Quite a week.

There was a lot packed into this week, so much so that I really don't know where to start - what to put in, what to leave out.

Last Sunday our trio, the Torquay Grannies, sang several numbers at Midale's Thanksgiving service.  It was held during their regular worship hour of 11:30 followed by a bountiful lunch.  So bountiful that everyone went home with food too!  A church member had donated food left over from the previous day's bull sale.  Many buyers bid online instead of in person resulting in a surplus of lunch, even a wonderful variety of pies.

On Monday afternoon our Faith Circle met here for our monthly Bible study.  We were especially glad to have Lilah with us.  We hope that she will be able to have her final chemo this week in Regina.

Tuesday evening we enjoyed a concert in Estevan by the Celtic Tenors.  Check them out at celtictenors.com   They flew over from Ireland on Sunday and drove down from Regina on Monday so were still adjusting to the seven hour time difference.  They sang a wide variety of music.  My favorite was The Holy City, one that "my tenor" used to sing a few years ago.  I still prefer his rendition!  And as good as this group was, I have to say that I still prefer our own "Canadian Tenors".  But it's great to have this calibre of musical talent come to small cities like Estevan and Weyburn.  You can hear them on Monday night in Weyburn.  Don't miss it if you are close by.


We had a fun day on Wednesday, met Laurel and Ashley and went with them to Williston, ND.  We met cousins Myrna and Ernie Damm from Boise, Idaho and had lunch together at Applebees. (Thanks, Ernie!) Then we all went to JC Penneys to shop for bargains.  Of course we managed to find some!  (If I could find my bill, I'd let you know just how much money I saved!)

On Thursday my thoughts and prayers were with the Stenson family in Winnipeg as a service of remembrance was held for 44 year old Rob, who died on October 15 after a battle with cancer.  His obituary states "Rob was an extraordinary father, husband, brother, uncle, friend and CEO, who will be sadly missed by all who had the honour of knowing him".  We don't know why someone in the prime of life with so much to live for is taken.  We only know that life is a gift and the most precious things we have are not things at all but our faith, family and friends that God has blessed us with.  Rob's dad, Sherman, was my dad's cousin.  They lived in Swift Current and we always enjoyed visiting in their home.  Sadly, Sherman and Penny died in their early sixties when Rob was just in his early twenties.  I know their daughter, Karen, best and we keep in touch at Christmas. Art and family live in Swift Current.  Sandra went to the memorial service on Saturday at St. Olaf's Lutheran in Swift Current so I was glad that our family was represented.

Friday was baking day and you know what I did that day if you have read Friday's blog.  I've had a couple requests for the recipe so I hope the cookies turn out for you.

On Saturday afternoon we helped Teresa Halvolson celebrate her 80th birthday.  She is a former Torquay teacher best known for her expertise in math.  She has also tutored many students in math since retiring.  Teresa has crocheted countless baby sweaters for layettes that we pack at Trinity for Lutheran World Relief and LAMP.  Her granddaughter, Janel in Flin Flon, was amazed to see in a doctor's clinic a baby wearing an identical homemade sweater like her own baby's gift from Grandma Teresa!  We know those layettes are going where they are needed and used. Teresa has also sewed many many quilt tops.  Some of those are ready and waiting for quilting days starting in January.  Daughter Narrie along with Vi Sabin  are our stewardship representatives and make our quilting days fun as well as productive. This is a picture of Teresa and David's family, along with her 90 year old sister.  The picture on the table is of Teresa at the age of sixteen.

I came across a Torquay staff picture of Teresa on one of her birthdays.  We couldn't quite pin down a date, likely in the late 80's.  I took the picture so you won't be able to see how much I've changed since then!

We have watched a lot of ballgames on TV lately and were glad to see the Rangers beat the Yankees and advance to the World Series for the first time.  Go Rangers!!

Tomorrow we are off to Weyburn for Dr. appointments and some grocery shopping.  Our closest grocery store is 18 miles away in Crosby, ND.  We make use of every trip  to the city to stock up on supplies.

Have a great week!