Hello, Friends,
Our Spring Break is April 6-10. Even though there are flurries today, you can find crocuses up and blooming in sheltered areas. You may also find snowdrops blooming. Our International Friends schedule for the rest of the year is posted.
An important, upcoming event is April Fools Day. Look out for pranks on April 1! Don't forget to play a few tricks yourself. Some usual pranks: put sugar in the salt shaker and salt in the sugar bowl. Add food coloring to a dish to change it's color, but pretend the color is the same. Change the time on clocks so people think they are late. Fill your bathroom, shower, etc. with balloons so when someone opens the door they get a shower of balloons. Make a mashed potato "ice cream sundae" for dessert. Tell someone their shoe is untied or their fly is open. When you catch someone with your trick, yell: APRIL FOOL! Do you need more ideas? Visit the April Fool's Day Zone.
Easter is almost upon us. Easter is both a holy and secular celebration in the United States.
Easter ends the season Christian season of Lent. Holy week begins on Sunday which is known as Palm Sunday. This day commemorates the day when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. People were so delighted with His arrival that they covered the road with palm leaves. Maundy Thursday is when Jesus had His last supper with the twelve disciples and began the practice of holy communion. Good Friday is the commemorates the day Jesus was crucified. Easter Sunday is the day that celebrates the Jesus' rose to life. Christians celebrate this gift of life given to all people who believe this story and that Jesus is God's Son.
Secular Easter includes the hunting of Easter eggs, chocolate rabbits, jelly beans and other candies and small gifts by children. Easter baskets filled with these goodies may be left, also. These gifts are said to be left by the Easter bunny! Other traditions tell us that we can now wear white shoes and other clothing. Girls get a new spring dress and used to buy and wear new spring hats. Don't forget to dye eggs. You can buy packages at the store for this fun craft. Do you want to try natural dyes? You can invest in groceries (or clean you your pantry). There will be plenty of Easter egg hunts around town for children beginning this weekend. Many churches, parks and neighborhood organizations hold Easter egg hunts.
March should go out like a lamb since it came in like a lion...We will see on Tuesday! I am looking forward to seeing you and enjoying this next week of egg decorating and celebrating.
Carolyn
Tuesday, March 31
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30, Room 100: Let's read the passion story.
Join us as we read the story of Holy week and Easter.
International Friends, 10:30-12:00, Room 100: Let's dye Easter Eggs.
Bring hard boiled eggs and dye a few for our Easter celebrations. We will talk about Easter practices and family traditions. Learn to blow eggs to make hollow shells for decorations. Learn to quick peel hard boiled eggs (I hope!).
Wednesday, April 1: APRIL FOOL'S DAY!
Conversation Class, 4:30-6:00, small kitchen: Let's finish our sugar eggs.
Bring small decorations to finish our sugar eggs. We will talk about
up: up out of the ground
blooming: flowering
sheltered: covered
pranks: practical jokes
trick: a deceptive act
fly is open: pants are unzipped
commemorates: remembers with honor
delighted: happy
crucified: killed by hanging on a cross
secular: not holy, just for fun and for everyone
Friday, March 27, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Welcome Spring
Hello, Friends.
I am sorry for the late post. I was so excited: Spring is officially here! Of course, there is snow predicted.
Briefly: We had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's Day for a second time: at the Claddagh. It was nice to enjoy a pint with "Irish" friends.
Where is everyone? We have not had the usual attendance at our classes. I hope that everyone is feeling well and we see you this week.
Have a great day!
Caroyn
Tuesday, 3/24
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's continue reading in John
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's talk about Yard Sales, Spring weather and warnings, translating and so much more! Come and chat!
Wednesday, 3/25
Conversation, 4:30-6:30
Let's taste pickled herring and start our sugar eggs. Search images and bring idea for decorating the inside: what small scene can you make?
Thursday, 3/26
English Classes, 9:30-12:00
Come to class and practice your English. We miss seeing you!
I am sorry for the late post. I was so excited: Spring is officially here! Of course, there is snow predicted.
Briefly: We had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's Day for a second time: at the Claddagh. It was nice to enjoy a pint with "Irish" friends.
Where is everyone? We have not had the usual attendance at our classes. I hope that everyone is feeling well and we see you this week.
Have a great day!
Caroyn
Tuesday, 3/24
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's continue reading in John
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's talk about Yard Sales, Spring weather and warnings, translating and so much more! Come and chat!
Wednesday, 3/25
Conversation, 4:30-6:30
Let's taste pickled herring and start our sugar eggs. Search images and bring idea for decorating the inside: what small scene can you make?
Thursday, 3/26
English Classes, 9:30-12:00
Come to class and practice your English. We miss seeing you!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Top o' the mornin'
Top o' the mornin', Friends!
That's what you will want to say to each other on March 17. On St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish! This is a distinctly American holiday that has even caught on in Ireland. The rules of the day: wear green clothing or get pinched, eat green foods, enjoy the non-Irish dish: corned beef and cabbage. It is fun to compare how different families observe this holiday: green mashed potatoes, green pancakes, Lucky Charms Cereal (the mascot is a Leprechaun). green milk, green beer. There is so much going on to celebrate this lucky holiday that occurs just in time to celebrate warm weather. Be sure to check our Things To Do page so you won't miss the fun. There are parades, tent parties, and so much more.
To get to St. Patrick's Day we have to get past Friday the Thirteenth. This can be a very unlucky day. Watch out!
Carolyn
The International Friends tried corned beef and cabbage and Reuben sandwiches on Tuesday. is a boiled dinner...this means that you put meat and vegetables in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer to cook them. Ruben sandwiches are made with corned beef on rye bread with sauerkraut and swiss cheese. Butter the bread and toast the sandwich until the insides are warm and the cheese is melted. Then add a sauce made from mayonnaise, chili sauce and pickle relish (or chopped green olives or another type of pickle).
We also danced a reel called a bonfire dance or a circle dance. We also sang the classic pub tunes: I'll Tell My Ma and Wild Rover (and you can to Karaoke style! Follow the links).
In International Bible Study we read John 7:14-24 where Jesus teaches and the Jews are amazed that He "has such learning without having studied." 15. Jesus tells them that His teaching isn't His own and comes from God. He points out that when people speak for themselves, they are showing off, but when someone speaks for someone else and works for the honor of someone else speaks truth. He points out that there are rules and laws, but when the Jews are angry for Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath (holy day) because Jesus performed work (which broke the law). Jesus tells them, "Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment." 24 Jesus tells people to love and care for each other and no law is broken; when we judge people based just on rules and law we miss the important aspect of the law: how to care for each other and love God.
In Wednesday Conversation we STILL didn't get 90210 to work! I hear it is because we weren't connected to the right wifi! That'll slow ya down. We went over common conversational phrases used in disputes (some of which are rude and derogatory). We also looked at reprimands to counteract comments.
Tuesday, March 17
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 7:25-44
International Friends, 10:30-??: Let's Celebrate St. Pat's at the Claddagh
We will leave at 10:30 sharp and head to the Claddagh, or meet us there: 3835 E. 96th Street. First one there grab us a tables for 20.
Top 'o the mornin': good morning, St Patrick's Day style.
caught on: become popular
observe this holiday: celebrate
mascot: a character that is beloved and represents a school or group team or product
Leprechaun: tiny Irish men of folk lore who have the reputation for causing mischief and are keepers of pots of gold. If you catch one you get the gold!
showing off: drawing attention to them self, demanding attention so people will admire them
That'll slow ya down: keep you from being successful
derogatory: meant to be mean and hurt somone
That's what you will want to say to each other on March 17. On St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish! This is a distinctly American holiday that has even caught on in Ireland. The rules of the day: wear green clothing or get pinched, eat green foods, enjoy the non-Irish dish: corned beef and cabbage. It is fun to compare how different families observe this holiday: green mashed potatoes, green pancakes, Lucky Charms Cereal (the mascot is a Leprechaun). green milk, green beer. There is so much going on to celebrate this lucky holiday that occurs just in time to celebrate warm weather. Be sure to check our Things To Do page so you won't miss the fun. There are parades, tent parties, and so much more.To get to St. Patrick's Day we have to get past Friday the Thirteenth. This can be a very unlucky day. Watch out!
Carolyn
The International Friends tried corned beef and cabbage and Reuben sandwiches on Tuesday. is a boiled dinner...this means that you put meat and vegetables in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer to cook them. Ruben sandwiches are made with corned beef on rye bread with sauerkraut and swiss cheese. Butter the bread and toast the sandwich until the insides are warm and the cheese is melted. Then add a sauce made from mayonnaise, chili sauce and pickle relish (or chopped green olives or another type of pickle).
We also danced a reel called a bonfire dance or a circle dance. We also sang the classic pub tunes: I'll Tell My Ma and Wild Rover (and you can to Karaoke style! Follow the links).
In International Bible Study we read John 7:14-24 where Jesus teaches and the Jews are amazed that He "has such learning without having studied." 15. Jesus tells them that His teaching isn't His own and comes from God. He points out that when people speak for themselves, they are showing off, but when someone speaks for someone else and works for the honor of someone else speaks truth. He points out that there are rules and laws, but when the Jews are angry for Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath (holy day) because Jesus performed work (which broke the law). Jesus tells them, "Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment." 24 Jesus tells people to love and care for each other and no law is broken; when we judge people based just on rules and law we miss the important aspect of the law: how to care for each other and love God.
In Wednesday Conversation we STILL didn't get 90210 to work! I hear it is because we weren't connected to the right wifi! That'll slow ya down. We went over common conversational phrases used in disputes (some of which are rude and derogatory). We also looked at reprimands to counteract comments.
Tuesday, March 17
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 7:25-44
International Friends, 10:30-??: Let's Celebrate St. Pat's at the Claddagh
We will leave at 10:30 sharp and head to the Claddagh, or meet us there: 3835 E. 96th Street. First one there grab us a tables for 20.
Top 'o the mornin': good morning, St Patrick's Day style.
caught on: become popular
observe this holiday: celebrate
mascot: a character that is beloved and represents a school or group team or product
Leprechaun: tiny Irish men of folk lore who have the reputation for causing mischief and are keepers of pots of gold. If you catch one you get the gold!
showing off: drawing attention to them self, demanding attention so people will admire them
That'll slow ya down: keep you from being successful
derogatory: meant to be mean and hurt somone
Friday, March 6, 2015
Let's Spring Forward!
Hello Friends:
March is a fun month for change. This coming week we will warm up. Do you think we will see signs of spring?
This beautiful full moon is known as the Full Worm Moon for the Algonquin American Indian Tribes (from New England to Lake Superior). According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the ground begins to soften and earthworms begin to appear. This is also welcoming to robins, who begin to return North. The March full moon is also called the Sap Moon, since the sap in the maple trees begins flowing and they are tapped to make syrup.
March 8 we spring forward. Remember to move your clocks forward when you go to bed on Saturday night. Yes, it will be dark in the morning when we get up for a little while again. But it will stay light longer in the evening!
Sweet dreams!
Carolyn
At International Bible Study we read how people following Jesus began to find it difficult. Some turned away from Him. The original 12 disciples continued to follow. Jesus asks them if they plan to desert. Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we we go? You have the words of eternal life."-John 6:68-69. This verse is often used in Christian worship to prepare the congregation to hear the Bible reading that comes from one of the Gospels. In our discussions, we talked about how people view relationships: when circumstances become difficult, when we are called to trust the other people, or when people have a negative opinion; we can be swayed to leave the relationship. When people don't meet our preconceived expectations (the people wanted Jesus to act like an earthly king), we are disappointed. We also talked about how difficult it is for people to accept Jesus' teaching: that Jesus comes from God to give eternal life and peace to all people who believe.
We played Parlor Games at International Friends on Tuesday.
We began with a game where players cross arms, right over left, with the players next to them around a table. The players tap in hand order. If a player taps out of order, he/she pulls his/her hand out of the game. If a player taps twice, then the tapping reverses direction. For example, going clockwise: player 2 begins tapping right hand, player 1 taps left hand player 3 taps right hand, player 2 taps left hand, player 4 taps right hand, player 3 taps left hand, player 5 taps right hand, etc.
We played "Statues Stiff." Players dance to the music, when the music stops, everyone stops dancing.
We played G'day Garry. Players greet each other. All players begin as Garry. If a player makes a mistake, then his/her name becomes Larry, after a second mistake he/she becomes Harry, and a third mistake, he/she becomes Bob. The script:
Player 1 to player 2: G'day Garry.
Player 2 to player 1: G'day Garry.
Player 1 to player 2 referring to player 3: Say g'day to Garry for me.
Player 2 to player 3: G'day Garry...
Finally, we played that all-time Japanese favorite: Fruit Basket. You have one less chair than the number of players. The person who is "it" stands in the center and calls out an attribute (for example, anyone wearing blue jeans). Players wearing jeans jump up and trade seats and so does the person who is "it". The last man standing is "it". If "fruit basket" is called out, then everyone changes chairs.
Wendy caught us up on her vacation to the Dominican Republic at Wednesday's Conversation. We couldn't get the technology to work, so Beverly Hills 90210 will be on hold until next week.
Tuesday, March 10
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 1:1-13
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Join us as we prepare for St. Patrick's Day, American-style. Wear your green and learn to make corned beef and cabbage.
Wednesday, March 11
Conversation, 4:30-6:00:
We will review 96-98 on pages 51-52 and 268-271 on pages 123-125.
Thursday, March 12
English Classes, 9:30-12:00: We will have classes! The weather will be sunny and warm!
congregation: gathering of people toward a similar purpose
swayed: persuaded, convinced
preconceived: to form an opinion without having complete knowledge or information
clockwise: in the direction of a clock, moving to the left
G'day: good day. Australian pronunciation
caught us up: tell us the news and the stories
on hold: happening later
March is a fun month for change. This coming week we will warm up. Do you think we will see signs of spring?
March 8 we spring forward. Remember to move your clocks forward when you go to bed on Saturday night. Yes, it will be dark in the morning when we get up for a little while again. But it will stay light longer in the evening!
Sweet dreams!
Carolyn
At International Bible Study we read how people following Jesus began to find it difficult. Some turned away from Him. The original 12 disciples continued to follow. Jesus asks them if they plan to desert. Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we we go? You have the words of eternal life."-John 6:68-69. This verse is often used in Christian worship to prepare the congregation to hear the Bible reading that comes from one of the Gospels. In our discussions, we talked about how people view relationships: when circumstances become difficult, when we are called to trust the other people, or when people have a negative opinion; we can be swayed to leave the relationship. When people don't meet our preconceived expectations (the people wanted Jesus to act like an earthly king), we are disappointed. We also talked about how difficult it is for people to accept Jesus' teaching: that Jesus comes from God to give eternal life and peace to all people who believe.
We played Parlor Games at International Friends on Tuesday.
We began with a game where players cross arms, right over left, with the players next to them around a table. The players tap in hand order. If a player taps out of order, he/she pulls his/her hand out of the game. If a player taps twice, then the tapping reverses direction. For example, going clockwise: player 2 begins tapping right hand, player 1 taps left hand player 3 taps right hand, player 2 taps left hand, player 4 taps right hand, player 3 taps left hand, player 5 taps right hand, etc.
We played "Statues Stiff." Players dance to the music, when the music stops, everyone stops dancing.
We played G'day Garry. Players greet each other. All players begin as Garry. If a player makes a mistake, then his/her name becomes Larry, after a second mistake he/she becomes Harry, and a third mistake, he/she becomes Bob. The script:
Player 1 to player 2: G'day Garry.
Player 2 to player 1: G'day Garry.
Player 1 to player 2 referring to player 3: Say g'day to Garry for me.
Player 2 to player 3: G'day Garry...
Finally, we played that all-time Japanese favorite: Fruit Basket. You have one less chair than the number of players. The person who is "it" stands in the center and calls out an attribute (for example, anyone wearing blue jeans). Players wearing jeans jump up and trade seats and so does the person who is "it". The last man standing is "it". If "fruit basket" is called out, then everyone changes chairs.
Wendy caught us up on her vacation to the Dominican Republic at Wednesday's Conversation. We couldn't get the technology to work, so Beverly Hills 90210 will be on hold until next week.
Tuesday, March 10
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 1:1-13
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Join us as we prepare for St. Patrick's Day, American-style. Wear your green and learn to make corned beef and cabbage.
Wednesday, March 11
Conversation, 4:30-6:00:
We will review 96-98 on pages 51-52 and 268-271 on pages 123-125.
Thursday, March 12
English Classes, 9:30-12:00: We will have classes! The weather will be sunny and warm!
congregation: gathering of people toward a similar purpose
swayed: persuaded, convinced
preconceived: to form an opinion without having complete knowledge or information
clockwise: in the direction of a clock, moving to the left
G'day: good day. Australian pronunciation
caught us up: tell us the news and the stories
on hold: happening later
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