A different sort of Mother's Day

We had a wonderful time with the Halls and Mallettes from California (we met in Scotland in 2017) touring our great city, the OSU campus, enjoying 2 great museums, the new National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Columbus Museum of Art, the OSU main library, historic German Village and eating at Schmidt's Sausage House and Cap City Fine Diner. We get to rest today, but they are touring for 2 more weeks! Robin thinks up the ideas and Gene plans the itinerary. Today they are off to Falling Water, Gettysburg, Niagara Falls, the 9-11 memorial and other sites. We ended the day with a peaceful evening and dessert at our home, looking through Bob's paintings and sharing stories and memories.

Really nice day

Mother's Day. We had a wonderful worship at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church with Jeff Morlock preaching, and then back to our house for a nice surprise gift--a Roku stick. I'd like to explain what it is, but I don't know much about it except we'll be able to stream programs on our TV and then take the stick with us to the Lake house and use it there. Then it was off to J. Alexander's Redlands Grill in Worthington for a most delicious meal which included a piece of Key Lime Pie to bring home because I was too full. Lunch menu.

Greetings

A nice day.  Attended services at our son's church, Gender Road Christian Church, then had lunch with our children at a near by Bob Evans Restaurant.  And surprise, surprise.  Someone read my blog about wanting the new Bill Bennett book.  Also our daughter got us all connected to the internet so we can watch our cable programs from Columbus up at our cottage in Lakeside on my laptop and i-pad.  A busy day.

The future of Mother's Day

Photo from 1991.  Flowers from our patio today.

I'm enjoying seeing the mother stories as we near Mother's Day on Facebook. Just saw an amazing one about a mother who had been a missionary with babies in the bush and still reads her Bible in 6 languages every morning despite a debilitating disease, just to keep her mind sharp. 

I'm wondering how long posting or writing about mothers will be legal--it could be hate speech to say biology means something. After all, a transgender man/woman can't have a baby, at least until they get that womb transplant figured out so it works as well as the remodeled penis turned inside out to be a vagina. And even then s/he would have to borrow someone else's eggs. And what about those moms who decided to become men?  How do their children feel about this holiday made up to sell cards and flowers? Do they miss her soft chest and pleasant voice?

And some millennial in college won't be able to find a safe place because she had a bad mother, or mom won't extend her credit. Or maybe someone with 2 mothers will demand that they get two special days. Really, our "fundamentally transformed" society is moving so quickly, I really don't know what to expect next for holidays. Last year we never dreamed we'd have trouble finding a restroom for mom, yet here we are.

Just in time for Mother's Day--a new book by Bill Bennett

"Tried by Fire; the story of Christianity's first 1000 years" by Bill Bennett. I listened to him on radio for years; now Hugh Hewitt is in that early a.m. spot. He was Secretary of Education under Reagan. He says in actual numbers, persecution of Christians today is the worst in history, but that's when the church grows.

Overview From Barnes and Noble page
Full of larger-than-life characters, stunning acts of bravery, and heart-rending sacrifice, Tried by Fire narrates the rise and expansion of Christianity from an obscure regional sect to the established faith of the world’s greatest empire with influence extending from India to Ireland, Scandinavia to Ethiopia, and all points in between. William J. Bennett explores the riveting lives of saints and sinners, paupers and kings, merchants and monks who together—and against all odds—changed the world forever. To tell their story, Bennett follows them through the controversies and trials of their time. Challenged by official persecution, heresy, and schism, they held steadfast to the truth of Christ. Strengthened by poets, preachers, and theologians, they advanced in devotion and love. In this moving and accessible narrative, Tried by Fire speaks across centuries to offer insight into the people and events that shaped the faith that continues to shape our lives today.

Hardcover, $22.56

This is a HINT.

Friday family photo—Mother’s Day 2000

It looks like our son-in-law was taking the photos.  I found these on a floppy disk today, and they don’t seem to have ever been moved to the current computer.

Happy Mother’s Day

We had a wonderful brunch after church at our daughter's with 2 new recipes that we all loved—a baked egg/shredded potato/cheese casserole and a ‘French toast blackberry’ baked dish with warm syrup. Told favorite "mom stories." Amazing how similar my son and SIL stories were--I guess little boys are all alike. A fun day. I received a lovely plant in a cute “watering can,” and a $25 gift card for Barnes and Noble.

Friday Family Photo—Mother’s Days past

From my daughter, 1976, Texas Ware Melamine

From my son, 1977, same project, probably the same teacher.

My handmade card for my mother, probably 1947, second grade in Forreston, Illinois.  Folded with message inside. Not sure who would have cut out the silhouette.

A rather odd, quiet Mother's Day

On April 30 I began having back spasms after a little weed pulling at our lake home. I didn't feel much until I sat down on our soft couch and tried to get up. It was the worst I've ever had--like labor pains only in my back. I've never been this old or this heavy, so I suspect that might have something to do with it. But by Tuesday after ice packs, Advil and switching to a heating pad, I was able to get around. By Friday I was able to drive, and we had plans for church with our daughter, and then lunch at our son's home in Canal Winchester. On Saturday I began having some vertigo and thought I might have the flu, but took some Dramamine (for my ears and motion sickness) and cancelled the holiday plans. Because I wasn't going to do anything that required sitting or moving around, my husband headed for the lake to mow the lawn and do general yard clean up because he's heading for Haiti soon and won't be able to get to it. So. . . I spent Mother's Day alone, in a back brace, but with my new and wonderful . . ThermiPaq which my daughter gave me as a Mother's Day gift, beautifully wrapped with a card. You can either put them (she gave me 2, one large, one small) in the freezer for icing an injury, or the microwave for stiffness, cramps or muscle pain. Love it! I think this is a practical gift, and one I'll continue to use.

I did go to exercise class today, but mainly walked for 45 minutes rather than do the weight lifting and crunches. Baby steps, baby steps. Easy does it.

Happy Mother's Day

Even if you're not a mother, you had a mother, or maybe two or three, so go ahead and celebrate. This is the most amazing mother story I've ever read, and you'll think so too.

Recycle your greeting cards

Here's another way to put fuel in the gas tank without burning corn and creating food riots. Recycle your greeting cards and spend that $4-5.00 on gasoline! On Saturday I got the box of cards out from under the bed and my husband had a selection of 20-30 Mother's Day cards, and he picked one from 1990, which of course, I didn't remember and enjoyed just as much as if he'd gone to the card store. In 1990 this card was $2.00, so I figure it would have been about $4.00 in 2008.

It gave us an opportunity to remember our own mothers, who were both alive in 1990, and also how he used to tape (VCR) the Blondie movies (although we had a break-in in 1986 and our VCR and tapes were stolen). Our son-in-law was just a future dream at that time, and my husband hadn't started his own business, and I probably didn't have tenure yet at OSU. I think Mystery our first cat was 14 and still alive and our Lynxpoint not yet born. I was driving my first Chrysler product van and loving it--now I'm on my third.

We enjoyed church with our children, and many stopped to admire my Mother's Day gardenia corsage--not too common these days at a service where many of the women are in jeans or slacks (contemporary service, 9:45). Then we came back to the house for a wonderful dinner prepared by our daughter (lasagna and lemon pie) and son (salad and Texas toast). She had purchased a pasta maker so this was really a fresh item. I think this is much better than going to a restaurant. I don't mind providing the tableware if everyone else brings the food. The tornado warnings sent them all home to check on their pets.

Also on the week-end I think I put about 50 miles on my car just running back and forth across the river to the Mill Run Church where we hung the Spring Show for the Upper Arlington Art League. That's actually what gave me the idea that we could recycle a card. UALC members on this side of the river could probably save gas just by switching back to Lytham. The grandchildren will survive, which is usually the excuse given for those who live a mile from Lytham driving over there.

Although, to tell the truth, the expensive part of the art show wasn't the gasoline, but seeing a piece of art by Jeanie Auseon that we agreed to buy. I don't think I could explain the medium because it is some type of photographic print on fabric stitched with a silver thread. If you see the show I think it is #45.

The Upper Arlington Art League spring show was judged by Tracy Steinbrook who is an instructor at the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus. The UAAL is one of the oldest community art groups in the NW area. The show runs until June 12 and can be viewed at The Church at Mill Run, 3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. The show is sponsored by the Visual Arts Ministry of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Come out and support your neighbors.

Monday Memories--The last May

This photo was taken at the retirement apartments lobby where my parents were living in May 1999. Mother died the following January. I think I had been in Chicago for the Medical Library Association meeting, and took the bus to Rockford, where my sister who lived in DC, met me. Mother's birthday was in May, and I think we had chosen that time, and I'm so glad we did. The four of us had a wonderful visit. I remember my sister, mother and I drove to Forreston where we had lived from 1946-1951 and drove around looking at our former houses and where we'd gone to church. Mom showed us a little garden plot she had behind the retirement complex, and we attended some of the special program functions with her that the facility offered. I think I arrived on a Friday or Saturday, so we probably went to church together. I would be back again in August, 1999, to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary, but this was our last May. When your parents are in their 80s or 90s, you often wonder, "is this the last" birthday, concert, family holiday, mother's day, etc.

Mother's Day is coming up on May 13th. Go to church with your mom if you are fortunate to still have her with you. Even if you are no longer Baptist or Catholic, or have converted to another faith, or you have to rearrange your schedule, or you don't like her pastor, or you like informal music and she likes traditional. Honor your mother--be a blessing and get a blessing. It's the only commandment that includes a promise.