BREAKTIME!

Written by cycleguy on November 20th, 2017

I remember my grandfather talking about break time. He worked for USS (when it was still a viable entity) as a welder. He looked forward to breaks. Those were the days before cell phones when breaks were spent laughing and eating. Not like now. Pull that phone out and start texting and maybe take a bite between texts. Grandad used to pack his lunch and I would sometimes be there when he did. Two slices of Roman Meal bread with ketchup only in between them. I’m not sure if it was because of frugality or because he just liked it. I can think of better things to put between two slabs of Roman Meal bread (which I still like a lot) than ketchup. Jo thinks it is hilarious (and makes sure others know) that I sweat (nose and forehead) when I use ketchup. (Note: My uncle (grandad’s son) just reminded me about the mustard-between-two-slices-of-bread sandwich).  Memory is the first thing to go.

Anyway…grandad looked forward to taking some time to ease his tired muscles and joints from the grind of welding by relaxing. He was an avid Pirate fan and would listen to the night games if he worked the night shift with his transistor radio connected to this huge battery by a gumband. (Go look up Pittsburgh-ese for what it is).

I’m taking grandad’s suggestion. I’m pulling away for a few days. I have a couple busy days leading up to Thanksgiving, but the biggest plan is for Thanksgiving Day. The church is serving a dinner from 11-1:00 to the community. We have done it for the last 4 years and each year it has grown. What has really grown…and this is the part I’m directly involved in (Jo does the meal)…is delivery. So far we have over 40 deliveries of Thanksgiving meals to make. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun. The people pitch in to help. I get to organize and send them out. All the folks have to do is call in for a meal and we will “jimmy John” them their meal.

The best part of the week though is Friday. Janna and Braden will be coming in for the weekend while Jason works on their bathroom. I think that is a pretty good trade-off!! I’d say Jason can take all year but I don’t think that would fly very well. 🙂 They will be here all weekend. Yeah…I will be preoccupied.

I’m going to pre-program my weekend post. It will come out White Friday. (Why do they call it Black Friday anyway? Because you lose all your money?).

Anyway, have a great Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for many things: Jo, Tami, Janna, Braden, Jason, OVCF, my family-at-large, my friends, and for you.  Blessings to all and to all a… Oops wrong holiday.

 

9 Comments so far ↓

  1. Yes! Breaktime! Oh, how we all need that from time to time. I love that your church serves Thanksgiving meals in the community – that’s an amazing and self-less feat. Praying it all goes well, and that you enjoy special time with your family, Bill.
    Blessings!

    • cycleguy says:

      We really do enjoy the meal-serving. i think more folks turn out for that than on Sunday morning. 🙂 have a fantastic Thanksgiving Martha.

  2. ceil says:

    Hi Bill! Enjoy your time off with family and congregation! My daughter and family are landing from Indiana tomorrow, and I’m so excited to see the grandkids again, so I understand your excitement to see your family this weekend.
    May your time be blessed with joy and peace! Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      Glad they are coming to visit Ceil. I’m sure you are super excited about seeing the grandkids (and their parents). have a happy Thanksgiving.

  3. Lisa notes says:

    What a wonderful gift you give your community on Thanksgiving, Bill. May God bless you with energy and resources to get it all done. Jeff and I are free for the first time ever this Thanksgiving so we hope to participate in a community meal and outreach as well on Thursday! And enjoy time with family also on Friday.

    • cycleguy says:

      I think it is fantastic you and jeff find yourself alone but want to find a place to serve. That is what being a servant is all about.

  4. Pam says:

    Have a great week, Bill. Enjoy your family and church time. We are celebrating with both our kids and their families this year. It’s been two years since we were together, so that makes it all the sweeter.

    • cycleguy says:

      Two years!! I would burst at the seams if it was that long for me to see my grandson. Course we just live 4 hours away. Sounds like a great time Pam!!

  5. floyd says:

    Good for you, Bill. Hope you enjoy your time with family. Even if the littlest one wears you out!

    Happy Thanksgiving, brother.