Deer in the Neighborhood

The deer have been out more frequently in our neighborhood - yesterday they were out on both my morning and evening walks.  

 

Family Birthdays

 We celebrated all 4 September birthdays this weekend in Seffner!

 Grandmommy turns 73. 

 

Aunt Barbara turns 70. 

Uncle Kelly turns 66. 

And Micah's girlfriend Mikki had a birthday too! 

Odds and Ends

 Thursday night I took myself to the movies late at night for the premiere of the new Downton Abbey Movie. It was absolutely glorious and I had an entire theater all to myself.  

 On Friday, Parker came home from school and we drove around to several bike shops looking for a new bike for him - we found success at Ryder Bikes near University Town Center. 

 

 

Around the Town(s)

I started the week by worshiping at Tice to support their new pastor, Abdel Rodriguez.  It was great to be there and see some familiar faces - and a number of new faces too. 

On Wednesday I served on a Zoom panel with several other folks from around the country with the National Association of Local Pastors and Associate Members during their retreat in Pennsylvania. 

 

There were lot of good conversations with pastors individually this week too. 

 

Health Update

 On Tuesday Davis and I went down to Golisano Children's Hospital in Fort Myers so that he could have an upper endoscopy. This is because he has had gastrointestinal issues all summer long: vomiting, nausea, stomach pain. We've had diagnoses of gastritis and hpylori and possible diagnoses of ulcers and reflux. 

The endoscopy showed that Davis still has the h-pylori infection and either a healing ulcer or the beginnings of one. They took a few biopsies and we are waiting on those results (hopefully by the end of the week) in order to change his medicine regimen. 
 

Installation Service

 Sunday night I had the privilege to participate in the installation service for the new South East District Superintendent, the Rev. Vidalis Lopez. Vidalis and I first met when we were in the old North Central district together and I was her candidacy mentor when she entered the process. I knew then that she was special. It was a beautiful and joyful service at Plantation UMC.  

Vidalis' younger daughter reading Scripture. 

Bishop Berlin presenting Vidalis 

I got to present her with the Book of Disicpline. Her husband David presented her with the globe. 

Vidalis' elder daughter sang in the worship team

Vidalis preaching on Where Hope Grows

The offering benefited the Wesley Foundation in the SE district. 

The dance team from New Life also performed. 

I ran into lots of clergy friends, including the amazing Emily Denmark McGee. 

So thrilled to serve on the Cabinet now with this dear friend. 

 

Food and Wine with Friends

Friday Daryl and I spent with Parker and the Hills at EPCOT for their Food and Wine Festival. 

Their allergy menus have so much more that I can eat this time. 

Shrimp skewer from Australia 

Mimosa Flight with a plant based Champagne Trifle 

Canada is always a must for an Ottawa Apple and Maple Popcorn 

Paella from Spain

 

 

Beef Skewer from Flavors of FIre 

 

 

We did the Beauty and the Beast sing a long in France. 

 

And we rode the boat ride in Mexico

We also rode Soarin and the boat ride, Living with the Land. 

They had some cute pumpkins "hiding" for a scavenger hunt and we found a few. 

So glad to spend time with these humans!