Y is for YMCA

As we walked away from church on Sunday, an elderly gentleman and I were discussing what we were having for lunch.

"I'm having salmon with new potatoes and salad" I said.

"I'm having YMCA" he said

"YMCA?"

"YMCA.  Yesterday's Meal Cooked Again."

I rather liked it and I giggled a bit on the way home.

But it made me think about weird names for food. Some proper names for food are weird. One reader commented that her husband didn't believe there really was a dish called Bubble and Squeak.  I asked how he could make himself eat a Hot Dog. 

But it's the informal names for dishes which are the most fun.  I've just eaten a bowl of Whatever Soup, so named because it includes whatever happens to be in the fridge.  Others call that Bottom of the Fridge Soup, Bung It In Soup or Iffits Soup.

Any ideas from you?

X is for Xmas preparations

 I don't often write Xmas instead of Christmas but when it comes to X in a second round of alphabet posts, I'll take what ever I can!

I start preparing for Christmas on 26th December when I note what I have given and received each year.  On 26th December 2023 I made a list of the people I would like to give things to this year, and I've been revising it throughout the year, adding ideas for gifts or crossing them out.  The vast majority of the presents I give are home-made so I often start  in January or February.  I reckon if I haven't got my cards made before the end of July, they're probably a lost cause!

You have seen some of the things I have made this year: poinsettia wreaths, partridge and pear, and my Christmas cards.

I've got a few projects in progress - but you'll have to wait for future post to see what they are!!

W is for Willoughton and Walesby

St Andrew's Church, Willoughton

 For nearly fifteen years I was Vicar of Willoughton.  It was one of the five parishes in my group.

Today I have taken a service at Walesby.  I go to Walesby a few times each year, sometimes to lead and sometimes to be part of the congregation.  I have no "formal" relationship with Walesby, I am not their vicar.

Only a minority of Willoughton residents came to church but everyone knew me as the vicar.  Sunday by Sunday I lead worship in the various churches in the group.  They knew they could call on my services when there was a wedding or a funeral.  I would attend as many village events as I could.  

St Mary's Church, Walesby.

I take services at Walesby only when invited by the Priest in Charge.  She looks after eleven parishes and needs help every Sunday but there is a Non Stipendiary Priest and several lay ministers helping her most Sundays.  Today the NSM was away so I filled in.  I don't take weddings in that group and take only very occasional funerals when asked to by the Priest in Charge.  I don't live in the group and I attend very few events there.  I am free to accept invitations anywhere I want, and I fill in for clergy who are ill or on holiday.

I take services on one or two Sundays each month but I am free to say "No" when invited.  Eventually I will no longer lead but I will still be in church, in a pew, grateful for the love of God shown to me through other ministers.  

126 sleeps

 My Christmas preparations are gathering momentum at the moment.  The mojo will doubtless leave before long but for the moment, I'm taking full advantage.

Apart from "personal" Christmas gifts, I like to give to organisations.  This lot is going to the Women's Institute.  I seem to make a few every year, but this is my best batch yet.