There was a time when I wondered whether shoe shining was part of clergy training since well polished black shoes appeared to be a point in common. However Lisbet, our vegetarian female priest, always wore fabric shoes which looked very comfy and I don't think made us respect her any less than we would had she worn shiny black leather shoes.

Brilliant! I am so glad you were wearing the wrong shoes - gives room for doing better next time!
Love the toilet names too. I used to collect toilet names in foreign languages and ask my friend to identify which was which. For example, you are in Hungary, and you are faced with NOK and FERFIAK. Which door would you go through?
Hugz
Jane

I am still of the opinion that as an alternative to shiny black shoes, the shoe colour should match those of the litugical season. As today was a day to St Mark maybe red shoes should have been worn.

Quite right, Stewart, but I don't have red shoes - only black and purple shades. So in my heart it is always time for penitence.

When I was a server the Prior of the Server's Guild drummed it into us that only black would do. When people kneel at the altar rail for communion there should be no distraction of the 'Oh my goodness, she's wearing Manola's!' kind. Although I do seem to remember the Provost of Glasgow commenting on his blog about a certain Bishop wearing brown! What a faux pas!

As for the toilets, Jane, I'd go for FERFIAK merely because it begins with an F for Female. No logic, whatsoever. And I've been to Hungary and visited many toilets, but I think I was always fortunate enough to find pictures.

Now if only I had thought I could have worn 'The Red Shoes' never mind. Picture of the lavender toiles now posted especially for you!

Loved your hair on the day Ruth!

Thanks Meg. I didn't see you in the crowd.

if you have a look at the pics you'll see me in the kitchen in brown stuffing my face with a piece of cake - Stewart wasn't very kind :-)

Another face to a name - Hi Meg! - I always think seeing a room being used for the purpose for which it was designed is far more meaningful. It was obvious that you were tasting the cake, to ensure it met the usual very high standards that we have all come to expect from the cake maker.

Yes, I did see you there and it was very unkind of Stewart to send that one in!

Stewart, can you send me any of the photos you took of me with my shoes, please?

I certainly was Stewart and very tasty it was too! Incidentally my son in law said the procession reminded him of reservois dogs (without the violence obviously!) and seeing G with his shades I can see where he's coming from lol!