Top Ten Facts of the Week:

10. Delsym 12 hour cough syrup is only effective for 6 hours.
9. Drinking 64 ounces of water during a 3 hours class is not a good idea.
8. "Tongue Out" is the name of an emoticon and not a Romanian expression.
7. Throat drops are just as effective as stopping coughing as mentholated cough drops.
6. Size 10 shoes are hard to give away, but not impossible.
5. Big Fish is the 10th Tim Burton film I've seen in my lifetime.
4. 1 chewable Vitamin C tablet has 833% of a person's recommended daily vitamin C
3. One doesn't need to go to a pharmacy when one has good friends (who've already been there)
2. When a cell phone call is dropped - don't wait for the other person to call you back.. they might not.
1. Psych Season 2 is now on my shelf thanks to my aunt Karen (You rock!)

Mom and Karen's visit

Warning: This post will be extremely long and may contain videos and pictures. Please allot sufficient time to savor every word written. The people involved in these stories deserve your attention. Also, if you can make it to the end, I will link the over 300 pictures taken on this trip. Now, sit back, relax, and armchair travel to New England with two of the Henry girls and their guide: Katie.

Saturday: Shirley and Karen arrive in Boston in matching sweat suits. Thankfully, Katie's dad had already warned her of this so she was prepared. Karen pulls out her camera before they even make it to the car and takes a picture of the ocean.

Get checked into the Beverly Garden Suites in Beverly and Shirley opens her suitcase only to find her shampoo has exploded over 3 of her coats. Lucky for her, Gordon Conwell is nearby and the laundry facilities weren't busy. While waiting on laundry Karen and Shirley were given a tour of Gordon Conwell.

On this tour they also met one of Katie's friends. The first of many they were to encounter on this trip. Isaac regaled them with stories of how he gets groceries for free and donates food to soup kitchens. They were suitably impressed. From this point on Karen will forever think of Isaac when she sees cornbread.


That night they were finally fed at Not Your Average Joe's. Shirley and Karen had not eaten since 4 am and Katie had not eaten since 10 am. Needless to say their eyes were bigger than their stomachs, but the South Dakotans were treated to one of Katie's East Coast favorites: coconut shrimp.

Sunday:
Sunday began with a bang - or more accurately - a burglar alarm. Shirley inadvertently set off the burglar alarm when attempting to return the room keys to the front desk. Our immediate reaction: leave. So we left and hoped for the best. Karen and Shirley were taken to Dunkin Donuts for a traditional New England breakfast of donuts and coffee. This was also the beginning Katie's pumpkin craze that was to continue throughout the week. From Dunkin Donuts, the trio headed to Immanuel Church. This is where Katie works as a secretary. There they heard the musical stylings of the choir and a vocal solo of Tom Edmunds. After a year of bragging him up, Karen and Shirley finally understood what Katie meant by a powerful voice.

From church the three musketeers headed to Maine via route 1A which ran along the beach. There they stopped at Hampton Beach, NH. Long time readers of the blog might remember that Katie was here before for a Josh Turner concert.

From there we headed to the Portland Head Light (the famous light house). There Shirley and Katie discovered Karen's illiteracy when it comes to publicly posted signs. The following picture was taken after Karen almost ran into it.

From there the group headed into Portland to visit Ruth and her two daughters - long lost relatives. Ok - if you have read this before you know that they really weren't lost - I've visited them before... Anyway - many pictures were taken, but in an effort to get Ruth to smile, someone thought it would be funny to say the word "fart." Ruth is 89. She can't hear very well. After many attempts, she finally understands that they want her to say "fart" and not "fudge".





That night the group stayed at Nelson and Jackie's in Casco Maine. Thanksgiving was shared by all. The highlight of the night was the pumpkin roll. (That's #2 pumpkin product for those of you keeping track.)

Monday:
That morning it was decided that the group would see Judy's house in Bethel, Maine (a big ski resort town.) But a note prior to that excursion: there were a bowl of grapes on the counter at Jackie's. Karen wanted to convey to Katie how "awesome" these grapes were and this is what she said: "Those grapes taste like... grapes!" Yep. Just like that. She has such a way with words - you feel like you can taste them right? In her defense, the grapes were amazing and tasted like a grape Popsicle.

On the way up to Bethel, Maine the caravan stopped at a store and tried some pumpkin fudge (#3). It was fabulous (to borrow a word from Judy.)

The drive to Bethel was beyond beautiful. Words cannot describe it - but perhaps this video will help.




While at Judy's Karen got a brilliant idea. "Why don't we do a jumping picture?" So there Katie was trying to keep it together watching these women (all above age 50) trying to jump together. Here is just a sample of the golden memories made that afternoon: (more in the linked photo album)


Tuesday:
Tuesday morning the group headed back down to Portland to say goodbye to Ruth. They ate lunch at the famous Susan's Fish and Chips. Karen had her only taste of lobster there. Katie sort of regrets that... but not really. Once back in Massachusetts Karen and Shirley decided they wanted to see Salem. Unfortunately, the traffic was horrific and Katie is very paranoid about getting into a car accident. Therefore, they saw Salem, but only briefly and only from the car. Then they spent a couple of hours in the mall where Katie acquired a new sweater and Karen some new pants and earrings. Then they headed to the Cheesecake factory for supper. They met up with 3 of Katie's friends: Natalie, Jennifer and Jua. Natalie entertained the group with her many accurate impressions - favorites include Dr. Lints and Paula Dean. Thank you Natalie for being such a good sport.

Wednesday:
Wednesday was spent in Boston. The day started with a duck tour. The tour guide was "Ace Bandage." One of the many things learned on that tour was this bird called a "Canada goose" that "quacks." Not one of the South Dakotans could tell the different between that bird and a "Canadian Goose" that "honks." Oh well. After that, the girls explored the Italian North End and had lunch at Limoncello's. From their the group hit Quincy Market, bought some souveniers, then finished the freedom trail backwards - ending at Boston Common. Another highlight was the balls surrounding this building named after some guy (this would be a better story if I could remember the name.) Anyway, we began referring to the balls as his balls. Here is Karen posing with one of them:


Katie felt kind of bad that she wasn't a part of the "jumping pictures" on Monday. So, she decided to jump while in Boston.


Thursday:
The group travelled to Cape Ann after convincing themselves that whale watching was not a good idea. They all had their reasons. First stop: Halibut Point. The interesting thing about Halibut Point was an area dedicated to creating inookshuks. The basic story is that these stacks of rocks told early pioneers that the pathway was clear and safe. They later had spiritual significance and were built in honor of those who have passed on and made the pathway safe and clear. Karen and Shirley built an inookshuk in honor of their late father: John Henry.

From there the group headed to Rockport and had lunch and a good time shopping. Many souvenirs were bought. Katie even discovered a t-shirt that reminded her of her uncle Jerry. She hopes he enjoys wearing it as much as she did finding it. While in a pewter shop the girls found a pewter statue of Mt. Rushmore. Katie tried convincing her mother to buy it as a souvenir of her trip to the East Coast, but for some reason her mother did not think it was suitable. The group drove back through Gloucester and stopped to see the fisherman's memorial which Karen insisted on calling "the old man in the sea." (not the correct name)

When back at Gordon Conwell, Shirley and Karen met a few more of Katie's friends: Jesse, Ruth and Adam. They also met Gina while at the grocery store (Katie had to buy sugar and butter for the lefse her wonderful mother had made and brought for her.)

Thursday night was spent relaxing and watching tv.

Friday:
The three women got up early and headed to the airport. Shirley and Karen left knowing that Katie would be home again in a couple of months. Katie spent the rest of the day sleeping or watching movies.

So, that is the trip. I left a quite a bit out, but I'll link the rest of the pictures and you might get a sense of what I didn't include. If you are really curious about something - just ask. If you are in SD - ask Shirley or Karen. Or maybe both - there is a better chance of getting what truly happened that way :)

Thanks so much for visiting! If you thought that looked like fun - remember you can visit too! I'm here until May and love having visitors. Just let me know!

http://picasaweb.google.com/kjrowen/October08?authkey=bi1p3hNjntA#

Seasons of Life

Today at work I found myself writing thank you letters to people who had given contributions in memory of loved ones. Two men connected with the church passed away recently. As I wrote the line, "We are thinking and praying for you in this season of grief" I couldn't help but think of the word "season." Just as fall is a season in New England, grief seems to be a season of life. Just as fall comes around once a year, long periods of grief seem to come around a few times to each of us.

As many of you know, I lost two grandparents this last year, and one the year before that. This last year has been a season of grief for me, for my parents, for my extended family on either side. We all went through it and some of us, I suspect, are still going through it. I think especially of my grandmother - who has been adjusting to a new life this year.

I have been reading a lot this semester about justice. Inherent in the concept of justice is the concept of "injustice." I finished a book last week that talked a lot about the injustices that occured during World War II. The grief and pain that is still very real today as it was 60 years ago. So, perhaps there are seasons of grief in our lives, but our lives are also marked by our griefs. I am not the same person I was when I came to MA because I have had to say goodbye to people I dearly love. One can't help but grow in those experiences.

Just when I think that I am done thinking about what has happened - I blog about it again. I am not sure I will fully move on from this. Death has entered my life and altered its course. Not dramatically, but there is a change.

I really miss Albert. I really miss John. I really miss Vivian.

The good news is that grief isn't the only season in life. There are also seasons of joy, of contentment, of learning, and the list goes on. We learn from all these seasons and they offer insight into who we are and who God is shaping us to be. I struggle at different times because I often am anxious to be done with whatever season I am currently in. But that is silly. It would be like driving around in New England in the fall and wishing the trees would be bare already.

I pray that I will slow down and listen to God's voice. I pray that I will see and hear and feel and take what I am meant to from this season of life. I pray that I do not become overwhelmed by any one season and therefore miss out on all the joy and wonder and dare I say it... grief... other seasons have to offer.

And finally, I pray for my mom and Karen that they may be safe as they travel out here to visit me for the week. They arrive on Saturday. Pray also that they can have a fun trip. Just having my mom here is enough of a blessing for me.

Dunkin Donuts and other highlights

This has been a great week - full of little ups and downs. The culmination of the week happened yesterday at Dunkin Donuts, but let me come back to that.

Sunday: I went to the airport to pick up Sarah (one of my roommates) and her boyfriend Jonathan. The news on Sarah is that she has been super sick this week. She was in Florida to play soccer. She wasn't feeling well before she left, but when she came back she had bronchitis. Not only that, after 2 trips to the ER this week, it was determined she actually has walking pneumonia. Yes. I am happy to report she is doing better - still coughing but active. There are a lot of people getting sick around here and even more in denial about it. I have been a little paranoid about getting sick because I really want to be able to enjoy Mom and Karen's visit.

Early this week: My friend Adam comes up to me in the lunchroom and asks what I am doing on Friday afternoon, to which I respond - nothing. I ask, "Why?" He responds that we couldn't talk about it there and he would call me later.

Early this week: My roommate Jennifer gives me a DVD of one of my favorite comedians, Daren Streblow. He's from northern Minnesota and absolutely hilarious. If you know me, you have probably seen this or have heard me quote it without realizing it. If you have yet to see it, talk to me - we will watch it.

Later that night: I discover that the DVD doesn't work in my computer. I'm a little upset. Okay, I was inconsolable for at least 14 minutes. I ended up watching more episodes of Corner Gas instead. Never heard of Corner Gas? Look it up. You won't regret it.

Wednesday afternoon: I get a call from Adam. He is wondering if I will help him in an elaborate scheme to give Ruth, his fiance, her engagement ring. Then he asks me if I would be willing to drive to Beverly...

Thursday: I discover that The Office won't be on because of the VP debate. I'm a little upset. Okay, I was inconsolable for at least 14 minutes. But, my friend Ruth (Adam's fiance) was coming over to hang out so that made me feel better. We watched clips of Daren Streblow online, played Snaps!, and had a theological discussion. Awesome night.

Friday: Class all day. 4:15 arrives. I sprint across Gordon Conwell and jump in my car to drive to Dunkin Donuts in Beverly. A single rose and a letter from Adam was in my hands. While walking down the hallway some guy asked if it was my birthday. I replied, "No." I get to Dunkin Donuts and sit at a table with the rose and letter. People stared. Probably reminded them of that scene in You've Got Mail. Ruth shows up. I hand her the rose and the letter. We chat.

Explanation: Adam had devised this elaborate "find the fiance" game for Ruth. He sent her all over Gordon Conwell and to this one Dunkin Donuts in Beverly (where they had their first date.) He involved their friends in this crazy scheme and I was one of those friends. It was my first time being involved in something so unabashedly romantic. It was fun! I am so happy for the two of them. May God bless their love and their upcoming marriage.

May God bless me in my reading and other work this week. 7 days until Mom and Karen come.