Savings

Outside my window...sunny but windy. Crisp and cool.

I am thinking...we started setting aside a little of our pocket money to save for vacation. In just one month I’m at $180 which is surprising. It will be nice to take a vacation knowing it was paid in advance. It took us a year to pay for Europe.

I am hoping...that we will have enough staff this week. The usual. I have the pre-work blues.

I am thankful for... good preaching.

From the kitchen... Atlantic salmon, corn on the cob, and Greek pasta salad.

I am hearing...the dishwasher.

I am wearing...jeans, a red t-shirt and a navy pullover.

I am reading...Michal by Jill Eileen Smith.

Around the house...my white miniature roses have bounced back and have flowered again, in spite of me and my gardening (cough) skills.

One of my favourite things....live theatre. Henry the Fifth was amazing, except we didn’t have great seats. I went into it not knowing anything about it. It was good. It was neither for or against war, but about war.

Some plans for the week....work four nights. I’m tired already. I also have to stay behind for an hour after one of them for my evaluation to talk about my goals. Blah, blah, blah. I have it written up already, but really, that’s cutting in to my precious few hours of sleep. No plans for the weekend except to hit SEND on the synopsis I wrote. I need to review it once before I ship it.

 

Shakespeare

Outside my window...a sunny day.  Hang on, summer! Don’t go!

I am thinking...so now that the Separatists were elected in Quebec, how long before the next referendum, A.K.A. Never-end-um?

I am hoping...to purchase some books for background research for my talks next May. I also have to get going on my synopsis. Isn’t it ironic that I have no self-control when it comes to procrastinating about writing about self-control?

I am thankful for...a Pastor who isn’t afraid to preach on difficult subjects. Yesterday he read from Proverbs 5 and preached about sex. You can hear it at faith-baptist.ca

From the kitchen...veggie quiche, homemade tomato basil soup and salad. I try to do a meatless meal at least once a week, more now while my daughter who is a vegetarian is still at home for a month.

I am hearing...the dishwasher.

I am wearing...grey yoga pants and a blue top. I just took the dog for a walk and am heading to the shower.

I am reading...Magdalene by Angela Hunt.

Around the house...our daughter and her fiancé did their engagement photo shoot yesterday, one month before the wedding. I guess as long as it’s before and not after. I can’t wait to see them. She is also looking into a few job prospects.

One of my favourite things....seeing  friends or relatives I haven’t seen in years.

Some plans for the week...work three nights. I’m mostly worried about Monday night since we only have two nurses booked and at least 18 patients, which would be unsafe. I hate this new normal. Next Saturday we are planning to go to Stratford for some live theatre. The four of us are going to see Henry the Fifth, which I’ve never seen or read. We need to drive back that night for church the next day, and there is a Providential dinner on Sunday.

Public Speaking

Outside my window...a sunny day.  I had a nice walk with the dog this morning.

I am thinking...I received a positive response about my proposal for speaking at the Ladies’ Retreat next May. I will be the main speaker. I’ll  have three, one hour sessions in which to present my topic on one of the Fruits of the Spirit, Self-Control. I will be focusing on self-control in relation to speech, possessions and our thought life. I have to pull my thoughts together and write a synopsis of how I will be presenting it and the main points I’ll cover, within a month.

I am hoping...to find time to write the synopsis with my daughter’s wedding approaching within a month.

I am thankful for...how the wedding shower turned out. I had a few mishaps with my carrot cake looking like a meatloaf (I substituted a vanilla cake for it) and two pans of burned scones (which had to be replaced). No one was any the wiser and my last minute tears were all for nothing. She is not a fan of being the centre of attention, but I think she appreciated having her family and friends there and they really did shower her with gifts.

From the kitchen...spaghetti and meat sauce.

I am hearing...crickets, if you can believe it. And the washer and dryer.

I am wearing...black capris, a black sleeveless print top, while I still can.

I am reading...Speak Up with Confidence by Carol J. Kent. Considering how painfully shy I was growing up, I can’t tell you how huge a step it was for me to offer to do public speaking. I consider myself a writer, but not a speaker. I’m used to my twelve or so Women of Faith, but 80 women will be a challenge for me. My only consolation is that I know about 90% of them, so I will feel I’m among friends. I will also need much prayer to take this step of faith and personal growth.

Around the house...we had two house guests overnight, so we did our bed and breakfast routine. My youngest started her third year at university. My youngest is bringing her gifts to her fiance’s apartment, and my husband and I are working.

One of my favourite things....coffee. Just the thing when I wake up.

Some plans for the week...work four nights. I’m tired just thinking about it. Oh well, a few more weeks and I’ll be off for the wedding. My husband and I are planning to go out for dinner on Friday to a local Greek restaurant.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Outside my window...rain. Fitting for my first night back from vacation.

I am thinking...It was a good two weeks off. Great weather and very relaxing.

I am hoping...we can get my daughter’s friend to see Kody. He needs a dog whisperer. It’s our last hope.

I am thankful for... being prepped for the wedding, with my clothes, shoes and accessories. I just need to decide on a hairstyle.

From the kitchen...chicken stir-fry and rice.

I am hearing...thunder and lightning. The poor dog is so scared.

I am wearing...navy capris, a navy print top.

I am reading...Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews. It is based on the life of Job. I disagree that they have him as a contemporary and friend of Jacob and his sons, since it is believed he was pre-patriarchal, even before Abraham.

Around the house...we are back at work this week. I hope the staffing issues aren’t as bad. If we have to float to other units every week, I’m going to play the seniority card.

One of my favourite things....planning parties.

Some plans for the week...work three nights. Scramble to prep for my daughter’s bridal shower on Saturday afternoon. It’s an English tea party theme and I even brought a fascinator for the pictures. There’s not much prep time, but the whole family is helping. We are expecting 29 people. Standing room only, I guess.

 

Mother of the Bride Dress

Outside my window...it rained yesterday, but the rest of the week will be hot. We’re going to the beach on Thursday.

I am thinking...we heard 15 sermons in eight days. I hope it translates into a changed life for us.

I am hoping...my daughter will enjoy the wedding plans. She’s so frustrated at times that she says she wishes they were eloping instead. I told her she’d be glad in the end, for the memories.

I am thankful for...our second week of vacation. We are getting a lot of things done. I bought my mother-of-the-bride dress yesterday. It’s navy, floor length and has on shoulder, which isn’t usually my style, since I’m more of a symmetrical person.

From the kitchen...salmon, skewered vegetables, fresh bread.

I am hearing...the dishwasher. It’s so loud, but I still love it.

I am reading...still on Exploring the Fascinating Life of Jesus by Roger Ellsworth. It’s one of the books we bought at Carey. I tend not to have as much time to read on vacation because I usually read on my commute. Maybe at the beach.

Around the house...my eldest is finished her job at camp and will be here with us for the next six weeks until the wedding.  She is painting some pillars for the ceremony. My youngest got her wisdom teeth out last week while we were at Carey Conference. Now she is working in an office doing filing and things like that for two weeks. It’s better than nothing. It will at least help to pay for her books. We are planning a wedding shower for a week from Saturday.

One of my favourite things....weddings. We were in Delhi for the wedding of a couple in our church. They only had a few weeks to plan it but it was very nice and God honouring. It’s easy to lose sight of that.

Some plans for the week...dental appointment tomorrow, beach day Thursday, family bbq on Friday, then the long weekend. Maybe we’ll have friends over. I hope to finish up some writing projects.

Trailer Living

Outside my window...a sunny week so far. The nights are cooler, but that’s August in Canada for you.

 I am thinking...my meeting about the Ladies’ Retreat went well. Bad news and good news. They decided the topic wouldn’t translate well from a small group over five lessons to a presentation over three hours. But they asked me to be the Speaker if I could present a different topic.

 I am hoping...God will give me a topic so I can get back to them within the month.

 I am thankful for...the opportunity to worship freely, to hear solid preaching and buy books.

From the kitchen...salmon, corn on the cob, Caesar salad. My husband and I went out to a restaurant in Paris for lunch. Yeah, the other Paris. But it was nice.

I am hearing...crickets.

 I am reading...Exploring the Fascinating Life of Jesus by Roger Ellsworth. It’s one of the books we bought at Carey.

 Around the house...this trailer we rented is clean and nice. It’s very small and we’ve caught Kody on the couch a few times. He thinks the rules are different here. He also has to get used to being tied up outside, since there is no fence. He’s a little nervous because everything is different. The shower is teeny tiny and because the hot water tank is equally small, we have to take navy showers. Get wet, water off, lather, rinse. No Hollywood showers. But at least we don’t have to use the public showers.

 One of my favourite things...campfires.

Some plans for the week...enjoy the Carey Conference. Great preaching. Stephen Rees from England is preaching on Paul: God’s man in life or death. First night was awesome. And the singing! O, the singing! A taste of heaven. Nice to catch up with friends. I’m much more mellow about everything, our meal planning and all that. We’re doing fine.

Breathing Easy

Outside my window...another beautiful summer day, although it’s cooler than usual and it’s starting to get dark earlier. :(

I am thinking...this may be my last week before vacation but it will be a busy one. Last week was painfully slow. I did some e-learning to pass the time. I’d rather have it steady than slow. We had a nice visit with our missionaries. We'll see if South Africa is in our future for next year.

I am hoping...to present my synopsis in a professional manner. I am meeting during the Carey Conference  with three women who decide on the speakers for the SGF Women’s Retreat, and I hope to be the speaker next May. They have a few questions for me.

I am thankful for... the result of my sleep test. No sleep apnea. I was worried about having a CPAP machine. He said the gasping could be either that I sleep on my back, which I rarely do, or that my reflux needs to be better controlled, that I lose 10 pounds and get rid of stress. He also said that just because I didn’t have an episode that night doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen another time. That night was a normal result. I don’t really think I have stress, but then I tend to internalize things. As for the ten pounds, I knew that already.

From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs, salad.

I am hearing...The breeze coming into the house. Now that the Olympics have ended, I don’t really have a reason to turn the t.v. on.

I am reading...Love in Disguise by Carol Cox.

Around the house...Our eldest hasn’t been home for three weeks. She’s coming with five friends for a bbq on Thursday. My youngest is keeping busy since she never did find a job. She is volunteering this week at the church summer camp she worked at the past two summers. My husband and I are working our last week before another two weeks of vacation. I’m studying about regeneration. Beautiful.

One of my favourite things...Carey Conference. This is our twentieth year.

Some plans for the week...work three nights. Help with daughter’s bbq, pack for Carey, bake and do laundry. Go to Carey and enjoy a spiritual week of rest. I think Kody will like it. I hope he’ll be good.

Opa!

Outside my window...muggy weather. No surprise. This is Toronto.
I am thinking...some days I'm pretty insecure. I get only a few minutes a day with my husband and it's not enough. Well, soon we'll have another two weeks off together.
I am hoping...a couple from our church can plan their sudden wedding. They have two and a half weeks.
I am thankful for...a job. They are beginning layoffs in our hospital. I feel pretty secure with my 26 years' seniority.
From the kitchen...meat eggrolls and rice.
I am hearing...a very quiet unit. The O.R. is closed this week so we have only chemo and radiation patients. Quite a change from last week, which was crazy busy. I also had a pt. with a demaning and high maintenance family. I've never been happier to see the end of a week. Tonight I'm doing some e-learning inservices.
I am reading...Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer. Another Western Inspirational romance. I'm on a kick, right now. Cowboys. (sigh)
Around the house...I've already started packing for the Carey Conference. It always takes a lot of planning. Kody will be with us in the trailer. I hope he'll be good around the other dogs and all those people.
One of my favourite things...we took a beach day, just me and my hubby. We got our usual spot on the beach and did nothing all morning. Then, because we weren't finished, we did nothing all afternoon.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. BBQ with friends and missionaries we support to discuss a possible missions trip next year, if it's financially feasible. If it doesn't rain this weekend, we will try to get in another beach day. We'll take the dog with us this time, and he can swim. Sunday, I'd like to finally go to The Taste of the Danforth, for Greek food. Opa!

Speaking To A Dying World

As an oncology nurse, I’ve seen hundreds of deaths. I’ve seen sudden death and lingering death, peaceful death and painful death. I’ve seen the difference between how believers and unbelievers die. Seeing someone take their last breath is a sobering experience.
Because of my field of work, I’m a realist about death. Yet as a believer, I’m an optimist. I know that God does heal. My husband is fourteen years cancer free. However, some cancers recur, others spread rapidly despite treatment.
The world avoids the whole idea of death with entertainment and distractions. Even believers who are secure in their salvation may still fear the mode of death itself.
Life is short, maybe 80 years. Even the longest life is distilled into a twenty minute eulogy. “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. For that is the end of all men, and the living will take it to heart.” Ecc.7:2
To the unbeliever, death is the Great Unknown. It is a fearful thing. They have no hope of ever seeing their loved ones again. They have only despair. Their idea of eternal life is that the person will live on as long as someone remembers them.
But we don’t sorrow as those who have no hope. Death does not have the last word. Because Jesus rose from the grave, we will, too.
Tucked away in 2 Kings 6 and 7 is an account of a terrible famine in the besieged city of Samaria. The Syrian army was camped outside the walls. The people were resorting to cannibalism. Elisha prophesies a sudden reversal of the famine in one day. Four lepers are sitting outside the city and decide they can either starve to death where they are, or surrender to the enemy and perhaps find mercy. If not, they’ll die either way. In the mean time, God had routed the army. They fled leaving everything behind. The lepers go from tent to tent, eating and gathering treasures, until their conscience pricks them. They remember their brothers dying in the city while they have such abundance. They say, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.”
They return to the city with the good news, their story is corroborated, and the famine is reversed, as prophesied.
We bask in the joy of sins forgiven, the hope of Heaven. But we can’t just gorge ourselves and not share the Living Bread. “We are not doing right.” We cannot remain silent. “This is a day of good news. “
There’s an urgent need for the gospel. There’s a famine out there. It’s a dying world. Do we live like it? Or are we so self satisfied that we forget their destination without Christ? We squander opportunities to share the gospel, talking about nothing of consequence. I know I do.
So how do we tell them? Just say something! Like the healed blind man in John 9, he wasn’t able to argue about theological issues, but he could say, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” (D.T. Niles) Tell them where they can find bread.
Pia Thompson

Published in Summer 2012 issue of Barnabas

First Publication

Outside my window...another beautiful summer day.
I am thinking...last day of vacation tomorrow. We’re worshipping in Belleville and taking friends out for dinner and then hanging out at their pool.
I am hoping...we can come up with a solution to our puppy problem.
I am thankful for...my first publication. The column is called Speaking to a Dying World in the summer issue of Barnabas. I grabbed three copies.
From the kitchen...Atlantic salmon, basmati rice and carrots.
I am hearing...a dumb movie about diving for treasure in the Caribbean.
I am reading...Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad.
Around the house...my eldest is home for the weekend. I’m studying about regeneration. Beautiful.
One of my favourite things...live soccer. We enjoyed the TFC/Liverpool game.
Some plans for the week...back to work for four nights on Monday. It was a good vacation.

Puppy Problems

Outside my window...a hot, humid day; one of the hottest of the year. Even the breeze was hot.
I am thinking...we’re concerned about the puppy. He’s had two sets of obedience school and that has improved how he is with people, but he is quite ferocious with other dogs. He has attacked other dogs with a vicious tenacity. It’s scary to watch because we can’t break it up. Even when the other dog submits, he still goes after them. We’ve paid the vet bills for a dog who had his ear bitten by Kody. My husband is saying we may have to give him away since he can’t control him, but it breaks my heart. I was crying last night just thinking about it. I hope we can come up with another solution.
I am hoping...I’ll be able to sleep tomorrow night. I’m going for a sleep study to check for sleep apnea since I’ve woken up a few times gasping for breath. I dreamed I was underwater and I sat up to break the surface. Scary feeling. Although I dread the thought of the treatment for it (a CPAP machine), I also don’t like the idea of dying in my sleep. Apparently at this place they put electrodes on your head and watch you sleep. Not a typical night.
I am thankful for...our STAYCATION. We have day trips planned all week.
From the kitchen...surf and turf (steak and lobster). We had originally planned to eat out one night this week, but then whole lobsters were on sale for only $5.99 so that was the cheaper option. We have never made a whole lobster at home before. We also had sautéed mushrooms, green beans, potato salad, and mini cherry pies.
I am hearing...Murdoch Mysteries.
I am reading...Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James.
Around the house...I was able to get to the doctor’s today. I’ve been putting it off because I usually have to wait for hours, but I was out quickly.
One of my favourite things...going out for ice cream with my husband.
Some plans for the week... We went to the beach yesterday, tomorrow we’re going to another beach, then Shakespeare in the Park, the R.O.M. and the Liverpool/TFC game on Saturday. We’re attending a church in Belleville on Sunday and swimming at a friend’s pool. Then back to work on Monday.

Bug Zone

Outside my window...a hot, humid day. Love it.
I am thinking...it doesn’t look like my youngest will find work this summer, so she’s going to volunteer instead.
I am hoping...to have a few spare hours this week to write.
I am thankful for... time off work. I have 17 nights off, and so does my husband. I love my job.
From the kitchen...pizza night at DVBS. Then, in keeping with the Bug Zone theme, I made Worms in Dirt Pudding.
I am hearing...an old episode of MASH.
I am reading...Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer.
Around the house...my husband has been handy this week. He changed the broken screen on the patio door, fixed the garage door and the ice machine on the fridge. He also cleaned out the garage to make room for a second car. I had already done two days of work on it a few months ago.
One of my favourite things...trips to IKEA. My daughter and I went today and I got my delayed Mother’s Day gift of a bookshelf for my cookbooks. I also bought a few things for my daughter who is getting married.
Some plans for the week...errands in the day and DVBS in the evening. A day trip to Niagara on the Lake with my brother in law and his wife. Church on Sunday, in the nursery.

Canada Day, Eh?

Outside my window...Muggy.
I am thinking...I need to get going on purchasing food for DVBS. It’s coming up soon.
I am hoping...my youngest finds something to do this summer. If she can’t find work, she may volunteer.
I am thankful for...my country. It was Canada Day this week. I didn’t even wave a flag. But I am blessed to live here, in spite of the problems. We have freedom of speech and religion, at least for now. I’ll use it while I can, even if one day it’s used against me.
I am wearing...navy capris and a print top.
From the kitchen...Atlantic salmon, balsamic rice, freshly shelled peas, leftover strawberry shortcake.
I am hearing...Wrath of the Titans. My husband’s choice. The things you do for love.
I am reading...Blue Moom Bay by Lisa Wingate.
Around the house...we had a nice dinner party, even with only 24 hours to prepare. We served a triple appetizer of Scallop BLT’s, stuffed large mushroom cap, and baked brie bites. Then jumbo shrimp skewers and cheese biscuits, watermelon feta and arugala salad, filet mignon, chicken skewers, rosemary lamb with grilled vegetables, scalloped white and sweet potatoes, Finnish strawberry shortcake and ice cream bars. It was a nice evening.My mom and sister returned from their Mediterranean cruise today.
One of my favourite things...meeting new people. There was a family from Indiana at church this morning. As usual, they found us on the internet, specifically searching for a Doctrines of Grace church.
Some plans for the week...Pedicures with my youngest. I was off Monday for the Canada Day holiday, then I work three nights. Then I have two weeks off. We have DVBS the first week, when I’m doing the snacks. We’ll do day trips, and then stuff around the area on the second week.

Wages vs. Gift

Outside my window...warm, a few clouds, and a cool breeze.
I am thinking...So I ended up going to another unit last Monday. I was extra there and our floor went short and was really busy. That’s what upsets us. Our regular staff gets used as relief to bump up other floors while our unit suffers. Arrgh. At least it won’t be my turn to float for a while, I hope.
I am hoping...my mom and sister have a good time on their cruise and stay healthy and safe. I just read a newspaper article about how hundreds of people per year go missing off cruise ships. Scary stuff.
I am thankful for...our day at church yesterday. One of our missionaries, Roland Seiler preached from Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” It was beautiful. You can hear it at faith-baptist.ca Also we had a dinner and then came home to a UEFA soccer game, which unfortunately England lost to Italy. I have to admit though, that Italy played a better game. I’m happy Germany is undefeated. They’re my team.
I am wearing...grey workout pants and a blue top.
From the kitchen...baked potatoes, boneless chicken breasts, mushrooms, and salad.
I am hearing...silence at home. My husband tends to keep the t.v. on even if no one is watching it, but I like silence. My youngest just went downtown to pick up tickets she won in a contest.
I am reading...You are a Writer, So start Acting Like One by Jeff Goins. It was free on Kindle. Also I just finished the 15 Habits of Writers challenge.
Around the house...my husband’s temporary Management Training comes to an end soon. It was basically a year and a half long job interview. Then he goes back to his old job as a Supervisor and they run a few more guys through the program. He is content with his job and doesn’t want to be anywhere God doesn’t want him to be. Kody graduated from Advanced Obedience training, or as we like to call it, Doggie Reform School. Here is an humiliating picture of him. The trainer dresses them up like this when they graduate. He tolerated it.


One of my favourite things...hosting dinner parties. We have one this Saturday, so I’m still planning my menu. It’ll be hard to get it all together, shopping, cleaning cooking and baking all in a day, but it can be done.
Some plans for the week...work four nights. Dinner party on Saturday. Summer hours start on Sunday at church, so we can sleep in or get more done.

Stressed Out!

Outside my window...hot, hazy, humid.
I am thinking... I am way too stressed about going back to work tonight. I was off eleven nights, but because our O.R. is closed, we have too many nurses for too few patients, and it’s my turn to go relieving, even with 26 years of seniority. Arrrgh. I find it so stressful to be on a different unit. On my floor I know what’s expected of me and where everything is. I even prefer our patient population. I worked for years on Haematology, but now I dread looking after Leukemia patients. Give me surgical patients any day.
I am hoping...to stay on my unit or get the night off.
I am thankful for...my mom’s cardiologist has given her the okay to travel so she and my sister are heading to the Mediterranean for a two week cruise.
I am wearing... denim capris and a white blouse.
From the kitchen...an amazing new recipe of oven baked chicken that tastes like Kentucky Fried chicken but healthier.
I am hearing...UEFA soccer. England vs. Ukraine.
I am reading...Prize of my Heart by Lisa Norato.
Around the house...my husband turned 49. He had steak and chocolate cake; his usual request. We had a nice Church picnic. My eldest started work at camp, my youngest is still looking, but beginning to get discouraged.
One of my favourite things...finding encouragement in unlikely places. I’ve been going through the 15 Habits of Writers by Jeff Goins, and one challenge was to build a team around you to give you feedback. I find writing is a very solitary pursuit. Even the thought of asking terrified me, but so far all of the responses have been positive. No, more than that, some even thanked me for the opportunity, as if I had done them a favour. Others said they enjoyed my writing and were glad to see I was using my gift. I was blown away by their kindness.
Some plans for the week... work three nights. Visiting missionaries at church as well as a dinner.

Proposal Accepted

Outside my window...a beautiful, sunny day.
I am thinking...I could never be a farmer’s wife. We picked and hulled strawberries yesterday, then made 99 jars of jam as gifts for guests at my daughter’s reception. I hope they taste good.
I am hoping...my youngest finds work soon. My eldest passed her lifeguarding refresher course so she’s set for her summer job up at camp.
I am thankful for...I went to the Cardiologist with my mom and he told her the family doctor was wrong and there was no heart attack. The ecg was fine. However he is sending her for other tests and may recommend she postpone her Mediterranean cruise, which would be disappointing of course, but her health comes first.
I am wearing...p.j.’s. Still early in the morning.
From the kitchen...not sure yet, but it will include the fresh peas I will shell this afternoon that I got from the farm store. That says summer to me.
I am hearing...a quiet house.
I am reading...Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Bergren.
Around the house...Last week with everyone here. My eldest heads off to camp this weekend and will only be back on the occasional weekend. I’m off all this week and it’s already half over. I did get some writing done, but never enough for me.
One of my favourite things...getting a proposal accepted. The elders agreed with my idea for a book about the church for our 50th anniversary in two years. It will be called Testimonies of Faith and will have a history of the church and some pictures from over the years. Mostly, though it will be testimonies of the members, conversion stories which are always encouraging to read. So excited to get started.
Some plans for the week...catch up on chores, dog to obedience school, prep for the Sunday School picnic and VBS meeting, attend a church picnic Saturday, church Sunday, prepare a nice meal for my husband since it’s both his birthday and father’s day on Sunday.