Povey Prattle

It was 2002.  Archbishop Tutu and  and his wife, Leah Nomalizo Shenxane were in residence at the Episcopal Divinity  School in Cambridge , MA. I was the Rector at St. James's. Cambridge, just about  a mile away from the Divinity School, on  Massachusetts Avenue. It happens that my Dentist was also on Mass Ave.  My new hygienist (from eastern Europe) asked me about my work.  When I replied it was clear that she had no clue about the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.  Seeking a way in I asked if she had heard of Archbishop Tutu. She became animated and lively.  She said "oh yes, he was here". My Dentist overheard our conversation.   He came into the room. It turns out that Archbishop Tutu had a minor dental problem. He  had been referred to my Dentist, who by now was quivering with joy. The Dentist said  "I expected him to arrive in a limousine with armed guards.  Instead he ambled up Mass Ave all alone ...

My   Good Friends don't want me to starve.    So every Christmastide they give me   Good Food. Nothing to do with Advent, but the cheese is good. Pears from Harry and David. Other great  foods from Harry and David Smoked Trout, and Smoked Salmon.  Good for me!

  Hoppin' (or Hopping) John Recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15931/hoppin-john/ I've been making Hoppin' John "lo these many years" for my New Year's Day dinner.   It's never brought the promised good luck, but nor has it brought bad luck. I make it because I like it! The following article deconstructs the myths of Hopping John; The Historic Problem With Hoppin' John by   Robert Mos s   Updated Dec. 22, 2020 urbanfoodie33,  Flickr Pin Share Email New Year's Day is approaching, which means we need to have a little talk about Hoppin' John. A savory blend of rice and black-eyed peas, it's served alongside collard greens as the traditional New Year's Day meal in the South and, increasingly, in other parts of the country. Eating those two dishes will ensure prosperity in the new year, and the collards represent greenbacks and the black-eyed peas coins. Or so they say. For a long time, if offered a plate of collards and Hoppin' Jo...

Task Accomplished -  two days later than usual. My custom has been to delay opening  the Christmas Cards I received during December until  Christmas Eve.  I would open them after  late service at which I had Presided.  It was a lovely way to come down to earth after the heavenly experience of Carols and Eucharist. Once retired, I delayed the card opening until Christmas Day, an equally lovely custom. A way to think of those people who love and care for me and I for them. Don't ask me why but I did not open my cards this (2021) Christmas Day. Nor did I open them on Boxing Day as I had promised myself. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was lazy! Now it is December 27th and it is still Christmas.  The cards  got opened today.  I savoured each and every one with joy! Maybe later is better. The paper knife was a gift from my brother Martyn and my sister-in-law Wendy; maybe at my 65th birthday. I reserve its use for Christmas.

  A Christmas Gift Damson Preserve on an English Muffin, with a side of exquisitely ripe Persimmon.

Boxing Day 2021    I have yet to open the Christmas cards I received this year. Maybe it's a task for December 27th.........?

  Christmas Socks and Slippers. A new adventure into fashion by me.  A gift from my sister in law Angela, presented to me when I was in Bristol, UK. in November 2021.  Thanks Ange! Thus, having been introduced to the world of Christmas Foot  Fashion, I consulted my Hatter regarding Christmas Head Gear  (foot to head so to speak).  Here I am with my Christmas Chapeau, with my famous  "so what?" look.

 

  Do they not know that the Holy Family were Middle Eastern not Western European? Or do they know it, and choose to ignore it?

  So many Two Twos, and on a Tuesday! If only I had made the appointment for 2.22 p.m.

  I've been the Christmas Day guest of my friends Fred and Diana for the buffet lunch at their Club on Longboat Key,  FL lo these many years. The food was always terrific, an occasion for me to gorge on Oysters. There was no banquet in December 2020 because of Covid.  And I was not able to accept their invitation in December 2019. So I was charmed and delighted to accept their invitation for 2021,   until I began to worry about the Omicron strain.   I foresaw a level of risk in the long buffet lines amongst those who chose not to wear masks. I voiced my concerns to Diana and Fred.  They shared them -  gosh and begorrah. PHEW  they had already decided to change the venue to the Lanai at  their LBK home.  Hurrah. There will be just four of us  (plus two dogs). Fred and Diana offered me a choice for the entrée. This will shock you!  I opted for I opted for Rack of Lamb! What a shocker!  Lamb twic...

  Oh dear, I forgot that 17th December 2021 was the 45th anniversary of my ordination as a Priest  at the now (sadly closed) Church of the Good Shepherd in Fitchburg, MA If it had been my wedding anniversary my forgetfulness would have been unforgiveable. But my ministry has changed. Forgetting is fine! \No more preaching.  No more presiding at a Celebration of the Holy Communion.  No more weddings (thank goodness!) No more baptisms of precious wee children  -  I miss that so much. These days my ministry is in partnership with my dog. You'll know all about that if you are a regular reader of this blog. My memory failed me .  That's O.K.  but I confess that my heart was warmed because  my Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Alan Gates did not forget! The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at the (Episcopal) Cathedral of St. Paul, Boston MA