 3 Wal-Marts looking for a certain votive candle that we will be using in our Advent project. Nancy went to four of them and between us we found the 50 that we need.

Sunshine and Gloom

I went to the woodcarving show on Saturday and even though I went fairly early, I didn't get the selection of wood that I wanted. This pile will have to do and get me through Christmas ornaments. I also bought a couple of ornaments from a carver that will be great for next year's ornament. I had to buy a new knife and so far am very happy with it.

The sun shone yesterday afternoon and then the clouds rolled in, enough already. I went to the Oktoberfest put on by the confirmands and was very tasty. Roast pork, bratwurst, Polish sausage, red cabbage, sour kraut, green beans, buttered noodles and German potato salad, and an assortment of deserts. I worked on the gourds yesterday. Two of them are coming along nicely. I also finished this modern crucifix, it's a copy of one I've seen. This one is in basswood and is 14" tall. The picture was not taken on an angle, it's a straight on shot.

A Gloomy Day

Where is the sun?
Today is the woodcarving show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Hope I can get the wood I need for future projects and maybe some inspiration.
Update on gourds... the butterfly gourd has 12 butterflies drawn on them and half have been wood burned, very time consuming. The Autumn Leaf gourd has the leaves drawn and need to be sawed and burned and painted.
Tomorrow is the Octoberfest dinner at Church, which is a fundraiser for the young people.

What a Day

Madeline(Maddie) 16 mos.

Meghan 2 weeks

Yesterday was quite the day. My daughter Karrie, sister Lee and niece Samantha went to another niece's house(Theresa) to see her two week old baby, Meghan. She is a real cutie. Here is a picture of Karrie holding Maddie who is 16 months old and me holding Meghan. Note my "I love wood" shirt; I wore it because my niece's last name is Wood. Theresa also has a set of twin girls who were in school.

After lunch we went to the zoo to see the Samantha's husband, the zooman Jeff. I got to feed the rhinoceros, pretty scary. The tapir was sound asleep and didn't want to get up. The elephants were out in the yard so we couldn't get a closeup view.

A great day and the weather was beautiful.

Notso

It is not so glorious as predicted. It's in the 60's but cloudy. I chuckle at the word notso; an old friend used that to describe a new guy at work who came from the country and that he was not so worldly.
I did get 3 gourds cleaned and painted on the inside. Now to draw on them so they could be cut out later this week. I'm thinking butterflies, autumn leaves and a carved decorated piece. Hope they work out. They always look good in my head.

A Great Day

It's going to be glorious today. I have to pay Church bills and then shop for a baby gift. Then I will work in the garage on some gourds. One must take advantage of the weather. Tonight another Leadership meeting.

Monday

No Bible study tonight and it's supposed to be in the 60's today. A good day to clear out some of the growth in the yard. I spent a lot of time yesterday searching the web for wooden spring clothespins and pillar candles for the Advent project and my sister found the best price for clothespins at Wal-mart, go figure. I have to go look for wire in order to string the clothespins on, which will create a wreath centerpiece. The clothespins will be dyed green.

It's Friday

Yesterday was a busy day; today I only have one thing to do this afternoon. Here are a few pictures from the turkey dinner on Wednesday.

Pumpkin slices waiting for cool whip.

The help is waiting for customers.

They have arrived. Not sure of the total count that we served. There were a lot of carryouts.

Potatoes

We only had to peel and cut up 125 pounds of potatoes. 6 of us got them done in no time. Then I had to go upstairs and pay the bills. I was told that none of the stores in town had easy canned pumpkin so I went to Meiers in Woodridge and got a can and there was only one left on the shelf. I don't know why there is a shortage of canned pumpkin. Tomorrow I have to bake pumpkin slices and waitress at the first serving. Then eat at the late serving and come home to rest.

Prepping for Turkey Dinner

The Ladies Aid from our Church serve a turkey dinner every October. Dan, one of the ladies' husband takes vacation time from work to cook all of the turkeys. Today we cut up 40 loaves of bread for the stuffing and a whole bunch of onions and celery. I did get stuck cutting onion so I put a piece of bread in my mouth and that seemed to work pretty good in keeping away the tears. We also set up tables, plates and silverware for 150. Tomorrow will be peeling and cutting up 150 pounds of potatoes for mashed potatoes.I should have taken a picture today of the workers but forgot. Maybe tomorrow.

Finished a Couple of Things

I finally finished painting the Cub player caricature that I learned how to carve at the Gathering of Woodcarvers. He turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself. He will be a gift to a Cub Fan.

I also finished another gourd called a "river runs through it". It has a carved groove all around it with tiny little beads glued in the "river". It's ok but I imagined it better. I'll just put it on the mantle with the rest of the finished gourds. The color is eggplant.

WOW!

Where has this week gone? It's already Thursday. Yesterday I spent the entire day gourding and carving. I am trying different carvings that I could sell and give away as Christmas ornaments. So far I have 3 in mind and the cutest takes the most amount of time so I'm going to do another one of the same and see if I can cut down on the carving time.
I want to paint the caricature that I did at the Gathering of Woodcarvers and get it out of the way and I have to spray another gourd with poly and get it out of the way. At woodcarving class I'm still working on the horse's head; it's taking a long time because I only work on it in class.

Sunday

Well, the LWML Sunday skit is over. Here we are trying to be trees. The congregation loved us as usual. They love to see the old ladies of the Church make fools of themselves.

We had plenty of goodies to serve at the coffee "and". After Church , Marge and I went to visit JD and Norma who have had health problems and brought them flowers from the altar, and a beautiful afghan crocheted by one of our members and some goodies for coffee.

Now I rest.

Saturday

Another week has rolled by very quickly. Yesterday I did get the costumes such as they are made for tomorrow's skit. Four of us will be representing trees. I also baked zucchini bread yesterday, will freeze some and eat some now. Today I went to a funeral of a church member, then some quick shopping. Lee wanted to go to downtown Lemont to see the art show on Main street. There were about 6 vendors. The weather is cold and damp and not a lot of people roaming the streets. Then home again to bake orange brownies for the coffee and tomorrow. Now for a little nap.

Is it Wednesday?

Yesterday was quite the full day in Sandwich. I carved all day from 9 to 4 and then had a drawing class about using the right side of your brain from 6 to 9. That was an interesting class. I enjoyed the carving. I chose a caricature baseball player which you will see when complete.
Today I have a picture session scheduled for the Church pictorial which I completely forgot about until this morning. I just got back from Church after doing the payroll and paying bills, now to pay my bills and get ready to smile:)

Monday

I was out of commission on Saturday with a head cold, Sunday was a little better but didn't accomplish what I wanted to do. On Friday I finished this gourd which I called crown jewels. It started to out to be something else, but a little error caused some intervention. Live and learn.

These are the pumpkin pins waiting for a couple of coats of polyurethane and to have the pins attached to the back. They will be available for purchase at The Center's gift shop in Palos Park. By the way, the chicken that was roaming River Forest near Concordia University has found a new home at the Children's Farm at The Center.

Today is LWML meeting so I have to get the Treasurer's report finished and printed. I also have to work on "costumes" for the skit that we will put on next Sunday.

Tomorrow I'm going to Sandwich, IL for the Gathering of Woodcarvers. During the day I will be taking a class on carving caricatures and in the evening it will be a drawing class. Hope I don't freeze as I think these classes are held in tents on the fairgrounds.

New Leaf Gourd

This is the latest gourd. It is about 6-1/2" high and 8-1/2 " in diameter. I did this one because I gave away the first leaf gourd that I made.



I thought I would share a picture of the St. Matthew Leadership Council. Seated left to right is Pastor, Chairperson Kathy, Secretary Nancy. Standing l. to r. Council members Ken, me, Karen W., Deb,and Rich. Vice chairperson Roger is absent. Notice the number of women, where are the male Church leaders? It was a long meeting, didn't get home till almost 10. I recorded a few TV shows and now I have to find time to watch them; with all of the season's premieres I might have to start watching during the day.

Time to go in the basement and start sawing some blanks and start on another gourd.

Tuesday

I'm wilted, it's so humid. Tried a new recipe for pork with apples, carrots and tomatoes. It sounded good but the recipe will go in the circular file and probably the leftovers. Tonight it is another Leadership Council Meeting. Worked on another gourd today, should have a picture tomorrow. I also need to cut out some blanks for pumpkin pins and an ornament sample that I've been thinking of.

Saturday

I did go to Berland's and watched a demonstration on knife sharpening and bought some respirators. While there my sister called to see if I wanted to go to the Naperville River walk fine arts show and I was hesitant at first, but she convinced me to go. So I headed north from Berlands and stopped off at the youth car wash and then to Lee's.

We went to the show and they do get some excellent artists. And I didn't buy. I need more walls or maybe I'll start hanging art in the bedroom hallway. Lots of room there. There was only one gourder in the show and many potters and we had to stop at each potter to find put more about their glazes and their techniques. Came home and took a quick nap and then Karrie and Katie showed up and we went to Aurelios for Pizza and then we went to the Stonehouse Pub to see Sundance and listen to Nikki sing. This is a picture of Sundance's oldest Fan and of Karrie and Nikki.

I'm glad Sunday is a day of rest because that is what I plan on doing today.

Saturday

Yesterday I cut the tops off and cleaned three gourds. Now they are ready for painting, carving or whatever.
This morning I'm going out to Berland's in Joliet to see a carving demonstration by Joe Dillet. I also hope to buy a respirator for working on the gourds; that gourd dust is nasty.
Tonight its off to see the band Sundance at the Stonehouse Pub. Should be fun.

Woodcarving Class

Wow, what a crowd. There are 5 new carvers so they kept Keith hopping. Luckily 3 of them will switch to the Wednesday night class so it shouldn't be so bad next week.

Votive Gourd

This is called a votive . This one was especially dark in color, I stained it burgundy and sawed the slots in it and finished with a couple of coats of satin polyurethane.

Tuesday

The Church bills and the payroll are done. Afterwards I went to the farmer's market and checked with the orchard for honey crisp apples which they had, but were all sold out. I'll have to get there earlier next week.

Wow What A Week

Last week was sure hectic. Seemed I had something to do every day and now the new week starts. Today is Bible study and tomorrow is Leadership Council meeting so it continues.

Friday went to some friends house for dinner, drinks and conversation. Its always a good time when we get together. April served the best eggplant parmesan I ever tasted and Rich made a unique hors d'voure, a date stuffed with an almond and cheese wrapped with bacon. I must add these to my list. I did take a picture of their dog, Henri. He is a golden doodle.





Saturday a group of us went to a Church in Darien to roll bandages. I didn't think people still did that. We ripped bed sheets into strips and then rolled them up. In the afternoon Lee, Samantha and I went to Geneva for their wine tasting, craft show and gourd show. We managed to taste one wine from a restaurant and couldn't get near the wine tasting tent. I didn't get any inspiration from the gourd show, but I did buy a couple of Christmas presents.


Yesterday was Rally Day at church; the start of Sunday school for the year. The choir and praise team sang. And then the Church picnic was in the afternoon. I made copper pennies(carrot salad).
Filling their plates.



The line waiting for food.



Eating at last.

Luncheon Is Over

The luncheon went will. There were 15 ladies and pastor. They just loved the tomato salad, it has been a big hit since I brought it to last year's luncheon. Some of the ladies helped Marianne and I clean up, for which we were very thankful. That's over until next year.
Tomorrow is the start of wood carving class. It'll take a bit to get back in the groove. And should be fun to see all of the guys in woodcarving and girls in pen and ink.

LWML Lunch

Yesterday was the Ladies Aid meeting to discuss the turkey dinner on October 14. Today its the luncheon for LWML. Marianne and I are serving. This year we are having lunchmeat sandwiches, deviled eggs, tomato salad and chips and pickles. For dessert we are having cheese cake made with crescent rolls and a pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing.
This morning is a real bummer, no Tribune. Oh what will I do without the morning paper?

Keepataw Days Parade

Didn't get any pictures of the parade because I was busy collecting money at the Brat Shop that our Church puts on every year. We did fairly well this year with the proceeds going to the youth for their trip to New Orleans. We sold out of hots dogs and brats, but did have a few pork chops left.

This is the funnel cake crew Bonnie, Joyce and Jessica.

The brat/hot dog /pork chop crew. Pam, Kevin, Dan J. and Dan S. Customer unknown.

The money and pop/water crew. Ruth, Jeannette, Me (also known as the old, oldest and older team) and Karen( who hasn't made it into the "old" group).

Nicki's Wedding

Here is the bride, a beautiful girl and a beautiful dress. Loved the rose bouquet. The wedding was at St. Stephen Church in Tinley and the reception was at the Odyssey in Tinley.

These are the college friends. Left to right, Mandy, Billie, Nickie, Karrie and Bridey.

Ryan and Karrie.