dual personalities

We were given a real treat last week when an old friend from my former flyover university offered me her tickets to the Marty Stuart concert at the Sheldon on Friday night. She and her husband are still “not comfortable” with going to venues with a big crowd, so her loss was our gain. We had to show our vax cards and wear a mask, so I’m not sure what the problem was, but whatever. Daughter #1 drove in from JC to go with us and drive. We made it downtown, despite missed exits and closed ramps, and managed not to detour to Illinois. Before the concert started, I sipped my wine so I didn’t have to have my mask up the whole time. It’s like waiting in the bar at the airport, where you don’t have to wear a mask. If you’re drinking, you can’t pass germs, right?

We had fourth row seats, so we had a great view of Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives, who were as always, superlative.

Marty and Handsome Harry Stinson have aged a bit like the rest of us, but they put on quite a show and the crowd was truly on fire. I have been a fan of Marty for 50 years (he’s been touring since he was 12) and we have seen Marty in concert four or five times (at least). This was the best ever. It was a super fun time.

On Saturday we went to a couple of estate sales and out to lunch and then embarked on a search in the basement for some vintage dresses for Katie to try on when she visits at Thanksgiving. Then we had our first fire of the season and listened to some LPs we purchased at the estate sale for 50 cents each.

We also FaceTimed with daughter #2 and Katie who has an ear infection and a runny nose but rallied and only disconnected us once. She can say, “Hi, Mam!” and kiss the screen. Brilliant.

On Sunday the boy dropped the wee twins off before church because he had to open his store and daughter #3 had to go to a craft show where she had a booth.

We had a little play time before heading to church where I was pleased to see them resist their depraved natures and behave. I had to laugh at Lottie, who exclaimed when a member of our newcomer class said hello, “I’m Lottie. L-O-T-T-I-E! With two “T’s!” After church we came home and ate bagels and creme cheese.

(“I just love this arctic seal.”)

(Reading the literally best book ever, “Cars and Trucks and Things that Go”)

In other news, this was interesting.

And I like this old prayer for the unconverted by Newman Hall (1816-1902) which Tim Challies shared:

We pray for those who do not pray!
Who waste away salvation’s day;
For those we love who love not Thee—
Our grief, their danger, pitying see.

Those for whom many tears are shed
And blessings breathed upon their head,
The children of thy people save
From godless life and hopeless grave.

Hear fathers, mothers, as they pray
For sons, for daughters, far away—
Brother for brother, friend for friend—
Hear all our prayers that upward blend.

We pray for those who long have heard
But still neglect Thy gracious Word;
Soften the hearts obdurate made
By calls unheeded; vows delayed.

Release the drunkard from his chain,
Bare those beguiled by pleasure vain,
Set free the slaves of lust, and bring
Back to their home the wandering.

The hopeless cheer; guide those who doubt;
Restore the lost; cast no one out;
For all that are far off we pray,
Since we were once far off as they.

And this meme with Captain Holt is funny:

Have a good week!