daily life as life goes on . . .

The course was from 8:30 – 5:15.  With an hour break for lunch.

Now, this was a totally over my head type of experience.  I don’t cook — I don’t even BBQ (the accepted domain of the “guys” of the world).  I love to do dishes, I don’t mind setting a table and I can enjoy a great meal.  But beyond the very basic ability, I’m not one to know about food or food handling.

I caught the basic principles, and even some of the practical approaches.  But as the end neared I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pass the test at the end of the class.

The 4:00 hour approached.  The final powerpoint slide of the presentation was done and Norm handed out the test.  OPEN BOOK!  Norm told us to take our time.  Around 4:45 he realized time was running out and most of us had only just finished half way through the questions.

The realization began to dawn on him and on us.  Today’s presentation was a revision of the foodhandler’s course (which my wife had taken last year).  The test was also a revision.  And unfortunately he had brought the unrevised revised test.  There were two “#40” questions.  One question was not covered in the presentation nor in the “open book”.  We were informed that we would all go over the test together and that we had all passed.

With the five of us present, we began to head through the answers.  Yes, we all could figure out why the answer was what it was.  Yes, we all enjoy multiple guess questions.  But there seemed to be a few trick questions that we agreed would have thrown us off.

In the end, Norm informed us that we had all passed.  The certificates will be on the way in the next few weeks.  So, unofficially, I’m now a certified foodhandler — or maybe more precisely, I have successfully completed the required provincial foodhandling course.

Another level of competent incompetency gained (OK, I did learn some things that will be helpful, but don’t ask me to BBQ a pork chop for you!!).

Try to say that 10 times in a row!

On Friday our youth group will have stryofoam type darts powered by elastics.  They pull back viciously and then release.  The darts hurl across the gym and strike whatever is in the way.

Now, put up a few black lights.  Add color (white) to the darts and you have a dark dart night.  Any kids grades 8-12 are invited to join us.  The sponsors ideas are still running wild.  Could be a night of unexpected fun!!

I was wandering through the house this morning.  I looked in our office and saw the light was on.  But it wasn’t!  The picture below comes from light reflected onto the light shade.  The phenomenon was so unusual I immediately grabbed the camera and flashed a picture (without the flash!!).

We are in the midst of planning a move for my parents.  Some things are on the way.  A possible buying of a house is happening.  Moving plans are not yet in place, but a framework is starting to appear.

And so, the end of the month we’re working on a bit of time off (maybe a day or two) to accompany mom and dad to a new abode.  And then November 3rd arrives — their 57th anniversary.

Hard to believe 57 years will have passed since they were married.  Of course, I’ve only been in on 55 of those years.  When I work with our youth group I have to remember that the youth weren’t even alive when I was married, and when my parents were married . . . well that is ancient history.  And so, from the perspective of life, we are older and wiser.  At least that’s the way I like to write the story!  THE END!!