Competition, Korean food, campfire, hurry

Although all the days with Brittany and the girls were somewhat full, Saturday was the most crowded. As I recounted yesterday, Brittany and I attended the final game of the girls’ volleyball tournament. Their loss was devastating to some of the teammates, but I only learned later that one of the girls playing with the team was in the 8^th grade as a substitute and two of the best players had been injured in previous games during the tournament. That roster of players against a much more disciplined and well-coached team, did a more impressive job of defending their side of the court than I was originally aware of. With that being Brittany’s only opportunity to see the girls play, the morning spent there meant a lot to her and to the girls on the team. Since the game was played at a location about thirty minutes from Brittany’s house, we spent a little over three hours total in participating in the spectator division of the tournament.

Once home, we had a little time to get everyone ready for an early dinner with Andrew’s brother, Peter and their mom.  Of course, it was at a Korean restaurant. One known in the area for the authenticity of the food prepared there. I was amazed at what the girls ate from the extensive fare. Orange chicken, bulgogi, spicy pork and shrimp pancakes were the main fare with numerous additional smaller servings of items we would probably consider appetizers.

Kim Che, specially prepared potatoes and carrots, some type of beef gelatin, seaweed salad, among the mix.  I would only be guessing as to what each dish contained, but the girls knew which ones they liked and all three ate with gusto. A special soup was ordered for me. It had beef riblets and a variety of vegetables in it with a wonderful broth. I ate small portions of other dishes, but mostly focused on my soup. Everyone was quite full when we left, and we carried home enough leftovers that they provided an adequate lunch Sunday afternoon.

Saturday evening, just after we got home from our dinner, I started a fire in the firepit built in the back yard of the small property their house sits on. The plan was to roast marshmallows and make smores. I had a bit of a challenge getting the fire started (the wood was not completely dry, and the air was cold), but by the time the twins were properly outfitted and ready to come outside, the fire was burning well. Brittany had put Audrey to bed both because of the hour and to facilitate enjoying the fire without the added concern for one so small being in proximity to the flames.

Since the twins were attending their first campfire, they were very reluctant to get anywhere near the fire, but eventually got over their initial fears and were able to really enjoy watching the fames dance along the wood being consumed. Everyone enjoyed the smores, some of which were made with Reece’s cups versus chocolate bars. It was pretty late when we all finally got to bed because Mama and Brittany insisted on washing the girl’s hair before putting them to bed. Neither Mama nor Brittany like the smoke smell that attaches to clothing and hair from a campfire, so that had to be washed away before bed and certainly before attending church in the morning.

Sunday was also very busy. Brittany lives about 45 minutes from church, so that travel time has to be taken into account to make it on time for Sunday School in the morning and choir practice in the evening. We were on the road to church by 8:15 Sunday morning. Light traffic made it easy to make the drive and arrive in plenty of time. I sang with the choir in the am service – which was fun for me. We were on the road home fairly late because of all the extra visiting Mama and I did after the service so having leftovers for lunch was a blessing. The evening service at Somerset Bible Baptist starts at 5 pm with choir practice starting at 4 pm. That gave us a very short afternoon at home between services, but it gave me and Mama a good taste of Brittany’s schedule – a very hurried one.  

Now back on the farm, Mama and I can slow down and enjoy the calm, quiet of our surroundings.