I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!

In case you haven't heard (pun intended) I finally got hearing aids!  What a treat to hear what's going on around me - for the most part!  I tried out some different aids on a trial basis and ended up with some digital ones that have BlueTooth technology inside them.  How cool is that?  It's is really nice when driving - because in Oregon you are not allowed to hold any kind of phone, pda or anything else while driving.  So now when the BT is connected, I hear the ringing of the phone in my ears, press a button and start talking.  It is wonderful!  But last Wednesday evening I also got more than I bargained for.  As per usual I turn off the ringer to my phone so it won't disturb the worshipers ... and yes, I would say that about once a month it happens that my phone rings during a worship service ... but like I said, when the ringer is "off" it automatically goes to voicemail.  HOWEVER, as last Wednesday service begins, and I am going through the program, as it were - for what we will be doing, my phone begins to ring.  And it is really annoying as it continues to ring and ring.  So finally I stop what I am saying and explain to the congregation, "As some of you know, I joined the ranks of the 'hearing re-paired' or some such thing, and I thought I had everything under control.  But as I am talking to you, my phone is ringing in my ears.  You don't hear it, do you?"  They shook their heads, 'no', so I finally had to pull out my phone and shut it off to make it stop!  Lesson to be learned for newbie digital hearers:  just shutting off the ringer in your phone doesn't stop the whole process of BT technology!  B warned, or B prepared to B disturbed in the middle of something important!

Karina at the "wall of chefs" getting the Mushroom delight!

Last Thursday was the annual "Soup for the Soul" fundraiser for Transition Projects - a service that Karina and I enjoy participating in.  The evening was tremendous.  This year 7 chefs were invited to make soup and the evening is centered around that.  At the end of the evening the participants receive a soup bowl and glass soup spoon engraved with the event/date, and information about Trans.Projcts; AND a recipe card of the soups that were presented!  There were a couple of phenomenal tastings, and I include the recipes for your enjoyment!

My favorite was this:

Then came a tie between:

and there were others as well - "Celery Root Soup with Spiced Oregon Pears" and "Coconut Urbane" (Thai) and "Sea of Cortez Smoked Diver Scallop Chowder" and "Chioppino" - if any of those tickle your fancy, let me know and I will post the recipe for them, as well.

This week we take in a play, "Day of the Docent" Friday evening; always look forward to our "monthly" plays to take a break from the routines of daily living!  Not sure if I mentioned it we also attended a "Play Reading" of Pygmalion a week ago Monday at one of the theaters.  The Readings: Pyg., Death of A Salesman, and Raisin in the Sun - are a new additions to the regular play offerings from the Portland Playhouse.  After Day of the D, I think the next play is "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom - really looking forward to that one!

That's if from the left coast.

Love ya!

Karina and Dan