Yesterday we sang for the Senior Citizens Christmas party at First Covenant Church in Willmar. We have never been so well-prepared. Why? For one thing, half the songs were from the Compline service that we already sang with the Stadem clan, so they were prepared three weeks ago and just had to remain polished by occasional practice. Most of the others were from years past, so we already knew them and just had to divvy up the parts for the smaller family size. Also, I've made a "To Do Before a Program" list and looked at it several times during the week.
Much of the improvement, however, was due to the simple fact that we are a smaller family now. On Thursday night, while I practiced one song with Sarah, Pete had Andrew and Philip pack up their program clothes. One song! It used to take up to an hour to pack up everyone's clothes, because not only were there three times as many clothes, but it was impossible to do two at a time, much less seven at a time, without losing half or more to play or foolishness or food. Of course we'd try anyway.
While there are aspects of the full house that I miss, getting ready for a program is not one of them.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Driving Lessons
Yesterday Sarah drove in the Cities for the first time. She's enrolled in a softball batting clinic run by the fast-pitch softball program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Pete and I both brought her down so we could spend some time together during the clinic. Sunday afternoon is a great time for the first exposure, though I'm always amazed by the amount of traffic even then. She even got to experience about two minutes of stop-and-go traffic getting onto I-94 East from I-394; I have no idea what could have caused that, as the Vikings lost another game on the road yesterday. Why can't we have Tim Tebow??
Anyway, Pete was talking the whole time as Sarah made her way through the city; he is so good at training by talking through things, and he is so observant of every little detail, both what she is doing right and wrong, and everything that's going on around the car. Sarah learned a great deal in those forty-five minutes, and experienced success as well.
Pete was telling about a friend who can't talk people through things - he has to show them. So when he was teaching his youngest daughter to drive, he wouldn't tell her what to do - he'd grab the steering wheel. After the umpteenth time of this, and promising his daughter he would never take the wheel again, they left their home and within a mile, he had grabbed the wheel again! They turned around and went home, and her mother taught the daughter to drive! It was hilarious the way Pete recounted what his friend had told him....
Joel and Daniel took turns driving the Jones' new car from Phoenix; they reached Liberal, KS on Friday night, stayed with David in Sioux Falls on Saturday night, and came home yesterday. Today Joel will bring it to its rightful owners, but last night on his way home from Willmar he had a scare when a deer jumped out from the treeless ditch. For some reason he had a premonition and was telling himself, "I know there will be a deer," and looking around carefully, but it was so sudden that after braking and honking, he swerved around the deer and barely missed it. Thanks, Lord, for safety for Joel and the deer - and the new car!!
Anyway, Pete was talking the whole time as Sarah made her way through the city; he is so good at training by talking through things, and he is so observant of every little detail, both what she is doing right and wrong, and everything that's going on around the car. Sarah learned a great deal in those forty-five minutes, and experienced success as well.
Pete was telling about a friend who can't talk people through things - he has to show them. So when he was teaching his youngest daughter to drive, he wouldn't tell her what to do - he'd grab the steering wheel. After the umpteenth time of this, and promising his daughter he would never take the wheel again, they left their home and within a mile, he had grabbed the wheel again! They turned around and went home, and her mother taught the daughter to drive! It was hilarious the way Pete recounted what his friend had told him....
Joel and Daniel took turns driving the Jones' new car from Phoenix; they reached Liberal, KS on Friday night, stayed with David in Sioux Falls on Saturday night, and came home yesterday. Today Joel will bring it to its rightful owners, but last night on his way home from Willmar he had a scare when a deer jumped out from the treeless ditch. For some reason he had a premonition and was telling himself, "I know there will be a deer," and looking around carefully, but it was so sudden that after braking and honking, he swerved around the deer and barely missed it. Thanks, Lord, for safety for Joel and the deer - and the new car!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Working Together
On November 27, the first Sunday in Advent, the Stadem clan led a Compline Advent service at St. John Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, where Mom & Dad Stadem have been members since Dad's last full-time call was there. He's served many congregations as interim pastor since his retirement, but Mom has continued her involvement at St. John and now Dad is the interim associate pastor there. When they first approached all of us with the idea of helping with this service, we were enthused and available - Pete and our family, two of his brothers and their families, and his sister and her family. One brother, who lives in Colorado, wasn't able to make it. When Dad mailed out the bulletin from last year's service, however, I wondered - "Seriously? You want the Stadem clan to do a meditative, contemplative service?" I dropped a couple of suggestions I had in mind for possible songs. Everyone had some contributions to offer - flute, liturgical dance, organ, piano, singing - and the order of service was delivered to the secretary about ten days before the service.
When we arrived in Sioux Falls on Saturday at about 2:30pm, to practice before our Thanksgiving feast, the cousins went wild, as usual. There was whooping and hollering and playing with wheelchairs and disappearing every time they were needed to rehearse. Sixteen of the eighteen grandchildren were present, plus a couple of friends, and every one of them thrilled to the presence of all the rest! All are musical, however, so they picked up the choir pieces, including solo parts, easily. Grandpa Stadem was quite concerned that they would be wild on Sunday, or at least make noise and whisper and disrupt the mood of the congregation. He gave a short speech to that effect, and later confessed to Pete that he had to surrender it to the Lord. "I've done all I can do." I wasn't worried because I have led the Sunday School Christmas program for the last ten years or so, and Saturday morning is always a disaster with no discipline whatsoever, and then the kids look like perfect little angels on Sunday during the program. I figured Stadem grandchildren wouldn't be any different - and in fact, half the kids there have been in my SS Christmas programs!
Everything went smoothly and quietly on Sunday. Some of the highlights were David singing "What Child is This" while Mary danced and Sarah and Rahila played the flute; teenagers singing "Pat-a-Pan" from Sounds Like Love, and the whole group singing "Creature Praise" with the youngest six grandchildren doing solo lines. We were blessed to see Cousin Janelle Swenson who came from Fergus Falls to see and hear us. Many people gave positive comments to us and to the parents in the ensuing days. And Liz, a high school senior this year, said, "It was a lot of fun to work together and not just play. We should do this again!"
When we arrived in Sioux Falls on Saturday at about 2:30pm, to practice before our Thanksgiving feast, the cousins went wild, as usual. There was whooping and hollering and playing with wheelchairs and disappearing every time they were needed to rehearse. Sixteen of the eighteen grandchildren were present, plus a couple of friends, and every one of them thrilled to the presence of all the rest! All are musical, however, so they picked up the choir pieces, including solo parts, easily. Grandpa Stadem was quite concerned that they would be wild on Sunday, or at least make noise and whisper and disrupt the mood of the congregation. He gave a short speech to that effect, and later confessed to Pete that he had to surrender it to the Lord. "I've done all I can do." I wasn't worried because I have led the Sunday School Christmas program for the last ten years or so, and Saturday morning is always a disaster with no discipline whatsoever, and then the kids look like perfect little angels on Sunday during the program. I figured Stadem grandchildren wouldn't be any different - and in fact, half the kids there have been in my SS Christmas programs!
Everything went smoothly and quietly on Sunday. Some of the highlights were David singing "What Child is This" while Mary danced and Sarah and Rahila played the flute; teenagers singing "Pat-a-Pan" from Sounds Like Love, and the whole group singing "Creature Praise" with the youngest six grandchildren doing solo lines. We were blessed to see Cousin Janelle Swenson who came from Fergus Falls to see and hear us. Many people gave positive comments to us and to the parents in the ensuing days. And Liz, a high school senior this year, said, "It was a lot of fun to work together and not just play. We should do this again!"
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Successful Surgery
Dr. Lister feels confident that everything was put back the way it should be in Daniel's forearm. He did find bone in the skin, so it was good that they did the surgery on Thursday instead of waiting. Daniel's on an antibiotic now for a couple of weeks. He's been very lethargic since Sunday evening, and I thought it was a side effect of the drug, but now he's getting better and coughing a little, so it was probably a virus that he caught in Sioux Falls. He came with us but didn't participate in the wonderful Compline service that the Stadem clan led at St. John Lutheran (the Stadem grandparents' church).
We were also concerned because he couldn't bend his thumb or feel part of it, but that is improving as well and the orthopedist said it's normal. So altogether a successful post-op appointment and a good report.
I was very impressed with the emergency room people Wednesday night - their calm cheerfulness and patience. And I was even more impressed with the gracious responses of the surgery crew on Thanksgiving Day - you would think they had nowhere else to go, but most of them were on their way to family gatherings after Daniel's surgery. They were kind, cheerful and competent. Although Daniel had the reaction to anesthesia we've come to expect from certain members of our family - it took over eight hours for him to feel well enough to come home - it was altogether a good experience. Hats off to Rice Hospital!
We were also concerned because he couldn't bend his thumb or feel part of it, but that is improving as well and the orthopedist said it's normal. So altogether a successful post-op appointment and a good report.
I was very impressed with the emergency room people Wednesday night - their calm cheerfulness and patience. And I was even more impressed with the gracious responses of the surgery crew on Thanksgiving Day - you would think they had nowhere else to go, but most of them were on their way to family gatherings after Daniel's surgery. They were kind, cheerful and competent. Although Daniel had the reaction to anesthesia we've come to expect from certain members of our family - it took over eight hours for him to feel well enough to come home - it was altogether a good experience. Hats off to Rice Hospital!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks (in all circumstances), part 2
We had just returned home from a lovely church service, pie and fellowship aftewards, and an excellent health report from a family friend, when Pete's phone rang and Joel announced, "Daniel broke his arm!" Apparently he'd been swinging from the ceiling at First Covenant Church and went too far, almost horizontal, so when he dropped and put his arm out to break his fall, it did and it broke. We agreed to meet them at the emergency room and when we got there Rocky, the youth group leader, and several friends who had been at the church were there. We went through into the room where Daniel lay, his arm taped to a board and looking odd. He was in a lot of pain - kept gritting his teeth and swallowing hard. The nurses had just finished taking X-rays and were putting pain medications into him through an I-V.
Over the next two hours we waited, the pain lessened as the meds started to work, Dr. Hussein (the ER doctor) informed us that both bones had broken into pieces, requiring surgery, and that Dr. Lister was willing to do it on Friday morning. Pete felt uneasy and asked why wait? Dr. H. explained that everyone should enjoy their holiday. He went on, "Of course, if it had been an open fracture, where the bone went through the skin, it would have to be done right away." I said, "It's bleeding." After he checked it further, he determined that it was an open fracture (had gone through the skin), so we couldn't wait until Friday but needed to have surgery as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a bone infection .
Dr. Hussein proceeded to "reduce" Daniel's arm - straighten it out by shaking his hand and pulling the bones into place as best he could. Oh, that hurt - Daniel was very brave, and only grunted. They had given him a much stronger medication in advance of this. The team wrapped the arm in various bandages, then put a temporary cast in place and held the arm bent and across Daniel's chest while it hardened.
Now the doctor mentioned that because of the complexity of this surgery, we might want to consider an orthopedic traumatologist instead of the orthopedic surgeon. After talking with Dr. Mark and with Dr. Lister himself, Pete came in and we decided that if St. Cloud had a traumatologist, we would go there, because that type of specialist would have more experience with this particular problem, though it sounded like Dr. Lister would be perfectly competent. Obviously, going to St. Cloud would be a much bigger hassle, and who knows for how long or how many follow-up appointments and therapy and such? We prayed that if Dr. Lister could do the job, it wouldn't work out to go to St. Cloud. Eventually, we found out that there are no traumatologists there, so we decided to stay here.
I'm currently in the surgery waiting area while Daniel undergoes the hours-long procedure. Pastor Mary's sermon last night was about the ten lepers, and how, although God was at work in all of their lives, only one saw it and gave thanks. She challenged us to look at our lives in terms of how the Lord is working. Here are the ways I see Him having worked in this event:
1. This is the best day of the whole year to sit in the hospital. We have no commitments; the family gathering isn't until Saturday; a guest we had invited for today wasn't able to make it; I had already planned to cancel school because Michelle & David are home.
2. Dr. Hussein said what he did about the open fracture, and I thought to say what I did about the bleeding; otherwise, it's possible we'd have dealt with a bone infection.
3. We didn't go to St. Cloud, and I believe God guided that decision.
4. We prayed with the kids before leaving home, and have called people to pray.
5. Daniel landed on his arm and broke it, not on his back and broke it.
I pray that Daniel will be able to see what the Lord is doing in his life during these next weeks of recovery, and to give thanks even in these circumstances.
Over the next two hours we waited, the pain lessened as the meds started to work, Dr. Hussein (the ER doctor) informed us that both bones had broken into pieces, requiring surgery, and that Dr. Lister was willing to do it on Friday morning. Pete felt uneasy and asked why wait? Dr. H. explained that everyone should enjoy their holiday. He went on, "Of course, if it had been an open fracture, where the bone went through the skin, it would have to be done right away." I said, "It's bleeding." After he checked it further, he determined that it was an open fracture (had gone through the skin), so we couldn't wait until Friday but needed to have surgery as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a bone infection .
Dr. Hussein proceeded to "reduce" Daniel's arm - straighten it out by shaking his hand and pulling the bones into place as best he could. Oh, that hurt - Daniel was very brave, and only grunted. They had given him a much stronger medication in advance of this. The team wrapped the arm in various bandages, then put a temporary cast in place and held the arm bent and across Daniel's chest while it hardened.
Now the doctor mentioned that because of the complexity of this surgery, we might want to consider an orthopedic traumatologist instead of the orthopedic surgeon. After talking with Dr. Mark and with Dr. Lister himself, Pete came in and we decided that if St. Cloud had a traumatologist, we would go there, because that type of specialist would have more experience with this particular problem, though it sounded like Dr. Lister would be perfectly competent. Obviously, going to St. Cloud would be a much bigger hassle, and who knows for how long or how many follow-up appointments and therapy and such? We prayed that if Dr. Lister could do the job, it wouldn't work out to go to St. Cloud. Eventually, we found out that there are no traumatologists there, so we decided to stay here.
I'm currently in the surgery waiting area while Daniel undergoes the hours-long procedure. Pastor Mary's sermon last night was about the ten lepers, and how, although God was at work in all of their lives, only one saw it and gave thanks. She challenged us to look at our lives in terms of how the Lord is working. Here are the ways I see Him having worked in this event:
1. This is the best day of the whole year to sit in the hospital. We have no commitments; the family gathering isn't until Saturday; a guest we had invited for today wasn't able to make it; I had already planned to cancel school because Michelle & David are home.
2. Dr. Hussein said what he did about the open fracture, and I thought to say what I did about the bleeding; otherwise, it's possible we'd have dealt with a bone infection.
3. We didn't go to St. Cloud, and I believe God guided that decision.
4. We prayed with the kids before leaving home, and have called people to pray.
5. Daniel landed on his arm and broke it, not on his back and broke it.
I pray that Daniel will be able to see what the Lord is doing in his life during these next weeks of recovery, and to give thanks even in these circumstances.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Give Thanks (in all circumstances)
Friday night as we ate supper with our friends in Bloomington, we reflected on the day. Everyone had a horrible one! One daughter missed out on a part in the school play; the dad had to bring money to another daughter whose friend wanted to go home from an event unless they could buy tickets to do stuff. One 6-month-old son had a piece of metal equipment fall on his head during a photo shoot. And another dad had to work late and miss our meeting. Pete & I were late to supper because there was traffic in the Cities, and because when we were supposed to leave at 4, I was just arriving home to pack. Here's why:
Philip and I arrived at Runnings to pick up a donation for the benefit on Sunday. I waited several minutes while the clerk tried to figure out what Mike, who was out to lunch, wanted to give. I finally agreed to come back on my way out of town, when he might be back. I had a premonition already; as we left the parking lot, I said to Philip, "I hope the whole trip isn't going to be like this." I had three errands I wanted to complete before dropping Philip off to spend the night with cousins.
Philip had unexpectedly earned $10, so he was going to buy our snack and chose Arby's. We waited in the drive-thru line for a couple of minutes until a server came out and said the drive-thru was broken and we could just drive around to the window and order. After waiting for the two cards ahead of us and ordering our food, the guy at the window said they were waiting for fresh potato cakes so we should pull ahead and they would bring our order out. By this time, I just laughed and told Philip, "I knew this would happen. I'd better figure out what I really need to get, because I'm not going to accomplish anything extra, I can see that already!"
While in line, I called Yvonne to see if I could meet her somewhere to give her a gift for a baby shower I'd miss the next day. She was at home, so I'd have to swing by her place (3-5 miles out of the way) on the way home. The Wal-Mart stop went smoothly (Surprise!), and I brought Philip to the church parking lot where we were to meet my sister-in-law. We waited several minutes for her, and it turned out that, for the first time ever (of course!), her daughter was waylaid by some friends on her way out of school and she was late. I chuckled and told them the story of my trip so far.
Alone now, I headed back to Runnings, where Mike still hadn't returned. I waited several minutes before they told me he was on his way. He arrived, very apologetic that he'd forgotten to set the donation aside. He gave me a nice fishing rod and reel, and another clerk said she wanted to donate an electric knife, and out the door I went. After stopping at the church to drop off donations, driving to Yvonne's house to drop off the gift, I arrived home at exactly 4:00, when we should have been on the road.
Occasionally everything will go right on a trip and I'll get much more done than I thought possible. I think this trip, the exact opposite, was a test, and I think I passed it! I was cheerful and patient and willing to drop half my desired errands. Thanks, Lord, for giving me perspective.
Philip and I arrived at Runnings to pick up a donation for the benefit on Sunday. I waited several minutes while the clerk tried to figure out what Mike, who was out to lunch, wanted to give. I finally agreed to come back on my way out of town, when he might be back. I had a premonition already; as we left the parking lot, I said to Philip, "I hope the whole trip isn't going to be like this." I had three errands I wanted to complete before dropping Philip off to spend the night with cousins.
Philip had unexpectedly earned $10, so he was going to buy our snack and chose Arby's. We waited in the drive-thru line for a couple of minutes until a server came out and said the drive-thru was broken and we could just drive around to the window and order. After waiting for the two cards ahead of us and ordering our food, the guy at the window said they were waiting for fresh potato cakes so we should pull ahead and they would bring our order out. By this time, I just laughed and told Philip, "I knew this would happen. I'd better figure out what I really need to get, because I'm not going to accomplish anything extra, I can see that already!"
While in line, I called Yvonne to see if I could meet her somewhere to give her a gift for a baby shower I'd miss the next day. She was at home, so I'd have to swing by her place (3-5 miles out of the way) on the way home. The Wal-Mart stop went smoothly (Surprise!), and I brought Philip to the church parking lot where we were to meet my sister-in-law. We waited several minutes for her, and it turned out that, for the first time ever (of course!), her daughter was waylaid by some friends on her way out of school and she was late. I chuckled and told them the story of my trip so far.
Alone now, I headed back to Runnings, where Mike still hadn't returned. I waited several minutes before they told me he was on his way. He arrived, very apologetic that he'd forgotten to set the donation aside. He gave me a nice fishing rod and reel, and another clerk said she wanted to donate an electric knife, and out the door I went. After stopping at the church to drop off donations, driving to Yvonne's house to drop off the gift, I arrived home at exactly 4:00, when we should have been on the road.
Occasionally everything will go right on a trip and I'll get much more done than I thought possible. I think this trip, the exact opposite, was a test, and I think I passed it! I was cheerful and patient and willing to drop half my desired errands. Thanks, Lord, for giving me perspective.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Another Busy Weekend
Today (Monday) I haven't been doing much - just the basics (teaching, essential housekeeping and making meals). I think it's because the weekend took a lot out of me and I don't have much energy for productive endeavors. This is my day of rest.
On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.
On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.
Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.
At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.
Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.
When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!
On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.
On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.
Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.
At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.
Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.
When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You Won't Be Sorry part 2
We enjoyed a rousing Community Band concert today, with America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, three medleys (Thanksgiving, the Twenties, and Western themes) and Bugler's Holiday with three excellent trumpets. The big story for us, though, was Sarah playing flute and "keeping up" with her fellow band members, most of whom probably played in college - twenty years ago or more.
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Healing Service
On Sunday we had a healing service at Svea. We've only done this one other time, when Pastor Bill was here (so before 2001), and the worship committee didn't exactly know how it would go over. Normally our congregation is very healthy, with just a few illnesses each year. Right now, seeming multitudes are suffering from various physical problems, including four with cancer, and of course the emotional, spiritual and relational problems often go unreported, unheard and unseen except by the Lord. So we decided to center our scriptures, songs and message around the healing power of God, and offer laying on of hands, anointing with oil and prayer to individuals.
After the creed and offering, Pastor Mary announced that anyone was welcome to come forward, as they do at communion, and receive this ministry from her. Joel sang "Blessings," and I sang a medley of four praise songs about the Lord's power and healing love. At first, it looked like no one was going to come, but after a few teens took the plunge, the flow began - and didn't stop! I sang three more songs, stretching each one out as long as I felt was reasonable, and then started on the songs we had already sung for worship. I think everyone there came forward for prayer! It was a great blessing.
My theory is that people don't get a chance to be prayed for by name individually, so they are hungry for it. Pete thought that everyone figured they were expected to come, so they did. Who knows? I'm confident that the Lord will work in everyone's lives no matter what their motivations were. And we'll have another healing service - sooner than ten years!
After the creed and offering, Pastor Mary announced that anyone was welcome to come forward, as they do at communion, and receive this ministry from her. Joel sang "Blessings," and I sang a medley of four praise songs about the Lord's power and healing love. At first, it looked like no one was going to come, but after a few teens took the plunge, the flow began - and didn't stop! I sang three more songs, stretching each one out as long as I felt was reasonable, and then started on the songs we had already sung for worship. I think everyone there came forward for prayer! It was a great blessing.
My theory is that people don't get a chance to be prayed for by name individually, so they are hungry for it. Pete thought that everyone figured they were expected to come, so they did. Who knows? I'm confident that the Lord will work in everyone's lives no matter what their motivations were. And we'll have another healing service - sooner than ten years!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Value of Tentmakers Training
Today we met with three other couples to discuss possibilities for expanding the reach of Tentmakers training in the future. In reminiscing about the value of training, I was reminded of the various areas from which I benefited:
1. When we had to compliment the speaker at our table, I realized how foreign the concept of "looking for the good in others" was to me. I was used to criticizing the errors, scorning the blunders, despising the ineptitude of speakers. Tentmakers training taught me to find good qualities in everyone. I have often fallen back into my old habits, but at least I occasionally think about and get back to complimenting.
2. An ever-flowing fountain of questions to ask people, and an understanding of how very interesting most people are, have resulted in many fascinating conversations through the years.
3. "Compliment in writing; criticize only in person, and cushion with compliments."
4. Dreaming, setting goals, and implementing a Personal Management Plan have helped me think of the future in a purposeful way.
5. Understanding the value of an environment of encouragement has improved my directing skills.
There are more, but these are sufficient to explain my enthusiasm for bringing training to more people in the coming years.
1. When we had to compliment the speaker at our table, I realized how foreign the concept of "looking for the good in others" was to me. I was used to criticizing the errors, scorning the blunders, despising the ineptitude of speakers. Tentmakers training taught me to find good qualities in everyone. I have often fallen back into my old habits, but at least I occasionally think about and get back to complimenting.
2. An ever-flowing fountain of questions to ask people, and an understanding of how very interesting most people are, have resulted in many fascinating conversations through the years.
3. "Compliment in writing; criticize only in person, and cushion with compliments."
4. Dreaming, setting goals, and implementing a Personal Management Plan have helped me think of the future in a purposeful way.
5. Understanding the value of an environment of encouragement has improved my directing skills.
There are more, but these are sufficient to explain my enthusiasm for bringing training to more people in the coming years.
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Great Day to be a Viking!
We had a wonderful weekend at the Augustana Homecoming. After arriving at Steve & Tanya's Friday night and visiting with the family until midnight, we were at HyVee's restaurant at 9 on Saturday morning for breakfast with them all. Grandpa came in later than the rest of us, and as he went from table to table getting hugs from all twenty or so, customers were looking, if not staring and pointing. :)
The Augie parade began at 10, so we headed over to watch and connect with Pete's friends from college. We ran into several and found Tom & Tacey by the Dignitary Tent - they're definitely dignified! It's always enjoyable to catch up with people from the past, and we kept visiting long after the parade was over and David was calling, "Where are you??" He had
marched with the Augustana Marching Choir, singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and doing Chinese fire drills and having lots of fun.
We went to lunch at Johnny Carino's with David, his girlfriend Callie, and her parents, Jon & Lori. They are delightful Christian people and we visited for a couple of hours. We will be praying for wisdom and discernment for David & Callie as they seek to know whether they are called to be together - permanently!
After a short nap, choir rehearsal for Pete, and a snack for him (Kari's tummy was upset, possibly because of the drugs she was taking to ward off cold symptoms), we saved 14 seats at Viking Varieties, the all-Augie talent show. When everyone had arrived, the show started - and what a show! The Brass Choir - David's roommate Michael played euphonium - performed a very long and impressive medley of New York-type tunes ("The Big Apple" was the theme of the entire weekend), followed by numerous individual and small group acts. David, Callie and 2 other friends offered a rendition of "Java Jive" which elicited laughter from the crow
d as well as admiration for their vocal skills. David was one of the Augie Dancers and did quite well one two of the songs. Callie played harp and sang "Cartwheels" with another friend of hers - beautiful in every way. An international student from Kazakhstan entertained and amazed everyone with his explanations of Russian, Chinese and Japanese accents (in English!). Several female vocalists, male saxophonists, and a unicyclist displayed their lovely talents, and the set, choreography, costumes and lighting all combined to enhance the experience. The emcees may not have been of the caliber of Pete and Joel back in the day, but their original material and fairly smooth delivery made for good transitions. The last act, the Augie Percussion Ensemble performing "Stinkin' Garbage" - playing on metal trash cans - was very fun, exciting and astounding.
On Sunday Pete sang in the Alumni Choir for the worship service in the Elmen Center (gym). They did "O Day Full of Grace" by F. Melius Christiansen, a gorgeous arrangement that my high school choir sang, and also "Beautiful Savior" and "God Be With You til we Meet Again." Dr. James Johnson, who left last year after a 19-year stint with the Augustana Choir, directed the Alumni Choir. We were all invited to the President's House for a light brunch and official farewell to Dr. J. There was a lot of emotion from people who sang for him for 3 or 4 years - he was beloved.
Kari napped in the minivan while Pete and the kids ate subs and played at Tuthill Park, then we went to McDonald's for coffee with Grandma and Grandpa and played cards at their house. Then it was on the road again, turning off the Vikings game when it became apparent what a disaster it was going to be, and arriving home at 10:30. Another successful family outing!
The Augie parade began at 10, so we headed over to watch and connect with Pete's friends from college. We ran into several and found Tom & Tacey by the Dignitary Tent - they're definitely dignified! It's always enjoyable to catch up with people from the past, and we kept visiting long after the parade was over and David was calling, "Where are you??" He had
marched with the Augustana Marching Choir, singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and doing Chinese fire drills and having lots of fun.We went to lunch at Johnny Carino's with David, his girlfriend Callie, and her parents, Jon & Lori. They are delightful Christian people and we visited for a couple of hours. We will be praying for wisdom and discernment for David & Callie as they seek to know whether they are called to be together - permanently!
After a short nap, choir rehearsal for Pete, and a snack for him (Kari's tummy was upset, possibly because of the drugs she was taking to ward off cold symptoms), we saved 14 seats at Viking Varieties, the all-Augie talent show. When everyone had arrived, the show started - and what a show! The Brass Choir - David's roommate Michael played euphonium - performed a very long and impressive medley of New York-type tunes ("The Big Apple" was the theme of the entire weekend), followed by numerous individual and small group acts. David, Callie and 2 other friends offered a rendition of "Java Jive" which elicited laughter from the crow
d as well as admiration for their vocal skills. David was one of the Augie Dancers and did quite well one two of the songs. Callie played harp and sang "Cartwheels" with another friend of hers - beautiful in every way. An international student from Kazakhstan entertained and amazed everyone with his explanations of Russian, Chinese and Japanese accents (in English!). Several female vocalists, male saxophonists, and a unicyclist displayed their lovely talents, and the set, choreography, costumes and lighting all combined to enhance the experience. The emcees may not have been of the caliber of Pete and Joel back in the day, but their original material and fairly smooth delivery made for good transitions. The last act, the Augie Percussion Ensemble performing "Stinkin' Garbage" - playing on metal trash cans - was very fun, exciting and astounding.On Sunday Pete sang in the Alumni Choir for the worship service in the Elmen Center (gym). They did "O Day Full of Grace" by F. Melius Christiansen, a gorgeous arrangement that my high school choir sang, and also "Beautiful Savior" and "God Be With You til we Meet Again." Dr. James Johnson, who left last year after a 19-year stint with the Augustana Choir, directed the Alumni Choir. We were all invited to the President's House for a light brunch and official farewell to Dr. J. There was a lot of emotion from people who sang for him for 3 or 4 years - he was beloved.
Kari napped in the minivan while Pete and the kids ate subs and played at Tuthill Park, then we went to McDonald's for coffee with Grandma and Grandpa and played cards at their house. Then it was on the road again, turning off the Vikings game when it became apparent what a disaster it was going to be, and arriving home at 10:30. Another successful family outing!
Monday, October 10, 2011
You Won't Be Sorry
Yesterday, after a great worship service with the congregation once again singing exceptionally well, the Luther League had its monthly potluck and meeting. We were scheduled to go biking on the Willmar-Spicer trail, but only two boys, and our Sarah, raised their hands when asked who wanted to go. Nevertheless, those two and the family of one of them determined they would go anyway, and meet at a home at 2:00 to drive to the high school, where the trail begins. We weren't at all sure that we had a functional bike for Sarah (haven't done any biking this summer at all), but Emily offered her bike for Sarah to ride if necessary.
Andrew & Philip said they didn't want to go; back at home, after a short nap, Pete asked, "Should I make everyone go?" I didn't want to go either, but affirmed that if he could find enough working bikes, maybe that would be the sign.
With a pickup full of bikes, we headed to the meeting place at 2:00. It was sunny and warm, but windy - not a good day to take a walk on the farm, but perfect for biking on a sheltered, wooded trail. We had a delightful ride! I visited with Dianne, Pete visited with Scott, the kids rode with the three other kids who came, and all enjoyed it greatly. In Spicer we had treats at DQ; on the way back a dog joined our entourage, which was a hassle as it kept getting in the way, and Andrew fell off his bike and scraped his arm, but those were minor glitches in a lovely afternoon.
The moral of the story (and I have had numerous experiences to confirm this moral, so I shouldn't be surprised every time): If you get outside and do something, even if you don't feel like it to begin with, you won't be sorry.
Andrew & Philip said they didn't want to go; back at home, after a short nap, Pete asked, "Should I make everyone go?" I didn't want to go either, but affirmed that if he could find enough working bikes, maybe that would be the sign.
With a pickup full of bikes, we headed to the meeting place at 2:00. It was sunny and warm, but windy - not a good day to take a walk on the farm, but perfect for biking on a sheltered, wooded trail. We had a delightful ride! I visited with Dianne, Pete visited with Scott, the kids rode with the three other kids who came, and all enjoyed it greatly. In Spicer we had treats at DQ; on the way back a dog joined our entourage, which was a hassle as it kept getting in the way, and Andrew fell off his bike and scraped his arm, but those were minor glitches in a lovely afternoon.
The moral of the story (and I have had numerous experiences to confirm this moral, so I shouldn't be surprised every time): If you get outside and do something, even if you don't feel like it to begin with, you won't be sorry.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Old Friends are the Best Friends
What a wonderful weekend! Shelley & Jon, my college roommate and her husband, came from Friday evening til Sunday afternoon and we talked nonstop the whole time. We would start on a topic - say, one of the kids and how he liked college - and pretty soon we'd covered government regulations, our dreams for housing someday, and a friend's husband's cancer! Or some such...
On Saturday Shelley & I went around to some realtor's open houses, just to see what's in the area for when we eventually move. Oh, the beautiful things some people have and do. The vaulted ceilings; sliding glass doors; stone counter tops; sitting areas with fireplaces; tile floors; desk nooks, and in one house, a greenhouse right in the middle of the living space with skylights - all were inspirational. It makes me excited to move, and wondering whether we'll buy a place that's ready to move into, or do our own remodeling or redecorating.
Saturday evening Jon & Shelley took Pete & me to the local sit-down Chinese restaurant. Yum yum yum! We had 4 dishes - one shrimp, one pork, one chicken, one beef - and even the spicy ones weren't too spicy for me, so we all ate some of each, and egg rolls, wontons and shrimp appetizers besides. Rolling out the door, we laughed and talked some more.
Sunday morning the congregation was in top form - I rarely hear the singing as loudly as I did yesterday. We had a guest speaker who has been to Honduras 22 years in a row. He's a carpenter and had great stories to tell of God's provision. He felt the Lord wanted him to build a certain building early on, which would cost $3000 that Alan didn't have. He went to a builder's convention and won the grand door prize of $3000 plus round-trip airfare to anywhere in the world. Again, inspirational! Afterwards we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious potluck.
After our friends left and we had a nap, David called and we talked for an hour and a half about his life and (girl) concerns. We'll see him in a couple of weeks when we go down to Augie to watch the Viking Varieties talent show, in which he and 3 others will sing "Java Jive." That's a special treat for us, because we used to sing it with Pete's brother & wife, Tom & Judy. In fact, we won the County Fair talent contest and went to the State Fair with it in 1998.
We relaxed the rest of the day, finishing off with "Tangled" - what an excellent movie with great themes and lessons! - and an episode of the old TV show, "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Altogether an extremely fun weekend.
On Saturday Shelley & I went around to some realtor's open houses, just to see what's in the area for when we eventually move. Oh, the beautiful things some people have and do. The vaulted ceilings; sliding glass doors; stone counter tops; sitting areas with fireplaces; tile floors; desk nooks, and in one house, a greenhouse right in the middle of the living space with skylights - all were inspirational. It makes me excited to move, and wondering whether we'll buy a place that's ready to move into, or do our own remodeling or redecorating.
Saturday evening Jon & Shelley took Pete & me to the local sit-down Chinese restaurant. Yum yum yum! We had 4 dishes - one shrimp, one pork, one chicken, one beef - and even the spicy ones weren't too spicy for me, so we all ate some of each, and egg rolls, wontons and shrimp appetizers besides. Rolling out the door, we laughed and talked some more.
Sunday morning the congregation was in top form - I rarely hear the singing as loudly as I did yesterday. We had a guest speaker who has been to Honduras 22 years in a row. He's a carpenter and had great stories to tell of God's provision. He felt the Lord wanted him to build a certain building early on, which would cost $3000 that Alan didn't have. He went to a builder's convention and won the grand door prize of $3000 plus round-trip airfare to anywhere in the world. Again, inspirational! Afterwards we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious potluck.
After our friends left and we had a nap, David called and we talked for an hour and a half about his life and (girl) concerns. We'll see him in a couple of weeks when we go down to Augie to watch the Viking Varieties talent show, in which he and 3 others will sing "Java Jive." That's a special treat for us, because we used to sing it with Pete's brother & wife, Tom & Judy. In fact, we won the County Fair talent contest and went to the State Fair with it in 1998.
We relaxed the rest of the day, finishing off with "Tangled" - what an excellent movie with great themes and lessons! - and an episode of the old TV show, "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Altogether an extremely fun weekend.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Too Much to Do
I don't know how I'm going to cope with this new school year! This week we had 3 dental appointments, 2 church committee meetings, a flute lesson, 2 haircuts, a party and concert to attend and a baby shower to help host - starting Tuesday, after everyone got home late Monday evening from Plain View Farm. That sounds like a busy summer week, but add in a full week of schoolwork to do in 4 days, and use most of the first day to discuss organization and management of schoolwork, plus celebrate home education by eating at Perkins, and you've got - total chaos!
I'm realizing that my major areas of responsibility - home education, meals, keeping house, church music, supporting Pete and discipling the kids - are more than a full-time job for me. Then add in the minor areas of responsibility - relatives, friends, physical fitness and health, finances, 4-H and trips - and my list becomes truly overwhelming at times. The main ways I cope are leaving house things undone, and reading. I also don't do as much teaching or one-on-one discipling as I feel I should/could, which is guilt-producing.
Perhaps I can make quicker meals, but otherwise, I'm stuck with these areas of responsibility, so - Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!
I'm realizing that my major areas of responsibility - home education, meals, keeping house, church music, supporting Pete and discipling the kids - are more than a full-time job for me. Then add in the minor areas of responsibility - relatives, friends, physical fitness and health, finances, 4-H and trips - and my list becomes truly overwhelming at times. The main ways I cope are leaving house things undone, and reading. I also don't do as much teaching or one-on-one discipling as I feel I should/could, which is guilt-producing.
Perhaps I can make quicker meals, but otherwise, I'm stuck with these areas of responsibility, so - Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Cultural Differences
I find cultural differences fascinating, so here are some I noticed while in Puebla (some are because it's Mexico, others no doubt just because it's a city):
- most prices are similar, but copies can be made for 2-4 cents each, and matinee movie tickets are 2 for $5. Our hosts fed 9 people supper at a restaurant for $30.
- the green light blinks before it turns yellow
- stop signs are ignored - that's why they put in stop lights!
- breakfast is at 9 or so; dinner (their "strong meal") is at 2 or 3pm, and supper at 9pm.
- fruit is cheap
- the houses are very sturdy, made of cement, which means no remodeling; they share walls and are painted bright colors. One way you can tell where one house ends and another begins is by the color change.
- there are hardly any runners, parks, trails or grass
- no carpet, heating, cooling, flying insects or yards
- no one can drink the tap water
- in the big mall, there was an escalator with no steps, just a ramp; also guards at almost every store
- Volkswagen Beetles are everywhere; also many other Volkswagens
- each day of the week, cars with certain license plates are banned in Mexico City
- most young people live with their parents until they get married
- when someone enters a house, everyone else gets up and hugs and kisses the person; same when someone leaves
- most families get together every weekend
None of these are bad or good, worse or better; they're just different. We had good fellowship with our Mexican brothers and sisters in the Lord, and had a lot of fun too!
- most prices are similar, but copies can be made for 2-4 cents each, and matinee movie tickets are 2 for $5. Our hosts fed 9 people supper at a restaurant for $30.
- the green light blinks before it turns yellow
- stop signs are ignored - that's why they put in stop lights!
- breakfast is at 9 or so; dinner (their "strong meal") is at 2 or 3pm, and supper at 9pm.
- fruit is cheap
- the houses are very sturdy, made of cement, which means no remodeling; they share walls and are painted bright colors. One way you can tell where one house ends and another begins is by the color change.
- there are hardly any runners, parks, trails or grass
- no carpet, heating, cooling, flying insects or yards
- no one can drink the tap water
- in the big mall, there was an escalator with no steps, just a ramp; also guards at almost every store
- Volkswagen Beetles are everywhere; also many other Volkswagens
- each day of the week, cars with certain license plates are banned in Mexico City
- most young people live with their parents until they get married
- when someone enters a house, everyone else gets up and hugs and kisses the person; same when someone leaves
- most families get together every weekend
None of these are bad or good, worse or better; they're just different. We had good fellowship with our Mexican brothers and sisters in the Lord, and had a lot of fun too!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A Warm Welcome
The entire Cuevas family has made us feel very welcome. Mexicans greet one another with a kiss on the cheek - every time someone enters or leaves, everyone else gets up and hugs and kisses the person and says "Hello" or "Good to see you" or "How are you?" When a new person (in this case, us) is introduced, everyone else clasps his/her hand and says "Mucho gusto" (Pleased to meet you) or some such, and if the relationship is close enough, the new person gets a hug and kiss as well. It definitely makes a person feel welcome and loved.
The first night we visited for hours and by bedtime, already had inside jokes - we told them about lutefisk because they are having a similar kind of traditional food (although I think it's likely to be much tastier) this weekend. And we found out that Cinco de Mayo is actually a Pueblan festival, rather than for the whole country of Mexico, and made jokes about that.
The sisters of Ricardo Cuevas, Saul's father, live in what used to be their parents' home. It is a mansion, with a circular staircase, a mural on the wall, many antiques, and numerous rooms designed for guests. They have hosted us for each dinner - at 2 or 3 pm - with two or three main dishes for each, and other relatives or friends. This weekend they made chiles nogadas, a Pueblan dish. A green chile pepper - like a bell pepper - is gutted of seeds and what makes it hot, then stuffed with a cooked mixture of apples, nuts, peaches, and other goodies. Next it's coated with an egg breading and deep fried, then topped with a white "nut sauce" - quite sweet. Friday, Saturday and yesterday there were lots of extra guests - the aunts had made 200 chiles. Yesterday was the biggest event of all. Besides the big dining room table, which seats twenty, there were round tables seating eight or ten set up all through their formal entryway. After we ate, in strolled a mariachi band! Wow. 2 trumpets, 3 or 4 violins, a guitar, bass and ukulele-type guitar, plus the maestro. An
d could they all sing loud and well!! They walked in playing and singing, arranged themselves on the circular staircase, and did an hour-long program. The maestro welcomed us from Minnesota, and they sang and played with great excellence. The crowd knew the group (Grandpa used to hire them every year on his birthday – the maestro’s brother used to perform with them and made it even funnier, but he died) and all the songs, and requested certain ones, and Rico and Saul were accompanied by the band on a few. It was the culmination of a week of warm welcomes!
The first night we visited for hours and by bedtime, already had inside jokes - we told them about lutefisk because they are having a similar kind of traditional food (although I think it's likely to be much tastier) this weekend. And we found out that Cinco de Mayo is actually a Pueblan festival, rather than for the whole country of Mexico, and made jokes about that.
The sisters of Ricardo Cuevas, Saul's father, live in what used to be their parents' home. It is a mansion, with a circular staircase, a mural on the wall, many antiques, and numerous rooms designed for guests. They have hosted us for each dinner - at 2 or 3 pm - with two or three main dishes for each, and other relatives or friends. This weekend they made chiles nogadas, a Pueblan dish. A green chile pepper - like a bell pepper - is gutted of seeds and what makes it hot, then stuffed with a cooked mixture of apples, nuts, peaches, and other goodies. Next it's coated with an egg breading and deep fried, then topped with a white "nut sauce" - quite sweet. Friday, Saturday and yesterday there were lots of extra guests - the aunts had made 200 chiles. Yesterday was the biggest event of all. Besides the big dining room table, which seats twenty, there were round tables seating eight or ten set up all through their formal entryway. After we ate, in strolled a mariachi band! Wow. 2 trumpets, 3 or 4 violins, a guitar, bass and ukulele-type guitar, plus the maestro. An
d could they all sing loud and well!! They walked in playing and singing, arranged themselves on the circular staircase, and did an hour-long program. The maestro welcomed us from Minnesota, and they sang and played with great excellence. The crowd knew the group (Grandpa used to hire them every year on his birthday – the maestro’s brother used to perform with them and made it even funnier, but he died) and all the songs, and requested certain ones, and Rico and Saul were accompanied by the band on a few. It was the culmination of a week of warm welcomes!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Beautiful Puebla
We are currently in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico (Puebla is the capital city of the state of Puebla). After a two-hour car ride Tuesday evening to a Park & Fly hotel, a 15-minute shuttle ride to MSP airport, a three-hour flight to Phoenix, a half-hour wait on the tarmac until a gate opened and a rush to the next flight when we finally got off the plane, a three-hour flight to Mexico City, a two-hour bus ride to Puebla and a 15-minute car ride to the Cuevas home, we enjoyed great conversation and food until after 11pm and then slept soundly until 8 this morning.
Of course there are many cultural and other differences here, which are always fun to discover. Everything is smaller - cars, rooms, buildings, shops, streets, even the people, it seems! Pete's red head is even easier to spot towering over all the black hair. He is impressed with the solidity of the buildings. Everything's made of cement, so there is no give at all to the floors. The altitude is over 5000 feet, with four volcanoes ringing the city.
The Cuevas home is just one block off a main street, but very quiet. The floors are beautifully inlaid wood, and the many built-in cabinets are either painted white or stained wood. Our bedroom has white built-ins and a white quilt; the living room has white built-ins and white upholstered furniture; the dining room has a
white crocheted tablecloth (which Martha made!); there are doors to many rooms, and they're all white. No wonder Saul remembers his mom always making them keep everything perfectly clean! They have a stained-glass window of a peacock in the stairway going up. Michelle is staying in a little room with a bathroom up on the top, which is accessed by a separate outdoor stairway.
We slept very well. The last time we went to Mexico, we slept in Laredo with a dog who barked continuously through the nights, and in Saltillo on a main street with a bus station outside our window. This time it was quiet and dark, and the little dog who barked only did so about three times. More later on our warm welcome!
Of course there are many cultural and other differences here, which are always fun to discover. Everything is smaller - cars, rooms, buildings, shops, streets, even the people, it seems! Pete's red head is even easier to spot towering over all the black hair. He is impressed with the solidity of the buildings. Everything's made of cement, so there is no give at all to the floors. The altitude is over 5000 feet, with four volcanoes ringing the city.
The Cuevas home is just one block off a main street, but very quiet. The floors are beautifully inlaid wood, and the many built-in cabinets are either painted white or stained wood. Our bedroom has white built-ins and a white quilt; the living room has white built-ins and white upholstered furniture; the dining room has a
white crocheted tablecloth (which Martha made!); there are doors to many rooms, and they're all white. No wonder Saul remembers his mom always making them keep everything perfectly clean! They have a stained-glass window of a peacock in the stairway going up. Michelle is staying in a little room with a bathroom up on the top, which is accessed by a separate outdoor stairway.We slept very well. The last time we went to Mexico, we slept in Laredo with a dog who barked continuously through the nights, and in Saltillo on a main street with a bus station outside our window. This time it was quiet and dark, and the little dog who barked only did so about three times. More later on our warm welcome!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
More Letters to the Editor
I get quite a few positive comments these days from friends, or people I meet, about my letters to the editor, which I try to keep short and to the point. Apparently one woman didn't appreciate that, and wrote a letter to the editor to me, accusing me of dumbing things down. Someone also sent me a clipping from another paper, a letter to the editor saying the rich should pay their fair share - but no return address or note inside. That was a little creepy. But I figure most people who disagree with me don't say anything - not in nice Minnesota.
Anyway, here are some letters I've sent:
Anyway, here are some letters I've sent:
sent 7/19/11
sent 6/9/11
"82% of Willmar High School graduates are going to college" - Looks like neither the ever-increasing costs nor the government cuts to higher education are stopping anyone.
Sent 4/29/11
I'd like to clarify the misunderstanding I see in letter after letter about the difference between tax rates and tax revenue. Every time tax rates have been decreased in the past (under John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush), tax revenues have increased - the total amount of tax collected has increased, AND the share of total taxes paid by "the rich" has also increased. This is because rich people take their money out of the taxable pool when tax rates increase. They put it back in when tax rates decrease, thus increasing the taxable pool and ultimately tax revenues. That's why raising tax rates, on the rich or anyone else, is not going to solve our deficit or debt problems.sent 5/30/11
Rising standards of living for the nation as a whole are a good thing, and usually are accomplished in a general way (not just for corporate fat cats) by free markets and capitalism if ethical standards are upheld and followed. But the exploding standards of living of the last 40 years have not been accomplished by free markets, capitalism or increased productivity - they have been bought with borrowed money, both individually and as a nation. When loans are called, living standards must decrease. Unfortunately, it's not only those who signed the loans who suffer.
sent 3/29/11
We often whine that things "aren't made to last like they used to." But I remember when VW Beetles were amazing because they lasted 100,000 miles - that was unheard of. Cars, at least, are a much better deal than they used to be.
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