Tea party traditions and obstacle courses

Every family creates its own traditions. Some are memorable. Some are cultural norms and no one thinks much about them.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

After 8:00, W's in the car and on his way to a meeting.  Some years I have more errands than he, but this year he's gone every day. One of these days, I have to book the car for my errands and meetings. We count on this annual home-assignment to keep our driving skills sharp.

The kids, Melissa, and I head into the neighborhood for a short walk. With people at work and kids in school, the streets are empty.

The kids are riding bikes. They pace us or fly ahead on the 2-mile stroll. We borrow books from a Little Free Library - will exchange them with others we've read. In our Indonesian neighborhood, Dr Wuri and I set up the first Indonesian LFL but hardly anyone reads there. And maybe they don't understand that the books are really free for the taking?

The maples are loaded with helicopter seeds above our heads.

The kids have set up an obstacle course on the gravel walkway to our door. Levi races his tractor down the slope, pedaling and steering around rocks and logs, and shooting onto the forest path. His little sis hangs on for dear life behind him.

Back inside, the hardest part of the day is waiting for the kettle to boil. The Zojirushi pot has been going strong for over a decade. I decide on a 20 oz mug that makes the wait worthwhile. I steep Randy Martin's recommended Boh Gold Cameron tea (available in Malaysia). Randy, you knew what you were talking about!

Tea party anyone? I set the tea tray out in the morning so I can nap before the kids come down. They picked the flowers in the woods the other day. 

I tuck the corners under in the LR: the old Karastan rug edges are frayed and its fringe almost gone. It still is one of the prettiest patterns in the flat.

Last night I cleared out the dining room. Our mail is processed, boxes are unpacked, and suitcases are filling up for our return trip. W helps me put down the rugs we moved out of the LR. It's a relief to work and sip tea at a clean table!

I love the 4'X4' 3-D painting by Marianne Maksirisombat, purchased after her art show at Northwest University in (?)2008. When you find a piece you like, it stays current.

The flat feels cozier as we set out traditional items - everything has a history for me. Dad filled the teal-and-gold vase with roses for Mom for their 25th anniversary. They found the Russian figurine at an antique store. The bone china trays were a gift from my favorite auntie and uncle (Molly and Erich). My Wedgwood teapot and plate were in boxes I stored at my parents' house when we moved to Indonesia. (Who knew if we'd stay or return?)

I expect our kids will jettison everything when we're gone but we enjoy them for now.

Since W is away, I make a lunch I love. It's delicious to the last Brussel sprout and the last TJ Chicken Gyosa, sprinkled with soy sauce.

Mind you, I follow up the healthy meal with one of Keelee McGee's Blackbottom Cupcakes. (Chocolate, cheesecake, walnuts - and it's eggless.) Get in touch with her if you want her to make you some.

Tea party is so much fun.

An Indonesian friend has asked me to bring her some maple leaves from Seattle, but they're stunted and not vibrant this year due to the extended drought.

Wednesday

I'm off to the Lake Forest Commons in the morning. Friends join the conversation. 

Lydia Harris shares her wonderful book: it's packed with recipes, questions, and explorations grandparents can do with their grandchildren.

I'm off to do some shopping. It's a treat to be alone, to drive independently. Ordinary things that we take for granted here don't happen in Indonesia. Our driver buzzes down the roads to a pre-determined destination. There's no slow browsing and turning into this parking lot or that shop as we go by. 

So I don't go out much just to explore. Here, I take my time and it's a much-appreciated soul-refresher.

Thursday

While our friends take the dogs hiking in Bandung, W and I go for lunch with friends Jessa and Lucien.

Since we're close to the clearance stores, we stop in on the way home for a few pairs of shoes (60% off clearance @Nordstrom Rack.) Part of our annual ritual is replacing things that wear out on the rough streets and in the tropical climate of our city.

I called my mom in the morning but when we get home there's bad news. She's sitting a wheelchair in the waiting room of Chilliwack Hospital's emergency. She wrenched her back pruning roses yesterday and they're trying to find out why she is in such pain. She won't sit still at home so it's gotten worse.

We chat on my brother's phone - what a trooper he is. He expects they may be there until midnight. The room is full of people waiting to see a doctor. Prayers are appreciated!

Read more:

*The Lord will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3 NIV

*Our Lord Jesus Christ will also strengthen you to the end. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

*There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6

Moravian Prayer: Guide our feet, Lord, while we run the race set before us. Help us to always trust in you, knowing that, even in the most difficult times, you will not let us stumble. Grant us the strength to move forward today and every day. Amen.