Everyone in the office loved the new clock

Top tips for dating.....

Do you have a BC?

The story is told of a lady who was rather old fashioned, always quite delicate and elegant, especially in her language. She and her husband were planning a week's vacation to Florida, so she wrote to a particular campground asking for a reservation. She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped, but didn't quite know how to ask about the toilet facilities. She just couldn't bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old fashioned term BATHROOM COMMODE, but when she wrote that down, she thought she was being too forward. So she started all over again, rewrote the entire letter and referred to the bathroom commode merely as the "BC". "Does the campground have its own BC?" is what she actually wrote.

Well, the campground owner wasn't old-fashioned at all and when he got the letter he just couldn't figure out what the woman was talking about. That "BC" business really stumped him. After worrying about it for awhile he showed the letter to several campers, but they couldn't figure out what the lady meant either. So the campground owner finally coming to the conclusion that the lady must be asking about the local Baptist Church, sat down and wrote the lady. Upon reading his letter, and with great shock, the lady quickly decided not to got to that campground. The letter is as follows...

"Dear Madam, I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take great pleasure in informing you that a BC is located nine miles north of the campground and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away, if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive early and stay late. It is such a beautiful facility and the acoustics are marvellous; even the normal delivery sounds can be heard. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats. They are going to hold it in the basement of the BC. I would like to say it pains me very much not being able to go more regularly, but it is surely no lack of desire on my part. As we grow older it seems to be more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. If you decide to come down to our campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks (remember, this is a friendly community)."

Man playing horn....or woman silhouette?

A rabbit or a duck?

Phil & Jan (Janster)

Well.....yesterday Phil & Jan, Aaron & Evie said goodbye to Elim :-( as they are shortly moving to Eastbourne! It's an exciting time for them - and God has much in store for them! :-)

After an emotional morning(!) - we all went to Oaklands Park for a great picnic in the sun!

If you haven't experienced it yet.....check out LooseWorld! Possibly a bit strange - definitely good fun - what else would you expect from such a fab family?!

Lady Penelope....

Saturday night....well, for all those who are wondering....YES - I did fit into my dress!! What an evening....opera in the walled garden, an abundance of glitter and glamour (as requested on the invitation) - to celebrate Robin & Susan's and Bob & Maureen's birthday. It was great to catch up with Nick & Jennifer from Boston (Jennifer's going to start pastoring a church in Sept) - and see other family and friends. Arrived home at 2am - but what a great night!

You looking at me??

Why do the ironing, when you can play with Megster?

Wahey - it's Friday!

Today is going well - trains were on time (probably the first time this week), and when I arrived at Liv St, there were some guys giving out free bags (for women only - always intriguing)....the bag contained a few interesting things...an elderflower drink, a Kellogg's 'Elevenses' thing (which incidently I ate at 10.30am), a packet of iced coffee mix(?), some mints, Kleenex wipes, 2x moisturiser and a Fisherman's Friend! What more could a girl possibly ask for at 8.40am on a Friday morning?!!!

This was then followed by a sausage and egg McMuffin (we all decided to have McDs at work)! On Fridays, as a rule, we all eat a lot. In fact, most days really - but especially on Fridays. Oh - wouldn't want to forget the latte on the way to work too (and the free biscuit that came with it)!

I've just finished a chicken salad thing, prawn crackers, chocolate muffin dessert and some mango juice! Did I mention that we all have lunch in the office on Fridays? We usually eat and discuss 'religion' or 'politics' (or try and find a bizarre website somewhere!)

Tonight, I will start my diet(!) (so that I can fit into my dress tomorrow night!) I have a posh party to go to - so will have to be on my best behaviour!!! (I am about to start practicing!)

Sunday is going to be busy - but fun.....Sunday am (playing keyboard at church) - Phil & Jan's last 'official' Sunday, then we're having a picnic in Oaklands Park (the whole church!) - then I'm leading worship in the evening....oh, and Bee's coming back from Hungary - yay!

Concentrate on the the four vertical dots in the middle of the image below for 30 seconds.

Now, close your eyes and tilt your head back. Keep them closed: You'll see a circle of light. Keep staring at the circle...

What do you see?

Can you see a Dalmatian?

Thursday already?!

I can't believe that it's Thursday already!

It's been a busy week....I moved out last night (only temporarily)... Avril (from Australia) is staying with us, so I'm at my Grandparents' for a couple of days (which makes a nice change - except that next door's dog woke me up at 5.30am today!!) It was strange, because I forgot where I was - and thought it was Meg barking (although it didn't even sound like her!)

Anyway....talking of dogs, I'm dog sitting tonight for 'The Megster'! Just the two of us (and no football either!) I also have a date....exciting I know.....wait for it....with the ironing board! I certainly live life on the edge!..... on the edge of what - I don't know?!

Well, for all the footie fans, enjoy the game tonight!

Adios, hasta manana!

Psalm 23

Count the black dots!

How many can you see?

I've found Nemo!

How strange....someone sent me this pic this afternoon (thanks Caroline!) - and I had sushi for lunch, and it looked just like that (minus Nemo obviously!!!)

Stressed??

What the world's been waiting for.....virtual bubble wrap!

Meet 'The Megster'.....

Yep, OPEN HOUSE!!! at mine.....everyone from church is invited to an 'afternoon on the farm' Saturday 10th July - 2pm onwards. There will be a note in Elim Express on Sunday. We've got four cows, two sheep, chickens, Meg (the puppy), cats etc etc....bring a picnic too - drinks will be provided!! I'll have maps with me on Sunday! Hope you can all make it (and if not, let me know - and you can always visit another time).

Meg - also known as 'The Megster'!

The Megster!!! (Not a brilliant pic - as it was taken with my phone - also, it's not easy getting a puppy to pose for photos!)

Speed cameras!

I'm sure as good law-abiding citizens you won't EVER need to click on this link, but just in case..... Essex Speed Cameras The list is updated every Monday (not that I'd know or anything!!!)

Monday, Monday....

....so good to me (as the song goes!)

Well....Friday night was great! Went to Lorraine's and met loads of people from Kingsland Church in Colchester. Some of them might visit Elim sometime - so that'll be cool!

Saturday - had to give the evening a miss.....too much drilling at the dentist to even THINK about indulging myself in loads of desserts....definitely another time though!

Sunday...Father's Day! Had lunch at Mum & Dad's with Grandparents...Dad decided to go with a French theme, so we had home-made Tartiflette (trad French dish). It was also Fiona's b'day - so we went out for coffee after church in the evening....

Also managed to finish book 9 of the Left Behind series....I'm now a bit tired though, as I read 107 pages of book 10 over the weekend!! Just couldn't put it down!

Just deciding what to have for lunch....also thinking that I should be good, as I've got to fit into my dress on Saturday night...!

Lagos, Nigeria - 1.6 MILLION people in one meeting!

You may, or may not know that I was in Lagos, Nigeria in November 2000 with CfaN. Check out this video link - truly amazing!! There may be a small prize for anyone who can spot me in the crowd!
For more info: www.cfan.org

What does the weekend have in store??

Well.......tonight I'm off to a BBQ (for Lorraine's b'day 2moro)....tomorrow morning a LONG appt at the dentist (wahey!) then...possibly off 2 CGC in the evening to eat as many puddings as I can (I mean, how much fun does that sound?!?!!) Sunday - church in the morning - and leading worship in the evening...all in all, a busy w/end! Sunday (lunch somewhere) - people & venue TBC (as I've just realised it's Father's Day!)....if anyone is intending to eat more than me over the weekend - I hope you manage it!!! We will compare notes next week!

Ok...here's a picture of me at work (trying to look busy!!!) I didn't want this done - but it had to be posted on our Intranet, so I thought I might as well share it with the world!

Footie badgers....worth a look!

For those of you who enjoyed the footie last night - take a look at this: http://www.footballbadgers.com/

Thursday...Youth Plus!

Thurs eve was great....all met at Penny's in Hebridge (yes, there's more than one of us!) and looked at the promises of God (with some amazing choc cake too!). Isn't it awesome, that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is in us! Rom 8:9-11 Cool!

It was also good to meet Petra (from Holland), Kyung Hee (from South Korea) and Anja (from Germany) - all students at a Bible College in Holland!

The Penster (on the right), with her friend Janster

Evangelism on the streets....

I've been thinking about evangelism for a while now.....about 'walking the talk' and 'living the life'.....actually taking it out there - to the people who need to hear about Jesus!

Food for thought.....Just who is Jesus? How is He relevant for you 2day? WWJD 'n all that.....What WOULD Jesus Do if He was in our situation??? Something to think about....

I'm still in the office - but think I'll go home now and avoid the mad rush when the footie ends.....

Ciao

Am I Boring??

I was thinking about my profile (in bed last night - believe it or not!) and realised that I made myself sound COMPLETELY boring! SO....I've updated it today - which makes it sound much more like me.....hopefully the fun crazy person that I am! I'm sure more will be added as I think of more things....but being blonde, this could take a while :-)

All on my own....

Yes, at this very moment in time, I am all alone in the office. It seems that football mania has overtaken the Country....England are currently playing against Switzerland (I think!) so I have been left to 'hold the fort' while the others are all watching the footie. This is fine, as I don't really have any interest in football at all! Maybe coz I'm a girl....

Sheep 'n things

Welcome to the wonderful world of Penster.....

Having just got a new puppy at home (a Border Collie) bless! Sheep have been on the brain! Check this out: ROUND UP SHEEP - IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!!

When I FINALLY get around to buying a digital camera - you might even get to see her...(that's the puppy - not Penster!) - although strangely enough, there's a picture of me on another's blog.....

John & Joy's Birthday

A fantastic sunset over the water....

A great evening to celebrate John & Joy's birthday....what a cool place, 'The Packing Shed' on an island near Mersea!