lunch in a village

My camera is back from its trip to the Pacific by rail. I took it along to church today and used it when we had lunch at the village of St. Peter's, exactly mid-way between Monterey and Souderton. We ate on the patio out back. Our photo by the waitress.

what I do--Sunday

So, vocal ensemble on Saturday. Early next morning it's off to Souderton, Penna., to play a service at Zion Mennonite Church--with Felix Hell, the 22-year-old German wunderkind, in the audience. He played Bach Toccatta and Fugue in D minor for the offertory and also played the postlude. http://felix-hell.com/

His photo on his web is way out of date. His hair is down to his shoulders.

Was my hymn playing too loud? I asked him. He didn't think so. You have a large space to fill up, he said.

At 4 p.m. he played a professional concert. Of technique he has no shortage.

Afterwards I told him it was electricty and light. He was pleased

local store

By evening I had to find a snack. After three and a half months in the area, I finally got to Landis's. Real locals talk about the egg salad sandwiches they got there when they were kids. Everyone goes to the local store. Even the police. Univest with the eagle logo and blue background says something about money. I liked the little shopping cart cars racing the cruiser.

This Landis store is in Telford, a twin town of Souderton--like 2 miles away.

hungry in Souderton

Let's finish our ride to work at Souderton. Here, underneath the reassuring American and Pennsylvanian (well, with a name like Keystone) flags, is enough local color and cuisine to satisfy any man-sized hunger. For me it's usually Wednesday breakfast. The ice cream du jour is "nix besser." I asked for it. Oh, it's just a joke. At check out you can buy Mrs. Benner's famous slap jack hard candy.

up in smoke

East of Monterey, when I drive to Souderton for my job Tuesday morning, I see the Limerick nuclear machine. One of those puffs is me turning the pipe organ on and using electricty.

I see this sight right after I turn north off of Route 23 in the village of Histand, which is 2 miles or so east of Route 100. If you like the Byzantine Pennsylvania web of roads, this is West Bridge Road. In four miles I'll be in Spring City. Cross the Skylkill and I'm in Royersford.

Hey, I like farmers who leave the corn stalk in the rough. Monterey farmers whack and chop them to the ground asap.

Pipe organ at work

Front page of Mennonite Weekly Review: new pipe organ being installed at Hesston, Kan., Mennonite Church.

Don't often see pipe organ or any other kind in Menno church papers. Understandable--because there aren't many. In fact, there aren't many people who off the top of their heads would say they want one, or want to hear one.

Since late November I've been working with a pipe organ again. It's the one at Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, Pa.

www.cbfisk.com. Go to instruments, then small organs and you'll find #51.

I'll have to get a sound file and a pic.

first freeze

The first snow at Monterey this fall. Our uncarved pumpkin doesn't have much more time as an attractive vegetable.

But i'ts holding out against the 19 degrees along with the mums, trying to soak up the sun.

Last evening I drove back from Souderton, arriving home minutes after 10 p.m. It always amazes me--that driving 50 mph doesn't take much longer than 60 mph.

45 and 50 was the best the traffic could do on the turnpike and 202 and 30. When I turned off on Monterey Road creeping was the only sane speed. I understand why school's on 2-hour delay. I'm glad they didn't cancel.

work blog

Here's the entrance to Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton.

They invited me to serve an interim term which ends the end of June, 2008.

If interested, you can follow my work blog at www.singzion.blogspot.com.

I think it's a real cool place. Two days a week I plan to be on these premises. It's Monterey the rest of the time.