A brother-in-law died last weekend, and we are planning to go to the memorial service next weekend. Last evening I was asked by his sisters to officiate at the service. Their minister (whose wife died less than six months ago) is away on a much needed two week vacation and all the usual fill-ins are unavailable. I said I'd do it. They are still seeking a minister, and I'd be fine with that panning out. But if not, I'll step in. It can't be harder than officiating at my own mother's funeral 13 years ago this week, right? Meanwhile, I am pulling together a liturgy that meets their needs.
John was a gentle soul who was easy to like. He was a civil engineer who built bridges and was a recovering alcoholic for 20+ years, who helped many many people suffering from addiction. He was 73 and died of heart related issues.
Central California ag report, a little late this week. Lots of activity--trucks and equipment going here and there. Tomato trucks, onion trucks, and now almond trucks. The almond harvest is underway, and I think the pistachios can't be far behind. Some wine grapes (champagne, maybe?) being harvested, raisin vineyards being prepared for drying (the dirt between the rows is very carefully smoothed, with a bit of a slope). I see corn from a foot high to ten feet high, depending on when it was planted; much of it will be used for silage. Alfalfa is still being cut, and hay baled. Cotton still in flower.
Not a hard weekend, although my beauty sleep suffered… Taking a nap in the back room before driving home is proving to be a REALLY good idea.
Yeah, Howard'd be da One!
ReplyDeleteA brother-in-law died last weekend, and we are planning to go to the memorial service next weekend. Last evening I was asked by his sisters to officiate at the service. Their minister (whose wife died less than six months ago) is away on a much needed two week vacation and all the usual fill-ins are unavailable. I said I'd do it. They are still seeking a minister, and I'd be fine with that panning out. But if not, I'll step in. It can't be harder than officiating at my own mother's funeral 13 years ago this week, right? Meanwhile, I am pulling together a liturgy that meets their needs.
ReplyDeleteJohn was a gentle soul who was easy to like. He was a civil engineer who built bridges and was a recovering alcoholic for 20+ years, who helped many many people suffering from addiction. He was 73 and died of heart related issues.
Central California ag report, a little late this week. Lots of activity--trucks and equipment going here and there. Tomato trucks, onion trucks, and now almond trucks. The almond harvest is underway, and I think the pistachios can't be far behind. Some wine grapes (champagne, maybe?) being harvested, raisin vineyards being prepared for drying (the dirt between the rows is very carefully smoothed, with a bit of a slope). I see corn from a foot high to ten feet high, depending on when it was planted; much of it will be used for silage. Alfalfa is still being cut, and hay baled. Cotton still in flower.
ReplyDeleteNot a hard weekend, although my beauty sleep suffered… Taking a nap in the back room before driving home is proving to be a REALLY good idea.
--Alan