Hello Southington (and whoever else happens to be reading this). It’s Iona, and this keyboard is unusual. The @ sign is down low and there’s a $ above the 4 and a £ above the 3. Weird.Â
Today we did a whole lot of work outside, cleaning the paths and the stairs outside the cathedral and generally helping Helen. Everyone did something, either with a pitchfork, shears, shovels, a wheelbarrow (Dad: “The front wheel went round.”), or just their own two hands. It looked a lot nicer when we were through. (Dad: “Bryan and I did a whole nother section after tea!”)Â
Then we went into town for lunch and out free day, and split into two groups for rides on a seven-person bike…a septcycle? Maybe. That was fun – though I’m not sure who was least trustworthy at the wheel…my dad, Jason, or Mr. Kenney!
Everyone has spent at least some time with Helen’s giant super-dog Bailey. (Side note: St. Bernards do not only grow massively; they slobber massively too.) Even though he weighs more than most of us and is the size of a small horse, he’s a huge softie and simply adores attention. Just…try not to let him kiss you. Smelly.
Then we got to ring the amazing set of bells up in the church tower. After a rather steep set of winding stairs, there were maybe ten strings on the wall to pull, each ringing a different bell hidden up above, out of sight. There was a play-by-numbers sheet pinned up behind then. If that doesn’t amuse you, you could always pick out the notes to the Star Wars theme…I really shouldn’t be allowed near anything musical. The cool part about the bells, though, was that our playing attracted four people to come walk up and see where the noise was coming from. Pastor Terry was there to greet them and show them around. (Dad: “If you play them, they will come.”) That was just bad.
And a note to parents…if your pilgrim is a girl (or Jason), when she (or Jason) arrives home, be sure to inquire who “Steven” is. (The word ‘toast’ may prompt the memory if necessary.)
It stays light so late here – it’s already 10:00 pm and the sky isn’t even close to black. more of a smoky grey, but the numerous clouds must be taken into consideration. That would be 5:00 pm Eastern, 3:00 pm Mountain, 3:00 am tomorrow in Bangladesh, (Dad: “2:45 am tomorrow in Nepal!”)
Bonus points if your last name is Writability or Zwart. (Dad’s watching and reading the phone book…Zwart is the last name and honestly, who doesn’t want the name Writability?)
(Dad: “Are we there yet?”)Â I’m being subtley kicked off through bad jokes, so I hope the weather is nice but not too hot wherever you happen to be, that your summers are going amazingly, and thanks for commenting, you guys make us feel special.
Thanks especially from me to comments from Mom and Tom…that rhymed…miss you guys. And thanks to my prayer partner Elaine. No more, I feel like I’m making an acceptance speech.
Much love from all the pilgrims (even the old ones),
Iona
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PS That was easy! Now all that is left for me to do is to say that tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh. I hope to find somewhere to blog from on Saturday, but will for sure on Sunday when we go for lunch with my folks.
:: Justin ::Â
Well done Iona on a fantastic blog!! Hope you all enjoyed a day of serving others and then doing something for yourselves in return! Great pictures! Love to everyone!
Great pics ,I love the dog and your great description Iona!!! Serving others is a wonderful way to feel good about ourselves. You all must feel very good right now ;) Prayers and love to all
Iona it’s a pleasure to read your words. Your dad has done admirably keeping us a part of your travels. But it was really great to read your thoughts. Bailey looks adorable and very capable of mega slobber. We continue to wish you well and send many prayers along. Enjoy the next leg of your journey!
Great job Iona! I enjoyed reading about your day…Feel like I’m not missing anything at all! Bailey the dog is enormous and I bet she can drool A LOT! Also enjoyed the photo’s especially the septacycle(?)…is that a word? Only question is who’s steering? Look forward to hearing about Edinburgh, enjoy the castles. I hope the weather holds out for you. Thanks again for sharing this adventure! Hello to all of you :)
Looks like you guys missed your bus… but not the boat! I can tell Bryan is still having fun… it has to be that expansion engine! Too bad you did not get to Stirling…my dad was from there . That is why he gave me my middle name of “MacDonald”…Oh well I will hold out for the next pilgrimage…maybe the bus driver will come back… have a good trip to Edinburgh………………….God bless all of you
What a wonderful day you all had! Iona, I too enjoyed reading your blog! I am wondering if Rachelle spend much time with Bailey? I know she must miss Mikey terribly!
I do agree with mary’s question… WHO IS STEERING that septacycle?
“many hands make light work” seems to be the theme of the day, great job on all you have accomplished.
Have a great day tomorrow in Edinburgh .. i can hardly wait to read tomorrow’s blog!
I apologize if this double comments, but I think my last one didn’t get sent due to internet problems. You don’t know me, but I’m a friend of Amanda’s. Would you tell her that Brainiac says “Hi” for me? I would appreciate it. Thanks =)
Brainiac,
Message duly passed on!
:: Justin ::
Theoretically Darryl was at the controls of the bike, but I am not sure if you could really call what he was doing steering
:: Justin ::