Holy Humor Sunday

Holy Humor Sunday is traditionally the Sunday after Easter, because it is said that God had played the ultimate joke on death by raising Jesus from the grave. Because of other commitments we had it May 15 instead.  We had lots of fun & humor. The choir dressed in bathrobes instead of choir gowns. The choral introit was "Ode to Joy" played on kazoos. We used "Knock-knock" jokes to introduce the various parts of the service. For example:
Knock knock
Who's there?
Lettuce
Lettuce who?
Let us pray
Yes, it's corny. But that's what Holy Humor is all about.
We had a couple of humorous skits. In the last skit I got to show off some of my balloon skills.
I was trying to get to heaven. First by flying with my balloon wings

 Then I tried to climb a ladder to heaven

Then I tried using a jet pack

And finally my nuclear powered helicopter. (I got a great reaction from the congregation when I came out with my helicopter.)

But Cymbalina reminded me that none of these things will get me to heaven. In order to get to heaven "This is what the LORD requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God."

Dreams Take Flight

"Dreams Take Flight" is a Canadian national non-profit organization dedicated to providing unforgettable memories to children who may be faced with life threatening illnesses, coming from disadvantaged situations, and those that are physically and mentally challenged. They take these children to the happiest place on earth – Disney.
The flight from Toronto this year was on Wed May 11. My daughter Sarah (aka Ruby the Clown) and Rusty the Clown (that's me) went to Pearson Airport in Toronto at 4:30 am - yes, in the morning - to entertain the kids as they arrived. We made balloon hats, penguin bracelets, fishing rods and much more.
Also at the hanger were RCMP, ambulance, firefighters & the OPP Golden Helmets motorcycle police.

What a wonderful group of children. We met some kids as faraway as Coboconk. The kids from out of town stay in a hotel near the airport so they would not have to get up too early. There were more than 200 children.
We met Susan Hay from Global News. She has been a big supporter for many years.

Loonette the Clown was also there. Ruby was so-o-o-o-o excited. She used to watch Loonette on the Big Comfy Couch on TV when she was little.

An added bonus - when we arrived, we were told that every volunteer would receive a pair of Crocs shoes.

I've already signed up to volunteer next year.

Walking fo MS

On April 17, I was invited to make balloons for the people participating in the walk for Multiple Sclerosis. This is a 10 km walk/run to raise money for  MS research.
I have volunteered my time for about 10 years. I make balloons for about an hour before the walk starts as people are registering. This is a well organized event. They provide snacks and beverages before the walk starts and a barbeque when they get back.
This year my daughter, Sarah, came with me to make balloon hats. This is the first time that she has been able to participate with me. We had a wonderful time talking to the kids and their parents. I saw many people that I know.
Here are a couple of pictures:

The kids are always polite and patient as they wait for their balloon hats. I enjoy coming to this event every year.