Saturday, March 30, 2013

Phil

Punxsutawney Phil is in fair condition in a Pennsylvania hospital after being roughed up in a scuffle over his bad winter forecast. He will remain under observation but is expected to make a full recovery.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Ole during Lent


Ole vas Born a Lutheran!


Born a Lutheran, each Friday night after work, Ole would fire up his outdoor grill on the shore of Big Stone Lake and cook a venison steak. But, all of Ole's neighbors were Catholic. And since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on Friday.

The delicious aroma from the grilled venison steaks wafted over Ortonville all the way to Clinton , and was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest.

The Priest came to visit Ole, and suggested that he become a Catholic. After several classes and much study, Ole attended Mass.....and as the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, "You were born a Lutheran, and raised a Lutheran, but now you are a Catholic."
Ole's neighbors were relieved, until Friday night arrived, and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood.

The Priest was called immediately by the neighbors,and, as he rushed into Ole's yard, clutching a rosary and prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement.

There stood Ole, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted: "You vuz born a deer, you vuz raised a deer, but now you is a walleye."


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Moon

 
Last night when the moon came up right outside my living room window I thought it looked like a harvest moon.  These thoughts were confirmed when I drove to Peak this morning and the moon was just going down in the west, it was huge.  I am looking for any sign that spring is coming.  But a harvest moon would seem to indicate that we had slipped right by summer.  I hope that isn't true. I posted this same picture on my face book wall and got a response from a friend and classmate of mine who said that this moon is called the crust moon. That is because of the top o the snow crusts over during the night.  I had never heard that before.  Or mabe the worm moon because the earth worms start to move.  You can pick.   Today as you go through your day, look for signs of spring.  When you see them it will put a "spring "  in your step. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The buzzard, bat and bumblebee

I am sharing this with you.  I did not write this but it is to good to pass by.

The buzzard

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner.
The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
------------------------------------------
THE BAT
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place.
If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air.
Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
------------------------------------------
THE BUMBLEBEE


A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
------------------------------------------
PEOPLE

In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up!
That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem....
just look up!

Sorrow looks back,
Worry looks around,
But faith looks up!
Live simply,
love generously,
care deeply,
speak kindly, and
trust in our Creator,
who loves us.
 



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

shopping

The First Lutheran Quilters got a very generous gift of money to spend on the quilt ministry that I belong too.  So three of us spent some time in Joann's Fabrics with our money and coupons in hand.  We bought enough fabric to make 6 quilts and 2 backs.  With the regular sale plus our coupons we saved almost 90 dollars.  We also go needles and thread that was much needed.  It was a fun outing and we had a great time matching fabrics. 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

New furniture

 

Finally it got delivered.  I really can't remember having to wait 3 weeks for anything  Except when I was pregnant and waited 9 months for my bundle of joy.  During that time I was productive by moving the TV, patching the wall, and painting.  I guess I can't forget scrubbing the rug.  This year I put a new twist to spring cleaning.  My living room is clean and looks great.  the coffee pot is on so come and see it. 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

fix and repair

Fix and repair -- that is the motto for the geriatric group.  I recently went in for a routine health screening.  I just needed orders to be sent for a monogram.  As it was I told them about my twisted knee of two weeks ago.  I didn't get out of there without an x-ray on that knee and orders to go to the pool at Peak for rehab.  Also a stool sample, blood panel, pneumonia shot, and the mamo orders being sent.  Well I find out that I am not very good at taking stool samples.  Well, I take them well, but I put the same date on the cards by accident.  So here they come again in the mail and I have to redo them.  They must be three day in a row, not the same day.  Well, no need in trying to explain that I dated them wrong, just redo them.  I went to the pool for the first time Tuesday and after an hour of therapy I felt very good until I got out of the pool.  She really kicked my butt.  But today as I write this I have no knee pain.  Also it doesn't feel like the cap is about to slip off my leg.  I got my blood work back and it was perfect.  I have not had such a great blood panel.  Must be all that exercise I am doing at Peak.  Yea for me.  My Doctor has given me three weeks to fix or better that knee situation or I go on to the Orthopedic doctor for who knows what. My new motto is FIX AND REPAIR.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Pantone



Pantone Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System, a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of colored paint, fabric, and plastics.
In October 2007, X-Rite Inc. The company's primary products include the Pantone Guides, which consist of a large number of small (approximately 6×2 inches or 15×5 cm) thin cardboard sheets, printed on one side with a series of related color swatches and then bound into a small "fan deck". For instance, a particular "page" might contain a number of yellows of varying tints.

Annually Pantone declares a particular color "Color of the Year". Twice a year the company hosts, in a European capital, a secret meeting of representatives from various nations' color standards groups. After two days of presentations and debate, they choose a color for the following year; for example, the color for summer 2013 was chosen in London in the spring of 2012.     The color purportedly connects with the zeitgeist; for example the press release declaring Honeysuckle the color of 2011 said "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues."  This years color is emerald and last years color was tangerine.   The results of the meeting are published in Pantone View ($750), which fashion designers, florists, and many other consumer-oriented companies purchase to help guide their designs and planning for future products.






 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

combined circles




We had combined circle on Wednesday.  Mary circle is at 15 members.  But we like it.  We had a great snack.  Little bird nests with jelly beans in them.  Also different quick breads to choose from.
Our lesson was about Paul and Barnabas whom had traveled far spreading  the good news of Jesus and the story of what God has done. Our associate pastor led the talk.  As per usual it was well led and grounded in scripture.  What a wonderful morning ending in our Lenten service and the Lenten luncheon. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

lesson on stress

A Great Lesson on Stress
 
Again I did not write this.



A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while leading a seminar and explaining stress management to her audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'Half empty or half full?' She fooled them all. "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.



She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.



If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."



She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."



"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.



So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Pick them up again tomorrow if you must.



1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!



2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.



3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.



4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.



5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.



6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.



7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.



8 * Never buy a car you can't push.



9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.



10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.



11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.



12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.



13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.



14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.



16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.



17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.



18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.



19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.



AND MOST IMPORTANTLY



20 *Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!*


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

oversized furniture


There goes my living room furniture.  They are going to good homes.  My two nephews and one great nephew came over this morning to pick them up and deliver them to their new owners.  They also helped me connect my tv to the stereo and vcr.  Painting is done, rug is shampooed, and chairs are gone.  When next Friday gets here I will have the home ready for the new furniture that I got at Slumberland.  They had 50 to 60% off on their furniture so I got a new coach and three new chairs.  I'll show pictures later.  Right now it is snowing again so I have to change my plans for today to include plowing. 

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lutherans

Lutherans
By Garrison Keillor


I have made fun of Lutherans for years - who
wouldn't, if you lived in North Dakota? But I have
also sung with Lutherans and
that is one of the main
joys of life, along with hot baths and
fresh sweet
corn.


We make fun of Lutherans
for their blandness, their
excessive calm, their fear of
giving offense, their
lack of speed, also for their secret
fondness for
macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like they do.


If you ask an audience in
New York City, a relatively
Lutheranless place, to sing along
on the chorus of
'Michael Row Your Boat Ashore,' they will
look
daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their
underwear. But if you do this among Lutherans they'll smile
and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the
road!


Lutherans are bred from
childhood to sing in
four-part harmony. It's a talent that
comes from
sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor
or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your
little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for
Lutherans to sing in harmony. We're too modest to be
soloists,
too worldly to sing in unison. When you're
singing in the key
of C and you slide into the A7th
and D7th chords, all two
hundred of you, it's an
emotionally fulfilling
moment.


I once sang the bass line
of "Children of the
Heavenly Father" in a room with about
three thousand
Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all
had
tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will
not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely
voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that
we will not forsake each other.


I do believe this: These
Lutherans are the sort of
people you could call up when you're
in deep
distress. If you're dying, they'll comfort you. If
you're lonely, they'll talk to you. And if you're hungry,
they'll give you tuna salad!


The following list was
compiled by a 20th century
Lutheran who, observing other
Lutherans, wrote down
exactly what he saw or heard:
1. Lutherans
believe in prayer, but would practically
die if asked to pray out loud.
2. Lutherans
like to sing, except when confronted
with a new hymn or a hymn
with more than four stanzas.
3. Lutherans believe their pastors
will visit them in
the hospital, even if they don't notify
them that
they are there.
4. Lutherans usually follow the
official liturgy and
will feel it is their way of suffering
for their sins.
5. Lutherans believe in miracles and even expect
miracles,
especially during their stewardship
visitation programs or
when passing the plate.
6. Lutherans feel that applauding for
their
children's choirs would make the kids too proud and
conceited.
7. Lutherans think that the Bible forbids them from
crossing the
aisle while passing the peace.
8. Lutherans drink coffee as if it
were the Third
Sacrament.
9. Some Lutherans believe that an ELCS
bride and an
LCMS groom make for a mixed marriage.

(For those of you who are not Lutherans, ELCS is
Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod and LCMS is
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. When and where I grew up in
Minnesota, intermarriage between the two was about as popular
as Lutherans and Catholics marrying.)
10. Lutherans feel guilty for not
staying to clean up
after their own wedding reception in the
Fellowship
Hall.
11. Lutherans are willing to pay up to one dollar for
a meal at church.
12. Lutherans
think that Garrison Keillor stories are
totally factual.
13. Lutherans
still serve Jell-O in the proper
liturgical color of the
season and think that peas in
a tuna noodle casserole add too
much color.
14. Lutherans believe that it is OK to poke fun at
themselves and
never take themselves too seriously.


And finally, you know you're a Lutheran when:
*It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still
have coffee after the service;


*You hear something
really funny during the sermon
and smile as loudly as you can;


*Donuts are a line item
in the church budget, just
like coffee;


*The communion cabinet is
open to all, but the coffee
cabinet is locked up tight;


*When you watch a 'Star Wars' movie and they say,
'May the Force be with you,' you
respond, 'and also
with you'.











Sunday, March 17, 2013

Lakeland public TV

A group from First Lutheran Church did the pledge drive for Lakeland Public TV last week.  I tried to answer several calls only to lose them.  So I stopped answering the phone. My phone was malfunctioning.  So I did not take any pledges.  In little over an hour we got pledges for $1000.  It is always fun to do this.

this news desk is so awesome.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

St. Urho's Day




The legend of St. Urho originated in Northern Minnesota in the 1950s. However, there are differing opinions as to whether it began with the fables created by Sulo Havumaki of Bemidji, or the tongue-in-cheek tales told by Richard Mattson of Virginia. Either way, the legend has grown among North Americans of Finnish descent to the point where St. Urho is known and celebrated across the United States and Canada, and even in Finland.
St. Urho's Day is celebrated on March 16th, the day prior to the better known feast of some minor saint from Ireland, who was alleged to have driven the snakes from that island.

The legend of St. Urho says he chased the grasshoppers out of ancient Finland, thus saving the grape crop and the jobs of Finnish vineyard workers. He did this by uttering the phrase: "Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen" (roughly translated: "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to Hell!"). His feast is celebrated by wearing the colors Royal Purple and Nile Green. St. Urho is nearly always represented with grapes and grasshoppers as part of the picture.

Saint Urho has been recognized with proclamations in all 50 states. Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson issued a proclamation in his state, the unofficial home of Saint Urho, in 1975.










Friday, March 15, 2013

He's got the whole world in his hands

Bob Frew sent this email out.

"I took this picture on Int. 20, traveling to Leeds, AL. It has given me strength in the times of trouble. I feel I should share it with the rest of the world. I hope it is an inspiration to you. It just goes to show what we already know...We have a God, and he's watching over us.

I e-mailed this picture to News Channel Fox6. I was contacted by Meteorologist James Spann. He said that this picture of the sky is showing up in all states and around the world. He wanted to know where I was from and where I took it. He saw a similar picture taken in Texas . He said this is amazing to him.

Would you look at this picture? It reminds me of that song 'He's got the whole world in his hands.' He is definitely in control. I needed this today more than ever. "



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Engineers

Sven and Ole,
                        Two Minnesota engineers were
                        standing at the base of a flagpole,
                         looking up. A woman walks by asks what they
                        were doing.

                        "Ve're supposed to find da height of dis
                        flagpole, " said Sven, "but ve don't haff a ladder.

                       The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened
                        a couple of bolts, and laid the pole down on the
                        ground.
                        Then she took a tape measure from her
                        pocketbook, took a measurement, announced,
                         "Twenty one feet, six inches," and walked away.

                        Ole shook his head and laughed. "Ain't dat just
                        like a voman! Ve ask fer da height and she gives
                        us da length!"

                        Sven and Ole have since quit their engineering
                        jobs and are currently serving in the United
                        States Senate.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

jax update

This is his March picture.  He surely has big eyes.  He is thinking  "Here's what I look like Gramma."


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Homemakers club







After our business meeting we made table favors for Easter.  We will take them to 2 of the homes for the elderly.  They are two ends of the 2 liter pop bottles.  You then  glue a zipper to the edges.  you then can unzip and fill with grass and candy for Easter.  We also got our gifts for Valentine's Day.   I got two towels , a heart plate and raisin scones.  Fran got a picture carousal, hand made wash cloths and candy. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

dead penguins


Where DO DEAD PENGUINS GO ??? VERY INTERESTING FACTS.............................................................. Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica ?
Where do they go?

Wonder no more ! ! !
It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life. The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintain a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into, and buried.

The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing:

"Freeze a jolly good fellow."
"Freeze a jolly good fellow."
You really didn't believe that I know anything about penguins, did you?
It's so easy to fool OLD people.

I am sorry, an urge came over me that made me do it!!!
Oh quit whining I fell for it, too.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

quilt

Just finished the quilting
 
 
before it was quilted
Now I have to bind it.  I have been working on this quilt most of the winter.  The top picture has much more depth then the bottom picture.  The difference is the stippling.   The top picture has the quilting done. I am entering it in the Beltrami County Fair.  I am hoping for a blue ribbon.  I have gotten a red and a white so far.  Bring on the blue ribbon.  It would not  make me angry if they pinned on a purple either. 

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Painting

North wall

 
South Wall
I have finished moving my tv from the North wall to the South wall of my living room.  I am painting three walls a warm tan.  Those 4 lag bolts really did the damage on the wall.  But a little putty and sanding and they all disappeared.  With this wall finished I have two to go.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Recall

RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless
of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve,
resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has
been identified as "Sub sequential Internal Non-morality," more commonly
known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect,
Is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden
Of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required...
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before
Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction
Voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems
Too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently
Impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER:
The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.
The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention! Signed - GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important
Recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Because HE Lives!



Thursday, March 7, 2013

canvas prayers


This prayer canvas was started at Trinity Lutheran church.  Then it made it through ELCA synod.  Each square is a prayer that was written or pictured by someone.  Then it was taken on the Lutheran trip to India.  In India church members were encouraged to write or paint a block representing a prayer.  .  After that when the group was leaving to return to America the canvas was cut in half and half was left with the church members in India.  I was asked to help preserve the pieces as some of the blocks needed to be sewn down. 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

New furniture

I have ordered my new furniture for the living room.  My furniture that I have now is just too big for the size of my room.  I have been here three years and it is time to change.  That means that I have to change the TV from the North wall to the South wall.  When I changed the wiring down stairs which I remind you should have be a simple switch of  the living room wires I lost reception on two of my three TVs.  So after many calls to Paul Bunyan where they had me reset this and reset that,  I just asked for a technician to come out and look into it.  While he was working on it he switched some wires and I lost my wireless computer.  The technician had already left when I discovered it.  I had to call him back.  When he returned he fixed what he had changed.  He also found he had left one of his tools  in my basement.  You'll see my furniture when it gets delivered after March 21st.  I still have to fix the North wall that had my TV on.  Spackle and paint. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

why

Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front? 

  Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke?


Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?


Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage?



EVER WONDER...

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?


Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

 
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?


Why is it that doctors and attorneys call what they do 'practice'?



Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavoring, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called







a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

 
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?


Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?


Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?


You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff??


Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

 
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

 





Monday, March 4, 2013

project


 
 

I have been working on notebook covers.  They are easy to do.  I will be giving them as gifts.  They have hook and loop closure. Also have a convenient holder for a pen or pencil.  Great for book clubs, quilting notes or notes for someone on a board. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Homemakers council Meeting





The Homemakers council met at Frohm town hall.
 
 
Code red was the topic of our speaker at our Homemakers council meeting.  Beryl Wernberg, 911  supervisor/EM Director spoke to us.  We found her to be an informed speaker and a joy to listen to.  She told hands on stories from her 39 years as a dispatcher.  Anyone that wasn't registered had a chance to do so.  She did answer why we found ourselves getting Code red notices without officially signing up.  When they first started they put all the telephone numbers from the county into the system.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

World Day of Prayer



 
 
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer and action each year.  This year looks for the Christian response to struggles in France concerning immigration and ways to welcome the stranger.  Our speaker gave us a first hand look at France from the prospective of an American visiting this country.  This year the Methodist church of Bemidji held the event.  Next year it is First Lutheran that will host the event.  Egypt is the country we will be studying. 

Friday, March 1, 2013

Dinner



 
 
For awhile we have been having monthly dinners at three of my classmates homes each taking turns.  I have always wanted to belong to a dinner club.  Little did I realize that it would develop naturally as this has with old friends.  We had pork loin with potatoes and red cabbage.  Then we each bring a favorite or new dish.  The meal was delicious.  The friendship and conversation was delightful.  I was not  feeling very well so I left early.  I was the party pooper.  My turn is in May so maybe it will be warm enough for a party in the pit.