The Next Change
Sunday, August 7, 2011
In which unfortunate news is shared and further events are celebrated…
On the way to church, they drove by a small farm pond.
“I like lakes,” said Puck, “but not when they’re destroying the world… Like in Nashville.”
Then he mentioned something about Noah’s Ark and how he had fixed it…
As expected, Sinai’s announcement to the congregation sparked a moderate level of tears from the ladies. A few shocked looks. But no outcries or outbursts. They were, after all, Presbyterians of the 21st century. But still, altogether, the situation was disappointing.
However, about the time Sinai’s leaving was equated to Moses’ death in the wilderness and the praise songs inspired lines such as ‘rise up church on broken wings’, Collette found herself trying to put a cap on the unwelcome smile of response.
Sinai would be very much missed.
His last day, and Judah’s (on staff), would be OLeif’s and Collette’s 7th wedding anniversary.
Back on the ranch…
Rose was at church and then to a Rise of the Planet of the Apes birthday party that evening.
Carrie told Collette about how Rose had continued singing Bringing in the Sheaves to her during the Saturday night worship service, which she thought had been Leaning on Jesus… reference to their most recent creepy movie night…
“Why was she singing Bringing in the Cheese?” Francis asked.
Wrong.
Every time.
Although in Rose’s case… maybe the title would have been more appropriate…
New Town for Mom and Collette.
The humidity was oppressive.
First Target for Atkins’ bars for Mom and Dad. One of their few indulgences on their new Carrie-drilled diet plans.
Tammie’s baby shower.
A small gathering. Travis had grilled ballpark-sized hot dogs and burgers. A friend had made a cake of yellow and pink fondant with zebra stripes. Bags of Skittles. Mom won a game prize. As usual.
And there was more news of Polly and her final exams for her PhD in Medieval history coming up in October before her dissertation proposal. She would be working in religious studies and as an historian, was the hope. Also thoughts about purchasing a bed and breakfast in South Carolina…
And Uncle Balthasar was in New York previewing more shows.
Back at the house…
OLeif at Cowboys & Aliens with Theodore and Izzy.
Joe at the Hobcoggin’s.
Rose called in from downtown, out on book hunts. She would be making the purchase at the Fiat dealership the following evening. Eight weeks to ship.
Linnea was preparing a cheese tray to bring to her mandatory volleyball Bible study and swim party that evening. Healthy snacks only. Rapid succession of chopping noises…
“Linnea! What are you doing?”
“Cutting up cheese.”
“That’s the worst way to cut cheese of all time.”
Carrie intervened. And roasted chicken livers on beds of new spinach for Mom and Dad. Unbelievably, Dad ate his entire plate. And some.
And Carrie teased Puck with lipstick marks on his cheek. Puck was not entirely opposed…
Storms were on their way…