BUSY but QUIET WEEK

Got last Sunday's sermon posted a few minutes ago; thought I'd better get a few words down on the blog as well. As I was writing this, I just got a call - "thanks for Sunday's message - those are great words to memorize!"  You'll have to listen to know what that means!

oops, really blurrrry - was driving - but this was sunrise on
Christmas Day! half hour later it was pouring rain!

So last week was recovery from the holidays!  Had a wonderful church-filled response for Bob's family at his "Celebration of Life" service (he was the member who died on Christmas Day);  while his service was going on, another elderly member (95) suffered a massive stroke - not responsive, but living out her days with care in hospice at her residence;  Friday morning I made a quick trip to a care facility to share a final blessing with a gentleman about my age who suffered a brain tumor about a year ago; we had a closure time together (his wife and a neighbor were also there); I left for Tacoma - and got word that he died the next morning.  So am getting ready for his memorial service on Saturday the 21st - will be in the CLC (gym) - he had a lot of friends and acquaintances! 

Mom Moe and her cake

and the cake stands alone!

The Tacoma trip was for Karina's mother; it's kind of funny, but her birthday (12-31) was seldom celebrated over the years - what with it being New year's eve;  for her 80th she wanted a party and did just that.  Dorothy arranged the place and time, and her kids were put to work on the plans.  So January 7th perhaps some 30-40 people showed up at her church "commons" to celebrate!  They had cake and veggie and fruit trays;  in the middle I was asked to do a devotion - so I rather improvised on the spot - using verses of Psalm 90 (life spans, teach us to number our days) as the focus.  Turned out OK - wish I had been asked a bit earlier, and could have provided something special for the occasion.  I suppose I could have had something prepared - just in case - but I usually don't plan THAT far ahead! heh heh.  Anyway, it was a memorable day for D.  I came up on Friday, and had to go back to get ready for Sunday after the party was over - think I got back to Portland about 9:30 and worked until 11:30 (also had a Bible Class the following day - once again, great planning! hah)!

Then came Monday and Karina was still with her mom as she underwent knee replacement surgery.  After a few concerns (hadn't quit taking some of her medications early enough) the docs gave the OK and the surgery was a success.  As I understand she'd even gotten out of bed a couple of times to use the bathroom on Monday evening.  She'll be transferred to the Lutheran Home (close to her church) for re-hab, until allowed to go back home again.  Karina's coming back home tonight.

Speaking of K, the seamstress is still looking at the boxes the Bernina came in - yes they arrived, but there has been NO TIME for her to delve into those yet.  Hopefully things will slow down  bit for her as well.

As I said, a lot of stuff going on - but a pretty quiet week in the Rose City.  If I were a great Blazer fan, I'd say, "How 'bout them Blazers?" - but they've never done too much for me personally, so I try not to do too much for them ;).  They've only lost 2 games so far ...

Anyway, have a great week.  Till next time -

Love ya!

Karina and Dan