Good scenery in lousy weather

The drive home from Diocesan Convention was gloomy but the scenery was lovely. I was going to take the northern route but decided to check out Kinzua and the rolling hills of northwestern PA instead.

Snow in the air and little light made this a little blurry. I only got one shot.

Hills are steep here. Much of this part of the country is still woods and hills with marshes and creeks between.

Another hill with farms visible.

Ours is a beautiful corner of the US even on a chilly, damp, dreary day.

Friday cat blogging

The flowers were given to me a week ago. I have no place to put them other than on the sink. Here Jellico adds interest to the photo.

18 October beauty

Dawn as I pulled out of my driveway.

The sun was far enough up to illuminate the trees on the other side of the lake.

Tonight we had dinner in Erie after which we saw this. If you look carefully, hopefully, you will see a faint rainbow outside the obvious one.

Friday cat blogging on Saturday

LittleOne got his own box last night. He was sleeping on an old pillow in the corner but it was too cold for that last night. He doesn't have heat but his entrance is smaller keeping his heat in. He's also much younger than PuddyTat who does have heat when the temp falls below 35 or so. Tim sleeps in the foam in the canoe in the barn while Jellico has a small heating pad under the blanket in the kitchen window. He has been curling up next to the window for a couple of weeks. PuddyTat climbed in and thoroly investigated LO's box this morning but quickly decided to go back to hers. Yesterday morning, PT's box was almost on the ground, suspended by the heating pad cord. The next time I get a right sized box, I'll give her a new one. That one has been battered by the raccoons for a couple of years. And, yes, the trap has been set but nobody was in it this morning. Will have to use more attractive bait.

Fall colors in PA brighten a dreary day

A grape party

Grape pie making at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, North East, PA.

On Tuesday, the flour and shortening are cut together while boxes are folded and labelled.The "dough" then rests in the fridge.

Boxes are folded and stickers affixed.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday the crew makes pies. One makes the dough. Several roll. I filled. Another adds cinnamon and margarine. One wets the rim for a roller to cover. Another crimps. One cuts a pattern in the upper crust - sugar and sugar-free get different patterns. Finally a baker takes care of the baking.

Yes, guys roll too.

We do take a break for lunch.

Deadly serious we are not.

The tent is assembled.

And the 2012 grape pie sale is under way.

The "uniform" with one finished product.

Looks and feels like fall

This was the Hartstown Swamp after church this morning as seen from 322 by my iPhone. The sun was on the trees in the background. North of that you can see the rain.

My front yard a few minutes later as seen by my camera. There were dark storm clouds everywhere punctuated by blue sky and white puffy clouds. This patch disappeared quickly to be replaced by the dark clouds behind these trees.

Later there was a storm in the distance on the way to Meadville but clear to the south.

And almost sunset over Pymatuning with still more rain to the north.

Fall is my favorite season. I'm happy to be back in turtlenecks, to turn the air off, to not have to coat my skin with bug repellent. I love the changing colors and the brightness that the trees bring to drab days. I'm not fond of ordering fuel oil but no season is perfect. Always something to look forward to.

Holy Cross Day 2012

Mornings

The hill visible when coming into Meadville on 322 was obliterated by fog one morning in early September 2012.

Clouds from the north are unusual. Most of our weather comes from the west tho much of the precipitation goes around us for some reason. The spot of red is the roof of the Lago Winery.

Friday cat blogging on Tuesday

PuddyTat has wanted attention all day for some reason. Could be the weather. She doesn't seem sick. I wish I could find a way to get the plastic stitches out without taking her back to the vet and another huge expense.

She came down for treats with LittleOne.

Then LO came out to ask for scritches.

Eventually PT wandered off and Jellico, LittleOne (he's always around if there is possibility of food) and Tim got treats too.

Friday cat blogging and not

You want I should get up? I think not.

At least s/he doesn't eat catfood. Wonder how long it would take to mow the front yard this way.

Friday cat blogging

Friday cat blogging on Sunday

LittleOne and PuddyTat share some chicken. The kitchen window needs washed.

St Philip's Episcopal Church, New Hope, PA, 15 Jul 12

On my way home from BCF I detoured via New Hope to visit Father Michael Ruk who has a new parish there. He attended Christ Church when he was a student at Allegheny College so he is sort of a foster son of the parish. Our choir sang for his ordination at the cathedral in Pittsburgh and our rector at the time was one of the people who vested him. Dumb me forgot to take a photo of him.  

St Philip's is one of the smallest active church buildings I've ever seen. The entire church, roof and all, would probably fit inside the Berkshire School dining hall. I'm not sure how close the interior is to Christ Church's Walker Room but it can't be much larger. 

This is the entrance to the church complete with a red door.

This is the altar space.

This is the rest of the room from the altar. I told you it is tiny. I think there are three rows of thankfully moveable chairs, 4 across on each side of the center aisle then more chairs lined against the walls. The piano can be seen in the left corner and there is a coffee pot on the right at the back. The person who played is excellent. There is what I assume is the sacristy at the left and there is a small bathroom opposite it in the "hall".

Outside there is a small garden area I didn't photograph because I had already disturbed some people there who seemed somewhat unhappy about something. And there is this labyrinth one of which I wish we could build.

The people were very friendly. Most introduced themselves. One lady is a Thiel grad. I didn't count but there seemed to be around 30 in attendance. Many more at the early service I was told. They sang very well and participated audibly in the liturgy. I decided that small buildings definitely have benefits. Something to think about with our vestry retreat coming soon.

It must have been a good sermon because I remember much of it.

The church people seem to reflect the community which is diverse, artsy, intellectual and fascinating. I found that both comforting and comfortable. I highly recommend St Philips to both residents and visitors and New Hope certainly has its share of visitors.

BCF Sheffield 2012, Week 1

Sorry folks but I didn't take many photos this week. Here is all I have.

This is the man who created a wonderful performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis - Craig Hella Johnson at the Berkshire Choral Festival on Saturday 14 July 2012.

Mary Wilson was our soprano soloist - one of maybe two or three sopranos I would walk across the street to hear sing. She is as nice as she is talented. Love her!

These are the people I especially love to sing and spend the week with.

It was a good week.

New neighbors

The neighbors' rabbits got together.

Thumper, the father, is really friendly. He always comes to say Hi when I take the garbage up.

Feeding more than cats, possums and raccoons...