Ten-Finger Exercises

sweatstorm?

It was over 100 today, and, squeezed into the small mission church for an ordination, we were all melting. Dripping. Clergy was to wear cassock, surplice and stole-- which is a lot of extra clothes on a hot day. The cassock is a full length, long sleeve, high collar black garment. The surplice is a white, flowy 3/4 length gown which goes over it. Even the stoles, usually several layers of silk or wool, hang heavily around one's neck on top of all the rest.

I had second and third thoughts about that degree of torture, but decided to go through it with the rest of the attending clergy. I brought my cassock home from church on Sunday. Had to go back today for a red stole-- a somewhat unusual combination. Bill transferred the cassock from his car, which we were in on Sunday, to mine so that I'd have it with me.
But oops, I forgot that the surplice was still at home in the laundry room. So there I was with just my civvies and a clerical collar. It's too bad if anyone thought I was a poor sport, but I considered the mistake providential. When I reached the church, I didn't have time to go home for it, and I was plenty hot even without those extra layers.

Now that I've been home long enough to cool off, I'd better get on with the things I need to do.