Happy 2008!
We had a perfect New Years Eve. We went to a pet store for the special food our critters need and/or prefer, then got totally lost (yes, the Garmin was on, but I gave it wrong data) and hungry, so by chance found ourselves in the neighborhood of Mimi's cafe, which I love. Richard had never eaten there, so in we went.
I usually have the Quiche Lorraine, but tried the 5 oz. Fillet Mignon with asparagus and salad in a heavenly dressing. Richard had a huge specialty burger on sour dough bread. Mine was memorable, his good, but not enough for him to rave about. What am I saying? He doesn't rave about much of anything. I seriously doubt "rave" is one of the actions in his repertoire. If I ever see or hear him rave, I shall immediately begin praying as I dial 911.
We wanted to be home by dark so we wouldn't be on the road with the many happy folks heading off to celebrations, some of whom may not be sober, but it was dark by the time we got home and our friendly neighbors already had a party going across the street. We stayed home, played some games, reminisced about 2007, kissed one another as 2008 made the scene and were off to bed soon after. Before you decide we must be old, let me tell you that we have preferred to bring in the new year quietly since we were much younger.
I don't do well with alcohol (it sneaks up on me) and Richard has never cared for more than a drink or two. In my younger days I drank too much when we were out celebrating Richard's birthday with friends while were were doing grad studies Western State College in the mountain town of Gunnison, Colorado. I am terrified of small planes and not real fond of flying in general, but on that night, our friend Dennis and I were going to go to the airstrip where he planned to teach me to fly. ME! Who would never in my right mind even get in a small plane! So now, I limit alcohol to two drinks and rarely that. A toast, wine with dinner, not drinking for a buzz.
Some Christians believe alcohol is off limits and I respect them. Others feel that Jesus' first miracle was a message to say, cheer up and enjoy My salvation. Wine and joy are sometimes linked in scripture. Drunkenness, however is condemned as sin, and the Bible is full of stories showing the disaster and pain caused by alcoholic excess, so are most people's families, close or extended, including my own.
Also, I don't do well in crowds any more. Even our small church. By the time the service is over and I've had short visits with a few folks, I'm on the verge of overload so I leave. Richard has never been much for parties. He likes smaller groups better. We therefore had a great quiet New Year's Eve. Just right.
Our big outing today was a trip to Publix.
We also had the excitement of an electronic disaster when Richard somehow made the TV sound disappear, but in trying to troubleshoot, we got out video/DVD player and ended up and watching the movie "Big Fish." I cried. It was so much like my dad... and a few other members of our family. Tall tale tellers are often considered lovable liars, but we can sometimes miss the truthful parts of their yarns. Usually, they actually have some great adventures to share but we focus on disbelief instead of giving credence or simply enjoying the ride.
My dad never cared if folks believed him or not. He had some stories no one, including me, believed which I later found out were pretty much the truth. I felt I had let him down by doubting him. I also know what it's like to be disbelieved because parts of my life have been unusual and the kind of life God blessed me with invited adventure. Until recently, I've always welcomed that. Now, I don't cope as well. My brain is less predictable... but my God is not, so I guess I should invite adventure as much as ever.
Let's see what 2008 brings down the pike.
I usually have the Quiche Lorraine, but tried the 5 oz. Fillet Mignon with asparagus and salad in a heavenly dressing. Richard had a huge specialty burger on sour dough bread. Mine was memorable, his good, but not enough for him to rave about. What am I saying? He doesn't rave about much of anything. I seriously doubt "rave" is one of the actions in his repertoire. If I ever see or hear him rave, I shall immediately begin praying as I dial 911.
We wanted to be home by dark so we wouldn't be on the road with the many happy folks heading off to celebrations, some of whom may not be sober, but it was dark by the time we got home and our friendly neighbors already had a party going across the street. We stayed home, played some games, reminisced about 2007, kissed one another as 2008 made the scene and were off to bed soon after. Before you decide we must be old, let me tell you that we have preferred to bring in the new year quietly since we were much younger.
I don't do well with alcohol (it sneaks up on me) and Richard has never cared for more than a drink or two. In my younger days I drank too much when we were out celebrating Richard's birthday with friends while were were doing grad studies Western State College in the mountain town of Gunnison, Colorado. I am terrified of small planes and not real fond of flying in general, but on that night, our friend Dennis and I were going to go to the airstrip where he planned to teach me to fly. ME! Who would never in my right mind even get in a small plane! So now, I limit alcohol to two drinks and rarely that. A toast, wine with dinner, not drinking for a buzz.
Some Christians believe alcohol is off limits and I respect them. Others feel that Jesus' first miracle was a message to say, cheer up and enjoy My salvation. Wine and joy are sometimes linked in scripture. Drunkenness, however is condemned as sin, and the Bible is full of stories showing the disaster and pain caused by alcoholic excess, so are most people's families, close or extended, including my own.
Also, I don't do well in crowds any more. Even our small church. By the time the service is over and I've had short visits with a few folks, I'm on the verge of overload so I leave. Richard has never been much for parties. He likes smaller groups better. We therefore had a great quiet New Year's Eve. Just right.
Our big outing today was a trip to Publix.
We also had the excitement of an electronic disaster when Richard somehow made the TV sound disappear, but in trying to troubleshoot, we got out video/DVD player and ended up and watching the movie "Big Fish." I cried. It was so much like my dad... and a few other members of our family. Tall tale tellers are often considered lovable liars, but we can sometimes miss the truthful parts of their yarns. Usually, they actually have some great adventures to share but we focus on disbelief instead of giving credence or simply enjoying the ride.
My dad never cared if folks believed him or not. He had some stories no one, including me, believed which I later found out were pretty much the truth. I felt I had let him down by doubting him. I also know what it's like to be disbelieved because parts of my life have been unusual and the kind of life God blessed me with invited adventure. Until recently, I've always welcomed that. Now, I don't cope as well. My brain is less predictable... but my God is not, so I guess I should invite adventure as much as ever.
Let's see what 2008 brings down the pike.
© 2006 by Iona Hoeppner
| 2:24 PM
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