daily life as life goes on . . .

There are certain things that a fairly flexible ministry position offers.  One of them is the opportunity to fix things.  Most times, my fixing something is not necessary, and sometimes the fix-it part of life really needs to be left to others (for their sake and for my own sanity’s sake).

On certain days, though, taking a small thing and pulling it apart is just fun and good for you.  Frustrating also, but mostly fun.  Such was the water cooler in my office.  Actually my concern was the switch that turned on the “hot” water section of the cooler (how great a conundrum is that – hot water from a cooler!). 

I proceeded to pull the unit apart.  At one point I had to find a specialty screwdriver.  In the end, with a few drips on the floor, I spotted the switch.  I checked out the wiring and found  no other place where a connection had failed or a fuse had blown.

Must be the switch!  I proceeded to pull the switch and yesterday took said switch to an electrical company in town.  Now, there was not an exact replica of the switch, but certainly a facsimile that would work.

After installing the switch, and reassembling the unit, I proceeded to pour water into the cooler.  And water came out.  After quickly finding a drainage area (the sink in the church kitchen) I tightened up everything again, and the water leak stopped.  Of course, I had to go back and clean up.

But, with hope in hand, I plugged in the cooler.  Turned on the heater.  Came back later and had a drink of hot chocolate.  How good is that!!

Yes, sometimes we just need those days where we are distracted for no particular reason other than your mental health.  That was a successful distraction.  Someday I’ll talk about all those days of unsuccessful distractions .

Or maybe not – that would distract me too much!!

This morning I was glancing at the one outdoor flower pot I’ve watched over this year.  We used to have upwards of a half dozen pots or more.  Graced with petunias and willowy strands of other plants I couldn’t name (I usually left that to Jill or the plastic label that came with the plant).

This year, Marilyn, bought me a hanging pot.  No muss, no fuss, just place water in the pot when dryness set in.  Not a gregarious set of plants – pink petunias and another small white flowered vine type of plant.  I think she may have known that I wasn’t about to put together and care for a lot more plants.

Back to this morning.  I ride my stationary bike each morning looking out onto the front porch and the planter.  I blinked a bit.  There was now a pinkish type of flower on a crawling vine.  Where did that come from?  It wasn’t there to begin with.

I guess in life there are seeds planted that don’t blossom until later in life.  And we’re not even sure what to call “the happening.”  Other than good!!

Sunday mid-afternoon I headed to my daughter’s house.  Sounds a bit like a fairy tale – looking for wolves and taking baking.

Well, actually, there was no baking (she provided supper), and wolves don’t tend to populate the prairies.

But, I did head to my daughter’s and arrived in time for supper and a bit of play with the grandkids. 

Today, I’ll help clean out a room that is stuffed with stuff.  The kids have been playing well with a few toys.  The idea will be to put into like piles like toys and like things.  I like doing that!

And then I’ll head back home and move into a busy week as the fall season arises to meet us at the church.

But for the moment – what a great way to enjoy Family Day!

What fun!

I have a trombone sitting in the house right now.  Friends of mine had a son who no longer was playing the instrument.  I mentioned I would be  interested in trying my hand at blowing a horn!

Well, actually, I had played trombone a decade or so ago.  That was back when I was doing a lot of music, and the opportunity to play trombone was a side light.

Yesterday I pulled out the horn and began to play.  Not for long.  My lips are not in shape at all.  The sound was less than stellar.  But there was a sound.

I’ll carry the mouthpiece with me and see if I can’t get the embouchure back in shape.  Sooner the better.

So, just slip sliding away!  Oh what fun!!!