It's True

 Yes, it's true, I am busier than when I worked.  But today just ruffles my feathers.  Wait, I don't have feathers, but if I did, they would indeed be ruffled.

One thing about retirement is that I get to sleep late.  No more setting the alarm for 6:15 AM, but this morning I had to set it for 7:00 AM so that I could meet a Verizon Technician at my church between the hours of 8:00 AM and never.  I say never because I sat there at Salem UCC, until 2:00 PM.  They had given me the time of 8:00 to 11:00 AM.  First at 12:00 Noon they tell me the Tech is running late.  Then at 2:00 PM I called multiple times fighting with the AI operator and finally after way to long I got a human.  He told me the tech was not in the area, so I reschedule for tomorrow morning meaning I have to get up at 7:00 AM again.  This time I am taking something to eat.  

Today I got hungry around lunchtime.  I found the bin where we keep left over snacks - everything was a little stale, so I settled for some Easter Candy.  I knew it was Easter because of the Kit Kat bunny.  Which, even though it said good to 11/26 - it was not.  

If they don't show up tomorrow, too bad, so sad, because I have appointments and commitments the rest of the week.  Who knew retirement would be so busy.

I will be making halu
pkies for the BASKET RAFFLE and FLEA MARKET at SALEM UCC on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. And if you are really feeling lucky you can go over to Holy Trinity who is also having a basket raffle.  

Watch for previews on our Facebook page.   Some great baskets and great deals at the flea market.

Well, I better go.  It's almost time to make dinner.

and that's ANOTHER DAY IN CATASAUQUA

What a weekend in Catasauqua

My weekend started last night as usual - food shopping.  But, when we came home my mom had said "there was a man here to see me."  What man, what was his name; my mother, of course, did not ask.  The gentleman did, however, show up after 8 o'clock and what a fantastic story.  He tracked me down, by this blog!  It was kind of exciting hearing the man say to Parke, "I am a looking for Beverly Werner, she writes a blog called "Another Day in Catasauqua"  ooooooo!  That's me!!! "I am a private detective."  ooooo! That's not me! "Don't worry you are not in trouble" Okay - it's me then.

It was very interesting -we talked about a 2014 story that I wrote - I just happened to take a picture that helped him in a case he was working on, unfortunately I could not be of more help to him, but  it was still the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately.

The Sweets

Then this morning it was to church for a fundraiser called Soup, Salad and Sweets.  My laughs started with my BFF, Tammy, who had Hallmark hair.  If you watch as many Hallmark movies as Tammy, Cathy or I do, you know what I mean.  It is that kind of hair you have when you meet Mr. Right, but of course, you dislike each other at first, perhaps you met in a fender bender in the parking lot or you spilled soup all over him, but by the end of the movie or this blog whichever happens first, you kiss and inevitably live happily ever after.

But, maybe the best laughs came later with the arrival of BFF's Jaime and Rami. You see, they have been remodeling their bathroom and Rami's new pride and perhaps joy is the bidet.  Yes, a bidet, which has a heated seat and lights up in the dark; which I may try in the future.  If I do, watch for my blog, "Another bidet in Catasauqua"  it is sure to be one that captivates your imagination.

Of course, Rami, who is eating for two can't understand the complaints of pregnant women, since he is not experiencing any morning sickness and I heard laughter coming from the table, since he was surrounded by women.

You know what--
isn't that a great thing.  To sit with friends, to make new friends and to eat great desserts (okay threw that one in because I ate some of the best desserts today) and to laugh.  I feel so happy today I just had to share it with you, my readers.

Yup this is my weekend so far, who knows it isn't over yet, maybe some more craziness will happen.  BUT that's the great thing, you never know what is going to happen next, Hallmark hair, baby daddy's (Dale and Rami) and bidets, you know what I call that ........Another day in Catasauqua.

A Walk in the Park - Coca-Cola Park

 Yesterday was a special day, it was our Annual Iron Pigs Suite night at Coca-Cola Park.  Once a year a group of us from Salem UCC rent the Iron Pigs Suite, we each chip in to cover the costs and we have a night of FOOD, friendship, fun and baseball. 

I decided to take some pictures to share here in case you haven't had a chance to be in one of the suites yet. 

First we headed to the park with cloudy skies overhead, we knew that there was a chance that the game might be rained out.  But, whether the weather co-operates or not, you have to go for the food part of the night. 

We hopped into the elevator to the 2nd floor even though the suites are numbered in the 300's - tricky.  Off the elevator and pass the bar and food to the hallway leading to the suites. 

My plate

Besides being with friends the food is my  next favorite part.  This year it didn't let me down there was fried chicken, pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked pasta dish, potato salad, a salad with dressings, condiments and fixings.  On another table was potato chips and the best cookies, the sugar cookies being my favorite!

The Buffet

I have it down to a science, I usually eat a hamburger, sometimes I just eat hot dogs, this is only because I love hot dogs, but Parke does not and the ball games are my time to get hot dogs.  We are 18 game plan holders so I usually get my share during the season, especially on Dollar Dog nights.  Last night, I ate to much, but it was so good.  I am of the mentality that I have to get my monies worth.  Thus why I am sipping peppermint tea as I write this!

A note to self - do not drink a beer after consuming a large quantity of food - I felt like I just poured vinegar in a stomach full of baking soda, can you say BLOAT.  My muffin top turned into a sheet cake over my jeans.  

John and Tammy

BFF Tammy was to throw out the first pitch for our group, and she was so excited to do so, but after she left to line up the rain started, the tarp came out and Tammy came back up, they were told to wait in the tunnel, but it was a good thing she didn't, the game eventually was rained out.

Super Ferrous

As usual Ferrous made a quick visit to our suite - it was Super Hero Night and he was dressed for the occasion.

Me with my cookie

I don't mind a rain out when we are in the suites, because you get tickets for another game and they will give them for the 2nd level which is called club level!  I like the club level because if it happens to be a bad weather night or if it is too hot out you can take shelter inside.  And to top it off this time they are giving us an additional $15.00 credit on each ticket to use for food - GO PIGS - hot dogs, here I come.

The suites are sweet, sofa and chair - high tables and stools - sorry Shayna for accidentally grabbing your boob to hike myself up on the stool.  But the night is about laughs, talking with friends and usually rooting on the Iron Pigs, well it was still good friends, laughter and food....maybe next year we can "root, root, root for the Iron Pigs, if they don't win it's a shame, cause it 1, 2, 3 strikes your out at the old ball game......and that another day in Catasauqua.

A Morning Full of Inspiration

Cyril (Randy) Murphy

I don't blog much anymore, mainly because I need to be inspired to write something.  Especially at home, on my desktop computer which I believe has Windows 1957 on it.  It works a lot slower than I think.  So now you know that  I must of been really inspired to sit down and write this.

This morning I went to church, Salem UCC; just like any other Sunday, first to teach Sunday School and then I usually sing in the choir.  This morning we were in for a special treat.  In lieu of the choir singing, Cyril (Randy) Murphy, would be performing a musical selection instead.  Cyril was a student of mine in Sunday School, he is the son of one of my Bff's, Judy and has since moved away and now lives in North Carolina.

I was running late after Sunday School because the project we worked on involved glue and I was cleaning up.  When I finally got downstairs to the choir room I found that all my fellow choir members were gone and already in Church, mainly because Cyril was playing prelude music.  So I skipped suiting up in my choir robe, and since the closet was locked anyway, I had no where to but my purse so I used the opportunity to sit with my BFF, Cathy instead of sitting in choir.

I got in towards the end of the prelude, but while sitting there and listening to Cyril I started to remember the boy.  The boy that could make me laugh in Sunday School.  The boy who came up with the popper idea for our Sunday School Christmas number which concluded with us all shooting off poppers.  The young man in at his mother's wedding.  The young man, that sang like Kermit the Frog at his Music Program in College.  And now the man behind the piano, playing so beautifully that he gave me goose ginkles.  (That's a lot like goose bumps).

Then it came to Anthem time.  Cyril spoke for moment about praising God and then he sang, Glorify thy Name.  And he didn't just sing it, he felt it, and then you felt it. He then told us to join in, and I did, and then I felt it to.  Goose Ginkles.  It's like knowing that the Holy Spirit is sitting right next to you and that it fills your whole being with all things good.

Now, if you think the inspiration stopped there, it didn't, because now Pastor Michael Smith got up and preached his sermon.  His sermon was about using the gifts of the spirit.  You know, the talents that God gave you, even if you don't know what they are yet. How perfect was that after hearing Cyril use his talents in praising God.    Here was the time now to search you soul, ask God and find what you CAN do to make a difference.

Well, by Jim-i-ney Crickets I was ready to run out  and visit prisons.  I say that because I love the scripture in Matthew 25: 26   "I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’  Well, I try to help people, I donate my clothing, donate food to the food bank, and try to visit those who are sick - or at least send a card, but I haven't had to visit anyone in prison.  Good thing, but maybe that's next and hopefully it is no one that I know.

I got a lot of titles behind my name, like President of Consistory, Elder, choir member and Sunday School Teacher.  I am also a girlfriend, daughter, mother and grandmother; but for some reason I still think there is more I can do.  I better find out what it is soon because I will be too old to do it when I figure it out.

Pastor Mike talked about a certain social awkwardness that keeps us from doing these things.  Not wanting to step on anybody's  toes, so to speak and I feel like for at least half my life I was like that.  I am not anymore, and Praise God for that.

So I know, you might not of been there today to be inspired, but think about it.  God gave everyone gifts or talents, whatever you want to call them, are you using them?  I wish I could give a dose of goose ginkles to everyone.  I think the world would be a better place for it.

So, here is wishing you find inspiration somewhere today.  It may be in a sunrise, a good sermon, a good book or in a child's laugh.  May you be a blessing to someone today and may someone be a blessing to you. These are my prayers for you and that's another day in Catasauqua.

Church in the Park

I am tired. But blissfully tired from a morning of Worship in the Park with Salem UCC, Catasauqua.  God blessed us with great weather two years in a row.  Today was again warm and breezy. Attendance was good the children sang like angels!  All year long we would try to get them to sing and on the Sundays that we were schedule to sing no one showed up or perhaps 2 did.  So today we had a great group and they sang a medley of their greatest hits.  You know, like Jesus Loves Me, This Little Light of Mine and The B I B L E.  Yes it was great to see and hear the children.

The nest with the birdie

I love Pastor Mike's Sermon in the Park. At church I usually just look at him during the sermon but today, I watched birds, and a few squirrels and marveled at the evergreen trees that were to my left.  I still listened to the sermon but there is something about the wind blowing, the sun shining and just seeing the nature around me that makes me feel so close to God.   There was a bird in a nest just to the left of where Pastor Mike was standing and when it popped up it made me smile.  One of God's creatures also taking in the sermon.

I think the birds sang twice as loud when everyone sang, I think they wanted to sing along.

A shout out to everyone who made it possible - bff, Tammy organizes the event but so many hands helped in the setting up and taking down that it went so smoothly.

It's hours later and I am beat - my legs just about want to give up.  But I am still smiling about singing Blessed Assurance, praying and listening to Worship in the Park today.  I hope more people will join us next year.

Oh - and let's not forget the FOOD - omg - really - hot dogs, barbeque, tons of salads, snack and DESSERTS.  Yes Megan I had your delicious peanut butter dessert and it was a little slice of peanut butter heaven.  As we said there is no such thing as too much peanut butter.

And then there was BINGO.  I called Bingo and bff, Cathy played a card for me.  I won a crossword puzzle book.  But you know what, I never got to call the number B4 - I know this because I wanted to say, if God B4 me - who could be against.

and that's .....another day in Catasauqua

Lots to do in Catasauqua this weekend!

I just got back from the Iron Works Summer Blast.  It was hot but there was a really good crowd there; which I love seeing at an event it Catasauqua.

 There is a little of everything.  Food, music, beverages, and all kinds of entertainment.  My bff, Cathy and I didn't stay real long, but we saw lots friends and enjoyed a frozen lemonade.  It is exciting to see what Catasauqua might become.  It great to see that they are taking a site and using it the best way possible.  



There was Bike Demos from the Catty Woods bmx bike riders, games for the children, and even a Beer Garden - along with a real garden with a really cool water feature. 




Also, if you think you have what it takes to be a fire fighter, they had Junior Fireman obstacle course you could try out.  (Just a side note - Cathy and I did  not try this course)

There was also an interactived art mural that you can paint your thoughts on.

Besides musical entertainment you could catch the Burning Hearts Fire and Light Theater.

It if gets to hot down at the blast furnace you can head up to the North Catasauqua Park for their last night.  I was up there Thursday night enjoying the music of  the Large Flowerheads.  The North Catty Carnival is always a fun time.

Now - if you wake tomorrow and feel like going to church and perhaps a picnic - Salem UCC is having Church in the Park at 10 AM tomorrow followed by a picnic and games.  Please feel free to join us.

Well, I gotta go take a shower, my new fitness tracker tells me I just  walked 3526 steps and I am a little sweaty.

Don't forget - there is a lot of stuff to do in Catty - check it out - and that's ...another day in Catasauqua

Give me that Old Time Religion

What a glorious day.  So glorious I had to write about it.  Today we did something new, that was something old;  that was to have our church service at the Catasauqua Playground.

I remember when I was a child, one Sunday when I was heading to the pool I came across a group singing at the Pavilion - Grace Hilficker was up front.  I wasn't a member of Salem back then but some of my friends were and I asked them what was going on and they told me that they were having their church service in the park.  I remember thinking, wow how cool is that.  Well today I could have that experience.

Thanks to bff, Tammy Lutte for organizing the event. And alot of other bff's for participating, it happened!

I got to the playground this morning at 8:00 AM and OH MY what a beautiful morning.  God surely graced us with a wonderful day.  We unloaded the car and then the other cars came, it was like a beautifully orchestrated event.  Not everyone got there at once, there wasn't any confusion and everything flowed smoothly.  The only boo boo was that we overloaded the electric strip from too much food.  LOL was that really a problem?

During the Service itself I couldn't help but smile. Pastor Mike had a great sermon about attending church.  Behind him some squirrels played.  The air was quiet except for the chirping of birds.  It was like nature cooperated with us for the perfect experience.  Everytime the wind blew through I couldn't help but think of the Holy Spirit, especially since it was Pentecost Sunday.

At one point I remember thinking as Judy, our organist sat up front and Pastor Mike was preaching-- how old fashion and relaxing it felt.  I made everyone hold hands for the benediction song just because I felt so overjoyed.  

After the service we had the BEST PICNIC EVER - I am still full.  And everybody mingled (perhaps because we didn't have our usual pew to sit it)  We played bingo afterwards for prizes.

What a great Sunday it was, great people, at a great park.  I like those Homecoming Arches, Catasauqua, nice job.  And the playground, pool and pavilion look the best they ever have. 

It makes you realize how wonderful it is to live in a small town, to have a wonderful Church to attend and caring friends.  You can feel the Love of God on a day like today.  You feel the love and kindness all around you.  You even share cookies and soda with kids who just happened by at the right time.  And best of all.........you feel blessed.

Amen and that's another day in Catasauqua

Halupkies and Fond Memories from my Childhood

Today is the start of my halupkie making season.  It is when I start making halupkies for the different events at Salem UCC, such as the one this Saturday, March 8, our Annual Mardi Gras.  Now I know we are a couple days late, sorry, but Salem has a program where we volunteer in the community the first Saturday of the month.     It's called the First Fruits Program.  I volunteer at the Catasauqua Library.  So we had to move Mardi Gras to the 2nd Saturday.

There will be lots of good food, including my halupkies, along with haluski, hot dogs, barbeque and much more.  I think we might even being having a breakfast.  Along with the food is a big  FLEA MARKET and a wonderful "Tricky Tray" or some say "Basket Raffle".  There is also a beautiful afghan, made by one of my bff's Roseanne, that is being raffled off.  Plus a bake sale and a children's corner.   There is even rumor that TWINKLE STAARR the Clown might appear to do face painting and balloon animals.

But back to the halupkies.  Many people have, over the years, volunteered to help me.  I always turn them down, saying that my kitchen is to small. I really don't need the help.  Those are both true.  But the real reason that I like to do them by myself is that they bring me closer to a childhood memory of my Grandfather, George Temos.  Uncle Georgie to my counsins, Pappy to me. 

Pappy with his passion - his car

He was a tall man.  I was looking for a picture of him and almost always his head is cut off in the pictures.  It was always tan, he worked at the Bethlehem Steel as a rigger.    He died many years ago when I was young, somewhere around 5th or 6th grade.  But I always remember him is some of the traditions I still keep.  His family was from Poland, the only one in his family to be born in America.  He would not teach me Polish because he said we are in American - you speak American.   The only polish I can remember is dobro pivo, which means good beer.  I guess I really don't need to know anything else! 

He was the only male figure in the family, I have never met my dad, so he was everything to me.  He use to teach me to fix things, he would say, "you never know when you might not have a man to help you."  So when I make halupkies, which was one of the Sunday Dinners he would prepare, I think of him.  He taught me to brown the hamburger first, that comes from growing up on the farm, all our meat was well done.  More importantly he taught me how to roll them so that the don't fall apart. After you put the hamburger and rice mixture in the center of the cabbage leaf it is - fold the bottom up - fold left in - right in and squish the top down into the center with your finger.  Every time I hear the squishy sound I think of him saying "That's it Beverly, you got it."

So you see, my kitchen is quite crowded, and I am never really doing the alone, Pappy is right here with me saying - Beverly, you got it.

Love you Pappy........and that's another day in Catasauqua
 

Volunteering in Catasauqua

My Pastor, Pastor Michael Smith, of Salem UCC in Catasauqua, along with his wife, Meghan, have initiated a volunteer program called "First Saturday".   Every first Saturday of the month volunteers from Salem go out into the community and volunteer at various places. 

This Saturday I chose The Catasauqua Public Library.  Along with BFF's, Cathy, Tammy, Don, Carol and Carol we ventured out this morning and reported for duty promptly at 9:30 AM.  We chose papers that assigned us to different jobs. 

First Tammy and I worked on the video section pulling out duplicate movies.  Then later I was assigned to stamping DISCARD into the books that the library puts out as free for the taking.  Now, if you ever saw me at work with the VOID stamper, you know that I love to stamp.  So stamped I did.   I was in my glory.  In between stamping and dating the books,  I perused around the library and found more books that I hadn't read by my favorite author, Janet Evanovich.  I didn't know that she wrote these other series so I was so excited that I renewed my Library Card and borrowed "Metro Girl" to read. 

Cathy working

Then, in the discard pile I found another book that I wanted to read! A book I never heard of by Jacqueline Susann entitled "Yargo".  It is kind of a "Valley of the Dolls" meets "Star Wars", looks strangely interesting.

 Oy,  all I can say, good thing I wasn't assigned to an Animal Shelter, because I probably would of came home with 2 more dogs and cat.  This way I only came home with 2 books and a renewed Library Card and renewed love of the Library.

Thanks Meghan and Pastor Mike, for getting me off my butt and getting me out there into the community, into my community.  And that's another day in Catasauqua.

The New Year's Resolution

If you thought you were going to find out what my New Year's resolution is, sorry - I didn't make any this year.  I resolve occasionally  to try to do things better.  Sometimes after a great sermon, like the one Pastor Mike of Salem UCC, in Catasauqua did a few weeks back on Attitudes;  I resolved to have a better attitude at work.  However, like many resolutions, it is difficult to keep.  The pressure of deadlines, and attitudes of others, clients included can affect my way of thinking.  That's why resolutions are so hard.  We set high goals once a year and expect ourselves to meet them.  I rather work my way gradually to a goal, like eating better.  From years at Weight Watchers I really know how to eat better (I just don't always do it).  However, we eat less fried food and more vegetables and whole grains, but at Christmas some of that eating flies out the door.  I had also quit Weight Watchers in the beginning of November so I could have more money for Christmas Shopping; but, I will rejoin this Thursday, mainly because I am noisy and want to know what the new plan is all about.(I have to brace myself though, lots of people will be joining, just like lots of people go back to the gyms)   It will also help me and my family get back on a healthier eating track.

So where did New Year's Resolutions start?  Well, the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts.




The Romans began each year by making promises to the god  Janus, for whom the month of January is named.


In the Medieval era,  the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

 At the end of the Great Depression, about a quarter of American adults formed New Year's resolutions. At the start of the 21st century, about 40% did.

So how successful are New Year's Resolutions?   A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, despite the fact that 52% of the study's participants were confident of success at the beginning. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.

So, if you really want to make a New Year's Resolution, go ahead, share your goals and find the right support, and you are more likely to succeed.

In the meantime I have some Christmas candy and cookies to finish off before Thursday .......and that's another day in Catasauqua.

BIG DAY TOMORROW!!!

Pastor Mike

Yes, it is a big day tomorrow for a couple of reasons.  First, Pastor Michael Smith, Salem UCC's current Pastor will be Ordained tomorrow in an Ordination Ceremony at Salem.  Salem hasn't hosted an ordination for over 50 years so what a great opportunity for the little church  that could.   I've never talked about the problems that Salem had in the past on this blog, and I never will.  Salem has a bright and shiny future, and what a great way to celebrate. (Special thanks to Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob, we couldn't of done it without you both)

Another big event, not to overshadow Pastor Mike but......tomorrow will be one year that I am writing this blog!!!  YES it is this BLOG'S BIRTHDAY - I would have had a party but I am going to a pretty big one tomorrow already. 

This blog, started out of boredom, feeling a little down, but also feeling that wow, there is a lot of stuff to talk about in a small town and it has been very fulfilling.  I have reconnected with some people.  Had a lot of feedback on the articles and in general -- learned a LOT about Catasauqua's History. 

Yup "Another day in Catasauqua" has been just that...... another day.......another story.......another thought and I have enjoyed them all.   If you have read any of my blogs, thank you. 

Well I gotta go, I was making dinner and started a small fire in the oven by leaving the potholder inside, don't worry -  you know what I always say......that's another day in Catasauqua.

Hark the Herald Choirs Sing.....in Catasauqua

A few years ago my church Salem UCC,  combined with St. Paul's Lutheran Church to do St. Paul's Annual Candlelight Concert.  At the time we were experiencing some "dark times" at Salem and with out the help of St. Paul's and Pastor Gary Walbert, I think  a lot of us would of been without Christmas Spirit. 

Sometimes I think, oh, I don't want to take the time and participate, but then I do and I am glad I did;  and the night of the concert......all I can say is that sometimes, it takes my breath away.  If you have never gone, go this year.  It is tomorrow afternoon, December 11, at 3:30 pm.  Elizabeth Knecht is performing, she is an excellent dancer and soloist.  The voice of an angel.  Mike Fister on the organ at ear splitting volume.  Maybe it's because I sit to close to the speakers.  Besides the combined Choirs (St. Paul's and Salem), there is The James Ruhf Bagpipe Band.  When they come in, omg, it is awesome.  We are suppose to sing "La's" while they play Highland Cathedral, but I am always crying, sorry.

I also see in the bulletin that besides Pastor Gary, our own Pastor Elect Michael Smith will be there.  For those who don't know Pastor Mike will be our new permanent Pastor starting in January. 

There is refreshments afterwards and if that is not enough to make you come, well, I'll be playing the Bongo - yup I am!!!  For real!  I am all excited.  Maybe one day I'll get a drum solo!

Now, if you are still in the mood for music, then next Saturday, December 17th,  you are invited to Luminary Night in North Catasauqua.  The North Catasauqua Community Chorus "We Sing!" will perform a concert in the North Catasauqua Park beginning at 6:30 PM.  North Catasauqua (and parts of Catty) will be all a glow with luminaries throughout the town and around the Park. 

Music is always special, but Christmas songs, well they warm your heart and your soul.  We sing fun songs about reindeers and Santa Claus, but it is those songs about a special baby,  born in a manger that gives that true glowing feeling.

I love Christmas and I love Christmas music and in Catasauqua and North Catasauqua music will fill the air and dispell the darkness of night, because you are never alone when you can find the Light and Love of Christmas. And that's......another day in Catasauqua.

Catasauqua Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Tonight I ran into a friend of mine from school, and reader of my blog, Yvonne, which reminded me to blog tonight about something we both attended this evening and that was the Catasauqua Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at The Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua.  I sang with the joint choirs tonight and we sounded good! Even if I must say so myself.  The music was fantastic and the singing of the Lehigh Valley Christian High School Chorus was refreshing. 

Rev. Walbert from St. Paul's gave an inspiring sermon and I was happy to see our interim minister from Salem UCC, Pastor Robert Lewis and our soon to be minister, Pastor Michael "the Voice" Smith both participating tonight.  However, I am not sure how to take Rev. Walbert warning Pastor Mike about me, especially since I don't go to St. Paul's.   Really all those rumors about me, not true. 

Anyway back to the service.  It was wonderful and it reminded me really of what Thanksgiving is all about - giving thanks!!!!

This was in the bulletin:  As the pioneers of the Plymouth colony gathered around the feasting table with Native Americans in 1621 to give thanks for all that they had been given by our Bountiful Provider, so we too gather to offer thanks for all those gifts which the Lord has seen fit to give us. Especially for our country, our state and our town.

Yes, I am thankful for much this Thanksgiving, even if times are a little tougher and as Rev. Walbert said in his sermon, it's easy to whine about these tough times, there is so much still to be thankful for.  So dear readers, I am thankful for you, a roof over my head,  and the waffles I had for dinner.  I am thankful for the Ministers of Catasauqua, the people who participated tonight and the people who came for the service.  I am thankful for the little things like a cup of joe in the morning and a Fiber One Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie at night (yeah it doesn't take much to make me happy). 

And yes, I am thankful for my town....... and that's another day in Catasauqua.

We Sing Community Chorus-Concert Sunday

I am a member of We Sing Community Chorus and I just wanted to let you know about our Concert this Sunday at 4:30 PM at Salem United Church of Christ located at 615 Third Street, Catasauqua, PA.   The Concert is entitled the Beat Goes On....Hits of the 20's, 30's, 40's 50's and 60's.  There are some really great songs and a lot of fun comes with this concert.

I really enjoy being a member of this chorus, we have a great director, John  and I have a lot of huckleberry friends on this chorus to.  You will know what I mean by that after you hear Moon River!

Admission is FREE and their are refreshments afterwards.  Hey it doesn't get any better than that does it!

Well, I am getting ready to leave for my small vay-cay with the ladies, but I will be back Saturday rested and ready to sing.  I am taking my beach chair - I am going to be optimistic! 

So, don't forget Sunday afternoon when in Catasauqua the music will fill the air and we can say that's......another day in Catasauqua.

So this is what 6:20 AM is like

As you may know, I have been on a partial layoff since February (this blog started in March when I ran out of stuff to clean).  We just got called back for 3 weeks, we can now work 4 days a week, at least for a little bit.

What I forgot about was, what it is like at 6:20 AM as compared to 8:00 AM, which for the past so many months I was rolling out of bed at.

At 6:20 AM - it is dark.  My mother talks to me endlessly (mostly about Dancing with the Stars and it hasn't even started yet) The dog wants to go for a walk. 

At 7:20 AM when I leave for work there is - so many school buses, school children and lots of traffic and Where do all the garbage trucks come from?

I guess I was spoiled.  This is day two of getting up at 6:20 AM and I am still not use to it.  Thanks to Wawa Pumpkin spice coffee I am more able to cope.

Speaking of pumpkin, this past weekend I was in search of a pumpkin muffin.  We decided to stop at Dunkin Donuts to see if they had any.  The man behind the counter was of Asian decent and he was so delightfully funny.  He says to me "Punkin why all people want punkin, everybody come in and want punkin muffin?"  I said to him it's the season for pumpkin, I then asked for an ice coffee, he replies "You want punkin coffee?  We got punkin coffee, we got punkin everything, everyone want punkin!"  He was so nice, funny and just a joy to talk to he would of brightened any day with or without the pumpkin muffin.

This weekend there seems to be alot of events in Catty to check out, one is at SALEM UCC  - we are having a flea market from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we will have food, lots of good stuff cheap, a bake sale and silent auction.  Check it out if you are in the neighborhood, because that's ......another day in Catasauqua.

Unusual Sights in Catasauqua

When entering Catasauqua over the Pine Street Bridge an awesome sight occurs, the Presbyterian Church's steeple towers over the town, and especially in spring and summer when the trees are with leaves the whole picture just reminds me of a perfect small town.

As I was driving home from work Thursday night I noticed something unusual as I was approaching the Bridge. The cross on top of the Presbyterian Church looked strange. It seemed oddly shaped. I thought that something had maybe happened to the cross, but as soon as I got closer I saw 2 birds perched on the cross. How funny, I guess any place in the rain is good for a bird.

It made me think about my own church, Salem UCC at Third and Walnut. We have a tree growing out of what use to be a steeple. In case you didn't know, Salem had a steeple, but it was hit by lightening and removed many years ago. Now we have that castle like top and in there grows a tree. My friends and I think we should come up with some sort of slogan for t-shirts, like "God like's Salem so much that he planted a tree on the roof" or maybe, as mentioned by my BFF, Cathy last night "Salem branches out".

But now Presbyterian can have a slogan..... "The Presbyterian Church, where God's creatures come to roost"........ and that's just Another Day in Catasauqua.