Highlights

Highlight from last night's Youth and Mentor night with people from church -- watching A Christmas Story (for my 100th time) with a group who had never watched it.  Even with a bit of a delay getting the film started, and slightly choppy internet stream, I was so pleased with the consistent peals of laughter throughout Ralphie's story.  As we say in our neck of the woods, "A good time was had by all."



A few other highlights from the last month or so...

Justin and I went north to Windermere in the Lake District for a conference on the United Reformed Church (for whom we work.)  We tacked on a few extra days to see the sights and do a bit of hiking in the "mountains."  It was beautiful.

Shortly thereafter, Justin turned 30.  This ended up entailing such risky behaviours as trying the old Menthos-in-Coke trick, which Justin got whole-heartedly into...as evidenced by the drill being out to make holes in the Menthos for stringing together...Use your imagination for the rest.  (Or look on YouTube for videos of how it turns out.)

Life then morphed into a whirlwind with a lovely visit from my parents.  Our time ranged from taste-testing several scones to practising our audio-tour techniques in places like Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, and Bath.

As these things go, all good things must come to an end.  We're getting back into the swing of work, but present now in this unique season of Advent.  It is strange how our connection to the season is a bit stunted this year, even with working for a religious institution that champions Advent.  Perhaps it is the different location, away from normal traditions with family, and choosing not to "invest" in Christmas-y decor since we're only here for two Christmases.  There will be no lemon tree with a string of lights and a couple ornaments in our room, no long hours at the bakery, rolling out thousands of Christmas tree-shaped sugar cookies, no sledding down the hill in the field behind the house.  There will be mince pies and mulled wine, attempting to stay up for the midnight Christmas Eve service, and enjoying the company of fine friends on Christmas Day.  I've gotten to share one of my traditions -- watching A Christmas Story -- and will surely share more in the coming days.  When good things come to an end, other good things can get started.

Show me what you've got, Christmas 2013.