Easter Thursday

I thought today we should enjoy some nice things and have a smile together. When I worked for Midland Bank, back in the day, we were told it takes only 19 muscles to smile and about 41 to frown! As I have said before we all need to smile and laugh every day and just for a moment think at the wake following a funeral you will always hear laughter. This isn't being disrespectful but rather expressing normal everyday reaction to memory and thanksgiving for a life lived.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Bill for this amusing take on Irish dancing!

A couple of weeks ago I was sent this recording of Patrick Feeney from Rosemarie, from Co Tipperary, Eire. She had recently been to a concert of Patrick's and wanted to share this particular recording. Again, not funny this time but I am convinced you will still enjoy it. Thanks Rosemarie!

Thanks again for this poem from Julia Jenking and sent to me via Diane.

"How the Virus Stole Easter” A parody of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Kristi Bothur Twas late in ‘19 when the virus began Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land. People were sick, hospitals full, Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school. As winter gave way to the promise of spring, The virus raged on, touching peasant and king. People hid in their homes from the enemy unseen. They YouTubed and Zoomed, social-distanced, and cleaned. April approached and churches were closed. “There won’t be an Easter,” the world supposed. “There won’t be church services, and egg hunts are out. No reason for new dresses when we can’t go about.” Holy Week started, as bleak as the rest. The world was focused on masks and on tests. “Easter can’t happen this year,” it proclaimed. “Online and at home, it just won’t be the same.” Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the days came and went. The virus pressed on; it just would not relent. The world woke Sunday and nothing had changed. The virus still menaced, the people, estranged. “Pooh pooh to the saints,” the world was grumbling. “They’re finding out now that no Easter is coming. “They’re just waking up! We know just what they’ll do! Their mouths will hang open a minute or two, And then all the saints will all cry boo-hoo. “That noise,” said the world, “will be something to hear.” So it paused and the world put a hand to its ear. And it did hear a sound coming through all the skies. It started down low, then it started to rise. But the sound wasn’t depressed. Why, this sound was triumphant! It couldn’t be so! But it grew with abundance! The world stared around, popping its eyes. Then it shook! What it saw was a shocking surprise! Every saint in every nation, the tall and the small, Was celebrating Jesus in spite of it all! It hadn’t stopped Easter from coming! It came! Somehow or other, it came just the same! And the world with its life quite stuck in quarantine Stood puzzling and puzzling. “Just how can it be?” “ It came without bonnets, it came without bunnies, It came without egg hunts, cantatas, or money.” Then the world thought of something it hadn’t before. “Maybe Easter,” it thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more.” And what happened then? Well....the story’s not done. What will YOU do? Will you share with that one Or two or more people needing hope in this night? Will you share the source of your life in this fight? The churches are empty - but so is the tomb, And Jesus is victor over death, doom, and gloom. So this year at Easter, let this be our prayer, As the virus still rages all around, everywhere. May the world see hope when it looks at God’s people. May the world see the church is not a building or steeple. May the world find Faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, May the world find Joy in a time of dejection. May 2020 be known as the year of survival, But not only that - Let it start a revival.

This came from Bill Henderson and if I understand correctly was written by his sister who is known affectionately, as "Pudding."

I'm normally a social girl I love to meet my mates But lately with the virus here We can't go out the gates. You see, we are the 'oldies' now We need to stay inside If they haven't seen us for a while They'll think we've upped and died. They'll never know the things we did Before we got this old There wasn't any Facebook So not everything was told. We may seem sweet old ladies Who would never be uncouth But we grew up in the 60s - If you only knew the truth! There was sex and drugs and rock 'n roll The pill and miniskirts We smoked, we drank, we partied And were quite outrageous flirts. Then we settled down, got married And turned into someone's mum, Somebody's wife, then nana, Who on earth did we become? We didn't mind the change of pace Because our lives were full But to bury us before we're dead Is like a red rag to a bull! So here you find me stuck inside For 4 weeks, maybe more I finally found myself again Then I had to close the door! It didnt really bother me I'd while away the hour I'd bake for all the family But I've got no bloody flour! Now Netflix is just wonderful I like a gutsy thriller I'm swooning over Idris Or some random sexy killer. At least I've got a stash of booze For when I'm being idle There's wine and whiskey,  even gin If I'm feeling suicidal! So let's all drink to lockdown To recovery and health And hope this bloody virus Doesn't decimate our wealth. We'll all get through the crisis And be back to join our mates Just hoping I'm not far too wide To fit through the flaming gates!

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I wanted to share with you that Rick, our Ordinand, is still poorly from Covid 19 and so is his son. Catherine, his wife has improved and hopes to return to her job as a nurse this Sunday. Can we remember Rick, Catherine and Alexander in our prayers please. They are improving, but it is in tiny steps and as of last night were both Rick and Alexander are still in bed after nine days of illness.

Have a good day, remember to find something to make you smile, laugh or just have a lighter moment. Enjoy it all!