St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Jamestown, NY

On my first "free" Sunday I drove to Jamestown, NY where Donna was waiting for me in the 2nd row at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Jay had warned me that getting into the building might be a bit of a challenge as their steeple was hit by lightning and part of the walkways are fenced off. There was a helpful sign so it was no problem. 

The All Saints service was very traditional with smoke and bells (rung correctly). The acolytes were well trained and people seemed to know what needed done when. In fact, everything was so well choreographed, so formal it felt like I had gone back in time. But the priest and the deacon are women. grin. The sermon was wonderful. Some of my Christ Church friends would have recognized her words. 

The deacon led the kids out during the sermon to return after it. St. Luke's does the peace like Christ Church folks tho there were many more there and it took "forever". The people were very friendly. We went to coffee hour afterward. Someone actually pours the tea or coffee into a ceramic cup and hands it to you with a saucer at a window. More formality.

I enjoyed everything and recommend St. Luke's to anyone in the neighborhood.

The plate to the left of the tabs says "Aeolian-Skinner".

They have a chapel that is almost as large as some of the churches in our diocese.

You can see where the lightning struck the right side of the steeple freezing the clocks.

And now for a few clandestine photos. It helps to have a camera which takes decent, if sometimes a bit blurry photos without flash.

Snow today in Western New York

These photos are of I-86 in Western New York. This was the left side of the road.

This was on the other side.

And a little farther toward Jamestown.

Um. It is snowing ahead.

The people in the boat are surely nuts.

Two photos of the snow showers over Lake Chautauqua.

And on the way home - gorgeous.

Freedom day

As of around 2 pm today, I became a free soul. No longer a bishop's warden. No longer a member of the bishop's committee. No longer a choir member. No longer a lousy secretary. No longer a marginally competent "treasurer".  No longer responsible. "Not my problem" is a delicious phrase.

I left a mess. Actually a whole bunch of messes.  I apologize but only so far. I warned the people that I am terribly disorganized. They've been able to see that. It will be hard to pick up the pieces. Sorry. There are plenty of people to pick up the pieces if they will do so. I believe they can and will.

A week and a half ago I had a sort of plan. That was trashed by three barely coherent emails full of control issues, projection, paranoia, and more. They hurt, especially since I have no idea what was being asked of me. One issue I understood. I am unwilling to let someone else choose my friends. It didn't take long to realize that those missiles actually set me free however. I would have jumped from the frying pan into the fire but they pushed me off the stove. Thank you, C. (Sniffle.)

So onward. Weather permitting, I'll be driving 100 miles for church in the morning. There are plans for the remaining Sundays as well. After more than 50 years of being tied to church choirs, what fun!!!

NaBloPoMo? Who knew?

Apparently November is National Blog Posting Month. No, I'm not interested in any competition. It might be rewarding, however, in some odd way to resume posting somewhat regularly. Here goes.

November 1 is All Saints and, this year, NWPA Diocesan Convention Day. Our table is at the very back of the room, sort of alone. Not wise to isolate us. Or apparently the folks who shared our table. We were not terribly well behaved, especially since the sound didn't carry to us very well and we had little light this morning. Our tablemates are from Osceola Mills, PA. Unfortunately it is waaaay too far to travel there for a church visit. One of them and I got uncontrollable giggles this afternoon when some of the others fell asleep.

We voted and voted and voted and voted. I think we have to vote again tomorrow too. I don't want to vote for any of the people who are in the remaining contests. It's always the same old - old - people. If that name is on the ballot, who will run against them? It is just another contest among those old names. Sigh.

R and I sat with the guy who runs the voting and his wife at dinner. Lots to talk about including how people ruin ballots. One of the best things about convention is meeting other Piskies. And the dinner was excellent. We didn't stay for the speed dating.

A half day tomorrow - unless we are still voting - then we're done for another year. It is very doubtful I will attend another convention. More about that tomorrow.

Saying farewell to Manly

 

We had a farewell party for Manly at Coffee Hour. He is retiring as a guide dog. Manly and I have a special friendship from when I walked him while Peg was in the hospital. I will get to see them off at the Erie airport early tomorrow morning. It is sad for all of us. Peg's brother will take him so he will still be in the family. The first of October Peg will bring her new dog home for us to meet.

Rainy morning cats

The view on the way home from Bible study

BCF 2013 Week 2 Sheffield (MA, not England, MP)