Povey Prattle

Yesterday o n this Blog and on Facebook I reported on the visit of Archbishop Tutu to my Dentist in Cambridge, MA. See this   https://jmichaelpovey-retiredpoveinsarasota.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-archbishop-tutu-met-my-dentist-1.html Whilst Archbishop Desmond and his wife Leah were at the Episcopal Divinity  School I had occasion to be there to have lunch with my friend and colleague the Revd. Andrew McGowan. He was then a Priest Associate at St. James's Cambridge, MA where I was the Rector.  More importantly he was the  Associate Professor of Early Christian History at E.D.S. As Andrew and I shared lunch, Archbishop Tutu wandered into the Refectory. "Andrew", I said, "would it be gauche of me to ask you to introduce me to the Archbishop?" No sooner said than done, Andrew introduced me  to the Archbishop.  I was not there for small talk. I was there for blessing.  Just as Elisha asked that some of Elijah's spirit would be given to him, so I dared to hope tha

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 in the most casual of casual clothes"  My Unitaria

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.........?