DEO+ in CLKSVL on Soque #1
Friday, July 10th
NEW home town address:
125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 3052
NEW “snail mail address”! Same cell phone #’s: DEO=770-402-7719;
BWO=678-447-2114; same e-mail: dwightogier@bellsouth.net
New e-mail for BWO: babso@windstream.net
Boxes, BOXES, boxes
All the Flat Rate cartons have arrived from STX; now finding a place for all the stuff is the chore or organization; then there are the cartons from the move!
In two Saturdays we will have a huge lawn-yard-garage sale: one man’s junk is another’s treasures; or sell, get rid or give away and excess “stuff” and unwanted things. Hopefully we pare down.
Sun Rise on the screen porch & Morning Coffee
Usually I am awake, up and puttering around near 5:30am; coffee in hand we greet the first light on our screen porch; there a lovely East view where the Sun shines thru the tall trees at his morning rise as we enjoy the new day with the local birds singing. There is a lively hymn from Lift Every Voice and Sing LEVAS): “Oh, what a morning! When the stars begin to fall and the Sun begins to shine!”
I read The Daily Office on the screen porch; after the Sun Rises, when there is enough light, then Forward Day By Day. It’s quiet time in the cool of the morning in North Georgia, which begins the day right.
Early morning walk
In good weather we walk near early light. Walking is our way to discover and SEE the new town and neighborhood. One block from our home is the green way that wanders from town onto the plane of public land along the Soque River bank. Wally our son-in-law has a garden plot growing veggies and flowers in the rich bottom land in the community garden. We enjoy the early morning hours before the sun heats up the humidity. Then home for healthy breakfast at 8am.
Grace-Calvary our new Church
We are two blocks from our Church; historic Grace-Calvary; white clapboard; Boxed pews; clear light infused windows; Colonial-style carpenter Gothic. Nice folks; Good music. It’s an active congregation with good outreach and a mission conscience.
Discover ministry and meaning
Now I am “home” I lie fallow and wait for some meaningful involvement in community and personal ministry. I pray for creative inspiration and people oriented interaction in some sort of ministry. Time will raise me up in some new calling.
“Chelsea” in Cat Heaven
She was an old lady cat rather lame and crippled beyond her years! Her kidney failure and back legs were too weak to stand or walk more than three or four steps; a sad ending for our cat of fourteen years. We adopted Chelsea from Nancy in Cumming, then loaned her back when we went to Saint Croix; Nancy delivered Chelsea to us the week of June 26th; I arrived home on July 1st to discover a thin light weight bag of bones still alive but not eating. She could no longer make it to the cat-box; puddles were frequent. It was a sad time for us, especially our loving Chelsea; so we had her “put down” at the vet. It was a time of sadness and grief. I choose NOT to bring the body home and forgo a burial in the back yard or over the fence in the woods. We left her in the arms of the vet assistant, weeping as we departed on Saturday, July 3rd.
“Lexie” our New Kitten
The Four Seasons hair saloon on the Square of Clarkesville had begun to feed a stray kitten; the owner, John Trapp, got the shots and spayed the baby cat; Cheryl is operator spread the word among her customers the kitten was available for adoption. Babs went to have her hair cut; the rest is history; we brought “LEXIE” home on Monday (7/5) in a barrowed Cat box transfer crate as she meowed and complained all the way home! We installed a cat-box in the second bath and she has adapted rather well; it’s fun to have a kitten and watch her play with cat toys and scratch on the card board claw box laced with cat-nip! We are cat people again!
Ham Radio Shack
Climbed onto the roof and strung a G5RV antenna in East-West direction; but threw a brick over a tree limb and it swung back breaking a window in Den! With home call the glass man will charge $200 for replacement of window; my new $200 antenna! Now set up a my Ham Radio “Shack”; so far I get good reception; heard in first few minutes: Arizona and Germany on 20 meters.
WINDSTREAM our server
We have a new e-server and have gone wireless in the home; a phone line-based broad band system sent out from a modem plugged into the telephone jack; we can use our lap tops anywhere in the house or on the porch! I am keeping: dwightogier@bellsouth.net until further notice. Babs now uses: babso@windstream.net
Walk to town and Post Office
We walk into town in three or four blocks; coffee shop with “wi-fi”; fancy antique stores; and décor gift stuff abound; Ingles the only food store just one mile way. I walk the outgoing letter mail just for the exercise.
NEXT find Doctors and barber
I need discover a GP, eye glasses Dr, Dentist & barber; Babs is one step ahead.
While I was still on STX, BWO already established herself with physician and dentist; now it my time for the adjustments of moving into a new hometown!
“Corry” our yard boy and handyman
We share a lawn mower-ride tractor with “Whissey” our across the street neighbor; Not real sure I will purchase a riding mower; 100 mows and we still will not have paid for a tractor mower! He’s a good painter and yard trimmer.
It’s easier for me to pay someone than do the drudgery myself, especially clean out the leaf filled gutters!
Ace is the Place!
Habersham Hardware (an Ace affiliate) or the big Ace Hardware on the Gainesville Highway gets our dollars; purchased a two front wheeled barrow,
replaced an Ace dating back to Mobile; some 24 years ago. Struts rusted on the wheel support system.
It’s quiet until week ends.
Garison Keeler would find this town his liking! Small town, slow, lovely trees.
Weekends we hear the roar of motor cycles riding thru town from “hot-Lanta.”
Weekender bikers discover the country; and we are it!
One block away from good BBQ and Cat Fish!
When the breeze blows in our direction, we smell BBQ; it’s rather pleasant. Delicious pulled pork, beef brisket and fried cat fish are the specialties for
The Hawg Wild BBQ and Cat Fish House is a popular spot for families and beer drinking country eat’in couples and single fellows looking for dates.
Tim, Robin, Wally & Phoebe for 5th July
With “Old Glory” flying in the wind and the Georgia State Flag hanging from the drive way tree; our family gathered for hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, water melon, and fresh made peach ice cream.
We’ve changed our auto tags
Got new drivers licenses; registered to vote; and obtained a library card. We’re
Habersham residents and Clarkesville tax payers! We are beginning to settle into new home town.
New license plates
Now both autos have Habersham County plates; we both changed our drivers licenses to new address; we each have registered to vote; and both have a library card! We have joined the town!
We’re 17 miles from Helen and 26 miles from Gainesville; drive 30 miles we can be in North or South Carolina. Habersham County and Historic Clarkesville are North Georgia early mountain regions where our expanded cottage fits into the neighborhood under spreading tall oak trees. It’s a long way and different from the tropics of Saint Croix, but we remember and picture the people & friends we came to love and cherish.
Come See us! Stop for a visit!La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
LAST Day on STX
DEO on STX
Last Day
30 June 2010
I’m leaving on a Jet Plane!
Flight confirmed; departing on Cape Air @ 7:20am to San Juan; then Delta
Non-stop to Atlanta leaving @ 9am; projected arrival Hartsfiled @ 1:30PM
Ready to fly out and off Island, back “home” to new residence in Clarkesville!
Maids clean up the Condo
Right on time, Amber and her sister arrived for heavy and deep cleaning; I disappeared and went to the Post Office for final mailing of Flat Rate boxes;
The women did a great job cleaning and leaving the condo ready for close-up and tighten-down all hatches and windows!
Car wash and interior detail
Following a last meeting with the Wardens @ St. Peter’s office; I delivered the Nissan to the public parking lot in downtown Christiansted, ordered a though wash and interior detail and returned one hour later! Lovely, neat job! Best $30
I spent, gave him Ten dollar tip. $40 bucks for a super clean car to leave.
Pack up and haul every thing
I fly light with as little as I can carry: in Two Bags (one checked and one carry-on) plus a computer bag over the shoulder. Thanks be to God for flat rate US Postal box service!
Gave away food
Cleaned out the refrig; and gave away condiments; frozen foods, mil and eggs;
Dried pasta and noodles; bread and butter and jam; left-overs and liquor.
Made the rounds began with neighbors next door then across to single bed-room units: Barkers, Christmons, Dendtlers, Colombos, etc. Really enjoyed sharing
Stuff; some went to secretary and sexton at St. Peter’s.
Friends gather at Cheney Bay for Wednesday hamburger nite; good bye with the “Reef gang.” Lots of great friends from The Reef joined me for a last night at The East End Bar and Grill for $5 burgers; cards and shell Christmas ornament; Fun group! Later stopped at Duggans for a Martini and good-bye to Frank and Shawn; nice folks and happy memories at the beach bar and restruant.
Last pool swim at before bed and another dip pre-dawn before departure!
Relaxed and final “dips” in the Reef Pool near mid-night and before dawn @ 4:30am; I will miss the cool swim before bed and after arising and just before sun-rise!
Wednesday final Ham radio “check-in”My radio friends and radio weather observers at 6:40am DAILY contacts were gracious upon my announcements on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of my departure on Thursday; I will miss their friendship and off beat observations;
Weather net 2 meter Island morning check-ins have been a DAILY ritual and
Invisible group of friends; I hope to link up with them on HF or 40 meters Ham Radio.
Come to Clarkesville to See (Me) Us!
La Paz Y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Last Day
30 June 2010
I’m leaving on a Jet Plane!
Flight confirmed; departing on Cape Air @ 7:20am to San Juan; then Delta
Non-stop to Atlanta leaving @ 9am; projected arrival Hartsfiled @ 1:30PM
Ready to fly out and off Island, back “home” to new residence in Clarkesville!
Maids clean up the Condo
Right on time, Amber and her sister arrived for heavy and deep cleaning; I disappeared and went to the Post Office for final mailing of Flat Rate boxes;
The women did a great job cleaning and leaving the condo ready for close-up and tighten-down all hatches and windows!
Car wash and interior detail
Following a last meeting with the Wardens @ St. Peter’s office; I delivered the Nissan to the public parking lot in downtown Christiansted, ordered a though wash and interior detail and returned one hour later! Lovely, neat job! Best $30
I spent, gave him Ten dollar tip. $40 bucks for a super clean car to leave.
Pack up and haul every thing
I fly light with as little as I can carry: in Two Bags (one checked and one carry-on) plus a computer bag over the shoulder. Thanks be to God for flat rate US Postal box service!
Gave away food
Cleaned out the refrig; and gave away condiments; frozen foods, mil and eggs;
Dried pasta and noodles; bread and butter and jam; left-overs and liquor.
Made the rounds began with neighbors next door then across to single bed-room units: Barkers, Christmons, Dendtlers, Colombos, etc. Really enjoyed sharing
Stuff; some went to secretary and sexton at St. Peter’s.
Friends gather at Cheney Bay for Wednesday hamburger nite; good bye with the “Reef gang.” Lots of great friends from The Reef joined me for a last night at The East End Bar and Grill for $5 burgers; cards and shell Christmas ornament; Fun group! Later stopped at Duggans for a Martini and good-bye to Frank and Shawn; nice folks and happy memories at the beach bar and restruant.
Last pool swim at before bed and another dip pre-dawn before departure!
Relaxed and final “dips” in the Reef Pool near mid-night and before dawn @ 4:30am; I will miss the cool swim before bed and after arising and just before sun-rise!
Wednesday final Ham radio “check-in”My radio friends and radio weather observers at 6:40am DAILY contacts were gracious upon my announcements on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of my departure on Thursday; I will miss their friendship and off beat observations;
Weather net 2 meter Island morning check-ins have been a DAILY ritual and
Invisible group of friends; I hope to link up with them on HF or 40 meters Ham Radio.
Come to Clarkesville to See (Me) Us!
La Paz Y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Monday, June 28, 2010
Last week! Coming to the END of the Ministry
DEO+ on STX #33
Summer Soltice
The first day of summer arrive with a modest Sunrise, partially blocked by the remainder of “L92”; the Tropical Wave, no-longer named nor followed as she dissipated over Haiti and Puerto Rico after dumping up to four inches of rain; we had storms for three days on Saint Croix; BUT she regrouped and now has been renamed “L93”! She is headed toward the Gulf of Mexico, across Cuba. Monday, June 21st will be the longest day of the year; earliest Sunrise and latest Sunset. Welcome summer wherever you are; it’s not new here as Summer is all year round, just days a little longer now!
Last Vestry Meeting
Leaving my “Last Vestry Meeting” on Monday evening as a great joy! St. Peter’s functions as a “Family Church” and does a lot of business in committee of the whole; few committees meet for business. I pray my guidance has directed their corporate decision making into a smoother process. I introduced a three step process for the Agenda: Items for announcement, Items for discussion, items for decision; then normal reports. It’s an orderly process similar to the motion steps for voting……our meetings are shorter and more concentrated.
Guest teacher arrives
Rev. Dr. Raulston Nembhart from the Diocese of Central Florida, retired Rector of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Orlando; the Teaching Mission went full swing; we gather at 7pm, sang, prayed and listened to the speaker on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Fr. Raulston was the guest key-note speaker at the Friday night banquet. Good turn out, we averaged 45 people each night.
Adopted Father’s Day presence
What a nice home made gift I received from Naya Turnbull, age five!
The youth presented a special poetic interpretation of the meaning of Fatherhood at the conclusion of the Mass on June 20th; the children and teens presented gifts to their Dads; those “without Fathers present” adopted another male to receive their gift; I was given a picture frame and DAD card from Naya!
How sweet and thoughtful!
More auto/taxi “names”
“Jesus Now”, PUSH, Nobody Knows Me, Tom Cat, Fordy, Rise Again, Joy Ride, One Bad Boy, Blessings, TEK DAT!, Cool Rider, Who Feels it Knows it, BBQ, Celebration of Completion, Success Implied, Centerlane, The Frame Up,
I will rise, The Maid, FONS
Local “road house” closes
Chicken Charlie’s has been an East End local tradition for years; on Tuesday night (6/22nd) they closed the doors after a well advertised week of $2 all beverages-drink-up-the-stock; On Saturday a giant “yard sale” for equipment, chairs, tables, etc. The sale continued all week at selected hours; stuff walked out the door! Another business goes “south” because of the economy: ie, raised the rent!
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Summer Soltice
The first day of summer arrive with a modest Sunrise, partially blocked by the remainder of “L92”; the Tropical Wave, no-longer named nor followed as she dissipated over Haiti and Puerto Rico after dumping up to four inches of rain; we had storms for three days on Saint Croix; BUT she regrouped and now has been renamed “L93”! She is headed toward the Gulf of Mexico, across Cuba. Monday, June 21st will be the longest day of the year; earliest Sunrise and latest Sunset. Welcome summer wherever you are; it’s not new here as Summer is all year round, just days a little longer now!
Last Vestry Meeting
Leaving my “Last Vestry Meeting” on Monday evening as a great joy! St. Peter’s functions as a “Family Church” and does a lot of business in committee of the whole; few committees meet for business. I pray my guidance has directed their corporate decision making into a smoother process. I introduced a three step process for the Agenda: Items for announcement, Items for discussion, items for decision; then normal reports. It’s an orderly process similar to the motion steps for voting……our meetings are shorter and more concentrated.
Guest teacher arrives
Rev. Dr. Raulston Nembhart from the Diocese of Central Florida, retired Rector of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Orlando; the Teaching Mission went full swing; we gather at 7pm, sang, prayed and listened to the speaker on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Fr. Raulston was the guest key-note speaker at the Friday night banquet. Good turn out, we averaged 45 people each night.
Adopted Father’s Day presence
What a nice home made gift I received from Naya Turnbull, age five!
The youth presented a special poetic interpretation of the meaning of Fatherhood at the conclusion of the Mass on June 20th; the children and teens presented gifts to their Dads; those “without Fathers present” adopted another male to receive their gift; I was given a picture frame and DAD card from Naya!
How sweet and thoughtful!
More auto/taxi “names”
“Jesus Now”, PUSH, Nobody Knows Me, Tom Cat, Fordy, Rise Again, Joy Ride, One Bad Boy, Blessings, TEK DAT!, Cool Rider, Who Feels it Knows it, BBQ, Celebration of Completion, Success Implied, Centerlane, The Frame Up,
I will rise, The Maid, FONS
Local “road house” closes
Chicken Charlie’s has been an East End local tradition for years; on Tuesday night (6/22nd) they closed the doors after a well advertised week of $2 all beverages-drink-up-the-stock; On Saturday a giant “yard sale” for equipment, chairs, tables, etc. The sale continued all week at selected hours; stuff walked out the door! Another business goes “south” because of the economy: ie, raised the rent!
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Two weeks left!
DEO+ on STX
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
17 June 2010
More wind-shield “names”:
God Speed, White Fang, Rich Duffer-Poor Golfer, Gone Fish’in,
Man Sized, Fruit of the Loom, Nutty Fruit Cake, First & Last Nights,
Dark Horse, What see is what ya Get! I AM Here, 100% Fisherman,
Everyone Deserves Music, Good Bears Eat their Honey, Freeker,
Power to the Peaceful!, One Horn Butt Fish, Devine Beauty, 4x4,
Papillan, Dip, EZ@Home, Let them say, Better off Alone, My Lord and I,
Dream Catcher, Deadly Eyes, Ghost
Final Diocesan Clericus
Last Thursday (6/10) I met with the Bishop and clergy of the Diocese of the V.I.
For the final quarterly meeting before I depart from the V.I. +Ambrose calls the Deacons and Priests to meet together, pray, read Holy Scripture and share ones joys and sorrows in support with each other; we hear what’s on the mind of the Bishop and he listens to our concerns. I left the Diocesan Office a little sad; it was my last meeting on St. Thomas.
VEEP screws up air space
On Sunday, June 13th @ All Saint’s Cathedral, St. Thomas, a special Mass to honor the 39th anniversary of the Ordination as Priest, Canon Lionel Rymer; I was invited to participate; accordingly I did a “turbo Mass” in exactly One Hour;
Departing St. Pete’s @ 0930 and planned to fly over to STT via Seaborne Airlines, seaplane @ 10:20, allowing enough time to catch a taxi and make the 11:00 service at the Cathedral. The plane did not take off until 11:10am; held up by “the Presidential Aircraft” in the St. Thomas airspace! Vice President Joe Biden
Was flying in for a few days, spending fun and sun at a friend’s home! I arrived in time for the sermon, near 11:45. In a small space as the Virgin Islands, any different pattern always messes up other systems!
Last Trip to St. Thomas
On Sunday, I was invited to share in the celebration and Eucharistic service for the 39th Anniversary of Ordination; upon returning to STX from SST I realized this was my last flight over and back; all good things come to an end!
Clear horizon and Island View
The last few days have been exceptionally clear and stiff breezes cleared the horizon; the evenings and mornings brilliant with a Lovely Sun rise and Sun Set!
Sewing Machines set up in Parish Hall
Babs has returned to Clarkesville, but she would be right at home among the folks at St. Peter’s this week as they brought their sewing machines and set up a production of sewing chair backs and tie backs for the Patronal festival banquet; two of our men brought machines! In all seven people were sewing at the same time!
Two weeks till Georgia!
Today in two weeks I will be back home! I depart on July 1st; We’re on a down hill slide; I am mailing and giving stuff away; ship home via USPS in flat rate boxes.
Taking Holy Communion to shut-ins
On Monday and Wednesday (6/14 & 15) I delivered the Holy sacrament of Eucharist to eight shut-ins of the parish; this was my final visit with these faithful folks; many listen to the Sunday service over the radio broadcast. Pastoral care has been a top priority for me in this Interim Ministry task at St. Peter’s. My predecessors were unfortunately not that diligent and some even neglected the shut-ins! What a joy to sing and pray with our people, accompanied by two or three laity.
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
17 June 2010
More wind-shield “names”:
God Speed, White Fang, Rich Duffer-Poor Golfer, Gone Fish’in,
Man Sized, Fruit of the Loom, Nutty Fruit Cake, First & Last Nights,
Dark Horse, What see is what ya Get! I AM Here, 100% Fisherman,
Everyone Deserves Music, Good Bears Eat their Honey, Freeker,
Power to the Peaceful!, One Horn Butt Fish, Devine Beauty, 4x4,
Papillan, Dip, EZ@Home, Let them say, Better off Alone, My Lord and I,
Dream Catcher, Deadly Eyes, Ghost
Final Diocesan Clericus
Last Thursday (6/10) I met with the Bishop and clergy of the Diocese of the V.I.
For the final quarterly meeting before I depart from the V.I. +Ambrose calls the Deacons and Priests to meet together, pray, read Holy Scripture and share ones joys and sorrows in support with each other; we hear what’s on the mind of the Bishop and he listens to our concerns. I left the Diocesan Office a little sad; it was my last meeting on St. Thomas.
VEEP screws up air space
On Sunday, June 13th @ All Saint’s Cathedral, St. Thomas, a special Mass to honor the 39th anniversary of the Ordination as Priest, Canon Lionel Rymer; I was invited to participate; accordingly I did a “turbo Mass” in exactly One Hour;
Departing St. Pete’s @ 0930 and planned to fly over to STT via Seaborne Airlines, seaplane @ 10:20, allowing enough time to catch a taxi and make the 11:00 service at the Cathedral. The plane did not take off until 11:10am; held up by “the Presidential Aircraft” in the St. Thomas airspace! Vice President Joe Biden
Was flying in for a few days, spending fun and sun at a friend’s home! I arrived in time for the sermon, near 11:45. In a small space as the Virgin Islands, any different pattern always messes up other systems!
Last Trip to St. Thomas
On Sunday, I was invited to share in the celebration and Eucharistic service for the 39th Anniversary of Ordination; upon returning to STX from SST I realized this was my last flight over and back; all good things come to an end!
Clear horizon and Island View
The last few days have been exceptionally clear and stiff breezes cleared the horizon; the evenings and mornings brilliant with a Lovely Sun rise and Sun Set!
Sewing Machines set up in Parish Hall
Babs has returned to Clarkesville, but she would be right at home among the folks at St. Peter’s this week as they brought their sewing machines and set up a production of sewing chair backs and tie backs for the Patronal festival banquet; two of our men brought machines! In all seven people were sewing at the same time!
Two weeks till Georgia!
Today in two weeks I will be back home! I depart on July 1st; We’re on a down hill slide; I am mailing and giving stuff away; ship home via USPS in flat rate boxes.
Taking Holy Communion to shut-ins
On Monday and Wednesday (6/14 & 15) I delivered the Holy sacrament of Eucharist to eight shut-ins of the parish; this was my final visit with these faithful folks; many listen to the Sunday service over the radio broadcast. Pastoral care has been a top priority for me in this Interim Ministry task at St. Peter’s. My predecessors were unfortunately not that diligent and some even neglected the shut-ins! What a joy to sing and pray with our people, accompanied by two or three laity.
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Sunday, June 6, 2010
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
DEO+ on STX #30
June 6th, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost
More auto/taxi/truck wind-shield “Names”:
Looks can Be Deceiv’in, Low Flying Angel II, Psalm 23, Little Man Big Feet,
A Child of Jesus, Son of the King, No Other Than Me, All One Krew, Gospel Train,
In My Charge, The Lord is my Shepherd, White Charger, Believe it!, Mi No Beg No Fern, God is Allah!, Dodged!, Jah Guidance, Tuff Country
Confirmation Class
The students build a note book of hand-outs. My goal is for each student to become friends with The Book of Common Prayer so using as a life resource, they will grow into their faith as they mature intellectually and spiritually. I hope each teen or adult to establish and make a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. Deacon Gumbs taught the class on Saturday, June 5th, based on “prayer.” We practiced different postures and worked on the gestures of “making the sign of the cross” and genuflection.
Wednesday night $5 hamburgers
Chenay Bay, Mahi restaurant serves $5 hamburgers every Wednesday night;
$2 Budweiser Bottled Beer; the extras (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. are added on $) but it’s still a good deal and social outlet; many friends show up; always a group from The Reef! My bill is usually about $11!
Doctor Pepper and the Pool
When I was a little boy, we all knew that Doctor Pepper was made from prune juice! The ads and logo said: Drink Dr. Pepper: Ten, Two and Four!
There was a clock dial with 10, 2 & 4 highlighted. It has occurred to me, I swim two, three or four times per day, usually around or near: 10pm, 4 to 6:30am, maybe 10am, and 2pm. One can’t set the watch but I’m there late night before bed, just after or near sunrise, and mid-afternoon. It’ stimulating and refreshing.
The 80 degree+ water temp makes for great sleeping and awakening. I jump in like a “Dr. Pepper,” 10, 2 & 4! It’s a sweet dip without the prune juice!
40th anniversary planning committee
The well rounded and representative committee planning the 40th anniversary celebration has been working diligently and regularly; I attend when needed; the neat thing it’s moving along.
Just Me and Charlotte at Duggan’s
Sunday brunch at Duggan’s Restaurant is a “tradition” for Dendlters, Ogiers, Christmons, and “others” from our circle of friends at The Reef. Today it was just Charlotte and I as both our spouses were on the mainland and the Christmons had flown to Kentucky for a family emergency funeral.
Sunday first clear day in ten!“The African Dust” has blown over; the breezes are constant; the sun is high and hot; No rain the last 48 hours; seas are calm; slight breaking on the reef; winds out of the East North East; cumulus clouds billowing up after the Sunrise; Moon still up at quarter slice @ 5am: “That’s the weather observations from the North east end of Saint Croix, looking down on Teague Bay with Buck Island in clear view, this is W4DEO.” That was my radio report today on the TWO meter weather net @ 6:40am AST on 146.360 MHz frequency (St. John’s repeater). I’m on the air daily with regular Ham Radio friends and their familiar voices! We are very connected in the Virgin Islands.
ACOLYTES in “high heals”St. Peter’s has dedicated acolytes; the best are the females; our battle is for the young women to wear low black shoes with toes covered; some how they don’t seem to get the dress requirements; they look lovely in Sunday dresses with modern high heal shoes, but the semi-bare feet in dashing strapped high heal pumps takes away the dignity of their acolyte vestments! It’s not just an Island “problem” but everywhere I seem to go………….at least we have dedicated youth show up and serve at the Altar with us on Sunday morning! I think I’ll take the high heals even though some of the younger women topple and sway.
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
June 6th, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost
More auto/taxi/truck wind-shield “Names”:
Looks can Be Deceiv’in, Low Flying Angel II, Psalm 23, Little Man Big Feet,
A Child of Jesus, Son of the King, No Other Than Me, All One Krew, Gospel Train,
In My Charge, The Lord is my Shepherd, White Charger, Believe it!, Mi No Beg No Fern, God is Allah!, Dodged!, Jah Guidance, Tuff Country
Confirmation Class
The students build a note book of hand-outs. My goal is for each student to become friends with The Book of Common Prayer so using as a life resource, they will grow into their faith as they mature intellectually and spiritually. I hope each teen or adult to establish and make a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. Deacon Gumbs taught the class on Saturday, June 5th, based on “prayer.” We practiced different postures and worked on the gestures of “making the sign of the cross” and genuflection.
Wednesday night $5 hamburgers
Chenay Bay, Mahi restaurant serves $5 hamburgers every Wednesday night;
$2 Budweiser Bottled Beer; the extras (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. are added on $) but it’s still a good deal and social outlet; many friends show up; always a group from The Reef! My bill is usually about $11!
Doctor Pepper and the Pool
When I was a little boy, we all knew that Doctor Pepper was made from prune juice! The ads and logo said: Drink Dr. Pepper: Ten, Two and Four!
There was a clock dial with 10, 2 & 4 highlighted. It has occurred to me, I swim two, three or four times per day, usually around or near: 10pm, 4 to 6:30am, maybe 10am, and 2pm. One can’t set the watch but I’m there late night before bed, just after or near sunrise, and mid-afternoon. It’ stimulating and refreshing.
The 80 degree+ water temp makes for great sleeping and awakening. I jump in like a “Dr. Pepper,” 10, 2 & 4! It’s a sweet dip without the prune juice!
40th anniversary planning committee
The well rounded and representative committee planning the 40th anniversary celebration has been working diligently and regularly; I attend when needed; the neat thing it’s moving along.
Just Me and Charlotte at Duggan’s
Sunday brunch at Duggan’s Restaurant is a “tradition” for Dendlters, Ogiers, Christmons, and “others” from our circle of friends at The Reef. Today it was just Charlotte and I as both our spouses were on the mainland and the Christmons had flown to Kentucky for a family emergency funeral.
Sunday first clear day in ten!“The African Dust” has blown over; the breezes are constant; the sun is high and hot; No rain the last 48 hours; seas are calm; slight breaking on the reef; winds out of the East North East; cumulus clouds billowing up after the Sunrise; Moon still up at quarter slice @ 5am: “That’s the weather observations from the North east end of Saint Croix, looking down on Teague Bay with Buck Island in clear view, this is W4DEO.” That was my radio report today on the TWO meter weather net @ 6:40am AST on 146.360 MHz frequency (St. John’s repeater). I’m on the air daily with regular Ham Radio friends and their familiar voices! We are very connected in the Virgin Islands.
ACOLYTES in “high heals”St. Peter’s has dedicated acolytes; the best are the females; our battle is for the young women to wear low black shoes with toes covered; some how they don’t seem to get the dress requirements; they look lovely in Sunday dresses with modern high heal shoes, but the semi-bare feet in dashing strapped high heal pumps takes away the dignity of their acolyte vestments! It’s not just an Island “problem” but everywhere I seem to go………….at least we have dedicated youth show up and serve at the Altar with us on Sunday morning! I think I’ll take the high heals even though some of the younger women topple and sway.
Come See Me Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Monday, May 31, 2010
#29 Memorial Day
DEO+ on STX #29
May 31st 2010: Memorial Day
Trinity Sunday
The Sunday after Pentecost or Trinity Sunday was Memorial Day weekend.
The local American Legion came to St. Peter’s for fallen war soldier remembrance; they carried out and presented the American and V.I. flags during the singing of the patriotic Hymn of Praise and Offertory Presentation.
Confirmation Class on Saturday morning
On Saturday our theme was: Who is Jesus? The young people responded with enthusiasm and I felt good about the Confirmation Class and the teens (& one adult) as they defined Jesus in their personal lives.
Stormy weather
The weather patterns have changed as wind shifted to the South and S.W.;
Daily rain storms and night squalls keep one on the toes closing shuttered windows and not leaving windows open while away from the unit. Murky and hazy horizon keeps the visibility at a minimum; unable to see the North Islands! The South and S.E. winds are not as constant as the normal North East prevailing trade winds.
First Clear Day on horizon
Today, Trinity Sunday, was the first clear day able to see St. John’s the last few weeks .
Give it away!
I am paring down excess “stuff” acquired in our stay: Golf games & food.
After purchased a “ten-pack” of 10 golf games, paying for 18, receiving 20 games, I gave away last seven games, transferring to “Shawn” the bar-tender at Duggan’s Restaurant; for this I will receive 10 or 15 drinks! Good deal for both of us; it’s called “bartering.” Some needy folks at the Church have received some excess food stuffs. Still more “things” to give away. I am cleaning house! Paring down!
East End Social Club steak out
The normal Saturday evening social event was moved to Sunday because of severe weather; we gathered at Al’s for steaks and bring your own drinks and side dish; I prepared a tasty “wilted lettuce fruit salad,” which actually came out superb; bowl was cleaned out when I left!
The Moon is Full!
It’s been a beautiful Full moon the last few nights behind the cloudy skies; lovely and mystical.
Washing dishes and washing clothes
It seems every day I either wash up clothes or dishes. Doing the sheets takes planning since to conserve electricity I hang clothes, towels and sheets on the line in the back atrium walled patio.
Crabs are out searching
With all the night rains, the crabs walk ashore and can be seen on the roads or along the bushes; why and what they are looking for I can’t fathom. Local people go out with buckets to gather in the live crabs; feed them rice to purge the dirt and mud then boil to cook/eat.
Next Interim selection in process
St. Peter’s is in the process of review and selection of the Next Interim Priest
that will follow my ministry; I have been sitting in on the selection interview and telephone questions; I keep quiet and encourage the Vestry after the process.
Indy 500
On Sunday afternoon I watched the Indianapolis 500 motor speed way classic race; enjoyed the action but found the process rather long waiting for the changes and potential crashes; fun afternoon; I’d rather watch on TV than be there in the extreme noise! One Charlotte NASCAR race enough for my taste in person!
Dogs and people on Ha’Penny Beach and Sunday brunch
After Mass, which we got finished early since the numbers were low; I stopped at Half Penny Beach on the way home for a quick walk along and shore. Lots of Sunday young couples walking their dogs showed me where those without Church dedication will gravitate toward. After my shore refresher, met friends at Duggan’s for a Sunday brunch; a “tradition every Sunday” almost weekly to set one watch to; the number at the table varies but the fellowship is always a high mid-Sunday experience!
ECW to Diocesan Convention
40 women away; a hole in the worship on Sunday morning; Trinity Sunday our lowest attendance yet since I arrived! Even though numbers were down, we sang with gusto! Holy, Holy, Holy!
I am here just ONE more month! So,
Come See ME Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
May 31st 2010: Memorial Day
Trinity Sunday
The Sunday after Pentecost or Trinity Sunday was Memorial Day weekend.
The local American Legion came to St. Peter’s for fallen war soldier remembrance; they carried out and presented the American and V.I. flags during the singing of the patriotic Hymn of Praise and Offertory Presentation.
Confirmation Class on Saturday morning
On Saturday our theme was: Who is Jesus? The young people responded with enthusiasm and I felt good about the Confirmation Class and the teens (& one adult) as they defined Jesus in their personal lives.
Stormy weather
The weather patterns have changed as wind shifted to the South and S.W.;
Daily rain storms and night squalls keep one on the toes closing shuttered windows and not leaving windows open while away from the unit. Murky and hazy horizon keeps the visibility at a minimum; unable to see the North Islands! The South and S.E. winds are not as constant as the normal North East prevailing trade winds.
First Clear Day on horizon
Today, Trinity Sunday, was the first clear day able to see St. John’s the last few weeks .
Give it away!
I am paring down excess “stuff” acquired in our stay: Golf games & food.
After purchased a “ten-pack” of 10 golf games, paying for 18, receiving 20 games, I gave away last seven games, transferring to “Shawn” the bar-tender at Duggan’s Restaurant; for this I will receive 10 or 15 drinks! Good deal for both of us; it’s called “bartering.” Some needy folks at the Church have received some excess food stuffs. Still more “things” to give away. I am cleaning house! Paring down!
East End Social Club steak out
The normal Saturday evening social event was moved to Sunday because of severe weather; we gathered at Al’s for steaks and bring your own drinks and side dish; I prepared a tasty “wilted lettuce fruit salad,” which actually came out superb; bowl was cleaned out when I left!
The Moon is Full!
It’s been a beautiful Full moon the last few nights behind the cloudy skies; lovely and mystical.
Washing dishes and washing clothes
It seems every day I either wash up clothes or dishes. Doing the sheets takes planning since to conserve electricity I hang clothes, towels and sheets on the line in the back atrium walled patio.
Crabs are out searching
With all the night rains, the crabs walk ashore and can be seen on the roads or along the bushes; why and what they are looking for I can’t fathom. Local people go out with buckets to gather in the live crabs; feed them rice to purge the dirt and mud then boil to cook/eat.
Next Interim selection in process
St. Peter’s is in the process of review and selection of the Next Interim Priest
that will follow my ministry; I have been sitting in on the selection interview and telephone questions; I keep quiet and encourage the Vestry after the process.
Indy 500
On Sunday afternoon I watched the Indianapolis 500 motor speed way classic race; enjoyed the action but found the process rather long waiting for the changes and potential crashes; fun afternoon; I’d rather watch on TV than be there in the extreme noise! One Charlotte NASCAR race enough for my taste in person!
Dogs and people on Ha’Penny Beach and Sunday brunch
After Mass, which we got finished early since the numbers were low; I stopped at Half Penny Beach on the way home for a quick walk along and shore. Lots of Sunday young couples walking their dogs showed me where those without Church dedication will gravitate toward. After my shore refresher, met friends at Duggan’s for a Sunday brunch; a “tradition every Sunday” almost weekly to set one watch to; the number at the table varies but the fellowship is always a high mid-Sunday experience!
ECW to Diocesan Convention
40 women away; a hole in the worship on Sunday morning; Trinity Sunday our lowest attendance yet since I arrived! Even though numbers were down, we sang with gusto! Holy, Holy, Holy!
I am here just ONE more month! So,
Come See ME Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Friday, May 28, 2010
May on Saint Croix
DEO on STX #28
28 May 2010
Returned to Saint Croix on April 28th
We returned to Saint Croix on Wednesday via the Delta non-stop Atlanta to STX. We overlapped with the Hays who were at the departing lounge waiting to board same plane back to Atlanta we arrived on! We talked thru the glass windo on cell phones; they were excited about their stay; we were excited to see them and return to STX!
In our absence: Atlanta Clergy couples
Fred and Julie Northup came for two Sundays supply at St. Peter’s; and Spurgeon and Judy Hays were on Saint Croix for one Sunday; both couples stayed in our Condo, separately and enjoyed their stay; the congregation liked the experience of a new face and new voice as celebrant and preacher. Both Priests did a great job and the people responded enthusiastically to their time.
It was a Good supply-exchange.
Nancy Forrest visited for L-O-N-G weekend
Our dear and long time friend, Nancy Forrest, across the Cul-de-sac, neighbor and original “mother” of our cat Chelsea, came to Saint Croix at our invitation for a four day weekend; we showed her all that time would allow; she wanted to be a “beach bum” and she kept her toes on the sand and Ocean the whole time! I took Nancy to the famous Isaacs Beach, the Sun rise at Point Udall; the three oo us drank rum and laughed about the changes in our “old neighborhood,” in Cumming, GA. When she departed, Babs and I were exhausted; we both said we couldn’t keep up with her energy and go at things full blast! Nancy is younger than our daughter, Robin! We love Nancy as our own daughter. She is a fine young woman of disciplined stature and strong moral posture; she hasn’t had all that a good experience with men; but that is just who she is! We can’t keep up with her! Nancy has temporarily re-adopted our cat and will keep her until I return in July. Then Chelsea moves to Clarkesville. Thanks, Nancy!
Babs got restless and “flew the coop.”
Returning to our “new home, Babs went back to Clarkesville on Monday, May 10th; she had had it with the Island life and missed precious Grand-daughter, Phobe who lives around the corner from our residence. So Babs packed up and went home early; really board being on Saint Croix. Like a hen roosting and nesting, she is happily back in Habersham County.
Nightly and dawn swim in The Reef Pool
I continue to jump in the pool and relax before going to sleep or take the plunge and awaken near dawn with the moon still shinning; it’s a climb up and own the 100 steep steps; I get the heart pounding before relaxing! I will miss this luxury!
Alone but not Lonely
I am batching-it thru my final days of Interim ministry with the good people of St. Peter’s. There is always something to do; I keep busy reading The Daily Office, study holy scriptures, lots of quiet time/prayer; and in projects of preparation, study, writhing, house cleaning, and walking. I have loads of friends in THE REEF Condos; Babs and I talk on the phone DAILY every morning before 7:30am and evening before 9:30pm. I keep myself occupied packing and cleaning up after myself. The Daily beach walks keep me rejuvenated.
Half Penny Beach and sea turtle tracks
My favorite beach is Ha’Penny Beach; a long stretch of uninterrupted deserted beach off the South Shore road; it’s thru the pink stone pillars; this week along the beach, I observed 12 sea turtle nests; and three newly marked tracks where she came ashore during the night to lay her eggs; the “tank-track-trail” revealed a slow climb from surf to dunes, digging a pit in the sand; laid her eggs and returned to the sea. The giant sea turtles return to the same beach, near the exact place where she was hatched! Amazing how “mother nature,” in her divine plan and the way creatures exist and the life cycle goes on; and death lingers around the corner of survival.
People of St. Pete’s very gracious about Babs
She is missed, already! What is part of the driving force Babs return to Georgia is her brother who is very ill in Savannah; Babs is one third of the care-team; her sister from Jacksonville and niece of Roswell; they divide up the weekends and mid-week “nursing” time with my brother-in-law, Tom. All these facts make Babs absence from St. Peter’s more acceptable. I still miss her!
Confirmation Class on track
Our blended group of teen and adolescents are rapidly growing into their faith;
I have spent most of the classes teaching the Book of Common Prayer as a resource and reference for our faith journey. We meet at 8am until 10am on Saturday morning; there is one adult who sits at the table with the teens; one sixteen year old; all the others are 12 to 14 years old.
Confirmation Lay Teaching Team
Before beginning the Confirmations Class, we established a Lay confirmation teaching team who will continue the process after I depart; next year the Confirmation teaching will not be dependent upon a Priest in Residence for confirmation preparation.
Paring down; living “without”So I have limited my surroundings and doing without a lot of the extra pleasures comforts! It’s amazing how little one can exist with and without!
Packing and shipping Flat Rate boxes
USPS personnel know my name and face! I am beginning to forward mail and change addresses; I pack up “stuff” we want to keep and mail home all the things we don’t want to carry aboard the plane of check the luggage. Why do I have so much junk/’stuff”?
Pentecost Sunday
“Whitsunday” was a day of red and excitement with two children for Baptism.
An attractive ten month old male all dressed in a white suit; and an eight year old girl dressed in a white princess dress with crown. Our numbers ran 180 with 100 communions.
The Bishop requested clergy referrals
Names, names, NAMES. The Next Interim will be different. The healthy process of continuing the Interim Ministry leadership during this transitional time will be a positive step for St. Peter’s. It is time for another leader/pastor/Priest to take the reins and work with the vestry and parish leadership.
All is focused on the 40th Anniversary
St. Peter’s Church is being spruced up; she is no longer delaying repairs and over due fix up projects! The Church is looking better! More cared for. The Parish maintenance and Interim Goals our top priorities during final month of ministry together.
Feeding the “sugar birds”
Bannaquits live in the tree and bushes on our front sea side patio; I purchased raw sugar which goes into a dish feeder every morning and evening attracting “the sugar birds.” These long beaked yellow and black tiny birds are fun to watch and encourage. They are God’s creations in flight and wing; chirping each morning before sun rise; happy in the rain and washing themselves in the bird bath. All a flutter!
Winds have shifted and blow in from the South
Weather patterns have now changed; visibility has reduced to a haze; seas are flat; overcast clouds prevail; it’s more humid and still; nights hot and muggy;
During the day it often rains. The haze is high humidity and NOT African Dust.
Lost power: It gets HOT!
WAPA is the Virgin Islands utility company; periodically we loose electric power;
Usually during the night; one feels the still air when the over-head fans cease.
One knows the electricity is off when one sees the blinking clocks as evidence of a power outage. Take off your shirt and sleep in the skives. Open the shutters and pray for a cross breeze!
Friends come and go
Mark and Vickie Baker Vickie returned on Friday, Bob left on Monday; both to check-on and assist with an ill adult son in Canton, Ohio; they live next door in Condo #432; Babs’ close friend, Vickie a nurse and neat lady; good buddy for Babs! They are responsible for the introduction to the owners of our residential Condo #433! Bob and Charlotte Dendtler who live across the fair-way; are here and gone again! Charlotte returned last week, Bob departed this week; they are/were responsible for the referral for my ministry introduction at St. Peter’s. Soon they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary here at The Reef; it should be a nice party/affair. Robert and Leeslie Christmon returned from Kentucky; retired Fire-fighter, Robert and Nurse, Leeslie are back!
Soon will close out local bank account
Upon arrival on Saint Croix, we established a local bank account; which we really could have done without; it did make check cashing and Church deposits faster;
In the next few weeks we will close out the First Bank and conclude our financial link here on Saint Croix. Thanks for the Wachovia (Wells Fargo) bank-by-mail- deposit-system; we usually mail checks back to Georgia and Bank by Mail.
Clarkesville Home closing
Sent to Law office my “Power of Attorney” assigning Babs to represent us both at the final closing yesterday, for 125 Betty Street on Thursday, May 27th; we are home owners again! Mildly in debt; we doubled our living floor space and cut our mortgage payment in half! Life is good; thanks be to the God of all clergy; we have been taken care of by the Church and attempted in the process to be good stewards of all we have received as a Gift from God.
Nissan dealer in foreclosure
Still NO metal license plates for the Church auto; we have paper window sticker (temporary plates)! The Church owned car still is not registered even though the church paid all the tag fees and taxes. The dealer spent the money collected on other stuff! We are waiting out a judgment of foreclosure. The bank has our license plates. Lawyers.
Hike to Isasic’s Beach
Isolated and deserted; private and desolate; naked tourists; some show their “Cotton tails” with pink buns; they run and hide or prance and show it all! I keep up my drawers and still have my tan lines!
Give it away!
Fans and kitchen gear; food stuffs and can goods; “tackey gifts,” and excess “stuff” is being shared with friends, Church members and neighbors. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we have acquired since arriving in February 2009! Attemping just to get rid of the gear; share the abundance; don’t hoard; and unload! Get ready to move home.
Early morning SUN Rise at Point Udall
Lately the over-cast skies have blocked spectacular sun-rises; but the prelude before the big red ball rises on the horizon is a colorful sky of red, pink, green, blue and gray; the clouds are illuminated with back light; the sea squalls are visible all directions from Point Udall @ day break; I usually arrive at the Eastern point in the territorial US before first light; it’s a religious moment of unity with creation in the eternal cycle of day light; the Sun also rises! See Psalm 8:
“O Lord, our God, how majestic is thy name in all the earth! When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou care for him? … the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the sea.”
Final sail on The Roseway
She returned to Boston via Bermuda then up to the Great Lakes for summer.
The red sails schooner departed on Sunday, May 23rd at 6am; her final “sun set sail” for the season on Saint Croix was Friday, May 21st; I signed on and enjoyed the swift winds and big waves; she took on the rough seas and as if just really getting started; full sail ahead; crew worked hard to manage the sails and keep her on course; a few passengers got sea sick which was not pleasant for them; the rail on the down wind side was their kneeling place of relief and prayer; I enjoyed the seat on the bench at the main-mast; lots of sea spray and some wave wash; lots of misty breezes and wet glasses. I loved it! Babs would NOT have been happy! I am thinking about signing on for the South bound voyage from Boston to Bermuda to Saint Croix in November????? Ahoy,Roseway!
More “windscreen titles”We continue to see autos, trucks and taxi with “names” on their windshields;
So here are some recently observed vehicle titles: Humble & Wise, To God be the Glory, Category 5, What’s up Doc?, Only One Life II, Rockers #1, G9Deva,
Female Baller, Tap Out, Traumatize, Let dem Wonder, The Intiminator, The Sunnami, Out of My Way, Victorious, Mean Green, Sea Flight, Albino Rhino,
Givenchy, Petoly Oil, Jimmy in Paradise, A Son of the King, and White Angel.
Five weeks today
I return to North Georgia on July 1st! In the mean time, there is still time for anyone wanting/needing a visit to STX; there is a nice quest room available. So,
Come see us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
28 May 2010
Returned to Saint Croix on April 28th
We returned to Saint Croix on Wednesday via the Delta non-stop Atlanta to STX. We overlapped with the Hays who were at the departing lounge waiting to board same plane back to Atlanta we arrived on! We talked thru the glass windo on cell phones; they were excited about their stay; we were excited to see them and return to STX!
In our absence: Atlanta Clergy couples
Fred and Julie Northup came for two Sundays supply at St. Peter’s; and Spurgeon and Judy Hays were on Saint Croix for one Sunday; both couples stayed in our Condo, separately and enjoyed their stay; the congregation liked the experience of a new face and new voice as celebrant and preacher. Both Priests did a great job and the people responded enthusiastically to their time.
It was a Good supply-exchange.
Nancy Forrest visited for L-O-N-G weekend
Our dear and long time friend, Nancy Forrest, across the Cul-de-sac, neighbor and original “mother” of our cat Chelsea, came to Saint Croix at our invitation for a four day weekend; we showed her all that time would allow; she wanted to be a “beach bum” and she kept her toes on the sand and Ocean the whole time! I took Nancy to the famous Isaacs Beach, the Sun rise at Point Udall; the three oo us drank rum and laughed about the changes in our “old neighborhood,” in Cumming, GA. When she departed, Babs and I were exhausted; we both said we couldn’t keep up with her energy and go at things full blast! Nancy is younger than our daughter, Robin! We love Nancy as our own daughter. She is a fine young woman of disciplined stature and strong moral posture; she hasn’t had all that a good experience with men; but that is just who she is! We can’t keep up with her! Nancy has temporarily re-adopted our cat and will keep her until I return in July. Then Chelsea moves to Clarkesville. Thanks, Nancy!
Babs got restless and “flew the coop.”
Returning to our “new home, Babs went back to Clarkesville on Monday, May 10th; she had had it with the Island life and missed precious Grand-daughter, Phobe who lives around the corner from our residence. So Babs packed up and went home early; really board being on Saint Croix. Like a hen roosting and nesting, she is happily back in Habersham County.
Nightly and dawn swim in The Reef Pool
I continue to jump in the pool and relax before going to sleep or take the plunge and awaken near dawn with the moon still shinning; it’s a climb up and own the 100 steep steps; I get the heart pounding before relaxing! I will miss this luxury!
Alone but not Lonely
I am batching-it thru my final days of Interim ministry with the good people of St. Peter’s. There is always something to do; I keep busy reading The Daily Office, study holy scriptures, lots of quiet time/prayer; and in projects of preparation, study, writhing, house cleaning, and walking. I have loads of friends in THE REEF Condos; Babs and I talk on the phone DAILY every morning before 7:30am and evening before 9:30pm. I keep myself occupied packing and cleaning up after myself. The Daily beach walks keep me rejuvenated.
Half Penny Beach and sea turtle tracks
My favorite beach is Ha’Penny Beach; a long stretch of uninterrupted deserted beach off the South Shore road; it’s thru the pink stone pillars; this week along the beach, I observed 12 sea turtle nests; and three newly marked tracks where she came ashore during the night to lay her eggs; the “tank-track-trail” revealed a slow climb from surf to dunes, digging a pit in the sand; laid her eggs and returned to the sea. The giant sea turtles return to the same beach, near the exact place where she was hatched! Amazing how “mother nature,” in her divine plan and the way creatures exist and the life cycle goes on; and death lingers around the corner of survival.
People of St. Pete’s very gracious about Babs
She is missed, already! What is part of the driving force Babs return to Georgia is her brother who is very ill in Savannah; Babs is one third of the care-team; her sister from Jacksonville and niece of Roswell; they divide up the weekends and mid-week “nursing” time with my brother-in-law, Tom. All these facts make Babs absence from St. Peter’s more acceptable. I still miss her!
Confirmation Class on track
Our blended group of teen and adolescents are rapidly growing into their faith;
I have spent most of the classes teaching the Book of Common Prayer as a resource and reference for our faith journey. We meet at 8am until 10am on Saturday morning; there is one adult who sits at the table with the teens; one sixteen year old; all the others are 12 to 14 years old.
Confirmation Lay Teaching Team
Before beginning the Confirmations Class, we established a Lay confirmation teaching team who will continue the process after I depart; next year the Confirmation teaching will not be dependent upon a Priest in Residence for confirmation preparation.
Paring down; living “without”So I have limited my surroundings and doing without a lot of the extra pleasures comforts! It’s amazing how little one can exist with and without!
Packing and shipping Flat Rate boxes
USPS personnel know my name and face! I am beginning to forward mail and change addresses; I pack up “stuff” we want to keep and mail home all the things we don’t want to carry aboard the plane of check the luggage. Why do I have so much junk/’stuff”?
Pentecost Sunday
“Whitsunday” was a day of red and excitement with two children for Baptism.
An attractive ten month old male all dressed in a white suit; and an eight year old girl dressed in a white princess dress with crown. Our numbers ran 180 with 100 communions.
The Bishop requested clergy referrals
Names, names, NAMES. The Next Interim will be different. The healthy process of continuing the Interim Ministry leadership during this transitional time will be a positive step for St. Peter’s. It is time for another leader/pastor/Priest to take the reins and work with the vestry and parish leadership.
All is focused on the 40th Anniversary
St. Peter’s Church is being spruced up; she is no longer delaying repairs and over due fix up projects! The Church is looking better! More cared for. The Parish maintenance and Interim Goals our top priorities during final month of ministry together.
Feeding the “sugar birds”
Bannaquits live in the tree and bushes on our front sea side patio; I purchased raw sugar which goes into a dish feeder every morning and evening attracting “the sugar birds.” These long beaked yellow and black tiny birds are fun to watch and encourage. They are God’s creations in flight and wing; chirping each morning before sun rise; happy in the rain and washing themselves in the bird bath. All a flutter!
Winds have shifted and blow in from the South
Weather patterns have now changed; visibility has reduced to a haze; seas are flat; overcast clouds prevail; it’s more humid and still; nights hot and muggy;
During the day it often rains. The haze is high humidity and NOT African Dust.
Lost power: It gets HOT!
WAPA is the Virgin Islands utility company; periodically we loose electric power;
Usually during the night; one feels the still air when the over-head fans cease.
One knows the electricity is off when one sees the blinking clocks as evidence of a power outage. Take off your shirt and sleep in the skives. Open the shutters and pray for a cross breeze!
Friends come and go
Mark and Vickie Baker Vickie returned on Friday, Bob left on Monday; both to check-on and assist with an ill adult son in Canton, Ohio; they live next door in Condo #432; Babs’ close friend, Vickie a nurse and neat lady; good buddy for Babs! They are responsible for the introduction to the owners of our residential Condo #433! Bob and Charlotte Dendtler who live across the fair-way; are here and gone again! Charlotte returned last week, Bob departed this week; they are/were responsible for the referral for my ministry introduction at St. Peter’s. Soon they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary here at The Reef; it should be a nice party/affair. Robert and Leeslie Christmon returned from Kentucky; retired Fire-fighter, Robert and Nurse, Leeslie are back!
Soon will close out local bank account
Upon arrival on Saint Croix, we established a local bank account; which we really could have done without; it did make check cashing and Church deposits faster;
In the next few weeks we will close out the First Bank and conclude our financial link here on Saint Croix. Thanks for the Wachovia (Wells Fargo) bank-by-mail- deposit-system; we usually mail checks back to Georgia and Bank by Mail.
Clarkesville Home closing
Sent to Law office my “Power of Attorney” assigning Babs to represent us both at the final closing yesterday, for 125 Betty Street on Thursday, May 27th; we are home owners again! Mildly in debt; we doubled our living floor space and cut our mortgage payment in half! Life is good; thanks be to the God of all clergy; we have been taken care of by the Church and attempted in the process to be good stewards of all we have received as a Gift from God.
Nissan dealer in foreclosure
Still NO metal license plates for the Church auto; we have paper window sticker (temporary plates)! The Church owned car still is not registered even though the church paid all the tag fees and taxes. The dealer spent the money collected on other stuff! We are waiting out a judgment of foreclosure. The bank has our license plates. Lawyers.
Hike to Isasic’s Beach
Isolated and deserted; private and desolate; naked tourists; some show their “Cotton tails” with pink buns; they run and hide or prance and show it all! I keep up my drawers and still have my tan lines!
Give it away!
Fans and kitchen gear; food stuffs and can goods; “tackey gifts,” and excess “stuff” is being shared with friends, Church members and neighbors. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we have acquired since arriving in February 2009! Attemping just to get rid of the gear; share the abundance; don’t hoard; and unload! Get ready to move home.
Early morning SUN Rise at Point Udall
Lately the over-cast skies have blocked spectacular sun-rises; but the prelude before the big red ball rises on the horizon is a colorful sky of red, pink, green, blue and gray; the clouds are illuminated with back light; the sea squalls are visible all directions from Point Udall @ day break; I usually arrive at the Eastern point in the territorial US before first light; it’s a religious moment of unity with creation in the eternal cycle of day light; the Sun also rises! See Psalm 8:
“O Lord, our God, how majestic is thy name in all the earth! When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou care for him? … the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the sea.”
Final sail on The Roseway
She returned to Boston via Bermuda then up to the Great Lakes for summer.
The red sails schooner departed on Sunday, May 23rd at 6am; her final “sun set sail” for the season on Saint Croix was Friday, May 21st; I signed on and enjoyed the swift winds and big waves; she took on the rough seas and as if just really getting started; full sail ahead; crew worked hard to manage the sails and keep her on course; a few passengers got sea sick which was not pleasant for them; the rail on the down wind side was their kneeling place of relief and prayer; I enjoyed the seat on the bench at the main-mast; lots of sea spray and some wave wash; lots of misty breezes and wet glasses. I loved it! Babs would NOT have been happy! I am thinking about signing on for the South bound voyage from Boston to Bermuda to Saint Croix in November????? Ahoy,Roseway!
More “windscreen titles”We continue to see autos, trucks and taxi with “names” on their windshields;
So here are some recently observed vehicle titles: Humble & Wise, To God be the Glory, Category 5, What’s up Doc?, Only One Life II, Rockers #1, G9Deva,
Female Baller, Tap Out, Traumatize, Let dem Wonder, The Intiminator, The Sunnami, Out of My Way, Victorious, Mean Green, Sea Flight, Albino Rhino,
Givenchy, Petoly Oil, Jimmy in Paradise, A Son of the King, and White Angel.
Five weeks today
I return to North Georgia on July 1st! In the mean time, there is still time for anyone wanting/needing a visit to STX; there is a nice quest room available. So,
Come see us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Monday, May 3, 2010
Off Island for Three Weeks
DEO on STX #27
“Off Island” for three weeks: April 7th - 28th
We returned to Clarkesville, Georgia
We came back to settle into our new residence on Wednesday (4/7); the following day, we drove a U-Haul to Cumming to transfer the final contents of the storage unit, the last delivery of furniture and “stuff”. We are all moved in! We need find locations for pictures and unpack numerous boxes! Tim came over from Cartersville (Pine Log) and was an invaluable asset; he is so strong; we drove together to Cumming in the U-Haul early in the morning and returned just after lunch hour; turning in the rental truck in Clarkesville. Tim mowed our lawn! The mower had been set up for over a year and took loads of cranking to turn over the engine; He cleaned out our Koi fish pond filter system and got the water pump functioning; our outdoor “wet pet” pond now has a flowing water fall!
On Tuesday another trip to Cumming
This time for Doctors appointments, lab tests-blood-work and banking; we emptied our safe-deposit-box; (we rented another at Habersham Bank); Babs made a material run for added quilting stuff. We purchased a toy “T-Ball” set for Phoebe; enjoying a great lunch at Atlanta Bread Company!
Escape to Phoenix
On April 16th [Tax Day plus One!] we flew to Scottsdale, near Phoenix, Arizona; rented a car and drove North along I-17; stopping at Arcosanti, the experimental urban alternative achcology “city” established by Soleri the famous designer of compact cities; there we enjoyed a lovely organic lunch and purchased a Solari bronze cast bell wind-chime. Stopping in Mayer, Az. for a steak at the Smok’in Harley Bar; we spent the night in the lodge above along the quiet river and slept soundly in the cold A/C; next morning a Jacuzzi bath then coffee on the porch with a view of the desert in full bloom. We drove north into and around the red rocks of Sedona; then returned to Scottsdale; Saturday we checked in early at the Camelback-Inn; great dinner in the hotel restaurant (one of five!); then into a long weekend at the National Conference at the Camelback Inn for Chaplains to the Episcopal Retired Clergy, sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. The sessions begin on Sunday, ended Noon on Tuesday. Our final night was a traditional Evening Prayer and Rite 1 Eucharist at a local Episcopal Church; then a lovely dinner at the Sanctuary restaurant (superb!). After a morning session, we checked out of the Camelback-Inn; I drove to the airport and turned in the rental car. We stayed Tuesday night in a Days Inn near Phoenix; eating with Ross and Gwinn Jones from Asheville, NC; they represent the Diocese of Western NC; we enjoyed the fine Mexican food at Sylvia’s as four-some. [Splitting the bill, Ross and I accidentally traded credit cards!] {We mailed each other’s card and received each by Monday!}
Then to Jacksonville
We returned to Atlanta late Wednesday afternoon; collected our car and trailer parked at St. John’s Church, College Park and headed south, spending the night in Cordelle; on Thursday we drove into Jacksonville, Florida and stayed with Terry and Archie Alderman thru Sunday. We attended our 50th Class reunion for Terry Parker High School.; a cock-tail party on Friday evening and banquet on Saturday at the Hyatt Hotel on the St. John’s River, Jacksonville; it was a great time of memories and seeing “old friends and acquaintances.”
Lots of friends
It was just important and a good return and knowing we were vertical; most of us were in our late sixties; some of our class had died; the memorial list is getting longer! Babs and I thought we looked pretty good comparing ourselves with others, some are becoming rather feeble and most are “over-weight!”
Back to Clarkesville
Departing on early Sunday morning we drove back “home” to Clarkesville. On Monday we spent time settling-in; unpacking, washing clothes and shifting stuff around in our new home.
Georgia was alive with spring time flowers!
It has been beautiful drives; white and pink dogwoods are in full bloom scattered in the woods; purple wisteria vines glow in the sun as grapes of wrath ending winter and announcing spring has sprung! Yellow oak and pine pollen, of course, cover the roof and cars; my black Ford 500 appears “green.” We hired Cory to “blow the gutters” and mow the yard; I cleaned out the Koi pond and unstopped the water pump; got the water fall flowing again! Our wet pets are happy and hungry!
Cousin Bob is dead!
Tuesday, with daughter Robin, we drove to Woodstock for the funeral of my 1st cousin, Robert Stirk who died by heart attack and lung infection at age 71! We were close relatives as our Mothers were “as sisters yet cousins,” also making us “cousins.” He had joined the American Russian Orthodox Church. His funeral was a “traditional orthodox service” with lots of chanting, icons, and incense and Priestly vestments. It was an open casket ceremony.
Last Kiss
Robin said, ”That was the weirdest service I have ever been to!” I did not offer “the last kiss,” by reverence of the Icon or Crucifix in the open casket; but did “pay my respects” by standing and praying before the deceased body of my cousin in the casket! An “open casket funeral”; long time since I had experienced
and worshipped with a family celebration.
STIRK Family gathered
The family celebrated afterward at the home residence with beers and sandwiches following the service. Robin and I returned to Clarkesville mid-afternoon.
Back to STX on Wednesday, April 28th
Awaking early near 4:30am ; we drove to Roswell, leaving our car at Missy and Ty Harmon (Babs’ niece); taking MARTA to the Airport; departing on Delta non-stop back to Saint Croix! We arrived mid-afternoon to warm sun and trade winds; it was good to be back on Saint Croix and return to our rented Condo #433 @ The Reef on Teague Bay!
Precious Robin’s birthday
Today is Robin Ogier Warren, PhD; our precious daughter; her 47th birthday!
Happy B’ Day Robin! April 28th changed our life on 1963; great day of memory
in Jacksonville, Florida.
Saint Catherine of Sienna
On April 29th, 1972 at Holy Trinity Church, West Palm Beach, I was ordained a Priest; today (4/29) is the 38th anniversary; blessed Catherine rejoices with me!
Come See Us, Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
“Off Island” for three weeks: April 7th - 28th
We returned to Clarkesville, Georgia
We came back to settle into our new residence on Wednesday (4/7); the following day, we drove a U-Haul to Cumming to transfer the final contents of the storage unit, the last delivery of furniture and “stuff”. We are all moved in! We need find locations for pictures and unpack numerous boxes! Tim came over from Cartersville (Pine Log) and was an invaluable asset; he is so strong; we drove together to Cumming in the U-Haul early in the morning and returned just after lunch hour; turning in the rental truck in Clarkesville. Tim mowed our lawn! The mower had been set up for over a year and took loads of cranking to turn over the engine; He cleaned out our Koi fish pond filter system and got the water pump functioning; our outdoor “wet pet” pond now has a flowing water fall!
On Tuesday another trip to Cumming
This time for Doctors appointments, lab tests-blood-work and banking; we emptied our safe-deposit-box; (we rented another at Habersham Bank); Babs made a material run for added quilting stuff. We purchased a toy “T-Ball” set for Phoebe; enjoying a great lunch at Atlanta Bread Company!
Escape to Phoenix
On April 16th [Tax Day plus One!] we flew to Scottsdale, near Phoenix, Arizona; rented a car and drove North along I-17; stopping at Arcosanti, the experimental urban alternative achcology “city” established by Soleri the famous designer of compact cities; there we enjoyed a lovely organic lunch and purchased a Solari bronze cast bell wind-chime. Stopping in Mayer, Az. for a steak at the Smok’in Harley Bar; we spent the night in the lodge above along the quiet river and slept soundly in the cold A/C; next morning a Jacuzzi bath then coffee on the porch with a view of the desert in full bloom. We drove north into and around the red rocks of Sedona; then returned to Scottsdale; Saturday we checked in early at the Camelback-Inn; great dinner in the hotel restaurant (one of five!); then into a long weekend at the National Conference at the Camelback Inn for Chaplains to the Episcopal Retired Clergy, sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. The sessions begin on Sunday, ended Noon on Tuesday. Our final night was a traditional Evening Prayer and Rite 1 Eucharist at a local Episcopal Church; then a lovely dinner at the Sanctuary restaurant (superb!). After a morning session, we checked out of the Camelback-Inn; I drove to the airport and turned in the rental car. We stayed Tuesday night in a Days Inn near Phoenix; eating with Ross and Gwinn Jones from Asheville, NC; they represent the Diocese of Western NC; we enjoyed the fine Mexican food at Sylvia’s as four-some. [Splitting the bill, Ross and I accidentally traded credit cards!] {We mailed each other’s card and received each by Monday!}
Then to Jacksonville
We returned to Atlanta late Wednesday afternoon; collected our car and trailer parked at St. John’s Church, College Park and headed south, spending the night in Cordelle; on Thursday we drove into Jacksonville, Florida and stayed with Terry and Archie Alderman thru Sunday. We attended our 50th Class reunion for Terry Parker High School.; a cock-tail party on Friday evening and banquet on Saturday at the Hyatt Hotel on the St. John’s River, Jacksonville; it was a great time of memories and seeing “old friends and acquaintances.”
Lots of friends
It was just important and a good return and knowing we were vertical; most of us were in our late sixties; some of our class had died; the memorial list is getting longer! Babs and I thought we looked pretty good comparing ourselves with others, some are becoming rather feeble and most are “over-weight!”
Back to Clarkesville
Departing on early Sunday morning we drove back “home” to Clarkesville. On Monday we spent time settling-in; unpacking, washing clothes and shifting stuff around in our new home.
Georgia was alive with spring time flowers!
It has been beautiful drives; white and pink dogwoods are in full bloom scattered in the woods; purple wisteria vines glow in the sun as grapes of wrath ending winter and announcing spring has sprung! Yellow oak and pine pollen, of course, cover the roof and cars; my black Ford 500 appears “green.” We hired Cory to “blow the gutters” and mow the yard; I cleaned out the Koi pond and unstopped the water pump; got the water fall flowing again! Our wet pets are happy and hungry!
Cousin Bob is dead!
Tuesday, with daughter Robin, we drove to Woodstock for the funeral of my 1st cousin, Robert Stirk who died by heart attack and lung infection at age 71! We were close relatives as our Mothers were “as sisters yet cousins,” also making us “cousins.” He had joined the American Russian Orthodox Church. His funeral was a “traditional orthodox service” with lots of chanting, icons, and incense and Priestly vestments. It was an open casket ceremony.
Last Kiss
Robin said, ”That was the weirdest service I have ever been to!” I did not offer “the last kiss,” by reverence of the Icon or Crucifix in the open casket; but did “pay my respects” by standing and praying before the deceased body of my cousin in the casket! An “open casket funeral”; long time since I had experienced
and worshipped with a family celebration.
STIRK Family gathered
The family celebrated afterward at the home residence with beers and sandwiches following the service. Robin and I returned to Clarkesville mid-afternoon.
Back to STX on Wednesday, April 28th
Awaking early near 4:30am ; we drove to Roswell, leaving our car at Missy and Ty Harmon (Babs’ niece); taking MARTA to the Airport; departing on Delta non-stop back to Saint Croix! We arrived mid-afternoon to warm sun and trade winds; it was good to be back on Saint Croix and return to our rented Condo #433 @ The Reef on Teague Bay!
Precious Robin’s birthday
Today is Robin Ogier Warren, PhD; our precious daughter; her 47th birthday!
Happy B’ Day Robin! April 28th changed our life on 1963; great day of memory
in Jacksonville, Florida.
Saint Catherine of Sienna
On April 29th, 1972 at Holy Trinity Church, West Palm Beach, I was ordained a Priest; today (4/29) is the 38th anniversary; blessed Catherine rejoices with me!
Come See Us, Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Saturday, April 10, 2010
DEO on STX #26
DEO+ on STX #26
Saturday in Easter week
10 April 2010
We’re leaving on “a Jet Plane!”I write this on Delta # 4362 non-stop to Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport, departing from Saint Croix on Wednesday in Easter Week. “We’re leaving on a jet plane,” were the words sung by the folk song of the sixties; I can’t remember the singers! A beautiful flight in clear skies; we even got bumped-up-graded to first class! It was the best flight yet from STX .
Wally and Phoebe collect us at Marta Station
We took the North bound “red-line” on MARTA to North Springs near Dunwoody;
Wally and Phoebe picked us up in our Black Ford 500; by the time we stopped at The Varsity in Gwinnett for a greasy supper and drove “home” to Clarkesville it was after 10pm when we arrived. A long day, but happy arrival; precious Phoebe went to sleep in her child-seat; and we followed nodding our heads; Wally drove all the way back to Habersham County.
Easter and Holy Week
Maundy Thursday evening our service at St. Peter’s was a traditional John Gospel reading followed by the Homily, then the Rite of Foot Washing; Deacon Gumbs washed my feet then I in turn did hers; then the Senior and Junior Wardens; then I washed most of the acolytes’ feet; we celebrated the sacred meal of the Holy Communion with grandeur and sacred remembrance of The Passover and first Eucharist at the Last Supper; we stripped the altar and the guild draped the Holy Table with a Black shroud; the pulpit in Black and covered the Cross!
Last minute packing and clean-up
We spent two days thinking through and packing up for our return to North Georgia. Both of us returned with a full load, most of the stuff and clothes we brought we will leave behind in Clarkesville. We rushed around on the morning of our departure, changing sheets, sweeping and mopping; writing notes of welcome to our “guests.”
Mark and Vicki
Our good friends living next to the Condo are responsible for the introduction with owners for our unit #433; Babs and Vicki were friends on “the Green Team” and Mark got into the mix when we socialized together when we lived in units #130 & #113, before our move into the two bed room across the golf driving range. Our neighbors are dear friends; we trade and barrow eggs, bread, milk and other forgotten stuff! We drink morning coffee together either place or ours, usually on the ocean-side patio; afternoon beer or rum and cokes come naturally. The barkers are from Ohio, retired grocery-gourmet merchants. Younger than we, that’s not always so in the short-term Condos filled with “retiree-snow-birds” from cold weather somewhere else, who are down in the Islands for the winter season.
Babs is READY for “roots”She has held in there with patience, even though sometimes not really comfortable year round on STX! Babs needs her “roots” and has become tired of the “on-vacation-all-the-time” atmosphere. After we return on April 28th, she will return to Clarkesville in mid-May thru mid-June. We are enjoying making our new Habersham County residence into a comfortable nest.
It’s good to be back “home”We have returned to Spring flowers and green grass; blossoms in full bloom; dogwoods are in white or pink flowers, red-bud trees are purple, and the jonquils are still in yellow smiles and nodding heads of greetings in the shade under the tall oaks.
We continue unpacking
Our stuff is almost all here @ 125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523; we have ONE MORE trip to Cumming for a final haul of things stored in a Rental Unit; then everything will be here under ONE roof. We still need to get numerous pictures hung; books up on shelves; boxes unpacked; clothes sorted; and “stuff” reduced and thinned out. We plan having a gigantic “yard sale” in July, sell all our excess. On Friday, I hauled nine cartons of books to SPCK, Sewanee! It was a long day round trip to “the mountain.”
New Furniture delivered
On Friday, April 9th part of a purchase of “new furniture” is delivered. More later!
Secretary is LATE for work
The Church Secretary was “off” for the holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday; she failed to show on Tuesday afternoon until 4pm! I may need “adjust” her schedule or request her do another ministry! She has a pattern for many “excuses” and lateness for work hours, even though her basic skills and performance has been over the top; her erratic hours are “unacceptable”! In three weeks we need a change of attitude or new office hours. Interim work is often “clean-up” and reorganize the systems. More later!
Music on Easter Day
On the Day of the Resurrection our music was “half dead.” Our organist discovered on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday that the organ was “stuck” on certain notes! He played or attempted to do the best he could under the limitations of his abilities and piano conditions; the music was under expected standards We tried to sing “Welcome Happy Morning” to “another” tune!
Our exit procession went sloppy as we “tried” to sing “Hail thee Festival Day” with a choir incapable of this complicated tune and varied verses! We need remember that small Churches need not attempt to sound like Cathedral worship! It was a disappointing morning
On the other hand our attendance was larger than last year and numbers of communions received were double 2009! The youth choir did a snappy side swaying number and the teen steel pan band played a lovely setting of “Holy, holy, Holy.”
Monday after Easter ECW “food sale”All over STX the women’s groups at various churches sell take-out food on the day after Easter. Saint Peter’s ECW served numerous meals from 11am to 4pm;
Mostly local dishes. I enjoyed a wonderful dish of Roasted Pork and dirty rice.
Our women raised money for college scholarships to our local church kids.
Morning swim and sunrise
It’s 5:30 to 6am daily; the morning swim is stimulating; water about 80 degrees;
Air temp cooler about 74 f! When the night breezes are blowing the skin feels the transition when emerging from the water. Great wake-up discipline.
The Galleon on our last night
On Tuesday evening after cocktails with Mark & Vicki, we splurged for a “High End” fine-dinning meal @ The Galleon Restaurant; super local lobster and fresh caught fish; table prepared Cesar Salad; these were our favorites. Delicious crème Brule topped off the evening. Beautiful view over the sail boats at dock in the East End Marina. Great spot. It was an Expensive Meal. We felt the extravagance of money spent was worth the celebration!
Fred and Julie and Spurgeon
During our three weeks “off Island” two clerics from the Diocese of Atlanta will “supply” at Saint Peter’s in my absence. Fred (and Julie) Northup will officiate on
April 11th and April 18th; Spurgeon (and Judy) Hays take the Sunday service on April 25th; both couples will stay in the Church rented Condo during our time away. Both guys are serious golf nuts, and snorkel. Fred and Julie, Spurgeon and Judy will “explore” Saint Croix and discover her varied beaches. We pray they will be careful of the extreme sun in the tropics.
Bob and Charlotte Dendtler
Our friends and clergy support group, sponsors for STX assignment will host and welcome Fred and Julie, Spurgeon and Judy. These folks know how to make things happen, help folks relax, feel good and secure, welcome and comfortable. They will meet the clerics at the airport upon arrival and show them the roads and “where” the Church is located, gate codes for The Reef and general lay of the Island.
Disconnected Ham Radio
On this three week escape I leave my “hand-held” 2 meter transceiver on STX;
I am taking a break from daily broadcast and said “Adios” to the Virgin Island Weather Net; lots of warm good-byes; for added convenience, I decided NOT to carry the HT with me. I have not researched the new frequencies and codes for Habersham County, Phoenix and Jacksonville. I disconnected the G5RV antennae.
We are returning to “new” and “old” roots.
We are back to Clarkesville for a few days of readjustment; then fly to Phoenix attend Nation Episcopal Chaplains Conference to the Diocese retirees. We will see long time friends from previous Dioceses who also do this ministry. Lastly we drive to Jacksonville, Florida for our 50th Class Reunion of Terry Parker High School. More later!
Come See Us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Saturday in Easter week
10 April 2010
We’re leaving on “a Jet Plane!”I write this on Delta # 4362 non-stop to Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport, departing from Saint Croix on Wednesday in Easter Week. “We’re leaving on a jet plane,” were the words sung by the folk song of the sixties; I can’t remember the singers! A beautiful flight in clear skies; we even got bumped-up-graded to first class! It was the best flight yet from STX .
Wally and Phoebe collect us at Marta Station
We took the North bound “red-line” on MARTA to North Springs near Dunwoody;
Wally and Phoebe picked us up in our Black Ford 500; by the time we stopped at The Varsity in Gwinnett for a greasy supper and drove “home” to Clarkesville it was after 10pm when we arrived. A long day, but happy arrival; precious Phoebe went to sleep in her child-seat; and we followed nodding our heads; Wally drove all the way back to Habersham County.
Easter and Holy Week
Maundy Thursday evening our service at St. Peter’s was a traditional John Gospel reading followed by the Homily, then the Rite of Foot Washing; Deacon Gumbs washed my feet then I in turn did hers; then the Senior and Junior Wardens; then I washed most of the acolytes’ feet; we celebrated the sacred meal of the Holy Communion with grandeur and sacred remembrance of The Passover and first Eucharist at the Last Supper; we stripped the altar and the guild draped the Holy Table with a Black shroud; the pulpit in Black and covered the Cross!
Last minute packing and clean-up
We spent two days thinking through and packing up for our return to North Georgia. Both of us returned with a full load, most of the stuff and clothes we brought we will leave behind in Clarkesville. We rushed around on the morning of our departure, changing sheets, sweeping and mopping; writing notes of welcome to our “guests.”
Mark and Vicki
Our good friends living next to the Condo are responsible for the introduction with owners for our unit #433; Babs and Vicki were friends on “the Green Team” and Mark got into the mix when we socialized together when we lived in units #130 & #113, before our move into the two bed room across the golf driving range. Our neighbors are dear friends; we trade and barrow eggs, bread, milk and other forgotten stuff! We drink morning coffee together either place or ours, usually on the ocean-side patio; afternoon beer or rum and cokes come naturally. The barkers are from Ohio, retired grocery-gourmet merchants. Younger than we, that’s not always so in the short-term Condos filled with “retiree-snow-birds” from cold weather somewhere else, who are down in the Islands for the winter season.
Babs is READY for “roots”She has held in there with patience, even though sometimes not really comfortable year round on STX! Babs needs her “roots” and has become tired of the “on-vacation-all-the-time” atmosphere. After we return on April 28th, she will return to Clarkesville in mid-May thru mid-June. We are enjoying making our new Habersham County residence into a comfortable nest.
It’s good to be back “home”We have returned to Spring flowers and green grass; blossoms in full bloom; dogwoods are in white or pink flowers, red-bud trees are purple, and the jonquils are still in yellow smiles and nodding heads of greetings in the shade under the tall oaks.
We continue unpacking
Our stuff is almost all here @ 125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523; we have ONE MORE trip to Cumming for a final haul of things stored in a Rental Unit; then everything will be here under ONE roof. We still need to get numerous pictures hung; books up on shelves; boxes unpacked; clothes sorted; and “stuff” reduced and thinned out. We plan having a gigantic “yard sale” in July, sell all our excess. On Friday, I hauled nine cartons of books to SPCK, Sewanee! It was a long day round trip to “the mountain.”
New Furniture delivered
On Friday, April 9th part of a purchase of “new furniture” is delivered. More later!
Secretary is LATE for work
The Church Secretary was “off” for the holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday; she failed to show on Tuesday afternoon until 4pm! I may need “adjust” her schedule or request her do another ministry! She has a pattern for many “excuses” and lateness for work hours, even though her basic skills and performance has been over the top; her erratic hours are “unacceptable”! In three weeks we need a change of attitude or new office hours. Interim work is often “clean-up” and reorganize the systems. More later!
Music on Easter Day
On the Day of the Resurrection our music was “half dead.” Our organist discovered on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday that the organ was “stuck” on certain notes! He played or attempted to do the best he could under the limitations of his abilities and piano conditions; the music was under expected standards We tried to sing “Welcome Happy Morning” to “another” tune!
Our exit procession went sloppy as we “tried” to sing “Hail thee Festival Day” with a choir incapable of this complicated tune and varied verses! We need remember that small Churches need not attempt to sound like Cathedral worship! It was a disappointing morning
On the other hand our attendance was larger than last year and numbers of communions received were double 2009! The youth choir did a snappy side swaying number and the teen steel pan band played a lovely setting of “Holy, holy, Holy.”
Monday after Easter ECW “food sale”All over STX the women’s groups at various churches sell take-out food on the day after Easter. Saint Peter’s ECW served numerous meals from 11am to 4pm;
Mostly local dishes. I enjoyed a wonderful dish of Roasted Pork and dirty rice.
Our women raised money for college scholarships to our local church kids.
Morning swim and sunrise
It’s 5:30 to 6am daily; the morning swim is stimulating; water about 80 degrees;
Air temp cooler about 74 f! When the night breezes are blowing the skin feels the transition when emerging from the water. Great wake-up discipline.
The Galleon on our last night
On Tuesday evening after cocktails with Mark & Vicki, we splurged for a “High End” fine-dinning meal @ The Galleon Restaurant; super local lobster and fresh caught fish; table prepared Cesar Salad; these were our favorites. Delicious crème Brule topped off the evening. Beautiful view over the sail boats at dock in the East End Marina. Great spot. It was an Expensive Meal. We felt the extravagance of money spent was worth the celebration!
Fred and Julie and Spurgeon
During our three weeks “off Island” two clerics from the Diocese of Atlanta will “supply” at Saint Peter’s in my absence. Fred (and Julie) Northup will officiate on
April 11th and April 18th; Spurgeon (and Judy) Hays take the Sunday service on April 25th; both couples will stay in the Church rented Condo during our time away. Both guys are serious golf nuts, and snorkel. Fred and Julie, Spurgeon and Judy will “explore” Saint Croix and discover her varied beaches. We pray they will be careful of the extreme sun in the tropics.
Bob and Charlotte Dendtler
Our friends and clergy support group, sponsors for STX assignment will host and welcome Fred and Julie, Spurgeon and Judy. These folks know how to make things happen, help folks relax, feel good and secure, welcome and comfortable. They will meet the clerics at the airport upon arrival and show them the roads and “where” the Church is located, gate codes for The Reef and general lay of the Island.
Disconnected Ham Radio
On this three week escape I leave my “hand-held” 2 meter transceiver on STX;
I am taking a break from daily broadcast and said “Adios” to the Virgin Island Weather Net; lots of warm good-byes; for added convenience, I decided NOT to carry the HT with me. I have not researched the new frequencies and codes for Habersham County, Phoenix and Jacksonville. I disconnected the G5RV antennae.
We are returning to “new” and “old” roots.
We are back to Clarkesville for a few days of readjustment; then fly to Phoenix attend Nation Episcopal Chaplains Conference to the Diocese retirees. We will see long time friends from previous Dioceses who also do this ministry. Lastly we drive to Jacksonville, Florida for our 50th Class Reunion of Terry Parker High School. More later!
Come See Us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Friday, April 2, 2010
DEO on STX # 25
DEO+ on STX #25
GOOD FRIDAY: 2 April 2010
A New Condo rental
We have now occupied a Two Bedroom unit at The Reef Condos; we moved across the fairway into Unit #433; we enjoy the cross breezes and extra space.
We have some wonderful neighbors next door, full timers, Mark & Vicki Baker who actually “introduced” us to the owners who live most of the year in Colorado. It’s been a good change; we pick up the trade winds with cross ventilation since there are windows on three sides and high exit windows for the rising hot air! Much better sleeping and less glare! Still enjoy a dynamic “million dollar view” of the Ocean!
Dry weather but Great Trade Winds
We don’t get much rain in March-April; it’s dry and humid; bright sun; sometimes very still, but most of the time a gentle breeze off the Ocean.
Confirmation Class
Fourteen Saturdays. Fifteen teenagers, One Adult student; One Priest & One Deacon, Three Lay persons as Teaching team; We meet at 8:00am until 9:30 to 10am; Students build a learning notebook of “hand-outs”; we worship together using various Book of Common Prayer services; and we develop a small community of formation for the Bishop’s visit on June 27th.
More Wind Shield “signs & names”:
Never give up; Choose Your Path; IM2OlfoTis; Salt Life; Born Ya; Come Here Ya;
New Come Ya; Mine Yo Business; A Child of the King; CRUZAN Thomin; Here Go;
Watch De Creep Up!; Who Jah Bless, No Man Curse; Rum Runner; Sailor Man;
No Blog; Risen from the Dead; Tree Girl; Sea Shells & Bare Feet; No Gun aboard; Fret Not Thy Self; CLOCK; Bird Feeder; S-L-O-W W-A-T-E-R; Flam Boy Yant; *Harmony*; PR & STX; Small Shoes for Big Mover; BIG BLUE TRUCK; IXAT; Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down; N’v G’ up
Babs is sewing a “memory quilt”The memory quilt is slowly taking shape with designs incorporated from local culture; Babs joined a Quilting Group with women for all over Saint Croix; most are “full-timers,” a few seasonal renters or Condo owners. Word has gotten out that Babs has a sewing machine so occasionally one of the complex women will
Call and need to use the sewing machine! Great way to get to know folks!
Saint Peter’s Church sanctuary
The Church building has been spruced up and repainted; we cleaned and straightened the sanctuary; added a reed table and cleaned up the appearance.
It looks much more inviting and less cluttered!
New Windows & Cross Breeze!
When I arrived the Church was in broken conditions with windows and lighting;
All has been repaired; on each side of the Altar/Sanctuary the window OPEN thereby allowing a cross breeze to keep us cooler or air moving. A tremendous improvement!
Golf Scrambler & Friday evening Social
Each Friday, “a Four Ball” golf tournament occurs; I have “taken up golf” after thirty-five years! I play most every Friday afternoon; we shoot the best ball in the foursome; fun time; relaxing; meet some new folks usually from The Reef.
Afterward we gather around the pool for a bring-your-own dish of “finger food” and BYOB. During lent I usually leave to meet at the Church for 7pm “Stations of the Cross.”
East End Social Club
We have joined the east End Social Club that meets every Saturday late afternoon near 5pm for one hour at the East End Tamarind Beach Hotel Bar;
It’s a fun group and expands our horizon into another social network, mainly of full-timers and long term “snow birds.” No agenda; no meeting minutes; no projects; JUST SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, “meet and greet.”
Tire Swings from “the Big Tree”Robert Christman (retired fire-chief from Louisville, KY assited me in hanging two tire swings on ropes from the big tree in the Church yard; we also built a picnic table with benches. We us the table for outdoor classes, meetings away from the Church building, and a comfortable site for parents to gather while waiting for their children to finish events at the Church. It’s a fun place to rest and meet each others.
May & June time to visit
We depart Saint Croix in First Week of July! My letter of agreement or contract with Saint Peter’s ends on last day of June; we leave STX probably on July 1st or near by depending of flight arrangements; so, if you desire a visit come see us in May OR June. Last call soon and very soon!
Church Music has improved!
Music has been a challenge at St. Peter’s; the organist for twenty years is not professionally trained, but self taught; he lacks basic musical skills, yet somehow has learned to play most of the familiar hymns; he has just retired as warehouse manager from the local oil company refinery; he now has more time to practice and come to the Church every day for work on the organ and piano. Our music has improved!
Interim Ministry Training for the Diocese
During the three days prior to Diocesan Convention, the Bishop called together Priest and Deacons from the Diocese, both active and retired for an introduction to Interim Ministry. It was a good overall exposure for those interested clergy.
The experience was a good “refresher” for me! Let me know if anyone out there may be interested in exploring the possibility and potential for an assignment in the Diocese of the VI, as Interim Priest-in-Charge for a year and half.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Each Friday evening we follow the Way of the Cross by using the traditional “Stations of the Cross.” Attendance has been good, ranging from 15 to 30 persons. We gather at 7pm as the Sun has set the temps are cooler and glare less intense. It’s a traditional Lenten worship time of contemplation of the mighty acts of our redemption on “the ole rugged cross.” Fourteen stations to meditate.
Morning swim at Sunrise
Now we live in another condo; we are closer to the pool; it’s a strong climb up
Six flights of outdoor stairs; 167 stairs; amidst desert plants, on hill top is the fabulous pool surrounded by giant palm trees. I rise early near 5:30am;
Make coffee and climb the stairs to the outdoor pool; I swim a few laps in the
Early first light as the Sun rises over the Eastern hills as the stars and moon fade; it’s a morning wake up with air temps about 75 and water temp about 85
Degrees; the cool breezes make the quick dip a refreshing morning ritual/awake.
It’s a great way to begin the day before Morning Prayers on the ocean patio, then Ham Radio Weather Net check-in on Two Meters talking with “other Island” Ham radio Operators. By then it’s near 7am.
Come See us Mon!
La Paz Y Buen Camino!
DEO+
GOOD FRIDAY: 2 April 2010
A New Condo rental
We have now occupied a Two Bedroom unit at The Reef Condos; we moved across the fairway into Unit #433; we enjoy the cross breezes and extra space.
We have some wonderful neighbors next door, full timers, Mark & Vicki Baker who actually “introduced” us to the owners who live most of the year in Colorado. It’s been a good change; we pick up the trade winds with cross ventilation since there are windows on three sides and high exit windows for the rising hot air! Much better sleeping and less glare! Still enjoy a dynamic “million dollar view” of the Ocean!
Dry weather but Great Trade Winds
We don’t get much rain in March-April; it’s dry and humid; bright sun; sometimes very still, but most of the time a gentle breeze off the Ocean.
Confirmation Class
Fourteen Saturdays. Fifteen teenagers, One Adult student; One Priest & One Deacon, Three Lay persons as Teaching team; We meet at 8:00am until 9:30 to 10am; Students build a learning notebook of “hand-outs”; we worship together using various Book of Common Prayer services; and we develop a small community of formation for the Bishop’s visit on June 27th.
More Wind Shield “signs & names”:
Never give up; Choose Your Path; IM2OlfoTis; Salt Life; Born Ya; Come Here Ya;
New Come Ya; Mine Yo Business; A Child of the King; CRUZAN Thomin; Here Go;
Watch De Creep Up!; Who Jah Bless, No Man Curse; Rum Runner; Sailor Man;
No Blog; Risen from the Dead; Tree Girl; Sea Shells & Bare Feet; No Gun aboard; Fret Not Thy Self; CLOCK; Bird Feeder; S-L-O-W W-A-T-E-R; Flam Boy Yant; *Harmony*; PR & STX; Small Shoes for Big Mover; BIG BLUE TRUCK; IXAT; Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down; N’v G’ up
Babs is sewing a “memory quilt”The memory quilt is slowly taking shape with designs incorporated from local culture; Babs joined a Quilting Group with women for all over Saint Croix; most are “full-timers,” a few seasonal renters or Condo owners. Word has gotten out that Babs has a sewing machine so occasionally one of the complex women will
Call and need to use the sewing machine! Great way to get to know folks!
Saint Peter’s Church sanctuary
The Church building has been spruced up and repainted; we cleaned and straightened the sanctuary; added a reed table and cleaned up the appearance.
It looks much more inviting and less cluttered!
New Windows & Cross Breeze!
When I arrived the Church was in broken conditions with windows and lighting;
All has been repaired; on each side of the Altar/Sanctuary the window OPEN thereby allowing a cross breeze to keep us cooler or air moving. A tremendous improvement!
Golf Scrambler & Friday evening Social
Each Friday, “a Four Ball” golf tournament occurs; I have “taken up golf” after thirty-five years! I play most every Friday afternoon; we shoot the best ball in the foursome; fun time; relaxing; meet some new folks usually from The Reef.
Afterward we gather around the pool for a bring-your-own dish of “finger food” and BYOB. During lent I usually leave to meet at the Church for 7pm “Stations of the Cross.”
East End Social Club
We have joined the east End Social Club that meets every Saturday late afternoon near 5pm for one hour at the East End Tamarind Beach Hotel Bar;
It’s a fun group and expands our horizon into another social network, mainly of full-timers and long term “snow birds.” No agenda; no meeting minutes; no projects; JUST SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, “meet and greet.”
Tire Swings from “the Big Tree”Robert Christman (retired fire-chief from Louisville, KY assited me in hanging two tire swings on ropes from the big tree in the Church yard; we also built a picnic table with benches. We us the table for outdoor classes, meetings away from the Church building, and a comfortable site for parents to gather while waiting for their children to finish events at the Church. It’s a fun place to rest and meet each others.
May & June time to visit
We depart Saint Croix in First Week of July! My letter of agreement or contract with Saint Peter’s ends on last day of June; we leave STX probably on July 1st or near by depending of flight arrangements; so, if you desire a visit come see us in May OR June. Last call soon and very soon!
Church Music has improved!
Music has been a challenge at St. Peter’s; the organist for twenty years is not professionally trained, but self taught; he lacks basic musical skills, yet somehow has learned to play most of the familiar hymns; he has just retired as warehouse manager from the local oil company refinery; he now has more time to practice and come to the Church every day for work on the organ and piano. Our music has improved!
Interim Ministry Training for the Diocese
During the three days prior to Diocesan Convention, the Bishop called together Priest and Deacons from the Diocese, both active and retired for an introduction to Interim Ministry. It was a good overall exposure for those interested clergy.
The experience was a good “refresher” for me! Let me know if anyone out there may be interested in exploring the possibility and potential for an assignment in the Diocese of the VI, as Interim Priest-in-Charge for a year and half.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Each Friday evening we follow the Way of the Cross by using the traditional “Stations of the Cross.” Attendance has been good, ranging from 15 to 30 persons. We gather at 7pm as the Sun has set the temps are cooler and glare less intense. It’s a traditional Lenten worship time of contemplation of the mighty acts of our redemption on “the ole rugged cross.” Fourteen stations to meditate.
Morning swim at Sunrise
Now we live in another condo; we are closer to the pool; it’s a strong climb up
Six flights of outdoor stairs; 167 stairs; amidst desert plants, on hill top is the fabulous pool surrounded by giant palm trees. I rise early near 5:30am;
Make coffee and climb the stairs to the outdoor pool; I swim a few laps in the
Early first light as the Sun rises over the Eastern hills as the stars and moon fade; it’s a morning wake up with air temps about 75 and water temp about 85
Degrees; the cool breezes make the quick dip a refreshing morning ritual/awake.
It’s a great way to begin the day before Morning Prayers on the ocean patio, then Ham Radio Weather Net check-in on Two Meters talking with “other Island” Ham radio Operators. By then it’s near 7am.
Come See us Mon!
La Paz Y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
DEO on STX #24
DEO on STX #24
23 March 2010
We have MOVED!
After fourteen years we sold our home and have a NEW ADDRESS! We live
around the corner from our daughter, Robin, her husband Wally, and granddaughter, Phoebe; we easily walk to our family. We have looked at this home for three years; finally the price dropped (three times) and we made an offer. We sold our home in Cumming in three weeks! Our NEW address is:
125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
Historic Clarkesville, Georgia
In the North Georgia foothills, with mountains in view we now live in a small-quiet-historic town. We enjoy the quiet rural feeling. Our lot is just under a full acre with loads of large oak trees. An established yard; probably a riding mower will be in the budget during this first summer! We live in the city limits and can walk into town.
Boxes, BOXES, boxes!
We moved ourselves with the exception of one commercial moving truck that hauled our furniture and large antiques. “Two-Men and a Truck” took care of our needs without hitch or damage; they were on time and courteous. We purchased our moving boxes from Home Depot and Lowes. We packed ourselves! Now we are up to our knees in empty broken-down boxes and flattened rolling paper. We plan to give the boxes and paper to anyone requesting or needing and requesting a donation to their local church or charity. It was easier to use the same sized boxes (actually we had four sizes); in lieu of using odd sized liquor boxes, some with no tops and different heights and width. The loading went smoothly. We hired two Hispanic day-labors to assist the loading. I packed inside the house then transferred the packed boxes into stacks in the garage; the U-Haul trucks with ramps backed into the door/incline into the garage for loading.
Four truck loads and another trip yet
We drove to Roswell to collect a couch and large book case from Babs’ niece;
Then two other loads of U-Haul rental trucks to Clarkesville; the professionals moved our valuables and furniture. We still have another small load in the storage closet-unit in Cumming; “junk-I-couldn’t-get-rid-of-“stuff.” I threw out lots of old office administration papers and culled again my books and library. We will haul another load of theology books in our utility trailer to Sewanee. The books will be shipped by SPCK for African or Appalachian churches-ministry.
We Closed our sale on February 26th
Our home of 14 years in Cumming sold on the 26th of February in smooth fashion or predictable legal-real estate paper work. We are “temporarily rich”!
Our banker created a “special money market account” to “hold” our Profit/yield from the sale of 105 Kenwood drive, Cumming!
We are RENTERS now
Until closing on our new home, we rent from the previous owners who now live in Waycross, GA. “Coach” Warbington had served at the local High School as football line coach and assisted at Georgia Tech with the football coaching staff.
We return to North Georgia on April 7th, hopefully to CLOSE on new Home
We are scheduled to return “home” on Wednesday, the 7th, returning to St. Croix on the 28th. We expect to finalize on our new Real Estate in early April; the slow down and paper-work bog seems to be the result of the “short-sale” by the previous owner and lenders.
Walking distance from Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church
We can walk to church if we choose. Just three long blocks away from the historic “white carpenter gothic” made famous by world class preacher Barbara Brown Taylor who resides in Clarkesville and teaches at Piedmont College in Demorest.
Our NEW Address on Betty Street
All our mail is forwarded to our New Address:
125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
We have kept cell phones: D- 770-402-7719 B- 678-447-2114
e-mail: dwightogier@bellsouth.net (this may change).
Come See us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
23 March 2010
We have MOVED!
After fourteen years we sold our home and have a NEW ADDRESS! We live
around the corner from our daughter, Robin, her husband Wally, and granddaughter, Phoebe; we easily walk to our family. We have looked at this home for three years; finally the price dropped (three times) and we made an offer. We sold our home in Cumming in three weeks! Our NEW address is:
125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
Historic Clarkesville, Georgia
In the North Georgia foothills, with mountains in view we now live in a small-quiet-historic town. We enjoy the quiet rural feeling. Our lot is just under a full acre with loads of large oak trees. An established yard; probably a riding mower will be in the budget during this first summer! We live in the city limits and can walk into town.
Boxes, BOXES, boxes!
We moved ourselves with the exception of one commercial moving truck that hauled our furniture and large antiques. “Two-Men and a Truck” took care of our needs without hitch or damage; they were on time and courteous. We purchased our moving boxes from Home Depot and Lowes. We packed ourselves! Now we are up to our knees in empty broken-down boxes and flattened rolling paper. We plan to give the boxes and paper to anyone requesting or needing and requesting a donation to their local church or charity. It was easier to use the same sized boxes (actually we had four sizes); in lieu of using odd sized liquor boxes, some with no tops and different heights and width. The loading went smoothly. We hired two Hispanic day-labors to assist the loading. I packed inside the house then transferred the packed boxes into stacks in the garage; the U-Haul trucks with ramps backed into the door/incline into the garage for loading.
Four truck loads and another trip yet
We drove to Roswell to collect a couch and large book case from Babs’ niece;
Then two other loads of U-Haul rental trucks to Clarkesville; the professionals moved our valuables and furniture. We still have another small load in the storage closet-unit in Cumming; “junk-I-couldn’t-get-rid-of-“stuff.” I threw out lots of old office administration papers and culled again my books and library. We will haul another load of theology books in our utility trailer to Sewanee. The books will be shipped by SPCK for African or Appalachian churches-ministry.
We Closed our sale on February 26th
Our home of 14 years in Cumming sold on the 26th of February in smooth fashion or predictable legal-real estate paper work. We are “temporarily rich”!
Our banker created a “special money market account” to “hold” our Profit/yield from the sale of 105 Kenwood drive, Cumming!
We are RENTERS now
Until closing on our new home, we rent from the previous owners who now live in Waycross, GA. “Coach” Warbington had served at the local High School as football line coach and assisted at Georgia Tech with the football coaching staff.
We return to North Georgia on April 7th, hopefully to CLOSE on new Home
We are scheduled to return “home” on Wednesday, the 7th, returning to St. Croix on the 28th. We expect to finalize on our new Real Estate in early April; the slow down and paper-work bog seems to be the result of the “short-sale” by the previous owner and lenders.
Walking distance from Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church
We can walk to church if we choose. Just three long blocks away from the historic “white carpenter gothic” made famous by world class preacher Barbara Brown Taylor who resides in Clarkesville and teaches at Piedmont College in Demorest.
Our NEW Address on Betty Street
All our mail is forwarded to our New Address:
125 Betty Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
We have kept cell phones: D- 770-402-7719 B- 678-447-2114
e-mail: dwightogier@bellsouth.net (this may change).
Come See us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
DEO+ on STX #23
DEO+ on STX # 23: GROUNG HOG DAY!
2 February 2010
[The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in The Temple]
Also Known As: Ground Hog Day!
Today is the feast of The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple; but many places (expect St. Croix where there are no Ground Hogs!) it’s Ground Hog Day.
Here it makes no sense since it’s summer all year round. In the Virgin Islands there is No Winter to come to an end. No cold winter nor spring; no shadow to be “seen” by a non existent Ground Hog-rodent! Maybe we ought to have Mongouse Day!
Mild weather again, finally.
Winds have returned; prevailing breezes keep the temps mild; evening and night squalls cool off the nights; usually bright sunny days; not as hot as mid-summer!
It’s about 73 degrees at night with a climb to 84 degrees by mid-day, then a high near 86 at extreme heat mid-afternoon. When the wind are blowing at night the wind-chill factor is about 63 degrees!
Bible Queen Show
The ECW put on a lively show with vivid costumes of female Biblical figures: Queens of the Bible. The Bible Queen Show was both educational and humorous.
The attendance numbered in the hundreds. All a fund raiser for the 40th Anniversary celebration of Saint Peter’s in June. It was a great day for all, especially the “Queens.” Fun and festive; challenging and informative. Here are the Biblical characters portrayed: Candice, Druicilla, Nehusta, Nitocrus, Azubah, Bernice, Maacha, Althliah, Vashti, Heaven-Mary, Esther, Sheba, Jezebel, and Herodias. At the conclusion of “the show,” a male member of the choir sung "What a Wonderful World," a attribute to “the Queens,” and each received a rose and trophy. Our Deacon, Delores Gumbs directed and managed the production. Super Sunday afternoon!
Au Natural
There are No Nude Beaches on Saint Croix; at least none are designated; the deserted and obscure distant beaches will have some folks walk or sun bath au natural, but the local folks are very modest; it’s the tourists, usually from Europe that drop the tops and pants! When cruise ships are in, there are topless females seen on beaches near Fredericksted. On our end of Saint Croix, the North-East part of the Island, Issacs and Jacks beaches are desolate and isolated. The area is difficult to get to, long walks over barren trails to reach, but once there one usually is alone for miles of sight. Say no more! There is something about the freedom of no shoes and even removing the flip-flops when home; relaxing and sleeping in the barest acceptable cover-up is most comfortable. Walking along free in the breeze is invigorating. The ocean is au natural! The sea is calming. Just to be free and alone by the sea is intoxicating!
Lots more “Sea Glass”strong>
My tray of “found treasures” is becoming more impressive. My walks along the ocean shore have yielded lots of Sea Glass found just above the shore surf line. Sand-polished bits of glass have a luster of worn opaque smooth stones with ground down smooth edges in some recognized pieces from broken bottles. It’s been a treasure hunt. Green, white, yellow, brown, blue and red hues usually in triangle shaped pieces.
We have contracts on our Houses
The real estate market in Atlanta is flat. We placed our home in Cumming on the market for sale after fourteen years living in Forsyth County. We have a “contract” for sale and have another “contract” for purchase in Clarkesville, Habersham County. More later.
Babs is on the Mainland
Returning “home” she waits my arrival to begin packing-rolling-moving-sorting-pare down of our stuff. I plan return to Saint Croix probably on the 27th or 28th.
Back on Island, I then move from unit #113 to #433. Fruit basket up-set! Back in the Diocese of Atlanta, I return “home” on Monday, February 8th for about three weeks. More later.
Condo #113
We have already enjoyed the change in moving into a different unit at The Reef.
The prevailing breezes come from the South and North, North East and the Unit #113 is higher on the ridge whereby we receive more winds and greater cross breezes! Our view is “smaller” and less dramatic for the Ocean horizon and wide scope but the high elevation reveals a clearer view; we see on a clear day a definition of St. John’s and Virgin Gorda on the northern edge of the horizon. We will be here until
first week in March.
Epiphany Bible study and the Manifestation
Continuing the pattern of Wednesday evening Bible Study we are following Biblical passages revealing The Manifestation and miracles of the revealed Jesus.
We begin with a few simple, use the Family Prayers from the BCOP for the Close of the Day and Early Evening; follow “the African Bible Study method.” I hope those attending will continue meeting after my departure!
A New Vestry
Four newly elected Vestry persons were “installed” and commissioned on Sunday, January 31st. Three are New, one re-elected for another three years.
Sermon reflections of Interim Ministry past conditions
Lately, I have used illustrations from previous Interim ministry assignments and Church situations/conditions from other Churches I have served. This has been a good way to combine various personalities and merger “issues” previously faced that may be adaptable and applicable at St. Peter’s. At least it’s been a good reflection for me!
Onward Christian Soldiers
St. Paul’s in Fredericsted celebrated it’s Patronal Feast on January 25th; I attended the Late Mass; we exited walking around the town behind a brass band playing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The parade event reminded me of my years on “the Mountain” at The University of the South, when during the Sewanee Military Academy days the cadets marched to Church behind a band playing the same hymn on Sunday morning.
Tire Swings and Picnic Benches
Recalling the “fun” from our childhood, we have hung two tire swings from a large shade tree on the property. Robert Chrismon (retired Fire Chief from Lexington, KY) assisted me in building a family picnic table; our NEXT project in this family fun-play-gathering-space-under-the-tree is a circular bench sounding the base of the big tree. Soon to come!
Come See Us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
2 February 2010
[The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in The Temple]
Also Known As: Ground Hog Day!
Today is the feast of The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple; but many places (expect St. Croix where there are no Ground Hogs!) it’s Ground Hog Day.
Here it makes no sense since it’s summer all year round. In the Virgin Islands there is No Winter to come to an end. No cold winter nor spring; no shadow to be “seen” by a non existent Ground Hog-rodent! Maybe we ought to have Mongouse Day!
Mild weather again, finally.
Winds have returned; prevailing breezes keep the temps mild; evening and night squalls cool off the nights; usually bright sunny days; not as hot as mid-summer!
It’s about 73 degrees at night with a climb to 84 degrees by mid-day, then a high near 86 at extreme heat mid-afternoon. When the wind are blowing at night the wind-chill factor is about 63 degrees!
Bible Queen Show
The ECW put on a lively show with vivid costumes of female Biblical figures: Queens of the Bible. The Bible Queen Show was both educational and humorous.
The attendance numbered in the hundreds. All a fund raiser for the 40th Anniversary celebration of Saint Peter’s in June. It was a great day for all, especially the “Queens.” Fun and festive; challenging and informative. Here are the Biblical characters portrayed: Candice, Druicilla, Nehusta, Nitocrus, Azubah, Bernice, Maacha, Althliah, Vashti, Heaven-Mary, Esther, Sheba, Jezebel, and Herodias. At the conclusion of “the show,” a male member of the choir sung "What a Wonderful World," a attribute to “the Queens,” and each received a rose and trophy. Our Deacon, Delores Gumbs directed and managed the production. Super Sunday afternoon!
Au Natural
There are No Nude Beaches on Saint Croix; at least none are designated; the deserted and obscure distant beaches will have some folks walk or sun bath au natural, but the local folks are very modest; it’s the tourists, usually from Europe that drop the tops and pants! When cruise ships are in, there are topless females seen on beaches near Fredericksted. On our end of Saint Croix, the North-East part of the Island, Issacs and Jacks beaches are desolate and isolated. The area is difficult to get to, long walks over barren trails to reach, but once there one usually is alone for miles of sight. Say no more! There is something about the freedom of no shoes and even removing the flip-flops when home; relaxing and sleeping in the barest acceptable cover-up is most comfortable. Walking along free in the breeze is invigorating. The ocean is au natural! The sea is calming. Just to be free and alone by the sea is intoxicating!
Lots more “Sea Glass”strong>
My tray of “found treasures” is becoming more impressive. My walks along the ocean shore have yielded lots of Sea Glass found just above the shore surf line. Sand-polished bits of glass have a luster of worn opaque smooth stones with ground down smooth edges in some recognized pieces from broken bottles. It’s been a treasure hunt. Green, white, yellow, brown, blue and red hues usually in triangle shaped pieces.
We have contracts on our Houses
The real estate market in Atlanta is flat. We placed our home in Cumming on the market for sale after fourteen years living in Forsyth County. We have a “contract” for sale and have another “contract” for purchase in Clarkesville, Habersham County. More later.
Babs is on the Mainland
Returning “home” she waits my arrival to begin packing-rolling-moving-sorting-pare down of our stuff. I plan return to Saint Croix probably on the 27th or 28th.
Back on Island, I then move from unit #113 to #433. Fruit basket up-set! Back in the Diocese of Atlanta, I return “home” on Monday, February 8th for about three weeks. More later.
Condo #113
We have already enjoyed the change in moving into a different unit at The Reef.
The prevailing breezes come from the South and North, North East and the Unit #113 is higher on the ridge whereby we receive more winds and greater cross breezes! Our view is “smaller” and less dramatic for the Ocean horizon and wide scope but the high elevation reveals a clearer view; we see on a clear day a definition of St. John’s and Virgin Gorda on the northern edge of the horizon. We will be here until
first week in March.
Epiphany Bible study and the Manifestation
Continuing the pattern of Wednesday evening Bible Study we are following Biblical passages revealing The Manifestation and miracles of the revealed Jesus.
We begin with a few simple, use the Family Prayers from the BCOP for the Close of the Day and Early Evening; follow “the African Bible Study method.” I hope those attending will continue meeting after my departure!
A New Vestry
Four newly elected Vestry persons were “installed” and commissioned on Sunday, January 31st. Three are New, one re-elected for another three years.
Sermon reflections of Interim Ministry past conditions
Lately, I have used illustrations from previous Interim ministry assignments and Church situations/conditions from other Churches I have served. This has been a good way to combine various personalities and merger “issues” previously faced that may be adaptable and applicable at St. Peter’s. At least it’s been a good reflection for me!
Onward Christian Soldiers
St. Paul’s in Fredericsted celebrated it’s Patronal Feast on January 25th; I attended the Late Mass; we exited walking around the town behind a brass band playing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The parade event reminded me of my years on “the Mountain” at The University of the South, when during the Sewanee Military Academy days the cadets marched to Church behind a band playing the same hymn on Sunday morning.
Tire Swings and Picnic Benches
Recalling the “fun” from our childhood, we have hung two tire swings from a large shade tree on the property. Robert Chrismon (retired Fire Chief from Lexington, KY) assisted me in building a family picnic table; our NEXT project in this family fun-play-gathering-space-under-the-tree is a circular bench sounding the base of the big tree. Soon to come!
Come See Us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
DEO+ on STX #22
DEO+ on STX #22
12 January 2010
Christmas has come and GONE!
Decorations are slow to come down; one would think Christmas was still here on Saint Croix. St. Peter’s reflects the culture in that none seemed to be concerned about removal of the Christmas decorations, tree, special electric lights and colored balls that hung round the Church until just before the service on January 10th! I was furious. Then I relaxed and identified it was not my problem just my anticipated traditions from “the mainland.” Congregants stepped forward as the altar guild and volunteers scrambled to remove all the Christmas adornments before the Mass on 1st Sunday after the Epiphany (The Baptism of Jesus).
Family time was special.
Robin, Wally and Phoebe arrived on December 22nd and were here with us for eight days over Christmas departing on December 29th. We barrowed a two bed-room Condo and used it as our headquarters. We are grateful to Mask and Vickie Baker for the use of their home while away visiting their family in Ohio.
We moved on December 30th
We spent the first night in #113 on December 31st.
We have an awning on the Ocean side patio!
Christmas Eve Mass attendance disappointing.
My expectations were dashed; attendance was very low on the night before Christmas; I am used to a packet house with chairs in the aisles! Our “high mid-night Mass” was few in numbers but surprising double what I expected on Christmas Day!
New Year’s watch night
Folks came to Church near 10:30pm on New Year’s Eve and watched the old year depart and the new birth of another era. The Eucharist was well attended with half the church full! The Church bell was rung with vigor at the stroke of mid-night! Folks streamed forward to receive the Holy Eucharist first thing in 2010 then again kneel for a New Year’s blessing! Most folks requested prayers for “a new beginning and for health and success.” A few requested prayers for healing and a new start.
First Sunday after Christmas Day
Normally a “low Sunday” after Christmas by attendance in “The States,” on Saint Croix folks came dressed in their holiday finery and the Church was packed! We used the service of Nine Lessons and Carols and sung our hearts with joy! This balanced the low attendance of Christmas Eve!
The Feast of the Epiphany
We had a special High Mass on Wednesday, January 6th at 6pm; lots of incense and Three Magi entered at the offertory bearing gifts; the teen acolytes were most convincing as “The Three Wise Men.” We sang our hearts out. Attendance was surprisingly strong. This was a “first” for St. Peter’s.
Three King’s Day is a big cultural day for the Hispanic community.
On Saint Croix there are two days of parades in Frericksted; first day is for teens, youth and children; second day dedicated for “adults.” Various organizations in costumed feathers and “brief” costumes with sequins march and prance down the street; all swaying in carnival style beat and social custom. Lots of party atmosphere; food and drinks abound; music is the “Island beat.” High strutting and shaking of the bottom and tops! The older men and women still strut or try to perform as they did in younger years.
New sanctuary shelf-table lights
Recently arrived are brass six candles holders with liquid wax light that flank The Cross on the reed table behind the altar. These new candles dress up the church sanctuary and brighten the sacred space around the altar. The new candle lights are very attractive. Here is another new look and positive change for worship and liturgy.
Six children Baptized
On Sunday, January 10th, The First Sunday after the Epiphany, (or The Baptism
of Jesus), we had three families with six children presented for the sacrament of
Holy Baptism. One couple from Saint Lucia; the Mom arrived a few months
ago very pregnant and came immediately making plans with the Church
requested and registered for Baptism to the soon to arrive baby girl! She
delivered on New Years’ Day and was back in Church ten days later! Another
couple engaged for marriage on Saturday (Eve of Palm Sunday), March 21st.
They have a newborn and two children from other relationships. Instant family!
A great day for all three families! Happy rejoicing for the whole congregation;
growth happens when we are Baptizing more then we are burying!
Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s at The Reef
Bob and Charlotte Dendtler introduced Babs and I to the Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s ocean-side restaurant the first week we arrived. It’s been a Sunday after Church “tradition” ever since. Some times other couples join us at the large round tables. College pennants have been tacked on the walls. I recently nailed a Sewanee (The University of the South) pennant.
Babs brought her sewing machine“Word is Out” that Babs has a sewing machine. She has made three quilts and is working on three more of local designs.
Snow Birds are returning in droves
Flocking back to Saint Croix from the North East and Mid West are the “snow birds.” Many have been coming to The Reef for years, some forty to fifty years; most at least twenty years. We are about 90% occupied, Parking has become scarce and at a premium. The roads are full, the stores more crowded; the cash influx is a positive economic factor for the Islands in “winter season.”
“The Social Scene” has picked up. Loads of cocktail parties, dinner with friends and receptions crowd our schedule. Life is tough in the retirement scene. Sometimes it’s all too demanding for folks like us who still “work!”
Golf “scrambler” and Social reception on Friday evening
Each Friday afternoon a simple four ball scramble golf tournament is both a social mixer and fun way for all to play golf no matter the “handicap.” In previous residents I have known this tournament as “Shot-gun four ball golf.”
We tee off at 3pm, then gather around the pool-club-house for shared heavy appetizers and BYOB reception: It’s all about meet & greet. Prize money is awarded for low gross team score, longest drive and closest to the pin for men and women. Fun time for golfers and non-players alike! It’s a great social time.
Ham Radio Antennas not up yet
We will be in this Condo just until March 1st; not sure weather I will get up my ham radio antennas! The stringing of wires is lots of trouble for a short length of stay before we “move” again. It’s all about time and effort. I still check-in on the two meter repeater on the daily weather net with the other Islands each morning at 0640am, talk with St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Johns, Tortola and Virgin Gorda “ham radio” operators and exchange local weather reports and micro-environmental observations.
Beach walks and morning quiet time
Babs and I continue or daily exercise and joint nature-quiet-time by walking either around the neighborhood community or along some favorite beach. Sometimes I will venture out mid-day on the way home for some alone time on the Beach and take a quick dip in the ocean. My favorite beach is Half-Penny; or locally known by the English pronouncement: “Hay-Penny.” I especially enjoy a non-populated stretch; many times I am completely alone along the shore. I find this most relaxing and renewing!
We miss our family
Enjoying Robin, Phoebe and Wally over Christmas wet our appetite for the family we miss dearly. We will be here six more months; but will return to Georgia in April for a few days. Unless we need return to “move,” keep reading.
Sunday February 17th the annual meetings for Saint Peter’s
We will elect new Vestry and Diocesan representatives, approve the budget and make by-law changes. More later!
Our home in Cumming, Georgia is “on the market”We have placed our home “for sale.” We are listed and Registered with Prudential Reality. When we sell our house in Cumming we will search for a residence in Clarkesville, Georgia to be near as possible to Robin, Wally and precious Phoebe.
Make your plans to come for a visit. In March we will occupy a “two bedroom” unit. We have lots of space and adequate bedroom/bath facilities for guests.
Book/calendar the trip and let us know your dates. We are serious about welcoming friends and family. Come on down to the West Indies. Weather is great; sun is bright; ocean is cool; breezes are constant. Sun and Fun!
Our early Christmas/Advent letter was mailed day after Thanksgiving.
Many THANKS for all your greetings we have received. These connections with “home folks,” have lifted our spirits during the absence away during Christmas!
We received lots of Christmas cards and “letters.”
Come see us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DWIGHT OGIER+
12 January 2010
Christmas has come and GONE!
Decorations are slow to come down; one would think Christmas was still here on Saint Croix. St. Peter’s reflects the culture in that none seemed to be concerned about removal of the Christmas decorations, tree, special electric lights and colored balls that hung round the Church until just before the service on January 10th! I was furious. Then I relaxed and identified it was not my problem just my anticipated traditions from “the mainland.” Congregants stepped forward as the altar guild and volunteers scrambled to remove all the Christmas adornments before the Mass on 1st Sunday after the Epiphany (The Baptism of Jesus).
Family time was special.
Robin, Wally and Phoebe arrived on December 22nd and were here with us for eight days over Christmas departing on December 29th. We barrowed a two bed-room Condo and used it as our headquarters. We are grateful to Mask and Vickie Baker for the use of their home while away visiting their family in Ohio.
We moved on December 30th
We spent the first night in #113 on December 31st.
We have an awning on the Ocean side patio!
Christmas Eve Mass attendance disappointing.
My expectations were dashed; attendance was very low on the night before Christmas; I am used to a packet house with chairs in the aisles! Our “high mid-night Mass” was few in numbers but surprising double what I expected on Christmas Day!
New Year’s watch night
Folks came to Church near 10:30pm on New Year’s Eve and watched the old year depart and the new birth of another era. The Eucharist was well attended with half the church full! The Church bell was rung with vigor at the stroke of mid-night! Folks streamed forward to receive the Holy Eucharist first thing in 2010 then again kneel for a New Year’s blessing! Most folks requested prayers for “a new beginning and for health and success.” A few requested prayers for healing and a new start.
First Sunday after Christmas Day
Normally a “low Sunday” after Christmas by attendance in “The States,” on Saint Croix folks came dressed in their holiday finery and the Church was packed! We used the service of Nine Lessons and Carols and sung our hearts with joy! This balanced the low attendance of Christmas Eve!
The Feast of the Epiphany
We had a special High Mass on Wednesday, January 6th at 6pm; lots of incense and Three Magi entered at the offertory bearing gifts; the teen acolytes were most convincing as “The Three Wise Men.” We sang our hearts out. Attendance was surprisingly strong. This was a “first” for St. Peter’s.
Three King’s Day is a big cultural day for the Hispanic community.
On Saint Croix there are two days of parades in Frericksted; first day is for teens, youth and children; second day dedicated for “adults.” Various organizations in costumed feathers and “brief” costumes with sequins march and prance down the street; all swaying in carnival style beat and social custom. Lots of party atmosphere; food and drinks abound; music is the “Island beat.” High strutting and shaking of the bottom and tops! The older men and women still strut or try to perform as they did in younger years.
New sanctuary shelf-table lights
Recently arrived are brass six candles holders with liquid wax light that flank The Cross on the reed table behind the altar. These new candles dress up the church sanctuary and brighten the sacred space around the altar. The new candle lights are very attractive. Here is another new look and positive change for worship and liturgy.
Six children Baptized
On Sunday, January 10th, The First Sunday after the Epiphany, (or The Baptism
of Jesus), we had three families with six children presented for the sacrament of
Holy Baptism. One couple from Saint Lucia; the Mom arrived a few months
ago very pregnant and came immediately making plans with the Church
requested and registered for Baptism to the soon to arrive baby girl! She
delivered on New Years’ Day and was back in Church ten days later! Another
couple engaged for marriage on Saturday (Eve of Palm Sunday), March 21st.
They have a newborn and two children from other relationships. Instant family!
A great day for all three families! Happy rejoicing for the whole congregation;
growth happens when we are Baptizing more then we are burying!
Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s at The Reef
Bob and Charlotte Dendtler introduced Babs and I to the Sunday Brunch at Duggan’s ocean-side restaurant the first week we arrived. It’s been a Sunday after Church “tradition” ever since. Some times other couples join us at the large round tables. College pennants have been tacked on the walls. I recently nailed a Sewanee (The University of the South) pennant.
Babs brought her sewing machine“Word is Out” that Babs has a sewing machine. She has made three quilts and is working on three more of local designs.
Snow Birds are returning in droves
Flocking back to Saint Croix from the North East and Mid West are the “snow birds.” Many have been coming to The Reef for years, some forty to fifty years; most at least twenty years. We are about 90% occupied, Parking has become scarce and at a premium. The roads are full, the stores more crowded; the cash influx is a positive economic factor for the Islands in “winter season.”
“The Social Scene” has picked up. Loads of cocktail parties, dinner with friends and receptions crowd our schedule. Life is tough in the retirement scene. Sometimes it’s all too demanding for folks like us who still “work!”
Golf “scrambler” and Social reception on Friday evening
Each Friday afternoon a simple four ball scramble golf tournament is both a social mixer and fun way for all to play golf no matter the “handicap.” In previous residents I have known this tournament as “Shot-gun four ball golf.”
We tee off at 3pm, then gather around the pool-club-house for shared heavy appetizers and BYOB reception: It’s all about meet & greet. Prize money is awarded for low gross team score, longest drive and closest to the pin for men and women. Fun time for golfers and non-players alike! It’s a great social time.
Ham Radio Antennas not up yet
We will be in this Condo just until March 1st; not sure weather I will get up my ham radio antennas! The stringing of wires is lots of trouble for a short length of stay before we “move” again. It’s all about time and effort. I still check-in on the two meter repeater on the daily weather net with the other Islands each morning at 0640am, talk with St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Johns, Tortola and Virgin Gorda “ham radio” operators and exchange local weather reports and micro-environmental observations.
Beach walks and morning quiet time
Babs and I continue or daily exercise and joint nature-quiet-time by walking either around the neighborhood community or along some favorite beach. Sometimes I will venture out mid-day on the way home for some alone time on the Beach and take a quick dip in the ocean. My favorite beach is Half-Penny; or locally known by the English pronouncement: “Hay-Penny.” I especially enjoy a non-populated stretch; many times I am completely alone along the shore. I find this most relaxing and renewing!
We miss our family
Enjoying Robin, Phoebe and Wally over Christmas wet our appetite for the family we miss dearly. We will be here six more months; but will return to Georgia in April for a few days. Unless we need return to “move,” keep reading.
Sunday February 17th the annual meetings for Saint Peter’s
We will elect new Vestry and Diocesan representatives, approve the budget and make by-law changes. More later!
Our home in Cumming, Georgia is “on the market”We have placed our home “for sale.” We are listed and Registered with Prudential Reality. When we sell our house in Cumming we will search for a residence in Clarkesville, Georgia to be near as possible to Robin, Wally and precious Phoebe.
Make your plans to come for a visit. In March we will occupy a “two bedroom” unit. We have lots of space and adequate bedroom/bath facilities for guests.
Book/calendar the trip and let us know your dates. We are serious about welcoming friends and family. Come on down to the West Indies. Weather is great; sun is bright; ocean is cool; breezes are constant. Sun and Fun!
Our early Christmas/Advent letter was mailed day after Thanksgiving.
Many THANKS for all your greetings we have received. These connections with “home folks,” have lifted our spirits during the absence away during Christmas!
We received lots of Christmas cards and “letters.”
Come see us Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DWIGHT OGIER+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)