The smell of apples and cinnamon

Friday, October 16, 2026
We're 2 months from final Christmas preparations. How is that possible?

After an event (like movie night on Wednesday), we expect life to be quieter and calmer. Yesterday's hike refreshed us; we are grateful for good health and are happy walkers. Today I have 3 items on the calendar, besides resetting the house. First, I pull apart Titik's Sunday arrangement to make 5 smaller ones.

Live flowers are a great pleasure. I lay the drooping snapdragons on a tray, immersed in water. Will their heads revive like roses do? (They do.)

Before Lew leaves for home, We debrief on his work for his dissertation this week. At 10, it's a joy to speak to our NZ friends, Lisa and John Bottomly. How I have missed teatime with Lisa!

Saturday
The morning sun comes up and shines on the gardens.

I joke with some friends that everything looks better with a poodle or two in it. When we're outside, they're nearby.

The fence seems to be working: the dogs stay out of the flowerbeds, even though the panels are not yet fastened to the posts.

On our walk past the local garbage dump, we spot a flock of chickens.

Some really beautiful roosters and hens root through garbage bags. They keep the bugs in check, too.

There are dead things on the road. This lizard met its end yesterday.

On the other hand, the neighbor's roses are coming along well.

The #PadmaHotelBandung's gardenia hedge has several new blooms.

I call Mom and we pray together. What a blessing to see her sweet face, even online.

I sit outside with a volunteer who arrives an hour early for the English program. A student paper has been on my desk for a week so I finally grade it and send it off with comments to the university. I work my way through Ann Patchett's latest book to prepare for the book club meeting next week.

The dogs are tied up outside my office, snoozing while the kids play and sing on the other side of the property. None of our creatures is anxious; with routines and knowing what to expect, they act relaxed and secure, no matter who comes over or how much noise happens.

Sunday

The walk is simple and straightforward at 6AM. The dogs are happy to be out, as are we. A closer look at some ordinary scenes astonishes me. This flower is usually tightly curled as it falls from the tall trees overhead. Look at the exquisite center!

The palm berries look like hollies, another reminder that Christmas is coming.

Martin speaks at the Gathering, about love and peaceful existance with those who intend to harm or distract from God's calling.

We take a young family out for lunch at Maxis. Their little guy enjoys running around the football-field-sized courtyard.

By the time we get home, Chandra has dropped off Titik's bouquet, a mix of roses, greens, and purples.

It's beautiful on the serving counter.

MId-afternoon, I am in the mood for ... what? not bread. not cookies. We have Granny Smith apples in the fridge, so why not? I toss ingredients into a bowl and bake the dough in a dozen cupcake liners. A half-hour later, we have apple muffins. Yumm.

W sets up the projector so we can watch a recommended movie Song Sung Blue. I dislike musicals (this is one) and it's about a former generation's music. Our movie night crowd wouldn't understand it or enjoy it.

Oh well. W is always looking for next month's film. Our own kids often refer the movies that young adults respond to. "Dad, have you watched ...?"

Read more:
* Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. Job 11:7-9

* O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things. Isaiah 25:1

* Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.” Judges 8:23

* Thomas answered [Jesus], “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28

* For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

Moriavian Prayer: Lord and God, help us to have faith in you. Even though we can’t see you, allow our unbelief to be vanquished by your glory and might. We pray in the name of our crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.