There were actually a LOT of people at the 'Taste,' and Todd Harrold & Nick Bobay played from 7-8. So we checked out the vendors, grabbed a drink and found a quiet spot to groove to the music. I love listening to this duo, and their set-list always seems to take me just where I need to go. So we were having a nice time, and then I spotted a familiar face in the crowd. That face came over and it was the first time Dan and I had ever met in person! We have known one another on-line for I don't know how long - maybe 10 years - and even though he pastors a church in nearby Decatur, we had never met. He's been a long-time reader of the blog, we are facebook friends, and he has sent me as much (or more) encouraging notes than anyone over the past however many years. So it was a real pleasure to finally meet - even though it might have freaked his wife out a little. :)
Anyway, that would have been a good night in and of itself, but we also ran into some friends from church, and the next two groups playing were also good (one being the Sweetwater All-Stars), and the weather was just about perfect. It ended up being just an all-around swell evening.
Saturday we got up fairly early (for us) and did our long outside run together. We ran 4 miles and walked another 1+. This was my longest outside run of the year so far. I guess Jane actually ran a half mile further than me. It felt good to actually get up and do some physical activity.
After showering we then took off for northern Indiana lake country. Some friends from church invited us up for the day to a house they were occupying. It was very secluded and quaint. We thought it was at Lake Wawasee, where some other of our good friends have a condo, but it ended up being on Lake Papakeechie - which is a smaller lake right by Wawasee. What makes Papakeechie special is that no motorized vehicles are allowed. Instead you can use paddle boats, row boats, kayaks, and the like. It was a near perfect calm and peaceful day, and we had a great time just lazing with friends.
Jane and Jane (the "other" Jane from church) went on a kayak ride and later took the paddle boat out. Dalen and I mostly hung out on land (except when he got his fishing line stuck in the reeds and ventured into the kayak). I never did get into a watercraft - not because I didn't want to, but I was content to sit and watch from shore. It was so peaceful watching the water and simply enjoying the quiet sounds of nature. For awhile I sat in the screened-in gazebo and may or may not have drifted off to sleep, but for an even longer while I simply sat and stared into the serenity of rippling lake.
All told, it was a very relaxing time spent laughing and sharing with some relatively new friends. The other Jane is a grief counselor and I have a feeling she does it well because she always makes us feel so welcome. I was actually a bit hesitant to spend this much time with people I didn't know too very well, but it ended up being a superb day. We were there from just before lunch until just after dark. It took about an hour to get there.
Sunday was Sunday. As you know, I like my Sundays. Jane's BS was cancelled so she was able to come into my class (which I always like). We had good conversation, and the worship time was good too. It was perhaps extra good because not only was Sunny leading worship, but the SIL was singing too. He even led the last song. It was so weird, because when they started it I couldn't figure out who was singing. It didn't even occur to me that it was Drew - even though I've heard him sing a million times! Anyway, I really like our church. I wish I could be more involved, but I have a feeling things are going at just the pace they should be.
Afterward we had the Feipel 5 for lunch, then a nap, a walk, and the evening turned into night.
Today I made myself get up, but I've been easing into the day so far. I'm trying to resist the urge to rush myself into things but I do need to find a way to make money again at some point. I believe my last paycheck will arrive this week. I'm sure I can sell plasma and churn out some pallet projects for a little pocket change, but that's not going to cut it for long. Anyway, I've started several lists of things I need to do/get done, so hopefully I can at least be somewhat productive. I will say, I honestly have no desire to sit around lazy, but I have yet to figure out a sustainable strategy to feed my soul - and stomach. I suppose that is my prayer for this week.
Peace out, folks; and in.