If I Don't, I Won't

It’s a strange title, I know. I’ve just returned from church having been there since 8:30 AM and it’s now 4:30 PM. I’ve decided to write the blog now because I know I’ll fall asleep as soon as I sit comfortably and will not feel like writing when I awaken. ¶ It’s been a rather long day for this retired person. The Dean of the Cathedral asked if I would do a pre-Advent Quiet Day. I answered in the affirmative. So that was this morning. There was a good attendance for such things. People seemed appreciative with several positive comments. That’s always nice to hear when you’ve spent quite a bit of time preparing. ¶ I had time to go through a drive-through for lunch, which was consumed along with a sample lemon bar from tomorrow’s bake sale. Then a journey to the organ console was necessary so I could finish preparing for the service this afternoon.

¶ A priest friend and a former student had asked me to play for a transgender memorial service this afternoon. The service was very nice, well planned and I will have to admit it was the first time I understood a “liturgical dance.” I didn’t have to play for that so I could actually watch it. ¶ It brought back memories from my early days when such things were first introduced into the church to the delight of some and the horror of others. One does not encounter them with any frequency in this day and age. We seem to have enough trouble getting people back into the pews let alone into ballet shoes and other costumery. ¶ Ballet shoes brings up another memory. I taught in same for many years. My elementary school principal was not pleased that I taught in bare feet. He was concerned that I would spread planter’s warts among the children who sat on the floor in my classroom. I did not have planter’s warts, but that’s beside the point. I didn’t have furniture because we needed the space for movement. The solution was something soft so I wouldn’t mangle some small child’s hand should I inadvertently step upon it. It seemed to work well. Everyone was satisfied and no injuries were incurred.

¶ Sophia has taken to gardening. Well, sort of. While I was away today she knocked a plant off the windowsill. When I pointed out that she had quite a lot of dirt to clean up, the responding gaze was, “I thought you had a housekeeper for that job.” The plant will need its displaced soil replaced and I really don’t want that dirt on the floor until said personage appears. Beside the fact that it’s my cat and not his, I suppose I will clean up the mess. She evidently expects it. ¶ This past week was chemo week which also accounts for the fact that I’m a little exhausted today. All went well. The numbers were good. Blood pressure all over the scale, as usual. The pharmacy was spot on most days. I really appreciate that the nurses mark me present before I arrive so the chemo shows up, compliments of TUG, shortly after I really do show my face. It speeds things up tremendously. It’s also very nice to have company while sitting around having poison pumped into my body. ¶ This afternoon is one of those dark and gloomy times which also contributes to my feeling of exhaustion. ¶ I thank you for reading, for prayers and thoughts and thanksgivings. I give thanks for all of you. Thank you for doing for others. Have a good week and a meaningful and joyful thanksgiving feast.