The sky is enormous today.

I worked again today, which I've really got to stop. I miss church. But besides that it's been nice. I was able to make it through my shift on only about three hours of sleep the night before. And then promptly came home and napped for a couple of hours.

Yesterday was a busy day. I set up a bank account--adulting for the win! And I dressed like an adult--my favorite teal sweater and black skinny-jeans. I went to Target... I ordered boots online to replace my sadly fully-broken combat boots. And then I went into work for my shift, closed up the coffeeshop, and headed to fellowship with friends.

A sad farewell to a new friend. A blessed time of food, and amusing games, sharing memories, praying over our friend Rabo. I haven't been able to spend much time with him and don't know him as well as the others, or as well as I hope to some day. But it was a blessing to be a part of that send off, and share in that time. I could feel the bereft-ness of his leaving that circle, and I prayed silently that God would fill that with himself, and his presence, and his love in us. He did and he will.

Be blessed as you travel home my friend, into a new chapter!

And as the evening grew late we gathered round the campfire. We talked, and I got to read some poetry and riddles. We told silly stories (with and without Larry), and a few songs, but not too many as it was now the middle of the night. A few more joined after work, and after flying home from across the country. It was a wonderful time, and I didn't want to leave. So I stayed till very late, crept home and into my bed this morning, and slept for a while before work.

I've been listening to the Fellowship of the Ring on my drives these days. I'm coming to one of my favorite parts--the third, fourth, and fifth chapters: Three is Company, A Shortcut to Mushrooms, and A Conspiracy Unmasked. I love them all, but bits of this book just swell in my memory with joy and hope and feeling.
And before long.... Strider. Yes.

I finally got pumpkin from the store, so as soon as I'm not quite so tired, I'll make all manner of things. When I get some chocolate chips, I'll make muffins, when I get some chicken broth, I'll make pumpkin soup. And until then I'll make pumpkin pancakes. After next week (the 22nd--first day of autumn AND the Baggins birthdays!) I will make molasses cookies and pumpkin pie and delve into ALL things fall.

I could say more I'm sure, but for now that's all. Take care,