Happy New Year—2014.  I’m sitting here wondering what I achieved in 2013.  Well, not as many blog postings as I had anticipated writing.  

  

        Even the basic chemistry student knows that all chemistry happens by the elements trying to find that balance between alkaline and acid.  The chemistry of 2013 held elements of acid and alkaline.  Perhaps they are better described as bitter and sweet—grievous and joyous. 

·         Wednesday, 29th May, My mother passed away, just two days before her 87^th birthday.  I was relieved that her weary, life-worn body had at last found peace; her spirit was reunited with the Saviour and Lover of her soul.  My heart broken that I would not know the comfort of her ample bosom, her quiet wisdom, her servant heart—sharing things about cooking and sewing with her.  This past Christmas was a tough one.

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            Spending two weeks in Wales with my step-son, daughter-in-law and their lovely family in March.  Those two weeks allowed me to talk with each of the members of the family I’d not met face-to-face previously.  And their 2^nd son, (7^th child) was born on 8^th April.  I mentioned my trip to Wales in a blog entry in April.

·         Another educational achievement was that I earned a City & Guilds certificate for my sewing—by compiling a portfolio during a class on skirt-making.  I was very thorough with all my documentation and managed to earn a distinction.

·         If you’ve been reading my blog the last couple of years—or live in England—you know that August is holiday time here in the UK.  St. Francis Church of England in Langley Parish hosted the second “Holiday At Home” for people over sixty.  Although I was  54, I was allowed to participate by virtue of helping where it was needed.  , Over three days “Holiday-at-Home” provided people opportunities to get out of the house, play games, learn a new skill and socialise.  On 14^th August some of them went to Eton College Chapel.  I missed the trip, as I was at work that day.  But I did go over to help on the Tuesday and Thursday.  Knitting, chatting, having a hot-cooked meal with everyone truly felt like a holiday.  Especially as “The Maverick” and I went on a date on Thursday afternoon (15^th August).  We took a bus to Windsor.  As the sun was full on, and no clouds hanging in the sky, it made the date a real treat.

·         In early September “The Maverick” and I began hosting a small Bible study group as a follow-on from the Alpha Course that finished in July.  We’ve been studying Philippians.  

·         “The Last of the 50’s” Open House for “The Maverick’s” 59^th birthday was on Sunday, 27^th October.  That Sunday the Parish churches had a Joint service—the congregations of Christ the Worker, and St. Mary’s sharing the 11.00 am service at St. Francis Church.  As the Missions’ Coordinator, I had scheduled a special guest from The Church Army to speak at that service.  We had over 20 people come over the course of the afternoon, including the guest speaker from church.  John totally enjoyed it.

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In November we had an early Thanksgiving—on Thursday 21^st .  The Tuesday Night Group came and joined us for a simple supper of soup, brad and pumpkin pie for dessert.  We each took a turn sharing about three serious things for which we were thankful.  Then we shared about three “of lesser importance” things or situations for which we were thankful.  I chose the 21^st because “The Maverick”  was  able to join us, as he had worked the morning shift that Thursday, and went onto evening shift that Friday.

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               Another reason we celebrated Thanksgiving early, was because of our“Date” on 28^th November.  A friend had organized a trip to the Royal Theatre in Windsor for the afternoon presentation of “Miracle on 34^th Street.”  As some of you may know, “Miracle On 34^th Street” is a story about a single mother who has taught her daughter that Santa Claus does not exist.  By the end of the play, the single mother comes to believe in Santa Claus and has fallen in love.  There are two film versions—1947 and 1994.  I like both versions.  To see this production on stage as a musical was certainly a change.  Unfortunately for “The Maverick”, the seating was very narrow and he was so cramped up he couldn’t enjoy the play.  After the play, “The Maverick” and I stayed on in Windsor and went to a Thai restaurant for dinner.  The food was good, and we enjoyed the time chatting over the table.  We caught the bus home.  So although it was 8 days after my birthday, that is how we celebrated.

·         The week before Christmas, on Tuesday, 14^th December the Tuesday Night Group shared a lovely Christmas Dinner.  I learned that a turkey that has had the legs and wings removed is called a Turkey Crown.  I don’t know why I found cooking it more difficult than a whole turkey—but I did.  It was a bit undercooked; John carved enough for us to finish cooking in the microwave so we could enjoy mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, peas and some Brussels s sprouts.  The turkey went back into the oven to cook while we ate, chatted and opened gifts.

·          Our Christmas was simple, and delightful.  On Christmas Eve our friend, Jeesun, from South Korea, arrived to spend Christmas with us.  You may remember from a post in October, about Jeesun coming to visit and our dancing at the Harvest Festival.  Jeesun cooked us a lovely South Korean dish called, “Glass Noodles.”  The Maverick has to eat his when he came in from the late shift.  In the meantime, Jeesun and I attended Midnight Mass.  It was the first time in my life that I had attended a Midnight Mass—and I was deeply moved by the simplicity and beauty of the night service.  All the candles from the “Carols by Candlelight” service were lit, the magnificent , four-part harmony of the choir filled the church with traditional hymns.  I hope I will get to attend many more Midnight Mass Services.

·         “The Aussie Family” came to us on Christmas day.  I decided to skip the Christmas Day service at church, as I’d gone Christmas Eve. Upon his arrival home on Christmas Eve, "The Maverick" had every intention of attending Christmas Day service .  But he’d been working double shifts and was just too tired.   Since the majority of the cooking was my responsibility, I was so glad that Jeesun kept asking what she could do to help.  The menu was pork roast, marinated in a honey/mustard glaze, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, cooked cabbage and cooked carrots.  “Sandgroper,” –Mrs. Aussie, had prepared an amazing frozen fruit and cream dessert.  Once here, she placed a self-saucing cake into the oven.  Let me tell you—frozen raspberry sorbet with ice cream and hot chocolate cake with sauce is divinely inspired. 

      Unfortunately, The Maverick had just sufficient time to eat with us before peddling his bike off to work.  After the meal, the four members of “Aussie Family” barred me from the kitchen whilst they did the washing up.  What a blessing!  They went home around 4.00 pm, which left Jeesun and me for the evening.  We watched television—Dr. Who and Downton Abbey. 

·         Jeesun went back home at noon on Boxing Day.  The Maverick had to go off to work—so I watched television and rested all afternoon.  

·         British Airlines employed “The Maverick” on contract earlier last year.  For the last two months  of said contract “The Maverick” swung between frustration and trusting God for a permanent job—as management was not giving any indication of what would happen after the 28^th of December, when the contract ended.  “The Maverick” was notified to come for an interview during that time—but was given not even a hint as to the outcome.  But, we kept saying, “Father in Heaven, You are our provider.  We trust You, and we believe “The Maverick” has favour with BA.”  On 26^th December, “The Maverick” finished his seven-day shift, not knowing  BA's verdict in terms of his employment.  His supervisor told him, unless otherwise notified, show up on Tuesday, 31^st December dressed for work.  Saturday, 28^th December, the contract ended; officially that meant “The Maverick” had no job.  On Sunday, 29^th December, we came home in the late afternoon—about 4.00 pm.  He checked his e-mail.  To our delight, relief and joy, he had an e-mail from BA, informing him that he was successful in the interview and the permanent job was his.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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We didn’t stay up for New Year’s Eve, as “The Maverick” was scheduled for a very early shift.  I was too tired to stay up till mid-night.  And it’s no fun by one’s self.  

·         I’ve been mulling over what I want to accomplish this year. And I’ve been trying to formulate not only WHAT I want to accomplish, but HOW I want to accomplish it.  Writing, Sewing, praying and even exercising. 

This is now over twice as long as I usually write.  But I wanted to let everyone know what has been happening in the our house.  

Thanks for reading my blog.  And God bless you richly with His Presence and Peace this coming year.

Lady Helene