Things get kind of hectic in the lead up to Christmas, even in the laid back rural wonderland of the Compound. Problem being that by tradition I drive to the metrosprawl a few days before Christmas to get presents.
Devolution?
I broke with unholy tradition this year by doing all the shopping right here in town, within view of the hangin' trees on the Square. Boom. Done. This freed up space and time to visit the flock, deliver Christmas gifts to the Fire Department and local LE, and visit the mighty Brazos.
The Mighty Brazos
No one was catching anything but it was good to see the river and plot against the piscine adversary. Recce patrol, sort of thing. Then Walmart got a look-in. I tell you, that's where the church should be because that's where the people are, in all their glory and everything else in between.
A Beautiful Unicorn
Dwarves, unicorns, elves, all the flotsam and jetsam of Middle Earth in abundance, right here in North Central Texas; no kidding, like the court of kings.
The Halls of Moria
Resisting the urge to set up in the midst of the action, I went about my business, got the job done and headed back to base in that sweet sunny southern weather.
Ride on
As I type this exciting letter home from the southern front of the War on Weather, pheasant's boiling in the pot along with assorted veg. It'll become a pie, a victory pie in the ongoing battle for or against global warming.
Take that, vast international readership, as you will.
Gun rights,
LSP
The halls of Mordor, the creatures of Middle Earth and Texas Hanging Trees...
ReplyDeleteCan it translate into the world's favorite Christmas observance? I hate to speculate, but I'm sure that it will work somehow.
Luckily the Mrs. enjoys shopping for the season and generally has it done well in advance, leaving me with just a few items to purchase. Maybe I better get on with that.
ReplyDeleteAh, so green! Keeping your carbon emissions local.
ReplyDeleteWe're getting our longed for snow for Christmas. We hate a snow-less Christmas. However, we'd also like to see it gone by Dec. 26th.
ReplyDeleteMy schedule has changed so many times I can't even track what the heck day it is. I had planned on hitting Costco today (don't tell my pastor - he's down on shopping on Sunday - rightly so), but may have to go tomorrow since my cancer stricken friend needs a ride. Hopefully I'll do midnight Mass, but also have to do Mass on Christmas day at noon too since my friend needs a ride on Christmas day too.
I'm pretty sure according to canon law I can receive Holy Eucharist at midnight Mass and then again at the 12 noon Mass. I'll try and snag Father after Mass to clarify.
WalMart pic, but could be anywhere. Isn't it amazing the number of people these days perfectly content to go out in public looking like slobs?
ReplyDeletePlease share my best wishes with your mother, your (crazy) sisters and the Blue Terror. Things have been crazy for me. Not so many gifts will be handed out this year. It only took an hour to wrap them
ReplyDeleteLL, I'll be sure to pass on your best and know you're always welcome at the various HQ/Compound set ups in Texas. And not to worry about presents, they have plenty!
ReplyDeleteViz. Hanging Trees, the Halls and Middle Earth -- I see a short, maybe in 2 parts. Sort of Western hardcore meets Tolkien.
I'm up for the challenge if you are!
Jim,get cracking! I ALWAYS leave it to the very last minute...
ReplyDeleteWSF, yes, yes, and yes again. We must all pull together to beat the Weather.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, I think you can receive at all three Masses of Christmas. I always did as a layman but I'm, ahem, irregular so run it by the pastor...And well done taking your friend to Mass. That means a lot.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the snow but I'd like some here, Christmas style. Of course it's different when it's a -40 reality but still, light up the roaring fires and keep warm!
Kid, I tell you, I should set up there and no fooling, it'd be a big congregation. And yes, the people are a right mess. Reminds me:
ReplyDeleteA few years back a lanky tattooed fella was checking out and the cashier, who I like, asked him where he was from, maybe from the North? He got angry, seriously, "You callin' me a dam Yankee? I'm 10th Mountain Division." She replied, looking at me, "He's from the North."
My enraged new friend looked at me, all 6.3 of him, inked up like a killer, which he doubtless was, and said "What?" I looked him straight in the eye and replied, "That's right, England." He grinned and said, "Well that's different." And we shook hands.
Walmart, what a circus.
I checked and yes you can receive at all three, but being an unholy neep I'm only attending two Masses.
ReplyDeleteMy friend is having her last radiation treatment next week. This is something like the fourth go-round with cancer. They amputated a leg about a year ago and now they're they're trying to shrink the tumor in her pelvis to help with pain. And - she's absolutely gorgeous and never complains.
P.S. There is nothing "irregular" about you. No siree...
I thought you could receive at all three, I always did as a layman, if I can remember that far back...
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll be sure to pray for your friend and offer her intention at the Altar.
PPS. Irregular?!? Surely some kind of vicious rumor.