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My devoted brother, arriving for the lunch he’d more than earned, thought he’d pop in and out of the apartment in a few minutes. Instead he quickly noticed how the 54 degrees with all the rain the past week, the apartment felt cold. He fussed that I hadn’t started a fire in the wood stove. I’m fastidious about wearing layers so the chill hadn’t bothered me.

As his soup cooled he set about the same procedure I’d enacted the day before, only he included evicting the wasps that had nested in the chimney over the summer. He debated over the damper handle positions, ran to the shop next door for the hammer I’d asked to borrow days ago and for a wet stone to sharpen the hatchet. He sent me to the main house for newspaper while he chopped kindling (I’d burnt my week’s supply of paper and kindling the day before trying to start a fire myself in the newer, unfamiliar stove).

Thanking me for the soup and sandwich, he noticed the jacket laying over the back of the recliner sitting across from the wood stove. “What the…?” He said, “Why’s Derick’s jacket still here, and not already patched? Sheesh, Woman, you better get on that!”

“Brother,” I replied lasciviously, walking over to stroke my hand over the jacket, “You know how long and cold the nights have been since he brought it by for mending. I’ve enjoyed sitting with the jacket. Sometimes I imagine Derick wearing it – other clothing being optional…” my words trailed off as I gazed blankly into the void between us…

With that Brother predictably stomped out of the apartment, shaking his head and murmuring inaudibly.

Sure, I could have pointed out the jacket rested on top of a pile of mending and alterations – due three days later, as agreed. I could have explained that setting up the table, lights and my machine is a chore that leaves little space for anything else. I might have explained that the items sit there where they will annoy me into getting to the task sooner rather than later…

But Brother being more prudish lately than I’ve ever known him, that wouldn’t be nearly as fun or entertaining.

I wonder if I can expect him for lunch again soon…

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

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Walk #6

Stains

After shooting stained glass all over town I was able to tell a fellow blogger how it’s best shot from the dark side:

(Click St. Joseph image for full view. Click browser “back” arrow to return.)

A few days later the girls and I went to lunch at Spoons. I soon discovered one of the best lunch spots in town is located in the stunningly beautiful Hope West Hospice:

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Bliends – Lunch

Even before Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha’s fabulous introduction post, I was already certain Diane Duke would be a friend for life. From inception, Ladies Who Lunch Reviews, Etc blew up with “a little lunch, a little wine and a LOT of talking.” Immediately faithful followers gathered regularly, but I can attest the numbers hardly begin to bespeak the quality of her fabulous blog.

A fellow Illinoisan, Diane amazes me as she gracefully plows through happy times and hardships equally. Cancer doesn’t even seem to thwart her. Her eloquent accounts on life, the fur kids, the ever-amazing and entertaining JP, poetry, sizzling romances and mysteries, books, etc. are sure to interest, entertain and often amuse. I’m not gonna lie, I get a little jealous of her sometimes. 😉 Kidding. Mostly.

Most of all I appreciate how Diane personally interacts with her readers. We may never know how she remembers details about so many people (notes, maybe?) and yet she does with her personable style and distinctive undertones of fun. Comment threads as well as her posts and stories inspire and send me on my way in a brighter direction for the time spent with the Ladies.

Need a suggestion for a good read, a reality check or a mirthful moment? Pop on over!

Go Cubs. Go!

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 (NLT)

Cubs logo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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