[Faith-talk] merry Christmas

[Linda Mentink]

Hi Beth and all,

Well, it's the day after Christmas, and I hope you all had a blessed Christmas.

We had our Church School program Sunday night, at which I sang Star 
of the East with the choir, sang O Holy Night as a solo, and played 
the Viola in our string group.  Our horn group also played, and the 
kids sang eight songs and read Scripture.  We exchanged presents, 
then went home.

Two friends and I had a light meal of potato bologna and scrambled 
eggs at Penny's; some of you may remember Penny from this list.  She 
and I never open our gifts from people until our friend Linda tells 
us who they're from.  Then we write each other's down as they are 
opened.  That way, we can thank people for the right gift, and be specific.

After Penny was through, we went to my house so that I could open 
mine.  We got a lot of nice things, and a lot of the same things from people.

Upon arriving here before Penny and Linda, I found that my Schnoodle, 
Cassie, had torn open a gift bag which held a bag of Giardelli 
chocolates.  You guessed it; she ate three!  I didn't think she could 
reach anything under three, since I had tied her to the couch; guess 
I was mistaken, and I wasn't impressed!  Thankfully, she didn't 
suffer any ill effects, since chocolate is toxic to little dogs!

I spent Monday making six batches of hot, spiced apple cider for our 
all-church dinner, which took place yesterday.  The cider was almost 
gone, but I did get part of a pickle jar full back.  We all ate 
together yesterday, rost beef and all that goes with it.  Penny got 
the Flu, so she wasn't able to join us.  She told me afterward that 
she only wanted to go for the cider.  Maybe I'll give her 
some!  She's feeling better now.

It seemed really strange to have all the presents unwrapped before 
Christmas Day.  I live over 700 miles from my family, so I don't see 
them at Christmastime anymore.  I did my first year here, in 2004; 
but flying was too much of a hastle.  I visit in the summer now, when 
travel is better and I have more time off from school.

Well, sorry for the novel, but I wanted to respond to Beth Cats.  I 
have no idea how to get in touch with Josh Grobin.  You might do a 
Google search or something.  Maybe you have a CD that would have 
information on the jacket card.

Blessings,

Linda