We left off with the dinner party that Father Tim held for his dearest friends. He was weary but content.

Today we start with the appraiser returning and finally giving the welcome news that the painting is not a Vermeer. This scene accurately captures so many instances where the “good” news is not welcome to those who can see the worldly results that would come from it. Then Miss Sadie turns around and makes an announcement even better!

I love how much attention Father Tim puts into preparing for the vestry meeting to discuss Miss Sadie’s gift. Interesting how it is so appealing in this scene, but seems unnecessary when I’m rushing to get to and through a deacon meeting. 

We learn there is a new neighbor coming. Just a little comment the first time you read the book, but I’ve read these books before so I know she’ll turn out to be someone real special.

Now, on to meet Dooley. Oh, we get a nice visit with Uncle Billy first.  At first it seems interesting and out of place that so many mundane things get brought to a pastor. But where we need to remember that God is sovereign over everything and that we should abide in Christ at all times, it makes more sense that nothing is separate. 

Oh, Puny has taken over caring for his house. Uncle Billy is taken care of and now we know he can draw amazing pictures. Boy, Puny and Dooley a heck of a first meeting. Luckily Dooley and Barnabas have a better time of it that day. (But who broke the lock to the Chapel?)

Now Andrew and Father Tim are reading to one another. This reminds me, I want to start making time for Connor and I to read to one another. Maybe something like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and some poetry. I always loved to read so I got left alone alot and enjoyed it. Connor is learning that he likes to read as well, but I think we could both use some out-loud together time.

Dooley has his first horse-ride. I had a pony when I was little. My dad wanted to live on a farm so we did, cows, horse, poney, lots and lots of land, and two gardens. What I remember of it was wonderful, but Dad realized the Country Club life was more for him. Anthony came up with a real romantic Valentine’s Day idea last year and took me to ride horses with a friend of his from work. There were some other horses in a neighboring pasture that kept running and I discovered that I am very much afraid of heights when I’m on a horses back. I was happy to get off and then watch the farrier replace a shoe on one of the horses.

Father Tim talking to Hal about the building committee. And this is a committee that is starting out with enough money. I’m on one now where we are still raising the money, plus waiting for the town to get it in gear. I was also on the last pastor search committee, not sure why I keep letting myself get into these things.

The scene delivering the calf is interesting. Tonight at dinner Connor mentioned he might be interested in being a vet. Good timing as Anthony will be taking our cat for the annual physical next week. I wonder if he’d be interested in the farm animal kind or stick to cats and dogs?

Ah, end of chapter 8 and time to get some work done around here. It is nice to be back in Mitford.

My nightstand is empty (the cat complains when I put stuff there, he routinely pushes my alarm clock off, usually at 3am). But the table behind my desk is overflowing in book goodness!

I have At Home in Mitford that I’m reading for 3 Moms Book Nook. I’m currently 4 chapters behind in that, but tonight is looking promising.

I have Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias to be read and reviewed along with 5 Minutes for Books. That is due next week, things aren’t looking real promising, but we’ll see.

Then the books I’m stacking up for the Fall Into Reading 2008. Battling Unbelief by John Piper, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle.

I haven’t pulled out The Iliad yet, but the time is growing near.

Then I got a stack of Elizabeth Goudge books from the library. I want to start with Green Dolphin Street. Debbie’s Idea suggests starting with The Little White Horse but I don’t have it.

I did finish Getting to Yes for negotiation class and hope to write up a summary of that for the blog. I also have How to Write a Business Plan sitting here for me to pull some tips from for our class project. It’s been sitting here for almost 3 weeks. Time to either get it done or renew it.

For pure reading pleasure, I have Cold Service by Robert B. Parker and Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey ($0.25 at the library!).

As you can see, I was spoiled by the summer schedule and I am still in denial that Connor and I are both back in school.