I made it to Church.

At first I thought I was barely going to make it. I dove into the shower (though cleaned well, I pay extra attention when going to church), then dressed, and just scooted. It was somewhere between 15:45 and 15:52 when I left (I thought church services began at 16:10). Though I am close, this time of day on a Saturday can be a bit busy traffic-wise. Well, I actually made it to a parking spot and then to the front doors in plenty of time. However, right there on the big church bulletin-board out front, it indicated services start at 17:10. Fine, I had not been down-town in a while, so a little stroll would be pleasant.

The first of two stores I visited was a Euro and hand-made pottery interior and kitchen tool and décor shop. It is a little place, but I really enjoy it. Unless, like today, some guy thinks I am gay because I am there and makes his presence known. Well, it is there city, but I am not interested. My bright red face, and direct absenceing of the area should have given it away. He seemed to take the hint for a while, but then again, approached. I had seen pretty much all I was interested in, so I departed.

I went another block over and down (going the long way to ensure the hint had been understood, yes, I always look around anyway, so, I would have seen him). I entered the place and found something I had been looking to purchase for quite some time. I had wanted to see it in person, but I just had never found it to date. The price was a little higher than what I had hoped, and I could not find one in a box. So, I spoke with a salesman (would have preferred the saleswoman, in this town I trust no “man”). In any case, and in spite of my suspicions about this salesman, his demeanor was professional and aloof enough that I could tolerate the situation. I asked about the item in question. It seems the store had brought these in last fall, but they had not sold well. This was the last of their stock, a stock which would not be replenished. As a fact, they did not have the box or instructions for the device (an Italian stove-top cappuccino pot, stainless steel). That being the case, would 25% off be enough of an incentive to take the pot as is? Of course, so I now own a neat little cappuccino device, two cappuccino cups and saucers, and another old purchase order tended.

I was able to make it back to church in plenty of time, get in early and choose my seating (which I take all the way in the back, so that when I need to kneel, I can do so without having to oddly place my legs in such a way that I (almost always otherwise) cramp up). I would prefer to sit right near the front, but it just is not practical. As well, I was able to pray quietly and for a good bit as I contemplated life, in God’s house, in the company of a few other believers. The service was grand! I do miss this. As well, I happened to meet several of the gents who have attended the CEW weekends (this year and last), and at least saw the gentleman who had been my admittance advisor (though I did not get to speak with him (this time)). One of the gents I did speak with indicated that I should give him a call and go have a coffee with him, so that is now on my agenda. I will need to find or locate through outside sources his email address again, but that should not be a problem. There is nothing like coming home. Oh, should you think I am anti-gay, you are about half right. I know gay men who I like, but the difference is, I am not a target and they understand my disbelief in the morality of their choice. And, they understand I see it as a choice. Anyway, just letting you know. Good God, good day, I think I will test my new little cappuccino device.

After church, I went to the Mormon church (temple?) right away. I had much less time to make it there since my services where an hour later and this place is across town. I hurried and arrived to... nothing. No one was there, not a single other car in the lot, and the lights were all off. I did not wait, as the event was supposed to be at 19:00, and it was 18:55. Even if it was a small affair, at least one person or group would have already been there to open the church. Instead, I went out to dinner. A local sports bar, with great burgers and nachos I really enjoy. That, along with a few tall microbrew draws, and I was ready to go home.

As I was pulling in, I noticed the neighbor lady out toodling around doing this or that. So, being curious (since it was supposed to be her husband performing the baptism), I sidled over to see if now would be a good time to talk. She seemed welcoming, so... I began. Apparently the man who was to be baptized developed cold feet. He had only been involved for a short time, so perhaps this was the situation. We actually ended up talking for almost a half an hour, which I think we both enjoyed. We each had little new things, or continuations to report upon and then we said our good evenings and parted. We will be having a steak cook-out this coming Monday, so we will get a chance to talk more then.

It has been a good day. I think I still have two movies yet to watch. The other two were fairly good. I will have to report when I finish these. Goodnight!