Autumn

Autumn

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Bits & Pieces

One of my nice customers, an older gentleman, came into the shop yesterday and placed a half-pint of his home canned jelly on my counter. It was green. Said, "Its kinda hot."

Seems his new hobby is home gardening and he leans heavily towards peppers. He likes to jar the fruits of his labors.

I smiled and said thanks. He continued, "Its my third batch. First two were too mild." We Southern folk like our food with zip.

This morning, after I built my first pot of coffee, I removed the cover from my forty year old toaster and slipped an English muffin inside. When the muffins were nice and brown I spread butter and a wee bit of his jalapeno jelly on it. Took a tentative taste. Waited.

Zing...

Love it. I broke a rule and had another muffin but this time I slapped a big glob over both sides. He and I need to talk recipes.

*****

Sweet Wife is late. She left for church at 0800 and it's half past 1300, she should have been home over an hour ago. Seems I've been made a widower by the church.

I don't begrudge her the peace she receives from her worship nor the friendships she has made since she joined her church. Lord knows she deserves peace in her life. She loves her church and Bible study.

But, it seems of late her church affairs take far more of her time than even I get....which makes me a jealous husband. She's my best friend. We still hold hands when out in public...silly, I know, but there you have it. We've been married over thirty years.

I'm about to break a rule and post a picture of Sweet Wife. Here she is on a recent visit to an Atlanta hair salon. She's just had her hair ripped from her head. Isn't she a cute little thing. 

Now, back to the subject of church. She also, I think its called, tithes. She gives our money to the church on a weekly basis. Fine. Again, it makes her happy to give the minister a new Lincoln every year and a free home all while he retains his salary tax free.  Nice job if you can get it...

I work for my money. I'm not a church man. Yes, I do believe in our Lord. But, concept of church isn't on my radar. The building, that is...

On my maternal side of the family both my great-grandfathers were ministers. Baptist to boot. My paternal side were Catholics from Ireland. I took after my father. We say hello in the liquor store.

Back to the cash. This morning as I sat at my desk deep in a pile of statements, writing checks, I noticed a debit in our check book for double her weekly church payment. Double.

Is it possible the ministers needs have increased since last week. Has the church's toilet broken. Perhaps their bell tower is scheduled for a fresh white wash, I don't know, but this I can tell you requires a long sit down and chat.

The church widower isn't happy.

(If you don't hear from me soon call 911)


*****

I built a nice pot of bean soup last night. It simmers, waits, as it gently calls my name. I debate on whether I should or should not fire a rue as an addition to the pot. Rue gives flavor and richness to bean soup. Yet, the soup holds bell pepper, onion and garlic with half a small ham. I've yet to test for salt and pepper.

White or yellow rice...we'll see.

Corn bread for sure....

My demands are small.

*****

The song of the cicada has about played out.

This morning while out for my Sunday paper I stood and listened for several minutes, only to remember. The music of the cicada is the song of late summer and its fast fading away.

Take care out there.

Stephen
 
 

32 comments:

  1. Sundays are always family time. As I write this my wife and two kids are making up chili cheese dip. By tonight the pan will be cleaned out. Enjoy your soup and time with the Mrs.

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  2. I prefer my relationship with God to be just that. Mine. Once you put someone else in the mix either as a go between or as a messenger I am immediately reminded how the self interest of mankind always allows things to become distorted. I'm pretty sure that if God wants me to know something, then he's quite capable of letting me know without help from someone else.

    Just my opinion, mind you. No offense intended to those with more structured religious views.

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    Replies
    1. We think much alike, my friend. Your views are always welcomed. Thank you, and have a great evening.

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  3. Does SW know you posted that picture? You may be the one in trouble today. We, as a couple only have one full day together & that day happens to be Sunday. We pray our own prayers independently. Haven't been a church member since high school.

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    1. Whew, where to begin...no, she doesn't know I posted the picture...so be very quiet. We too only have Sunday together, and she's gone most of, if not all of, the mornings. She works Mondays. I post a closed sign on Monday then turn around and take it down and flip it to open. Hectic life. Never been a church member....Thanks, Deb.

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  4. You're probably sure where I stand on the issue, but I might surprise you. Many modern churches aren't worth the time or trouble, as they've watered down the message & substituted man's views for God's.

    In a Biblical-based church, the Bible says (Malachi 3, if you want to know) that if you bring 10% of your income into the church where you receive God's Word, then He will never fail to bless your household & make sure you always have food to eat.

    If the church does NOT preach God's views, that promise is withheld.

    Meanwhile, you have a lovely wife, sir - you're a lucky man.

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    1. Very interesting...so, in other words my lovely wife's funds might just be wasted. Nah, I'm sure the good Lord appreciates the extra income. Thank you for the kind comment...she is cute.

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  5. None of my business, but I suggest you forget about the extra church money, just consider it an unexpected but necessary household expense. That might be less expensive than the price you will pay if you start a stink about it, just sayin'.

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    1. Oh, double, don't worry. I rant and vent and then allow sleeping dogs their rest....if it keeps her smiling and happy, we're all good. Thanks, my friend.

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  6. I'm slowly, regrettably coming into agreement with R.P.'s first paragraph. And it pains me to say that.

    I'm starting to feel that this 503 tax free status, that you hinted at, will be the undoing of many churches. It will be used to further water down what is bring preached to the people.

    Stephen, allow me a smidgen of slack on this next thing, please.

    Go with her, for her sake. Just pretend you're both out strolling along and she steps off the sidewalk and you follow her....just to watch her six.

    Hmmm, where did I see that before ;) ?

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    1. We both agree with Rev. Paul, then I always have...and on the tax, yes indeed. I should take your advice. She wants me, so badly, to attend church with her. If, and this is a big if, she allow me my Kindle it's possible....

      Thank you, my good friend.

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    2. I take my Kindle to my meetings. All my good study material is on there. However, my meetings are not "Church" but rather "bible study" based. :) I have a special Kindle just for that purpose.

      However, sometimes, I am tempted to take my "OTHER" kindle! LOL! :)

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    3. She too attend Bible study, Wednesday nights. I just stay at the shop and wait for her before I close. My Kindle is loaded with fiction, and other bit and pieces I've yet to read, and a copy of the Bible for quick reference. Go ahead, feed your temptation. Just put on a serious face while you read. Thanks, Sweet Kellie.

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  7. Stephen,

    Oh YUM, pepper jam. If you swap recipes with your gentleman friend would you consider sharing it with us?

    I love this picture of Sweet Wife, she's beautiful!!!

    I say white rice.

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    1. If he allows me his super secret recipe I shall indeed pass it along, Sandy...I promise.

      Yes, thank you, she is beautiful both inside and out. She's a sweetheart. Gentle and kind. Sweet Wife tenders my line tightly.

      White it shall be.

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  8. If your wife is THAT sweet and pretty, I can only imagine how handsome you must be. Sheesh. GAWGEOUS lady to hold hands with.

    Joe and I always hold hands. Maybe now, it's just because if we didn't hold hands, one of us would wander off and get lost.

    I put hot peppers, sweet peppers and corn in my cornbread. I'm making bean soup tonight because it's a bean soup kinda day.

    Pepper Jelly is THE best, and we love it on a bagel with cream cheese or goat cheese. I've even got some blackberry/jalapeno jelly that I cooked up last week. Sounds rank. Tastes great.

    When our old minister "Upped the anti" on attending church, he told us not to worry about money to pay OUR bills, and give him more of it.

    He said "Do the flowers of the field worry what to wear? God supplies!"

    I'm afraid I told him that if it applied to us, it would apply to him also.

    Uh...we never went back. naturally.

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    1. Lovely, Dana...I was hit with an ugly stick...
      (Standby and I'll ask her) She said I was very good looking, but she's been known to stretch the truth.

      I am now a huge fan of pepper jelly..this was my first. I like you idea of a combo of blackberry and jalapeno.

      Your story of the minister is typical, sadly. Thanks, Sweet Lady.

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  9. I am in complete agreement with RP here. I no longer even attend the church my great X whatever grandfather donated the land for and helped to build as there is no longer any organized Christian denomination I agree with. They are all, each and every one of them bowing over to the Liberal Multi-cult without fail.

    If there is one out there that doesn't I wish someone would let me know.

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    1. PP, I just don't understand how I overlooked you comment...sorry. We both agree with R. Paul. I also await. Thanks, my friend.

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  10. You are a very lucky man, Stephen. Sweet Wife is stunning!
    If you can, please share recipe for the pepper jelly.
    As for church, I cannot yet find one that preaches the joy in the simple truths of the bible. I am not evil and don't want to be told I am. Most of them here are arms in the air waving, 'amen' yelling side shows.
    You leave with a headache...
    Soup looks so good I can almost taste it!

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    1. She is so upset with me at the moment...I'll give her your nice compliment once she settles down...she didn't like me posting the photograph. Chuckle...

      Yes, I'll share when he allows me his recipe. Promise. It is very, very good.

      Thanks, my sweet friend.

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  11. I started making jalapeno jelly last year, hubby loves it. This year I'm only making one batch (thanks to mother nature screwing with the weather) and I'm adding a hot-wax pepper to the mix for some extra zing....

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    1. Ruth, if I can secure a this fellas recipe I'll give it a try too. Good idea with the wax pepper. Thanks, Sweet Lady.

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  12. Stephen,I think that there are churches...and then there are churches,if you know what I mean.When you find a preacher that speaks to your heart,you won't mind tithing.But,it is the thought that you are sharing what the Lord gave you that makes it OK,if you don't "feel it",then you're in the wrong church.Just my two cents.
    Also,jalepeno jelly is the best!
    Also,I always put a chopped up jalepeno in my cornbread.
    Billf

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    1. I understand, and in fact did not give my wife grief over the payment. Seems she had forgotten the previous weeks donation and just doubled this weeks. Like I said, if it makes her happy...fine.

      jalapeno in cornbread works for me. We need to sit down and share a bowl of beans...you bring the cornbread.

      Thank you, very much, my friend.

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  13. Church takes 'many' forms... :-) And you've got a keeper, I'd be hanging on to her!

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  14. dear sweet one - your SW is very beautiful! and the only way in heck that she would ever marry you is if you were pretty gorgeous yourself! i know you hate hearing that - jambaloney can't stand it when i call him gorgeous!!! all of us are gorgeous to the eyes of the person that loves them eh? anyway, i am not particularly fond of organized religion, but some people really, really love it. and i am glad it exists for those people. take your wife to church, hold her hand, write off her tithe as a "love expense". Jesus would be proud of all of that.

    your friend, man your latest posts are awesome. thank you buddy. git yer butt up here. or there's some boots i'm gonna have to get and polish....eh?

    kymber

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    1. oh ya - i forgot to tell you that i have successfully grown jalapanos, cayenne and big bombs....in northern canada! oh ya. that's me patting myself on the back. thanks.

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    2. Well, shucks and thanks, but I'm about as gorgeous as a toad after a rain storm.

      Sunday morning is, for me at least, sleep time. Now having said that I do plan to climb from bed, this Sunday, and meet her at church. She attends Sunday school. I have my limits.

      Good 'ole hothouses...

      Thanks, Sweet One.

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