pictures of the JFK Library

Here are the pictures of the JFK Library. We were not allowed to take flash photos so I do not have that many. However, you can see the flag within the pavilion, Jackie on a camel with heels and a dress, lots of steps, RFK's degree from UVA, and JFK's sail boat called the "Victura".
You can scroll down a little bit to see more about my day at JFK. :-)

And even more foliage pictures

Ponies

A few more pictures of two ponies that were making smiles on the faces of little children

More Foliage Pictures

Maybe I wasn't so smart on Thursday

Ok - I was going to keep this to myself, but now I have to tell. It only adds to the Harvard posting from earlier.
I went to have dinner with a couple the other night, in Harvard Square. No problem in getting there I said. I was just there earlier this week. I forgot the fact that I was there on a federal holiday and there was little traffic. Oh and let's not forget that it was DAY time.
IF there was no traffic at all, I could have gotten there in 15-20 minutes. I left church at 5:10 and got to the restaurant at 6:30!! Let me tell you that we were supposed to meet at 6:00.
It was dark. It was rush hour and it was crazy. I have included a map of the area I was in. Maybe that will help my case. First, I got lost while driving the car. I missed the original turn and that just got me all around messed up.
THEN, once I finally parked the car (four blocks away) I got lost getting to the place. What I saw on the map and what was in front of me were not the same things!! I swear. They looked completely different.
Anyway, I was frazzled and mad that I was late and putting the couple out. I finally saw the gentleman standing at the door of the restaurant and his wife came out right behind them. She hugged me and I just kept apologizing for the adventurous evening.
They were very understanding and were just happy I was ok.
Anyway, we had a GREAT Indian dinner and conversation. It was time to go and I was much more calm. For those of you that know, I can't stand to be lost and be late when I know someone else is waiting on me. But they were gracious.
He walked me back to my car and showed me the correct way out of the square. HOWEVER, can I just tell you to top off the evening, there was a lovely little parking ticket on my car? I looked and looked and even came back the next day to see where it said "restricted parking". I could not find anything.
Oh well. I thought you all would get a kick out of this. Maybe I was not the smart person on Harvard campus.

JFK Library

ooo....wait for it....here it is....I am soooo glad to be in a state that likes the Democratic Party.
I went to my first Presidential Library today. I went to the John F Kennedy Library in Boston. I was amazed at the beauty and the structure, right on the bay. I took pictures and they have been turned in for development. I will have them on Wednesday.
I was a bit surprised. It is not a "library" in the sense of a building with lots of books. I don't know why I was expecting all of that but it was a library with media, interactive, and visuals of the life of JFK. It is a museum. You go on a journey around the exhibits starting with a movie that takes you from his beginning to the democratic national convention where he was nominated as the democratic candidate.
I got to see his desk used in the oval office, fabulous artifacts presented to him by other countries and dignitaries and pieces of art made by “common” people who were fascinated by his leadership. There is an exhibit for the supportive and forgiving spouse Jackie Kennedy. There are photos of her on their wedding day and she was beautiful. I took a picture of a photo of her on a camel in a dress and high heels.
There was the office of the Attorney General Bobby Kennedy (I can't wait for his movie to come out). Two items of interests for the folks back home include his law degree from some university in Charlottesville and a plaque presented to him by the US Junior Chamber of Commerce for being an Outstanding Citizen. Go Jaycees!!
Two exhibits that really struck me were the documentary presentation covering the development of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was the 1960's version of weapons of mass destruction BUT in this case, the nuclear weapons actually existed. 13 days of push and pull against the Russians and Communist Castro. There was an angered exchange in the United Nations Security Council between the Russian Ambassador Zorin and US Ambassador Stevenson. And the other exhibit was the obvious darkness of November 22, 1963. They took you into this dark tunnel and in that area they played Walter Cronkite's emotional announcement of the shooting and assassination Kennedy. Then it follows with a view of the casket, along with Jackie Kennedy walking hand in hand with Bobby Kennedy.
I also got to listen to Kennedy's Inauguration speech and see him deliver it. That was exciting.
OOOO - I forgot to add something. There is an exhibit of countries around the world who have a JFK memorial of some sort. I counted at least 10 countries who have a standing memorial. The world loved JFK. I wonder if current administration would have a memorial in other countries?????

Ok , that is enough for now. It was a good visit. Have a good day!

Apple Pickin and Leaf Peeping!!!

I cannot imagine a more beautiful day than today. I got up early Saturday morning, yes I did get up early!! I took a day trip out to central Massachusetts to a place called Berlin Orchards. It was another beautiful, blue and bright day. I went apple pickin' for the very first time by way of a hayride. I felt like a little kid anticipating an bumpy time in the hay. We were dropped off at the bottom of the orchard and marched up the path to rows of apple trees. I picked a bag full while taking pictures of the area trees and fruit. I enjoyed the sweetest, crunchiest, and juiciest apple I have ever had. I had to wipe the juice from my chin. I was done and made my way back down to the pumpkin patch.
After watching children ride their ponies, i took my pumpkin and my bag o apples and went on my way. I decided to take a ride NORTH and headed to New Hampshire to go Leaf-peeping!! It was peak time for the Mass/New Hampshire area so I took advantage of the time.
Well, I went to Manchester and came back to a small town called Londonderry. I can not explain the deep vibrant beauty of the trees. I found the most brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. I found small towns and churches to accent the foliage. I took pictures, but I know they won't do it justice. At the same time, they will provide you a small window of what I witnessed. So when they get developed, I will post the pictures.
I sit here and think about the day: the juicy apples, the eager children, the ocean blue skies, the brush stroked leaves and I wonder how in the world anybody can deny God and the art that was created by this gracious being. I was watching a canvas develop into the most vibrant living painting, right in front of me.
I hope to have the pictures soon but until then, go out and enjoy the Autumn of God.

I was one of the smart people

Hey Everyone,
Yesterday was Monday and it was my day off. It was a beautiful day, blue skies, 70 degree weather - so I went to Harvard. It was about 15 minutes away. Traffic was good because it was Columbus Day. Unfortunately for me, it is my normal day off. oh well.
I walked around for a while, shopped in their bookstore and took pictures on campus. I touched the foot of Thomas Harvard. It is supposed to bring you good luck. Let's see.
The campus is beautiful and busy. I remember visiting it five years ago when I visited my friend for thanksgiving.
The movie Love Story was filmed on campus too. I saw the place at the end of the movie where they are on the steps of the hall in the quad.

I am at church now, getting ready for a Board of Education meeting. I got a chance to Instant message with my nephew Brandon. That was pretty cool. He is in high school now and Braxton is in middle school. Man o man are they getting big.

I went around Newton Centre tonight. I went walking before the start of the meeting just to get a break from the office. It is a cute little town (rich in many ways) These neat little shoppes and restuarants. Guess what I am listening to right now? Eddie from Ohio singing their song "Old Dominion" talking about Sweet Sweet Virginia. "A turkey on its belly, a chicken on its back, anyway you look at it, you'll find 'er on the map" Aren't they the coolest lyrics????

Well, I need to get ready for the meeting. I have to report what I have been doing for the past month. Blessings and Peace, Linda

getting to know people

Well, I just got back from having dinner with one of the professors at Andover Newton Theological School. www.ants.edu. They are a liberal seminary up the road from the church and several professors attend FBC Newton. The Christian Education professor, Bob Pazmino and his wife invited me over for dinner tonight and I was excited about going. I had already been on campus to have dinner with Theology professor Mark Heim and his wife. Now I got to meet with my Dr. Galindo's counterpart in ANTS. Dr. Galindo is my Christian Education professor at BTSR.

It was a great evening. Not only did I have dinner with them, but much to my surprise, they invited the new Dean of Faculty, Bill Hertzog and his wife. He just started a month of so ago. We had a great time and Dr. Pazmino is a GREAT cook. He is on sabbatical this year just like Dr. Galindo.

Today was the youth presentation at church about our trip to the farm. They did a great job. Lizzie even brought the rabbit that she adopted from the farm we stayed at. I was surprised by a visit from two people who attend Glen Allen Baptist. Bob stays in Concord while he works and his wife Peggy came to visit. It was a pleasant surprise to see and talk to them today.

Guess what? The weather is getting colder. I woke up to 37 degree temps this morning (all my windows were open) but the temp got as high as 70 by the afternoon. It is cooler now at 10:00 pm. I can smell something burning outside. The leaves are starting to turn pretty colors. I am hoping next weekend I can ride up the coast and take pictures to show everyone.

Tomorrow the cable guy is coming. no, not jim carrey but hopefully close. I got a laptop computer from church and i get to use it at home. so I am getting wireless network and cable. I can't wait. I will have it just in time for basketball season. you are probably wondering how am I able to use the web now. well, somebody near me has wireless unsecure network. :-)

Have a good day!

Playing Basketball and a bunch of stuff

So. Yes, it has been a while since i have posted. I got a new chair for my office. It looks like an executive chair and it feels sooo good. The senior minister was so jealous, he got one too. haha. We have fun. The cats have taken over so i am posting their pictures for you to see. Gracie keeps getting between me and the computer so I am trying to type around her.
It has gotten cooler here. I went shoes shopping and for the first time in a long time, bought dress shoes that were over $30 and they are comfortable. Go figure.

I am getting some good comments from people in the church. Things seem to be going ok. I still cant seem to get a grove going so please continue to pray for me.
I miss family and friends. I am getting ready for Duke Basketball. I just ordered to have cable for the TV. So I should be able to see some of the games on ESPN.

Speaking of Duke, I went to the park on Saturday and played basketball against myself. I did not do so hot, but I did great. I pretended I was Christian Laittner when he and Grant HIll did that shot heard around the world and Kentucky!

A close friend of mine called me Saturday night after not hearing from anyone in over a month and a half. I am so glad she remembered my phone number. I wonder if other friends can remember it too!! ;-) Sorry. That was a bad comment. Forgive me.

I have not been downtown lately. Just going around the area a bit and working to get everything going. I have been to the library, park, lots of stores, new little corner stores that are really neat, and a catholic store. kinda cool.

Tomorrow, I am having lunch with a bunch of Newton town clergy, including rabbis and priests. Its pretty cool. I assisted Charley with communion this past sunday. i messed up a few times and did not get yelled out. How great is that? He was telling me not to worry about it.

I should have a bio on the church website soon. Be sure to check it out.

Here is the Boston Light

Here is another picture of the Boston Lighthouse. Take note that it is the only Lighthouse in the United States still having a working Lightkeeper. And guess what????? This Lightkeeper is a Woman!!!

Yes - the Lighthouses!!!

These are a few of the lighthouses that I saw. Graves Light is the grey one. Hospital Point is the rectangle one. Eastern light is the remaining and the one that is actually lit in the picture. And my favorite picture down below is Boston Light

Linda's Growing Up

As much as I hate to have my picture taken, I thought you might like to see this one. Great, now it is on the internet for everyone to see.
We just had our first Sunday with the new education program and with the robes. (they wore them before, but this is my first). It felt weird and exciting to look "official" and everything. The day went very well. People seemed to be really excited about the new program. Why am I so excited about their excitement? Well, the church has not had a separate Sunday school and then worship program for a long time. It took 25 years to get them to consider changing the schedule to have education separate from church. So, as with any Baptist church, change is going to be difficult to get used to. But it seems to have gone well.
The other picture is our "staff" picture. In this order: me, the Senior Minister Charley, and the Organist/Choir Director Sean. They took this picture to prepare for an event next week. The church is being recognized by the historical society as being the oldest church in the Newton area. So there will be this display and reception on the 21st.
Lots of good things happen this weekend and we are already looking at the excitement to come. Thanks!
Linda

I Almost Made it to Heaven!

I was as close to Heaven as you can get without death. I had the most amazing trip today. I went on a 5 hour boat ride to visit 15 different lighthouses! They ranged from the Boston Lighthouse to the Thatcher Twin Lighthouses in New Hampshire. It was AWESOME!!! 80 degree weather (so much for the last post), blue skies, cool Bay Breeze, beautiful water, and the most georgeous lighthouses around. They don't beat Hatteras and Currictuck but they come really really close!
What? do I have pictures? THREE rolls worth. And as soon as they get developed and put on a CD, I will post them. It was a great day and a much needed day for me to be able to enjoy them in the way that I love lighthouses.
I got a chance to talk to this really nice couple. THeir daughter is a student at Roanoke College and that sparked discussion. One of the lighthouses I saw was designed with iron from Richmond. I let our a small cheer when I heard that.

Hope everyone is doing well. Please let me know how things are in RIchmond.

I think Summer is over....oh oh

I think Summer is over up here. For the past week or so, the temps have not gotten above 75. And for the most part, they have averaged 69/70 degrees. When Richmond was feeling like 105 degrees last week, I was feeling 75. I am laughing now, but in a few months, I won't laugh so much. I will be clearing snow from my tennis shoes, and car. Maybe I can throw snow balls at the mailmen who work near my home. They won't know it's me. I will hide behind the car.
I heard the fall leaves get really really pretty here. I can't wait to see those. I will try and take pictures for you but until then, enjoy this picture of Boston Harbor.

Boston College is sooooo Close!!!

I went out riding around the area yesterday, still learning about my surroundings. Boston College is about 10 minutes away from me. Can you believe that???!!!! My competitive nature is coming out and my ACC cravings are attacking. BC (as they call it here) will host Virginia Tech in a football game on Oct 12. I can't find my hokie shirt.
ALSO - Feb 14, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS before my birthday, Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils will be at BC for a small basketball game. UGH....If Duke is THIS close to me and I cannot see them play, I am going to be AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Selfishly, I am hinting around to people in the church about my wish to see Coach K and Duke play that day. Can we pray selfishly for tickets to a game????? Wait - I think I hear God laughing at me.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Happy Birthday Dad! Hope you are fishing, hunting, or golfing. But don't catch more fish than me!!!

Keep My Uncle in your prayers

Please keep my uncle tom in your prayers. Yes, I have an uncle tom. stop laughing!! They found another cancer spot in his mouth and they are going through radiation again. Thankfully no more 17 hour surgeries like before, but 6 weeks of radiation twice a day, every day.

I got to preach

Hey. I got to preach this past sunday and also serve communion. it went well i think. oddly enough, i preached on the book of James and charlie and the chocolate factory. i got some funny comments afterwards but they were good! I did not drop the bread or the juice and we got through things just fine.