Cold Feet

Just got back from the concert, where it seemed that as usual the dampness was creeping in and although I had my hooded sweatshirt on, my feet were growing cold. It felt more like August this evening. The Country band played a good variety of music and it was a welcomed rest from the exercise we engaged in today.

After my PLN, we decided to try the Westville trail going around the lake to the dam area. It was perfect today for a walk in the woods. The entire walk was 1.8 miles. And, I hope I got more out of it than a blister on my toe. The walk was approximately 45 minutes long and it was pleasant as I was not alone.

John and I have been trying to put in some time walking different areas of town each night when possible.We enjoy walking where beautiful, scenic gardens are trying to make their appearance. He claims to have already dropped five pounds. It is generally agreed that the first ten pounds, especially males, come off pretty easy. It is the remaining weight, unless you are a dancer or runner, that appears to come off slowly.

People that love me have encouraged me to work at it. This of course includes the food we eat and the amount. Yesterday, we shopped while we had an oil change and ran several errands. My sister-in-law turned 50 and we attended her party. I never got so wet, my clothes were drenched right through, on the way out, thank goodness. The ride home was difficult due to deep puddles and excessive rain, not to mention the thunder and lightening. That's where the cold feet started.

It is an unusual year to say the least. I find I don't how to dress anymore. I probably should always carry an umbrella with me. We got Rita a gift certificate to 12 Crane St., where we usually go on Friday night for a brew, Celtic Nacho, and fish dinner. Everyone seem to do the same thing, as those at my table gave her a gift certificate to Finns and Tails. Another family member will be celebrating sixty years in August. And in a couple of weeks, we will hold our church pic-nic. We are people on the move constantly.

Sounds like we will try to take in a concert in Sturbridge on Thursday, after selling raffle tickets during the day. Just happen to get a run down on the July 19 concert in Southbridge on the common, so we may go from one party to another.

Life is good. It was fun to see the family again, as we celebrated the 4th on the lake in Connecticut with them. As I viewed Rita's pictures, as realized how much time has slipped away, and how precious time is.

Tonight I heard the band play a wonderful song. It is called "The Keeper of the Stars." I am reminded by that tune that "someone had a hand in it, long before we knew." God has blessed me with happiness, love and a wonderful life. Now that my feet have warmed up, its time for some ice cream. In closing, I don't believe things happen without reason, and purpose. All we need to do is believe.

Work out

Are you working out? We all need to be fit. Just what does that mean? Why are people known to be over weight in alarming numbers? Again I hear the words BMI, Body Mass Index, I believe it means, a one-size "fits all" chart. It all boils down to one thing, everyone has the right answer to correct the problem. Your the problem. That is, if they can get you to agree there is a problem. It means $$$$$ for them.

Now how does all this look when you ask the real questions. Why is everyone over weight? What is in the food? It begins there. How much do you need to eat? Different amounts for individuals, according to your lifestyle. A person mostly "sitting" does not require a lumberjack special. Years prior, women had small waists. I saw my grandmother's boned girdles. Once they tied you up, you couldn't breathe never mind eat. Portions were smaller. The food preparation was different. There was no need for corn syrup and synthetic additives, never mind scientific altered food stuffs. Transportation was mostly your own two feet. And, who made the chart? People are different all over the word. So, who was the model?

If your overweight, the doctor has a revisit. Possibly the pharmaceuticals have a prescription, and the gyms are packed. Weight reduction equipment is purchased. Then comes the special clothing, sneakers and high fiber snacks and bottled water. It will cost you plenty.

Its been going on for years. Not my moms generation, they had to chop wood and do chores.
Now we come to several of the reasons. Laziness. If its not that one, then possibly, could there be something wrong with the chart? One that does not take into consideration all factors, such as: bone size, and muscular structure? We are not all constructed the same, if you've noticed. Each generation produces tallers and bigger people. Knights were only four feet tall, I'm told.

Keep everything into perspective, and everything in moderation. Eat a little less, eat a little better, walk a little more, and do more physical work. Make it part of your daily routine, and it should not add stress to your situation.

If your so inclined to believe that you've got to become extreme to lose a few pounds, then good luck with that. This is not a lifetime change and it won't last. Some people eat to comfort themselves, you've heard of "comfort foods". Food may be replacing another need.

The fact is that most people who are over weight tend to be unhappy, especially couch potatoes. I don't hear many people who want to address that -- possibly because there is no or little profit in it.

People live a lifetime being told what and when to eat, wear, be, do, and all they really need and want is to just be themselves. Maybe once they are, they will be happy and all will be well.
You decide, its just that simple.

Don't Miss It!

We are getting it on! (Sixties lingo for planning a great party). It takes a lot of groove, hard work and everyone knowing and doing their part. It is more than a family pic-nic, barbecue style with ethnic goodies and dancing, it's an adventure.

Wally the Green Monster, will be there to entertain you and for sure the kids are going to go crazy. I understand other's like Twister may be there also. Summer is time for fun. Here in New England, focusing on summer events is our business, one after the other. This is going to be super by all accounts.

I have copied the invitation for your review so you can gather your friends and family, and spread the word to a fantastic event. I'll get to see some of my blogger friends. Maybe we'll even share a beer together, from Southbridge's finest brewery. I'll be looking for you. And, I'll be in a party mood! Just a few weeks away, I can't wait.

No need to confirm, just bring yourselves and your smile.

85th Romanian Festival --Host: St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church-- Type: Party - Barbecue, entertainment, family picnic --Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009 --Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm --Location: St. Michael's Orthodox Church-- Street: 16 Romanian Ave-- City/Town: Southbridge, MA-- questions: Phone: 508-765-5276
Email: priest@stmichaelorth.org
Description--The 85th Annual Romanian Festival! Featuring Shish Kebab - Cooked to Perfection, Chicken Kebab, Hot dogs, Hamburgers
Featuring: Beer from the Southbridge Brewery-- Home Made Romanian and American Pastries --Live Music - Near East Sounds Band-- Special Visit by Wally the Green Monster, FREE PARKING, FREE ADMITTANCE Fun for the whole family! (Rain or Shine). See You There! Don't Miss It!

Two Double Rainbows

Living in New England we sometimes see beautiful rainbows. As I child my parents always told me that means good luck. Associated with the covenant with Noah and God's promise that the world would not be destroyed by water even again.

We have had very unusual weather and it did not surprise me that the sun had come out, yet it was pouring rain. Normally when that happens we look for a rainbow in the sky. Sure enough there it was over the gas station. This time there were two, one faded more than the other. I wondered if I have ever seen a double rainbow.

Then I went into the market, and on the way out noticed that the sun was as bright as ever, yet it was pouring. I looked up for the rainbow, and there it was to my right. Then, looking left there was another one. Not a single one, another double one. That means two double rainbows.

I just know there has to be significance in seeing two double rainbows back-to-back. I'll have to research that one more. One unknown source said. "When double rainbows appear it means that whatever is coming to you has great meaning in your life and that one good thing will lead to another good thing." ...

If that be true, what happens when you see not only one but two double rainbows, not only in the same day, but at the same time? And what were the odds of that?

The V. Rev. Fr. Peter Preble, celebrates 5th year

This is a special post dedicated to a very "special" person. No matter how he feels, his work, serving the Lord and God's people, has been his priority. I know he'll be there for me and for anyone who needs him. He puts up with all our teasing, of course having a great sense of humor himself, gives it right back. I try not to talk politics with him, as he knows it boils my oils. Yet, he is approachable, knowledgeable on any given subject and nothing is off the table. The first step in any healing process is admitting your shortcomings, and he is good at getting you to see them. That's why healing is possible with him as pastor. He possesses the power to reach you deep inside. And, like my mother, he has that penetrating stare, eyes that look right through you. The look that needs no words, that say it all.

We share our lives in a sort of way, being so close to the Church as I am, cooking in the kitchen, working in the garden, on various committees or, singing a Liturgy. He knows us and our lives intimately, as we know him. He's a work-a-hol-ic. Who else do you know that gets up at four in the morning to keep in touch with so many people? A goodmorning on facebook, or, a note or two on his many modes of communication, and more recently radio programs, he lets people know that he cares, as he sends out his smile in so many directions.

He participates everywhere where there are people who are in need of help and a friend. More recently he was known to ride a lawn mower on a race track, (LOL). To think about him, he is approachable, youthful, down to earth and funny. It seems he doesn't have a care in the world. But we know better.

He makes me laugh even during in a snowstorm, and because of this unique personality, people of his parish feel lucky to have him as pastor. July 5th, he will celebrate five years at St. Michael's parish in Southbridge.

I recall, joining that parish around four years ago, and he was so happy to see us in church, he couldn't hide his joy. I recall seeing him shovelling snow all alone one day as pastor, he goes beyond his pay grade. He keeps us entertained where ever he goes, because he takes us with him in his heart, which is, for those that know him "huge." And, I hope I am a better person for knowing him with his gentle correcting and guidance.

The church, community, and area towns are lucky to have Fr. Peter. Our lives are better for his being with us and with all he brings to us, everyday. I see him as the "lifeblood" to the community, with his positive influence. If we had to pay him for all he does, we could not afford him. Among his many talents are fire chaplin, cook, chief and bottle washer, radio host, and pod caster. This priest gives the best homilies and adult classes that you ever want to hear.
It has been a comfort to me, to know that while my son, Lt. Steve was serving at a fire, and I couldn't be there, Fr. Peter was there and as chaplin, was doing his duty, sometimes--just passing out much needed water to the firemen. While, at other times, it was much, much more!

He lives what he preaches: (John 15:12) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." The Orthodox Study Bible. So, come out on Sunday to meet a very dedicated pastor, a loyal friend, and a great human being, get to know him and find out why "we love him" as we do.

We are blessed Father Peter to have you, thank you for letting us share in your life, and for all the things you do for us, just because your you. For the joy you bring to our lives, and for your hard work. May you truly be happy in the work that God called you to.

Expecting Fireworks

The state of Massachusetts frowns on fireworks on the Fourth. The only way to see a display is to go to the Old Sturbridge Village, (which is our neighboring town) and that is by purchasing a ticket to the event.

Budget cuts will not allow firework displays in our town this year. Children will be disappointed but they'll live. We have got to trim the fat everywhere possible. That means no additional programs, if people's jobs are on the line due to budget cuts. Last evenings paper made it clear that the stimulus dollars hoped for will be stalled. We all know that means unpleasant news on the way.

Tonight's paper shows a picture of the neighboring town of Dudley, and neighbor to our town of Southbridge, Thompson, Connecticut. I have driven by the tent displaying a sign which reads "FREE" and they are also selling Fireworks. Our instinct is do not go there. Why? Tickets make good revenue for the town. As the the caption reads "Police plan checks for DUI, fireworks on Fourth." Courtesy of the Southbridge Evening News, Thursday, July 2, 2009.

The title says it all. The fact is that fireworks can be dangerous. I'm probably being redundant in saying that I still remember the fact that one year in Holland, after a wonderful chicken barbecue, one of the fireworks backfired onto the crowd and caught a ladies hair on fire. People ran screaming, everywhere!

It is no mistake that fire apparatus is present at all displays and public safety is always a concern. Years ago so many accidents happened by careless users that a public ban was placed in effect. It is no fun when people get hurt. One year my husband, John and I went to Webster and attended a display, but I was afraid to go to our car, as kids were throwing firecrackers underneath vehicles and all over the parking lot.

The fourth will soon be here. It is a time for celebration yes, but use your head. Do not drink and if you do, drive responsibly. I hear that there is much going on, like a tea party in Boston. Usually the Boston Pops perform and with the nice weather promised, it should be a great time for welcoming in the summer fun.

Editing the Editor

Lots of laughs once again in our local news. I thought it was the job of the news to publish the truth. That is why frankly you cannot believe everything that you read, or see for that matter. The front page of the Southbridge News showed a picture of Albanian dancers, with a caption that read "CELEBRATING ALBANIA." The Albanian annual event was held on Sunday, and the youthful dancers are brought in for entertainment, as the majority of parishioners there can only remember when. That is if they still can remember! I'm sure when they got their paper today, they were as surprised as we were at seeing the Albanian picnic was held at St. Michael's Romanian Orthodox Church, which is just a stones throw away and off of Morris Street. I thought it was the job of an editor to review the paper before it goes to print. I shouldn't be so tough on the editor, normally I wouldn't even mention it, but this is the second time the error has occurred. The mistake was also made last year.

St. Michael's parish and church picnic will be held in July, and we are all looking forward to enjoying lamb the way it should be done. I must admit that the dancers were a nice touch. We will also be having some great entertainment along with the traditional dancers.

Luckily the St. Nicholas Parish picnic was a successful event and not one drop of rain fell while I attended.

Still, I find it laughable that an Albanian picnic was held at a Romanian Church. What they did get right was "Orthodox Church." There are three Orthodox Church structures in Southbridge. One is of the Greek ethnicity, one Albanian, and one of Romanian decent. These churches are found on three separate streets. Maybe we have to send the Southbridge News pictures to clear this up. Let's see, under the caption it read, Shawn Kelley photo. Maybe Shawn is not from Southbridge. People who were born here are familiar with all of our churches, and we have many of them.

Perhaps, this will continue until someone brings this situation to light. Otherwise, the people who read the "rag," (I wonder why?) and that is what it is affectionately referred to, will continue the course, and we may have to wait and see if "three is a charm."

Oh don't be mad, so they made an honest mistake, what else is new? Besides, we could look at the bright side, that we both got the publicity on this one. Isn't that what counts?