March Is Going Out Like A Lion? A Lamb?

 Hello, Friends.

The first day of Spring has come and gone. Our weather has been riding the hot, cold, rain, snow ride and you can be sure that the groundhog is still peeking out and taking naps! If you have not caught spring fever, the daffodils and bird songs will help! We hope that warm weather prevails. Although, many families and college students flee to warmer weather for school spring breaks. April bring out foolishness and fun, 

April Fool's Day or April Fools Day is Wednesday!

April 1 is April Fool's Day. Look out for practical jokes or play a few of your own.

Easter: Something for Everyone

We hope that you hop into the holiday celebrations of Easter. Find an egg hunt in your community, or host your own. Attend church services (everyone is welcome) and celebrate the rest of the Christmas story. Easter is celebrated as a secular and a religious holiday in the United States.

On the secular side are:

• Egg hunts for children and adults
• Dying eggs

Easter dresses, hats, and other clothing that signals the fashion change from winter to spring. Look for pastels and flowers, short sleeves, and sweaters instead of coats. Other signs of the holiday are:

• Chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, Peeps
• Easter baskets filled with small gifts and treats
• Carrots
• Pastel eggs
• Butterflies
• Lillies, daffodils, tulips and other bulb flowers
• Easter brunch and dinner with family and friends

Families and friends gather to celebrate with special meals. Ham takes the spotlight or rack of lamb or leg of lamb. Add in deviled eggs, spring vegetables like asparagus, glazed carrots, peas, and green beans. Creamy style potatoes like au gratin are popular or maybe potato salad. Rolls and butter are served. Dessert can vary by family. Hot cross buns have become a popular addition to the Easter table, although they were originally a Good Friday dish. Cream pies and carrot cake as well as festive bunny, chicken, or lamb cakes can end the meal. Like any other American-style holiday, people bring traditions from their home countries that fuse with the American-style and regional traditions. Family favorite foods come to the table.

On the religious side is Holy Week which commemorates the passion of Jesus culminating with Easter Sunday. Easter and Christmas are the two most celebrated holiday in the Christian church. People who do not regularly attend services,  when Jesus rose from the dead a triumph over sin and death and bringing to completion the . We turned to AI to provide a summary:

The Passion of Jesus refers to the final period of His life, encompassing His suffering, crucifixion, and death, which Christians commemorate as the ultimate act of love and redemption.

Definition and Scope: The term "Passion" comes from the Latin passio, meaning "suffering" or "enduring" and specifically refers to the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion and death (Matthew 26–27; Mark 14–15; Luke 22–23; John 18–19). While some interpretations include the broader "Passion Week"—such as the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the burial—others focus strictly on the period from Gethsemane to the cross. 

Key Events: Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus prayed in deep anguish, expressing His human fear while submitting to God’s will (Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 22:44). 
Betrayal and Arrest: Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest and abandonment by His disciples. 

• Trials: Jesus faced religious trials before the Sanhedrin and political trials before Pontius Pilate, accused of blasphemy and sedition. 
• Mocking and Scourging: Roman soldiers mocked Him, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and beat Him, intensifying His suffering. 
• Crucifixion: Jesus was nailed to the cross, enduring excruciating pain and humiliation, fulfilling prophecies of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). 

• Death and Burial: He died on the cross, and His body was laid in a tomb, completing the Passion narrative. 

Theological Significance: The Passion reveals the depth of divine love and obedience, showing that Jesus willingly suffered and died for humanity’s redemption. It is central to Christian faith, emphasizing that through His suffering, believers are reconciled with God (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2). The Passion also serves as a model for Christian discipleship, highlighting humility, forgiveness, and perseverance amid suffering.  

Cultural and Liturgical Observance: The Passion is commemorated annually during Holy Week, with Palm Sunday marking the triumphal entry, Maundy Thursday remembering the Last Supper, and Good Friday focusing on the crucifixion. It has inspired countless works of art, music, literature, and dramatic reenactments known as "passion plays," reflecting its enduring spiritual and cultural impact.  

The Resurrection of Jesus: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating that God accepted His sacrifice and confirming His victory over death (Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). By rising on the third day, Jesus was vindicated, showing that His death was sufficient for the forgiveness of sins and that death no longer has ultimate power over humanity. The resurrection also guarantees eternal life for believers, offering hope both in this life and beyond the grave (2 Corinthians 5:1). It affirms that Jesus is the “firstfruits” of those who will be raised, making Him the pioneer of new life and the ultimate conqueror of death. 

Summary: The Passion of Jesus is both a historical and spiritual cornerstone of Christianity, illustrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love. It encompasses His suffering, trials, crucifixion, and death, offering believers a profound example of obedience, redemption, and hope in the resurrection.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Leviticus 10 is the account of sons of Aaron who are priests not following the instructions given for offerings made to God for atonement for the people in their care. The consequences are dire and heartbreaking for Aaron. Toward the end of the chapter, Aaron does not follow protocol. When Moses questions him, he answers, 19“Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offering before the Lord, but such things as this have happened to me. Would the Lord have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today?” 20 When Moses heard this, he was satisfied. 

March 30: We will look at this opinion piece that talks about the parallels between Jesus' Passion and Levitical law. The Sacrificial Thread That Connects Leviticus to Jesus. 

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Welcoming a new friend gave us the opportunity to practice our "getting to know you" vocabulary: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do? What language do you speak? What are your interests or hobbies? What season of life are you in? Tell me about you family. Memories of all the logistics and emotions of relocation were familiar to all of us. Some of us have moved several times. Others of us have moved internationally. Most of us have studied English along the way. A couple of us call Indiana our "forever home." We hope that one and all will experience "Hoosier Hospitality" in this "Crossroads of America"

April 2: Our class is continuing to March Modal Madness. 

Continue to work on your list of tips for newcomers. Focus on using modal verbs: What would you recommend? What advice would you give? Use could, would, should, might, must. Also, notice slogans this week.

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We cannot seem to catch a break!  April 3 is a break for the Good Friday holiday. Let's meet up in April to talk about Quantum Physics.

This YouTube channel called Up and Atom (a great pun on the idiom "up and at 'em" (them)) that has  many science and math videos. This video explains Entropy: the most misunderstood concept in physics.

April 3: No class.

April 10: What Is Quantum Physics? from CalTech and here is a great documentary from PBS Nova series: Decoding the Universe: Quantum. This is a great program. This field of study is so interesting and mysterious. You will love it!

Words and Phrases and Resources

catch a break: have bad luck

culminating: reaching the highest point or the peak

opinion piece: written article that is based on thoughts and feelings and supported lightly by facts

passion: specifically, Jesus' historical time from Palm Sunday to His crucifixion on Good Friday

spring fever: longing for warm weather

turned to: utilize, fall back on, rely on (although is AI always reliable...Check the sources)

March Madness, Taxes, and Weather...What More Is There to Talk About?

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello Friends.

March keeps bringing the weather surprises. We had 70 degree days here in the Midwest followed by three days of snow and temperatures below freezing. And now the forecast is back up in the 70s! What a wild ride!

If you are looking for a conversation starter, just talk about the weather! There is plenty to say.

March Madness

March Madness brings collegiate basketball to the main stage. The NCAA tournament has started with 68 teams vying for the championship. Take a peek at the articles below to stay in the know at watch parties. 

The Sports Curmudgeon posted his musings on March Madness and picks with a March Madness Wordplay that sorts players in a name association "game."

Here are more links to understand March Madness:

• March Madness 101
• What is March Madness

Tax Tasks

Getting ready to file state and federal income tax is a task that is on the minds of most people this time of year. Some people stay on top of this task by collecting receipts in files folders or in an envelope or in a grocery bag hanging on the door (seriously, an accountant said one of her clients would bring this bag to her every March!). Others scramble to dig up evidence for deductions. As the deadline nears, look for statements from employers as well as other important documentation. 

In the past, the post offices would be slammed on April 15 because people who procrastinated filing want their documents post marked on time. Now, many people file their taxes electronically. 
Will you be paying taxes or will a portion of your withholding be coming back to you as a return?  

Libraries, community colleges, and even the local Wal Mart have sessions and help with getting your taxes in order and filing them. Often these free services are manned by retired accountants or students. 

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Leviticus 5-9 detailed the execution of the directions in the previous chapters. The result of the detailed planning and work is in chapter nine:

23 Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

March 9: We are continuing with Leviticus 10. 

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

“When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash (River), Then I long for my Indiana home.” These lyrics from the song “Back Home Again in Indiana,” sung every year at the Indy 500 Race in May, came to mind as we welcomed back one of our friends who had been “back home” in her country for the winter. Was she home there, or is she home here? Where is home? We had a good discussion about how it feels to “have a foot in two worlds.” Many of us are familiar with culture shock and reverse culture shock. Where are your roots, your branches, your people, the place you feel most at home? Have you been a cultural nomad, moving here and there, or a cultural chameleon, always adapting to settle down and fit in? Do you feel perpetually homesick? There are so many pieces to the puzzle of belonging, including learning the language where you live with all of its regional accents, vocabulary, slang, adages, and cadence. As you gain confidence and wisdom from your experience, try to be an ambassador for others who may need support and encouragement.

March 12: Our class is continuing to March Modal Madness. 

Make a list this week of things you should/shouldn't do. (I should start my spring cleaning. I shouldn't eat a second piece of pie.) Add things that people must/mustn't do. (You must get a passport to travel internationally. You mustn't speed when you are driving.) You may approach this as a guide for newcomers if you like.

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We had a great conversation about what we like to shop for. We started a conversation about physics (FIZ icks). 

This YouTube channel called Up and Atom (a great pun on the idiom "up and at 'em" (them)) that has  many science and math videos. This video explains Entropy: the most misunderstood concept in physics.

March 27: What Is Quantum Physics? from CalTech and here is a great documentary from PBS Nova series: Decoding the Universe: Quantum. This is a great program. This field of study is so interesting and mysterious. You will love it!

Words and Phrases and Resources

curmudgeon: an old, bad tempered person

volyn

watch parties: get togethers where people watch a game or a movie or some special event on television

Pi Day or Pie Day

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello Friends.

3.14 (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter) or π

3/14 (March (the third month or 3) 14

Pi Day (or is it Pie Day?). If you have elementary aged children, and you live in the U.S., then you are familiar with Pi Day. Lest we go a week in March without a celebration of some sort...Let's celebrate Pi! And how should we do this...With pies! Pizza, fruit, cream, meringue, pot, sugar cream (a Hoosier classic), Whoopie...

Celebrate a delicious homophone!

March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. Everyone is Irish! Wear green or get your toes stepped on or a pinch. Feast on corned beef and cabbage (an easy to make boiled dinner). 

Here is the scoop from AI:

Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish featuring salt-cured beef brisket simmered or roasted with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day.

Origins and History

Corned beef and cabbage is an Irish-American invention. In Ireland, cabbage was traditionally paired with pork, but Irish immigrants in 19th-century New York substituted affordable corned beef from Jewish delis for pork, creating the iconic dish now associated with St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. Corned beef is salt-cured brisket, not related to corn, and differs from pastrami, which is smoked and seasoned rather than boiled or braised. 

Typical ingredients include:

Corned beef brisket (flat or point cut, 3–5 pounds)

Cabbage (green, cut into wedges)

Potatoes (red or Yukon gold, halved)

Carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)

Aromatics and seasonings: onions, garlic, bay leaves, pickling spices, peppercorns, optional stout beer or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard for serving. 

Cooking Methods

Stovetop Boil

Rinse the brisket to remove excess brine.

Place in a large pot with water or broth, spice packet, onions, garlic, and bay leaves.

Simmer gently for 2½–3 hours until fork-tender.

Add potatoes and carrots 40–50 minutes before the end, then cabbage in the last 15–20 minutes.

Rest the meat 10–15 minutes, slice against the grain, and serve with vegetables and broth. 

Oven-Roasted

Preheat oven to 325–350°F.

Place brisket fat-side up in a Dutch oven with vegetables layered underneath.

Add liquid (water, broth, or beer) and seasoning.

Cover and bake 2–3 hours, then uncover for 30–45 minutes to caramelize vegetables.

Slice against the grain and serve with pan juices. 

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Slow cooker: Cook on low 8–10 hours, adding potatoes and carrots midway, cabbage in the last 2 hours.

Instant Pot: Pressure cook brisket 90 minutes, then add vegetables for final minutes. 

Tips for Best Results

Slice against the grain for tender meat.

Add cabbage last to prevent mushiness.

Keep some cooking liquid when storing leftovers to maintain moisture.

Rinse brisket if overly salty.

Optional: roast cabbage separately for a crispier texture or add a mustard or bourbon glaze for extra flavor. 

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3–5 days.

Freeze brisket (without vegetables) for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to retain moisture. 

Corned beef and cabbage is a versatile, hearty dish that can be adapted to stovetop, oven, or slow cooker methods, making it perfect for festive occasions or comforting family meals.

Experience American English

We read Buffalo Fluffalo in our class which led us to wonder about buffalo (bison). 

• Lone Elk Park in Missouri (St. Louis County) offers the opportunity to experience elk and buffalo.
• Kankakee Sands has buffalo opportunities in Indiana. Learn about the buffalo wallow (enjoy that American English language word combination) and how these animals shaped Indiana habitats.
• In Indiana, here is more Experience Bison in Indiana: Family-Friendly Adventures
• Cooks Bison Ranch (also in Indiana)

While buffalo may not roam like they used to, you can find them in most Midwest and Western states.

Seasonal and Seasonable Weather Part 2

This week was Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Sirens were tested on Tuesday at an odd time. This had most of us reaching for our phones to confirm whether we were having severe weather. This time of year can bring snow, sun, and rain all in one day! Important words to know and act on:

Advisory: there is a possibility of severe weather, but whether the severe weather will occur at the level of severity is not set

Watch: the weather conditions are shaping up and the conditions are forming. Be ready to take action and take shelter as you go about your regular business.

Warning: too late! The storm or conditions are here! TAKE SHELTER NOW!

Tips:

• Severe storms and tornados have quick and sometimes destructive effects.
• Take shelter in an interior room away from windows (a bathroom or closet) or in your basement (under steps).
• Have a bag that contains snacks, water, shoes, medication, a battery powered radio (to listen to reports), extra batteries, flashlights, blankets to cover from flying debris.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Do not drive over them.
• Do not drive through flooded streets. Your engine can get swamped. Your car can get washed away if the water is from a flooded stream or river.
• Remove debris (leaves, trash, etc.) from storm sewers on your street. This is usually the responsibility of the property owner, but you are welcome to pitch in! Throw the debris in the trash or dispose of it.
• Beware of people who appear and give estimates or pressure for downpayments for damage to roofs, tree removal, etc. 

International Friends Meeting Notes

It's not to late! Your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register for the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Leviticus 5 and 6 specify God's solution for reconciliation with Him and to cleanse the sanctuary from unintentional 

Leviticus 5:1 "If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible. (speak up!)

Leviticus 5:4 "or if anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil (in any matter one might carelessly swear about) even though they are unaware of it, but then they learn of it and realize their guilt—"

Leviticus 6 further describes how to gain reconciliation for a guilt offering or when defiling holy spaces unintentionally.

Leviticus 6 describes fellowship offerings or offerings of gratitude and devotion.

We could not help but compare this to Romans 6:1...Because of Jesus life and death we have grace and reconciliation with God. Paul addresses the conception that people were hoping to increase grace through offenses...That's not how it works...Read Romans 6 for a reflection on the new covenant.

March 16: We are continuing with Leviticus 7. 

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

Spring has Sprung: We warmed up by sharing what “runs in the family” (Straight hair runs in my family. Blue eyes run in her family. A stubborn temperament runs in his family.) and talking about our favorite spring trees and flowers.

School Book Fairs: Many schools hold regular book fairs to give students an opportunity to explore and purchase books to take home. One book fair selection, Buffalo Fluffalo, gave us the opportunity to read aloud and enjoy rhymes, word play, creative spelling, new vocabulary, grammar, English cadence, and vocal expression. This book, written by Bess Kalb and illustrated by Erin Kraan, is fun for both children and adults. We learned:

Adjectives: gnarly, snarly, surly, gnarly, miffed, hammy, floppy, goofy, silly, squawky, huffy,mangy, ratty, wee,, missable, kissable. Notice how adding a suffix like -y or -able to a verb forms an adjective.

Adverbs: goofily (Adverbs often end in -ly.)

Nouns: A ram, a funnel, a weasel, a curmudgeon. Notice that singular countable nouns should be preceded by an article (a, an, the).

Verbs: heave, huff, puff, heave, clomp, ram, stammer, yammer, yelp, snarl, snuff. chitter, chat, sneer, scorn, rear up, rumble, grumble, gawk.

Adjective clause: What kind of buffalo is he? He is a buffalo who likes to be alone.

Expressions: I’ve had enough! I’ve had it! I’m at a loss for words. in the buff; in suspense, cooped up; to weasel out of—to avoid doing something that you have agreed to do, especially be being dishonest; to weasel (around); to cop out—My son copped out of cleaning my garage and went home.

Nonsense words: blark, doomy, bangy, hugly, blip, missable=easy to be missed

Rhythm and Cadence: A common rhythm in English sentences and poetry is Iambic pentameter—ten syllables per line with alternate stressed and unstressed syllables.

Refrain: A passage of song/lyrics/ poetry that repeats

Onomatopoeia: words that reflect a sound—buzz, achoo, hiss, cuckoo, splash, chirp, meow

Metaphor: to compare by equating one thing with another—He is a real weasel. He cheated on his expense account and lied to his boss.

Hyperbole: To exaggerate to make a point or show humor—Her purse weighs a ton.

March 19: Cadence and rhythm and modals all lend interest and viability to language. Let's bring these together in our discussion.

Bring a book, any book, in your home language. We want to hear the natural cadence and conventions of your first language

Try Shel Silverstein poems and books for more nonsense words and fun illustrations.

Our class is continuing to March Modal Madness. 

• Be prepared to use modals in your conversation about March weather and weather preparedness 
• Bring your modal observations and experiences.

American English for Kids: Friday, 5:00-5:30 PM, private Zoom

My mistake. The time change threw me off!

March 20: Next week my time changes, but yours doesn't (I hope).

Words and Phrases and Resources

beware: be careful 

homophone: words that sound the same and are spelled differently

reconciliation: 

threw me off: confused me

unintentional: something done not on purpose

Spring Forward Survival

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello Friends.

March is known for windy days and changeable weather. Get your kites out. Keep your winter coat handy. Look out for snow and ice. Winter is not over, yet! 

Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time

Set clocks forward and lose an hour of sleep on Sunday, March 8. Here in Indiana, it will be dark in the morning once again, but it will be light longer and longer in the evenings. Some people like to prepare for weeks in advance, like they start getting up earlier by five to ten minutes every day. Others like to just tough it up and feel tired for a couple of days.

Seasonal and Seasonable Weather

We are experiencing seasonal and seasonable weather. Seasonally, we can have snow and ice, frost, and we can have sunshine, warm temperatures, and rain. These swings and dips in the temperatures are seasonal. Be sure to dress for the weather, which means take an umbrella and mittens!

Hint: Prepare yourself for March Model Madness. Apply models to the above topic. Look at our February 27 post for a modal refresher.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

We began Leviticus and got through the first four chapters. While the verbiage is often repetitive, we observed that it is much like a cookbook. The instructions are parallel which helps with understanding. We had a great discussion to set the study talking about whether the instructions were symbolic or concrete or literal. We decided that the words and actions were concrete. 

Leviticus provides a way for people to live in God's presence.

• The burnt offerings "aroma is pleasing to the Lord."
• Offerings for sins committed voluntarily are described for individuals, the community, leaders, and spiritual leaders. 
• When any of the above constituents would commit unintentional sins, there is a way to mend the relationship with God and "can live in His presence".
• A fellowship offering is a freewill or voluntary offering given in thanksgiving or love. This gift is outlined in chapter three.

Two resources that can set the stage are: 

• The Bible Project: Leviticus offers a broad overview of this detailed and intriguing book.
• Sacrifice and Its Significance: 7 Different Biblical Interpretations offers a thoughtful discussion and perspective.

We were comforted and fascinated by the detail and thorough description in these chapters. The repetition displays consistency and thoroughness although the individuals included in the descriptions had varying levels of responsibility.

March 9: We are continuing with Leviticus 5. 

American English Language and Culture: Thursday, 9:00AM- 11:00 AM, Zoom

We met at the iWi Women's Day Volunteer meeting and luncheon. Networking and learning about opportunities to serve our community as well as learning how others serve was both entertaining and helpful. If you didn't know it before, America runs on volunteerism.

March 12: Our class is continuing to March Modal Madness. 

• Be prepared to use modals in your conversation about March weather and weather preparedness 
• Bring your modal observations and experiences.

American English for Kids: Friday, 6:00-6:30 PM, private Zoom

We did not meet.

March 2: Next week my time changes, but yours doesn't (I hope).

Words and Phrases and Resources

constituents: the body of people in an organization or group

parallel: written with a consistent format and grammar

spring forward: a play on words....

varying levels: different grades