December 19

I just re-read my last blog and realized that I stole all my own thunder.  The hockey Christmas party was great.  The band played mostly jive and two step.  Lotsa fun.  Of course, Deb and I were the most impressive couple on the dance floor, in my humble opinion.  The best joke of the night was about a husband who says, "I was walking with my wife when she said, ""You haven't listened to a work I've said."" and the husband thought, ""That's a weird way to start a conversation.""  My birthday gift to Deb this year was 3 hours of dance lessons.  We worked on our Cha Cha and we're ready for public performance on the dance floor.  Christmas is getting close.  The ukulele group I am a part of had their Christmas performance at Forest Grove Community Church on Tuesday evening.  The director even trusted me with the clip clop blocks and the tambourine. It was a command performance.  Tomorrow is the day when I do the marathon trip from Saskatoon to Tisdale to Wadena to Regina.  Just another Alvin Kolach Kinda Day.  I will be back to Saskatoon on Sunday for Mary's concert with The Fireside Singers.  Tuesday is the big shin dig at my place.  As mentioned in the previous blog post, I am going to Audrey and Mickey's for Christmas dinner.  For many years, I have been the family expert on preparing mashed potatoes.  The last time I was invited to the Graham household for Christmas dinner, I was all prepared with my secret recipe of cream and tons of butter.  The only problem was: I realized at 10 pm on Christmas Eve that I had forgotten a very important ingredient...potatoes.  I am not aware of any places in this fair city where you can purchase potatoes on Christmas Day.  Fortunately, the patron saint of potatoes lives next door.  St. Bridget of Aberdeen bailed me out.  Thank God for wonderful neighbours with five gallon pails of homegrown potatoes.  I won't live that one down.  Needless to say, I purchased a bag of potatoes well before the deadline this year.  Only 11 more sleeps until we depart for Panama.  On December 29, I am giving Pastor Ali a day off.  I am preaching the sermon that day.  Looking forward to delivering a thoughtful message.  I will close this blog with my Christmas wish that you may have peace and love in your families this day and every day.  Live out the Good News that you are loved and love is the way.  My next blog will be about my Panama adventures.  Stay tuned.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!