The building alarm went off at 4 AM this morning. Now you have to know, this alarm is soooo loud it can almost wake the dead and we are directly across the street from it. In fact we hear it when the missionaries who live in the building don't. When it goes off Steve goes over to walk through the building with Ron Klaassen. I always pity new neighbors on the street the first time they hear it; they must wonder what kind of crazy car alarm that is anyway. Well, since we leave on vacation today, I had no chance of going back to sleep. So here I am.

We went to the Branch Brook park farmer's market yesterday for only the second time this year. It had supposedly been open for over an hour but there were only 2 vendors and almost no produce. How sad. We ended up at the one in W. Orange where they had all you could possibly want including three types of corn from two different farmers. Typical. I always feel bad for the people in Newark because so many have no cars so have few choices. I try to bring others along when I can.

It seems Facebook is having problems today as it won't load on my computer. Just as well, it reminds me to post here instead.
I am really enjoying reading THE KNEELING CHRISTIAN. So as to fully understand it, I read only one chapter a day at the end of my morning visit with God. Though it was written in the 1930s and contains an older language style, the message is rich and timeless. Do find a copy and read it if you want your prayer life to deepen.
Now I am off to "beautify" as Steve comes home from camp today. From the sublime to the ridiculous huh?

What a poignant night we had last night here in Newark. Our dear 3rd grade teacher, Emily Boyd is leaving today to be a teacher overseas. She has been so marvelous; so involved with her students, so enthusiastic, so real. There was a huge good-bye barbecue hosted by Emily and her teacher-roommates. They opened the gate to the playground and we got lots of kids--both invited and uninvited. Missionaries and school families also attended. Fun was had by all and tears were shed. I can't wait to read her facebook comments this school year, but how we will miss her!

Shame on me. I abandoned my blog in favor of Facebook. This post, however, is more suited to a blog.
In the 70's there was a popular writer by the name of Joyce Landorf. She mostly wrote for women. In later years she had personal problems which the church community felt disqualified her for further ministry. I remember her fondly however, for two specific reasons.
Her book, IRREGULAR PEOPLE, remains by far the best book I have ever read about moving past the negative people in your life. They are the people whose approval we most desire but who are probably never going to grant that approval. If you have not ever read this gem, get hold of a copy and do so.
The other reason I have for remembering her is the best BANANA BREAD recipe I have ever found; in fact it is the only recipe I use. Here it is.

JOYCE LANDORF'S BANANA BREAD

MELT 1/4 CUP OF BUTTER.
WHISK TOGETHER: 1 1/2 CUPS OF FLOUR, 1 TSP BAKING SODA, AND 1 TSP SALT IN A BOWL.
MASH 3-4 BANANAS IN ANOTHER BOWL. MIX IN 1 CUP OF SUGAR, 1 EGG, AND THE MELTED BUTTER.
ADD IN THE DRY INGREDIENTS PLUS 1/2 CUP OF CHOPPED WALNUTS.
POUR INTO A GREASED LOAF PAN AND BAKE FOR 1 HOUR @ 325 DEGREES.

The above is her original recipe. The following are some of my own variations.
I have added spices such as nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon. I have used poppy seeds, raisins, dried and fresh cranberries, other nuts or no nuts at all, mini chocolate chips, blueberries, apples, nectarines...Get the idea.
I also use less suger, part ww flour and half oil w/ half butter.
In other words, experiment and enjoy.