Kaki Fruit - Japanese Persimmon

I know it's fall when my co-worker and friend of 20 years brings in the Kaki fruit from her tree. I love them! They are persimmons, but they don't taste like the mushy persimmons my mother use to use for baking. They look like a tomato, but they are orange like a pumpkin, they taste like a persimmon but a lighter, fresher taste, and they have the consistency of a crisp apple. Yum! Of course, another reason I like them is that they make me think of Dad, who loved them like I do. Another one of the quirky things Dad and I had in common. Nowadays my son's father-in-law and I are the only ones who eat them...sigh...oh wells.

What's Going On With Me...

There hasn't been a whole lot going on with me lately, hence the lack of blogging materials and you all getting the silent treatment.

I've discovered virtual farming on Facebook and spend way too much time tending to the farms (there are two). I have to say I'm communicating more these days, but mostly with people sitting at a computer somewhere else. Besides the farms I have a virtual Island Paradise and a pretend city called Yoville. These are merely sidelines and do not take very much of my time. I had two virtual aquariums, but I lost interest in those...the poor fishes are probably belly up in the top of the virtual water tank at this moment.... Also, as a favor to an acquaintance I started a virtual Cafe, but that was too much like real work so I left that alone quickly. You see, in all these endeavors the way to get ahead is to get your friends and relatives to "play" and become neighbors. You send each other gifts that build your wealth and you interact to gain money and experience to "level up". It's fun and harmless, unless you overextend yourself and waste too much time doing it. Who...MOI???

In better news I finally feel like I'm settling in at the new church. I'm getting to know people and interact with them and they are getting to know me. My "tribe" leader (i.e. Care Captain) is a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a very deep dedication to God. He and his wife are very inspiring and altogether great people to be around. I look forward to many great opportunities to grow in God with the help of their leadership and some fun social times as well. I'm in the 25 and up Singles group. I thought I was too old for this group and was pleasantly surprised to find many people near my age attending the "Tribe Party" in September. I'm hopeful of finding some new friends in this group.

My job is doing well. Our "State of the Union" meeting on Wednesday showed us to be a growing, thriving company in the midst of a horrible economy. I thank God for this job and the blessings he has given me along with it. 5 years ago I was in a quandry as to what my job would be and God opened this door for me. Thank goodness he shut the doors I was trying to go through in my human frailty. He always knows best.

That's about it. I'm looking forward to the Holidays which are just around the corner! New traditions this year...happy times ahead, I think!

Welcome Fall

Ahhh, it's that time of the year again. While the heat of summer is still on us, we get a glimpse of the autumn that is just around the corner. The calendar says it's fall and in parts of the country (not Southern California for the most part) it looks like fall. I know it is fall because the stores are full of the smell of cinnamon pinecones and the bright colors of the Indian corn. Bins are filled with pumpkins ready for carving and the "Holiday" aisle is full of Halloween candy and decorations.

It's apple season and soon we'll take our annual trip to Oak Glen to enjoy all that is apple related. I look forward to this time every year. Summer is my least favorite season of all because I do not, I repeat do not, like the heat. But when we escape to the foot of the mountains to Oak Glen it's like a world apart from the hustle and bustle that is Orange County. The leaves turn colors up there and the country air rejuvenates you. Take a deep breath....ahhhh....Welcome Fall!

He's Back!

After a 6 month hiatus, Ryan began singing in church again today. He was nervous and excited it being a new place, new rules, new people to sing with, etc. Those of you that sing in church know the drill. However, he went to practice at 2:30 for a 5pm Youth Service and I got word that he did well. A note from a 'unbiased' member of the audience stated "I haven't heard my hubby sing in a long time. He's baaaaaaack!" I only wish I could have been there. I know I would have been crying and embarrassed him all to pieces, but I would have loved to hear him again after so long. I know I will soon.

It's not just that he is my son. It's because he gives it everything he's got and sings with such annointing, something I believe is inherent in our family if we put our lives in God's hands. I trust his heart, it's in the right place and God is blessing him and blessing us through him.

It was a special youth service and they were told to "dress like the 80's" which explains the attached photo. Another note from that unbiased audience member said "Youth Service was awesome!" I can't wait until tomorrow night to hear all about it!

Happy Birthday, My Sister, My Friend

A great big happy birthday to my sister Caroline, or Karo, or Carl, or whatever name comes to mind at the moment. She's more precious to me than I can say. So, I found a poem from someone else that says it for me. I hope she has a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoys the box of chocolates I sent her :)

Sister, we've been there through life's sorrow and pain
But together we have always endured the strain
We've argued and bickered and made each other mad
But if you weren't my sister, life would be so sad
We've cried till we laughed and laughed till we cried
Sometimes for no reason we didn't even know why
When we're not together our bond is just as strong
Because we are sisters we know when something is wrong
We've whispered our deepest secrets only sisters could share
I love my sister dearly because she really cares
So whether we are together or we are far apart
Caroline, you're my sister, my friend and forever in my heart.

My Sister My Friend by Cyndi Moore