in

I just realized as I sat down to write that I haven't left the house all day. I don't quite know how that fact can sneak up and surprise a person, but there it is. I stayed in all day.

Not that I wasn't busy. I was up by 5 making food for a ladies' brunch. Had it in the crock pot by 7. I did a bit of e-mail, then tried to "redd up" the house, as they say in Mr.'s part of the world. It means straighten, or "make ready". (And if you're familiar with that phrase, then you know where he's from.) Showered, and then made pancakes.

The ladies arrived and we had a nice leisurely brunch and talked until about 1:30. Good discussions. I hope everyone was encouraged.

After they left I gave myself permission to rest a bit, then cleaned up all the food and dishes. My one coffee shop appointment canceled, and that's how I ended up never going out. I decided to make some phone calls and do some writing, both of which took me out of here to other places.

Before I knew it, it was time to start cooking again. I made a pretty basic, simple supper, but it still took over an hour to get together. I thought about that TV show Chopped, and realized I could NEVER get a dish around in 20 or 30 minutes. Crazy.

I also realized when I sat down to start blogging, that I had not yet taken today's photo. Never even pulled out the camera once. So, I snapped photos of the clean dishes drying on the rack. They were beautiful to me simply for the uniformity of color and the rhythm of the plates, one after the other. But also beautiful for the people who fellowshipped around them and the food they held, which was enjoyed by all. They also speak of work competed and finished, which is quite satisfying to me.

So, I end a day in which I never left my house, tired. It was a pretty full day of work, believe it or not. And it started quite early. I am ready for bed.