To answer your question, or my post title, I’ve been here. Just in my own little world, here. Sorry to be so out of touch. I’ve got to get better at this…
Life is so full. The tragedy of Mark’s boss’ death, the uncertainty of where our money is going to come from, the celebration of Thanksgiving, turning 30 and the romance of marriage have filled the last weeks. God is with us and he is so Good. He gives us stuff – provides for us – which is no small thing. But he’s WITH us, too. That’s been so amazing to me lately. I don’t really enjoy it (the “it” to be explained in a moment) much, but somehow the feeling of desperation for God has felt painfully good to me. I’m starting to feel what I know is true – that I’m totally dependent on God’s provision and that I know he’s up for the “challenge” of coming up with everything I need. I can’t get my head around it and it makes me a bit sick to my stomach sometimes, but I like it nonetheless.
We had some friends over last night to celebrate Thanksgiving. It was kind of funny that I made what is to me the most normal of all meals and they thought some of it was just weird! I think my favorite response was to the jello salad I made – “It tastes good, but I just can’t do it on the same plate as my dinner”! Apparently, they have a dessert that’s a lot like jello (which they call jelly) salad called Trifle. The whole night they kept saying that I must be putting them on. But I wasn’t. Who wants a good traditional meal without some jello salad? Anyone? I didn’t think so.
their jello doesn't start out as powder...
apple pie & peach cobbler
the setup
the common enjoyment
leaving it for morning...or afternoon
We had a great celebration. So great, in fact, that I’ve spent a good bit of today feeing like I’m recovering from being sick. Mom, did this happen to you when you were learning to make enormous meals? You always made it look so magically easy. Everything getting done at the same time…
I’ve really been enjoying my class lately, too. I’m constantly getting to know people better, which is fun. I’m less of a novelty than I was the first month, but now I feel like I’m making friends. A good trade, I’d say. I’m currently working on a quilt for my niece, Avery. She turned 2 in October, so I’m making something she can hopefully use in her next bed and beyond. I don’t have any pictures from the last couple of days, when all the patchwork has been put together, but here are some of the colors and a bit of a block. Am I silly for wanting to clap and giggle when I see it coming together?
the lovely fabrics
a block ready t be cut into a square
Our car has been in the shop for the last couple of days. Minor electrical issues that we wanted to get fixed while it was still under warranty. We got it back today and are reminded how wonderful it is to be so mobile. The walk to class this morning was a lovely one. But going any further than town, or going anywhere after dark without a car is tough. It is always amazing to me how much warmth the sun gives off. When we were out this evening, it was -1°c. The frost has started to rest on the car windows. I guess we need to get a scraper. (I’m still discovering practical things we need and just don’t have. Will that end?)
Oh, this has been a rambling post. But you did ask where I’ve been. Or, at least, I was hoping you’d asked. And this is where – the jumbled Land of Ange. I hope you come back to visit soon. Bye, now.
Our pie dish is the star of a blog! Woo hoo!
We like your Land being Here.
MMMmmm! Some people just don’t appreciate good cooking. You should’ve made them dress up in paper bags like pilgrims and indians. The Jell-o wouldn’t have seemed nearly as weird in comparison. Glad you guys had a good Thanksgiving and are surviving the craziness. Praying for you both!
where i am there is a paranoia, perhaps similar to the jello salad incident, of having salty and sweet anywhere near each other on the same plate..