Enjoying the bed

The Vintner has been enjoying the guest bed. We've rearranged the spare room, and now it appeals to him quite well. He often works all night long when he is on call, and a spare bed next to the computer makes it easy for him to take brief naps or answer middle of the night pages. In addition, he spent some time rearranging my laundry room and getting it clean and organized. I've wanted to do that for ages myself, but never got the opportunity, what with care for the boys. I'll enjoy my ironing and sewing even more now. The Cottage is coming along nicely and feels more like home every day. It's amazing that we've been here almost two years. There's still some fine tuning to be done in the decorating, but we count our blessings every day.

The vines have weathered the heat of the summer well. We've broken the back of the hottest weather, and can look forward to increasingly cooler days now. The nights are already tolerable. We'll have some time for fall plantings and fall gardening. Hopefully, we'll expand the vineyard next spring.

Buying a Guest Bed

After all the struggles this month with money, there is a small surprise at the end of the month. I received some money (which is rightfully mine, but is a debt repayment upon which I don't count,) that's just enough for a guest bed. We've really needed an extra bed, just a cheap $40 spare platform barely off the floor. Also, the chair for the computer is about to fall to pieces. We've repaired it again and again, but it's past repair. We need a new one. Fortunately, there's a sale on office chairs today of 50% the regular (bargain) price. My extra is exactly enough.

Weekly shopping abbreviated

We won't be hosting guests this weekend, due to a family emergency. Thus, we won't have to buy supplies. Today's shopping and baking is cut short, and delayed until next week.

Special Projects Day

While we've been in the hub-bub of routine, I haven't gotten a chance to even organize my day. Today will be special projects, which means also an emphasis on needlework. With luck, I'll get some work done on my business as well. It's slow going, but I'm going to keep at this, and have a well run, efficient home one day. I'll also have a home business, and well educated home schooled children. These projects take a lot of energy, but they are worth it to have the wonderful life of which I dream.

One of Our Last Swimming Tuesdays

Before long, we'll be back at the library for story time. For now, we're enjoying a swimming morning and reinforcing the skills the boys have learned this summer.

Propers for Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst give to thine Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word; Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that Word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle
Acts v. 12.

BY the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

The Gospel
St. Luke xxii. 24. AND there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Social outing and cleaning

Is it Friday again? We're out for socializing and then back for cleaning the Cottage. It's a far drive today, so we won't have much time for organizing.