Happy Halloween

BOO! Friends.

I hope that you are ready for Halloween: the greatest holiday for kids! Did you see the forecast? We have the possibility of rain, drizzle and wintery mix (doesn't this sound like a delicious snack?). Ahhh. Scary weather for a scary night.

• Be careful driving during the hours of 5:00-9:00. 
• Remember to look through your little spooks candy: unwrapped candy should not be eaten.
• Be safe and keep warm.

This weekend we Fall Back. Move your clocks back one hour when you go to bed: so if you go to bed at 11:00, set your clock back to 10:00.

Enjoy your candy and the end of Daylight Savings with an extra hour of sleep!
Carolyn

P.S. I tried to load pictures onto this page...was there a software update? I don't know what happened, but I will have to get my pictures to you later. I am sorry.

We read John 3:22-36 in International Bible Study this week. In this story John the Baptist is baptizing, and so is Jesus. The people get into a discussion about who and how and rules about baptism. This discussion continues in the Christian church today. This great gift becomes a point of discussion and division (how much water, how it is applied and at what age), yet all Christians agree that baptism is important. The Bible does not describe in detail how this was done (except for Jesus' baptism). Different churches follow different customs and rules, but all believers believe that Baptism is an important act and gift from God. Titus 3:5 tells us that we are saved from spiritual death not because of the good things that we do or by following certain customs, but through the "washing and rebirth and renewal" by the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist gives us a beautiful image: he steps back so that Jesus can step forward. He prepared the way so that the loving relationship between the "the bridegroom (Jesus) and the bride (the people)" could begin.

Pastor Scott sat in with us. He enjoyed our discussions and study and hopes to join us in the future. He will be preaching (giving the message or sermon) this Sunday at Carmel Lutheran Church Worship Services.

We carved pumpkins at International Friends. Yes, some people dared to dress up! We had clowns! Good work! We tasted candy corn and Indian corn (they taste better than when I was a kid). And we played a traditional relay game with a twist: the fastest team and the team that had the most make it into the cup were winners. We found excellence in both teams! Ahhh! I love a good race!HOLIDAY TIP: Spray the inside of your pumpkin with bleach water to keep the mold from growing.

Holiday Tip: Spray the inside of your jack o lanterns with bleach water to keep the mold from growing.

We roasted pumpkin seeds:

• Clean the "guts" and rinse seeds.
• Toss with seasonings of choice:cinnamon sugar, Costco blend, Old Bay, Steak n' Shake or just salt. Add a little oil if you like: olive, coconut, melted butter...
• Spread on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 400F until they are toasty and brown tossing them toast them evenly (about 20 minutes).

OR

• You can try frying them on the stove (use a little oil)
• You can try broiling them, but you have to watch them closely so they don't burn.

We took a field trip with the Wednesday Conversation to the Halloween store and to see Wendy's decorations and other houses in the neighborhood. 

At English Classes there was so much going on! There were discussions about Halloween and the words in the languages for "scary." We had an informal poll and discovered that daughters are harder to raise than sons...usually. We learned about Chile Verde at75th and Shadeland has a  mariachi band play on Fridays; enjoy some traditional (and not so traditional) Mexican music with your meal; Carniceria Guanajuato at 5210 West Pike Plaza Road or 3110 N. Shadeland Ave. has great tacos: try the lingua (beef tongue) tacos.

Tuesday, November 4

International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 4:1-26, the story of the woman at the well.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's talk about Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is the American traditional harvest/feast day. Come and hear the history of this great holiday and learn more about our feasting traditions. We will also talk about our feast on November 18.

Wednesday, November 5

Conversation: Let's talk about how to use "leftovers" and the overabundance of great food from Costco.

Thursday, November 6

In our English Classes the Conversation Class will play Euchre at the beginning of class. 

Words and phrases:
Fall Back: move your clock back one hour to Eastern Standard Time (or let your electronics do the work for you!)
drizzle: a light rain
wintery mix: a combination of rain, sleet and snow coming down at the same time
point of discussion and division:
sat in with us: attended
dared: had the courage
relay: a race with a number of participants that replace each other to divide the activity
with a twist: an unexpected change in the events or outcome
excellence: the quality of being outstanding or good
broiling: cooking under the highest and continuous heat setting in the oven.
going on: happening
informal poll: an opinion survey to discover what people generally thing about a subject in politics they call this a straw poll

Service Project Personal Hygiene Items Wanted

Hello, Friends:

Gloria's Girl Scout Troop is preparing personal hygiene kits for the homeless. Please consider donating any of the small items listed below:

travel size soaps, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste
wash cloths
disposable razors (for men or women)
toothbrushes

Bring your donations to any of our meetings or classes next week: October 28-30. Gloria will collect them on the 30.

Thank you for your help.

Carolyn

Wrapping up October

Hello, Friends.

We had our first frost here in Carmel Thursday morning. This wasn't a killing frost. This is a good time to clean out your beds and get them ready for the winter.

Are you ready for Halloween? Michael's has decorations 50-70% off! You might want to run over and pick up a few things. Next Friday is the big day. If you want "trick or treaters" to stop at your house, turn on your porch light. The little "spooks" expect candy; one piece of candy per child is fine. If you offer a whole bowl they will grab a handful. Check WISH TV for your community's time to trick or treat.

And about the Butter Braids: Please bring your money next week; it needs to be turned in by November 3. Checks can be made out to Operation Friendship. Thank you for helping out with this fundraiser.

In Bible Study we read John 3:1-21. Jesus teaches the Jewish teacher Nicodemus. This man came to Jesus at night to ask questions and to learn from Him. Jesus teaches him many things: that the Holy Spirit gives birth to our spirit, and that through that birth you are given new life. The most famous verse that tells everyone about why Jesus came is found here (John 3:16) and the following verse is just as important (John 3:17): For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

At International Friends we talked about making appointments and emergency calls. When you make a call:
1. Be polite with your tone
2. Small talk isn't necessary.
3. Speak slowly.
4. Have your calendar available as well as a list of the information you need for the call.
5. Keep the other person on the line until all your questions are answered.
6. Ask for the other person's name in case you need to call back.
For emergency and service calls:
1. Know your location. Practice saying your address so it is a habit.
When you dial 911:
1. Stay on the line until they tell you to hang up. They will continue to give you directions and instructions.
2. If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line. If you hang up, they will call you back to make sure you are ok.
2. Use 911 for emergencies such as fires and accidents or dangerous situations where you need immediate help or when you can't handle
3. Expect to have a fire truck, ambulance and police officers arrive. They usually everyone out.
Call your gas/power company when you smell gas; not 911. They will give you directions to keep safe that will include not turning on lights, leaving your home, etc. and will dispatch someone immediately to investigate.

At Conversation on Wednesday we talked mostly about holidays and places to go. It was interesting to hear where people would like to go (for free) if they could go anywhere in the United States. We enjoyed some delicious snacks (thank you, Yoko) including garlic bread and artichoke dip and roasted honey maple sugar nuts.

Have a safe and delightful weekend.
Carolyn

October 28
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 3:22-36, John the Baptist testifies about Jesus. We will talk about baptism and the role it plays in our lives.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's carve pumpkins into Jack o' Lanterns
Bring a serrated knife and a pumpkin (bring a large pumpkin, not a pie pumpkin) to carve into a Jack o' Lantern for your front porch. We will roast pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin. Come ready to try some fun, traditional games. Wear your costume if you dare!

October 29
Conversation, 4:30-6:00: Let's talk about Halloween and take a field trip to see houses that are decorated.

killing frost: when temperatures are cold enough to kill everything but the hardiest plants.
clean out your beds: trim back plants and pull the dead plants out of your flower and vegetable gardens.
run over: take a quick trip
pick up: buy
is the big day: a day that is anticipated for a long time.
in or at: should you use "in" or "at" when talking about being somewhere? Either is fine. People say they are at home (never in home). Students can be in or at school.
Butter Braids: delicious pastries that are easy to make.
fundraiser:
small talk: polite conversation including such things as: how is your day, how are you.
stay on the line: don't hang up the phone. The dispatcher can tell what is going on and alert the emergency staff of your situation. They will call you back if you hang up.
dispatch: send someone.

Changes to Tuesday

Dear Friends,

The church has a funeral on Tuesday, October 21. As a result, we will be meeting in the upstairs classrooms. Please enter Door 6 and go up the stairs past the welcome desk. Here is our adjustment to our program planning:

October 21
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's practice making appointments!
We will practice making appointments. Service, appointments, doctor appointments, calling your children in for a sick day or an appointment, etc. Please e-mail me at indyintlfriends@gmail.com with appointments you would like to practice; you can also add to the comments on our blog page.

October 28
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's get ready for Halloween!
Bring a pumpkin to carve (a big pumpkin, not a pie pumpkin), markers and a serrated knife. We will carve pumpkins, roast pumpkin seeds, and play Halloween party games. Wear your costume if you dare!

Thank you for understanding.
Carolyn

Happy Fall!

Hello, Friends.

What day of the week do fish hate the most?

Fry-day!

Hahaha! Get it? Fry-day!

I hope that you have a great Friday. I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall color. Take advantage of the fabulous fall. Check out what Indiana has to offer at
Honest to Goodness Indiana. There is so much for everyone in your own backyard during this colorful season.

Carolyn

Jesus cleaned the temple was our story at International Bible Study. The temple was being used as a market for the convenience of the people traveling to celebrate Passover. John tells this story in the beginning of Jesus' career. The other Gospels tell the story just before Jesus is crucified. Some main points:

• before Jesus "cleans up" for other people, He cleans His own house
• Jesus demonstrates righteous indignation, sometimes you have to throw tables
• leaders questioned Jesus' authority, the people loved Him
• Jesus knew the hearts and minds of people

We practiced ordering from a menu at International Friends. Thank you, Lupita, for explaining some delicious Mexican dishes. I will put in a plug for The Toros Mexican restaurant just North of 146th Street on Gray Road.

We also said Happy Birthday and Best Wishes to Chiaki. She is returning to Japan for a short visit. We wish her the very best.

We tasted grits at Conversation on Wednesday. In the Southern states, grits are like rice in Asia or potatoes in Ireland...You can't have a meal without them. They are very easy to make. They can be eaten plain or dressed up with sauces, toppings and mix-ins. We tried both savory and sweet. We tried Muffaletta sauce (thank you, Costco), cheddar and/or parmesan cheeses, and for dessert: butter and brown sugar. 

We also made luminarias for Halloween.

We discovered something very interesting in our English Classes. Many of you are familiar with English, but are struggling here in the United States. Perhaps you learned and listened to British English in your home country! This would make our style, cadence, pronunciation, and some definitions/idioms sound a bit confusing. Be patient. Keep listening. You can adapt what you have learned to this "style" of English!

Tuesday, October 21

International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 3:1-21.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's talk about Halloween.

Join us in friendly and scary party games and talk about Halloween in Indiana. Dress up if you dare!

Wednesday, October 22

Conversation, 4:40-6:00: Let's talk about....Muhahahahaha. A surprise topic!

Thursday, October 23

English Classes, 9:30-12:00
We will continue with our English classes in spite of Fall breaking all around us! If you will miss class, please let your teacher know in advance or e-mail me.

Get it?: Do you understand?
check out: look at, see
has to offer: opportunities
your own backyard: locally, in the area
convenience: something that is handy; this is another pun (like fry-day)
put in a plug: recommend
just: not far; very close
short visit: no one is allowed to move away permanently, EVER!
dressed up: to make something more impressive; to add to something plain and make it fancy

Fall is Underway

Hello, Friends:

Fall is underway; winter is on its way! What damp and chilly weather we have been are having! This time of year you can never tell which way the weather will turn.One minute it is sunny, the next minute it is cloudy and the next it is raining. I'm glad we haven't seen any snow, yet!

This is a long, long, update. Be sure to read to the end! If you asked me about something this week, I hope I answered you.

Have a great weekend!
Carolyn

The story of the Marriage at Canaan was our topic at our International Bible Study, John records Jesus' first miracle: he turned water into wine (John 2:1-11)! What an unusual and wonderful gift to the wedding party. The wine was running out in the middle of the wedding (three days into the celebration), then Jesus asked servants to fill some jars that were used to hold water for ceremonial washing. He tells the servants to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. The water had become wine and the best wine! Jesus hadn't touched it. We discovered that Jesus saved:

• the marriage
• the "face" and reputation of the bridal families
• the party

The relationships of the people and the town were preserved. What an interesting choice for a first miracle; Jesus showed that He was a man and was approachable to solve our smallest problems. He cares that we have good lives and great relationships.

Because of the gloomy weather, we decided not to go into Conner Prairie with International Friends and to save the trip for pleasant weather. That didn't stop us from enjoying the museum shop or the Apple Store. We tasted the best apple fritters (This is the place to get them!). The store opens at 11:00a.m.), Enjoy hot apple cider or take a half gallon or gallon home. Buy a bag of apples or an apple pie. They say that the caramel apples here will ruin you for any other.

At Conversation on Wednesday afternoon, we talked about what to put in greeting cards. We came up with some ideas and discovered in Miss Manners Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior that the best sentiment is one that comes from your heart. It is always correct to write something personal in a card or greeting. It is unacceptable to just use the card. We talked about stealing ideas from a card shop. We found that it is most difficult to come up with something to say when we feel strongly about something and in that case we are at a loss for words. Finally, sometimes less is more: I hope you have a great day! is better than saying more of something you don't feel.

Here are some sites to get your creative juices flowing:

• Free card verses (by topic)
• Sentiments and Greetings for Handmade Cards (by occasion)
• Pinterest (let other people do the searching for you; search by topic (card sentiments and greetings))

We also talked about writing e-mails to your children's teachers. They are busy people that usually glance at an e-mail during the work day.

Greet them formally.
Cut to the chase.
Use numbers or bullet points if you have more than one question or request.
Do name your child in your note (you don't need to introduce yourself: you are signing the note at the end)

Dear Mrs. Yoshida,

My daughter Sally Willard has been having a great deal of trouble with her Algebra II exercises and tests. She has been working with her brother when he is home from college, but she still doesn't understand the concepts. We are at a loss on how to help her at this point. Please:

• arrange a time and place to go over this material with her
• provide me with alternative resources for us to help her
• let us know if she is focussing in class

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Willard
emailaddress@mailsite.com
(mobile number)

Many of you are asking for grammar help in our Thursday English Classes. Each week your teacher is going over grammar topics. You may be enjoying your class so much that you aren't noticing the small and large details! If you have a text book (all levels but Conversation), you will notice that each lesson focuses on a particular grammar topic. Your teacher is also listening to correct your and other students' grammar. Listen.

October 14
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 2:12-25
Join us as we see Jesus in action and He cleans the temple.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's make appointments and order from menus.
Making appointments via telephone can be difficult. Join us as we practice calling to make a variety of appointments. We will look at menus from different American restaurants to talk about different ordering options and practice ordering.

October 15

Conversation: 4:30-6:00: Join us as we make and taste grits. We will talk about Halloween and decorating for this major holiday.

October 16

English Classes: 9:30-12:00: We are continuing our study of English. Help your teachers help you. Ask questions. Tell them what you want to know. They are happy to help you specifically.

damp and chilly: weather that includes light rain and cool temperatures
never tell which way the weather will turn: predict the weather

miracle: an event not explained by natural or scientific laws

draw some out: to get water out of a well or jar from the top; draw out can also mean: cause more time to spent doing something or to get information from someone
gloomy:  gray and overcast;  the weather can be gloomy; a person's attitude can be gloomy (negative)

pleasant: enjoyable, nice

apple fritters: chunks of apples mixed with donut batter, deep fried and glazed...mmmmmmm
Excruciatingly: painfully
sentiment: statement in a card; feeling, emotion, attitude
comes from your heart: something you feel
at a loss for words: can not think of what to say
creative juices flowing: get ideas for something
cut to the chase: get to the point, be polite, but not personal
at a loss: don't know how to help

The Last Post of September or the First Post of October or a Little of Both

Hello, Fall, and hello, Friends,

October is here. What a beautiful month to live in Indiana. The leaves are changing and the dawn With the start of October we start looking forward to the holiday of Halloween. Boo at the Zoo and the Children's Museums both have fun programs for younger children that have begun. The Haunted Houses and Scream Parks are getting ready. People are decorating their homes for fall and for Halloween. Do you know what you will dress up as this year?

At International Bible Study we read John 1: 35-50, how Jesus' first disciples came to follow Him.
This is an interesting story because we discovered that two disciples left John the Baptist to follow Jesus. Other disciples were relatives who followed Jesus when their told them to come and see. Finally, Jesus invited others to come and see. Jesus was a familiar person to them; a nice boy from a nice family.

We learned all about the game of football at International Friends. Elizabeth helped us learn terms and we watched the YouTube video How to Understand Football. We divided into two teams and walked through some of the ideas and rules of the game so we could better learn the terms and how to basically play the game. Watch this video a few times to learn the terms. There are some text bubbles that pop up to help you. Pause and back up as necessary. We played the classic: Table Top Football (or Paper Football). This game has been around since the 1950s and is always popular with teenage boys during study hall. First, you make the football (from paper) by folding a long sheet into triangles and tucking in the end. This game follows the rules of football, but is much more simple:
1. one player wins the toss (mark your football on one side; toss it in the air your opponent calls "heads" (the marked side) or "tails" (the plain side)).
2. play begins and the player moves the football "down the field" to try and score a touchdown within four moves.
3. a touchdown is when the football hangs off the edge of the table and is worth 6 points.
4. the player can then try for a field goal: the opponent makes a goal post with his or her hands (either with thumbs together and fingers pointing up or with index fingers and thumbs pointing up) and the other player kicks (actually, flicks) the ball to get it through the goal (one more point).
5. the game ends when the agreed upon points are reached, when the bell rings to change classes, or if you are playing while waiting for your pizza to be delivered, it is sudden death and the game is over when food arrives!
There are no set rules for this game, so make up penalties and your own special way of playing.

At our Conversation class on Wednesday we learned Eight Form Taichi and talked about health and exercise. Here are two links to YouTube videos. The first is one we did in class. The second is similar to the style and speed that I am more used to practicing. Try either of them for a quick warm up and work out:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXW3Vib5xfA (about eight minutes)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH4JZ6aqCbA (about four minutes)

We found out that all of us like to exercise, but not the same way. 

• Piloxing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO_2wc00H5U (almost 11 minutes)
• Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wJtQjQ4HI8 (day one of the 30 day yoga challenge, nine and a half minutes)
• Zumba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtZop9VA9Uc (Boom Boom Pow! (about four minutes)
• Bodyweight exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POdzasJklxw (Here are 45 of them! A sampling in five minutes; not a workout, but you'll feel tired from watching! And here are some for beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEMcHVwzHPA&list=UU5T3aH0T4NRCp9AbUfRxN2w&src_vid=POdzasJklxw&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_92793
• Chasing our kids.....

It's fun to try something to get you to move!

Have a great weekend!

Carolyn

Tuesday, October 7
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 2:1-11, Jesus' first miracle.
Join us as we read the first miracle that Jesus performs. This is my favorite.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00 (or as long as we like): Let's go to Conner Prairie
Join us as we go to see Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville, Rd., Fishers. We plan to go on the Balloon Voyage (but you may choose to sit this out). Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors 65+, and $10 for youth 2-12 (Group admission tickets are $3 less in each category. The Balloon Voyage with discount coupons cost $10 if we have 15 or more participants, or with the Rickers discount coupons, Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for youth 2-12.

Wednesday, October 8
Conversation, 4:30-6:00: Let's talk write sentiments and short notes for greeting cards.
Bring scissors, small sheets of wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. to make greeting cards and then brainstorm sentiments and wishes to write in them.

Thursday, October 9
English Classes: 9:30-12:00
As classes continue, don't forget to practice your English at every opportunity:

• Ask the person behind you in the grocery line about something they are purchasing (I haven't tried that before, how do you like to prepare it?)
• Listen to the sound of English talk shows (like you are listening to music) to catch the cadence of the language.
• Use your smartphone to record your own voice; is your pronunciation the same as the "professional broadcast English" you hear around you? 

Vocabulary and punctuation:

Hello, Fall, and hello, Friends,: Look at all those commas! You should always use a comma in a greeting in a note or email except when you begin a formal letter with Dear. It is acceptable to omit the comma after Fall since it is separating two short phrases separated by the word "and." To mane
disciple: someone who follows another person to learn from them
walked through: practiced or tried, not to be confused with walking through a spider web (which happens a lot this time of year)
pause: stop
classic: something that has been around a long time, it stands the test of time
(words (more words)).: Yes, parentheses within parentheses. The ending punctuation (period) goes on the outside if the last parenthesis. (notice the spelling: parentheses is a pair, parenthesis refers to just one).
study hall: time for students to study or catch up on work that us usually spent sleeping, playing games or in these modern times texting.
sudden death: a game ends and the points stand as they are.
sit this out: not participate