Wishin' For a Dull Moment....

I know...be careful what you wish for!
Yesterday was anything but dull but my blood pressure is back down to normal today. There was a family get together at church and I was in the basement preparing to wax the floor by the piano and I booted some rowdy youth out of where they weren't supposed to be. They proceded to tell me where to go and how to get there. So...I told their grandma and she was livid! I went home while the floors were drying (I mopped them) and Ray wouldn't let me go back to church to finish the job. I have a very understanding, supportive hubby who knows just when I need a hug. It's hard to sit at home and relax after that kind of morning sooooooo.....I rearranged the living room and took the Christmas tree down and put everything away. I left my decorations up so it still looks festive.

I had such a nice day today though. I didn't get any cleaning done but the family was very thorough about leaving the building clean. Which was really nice. I didn't get much done but did take down some the specifically Advent-ish decorations in the sanctuary. It was a very busy week at church with changing the visuals after the morning service for the candlelight service, to changing them for Christmas day, to cleaning the sanctuary between services, to cleaning up after the family that was there on Christmas Day, and now the family that was there yesterday and trying to squeeze in a floor refinishing while there is no one using the building (no one who is usually meeting during the week.... and the families who are reunioning there only are supposed to be using the upstairs since I don't get paid to clean the downstairs. ($50 spread over 6 hours of cleaning really isn't that attractive!)

The visuals for the candlelight service where so lovely and many people commented on them. There were electric candles in the wreaths in the windows that were turned on. The angels were hung on the rafter posts in the sanctuary and an electric candle was taped to their hands. Sooo cool! And there were white and red pillar candles on the piano, by the organ, and an extra table besides that yet. There were tea lights on all the window sills too. THat looked really pretty, but made my very nervous when this one little nugget kept running in and out of church (from the fourth pew from the front). YIKES....but...every one lived.

I also had my friend over this afternoon because I am going to dogsit for her in January. Blixie got acquainted with Max, a BIG chocolate lab, and a lovely time was had by all. They will get along just grand. Blixie tolerates Max in her space without too much trouble. From her point of view, he is very large and boisterously exhuberant! But by the end of an hour they were both vedging under the table. So...it will be just fine!

I did get a coat of wax on the floor this afternoon. It felt really good to get that done, rather than still have it on the to-do list! When I finished, I heard some rumbling upstairs on the organ and some of the perpetually smiling members of my congregation were there. It is just such a treat to cross paths with someone like that during your day, especially after a day like yesterday. :):)

Never a Dull Moment....

We had an exciting phone call yesterday at supper time. Someone was fetching something from church and they spotted a bat flying around in the foyer. Yes....a BAT. So....they suggested we apprehend it and have it vacate the premises. We finished our meal and responded appropriately with a call to arms. Arm oneself with what? Well....we brought a fishing net, a butterfly net and an assortment of tennis rackets. I brought some towels too, why, I'm not sure. Definitely not to mop the blood and as I observed the bat doing very fast orbits around us...we'd never be able to throw a towel at it.
Who knows what one needs for this kind of stealth operation. Craig spotted it first...it was downstairs beside the elevator door, just kind of hanging off the wall. He quickly proceeded to excuse himself and the chase began. The bat went up to the foyer and dive bombed me for a while and then went up to the fellowship hall. Joe begged for a turn with the butterfly net, and the long handle seemed our best bet. I was not offended to surrender the net as I was not having much luck. My evasive maneuvers were not working. Trying to catch it but preferably not. Joey began to pursue the little fellow and had it in the net in no time at all. That's my JOE, fearless bat-hunter. Crikey! We let the little fellow go outside...hope he found a cosy little nook somewhere....just not in "MY" building.

SO that was out adventure. I think the bat got shook loose in the attic because we are getting a new roof on the church this week.

I've been putting the finishing touches on the plans for visuals over the next couple of services and have most things lined up and a couple of people to come and give me a hand. We'll have some seasonal music on and have a lovely time....some Christmas tea and goodies. Yum....

We are going to watch Elf together now, that's such a funny movie. What is your favourite holiday movie or special??

Whatcha Listenin' To????

I decided that decorating is all about creating atmosphere and at this house music is a big part of 'ambiance'. Try doing the dishes with classical music as opposed to a 'hits' station. Check out the difference in vibes. Personally....I think there is nothing better than a bit of jazz in the background when you're at the sink, or making cards.....mopping? not so much....you need a bit more oomph!

So....on that note. Decorating tip #6. Play some appropriate seasonal music when you are decorating, creating decor, or entertaining family and friends. I thought it would be really neat to poll the readership at this time and see what you are listening to. All you anonymous readers out there, join in the fun!!!

Today at work and in the studio I listened to MercyMe- The Christmas Sessions. WAAAAAY FUn....I also got a sneak peek at Jars Of Clay- Christmas Songs!!! What a fabulous, fabulous album that is. For most of the week I listened to the Oakridge Boys-An Inconvenient Christmas. What a fun album that is...and I love the way they do the Hallelujah Chorus, and just enough oomph and humour to get the mopping and toilets done!