Headline "Lord of the Rings!"

LORD OF THE RINGS is the front page headline in today's Post-Gazette newspaper. What a game! We enjoyed watching it with our long time friends in Cannonsburg John and Sherron. The game along with real ham barbecue (made with Isaly's chipped ham) and a variety of snacks and dips (and even a yummy pizza dip) made of an enjoyable evening. Although we left just before the end of the third quarter, we made it home in time to see the last three minutes on our TV. (The roads were empty. Not a car in sight.)We'd been gone most of the day and so let Bonz out as soon as we got home. He seemed "relieved" to see us.;)

Yesterday morning I left for church early because I preached at both the early and the 11:00 services. That was my first time to preach there and really the first introduction to most of the congregation. I was surprised when I saw some friends come in for the 11:00 service that I didn't know were coming. Our great deice Ryanne, and Margorie Grady (from the Wilkinsburg church) and her friend Olive Tuller (wife of an American Baptist pastor who was once the President of our denomination.) And since my bio was in the bulletin, several people spoke to me after worship about places our paths may have crossed. The "it's a small world" thing again and again. The "souperbowl" soup selections after worship were myriad. I counted at least two crock pots of homemade soups to choose from. It was a nice (and exhausting) morning.

Saturday night Dee and I went to the Deck House restaurant in Cranberry. We'd never been there before and we had a coupon for one free meal. The food was good and the atmosphere was pleasant. Everyone seemed to be wearing their Steelers shirts. We'd picked up a couple of new ones earlier in the day and were right in step with everyone else. We each had the ribeye steaks - very good.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Well, the snow and ice continue to do their thing. Here are a couple of photos out our kitchen windows.

Yesterday I connected with Dena at church and we talked about the worship service where I'll be preaching on Sunday (both services)and she will be assisting me. Then I went back to the school where I left my music and notes to pick them up. I needed the notes to finish my Barbershop Newsletter. It call it "Berries from the Bog" since we call ourselves the Cranberry "BOGmeisters." ;) Anyway, it's an attempt to strengthen the relationships among the guys as well as increase the Chorus' awareness of what our Chapter is doing. My philosophy is that "you can't expect people to be responsible for doing what you ask them to do, if they don't have the information in the first place. BUT if you let them know what's expected and give them the resources to carry out their part, then the outcome has a better chance of being what you hope it will be."

We went grocery shopping in the afternoon and picked up some things we needed. I got some more cheese at Costco too. There were cheese demos going on so we got to try 5 different ones from Yancy Fancy Farms in NY. The were pretty gooda so we bought some "Champagne" cheese there, and I selected some Cheverai Goat cheese as well. I've been wanting to try the Cheverai since I read about it in one of my new Cheese books.

In the evening we decided to just stay inside, keep warm and watch some television. An evening snack of sliced apples, pears and champagne cheese was pretty good. We watched a couple of episodes of Burn Notice and then lights out.

A Snowy Day

Yesterday I took my neighbor John to the Rotary luncheon. The program was about RYLA - a Rotary Youth Leadership conference held at Westminster College each summer. Three of the junior from Mars Area Schools who went last summer were on hand to talk about this life changing experience they had in becoming aware of their potential as future leaders. It was nice to see Madeline (the Campbell's granddaughter) as one of those who went.

Afterward I drove to our rehearsal place to retrieve my music from Monday night only to find that the school was closed because of the snow storm. Agh! It was a little dicey driving there too. But we made it back just fine.

Dee had gone out to do some shopping and have lunch at her favorite Asian Restaurant. She also found some great material to change the feel and look of our computer table. Good selection. We spoke with Sherron Curdie about getting together for the Steeler's win in the Super Bowl. We'll be going to their place for the game on Sunday afternoon. (However, I'm preaching at both services on Sunday while our pastor is away, so I'll be focusing on that in the early part of the day.)

Even though I shoveled the snow and cleared out the driveway and sidewalk, they were covered again by evening. This snow was a little heavier and so more difficult to move around. Good exercise though. We spent the rest of the evening watching television and completing the fringe on the new tablecloth.

Beaver, PA is a Quaint Town

On Monday we drove to the little town of Beaver. we'd been through there once a couple of months ago and it looked like a nice little town with lots of stores and a quaint main street. We had lunch at Cafe Kolache http://www.cafekolache.com/

It was great - Our sandwiches were made of "slightly sweetened yeast dough" filled with ham and cheese (mine) and tuna (Dee's). The tortilla soup was hot and filled with goodies as well. I bought a pound of their Cuban coffee (Prestogeorgeos) to make my next batch of cold brewed coffee. (brewing now as I write) The owner, Hugh, mentioned they have entertainment every Saturday night in a coffee house atmosphere. You can find what's happening on their website too.

We walked the town going in and out of the stores. A nice leisurely afternoon. The GPS worked great and made the trip that much easier. In the evening I had Barbershop Chorus practice. We're learning the love songs for "Singing Valentines."

Tuesday Dee had to work, so I did some PR for the Singing Valentines by going to the local Cranberry Chamber of Commerce "networking" luncheon at the municipal center. It was a "first" for me as I experienced business people networking. We were each given 60 seconds to "pitch" our product. We also were able to pass around brochures if we wanted to. I had a nice "card" that explained what goes with the singing valentine and a phone number. Then time afterward and prior actually, we could connect with people we wanted to further talk with. My product is "entertainment" by the Bogmeisters Chorus, and the "singing valentine" emphasis. It was fun (although there was not actual lunch this time). They meet weekly on Tuesdays at 11:45. I'll likely go again.

In the evening Dee and I began working on our info for the taxes. It went well since she'd kept things organized each month, identifying things that we'd need to refer to now. We watched a couple of recorded programs and hit the sack, knowing snow and ice were on the way.

This morning my driveway is an ice skating rink, and my car outside is encrusted with ice. Looks like an igloo.

First Anniversary !

Yesterday was Sunday and with it came a morning of worship followed by a stop to see Dee at her workplace. Still checking out their cheese section and learning all I can.

In the evening I took part in a "Week of Christian Unity" service at a local church in Mars. There were 13 pastors involved and a guest preacher. Members from area churches formed a "massed choir" and the quartet from our Cranberry Barbershop Chorus sang two selections. "Hush," and "The Irish Blessing" at the close of the service. Here's a picture someone took of them singing. It was a great evening of praise, singing and hearing from The Word.

Today is the First Anniversary of Kerri and Patrick. Whew! so much has happened since this time last year. Great memories of that special night too. Congratulations Kerri and Patrick !

Wedding Day for Danielle and Brett

Yesterday we went to the wedding of Dee's grand niece, Danielle. It was in Worthington, PA. We weren't sure of how to get there so we decided to go via 95 to 422. That worked well because we were on all major roads. We returned home a different route and found that the way home was 20 miles shorter. The wedding was very nice with about 40 people in attendance. The reception was in the church fellowship hall. Here are a couple of photos from the wedding.

All the food was prepared at the church by the families of the bride and groom. The bride's grandmother, Donna, made the cake in NC and then iced it just before the wedding. Yummm. It was good to see the family again as the nephews and niece came in from NC, and OH and the their families tagged along for the ride. It was good to be able to go to such an event and be a spectator with no responsibilities for the festivities. Usually I'm in the middle of it all as a "host pastor", so this was great!

Later when we got home, we decided to stay inside and keep warm. We watched a 2 part movie La Femme Musketeer then went to bed.

Visiting with Fellow Clergy and PR

Yesterday I went to the Pittsburgh Clergy meeting for Baptists at Mt. Lebanon and learned about what's happening in the churches of my denomination. While there I sat next to the minister from the Monongahela church where my mother attends. After the meeting we talked briefly about her. I asked him if he knew who she was. He said, 'You mean Toots Aiello." I said yes. He said he's talked with her on several occasions and she always seems to have a look on her face of "Wonder why you're talking with me." Any way, I'd mentioned a couple of things about her and described where she lives and encouraged him to connect with her again. I mentioned that her Sunday School class is the main connection point. He noted that no one in her Sunday school class attends worship. That they pretty much stay to themselves.

Here's a photo of the Bogmeisters from Monday night.

During the afternoon I began to do some PR for the Singing Valentines following up leads and calling people at the various media outlets - newspaper, magazines and TV. I also began a log of what I'm doing in that regard so I can follow up where I'm waiting for a call back or looking for an email in response to a request.

I received an email from Pastor Jim asking me if I'd preach for him on March 22 while he's away. I said "sure." That'll be different from when I preach on the February 1 date. In March both he and the Assistant will be away, so I'll be doing the whole thing. Shouldn't be a problem though, just a little more to do. We have two services so I'll lead and preach at both.

In the evening Dee and I went to a local mega church "open house" as they completed the construction of an addition and were having appetizers, tours etc. I'd been wanting to see the inside of that church anyway, so this was a good excuse to go. They seem to have it all. Special areas for little kids; teen area with multiple TV screens (like about 10) for gaming (I noticed 4 Wii set ups) a small stage for events. There were dozens of huge TV screens on the walls throughout the gathering areas. The main building has a 1,400 seat auditorium and a 300 seat one as well. The new addition has 500 seat auditorium for overflow worship seating, or for a second service going on simultaneously. Their PR even indicates a "Cafe worship" service at the same time for those who want a more intimate small group worship experience. Quite the place.

Back home, we watched a couple of shows we recorded of "Burn Notice." Then turned out the lights.