Adjustments

A perfect chocolate bar!

In Israel, this would be Shabbot and I wouldn't be using our phone or computers. Instead, I'm taking the day "easy" in preparation for a busy Sunday and week ahead. I may even much on the chocolate bar we found in Israel.

It's hard to come home from a trip. Household chores, yard gone wild, to-do's stacked up ... I can ignore most of them for a few days but laundry and unpacking have to be done at the first opportunity, preferably the day of arriving home. This is a genetic flaw, according to my mother, who reports, "It's a Schmidt thing. We all do it."

Card in watercolor

Except for the lousy weather, we've settled in. W's been back in the office, grading and catching up on tech. The dogs are groomed, the beds remade, and much of the clutter of coming home is cleared away. I painted a wedding card for a friend, cleaned and re-messed up my office, and bought healthy food.

I even cut my hair, which was driving me crazy on the trip. I'd almost asked the barber in Jordan who trimmed W's hair to let me use his shears. But, Karen Hannah, knowing how private and precious such scissors are to their owners, I didn't mention it.

Walking on pavement has frozen my muscles. I didn't mind walking on rock, gravel, or mud on the trip, but the asphalt of the neighborhood pounds my legs. Mind you, we only wore Keens and flip-flops for a month. Maybe I just need to get re-accustomed to constrictive footwear.

Fourplay

Last night, dear friends (and family) Mel and Martha took us to Jazz Alley for an excellent meal (steak for W, lamb curry for Martha, shrimp Louis for Mel, mushroom ravioli for me––all fab) and a concert by Fourplay. The tight sound and teasing (musical and otherwise) between the musicians boasted of their years together and amazing musicianship. It's been fun to celebrate finishing studies with such a variety of treats. Thanks to everyone who sent cards or congrats.

I'm looking forward to having the family around the table for lunch tomorrow, and chatting with girlfriends over tea in the evening. Seattle may be overcast, but life is good.

Read more:

*Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

*Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:14

*Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NIV

Moravian Prayer: You call us, God, to peace - not the peace of sleep, but the peace of people working together, helping one another and listening to one another. Make us instruments of your peace. Amen.