Thankful for every day

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

On the tree next to the porch, nature has overtaken the orchid base. It's pretty enough to be a table centerpiece.

We walk to the hall to check on supplies the volunteers will use to decorate for Christmas. This stag horn beetle is dead - but beautiful. If someone had brought me something like this as a child, it would have fascinated me to no end. Our Seattle grands are less enthusiastic about the treasures Oma brings from Indonesia.

Ready to go? Almost. The initial chaos is part of the process.

On another note,  the huge capiz shell chandelier in our first rental is unforgettable, even after 7.5 years. I keep looking for something similar but they cost hundreds of dollars, if you can find them. Nope.

W orders 1000 shells online for $15. The guy advertises them all with 2 holes but texts that he only has 450. So he promises to throw in an extra 100 if we'll take some without holes. Ok.

When the package arrive in four bags, there are 50 extra shells. Promises promises. 

But hey, we have nothing else to do but drill holes, right? It can take the place of knitting when I have to wait or feel bored. ha ha. (No, I don't knit, though Mom taught me how.)

I unwrap the upstairs tree and pull the netting into a tree skirt. Bailey is always at my heels. A poodle makes every picture better. 

I make sure the upstairs living room is ready for whoever spends the season with us. We never know who needs the respite. I like the shot-up target we found along the street - reminds me to stay on course. Plus it looks great on the wall!

We run Angie's options for the new logo past several teams and friends. This is what we decide on.

Thursday

It's American Thanksgiving. I walk into the living room with a thankful heart. I'm glad for yesterday's work and the privilege of stewarding a space like this.

The dogs are freshly groomed and look fit for the holiday season. That won't last long. One rainfall or one romp in the garden and they're back to regular dogs.

The vines are in full flame above the entry arch to Nara Park. We decide to have breakfast there after our walk.

First comes a tranquil cup of tea in the courtyard. I never get tired of eating outside with no temperature control needed.

I'm craving my usual: mie Rica (spicy noodles served with a side of broth.) Their popcorn shrimp/chicken reminds me of what I've missed in the past weeks when we've skipped dates.

Bromeliads and other greens, nursed as exotics in cooler climates, thrive here. They're rudely chopped back and will regrow over their boundaries in no time.

We miss the walk in the mountains, which is ok. The walkers are going through monkey territory and it's hard to keep tabs on Gypsy when he hears them. So the dogs have the day off, too.

We're at our computers most of the day until 3:00 and time to drive to the next city. We make a quick stop at the As-Is in IKEA near our hosts' home. What do these stuffed animals remind you of?

They have lights for 75% off in perfect timing for our Jesus the Light of the World Advent theme at IES Bandung.

Our Thanksgiving hosts have a beautiful overlook of the lake. The cooling breezes come up through the valley so they don't need A/C. Joy sets out the abundance of food everyone has brought.

Below is my plate of restraint. Really. There's so much food that I take a sample of most of it, before heaping a green salad on top. The home-brined meats include baked and then grilled chicken breasts. There are yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. The salad is crisp and fresh.

The conversation is easy, whether in the house or on the deck. Desserts include pies, whipping cream, and cookies.

W introduces a new game that is raucous and fun. The kids join in. They have found each other as they came in. Looking around the tables, we come from 6 nations.

It's after 8:00 when our car heads home, dropping off Alice and DrH at their house and bringing Melvi to ours. We have a plateful of leftovers for lunch tomorrow, too.

Friday

I'm on calls much of the morning. A plate of Thanksgiving food gets sent to Laurel, who missed the Thanksgiving party due to the flu. What a hard start to Indonesia. Thanksgiving is a big deal for Americans and missing time with new friends by being sick? Awful. We are thankful that she's here.

PakG hauls the IKEA lights, W's toolbox, and other odds and ends to the hall. W runs errands while I write and tidy up. We're getting close to the weekend. I feel the joy of Advent coming our way.

Read more:

*Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17