Cathy's Grace Notes

Friday Five

It's Boxing Day!

Whatever that may mean to you, I invite you on this day to simply share five things that today, December 26th, will bring for you.

1. It's also the feast of Stephen. :)
2. It's the 2nd day of Christmas.
3. It's the first day of our place away on the bay.
4. I'm with part of my family and for that I am very grateful.
5. I am so very thankful for the many blessings I have.
And now a little music for the feast of Stephen.

Friday Five - LIE Addition (well, she did lie)

Will smama writes:
Greetings friends! It's been awhile since I've contributed to the posts here at the revgalblogpals website, but I agreed to step into the Fifth Friday of the Month Friday Five slot.

So here I be.

As I zip around the webring it is quite clear that we are getting BUSY. "Tis the season" when clergy and laypeople alike walk the highwire from Fall programming to Christmas carrying their balancing pole with family/rest on the one side and turkey shelters/advent wreaths on the other.

And so I offer this Friday Five with 5 quick hit questions... and a bonus:

1) Your work day is done and the brain is fried, what do you do?

PLOP DOWN at home in the recliner and turn the laptop on, and close my eyes to rest them... and then I snooze.

2) Your work week is done and the brain is fried (for some Friday, others Sunday afternoon), what do you do?

Refer to #1 unless it is Sunday afternoon. I also watch "In Concert" and Diane Bish. I am such a dork.

3) Like most of us, I often keep myself busy even while programs are on the tv. I stop to watch The Office and 30 Rock on Thursday nights. Do you have 'stop everything' tv programming or books or events or projects that are totally 'for you' moments?

Dorkiness continues with Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and I really like to watch the LOCAL NEWS that I have watched since I was a child. However, other than that I am not much of a tv watcher, but if there IS something on there that I want US to watch, get out of my may and watch my nose get out of joint if it doesn't happen.

4) When was the last time you laughed, really laughed? What was so funny?
I was at a concert last week of Russian Balalaika players. I saw one of my students and went to say hello to him. He looked up at  me and had this LOOK. And then he said (and it was said as if it was one word... whaddayoudoinhere? ) HE KNEW I DId not BELONG ANYWHERE ELSE OTHER THAN SCHOOL - HE KNOWS I LIVE, EAT, AND SLEEP at school. He isn't supposed to see me any other place. He really wanted me to go - I was out of place!

5) What is a fairly common item that some people are willing to go cheap on, but you are not.

SHOES. They cannot hurt my feet. Period.

Bonus: It's become trite but is also true that we often benefit the most when we give. Go ahead, toot your own horn. When was the last time you gave until it felt good?
I put 20 dollars in the collection plate because I said whatever I pull out of my wallet, I would give. The 20 dollar bill showed up.

Really and truly though, I do enjoy going on Tuesdays to help with the Backpack program where we fill up backpacks to distribute on Fridays to targeted students who we believe might benefit from extra food over the weekend. That feels REALLY GOOD. And I take all the materials which can be recycled back to our school to be recycled.
Ok, tooted horn..... Someone toot theirs in the comments please! When is the last time you tooted horn?

Let us know in the comments if you played and I'll come around and visit. The first 50 are entered into a drawing for a new car (sorry, that's a lie. We are immersed in political attack ads here in the US that lie and so I thought I would join in). Seriously, go ahead and let us know if you play. I will visit. And buy you a new house (lie). The last person to do the Friday Five is a socialist and hangs out with computer viruses (STOP!).

As always, comments and programming on this station do not necessarily represent the view and values of the revgalblogpals website or its associates. If you are an American citizen please vote by Tuesday or your computer will self destruct in 5 seconds...

Friday Five - Coin Toss Edition

Well, Gals and Pals, this weekend we'll be rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and that has me thinking about coinage.

1) When was the last time you flipped a coin or even saw one flipped in person?

It has been some time since I have seen the flipping of a coin. Probably the most familiar to me is at a football game. Am I just out of the loop or do people use this anymore?

2) Do you have any foreign coins in your house? If so, where are they from?
If I do, I don't know about it!

3) A penny saved is a penny earned, they say. But let's get serious. Is there a special place in heaven for pennies, or do you think they'll find a special place in, well, the other place?

A penny is a penny - but many pennies add up. I can't imagine not having pennies around. I hope in heaven we don't have to worry about pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, or any amount of money!!

4) How much did you get from the tooth fairy when you were a child? and if you have children of your own, do they get coins, or paper money? (I hear there may be some inflation.)

Ten cents - one dime. I think my children got a dollar. I am sure they will respond to this post to either correct me or confirm this.

5) Did anyone in your household collect the state quarters? And did anyone in your household manage to sustain the interest required to stick with it?
My father did - but he was unable to complete this project since he passed away. He was collecting them for each of the grandchildren. Wondering where it is.....

What about you?? If you want to play, please do - either on your blog or in the comments!!!

Friday Five - Business Trip?

Mother Laura from RGBP writes:
I spent a good bit of time today registering and making travel arrangements for the American Academy of Religion meeting in Chicago at the beginning of November. (Anyone up for a meetup? Shout out, okay?) I'm not presenting this year, so I'm busy sending out resumes and cover letters, but at least I'm not stressing about getting a paper written.

I'll see friends and teachers from grad school, try to resist temptation in the book hall, attend some presentations if time permits, and, God willing, have some preliminary interviews in the everlasting college-teaching-job-search process--prayers welcome, as always. And, thanks to my dear Mom who agreed to babysit and donated some frequent flyer miles, it will also be a busy-but-happy getaway with my sweetheart.

So for today's Friday Five, you're invited to share your experiences with the exciting, challenging world of business travel....

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?

Rarely - and usually it's because I have discovered a conference I would like to attend, and not one because I HAVE to. And... it doesn't look like much travel will be going on this year.

However, travel - there is an element of excitement on the anticipation of travel, especially as a school teacher it is so out of the norm for me. But there is a trade off of the work involved in preparation of leaving as well as the work waiting for me when I get back to school.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?

Well, spouse usually travels once or twice a year for his work as a golf professional. He attends the annual PGA convention, and usually has to go to another in the state.

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?

I'm still waiting for it... :) - however, I enjoyed one I went to New Orleans for, but it's been a LONG time - I have pleasant memories of it.

4. ...and the worst, of course?

Well, this is getting to be a boring post with few details but I can't think of one because I have been on so few. Should I even be playing THIS Friday Five??? :)

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?

All plans made by someone else --- with every detail taken care ahead of time. And.. you see... I have no idea about the perfect business trip - since business trips are so foreign to me.

So... I'm a loser when it comes to thinking about business trips... but maybe that makes me a winner!

So... those of you who read this... what about business trips for you?

Friday Five - Johnny Appleseed

(The Johnny Appleseed song is one we used to sing for grace before our meals at school in the early 60s - just the first verse).

Raise your hand if you know that today is Johnny Appleseed Day!

September 26, 1774 was his birthday. Johnny Appleseed" (John Chapman) is one of America's great legends. He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania, but he was among those who were captivated by the movement west across the continent.

As Johnny travelled west (at that time, the "West" was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois) he planted apple trees and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew. A devout Christian, he was known to preach during his travels. According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received to churches or charities. He planted hundereds of orchards, considering it his sevice to humankind. There is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

So, in honor of this interesting fellow, let's get on with the questions!

1. What is your favorite apple dish? (BIG BONUS points if you share the recipe.)
My grandmother used to make a killer apple cake - and if I can find the recipe I WILL post it. 

2. Have you ever planted a tree? If so was there a special reason or occasion you can tell us about?
Yes, I have. One of the most special trees I planted was a vytex tree someone gave me in memory of my dad.  In terms of apple trees, the don't grow down here - the weather is too warm.

3. Does the idea of roaming around the countryside (preaching or otherwise) appeal to you? Why or why not?
I enjoy traveling down country roads to see what is there, where they lead to, trying to put the pieces together of the lay of the land.

4. Who is a favorite "historical legend" of yours? Well, to be perfectly honest, none really come up to me other than Santa Claus, but I am not going to claim that one. That one is way too easy.

5. Johnny Appleseed was said to sing to keep up his spirits as he travelled the roads of the west. Do you have a song that comes when you are trying to be cheerful, or is there something else that you often do?

When I watched the Johnny Appleseed video, I couldn't help but think of this song and it DOES cheer me - and I hope it cheers you!

Friday Five - Back to School

It's time for a Back-To-School Friday Five!

1. Is anyone going back to school, as a student or teacher, at your house? How's it going so far?

Yes, as a teacher. Some of us go back to school EVERY YEAR as a student and then as a teacher. So far, it's starting off with a bang!

2. Were you glad or sad when back-to-school time came as a kid?

I enjoyed school as a child and MOST OF THE TIME I enjoy school as an adult. However, I must say I really enjoy the first month of summer. It's as though I am a "lady of leisure" (is that sexist? antiquated?) We are lucky that our paycheck is prorated over 12 months, so we still get an income during the summer months. Thank you!

3. Did your family of origin have any rituals to mark this time of year? How about now?

Actually, school here started for teachers on July 28 (that I DON'T like), students started September 11.  As of today, we have been here for 30 days (minus 2 due to Tropical Storm Fay)

4. Favorite memories of back-to-school outfits, lunchboxes, etc?
I had a lunchbox in 2nd grade. I was so proud of that thing. The first day of school, when I opened the thermos, it had all broken up on the inside (not plastic in those days).
Speaking of lunchboxes, I remember one year in elementary school where milk was 2 cents for a carton. Lunches I believe were 30 cents (I remember holding these coins - liberty quarter, Indian Head nickel, and Mercury dime.) How many of you remember those?

Funny, I really don't have memories of back to school outfits, but I do remember that up until junior high and senior high, girls wore dresses, and then at some point in the late sixties, we could wear pantsuits (please note these had to be actual pantsuits), then we could wear slacks. I am trying to remember when in high school we could start wearing jeans? I graduated in 1974, how about you all?

5. What was your best year of school?
I remember not liking the year I took geometry. I had a less than stellar teacher, and it never did seem to click with me. I generally LOVED math, so I really felt like something wasn't right.
I really enjoyed my senior year. I remember that 2 of my classes were in music, and what could get better than to sing for two hours. I also had a GREAT contemporary literature class, I remember the early morning classes, it was on the third floor, and windows faces east and we got the sunshine! Note we were in Florida and we did not have air conditioning at the time! However, I remember loving that class. Phenomenal teacher, and I remember it was a class of great students. I remember reading books by Steinback, Fitzgerald, Ayn Rand, Upton Sinclair, Theodore Dreiser, Remarque, Erich Maria Remarque.

Now, what are your memories of school? You can play on your blog, or you can share in the comments.

Friday Five - God Days of Summer!

Presbyterian Gal writes at Revgalblogpals:

It’s August. An oppressively hot and humid month where many of us live.

I remember the Al Pacino movie though not much about the plot. Just that it was very, very hot. And he had giant sweat stains on his shirt.

As I pass through this year’s dog days in my felon ridden neighborhood (OK, just two housefuls. But isn’t that enough?), I am trying to focus on the blessings apparent around me, past and present, that I might not notice, necessarily. In that spirit, this week’s Friday Five goes thusly:

1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?

I remember having a transister radio - it was a Channelmaster and it had a leather casing around it. I remember sitting on the curb putting it to my ear and listening to the music. Then at night, I would put it under my pillow and turn the dial around. Sometimes I would hear radio stations using foreign languages. I just KNEW I was hearing a station from a far away land.

2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.

I love/loved sundresses with the elastic stretchy top and the rest of the dress loose and cool.

3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?

Watermelon. oh yes, homemade peach ice cream.

4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.

I think last year at the beach where everyone could be there. All in one big house. The memory is wonderful. I do remember at the end thinking, though, that I needed time at the beach by myself AFTER the fact. So I announce to my family that NEXT TIME, we are all taking turns cooking and preparing stuff.

5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?

Well, our little church had 3 weddings this summer. One of them I was mother of the bride and the other I was a lay reader. I thought I would be a wreck during the wedding(s), but actually, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a blast.

Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?
I love that this questions starts off "When" - because in the deep south in the summer - it's ALWAYS hot, humid, and uncomfortable!
Get in a pool, drink iced tea, take a shower and let a fan dry you off. That refreshes the body AND the spirit!

Ok, what memories do you have of summer?

Friday Five - Lock Me Out, Lock Me In

Songbird writes at RGBP for Friday Five:

or some reason, Blogger declared this blog possible SPAM and locked us down yesterday. This morning, we're free to post again, but there was a fair amount of excitement last night among our contributors, who found a dire notice on their Blogger dashboards threatening that this blog might be deleted in 20 days!

We requested a blog review, and I posted a request at the Blogger Help group, where I found we were not alone. Many other perfectly nourishing and cromulent blogs got the same notice last night.

This turned out to be a very small barricade in our blogging community life, but it seemed appropriate to explore locks and blocks and other barriers this week. Also, I liked the picture of the security team above! Could they be Blogger's Spam Prevention Robots, working overtime?

In honor of their efforts, I bring you the "Lock Me Out, Lock Me In" Friday Five.

1) How do you amuse yourself when road construction blocks your travel?

I figure that at some point when I travel, there is going to be a road construction block somewhere. If I have to stop, I usually have some knitting with me. Or a book. No need to get too upset. Not a thing you can really do about it.

2) Have you ever locked yourself out of your house? (And do you keep an extra key somewhere, just in case?)
No, never have locked myself out of the house...... because.....

3) Have you ever cleared a hurdle? (And if you haven't flown over a material hurdle, feel free to take this one metaphorically.)

I think I cleared a material hurdle in high school.

4) What's your approach to a mental block?
Unfortunately mental blocks are becoming so frequent that I just wonder where my brain has gone. However, I usually figure it out in the middle of the night...

5) Suggest a caption for the picture above; there will be a prize for the funniest answer!

Conjoined Construction Triplets

I tried.....

Friday Five - Can't leave home without it

Here's the Friday Five from Revgalblogpals:
What are the five  things you simply must have when you are away from home?  And why?  Any history or goofy things, or stories?

1. I must have my medicine - that's one that I WISH I didn't HAVE to have, but it what I MUST have at this point.
2. This book follows me -

Hour by Hour

Here is the summary from its publisher Foreward Movement:

A compact edition of the Daily Office planned complete with prayers and Psalms for one week. Perfect for purse or pocket.

This beautiful little book, excerpted from The Book of Common Prayer, will enable anyone, Episcopalian or not, to say the hours every day: Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline.

Perfect for prayer and worship at all times and in all places. Convenient for purse, pocket, or briefcase. An ideal gift for the regular worshiper and clergy alike.

Though Amazon states it is out of print, there is no indication from Foreward Movement that  it is. 

It's a source of comfort and security.

3. A ziploc bag of a knitting project - preferably one that requires no looking at directions. (THINK SOCK).

4. Laptop - it's the source of information, communication and entertainment

5. Pillow -ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

6. (Because I can't follow rules and forgot this one because it is ALWAYS with me) CAMERA ----- I need my camera!

Really and truly, everything else.... I can easily pick up at Walmart or a $ Store.

And what are 5 things that are must haves on YOUR roadtrip?

Friday Five - What's in a name?

If you are a regular reader of Songbird's blog, you know that "The Princess" has requested a new name. Her older brother changed his "secret identity" a while back and now this lovely young lady is searching for a new name on her mother's blog. This got me to thinking. How do we come up with all of these names? There must be at least a few good stories out there.

So here's my play on Friday Five:

• So how did you come up with your blogging name? And/or the name of your blog?                      Very unexcitingly - it first started out as Cathy Knits - but my blog became much more than knitting - because knitting is just one part of my life - Cathy's Grace Notes - I sort of stumbled upon as a combination of the faith and music - two very very important parts of my life and who I am.
• Are there any code names or secret identities in your blog? Any stories there?  Not really - sometimes I throw in a different name - but nothing that sticks for too long. I do have a name I use as a nickname, Catnipper is a name I use online when I need a screen name and it goes over 50 years back as to why I use it. My dad was the only one who called me that name - sometimes "nipper" but mostly "Catnipper". It's a name I treasure - no one else in real life has called me that and I am perfectly content with it that way
• What are some blog titles that you just love? For their cleverness, drama, or sheer, crazy fun? Snickollet,(I just like the name), Stuff White People Like (so we can laugh at ourselves), Deep Fried Kudzu (that's just plain deep south talkin' - GREAT BLOG NAME!)
• What three blogs are you devoted to? Other than the RevGalBlogPals of course! Mercy - you mean there are blogs out there that are not RGBP that I am devoted to?  Well, I do read a few more - Yarn Harlot, Bits and Pieces (for the raunchy side of me), and a pretty new blog that is just out - I love these kids and they live in the same county and the ones old enough to attend school are at the same school as me.
• Who introduced you to the world of blogging and why? Don't remember. at. all. My memory stinks.
• Bonus question: Have you ever met any of your blogging friends? Where are some of the places you've met these fun folks? I have - I will pick out one - Mary Beth - she is the first blogging friend I have met - I know other bloggers but knew them first as someone other than knowing them through the blogging world.  There is no doubt that Mary Beth and I would have been good friends even if blogging had not connected us just because of some of the connections that tie us together other than blogging.   AND - I hope to meet some more bloggers one day!