Kitchen House Surprises and Delights

Last summer I heard the stirrings of a new restaurant in Richland. I heard the news from my hair dresser who works in a small strip mall in town. The Kitchen House would open soon a couple of doors down in the mall. I have to confess, in my mind that is not the location I expect to find a nice restaurant with great food. BOY WAS I WRONG!

Sarah had suggested the new restaurant as she had heard good reviews. Unfortunately, she was unable to join us as she cared for her husband who was recovering from a recent illness. The drive from the lake shore at night is dangerous with deer darting across roads so we all understand that Elizabeth will join us on occasion, but not as regularly. Anna made it to Florida and will enjoy the winter there with family.

Kitchen House advertises that it is locally focused and Italian inspired, serving up rustic American food that celebrates Michigan and the culture of breaking bread. The menu has a variety of appetizers followed by a number of bowl and main course options. The portions are generous to share with a friend. 

The Kitchen House won an area poll in search for Michigan’s best Mac and Cheese earning 24 percent of the votes with a mascarpone mac and cheese. Reservations are a must. The place is bustling with excitement of friends meeting to eat a meal and share life!

The night we met, Miriam and I shared the chicken and mushroom pasta penne bowl while Rebecca had a grilled Caesar salad bowl. The servings were very generous. Scrumptious only begins to describe the meal! Sharing a meal is a bonus to what really takes place at our gatherings. We share life and God is present and God is praised!

Matthew 18:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Love and blessings,

Ruth

Breaking Bread at the New Aubree's

At our last meeting, "Girlfriends Breaking Bread" tried a new restaurant called Aubree's Pizza and Grill on Gull Road. This is the 9th and newest location for this group of restaurants that started out in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1972. 

The restaurant was extremely busy and after a bit of a wait, we were seated and our experienced waitress started us off with some beverages and a tour of the menu pointing out her favorites.

After some deliberation, we place our orders. Among entrees chosen were Mac 'n Cheese, B.A.T. (Bacon, Avocado, Tomato sandwich), fish tacos, salads and pizza. The food was delivered pretty quickly, considering the newness and business of the restaurant, and looked and tasted great!

I really enjoyed my shaved brussels sprout and kale salad, which included quinoa, grape tomatoes and feta cheese, tossed in a light lemon-dill vinaigrette.

Our service started out fine, but as time went on our server was so busy and pretty overwhelmed. We all felt bad for her as some customers were not very happy and didn't mind letting her know!
 
 
After finishing our entrees, we celebrated Anna's birthday and caught up with her plans as she prepares to head to Florida for the winter. The cupcakes from D&W were yummy and adorned with these cute fall rings!



All the girls were able to make it to this dinner, even Elisabeth, who drove in from South Haven!

As usual, we all shared news of our families and had lots of laughs.

It was a great night of friendship. I can't wait until our next meeting. 

Happy fall!

Rebbecca

Out of the Wilderness

Much like the Israelite’s journey through the wilderness, I find myself in the wilderness these days.

In our never-ending quest for sanctification, God leads us through the wilderness on our way to our destination. I have some tough lessons to learn and I am learning a lot about myself. It’s not all bad though. I think that God takes us through the wilderness to protect us from what would be much worse if we went in the direction that we chose ourselves. I am finally learning to relinquish control, I am learning to recognize my many blessings and I am learning to find peace in the middle of chaos. Sometimes it is in the midst of the wilderness that we see and hear God the clearest. He uses our wilderness to draw us closer and sometimes takes us to a place where our only choice is to depend on him.

I think we all find ourselves in the wilderness from time to time. It is exhausting. But – we have a good God!! While on the journey through our personal wilderness, God never makes us go too far without finding an oasis – a moment of peace and rest. Time to refresh!!

A few weeks back He led me to a perfect oasis – dinner with my Christian sisters! What a perfect opportunity to be refreshed! We met in the tiny village of Augusta, close to where we all live, at a relatively new restaurant called Canal Street Café. As we each pulled into the parking lot that Wednesday evening, we all thought that the café would be as packed as the parking lot but were pleasantly surprised to see some empty tables when we walked in. 

The Canal Street Café claims ‘farm fresh’ and has a small but interesting menu with a nearly equal number of nightly specials. Atmosphere and service were good. We all enjoyed our meals and a few of us also enjoyed a glass of wine.

Elisabeth has recently relocated to South Haven and couldn’t make it in to Augusta for dinner with us. We missed her but we know that she loves her new digs and promises to continue to join us now and then. Miriam, Ruth, Anna and I were joined by Rebbecca, a mutual friend that we have known for a long time. She slid into her chair, beamed with a big smile and instantly fit into the group. We look forward to spending more time with her. What a blessing!

The conversation was much like the others we’ve had – never anything earth-shaking but always heart-warming. It was a pleasant rest along the road through my wilderness. Thank you, girlfriends! I am refreshed, renewed and ready to continue my journey.

Pricilla Shirer in her study entitled ‘One in a Million’ says this: ‘We must synchronize our primary purposes with God’s. No matter how well-prepared we think we are, we must realize that we can neither accomplish abundant life with God nor overcome the Enemy’s advances without the Lord’s help. While we often want the easiest and least challenging route to abundant life in Christ, we must acknowledge that God wants to take us on the path that fosters a deeper relationship with Him. He wants us to lay aside our determination to do life our way and follow Him. Only when we do this can we truly become ready to face what lies ahead.’

Let’s prepare for what lies ahead, Ladies! 

Blessings until next time,

Sarah

An Eventful Couple of Years!

Hello, loyal blog readers. Elisabeth here, reporting in on what has been quite an eventful couple of years! 

First, my husband and I bought a condo in South Haven, which is situated right along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, about one hour west of Richland. Soon after, I retired from a lifelong career with a Kalamazoo company and within a few months, we sold our home near Richland and moved to South Haven full time. Whew!

You may have noticed that I've missed the last few Girlfriend's dinners and now you know why!

I'm happy to report that after all these changes, my husband and I are doing great and loving the peaceful atmosphere along the lake shore and the slower pace of life.  

Everyone is happy here, and people actually talk to each other face to face, or greet each other on the street - even complete strangers!  It's so refreshing.  

I've met some wonderful, funny, intriguing ladies in South Haven through a golf league at a local course. They have been an organized league for over 50 years, if you can imagine that!  Within the league there is a great diversity of age, socioeconomic background, locals, seasonals, and all levels of golf expertise.  They have readily accepted me into their club, and now I actually see some around town and I'm really enjoying getting to know them better.  

I've been delegated the official golf league photographer and I'm having fun with that.  Additionally, I'm officially launching my photography business in the next month and working on my portfolio. (That's one of my shots above.) I love the creativity and being able to capture special moments on film.  

Hubby is thinking about working part time this winter/spring at the local Menard's a few hours a week to get to know some of the local guys and earn a little extra fun money! Not sure what the winter will bring for us, but we are keeping our options open and may travel south, hoping to find some warm weather, at least for a few weeks.

Although dinners in Richland will be difficult to make this winter as the days get shorter and the deer more active, I do miss my Christian girlfriends. I'm hoping to schedule some lunch or coffee times with these dear ladies who have supported me through all my BIG life changes!

I am blessed!

Elisabeth

Talking Trio

On a beautiful evening, a bit too warm to sit outside, Miriam, Sarah and I met at the Mission Pointe restaurant for our once monthly girl’s night out. We were small in numbers, but mighty in support of each other while discussing our latest updates on parents, work issues, and family trials. It seemed as though each of us had experienced a trying week and it is always so refreshing to know great Christian friends are there for you praying for you daily.

Mission Pointe is a nice setting and we were directed to an inside table near the fireplace. It becomes excitedly loud as the evening progresses and seating is reaching capacity. We chatted over chips and house made garlic dip while deciding on our meals. Miriam and I ordered Tilapia in a Mediterranean sauce while Sarah chose the Chicken Cobb salad.

The food is fairly tasty, although we all remarked that it was never outstanding and we were not overwhelmed with praise for the chef’s mediocre presentation. 

Miriam is soon to be going on a journey of a lifetime in Europe and we excitedly listened to her plans. Sarah updated us on the condition of her family members injured in a horrible auto accident; we are continuing to lift them up in prayer. We all remarked how we missed seeing Elizabeth regularly, but we are thrilled for her in her new adventure in her life! Ruth is traveling and doing some family visits this week and we all certainly know how precious time is with Grandchildren. We miss the other half of our group as always when they are not with us.

Miriam had kindly brought yummy cupcakes to celebrate Sarah’s birthday, and we devoured them as desert. Of course they were chocolate! It was great to celebrate with Sarah her special day- even our server got into the action, and we offered her a cupcake for later.

We decided upon the next date and location for our meeting and really look forward to having the group together again. It is our prayer that everyone enjoys the remaining few weeks of sunshine and warm summer days as cooler fall ones are around the corner.

Blessings to all until we meet again,

Anna

Mad Dogs and Englishmen?

It was an overcast, somewhat chilly evening in July when the girlfriends last met for dinner and a chat. Our dining choice was the North End Deli and Spirits, located just across from the boat launch on beautiful Gull Lake.

The NEDs location used to be a convenience store, in and out of business over the years, but sometime in the last couple, it morphed into a lively little restaurant featuring grinders and pizza with BBQ on Sundays.  NEDs does a big take out business and will deliver your meal right to the boat landing as well! 

Bicyclists doing the loop around Gull Lake stop here to refuel their bodies or wet their whistle - over 100 flavors of bottled beer lay in wait in the long wall of coolers. Shermans ice cream, offered in a couple dozen flavors, also makes NEDs a destination for the sweet-toothed crowd.

We arrived at 6:00pm and they were already busy and continued to bustle as we dined. Some of that business on a sleepy Wednesday evening was no doubt related to the upcoming Mad Dogs and Englishmen Car Faire at the world famous Gilmore Car Museum. This 90 acre historic campus is said to feature over 300 vintage cars, motorcycles and memories and on the upcoming weekend it was to be invaded by hundreds of British made vehicles, some offered for sale or swap.

Tonight, we were missing Elisabeth, who was in the final hours of preparing her home to turn over to new owners - a bitter/sweet day for our dear sister in Christ.

Cheeseburger and Tater Tots

After a quick menu perusal, we settled on grinders and burgers to quiet our tummies and the conversation began to roar.  

Mediterranean Chicken Grinder

Topics were widely-arrayed. Job concerns, aging parents, summer fun, retirement joy, upcoming trips, grandchildren and pets all found their way into the conversation. 

We prayed together for the concerns on our hearts and found comfort in God's presence.  ("For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20)

We laughed, cajoled and carried on like a bunch of school girls for a couple of hours, then feeling loved and blessed, we gathered our belongings and headed home. 

As I drove away, I thanked God for the gift of friendship and these amazing women who choose to be my sisters in Christ. 

May you be blessed with the gift of good friends, 

Miriam

Sittin at the Dock on the Bay

Warm sunshine blessed us as we gathered at the Dock for dinner. It was so wonderful to have our whole group back together and “catching up” was the first order of business. 

Conversation always flows freely with the common topics of family, activities we have been involved in, and the usual concerns and stresses with work. Everyone seemed so happy to see better weather and spirits were raised immensely. 

Shrimp Basket for me and Elisabeth

We ordered drinks and meals.

French Dip for Ruth

Fish Sandwich for Miriam

Grilled Chicken Breast Salad for Sarah

 





All meals were acceptable and tasty, but the central focus is meeting with friends and fellowship with Christian women. It is refreshing and renewing for all of us to know we are being lifted up in prayer especially during our most trying times. Prayers are being answered; we all feel stronger in unity with one another.

Proverbs 27:9
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (NLT)

"When we consider the blessings of God—the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering - friendship is very near the top."—Donald W. McCullough, Mastering Personal Growth

With the reassurance that we have wise counsel in the company of friends, each one of us leaves renewed and better equipped to face what lies ahead. Praise God for friends! 

Summer begins soon and life just seems easier. If we get through the rainy season without having to float a boat, we will all be blessed! 

Looking forward to our next adventure in July, 

Anna

Growing in Faith

The Girlfriends met not too long ago at Panera Bread to share a meal. As before, Anna is out of state with her parents for a couple more weeks. Elisabeth was also out of town celebrating with her hubby for his birthday. We miss them and look forward to the next dinner when we expect all to attend!

Nothing out of the ordinary came in conversation….husbands, children, work, church, life; however, the outlooks seem different, especially in our attitude toward events in our working lives. Within the group I have seen us experience harassment, age discrimination, new bosses with different ideas and employers reorganizing. 

I know if these same circumstances occurred at earlier times in our lives, our responses would have been much different than they have been. The Bible tells us in James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking.” 

I believe we are maturing. I see us praying more, trusting more and submitting to His will.

Prayer. 
Praise God for Bible studies and small groups that help us learn and grow. God wants us to learn what He has for us and how to live our lives. One study focused on prayer. What a wonderful way for us to develop a personal relationship with our Lord. We can pray. Lay down our cares and concerns. Tell Him everything. He listens! Any time. Any where. About anything. He is always accessible and wants us to call on him. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Trust. 
We have studied and discussed Biblical characters who trusted God. Those stories remind us of our natural inclinations to be in control. We try to handle things on our own first and they don’t work out. We learn to turn to God first. He is faithful. He fulfills His promises. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Submission. 
Admittedly, I did not look forward to the study about submission; however, I gained a new understanding for just how much God loves us. He is our heavenly father. He was and is and is to come. He knows what is best for us. Jeremiah 29: 11 reminds us “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for evil, for a future and a hope.”

This meal Sarah shared about future uncertainties with her employer. She is concerned, but not worried. She knows that no matter what happens, God will provide. Sarah, like the rest of us, has been praying, she trusts God and is submitting to His will. 

None of us are perfect, far from it; however, we keep pressing on like Paul does in Philippians 3:13-15 “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [ Following Paul’s Example ] All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.“

May you persevere in maturing your faith in Christ,

Ruth

March Madness!

I love March in Michigan. Yes, really, I do. 

OK, I only really love the excitement that comes with the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament each year. This is my all-time favorite sporting event. For me it’s a time when we get to use words like Cinderella Team, on the bubble, bracketology, and underdog. We can talk to just about anyone at any place about basketball during this three week period and find some common ground, a common theme of teamwork, and loyalty. We can root for underdog teams and watch a miracle unfold before our eyes, as a 15 seed team bumps off a top seed and moves to the next round. We can scream and yell and laugh and cry all within the same 2 hour time frame. Makes me feel alive!

But what I love the most about March Madness is feeling like I’m part of a team, something bigger than me, something that requires everyone to be working together, toward the same goal, with unselfish intentions. Even if I only participate from my living room, I still feel it, and it feels great!

My girlfriends are my team. They pick me up when I’m down; they carry the load when I cannot; they share my successes and my failures, they coach me when I can’t see the way, and they work with me on a common goal of trying to be more like Christ. We can scream, yell, laugh and cry together all within the same 2 hour time frame, and we are all part of something so much bigger than us individually! Not that much different than a dedicated sports team. I love my team of Christian girlfriends.

If you have been reading our blog (Girlfriends Breaking Bread) for any period of time, by now you know that we meet regularly to share a meal and enjoy fellowship and conversation. This month, we met at the local Richland Pub, a bustling little establishment at the northeast part of the village of Richland. 

Shrimp baskets and burgers were the favorite this time around along with variations on a theme of fries! Beer battered, curly, regular or country fried. 

Mmmm, comfort food at its best. Our conversations drift easily in and out of light fluffy topics like where’d you get your nails done, to deeper more serious topics like, when do you think you can retire? We laugh at getting older and share stories about bladder control (or lack thereof), our young adult children and decisions they are having to make, aches and pain that are truly a pain in the back. 

We know we have something special together and we make it a priority to get together and continue to hold each other up in prayer as we muddle our way through this confusing world we now live in. We miss our dear friend Anna who will be returning to Michigan in about a month, so our team will be whole once again!

For those of you who don’t know, I am a die-hard Michigan State fan. I am riding a wave of elation right now because my Michigan State Spartan team continues to move forward in the tourney journey and are now in the Final Four. They have been an underdog throughout the tournament and no one expected them to get this far. I’ve listened to their coach give them words of encouragement and listened to how they’ve encouraged each other. 

I want that feeling of teamwork in my Christian life, and knowing that my team has my back. It seems to me we need to take a lesson from these young kids playing basketball, and do a better job of keeping the “Christian” teams together, whether we win a game or lose a game, we are still on the same team. We keep our chins up and we push on. As long as we keep fighting the good fight, with all of our God-given talents and gifts, all that matters is we are all Christians, on the same team, working toward the same goals… being more Christ-like.

For now,

Elisabeth

The Polar Vortex

St. Joseph Michigan Lighthouse Under Ice (Photo credit: RandomSpace)

Another tough winter. . . . . This has been one of the coldest and snowiest on record with only a few days above freezing so far this year. But, as the winter grinds to a close we can begin to look forward to safer commutes, warmer days, and the smell of freshly mowed grass.

Regardless of the cold weather, family and friends are always around to warm our hearts! A week or so ago Miriam, Ruth and I met for dinner at North 11. Miriam enjoyed a turkey burger, Ruth a traditional pizza (none of this white sauce or artichokes for her!) and I had a great steak burrito. The food at North 11 is reliably good but the restaurant always seems a bit loud. Our waiter was good, showing up when we needed him, but giving us space and time to chat when we needed that.

Elisabeth was supposed to have joined us but her brother-in-law passed away the night before and she was with family. Praise God – he was a believer! Grief seems easier when we know that there is sunshine and hope on the other side of this life. We lifted the family up in prayer. We missed Elisabeth that night. Dinner just wasn’t the same without her smile and encouragement.

We missed Anna too. She is still in Florida waiting for Michigan to thaw. We had more praises as we’ve heard that her foot is healing well and that she is back to walking two miles a day! God willing, she and her parents will return in about two months. Will it really take that long for Michigan to thaw?

Dinner conversation rambled comfortably, twisting and turning through things familiar to us; jobs, friends, parents, kids coming home over spring break. . . . . It’s that familiarity that I think we all enjoy. Each time we meet, the conversation turns to God’s plan. We always agree that we are blessed.

See you all soon, sisters. I love you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Giving thanks,

Sarah

Sun and Renewal with Sista’s

On Friday I had the distinct pleasure to greet and pick up two of the best Sisters anyone could have at Tampa airport. Elizabeth and Miriam had arranged a visit to me in Florida for a relaxing; much needed women’s retreat, though we missed Ruth and Sarah. We drove directly to the rental home and relaxed in the sun for the afternoon hours, topped off with a nice dinner at a local restaurant.

Saturday began with delightful conversation on the lanai and the three of us decided upon attending the Sarasota Art Festival at St. Armand’s Circle. We were pleasantly surprised with the depth of talent in the displays by the hundreds of artists and enjoyed live music as we mused throughout the tented collections. Walking and shopping in the many unique stores around the circle made us crave a nice meal and after window shopping menus, we decided upon Tommy Bahamas. The three of us savored crab bisque, and crab and shrimp salads, and coconut shrimp…delicious! Our car was a mile walk, which we all needed after the delicious seafood lunch.

Awakened to sunshine on Sunday morning, plans were made to go to the gulf and bury our feet into the sand and warm ourselves in the sunshine. We drove to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, sunk our chairs into the white sand, and proceeded to enjoy the diverse beach goers and their activities. Elizabeth was not particularly fond of the aggressive seagulls that many were feeding, causing them to swarm and become attack birds. A late lunch of chicken salad sandwiches and fish tacos was our treat in the beach cafe', while we were serenaded by a local DJ and his eighty-something groupie line dancers. Pleasantly pink skinned, we drove home to relax over television and late snacks.

Monday was a dreary wet morning and cooler start to the day so shopping at the local outlet store became our amusement. Fortunately, some great buys were purchased, and we then met my parents for lunch.

Back at the rental home, relaxing conversation ensued with deep thoughtful discussions that were followed by a group prayer. God always blesses our time praying together in the most amazing way! We felt His presence so intensely, we all were moved to tears. It is such an honor to pray with close friends.

Miriam’s last day in the sunshine state was Tuesday, so we again ventured out for some fun at the beach, this time at Siesta Key. Elizabeth was amazed at the size and depth of the famous, Best Beach Award winner. We found our spots and enjoyed the sun and excitement of the children playing in the sand and waves. Elizabeth bravely tested the cool gulf and we all hummed “toes in the water, toes in the sand, not a worry in the world… life is good today.”

On the way back we found the local Jimmy John’s for a quick bite and relaxed on the lanai at the house. That night, we drove to Anna Maria Oyster Bar for great fresh oysters, salmon, king crab, and fresh Grouper dinner, Yum! What a nice send-off meal for Miriam, Elizabeth, and I to share together.

Unfortunately, morning came at 5:30 when Elizabeth and I drove Miriam to Tampa for her return flight back to the chilly north. Thankful for a renewed spirit in the company of amazing Christian women, we said farewell until Elizabeth and Anna return home. What a blessing it is to have friends!

God is good, all the time.

Blessing from the sunny south,

Anna

Misplaced Faith

Last night on a blustery, winter evening, the girlfriends ventured out to dine at what is arguably the nicest restaurant in Richland. Mission Point has been the location of at least a couple girlfriend dinners in the past year, and since we planned this dinner as a belated Christmas get-together we wanted to go somewhere a little special.

We shared our latest praises and concerns that ranged from proud grandma videos to concerns of a corporate takeover to the boiler in my basement that fuels my home's hot water heating system and currently sounds like a B-52 about to drop its payload. 

One concern we all shared was how technology and social media have become such a part of our lives. Although we like to see photos of our children, grandchildren and extended families – constantly checking social media can be a real time waster. And how do we handle those friend requests from high school chums who, well, really were not at all chummy back in the day?  Ruth suggested only logging on once a day and limiting the time – a great philosophy that takes some willpower – especially for Elisabeth and I, who are retired.

Well, as we often say, God works in mysterious ways.

This morning, my computer was being stubborn, so I rebooted. While I waited for my MAC to come alive again, I picked up a little book that Ruth gave me for Christmas titled “New Every Morning, A Celebration of God’sFaithfulness for Women” authored by Leah Slawson.

I opened to the first devotion, titled Misplaced Trust and read the following: 

Sometimes it seems the entire world is connected – through texting, phone calls, status updates and the list goes on. We all want to communicate with one another – all the time. We want to speak and have an audience, and we want to read and listen to what others say. We need and depend on one another, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We were created for interdependence like parts of a body.

But it’s easy to cross the line of trusting in people more than trusting in God, talking to friends more than talking to Jesus, seeking counsel rather than seeking the Counselor.

Our instantaneous connection with others carries with it the danger of putting all our trust and hope in others. We put faith in our companies, our political parties, our social groups, our teachers, even our preachers. We can always find another blog to read, website to peruse, sermon on podcast, text to respond to or email to read.

We become dependent on these relationships and before we know it they have displaced faith.  Our time and our thoughts are consumed with the words of everyone but God. Scripture tells us people are here and gone in the blink of an eye. In a moment, our plans perish with us.

Only Jesus - only His presence is lasting in our lives Only He will be with us in this world and the next, every moment of every hour.

So without checking email, FaceBook, twitter, the local newspaper website or my favorite blogs, I began to write this post.

Now you could argue that asking you to read MY blog post is part of the problem. But I choose to think of it as a way to bolster my resolve and offer a suggestion to you as well.

Today, as recommended by the scripture below, I will put my trust (and time) in God, not in the princes of social media. 

Psalm 146:3-4 (NLV) 
3 Do not put your trust in princes, in a son of a man, who cannot save us. 4 When his spirit leaves, he returns to the earth. His thoughts end on that day.

Stay warm out there (and perhaps say a prayer for my boiler),

Miriam