Beginning a week of eating at home.

Friday was the culmination of eat out week.  We began the day by exercising.  I always try to sell German dinner tickets at the Rec center.  We followed that with the visit to the grocery.  We were able to rest in the beginning of the afternoon.  We dressed for the evening and left for Asheville to get some things at the Foam and Fabric.  Unfortunately, we arrived just after it closed.  We continued to our primary destination: Ruth’s Chris Steak House.  There was a deal this week called restaurant week.  Six restaurants in Biltmore village participated and offered meals with good prices.  I also had bought a gift card worth $77 but paid only $47 for it.  Strangely, our card was completely consumed by our meals, tip and tip for the complimentary valet parking.  I don’t like valet parking, especially when, as in this case, the car was parked within 100 yards of of the door.  We went back to Clyde to the monthly ballroom dance.  Karen and Dallas surprised us by attending.  The music was played on CDs rather than live music.  There was a greater variety in that format.  Evelyn received a framed photograph from Karen for her birthday.  We had a good time with them as always.  We will see them once again before we leave if they make arrangements to meet us for a day at the arboretum.  Oops!  We should see them at an Aglow testimonial meeting next Saturday for sure.

Saturday morning our neighbor Gary wanted to play a round of golf.  We usually had his friend Jimmy with us but not today.  We both broke 100 but not by much.  Gary beat me by 1 stroke.  The day was very pleasant but warmed up quickly.  We usually tee off on the first tee into a fog.  We can’t even see the first green and sometimes the 2nd from the tee box, but today it was clear.  We didn’t play much better, however.  I didn’t get much better.  I returned home right at noon, but Evelyn had finished lunch.  I usually get home much later.  We took a nap and dressed for the picnic for the hospital volunteers and went at 5.  We rarely make many connections with anyone there because we don’t know many others.  The meal was catered by a restaurant that we have never eaten in.  It is reputed to be excellent and lived up to the reputation.  We stayed only to eat and then left for the square dance.  We are not good dances but won’t get any better unless we continue  trying.  We danced until 8:30 and talked with our friends before returning home.  I had to practice my reading for tomorrow.

We went to Bible study, and I went into the sanctuary to check on the readings.  They were the same that I practiced.  Two weeks ago I had practiced the wrong OT reading and was embarrassed.  The choir didn’t sing today, so we sat in front because I have to read from the lectern.  I did better this time.  After worship we went to a widow lady’s house for lunch.  She was born in Germany and still has a heavy accent but is very friendly.  She served a delicious egg plant casserole and we aren’t especially fond of egg plant.  She also has quite a dilemma.  Her niece has a daughter who plans to marry another woman.  Our friend is a Christian and knows that this is an abomination to our Lord but doesn’t want to attend the wedding and appear to approve of the event.  It is a difficult decision, but she must follow the directions of God.  We will pray for her to be strong.  We were home by 2 and took our customary nap.  We also called Olivia to sing happy birthday to her.  She sounded appreciative and happy.  We had popcorn and walked around our loop several times.  During the day I had watched some football.  I continued through some of the evening, but we did watch a movie for some of it.

Monday was much cooler than it has been.  It was in the upper 40s when we left for the Rec center.  Evelyn went to the class while I walked around the outdoor track.  It was very refreshing to walk in the crisp air.  We went to the grocery to get a corn bread mix.  We had decided to invite Wanda, the woman whose husband died, to have lunch of chili soup.  I went to her house and pounded on the door many times.  Her small dog was going crazy, and she finally called to me from inside.  I told her what I wanted, and she implied she would come. We prepared everything and waited.  At 12:30 I pounded on the door again without any result.  We ate, and then I talked to our other neighbor who said she doesn’t get up until 2.  I saw her walking on the street.  She didn’t even bother to come to explain.  We did talk and left amicably.  Evelyn wanted to go for a hike, but I was able to talk her into walking around the golf course with me.  She agreed and we went to Iron Tree.  She walked 4 holes and then quit.  She is not strong enough to walk far, especially uphill.  I finished the 9 holes and then we came home for supper.  We had bought some large gowns for the pastor’s wife, Megan at K Mart earlier and wanted to give it to her.  We took it to the hospital for her.  She had had surgery for a bowel blockage removed Friday and will be unable to wear anything tight for a while.  She was appreciative and we delivered it to her.  Pastor and their children were there to and we had a visit.  We also found someone to substitute for us on Wednesday at the hospital so we can go for a hike.  We need someone to work for us on the 6th floor.