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I realize for most of us it is almost meaningless in COVID world, but still the end of summer at least mentally.
Yesterday morning Mrs JP and I went to our first funeral (attending not conducting) since March. As a society we don't typically think of funerals as lovely but this really was.
The deceased, a friend and colleague was 96 years old. Died of a heart attack (not COVID). His wife (2nd marriage - he was widowed) is at least 20 years younger and I swear has kept him alive for the last 5 years out of sheer bloody mindedness. He was ordained in 1948! (74 years!). Started and served one church for 40 years, retired and essentially stayed there for another 30. The service was held at that church at 11 AM Sunday morning. The family and pastor reasoned that he had processed up the aisle every Sunday at 11 am for 40 years, he could do so one more time.
With COVID, most of our churches are still closed so there were at least 7 ministers available to attend a funeral in another church at 11 am on a Sunday morning. How often would that happen any other time.
In Ontario, by law churches are limited to 30% capacity or 50 people whichever is less. As well we must wear masks indoors. So, funeral was invitation only, 50 people, sign in for contact tracing, get temp taken, wear mask, no singing (just a soloist) - though we did have hymns to listen to. Weird yes, but, since this is the first time I have been in a church since the middle of March oddly familiar and comforting.
Yesterday was also a gorgeous day, so, we came home, made lunch (of course no reception at the funeral) and read in the backyard. Started the smoker, put in about 7 lbs of pork loin for supper (with coleslaw and salad later). Half dry rub, half wet sauce. Mmmmm I love BBQ.
Then got the Midget out and Mrs JP and I went for a drive down the waterfront for an hour or so. Ms. Triss is still not running perfectly smoothly though when she warms up she gets better. I think it is still mostly last years gas but, may pull the plugs today to see. Still a lovely drive, temp in the low 70's and the sun setting in a blue sky.
Then home and a couple of British Cozy Mysteries (Pie in the Sky) before bed.
All in all one of the nicest days in a very long time.
Happy Labour Day all.
Yesterday morning Mrs JP and I went to our first funeral (attending not conducting) since March. As a society we don't typically think of funerals as lovely but this really was.
The deceased, a friend and colleague was 96 years old. Died of a heart attack (not COVID). His wife (2nd marriage - he was widowed) is at least 20 years younger and I swear has kept him alive for the last 5 years out of sheer bloody mindedness. He was ordained in 1948! (74 years!). Started and served one church for 40 years, retired and essentially stayed there for another 30. The service was held at that church at 11 AM Sunday morning. The family and pastor reasoned that he had processed up the aisle every Sunday at 11 am for 40 years, he could do so one more time.
With COVID, most of our churches are still closed so there were at least 7 ministers available to attend a funeral in another church at 11 am on a Sunday morning. How often would that happen any other time.
In Ontario, by law churches are limited to 30% capacity or 50 people whichever is less. As well we must wear masks indoors. So, funeral was invitation only, 50 people, sign in for contact tracing, get temp taken, wear mask, no singing (just a soloist) - though we did have hymns to listen to. Weird yes, but, since this is the first time I have been in a church since the middle of March oddly familiar and comforting.
Yesterday was also a gorgeous day, so, we came home, made lunch (of course no reception at the funeral) and read in the backyard. Started the smoker, put in about 7 lbs of pork loin for supper (with coleslaw and salad later). Half dry rub, half wet sauce. Mmmmm I love BBQ.
Then got the Midget out and Mrs JP and I went for a drive down the waterfront for an hour or so. Ms. Triss is still not running perfectly smoothly though when she warms up she gets better. I think it is still mostly last years gas but, may pull the plugs today to see. Still a lovely drive, temp in the low 70's and the sun setting in a blue sky.
Then home and a couple of British Cozy Mysteries (Pie in the Sky) before bed.
All in all one of the nicest days in a very long time.
Happy Labour Day all.