“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…”

…it really does feel like that to me, anyway! The thermometer might read +40° but it feels much, much colder, especially when the wind blows. My poor hands are just freezing and in need of some soothing lotion.

Regardless of the temps, the time spent here is good and already going by too quickly. Saturday began with driving out to Cleveland to meet Lynn for breakfast. The restaurant is located in an apple orchard and serves nothing but fresh-made foods. As often happens, I met someone I knew, this time a woman named Cheryl who was two years ahead of me in high school. Her first time there, and its right down the road! That often happens, can’t see it right under your nose!

On the way out to Cleveland, I managed to get a photo of syrup buckets hanging from trees near the road. Not the shiny gallon metal buckets you’d imagine, but the 5 gallon white plastic kind. Probably more efficient this way, but by far, less romantic a picture.

Buckets hanging on the trees

Jill and I decided to go to Copp’s after breakfast which turned out to be big fun. As I found a place to park at this very busy grocery store, I mentioned needing to visit Auntie Marie this time, as my last trip here she was gone to the cottage with Barb and Jim.

Copp’s is obliviously Jill’s turf as she knew so many people there, some with whom she’d worked at Sentry and others from her neighborhood or the ice cream parlor. It was just like when I go shopping in my town, always run into somebody I know! We got the good cookies, found my popcorn, another 24 cans of diet Coke, and my wonderful natural-casing hot dogs. Jill got some needed food items and we headed to the checkout.

While waiting there, I greeted the bagger at the next register, Betty, who has worked there for years, and is the mom of a friend from my youth. All of sudden, Jill spotted someone pulling into line behind us---Auntie Marie! WOW, it was so cool to see her and she was blown away finding us there. Her son, Jon, was coming to pick her up from the store so we got to say “hi” to him as well. I just love it when this type of thing happens!!!

For dinner we met Lisa and her family at Timeout and I gave the boys their cute M & M backpack/rolling suitcases puchased in New York, which they adored. Gabe was still feeling a bit poorly but it was so fun to watch Manny chow down on cheese curds and mac ‘n cheese. He is just the cutest little guy! Eats like a thrasher! Gabe did manage to eat some of his food and perked up a bit when they got here to Mom’s. He wanted to play a game of hide ‘n seek, which isn’t too easy to do in Grandma K’s little apartment.

Manny eating his dinner (it's a dark photo because of my camera phone)

This morning, of course, was worship at First German, followed by Bible study in the Heritage Hall downstairs. I love that room, it’s like a museum, features the history of our congregation up to the present. Neat! It was wonderful to see Pastor Hahm and we hugged each other. I told him how much his singing edified Mom’s and the others’ worship and he thanked me and God for allowing him to do it. He sang on Good Friday, accompanying himself on the guitar, joined in voice by his wife and cousin. I understand it was quite lovely.

It was also good to see and greet the many members of FG, those I remember and who remember me. Linda and Tom are gone on a cruise with their son and daughter-in-law so didn’t get to see them today, but will get back in touch after my weekend to the Cities. Lynn, Alayna, Mom and I had a late breakfast at Warren’s Restaurant, a hangout from my grade school days, and it dates older yet than that! As Justin text-messaged me, “You can’t beat a dirty griddle”, which is what I say about the good food at Koko’s!

He sent a couple messages while we waited for our food, one concerning seeing our former Pastor, Richard Hennig, at Victory this a.m. He is the man who baptized Timmy in 1996, and for whom we built the parsonage in 1991. Well, we were building it anyway, they were just the first occupants. Justin said he had to re-introduce himself to pastor because Justin looks quite different now: big, tall, and quite hairy!

This afternoon I brought Subway sandwiches and soup to my father-in-law, Arno and my niece, Allie, giving John and Mona a needed break. They went down the road to have lunch and then to Copp’s (must be THE place to go!). Not much of a break, but a break nonetheless. Arno and I had a nice visit while they were gone with Allie keeping busy shooting baskets (in this cold weather??) and bathing her dog. She modeled a lovely black dress she’s wearing for an end-of-year party—my, what a young lady she’s become! I just love her!

While at Arno's, I got a phone call from the music director at Victory, where Justin worships. Rachel was calling to ask me to sing for a pastor's conference at their church next month but I had to explain I'd be up here at that time. Nuts! I thanked her deeply for the offer, however. She complimented me on what a good son I have, that she can hear him singing in church, and how he's faithful in his attendance. Aw, shucks.....

Mom and I enjoyed some of the wonderful hot dogs for supper, on fresh hard roll buns…..yum! Life is so good! We hope to have a better night’s sleep tonight, the tenants upstairs being quite disruptive last night, making it hard to sleep. I hope that I’m never that noisy to my downstairs neighbors. I have even suspended practicing my clogging practice at nine p.m………………….

It's cold and warm at the same time!

""Look out the left" the Captain says, "The lights down there, that's where we'll land..." That's another tidbit from Joni Mitchell, and it always comes to mind when I'm flying somewhere. Yesterday was no different, as I finally arrived in Milwaukee. We were delayed leaving Atlanta due to an equipment problem at the MKE airport, something used by the tower to guide the instrument-rated planes, as we were arriving in "freezing fog". Hmm, okay, just fix the part and let's get a move on, please..

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Fortunately my luggage followed me and my rental car was still in the garage, but did I want to now drive in the freezing fog, or stay in a hotel and try it in the morning???? I opted to head north to see what would happen. It was ugly at first, having trouble keeping my windshield clear, as it seemed more like mud than snow. By the time I got to Silver Spring Drive, the air was cleared, the stripes on the road clearer, and off I went!

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Mom was waiting at the door when I pulled in and I managed to get my luggage hauled in the house without her having to come out to help me.

She'd picked up some of the special cookies I like from Copp's so had one of those and diet Coke before heading off to my nice warm bed. The heat works quite well in Mom's place so it was a great night's sleep. Nice and cozy, snuggled in at Mom's!

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Bright and early in the morning off we went to work on the newsletter at First German. The ladies have a silent contest to see who can get there the earliest, seemingly earlier each time they meet. Linda had things all ready to go when we arrived. She and I held each other and shed a quiet tear together, for comfort and rejoicing at seeing each other again. It was great fun to work with the ladies and Pastor R., as it's his job to load the mailboxes with the finished letters. I got to extend Judy J.'s best wishes to her friend, Marilyn, who attends that church (it's a small world, smaller yet in the WELS!).

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After that project and chatting with Pastor, Mom and I came back here to rest up after that big morning. I actually took a nice nap in the chair watching TV and had a nice dream featuring colored glass, a child who looked like Timmy, and none other than Mike S. from church, who was busily cleaning up paper plates and cups at the gallery where the glass was displayed. (Cindy might know him....) Dreams never make sense, but when beautiful glass and Timmy are involved, who needs sense?

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Linda, her twin grands, and I had lunch at the Green Street Tavern so I got my first taste of lake perch in 2008 (sorry, Judy!!) and see some of my former neighbors/customers when we still built in Manitowoc. Once Linda dropped me off, it was a waiting game until it was time to leave for dinner with Lisa, Gabe, and Manny in Sheboygan, taking Jill, Danny, and Lynn along in my car. Manny learned the fun trick of rolling his eyes and crossing them high up in his head, making us laugh and laugh. Gabe was a bit feverish so she was going to give them some breathing treatments and off to bed when they got home. Poor guys feeling bad from colds...Oh, by the way, I ate perch there, too...

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Noah wants to come up here to have dinner tomorrow night with our plans to go to our favorite family place loaded with TV's and sports stuff. We like going there because they can accomodate large groups at once, plus the food is good. It's a bit noisy, which is fine when you're dining with kids, as memory serves me.

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On most Saturdays, Mom and Lynn usually go for coffee and bakery, but tomorrow Lynn has to do a presentation to a group of motorcycle instructors. When she's done, we're meeting her for breakfast at an orchard bistro to have apple dumplings or bacon and eggs. They have it all. I've been there before and it's quite charming, not too far from Lynn's school. I wouldn't mind going to Copp's in search of my hull-less popcorn or similar, maybe some natural casing hot dogs, and more sugar cookies. You have to try one of these cookies before you dismiss them as "just sugar cookies". Linda brought me some in February and they were so delicious. I know the lady who works in the bakery department and certainly she can fix me up, as they say. Cindy can't help me out with the popcorn, though, that might be my friend, Susie, who works there, too! It's not what you know, it's who you know...

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Yes, it's cold out, but so far above zero, which is a good thing. Plenty warm with the family, and friends, as well.

...and the morning and the evening were the first day!

Let's see, what else is there to do?

If you need something done, ask a Marine! Or have his grandma ask him for you....Judy's lovely grandson, Josh, a former Marine, came with her to my house tonight to put my luggage in her car so it's there for me tomorrow. Wasn't that good thinking? I'm so thankful for their help with that. Judy hauled my little bag downstairs for me, my red coat inside! All I'll carry in my tote bag is my make-up bag and a book for on the plane and in the airport.

Josh's parents are coming down for a visit in early April and I've invited them to use my home while I'm gone. Judy's extra rooms are taken up by Josh and his friend who have moved in with her for now. Why not use my place? It would be as handy as a hotel would be, they'd enjoy the view, and I'm not far from Judy's house, sounds perfect to me! It's the least I can do for the help they've given me!

Today was an active one, starting with finishing the April FlockTalk newsletter and getting it e-mailed all over creation. Whew--Done! My first stop after leaving home was Great Hang Ups (actually McDonald's for a drink) to assemble my "relief" piece in acrylic being entered in the 3-D Art Guild show at Village Gallery in April. My dear friends are taking care of it for me, making sure it gets properly framed and delivered to the Gallery. I am so thankful to them, too, for helping me out with that project and such. When done assembling, I left to pick up Barb from where she was staying and we met Justin for lunch at Koko's, right next door to Hang Ups! While there, Pam called to ask where I was and when I told her, she came to have lunch, too! How nice! We got to see each other once more before my trip and say our "farewells".

After our wonderful meal and visit, Barb and I went to Wal-Mart for a little bit as the other two went back to work. She knew I was time-pressed so we made our shopping there shorter, and cheaper, than we normally would. There are simply so many details that have to be taken care of before a trip including banking and forwarding of mail.... I dropped Barb off again and headed back to Publix to get a few things before meeting Justin for his doctor appointment. We went in separate cars to the specialist's office since he had to go to class tonight.

The doctor didn't tell us anything that we hadn't already heard, and recommended an MRI to rule out anything else going on in Justin's head. He did, however, say that he didn't think there was anything else to be concerned about, the MRI was a good idea, but not mandatory. Justin told the doctor he'd think about it, which is a good thing. At least he's not totally throwing out the idea, at least for now. In a year, he's to go back in and have his hearing re-checked, which is a very good idea. Oh well.............

A couple really good things happened today, besides having lunch with some of my favorite peoples. Strange as it may seem, I ran into some ladies from my old neighborhood, each one in a different store! I'd seen Taffy in February and we promised to have lunch but haven't so far, and she took my phone number so she can call me for "a date". At Publix I ran into a lady for whom we built a house in The Preserve, modeled after our floor plan. She'd given us a wonderful book when Timmy died, and I read it just this past winter. It's called "Tender Fingerprints" and its about a man's dealing with the stillbirth of his first child. My, it was good! Just think how long it took me to get around to reading that story, what I missed out on...I guess it was better now than when Timmy's death was yet so fresh. Really, seven years isn't all that long...It was so wonderful to reconnect with Mary Jane again, and we've promised to get in touch when I'm back in town. I love it, love it, love it!!

The weather improved vastly today, getting up near 70, depending upon where I was. Barb said that Harv got to wear his shorts, the mark of a successful vacation. He's had a cold since the weekend, wearing him down somewhat. The sun can only help him feel better, it does for me anyway. Tomorrow is supposed to warmer yet which is good, because they are taking a boat ride. I just hope the river is calm so no one gets sea sick!

Jill called this afternoon from Copp's Grocery Store to find out what I needed them to buy for my visit. She had already latched onto the necessary soda and was searching, perhaps in vain, for the hull-less popcorn I require. She was having trouble finding it so I may have to get along without it. Mom was on a mission to find the poppy seed-filled doughnuts I love----am I spoiled or what? I'll have to add poppy seed doughnuts to my list of "funeral foods", planning the menu for my funeral dinner. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I went to heaven around Easter time, like Linda's mom did? Tonight when Josh and Judy were here, we discussed my funeral foods, which I'm sure Josh found quite weird, and Judy remarked how it's her job, if she outlives me, to put a nice purple lining in my casket. Custom made, perfect! I'll have to remember to ask the mortician to put rose-colored glasses on my face, as well.......Wouldn't that just be a hoot???? We talk about the strangest things, don't we?

One more thought: Linda's mom's funeral was today and my mom was able to go, hitching a ride with another member from church. Mom was hesitant about driving so far out of the city limits and it worked great to catch a ride with someone and spare her nerves. Linda and I had a nice chat last night and she's doing well under the circumstances. The Easter services were so wonderful and significant, she told Pastor she considers the Easter worship to have been her mom's funeral service! "Welcome, Happy Morning"!!!!!

Pam is lending Justin a pet carrier so he can transport Lynx to Paul and Emily's house on the weekend. Paul was sad that he didn't get to see Justin at Good Shepherd for Easter so now he'll see him this weekend. It wasn't going to work out for me to take her tonight--can't you just see me trying to contain her in my arms and stumbling down the steps? Squish! and no more cat! She'd be a flat cat!

I cried and cried saying "good-bye" to Justin after his appointment this afternoon. Moms are so emotional, but hey, God made us that way---take it up with Him!

How come its so cold in Florida???

How can this be Florida? It's so cold out there, looks are quite deceiving. Barb, my sister-in-law, visiting here from WI, called me this morning and asked how I was keeping warm. It's nice and cozy right here in my window with the sun shining on me. But, step outside and bbrrrr!

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First order of business today was an early lunch with Martie, so we could say our proper 'good-byes'. What a lovely way to spend time together, before she went to work and I to the mammogram place. After several rolls of film were used, I left there, bought some gas, and then headed to where Harv and Barb were staying to pick them up. We came back to my place, climbed the steps and enjoyed the view from my river room. I had no other snacks to serve except for some leftover Easter candy which provided a tasty treat. I was still full from my lunch but did try one of the trufles that Olivia brought to me. Yummy!

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For supper I took my guests to Smokey's wwaayy out in Middleburg, for some delicious bbq in that lovely dining environment. As I said to Barb, I like going there to eat because it reminds me of Door County--not the food, but the decor. After dinner and our ride back to Fleming Island, I dropped them off again, and headed back home. Now I am waiting for the moon to rise over the water and end a wonderful day!

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Tomorrow Justin and I are going to see the hearing specialist to find out what he has to say about the situation. I only hope that the not having the MRI doesn't interfere with anything. It may be harder for me to get Justin back to the doctor again if we need to reschedule both the appointments. He doesn't want to hear any more bad news, which is sort of understandable. Not so much to me as it is to him. Prayers are most welcome and are heard!
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Happy Birthday, Dolly!!!!

More tears today

The day started early, reading e-mails before Dee arrived to repair some glass for me. Several people sent "Comments" to my post from yesterday, sharing their experience with "...Redeemer Lives" and I was moved to tears by them. If you don't usually read the Comments, please do so in order to find out what I am referencing. When I spoke to Martie earlier and she asked how I was, my answer was, "I am in a high emotional state." Oh yeah.........

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Linda shared her story of how she was managing to get through "Redeemer" until she spotted Pastor Hahm wiping away a tear...he said he was fine until he saw Mom and Kevin, the principal, wiping away their tears....."He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears, He lives my mansion to prepare, He lives to take me safely there..." I hope that's right, I did it by memory. Oh, here is Timmy's service folder, I can check it out--oops, I got it wrong, borrowed from several different verses: "He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart". There's not one single "insignificant" verse in that hymn, which made it tough for Mom to pick the ones to use for the funeral. Good job, Mom! As Timmy would say, "You done it!" Kevin also has a little one in heaven so we share special hugs when we meet each other. I look forward to seeing him this Sunday at First German!! And Linda, too!!! And my peoples!!!

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On Saturday morning as I was leaving to go to church for communion preparation, I saw a box sitting outside my door. A baby??? Nope, better than that---a lovely circular glass art piece made by the same guy that made my other "manipulated" glass pieces. Dee had dropped it off in the dark of night (or morning) as a surprise for me. She told me last week she had a gift for me that I wouldn't want to accept but she'd make me take it, and that's how she did it! Leave it on the doorstep and run away. The bad news was it had a crack in it, sort of swiveled like a hinge about half way down.

I called to thank her for the present and then asked if she knew it was cracked. She was sad it was broken and said it had been mended once before, must have re-cracked on the climb up the steps! So, she came this a.m. with her glass glue in hand and we performed surgery on the piece. We glued some glass marbles I had on hand, flat on one side, which we used as "band-aids" on the back side, in the same colors as in the piece. I'll take a photo of it when it's done so you all can see what I'm talking about. "Dr. Roberts" makes house calls, twice climbing my stairs because of beautiful glass!

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After she left I did, too, heading for Bible study, my last one with this group for a month! Judy C. joined us today, as she quit her job last Friday, just up and quit! It was nice to have a new face for the study and for lunch. Our time together at Longhorn was lovely and the farewells tearful. Pastor had suggested putting a picture of me on the table where I usually sit to make it seem like I'm there, but, it would be quiet then!!! I said the quiet part, not him. Tonight are Visitation calls and then that's it for church activity. I will have to drop off some shingle, exterior, and soffit color selections for Cliff, but that gives me a chance to say good-bye to Carol, "auf wiedersehen ", until we meet again!

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Lisa called last night to share some Easter stories with me, putting tears in my ears--again! She told about Lori, Lynn, Alayna, and her singing with the choir, nothing less than the "Hallelujah Chorus" , accompanied by the pipe organ and orchestra. Lisa said she was trembling with excitement about singing it, and was holding Manny in her arms as she sang. He was clinging to her for dear life, probably expecting her to shake him right over the railing! She said he sang, too, throwing out a single "hallelujah" with the choir. Just prior to time for the song, Gabe leaned over and asked Lisa, "Is it time to sing Jesus now?" That's what he calls the Chorus. I love it that her little boys know and love that song! They sing that one in heaven, I just know it!!

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She also told about how they pick a song to sing before bed and Manny picks the one he calls "so". She had me guess what song it was and it took a second to come up with "...the Bible tells me so". Oh, my heart! She knew that would get me because my boys sang that also, with Timmy's being sung in bass! Gabe likes the song "Zaccheus", about the wee little man up in the tree. "Zaccheus, you come down! I'm going to your house today!" At church Easter morning, Paul was telling me how my goddaughter, Sarah, walks around singing "Oh, Christ, Lamb of God" continually. The preschool and young Sunday schoolers sang it in the service a couple weeks ago, and she'd sing it every week if they let her. I told him that was evidence of what wonderful parents she has, if that's what their daughter is singing. Gabe, Manny, and Sarah---our little missionaries!

Lucas and Sarah watching "Jeopardy" while standing in the toy box!

Time to get ready to go to the booty shop again, this time to get my silver removed and a trim, and then over to church for Visitor calls. Time is getting closer and closer for my trip to WI and I'm getting so 'cited!!!

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Easter is a happy, crying day for me, and for many people that I know. Our Sunrise Worship featured "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", of course, a necessary component of Easter celebration. At just the right moment, I found myself behind the church door, listening to the congregation singing outside about our Savior's victory. I just wasn't ready to read through it while they sang, so stepped away. It seemed Terri was having a tough time with it as well, as she asked how I got away and left her sitting there to cry by herself. This hymn was sung at both our loved ones' funeral services, which is why it's so special to us. The reason that hymn is chosen for funerals is that the message is so perfect, spelling out our faith in the Lord and our hope for eternity. I go out on a limb to say that I'll probably never be able to sing that hymn again, but the message stays as powerful as ever--I Know That My Redeemer Lives!!!

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The Easter breakfast was wonderful and delicious, congrats to the men and ladies who did all the work! My dear friend, Cindy, who was one of Timmy's teachers at Precious Lambs Preschool, came into breakfast wearing a vibrant yellow outfit and announced to me, "I am wearing Timmy's yellow for Easter!" One time she wore a yellow and black outfit to church and he told her he liked her "lellow" dress, so now when she wears yellow, especially at Easter, well...............

We just wrapped our arms around each other, rocked and cried together. Not only sad tears, but happy ones as well, remembering the good times, good memories. That hug meant everything to me, everything.

Cindy holding her granddaughter, Shiloh. Two lovely ladies!

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Another task I did this morning was serve as Greeter on this high visitor/guest day. I handed out 4 of our goodie bags to visitors. The Festival Service was absolutely lovely, a good house. The lilies were fragrant and added much to the celebratory feeling of our service. AND, the choir, in our robes, sang "Jerusalem, the Golden", accompanied by Suzanne on her viola and Robbie on the organ. For all the weeping earlier and during, somehow I managed to get through this fabulous anthem without weeping! No blue tears on my white choir stole...

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Something special was added to our Holy Week worship, having a Resurrection Tree as an outward symbol of Jesus' Passion. One of our members ingeniously converted our CHRISTmas tree into a cross. On Palm Sunday it wore palm branches, Maundy Thursday-a purple drape, black drape on Good Friday, and today---flowers! People were encouraged to bring flowers to stick in rubber bands on the trunk and cross pieces and it looked so pretty. Several people took family pictures with the cross as the backdrop or centerpiece.

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My fabulous day continued after worship when I took two Easter lilies over to Timmy's gravesite. As I was sweeping the marker and such, I looked up and spotted Joe visiting his wife's gravesite. I didn't stick around to chat with him, he needed his time alone, and my boy was waiting for me at home! Justin was stopping by on his way from church, going to his father's house. I gave him the Easter basket for which he was most appreciative. He also picked up some stuff to take along including a chocolate cross for Maya, which, by the way, stayed the proper shape!! Justin also nicely carried my soda cases upstairs for me and the garbage bags downstairs. I should be set with soda now until it's time for me to go up north.

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After he left to have his Feast, I got busy at my desk working on the newsletter and the "Keeping the Faith" single-page letter I send to those away from the congregation. I won't have to "worry" about the newsletter now while I'm away, as I got it pretty well started. I'll just have to fill in a few blanks when I get back. As I was working, my doorbell rang. Hmmm, who could that be? Here, on my doorstep, stood Olivia with an Easter gift and card for me. Her mom, Sandy, was still working her way up the stairs. They didn't want to come in as they were leaving for TN and just stopped in to wish me a Happy Easter on their way out. Wow, it just can't get any better...

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But, it could!!! My Feast was at the home of my dear friend, Dee. She is so kind to include me in the family celebration, the second time we've been asked to come and share with them. Her husband makes a mean lamb, and we had mashed potatoes and green beans, two of my favorites! Dee served bread pudding for dessert, with rum sauce, again another favorite. Justin would have loved it, would have loved being there with another of our extended families in Orange Park! Easter joy abounding!

I hate going to the mailbox!

Here, at my condo, our mail is placed in little pigeon holes with our unit number on them, and we use a key to access it. If someone gets a large package---or they are negligent in collecting their mail--ahem, ahem,--the letter carrier can use a big, square keyed box alongside, then puts the key inside the regular mailbox. When I see that a key is missing from the big boxes, I know its probably time for me to check my mail. A plastic grocery bag gets recycled as a mail bag for me, and I carry the contents from the big and small box upstairs, this time literally, upstairs. Whew! What a load! Many, many, many catalogs including one from Pottery Barn, which makes me laugh, thinking about that "Seinfeld" episode and Kramer "rejecting" his mail because of all the Pottery Barn catalogs he received! The majority of my mail constitutes junque but some requires action on my part. Yech! Just what I need, more paper on my desk.

This afternoon I bought some binders for filing purposes and also a couple bouquets of flowers to have available tomorrow morning for dressing our Resurrection Cross, made from our CHRISTmas tree. It was "advertised"in last Sunday's bulletin but some may have forgotten about it, so now there will be extra stems available. I also tried my luck again with the chocolate crosses for Easter, hopefully not being reduced to some weird shapes down in the car. The A/C ran on high all the way home from the store, while I kept cozy using my seat warmer, in order to cool the car sufficiently so they wouldn't melt. Please, please, please let them not change shape overnight!!!

I'll be making up Justin's basket later and getting some other things ready for him to take along when he goes to his father's tomorrow for the Feast. He is looking forward to seeing Harv and Barb, and of course, little Maya, who fell in love with him a couple weeks ago. Of course, the rest of his family including Marian, Biff, and their daughter, Tina, who is Maya's mommy. I don't know if Keith, Tina's husband, is coming or not, but I believe his mother is joining the fun. Justin was meeting one of his former classmates from St. Johns this afternoon so didn't come over to take care of that mess of his. Says he'll get it tomorrow...keeps getting further and further away, doesn't it???

I was with my friend today...she had called me Friday to report that she had tumor things on her jawline, jowls, and into her clavicle area. Lymph nodes apparently. She'd had a CAT scan in the morning, and was awaiting a call from her doctor. She told the doctor's office that she wasn't feeling the tiniest bit better, having had antibiotics for two days already, and they told her to go to the ER this morning if she didn't feel better. WELL, she didn't feel better, felt terrible, her glands were getting bigger, harder and more painful. So much for not using the ER as your primary care facility!!

We went to a wonderful, new hospital where she is getting excellent care. She just called to report that she'd finally been put in a room after napping since I left her about 2:00 pm in the ER. They gave her an antibiotic drip and something for her pain, and she seems to be feeling better. Could be the pain medicine at work....She will most likely be able to go home tomorrow and is going to let me know when she can leave. I may be able to go get her but most likely I'll be having my Easter feast. My friend already has someone in mind to call for a ride if I can't make it. She understands about Easter and its feast! We were going to have brunch at The Club tomorrow but since she's sick, I've been invited elsewhere to dine.

My peoples in WI are having their Easter Feast as I write. Lori called me from the road and said how much she is looking forward to seeing all the little boys at dinner. Jill is the hostess with the mostest, particularly as she has the "mostest" room for gatherings. Jill's two grandsons, Hunter and Bryson (the one I haven't met yet) are there, as well as my two sweethearts, Lynn's grands, Gabe and Manny. Oh, they are sooooo cute! I can't remember why they had the Feast tonight instead of tomorrow, perhaps someone had to work Sunday or something. Anyway, bon appetit! Emmanuel
Lisa, Gabe, and part of Grandma K

Linda's mom went home to heaven yesterday morning, her battle over. Linda called to tell me as Joanne and I drove to the ER. She sounded good, under the circumstances. She told me the neatest thing though: Her mom was sort of fading in and out of awareness, while Linda and her sister sang hymns for their mother the night before she died. What a wonderful send off they gave Mrs. Kocian! Now, she is experiencing the "bliss beyond compare" we sing about in our "Jerusalem, the Golden" anthem for Easter....How wonderful to be singing with the heavenly realm for eternity!

First the moon, and now the sun

Last night after church as I was driving home, the moon was peeking above the trees, getting larger the closer I got to the condo. I climbed the stairs and swung my kitchen door open, and was met by moon rays as they glanced off my dining room table. It was almost as though I'd left a light on. Usually I use the hall light to get to my room but the moon lit my path and illuminated enough so I could see without turning on the overhead light. The way it reflects on the smooth water.....breathtaking!

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And now, the sun is doing the same dance as it rises above the trees. The clouds above it are greyish-pink, a good color combination, God. There is a barge sitting out in the middle of the river, I wonder if someone drove off and forgot to drag it along! A little further south of that barge is one holding a yellow crane, matching the one that sits in our basin area. I was hopeful that work would soon begin on the marina but after a couple weeks of parked cranes, no activity.

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It would be lovely to have the elevator re-installed and the marina underway when I return from my travels. At least the elevator!!! So far so good on the stairs for me, but today I'll be carrying stuff out with me, which will occupy one hand, at least. We are being encouraged to use the handrails on both sides in order to prevent falling, but that's a bit difficult to do if you're carrying something down or up. A couple people have slipped on the wet stairs and injured their back or tailbone so some non-skid pads have been added to an inside stairway--not mine.

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A good deal of time was spent with my friends at Hang Ups yesterday, where I was able to pick up my newly framed watercolor. It looks marvelous, if I do say so myself. (Jill, I just paid myself a compliment!) I was going to take it to Island Realty for display but decided to hang onto it until Harv, Barb and Justin see it, and then take it over. Art Guild had a change out at Island while I was gone but not many showed up, so I still have a chance to get mine displayed prominently. One of my other watercolors hangs in the reception area above Martie's desk, how perfect is that?? I don't have it priced, but Pam says many people comment on it---am I missing the boat here?

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Painting on consignment I liken to painting at gun point. Martie went through that a while back when my friend, Joan, was having her paint a couple pieces for her collection. Martie would sit, brush poised in the air, but couldn't put paint on the canvas. Too much pressure to perform!! She had performance anxiety! The work she did turn out for Joan was very nicely done, but not as freely as would a piece done just for the pleasure of painting. Some folks make a decent living selling their art work, but Martie, Chris, Christine, and I simply enjoy the process, the joy, of playing with paint!

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Dee shared with me the criteria for entering work in the Clay County Fair, including the photography exhibits. Mine, again, pales next to what others would be entering, but I like having the option of doing that some day as well. I'll be gone for the Fair this year, but Martie signed up to work in the Art Guild booth, perhaps with Chris. It's fun to sit in the exhibit, have people vote on their favorite pieces, and see so many people all in one place---like when we used to have a booth in the Home Show! Loved working that Home Show!

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In checking the weather forecast in WI yesterday, I saw that snow is predicted for the day I land in Milwaukee. Nuts! Can there be anything worse than driving a rental car in the snow, in the twilight? Ugh! I hope it's all cleared away and the roads dry when I head up to Manty. My flight won't land until after 6:00 p.m. so it might be 7:00 or so before I am on the road. Is it dark in WI at that time of day?

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This morning I'll be heading over to church to set up for Holy Communion as soon as I'm done here. I was going to go later and meet Carol but one of my friends is quite ill and asked me to take her to the ER this morning if she didn't feel better overnight, so am planning to start the day a bit earlier to allow for time sitting in the ER. A book will keep me company if she's too sick to chat. Justin was thinking about coming over here some time today, if he didn't make plans with a friend home for Easter, but he can do what he has to without me here. He sort of trashed my guest rooms and I'd like them straightened out before Harv and Barb come to visit. I have the boxes here from the Southern Living delivery taking up valuable room, too, so he can take them down to the dumpster for me. That should have been done before the elevator was taken out of service, but.............

They would make a lovely bonfire!

No poop!

That's the text message I received from Justin just before worship last night. He dropped me off at church on the way home from the airport and continued on to my house to get my luggage up the stairs and situated, get his own car from my garage, and then drive over to Victory in time for Maundy Thursday services. Whew!! At some point he found time to let me know that Lynx had been a good kitty and used the cat box instead of my bed this time! When I was gone for my mother-in-law's funeral and cruise to Alaska in August, one or both of the cats had difficulties dealing with the self-cleaning cat box and took to using the guest bed and my bed instead......cats!!!! Anyway, Justin took a quick look around before leaving my house and determined "No poop" on the beds or furniture. Yeah!!!!

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Justin and I left our hotel a tad earlier than we needed to yesterday morning, as I was concerned we'd run into heavy commuter traffic on the way to La Guardia. The very kind doorman was able to get us a private car vs. city cab to take us, for a set rate for the ride. We rode in a giant car, perhaps a Sequoia, which felt safer than some of the taxis did, less vulnerable.

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Our flight was scheduled to depart around noon, but we found out there were high winds affecting the taking off and landing of the planes, causing long delays. One of the Delta agents pointed out the wind sock visible from the Gate where we were waiting, and it was sometimes pointing straight up toward the sky! Okay, we'll wait......

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Finally, about three hours late, we made our way down the stairs, hopped on a shuttle bus and were dropped off at our plane. Up, up, up we go on steps into this tiny commuter flight. The pilot informed us there were long lines of planes waiting to take-off and we'd have to wait our turn. Okay, at least we're on the plane, right? Wrong!!! We got pushed back from the gate and sat on the taxiway, rocking as though we were actually in the air, being pummeled by the wind. We'd coast along a little bit, stop, coast a bit, stop....this went on for a while, and I saw the line of planes, thinking we'd be getting into the air soon.

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We coasted along, stopped, coasted, stopped.....and I could see from the window that we were right back where we started!!!! I couldn't tell how long we were driving around, but it had to be about an hour or so. The pilot came on to report that a caution light had illuminated and maintenance was checking it out. Only a few moments later and we were backing out again. The pilot told us that he was working with traffic control to see if we could sneak into line, and I think he did just that.

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Justin and I entertained ourselves during the wait and on the plane before taking off by watching "Scrubs" which was downloaded onto his iPhone (modern inventions!!). He'd purchased a splitter prior to this trip so that we could both listen/watch with separate ear buds. Wasn't that considerate of him? A couple times we'd burst out laughing, making the people around us look up, wondering what's so darn funny about sitting in the airport for hours and hours?!?!?!? I'm just glad he didn't have "Frasier" or "Seinfeld" on there or I'd have a net thrown over me and hauled off!

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Oh, oh, I just got a warning from my printer that I need a new black cartridge if wishing to continue. Nuts! I had replaced the color one this a.m. after printing off several weeks' worth of my blog for Marian, my sister-in-law who manages to live without Internet. Didn't use the black color, though. As I write today, the copier is printing recipes from a Jewish calendar that Gretchen let me borrow, to study the Jewish holidays. Ethel wanted the recipes from the calendar so I'm trying to do that before I leave for WI. Have to go get a replacement cartridge when I am out and about. Dee just called to ask me if I was coming (Great Hang Ups) so that's just my opportunity to venture down the stairs and then back up again.....It's so worth it!

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Bruce and Kristi were kind enough to drop me off after choir rehearsal last night, as Justin had taken my car home to deliver the luggage and retrieve his car. Get that? I knew someone would give me a lift! It was wonderful to sleep in my own poop-free bed again, and found myself under the covers just before 10:00 p.m. I didn't even know what time it was when I got home, just gave Lynx some ice cubes, grabbed a soda, and snuggled in. I watched an episode of Law & Order: SVU, which is not my favorite one, but it got me to sleep. Nice to wake up to the sun shining on me rather than hearing the sirens and honking horns in New York!

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I also need to pick up a couple ring binders when I'm out today, as I am attempting to get some of the papers dealt with from my desk. Binders work better for me than do simple files, guess I feel as though they are contained or more accessible. Do you remember when I said I'd nicely stacked papers on the passenger side of my bed? Well, most of them are scattered on the floor around the bed, evidently in Lynx's way as she tried to settle in. I'll have to re-do them, as they were sorted by date and by organization---organization, now THAT'S a concept!

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Today is Good Friday and will be spending the evening at church tonight. We rehearse our anthem before worship, with this particular song having two solo parts, both by yours truly. I hope my voice doesn't crack like it did during rehearsal last night. Jill will reprimand me if I criticize myself so will forgo that and just pray for the best!

A dark, dreary day in the city that never sleeps...

...and my boy is still sawing logs at 10:30 in the morning. I know he stayed up late watching Leno and Conan so while I'm rested, he's got some catching up to do. Our plans are to take the double-decker bus tour of the city, something we do every visit to NYC, and hop off in Chinatown for lunch...or perhaps Little Italy. He wants to have dinner tonight at Times Square, "under the lights" as it were. Tomorrow we leave for home so this is our only chance. When we ate at Bubba Gumps', it was daytime, so didn't count as dining under the lights. No shows either this trip--apparently we aren't the only tourists in the city right now, many school groups, etc. have bought up the seats for the "good" shows. That's okay with us, we're fine seeing the Broadway shows that come to Jacksonville. We've seen our favorites already on past visits to New York. We can share the lights of Broadway with others....

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I am so glad that I took the advice of Julia and joined AAA! We got good rates for the hotel and airfare, and found out that the tour also takes AAA so we'll get a discount for our double-decker bus ride today. Justin likes the idea that I'll have a little safety net in case something happens when I'm on the road, as I feel the same for him. It's certainly not expensive, and as Julia said, she's surprised I didn't have something like this already. I can't say why not, except that I think when I was married, the decision was made to not renew our membership for some reason and I never gave it a second thought. Hmmm.....

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Reading my book makes me long to go on a trip, a "real" trip, like to Amalfi and/or the Greek Islands. I believe I mentioned the high praise Judy R. gave, comparing my writing and Francis Mayes'. She, Francis, paints such a lovely picture with her words, describing the sights and sounds on their travels. As I was saying to Justin yesterday, I'd have a real hard time finding foods to enjoy in some of those places in southern Europe. They sure do like their seafood over there! I'd have to throw a stick of summer sausage in my luggage and some yellow mustard, to survive!

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I am so uncomplicated!

We are in the presence of greatness tonight!

When Justin and I returned to the hotel late afternoon, the walk in front of us was stacked rows deep with luggage, with a truck being unloaded by the bell men, luggage and trunks, all sort of suitcases. I thought perhaps the Queen was staying here or something, but as we walked beyond the hotel to the drug store, we discovered buses parked around the corner, and some well-dressed men standing nearby, chatting. We were waiting for the light to change so I glanced at the tag on the one guy's portfolio, Philadelphia Flyers. A lady had something with New York Rangers stuck to it. Ah, hockey players! And they don't travel light!!

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This afternoon was spent at the Museum of Modern Art, just a few blocks from where we're staying. It was a nice walking day, although it did get a bit chilly when the wind caught us between buildings. This is quite the contrast to the Met, which features the Old Masters but I did get my picture taken with Starry Night today. It may sound simple-minded of me to say this, but upon close scrutiny of some of the pieces today---I think the world is being 'sold' a bill of goods, trying to pass some of this stuff off as being "genius".....Justin does like the Warhol work and some of Jackson Pollack's work, but I have troubles accepting some of this "paint on canvas" as art. Makes me feel better about my paint playing! And I am not saying one thing, giving one message about WWI in my work either, which some of the pieces we saw today claimed to be in response to. (This is not grammatically correct).

Someone, either at Art Guild or Great Hang Ups, made the pronouncement that the Great Masters would not be such today, so good thing they made it when they did! Maybe it was my art teacher saying that---anyway, I just remembered that today as we looked at some of the pieces.

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All in all, it was a good day together, and now we spend the evening watching, of all things, "American Idol"...Sort of in keeping with the art we saw today, one flows into the next.........Justin loves it so I can amuse myself with the blog and reading my book. Turns out that Francis Mayes' husband is originally from Winona! Now, that's worth knowing!

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Good night all!

They are all named Sean or Michael today!

Much of our day was spent on the streets of New York, watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade with half the city. We had an excellent vantage point, having to walk only about a half block to get to the route. We timed it just right, getting into position just as the parade began. And it was cold! The high today was expected to be mid-40's with sun, but that 'heat' doesn't get to the city streets until later in the day. The sky was beautiful, a rich blue, and, wouldn't you know it---left the camera in the hotel room, of all things!

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The most spectacular sight was the row upon row of policemen and fire fighters that came by. And the soldiers, oh, my, the soldiers! My hands were sore from clapping, each time an American flag went past us. The crowd loved the guys in uniform as well as the bagpipers and drum groups. I never in all my life heard that many bagpipes, or saw so many men in kilts. Quite spectacular, each clan in a different plaid. Even babies in strollers were featured in the parade as certain "counties" marched--Cork, Louth, Glenkerry, etc. I thought of Peggy Lessig when the New York fireman group went by, as her brothers are firefighters up here. We weren't able to pick out the 2 Clay County fireman that flew with us on the plane but we clapped for all the guys, hopefully they heard us!

It was hard to just stand in one place like that for two hours or so, our legs and feet complaining. Justin wanted to go to the Apple Store so we decided to walk along as best we could, keeping up with the parade as we went. It was difficult walking against the crowds lining the streets but we managed, stopping in between to rest.

Justin found plenty of things to entertain him in the state-of-the-art Apple Store and I waited most patiently for him on the benches provided for spouses and moms while their geek relatives enjoy themselves. He finagled a pair of ear buds out of me, just to say he got something from the 5th Avenue Apple store! As we slowly walked back in the direction of our hotel on Madison Avenue, we discovered a match to the Apple Store in the Sony Plaza. He had fun there as well, having to go into different towers to view all the Sony products. Even I was enticed by the tiny cameras, about the size of a cigarette pack, some in my favorite colors! Hey, I could roll the camera in my sleeve and look really cool.........

Upon leaving the Sony Plaza, we headed back toward the hotel, finding a Burger Heaven to have a late lunch. Justin and I love these hole in the wall places, even though it's on Madison Avenue! We no sooner placed our order when it was brought to the table---as if they knew what we were planning to order! This place was the United Nations of burger joints, every language being spoken around us. Several of the marchers came in for lunch, having reached the end of the line for them.

While we ate, mounted TV's showed live footage of the parade which was still going on. It was "only" forty blocks long and groups were still coming onto the route! We heard one person say the parade lasted all day and thought he was exaggerating! The live coverage ended at 4:00 p.m., starting at 11:00 a.m., and it wasn't over yet when the TV station cut away. Wow! That's a parade! No floats either, only marching groups.

It was truly a "God Bless America" day today! And Happy St. Patrick's Day, too!

Happy Shampoo, Happy Necklaces

I have a friend in Orange Park whose job it is to sell shampoo, lotions, mouthwash, conditioner, bar soaps to hotel chains. Until I met Natalie, it never occurred to me that someone had to do that...I'm a bit thick sometimes...no need to agree. She now also sells the Vera cloth bags and purses that many are crazy about. I wrinkle my little nose at them, with the extent of my collection being a coin purse with a photo slot that Natalie gave me just before CHRISTmas. I put Lucas' photo in it when they were visiting me and he carried it around with him for awhile. I just can't warm up to that Vera stuff, sorry, but it reminds me of diaper bags...what can I say?

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I do, however, like the soaps and lotions in the hotel bathroom! Natalie came to mind this a.m. as I prepared to shower and was gathering the supplies I needed. Ah, let's see--Happy Shampoo, Calm shower gel, and Peaceful body lotion. I'm nearly in a trance from the effect of these names alone!

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The Happy Shampoo also reminded me of a necklace Lori made for me a couple years ago which Justin described looking as though she cleaned out a drawer and attached the found items to the chain....never mind, I LOVE it! No one else in my circle or the world was wearing such a thing so he didn't undersand my "need" to have one like that. When Justin and I were in Santorini, where there are jewelry stores upon jewelry stores, one of the lovely shop keepers admired my necklace, then enticed me with the words, "You have happy necklace--come into my shop and I show you happy bracelets!" We just looked at each and chuckled, him knowing that "happy bracelets" were exactly what I'd be tempted to buy! But, I resisted the temptation of happy bracelets, while cherishing the invitation. It seems very unlikely she had anything in her shop to compare to my happy necklace!

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So now I wear a joyous necklace, tame by comparison to the one I wore that day, but have washed my hair with Happy Shampoo, and am ready to take on the Big Apple!

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Happy Palm Sunday all!

A Day at the Met

Our first full day in New York was spent at the wonderful Metropolitan Museum of Art, affectionately known as "the Met". Our last visit here was spent in the Egypt and Roman section of the museum with only cursory glances at the other galleries which make up the expansive Met. Justin could recite to me the things I was actually trying to read on the glass cases, as he knew what they were after studying that in school. We got our money's worth from St. Johns that year, that class, anyway.

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A brand-new exhibit opened featuring Greek and Italian architecture and art...right up our alley. It takes me a long time to get through a museum as I like to read about what I'm seeing, but Justin hurried me along from hall to hall, claiming we'd seen this stuff already in the "old" area...it was new to me, that's all I can say! My memory is short when it comes to this, but my appreciation is great. Finally we arrived at the new exhibit, greeted by an enormous column centered in the hallway.

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Justin and I simply marveled at what it took to transport and establish the enormous displays. There were many funeraries and frescoes, actual rooms reproduced from Italian villas, stories painted on their walls to enjoy while dining. Amazing, I can't even tell how much we enjoyed it. I can tell you that it certainly makes me want to book a trip to Italy and Greece post haste! For those not traveling overseas, this is a wonderful taste of the antiquity seen in those foreign lands.

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I was concerned earlier in the week that my tired back would be a problem for me but so far, so good. If there was a bench to rest on in a gallery, I took advantage of it, but didn't let it hold us up. I even climbed up and down staircases to get to the other galleries. My boy, on the other hand......his feet hurt, his back ached, he had sinus pressure, a real mess! If he was a horse, we'd have to shoot him!!! I had some cold tablets and ibuprofen in my purse to give him and we pressed on, after a cold drink in the cafeteria.

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We managed to last the day but ran out of gas about 5:30 or so. Our cabbie dropped us at the door and we were back upstairs by 6:oo pm, not quite ready to have dinner. I was prepared to go out for dinner somewhere but Justin was just as happy to dine in. We shared a Cowboy steak and mashed pototoes and he enjoyed a pizza for one. Since he wanted to make sure all the food was eaten, he tried to eat the zuccini squash that came with the steak, but just couldn't choke it down, even with Grey Poupon mustard on it! It was after 8:00 when we had dinner and I was ready for bed after finishing my posting. Oh, by the way, that steak was absolutely delicious, tender and flavorful, quite a delight.

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I read some e-mails last night before climbing under the covers. One was from Judy R., with whom I am reading a book, 1200 miles apart! The book, brought to my attention by Christine, is written by Francis Mayes, who also wrote "Under the Tuscan Sun". Judy said she's skipping around in it, "A Year in the World", telling me she tends to get hung up in the Greek Isles portion. A girl after my own heart! Judy paid me a very, very generous, heart-building compliment, however. She said that my writing is like Mayes, using 'bolding' words. My, oh my, the gauntlet has been dropped!

We were no where near the falling crane

New York City always has some sort of newsworthy event taking place when we are here, this time being no exception. Today a 19 story high crane fell into an apartment building about 4 blocks from our hotel. It looks just terrible, from what we've seen on the local news, with some fatalities, but don't know if they are residents or passers-by.

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As we drove in from the airport yesterday, our very, very nice cab driver commented that he hoped we didn't run into any of the traffic mess involved with having the President in town....cool! It turns out President Bush was addressing an economic conference from the Waldorf Astoria, where we have stayed a couple times in the past. Justin and I listened to the speech in our hotel room at the Omni, instead of at the Waldorf! And no traffic tie ups either. Our driver was listening to WABC, the flagship station of Rush and Hannity, etc. as we drove in from La Guardia, so we did, too.

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Our room was ready when we arrived, which was much appreciated. Justin and I were quite tired after getting up at 4:00 a.m. to get to the airport. We sort of vegged out in the room the balance of the day. This is such a nice hotel, with an extremely comfortable room, not like that room from last summer at the Paramount, which was the size of a postage stamp! Our room has a love seat, desk, chair, side chair with ottoman, armoire with TV and closet space.....the foyer area has a credenza with the mini-bar and the top covered with purchasable items. Too costly to devour but tempting nonetheless.

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We weren't in the room 20 minutes when company started coming over--the doorman brought up our luggage, a man came to change the shower curtains, housekeeping came to make up the room (it was already done!), another man came to check the mini-bar after the previous residents checked out, and then room service brought our lunch. A bit later the housekeeper came by to turn down the bed which we didn't need but got her to remove the food cart remaining from our lunch. I commented to Justin, "I get as much company here as I do at home!" It was getting comical already, not wanting to get too comfy in case someone came to the door again!

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Justin fell so fast asleep that I didn't even try to wake him to go out anywhere. I rested on and off, read my book awhile and tried to get warm. It's cold here in the Big Apple! Glad I have my fancy red leather coat with me, earning its keep!

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For dinner we went to the dining room and had a nice meal, expensive of course, as hotel restaurants often are. The diet Cokes are served here in the tiny glass bottles with the metal caps, requiring the old fashioned bottle openers to get at the soda. The price we paid for glasses of soda in Florence is closer to being fair than $5.00 each for the 8 ounce bottle! The housekeeper told us about a bodega a couple blocks away so after dinner we walked to Smilers to score some soda. (I can't believe that we didn't bring some with us...we usually do). Once there we found this place was part deli/part grocery store, with a long buffet of hot and cold foods to scoop into to-go containers. Everything looked and smelled wonderful, wishing we hadn't just eaten...They did have 20 oz. sodas so we stocked up and headed back to the hotel. It didn't take long to get settled in and I got under the covers to get warm. My sleep was good, the afternoon nap not causing a problem at all. Justin did have a bit of trouble at first, but eventually had a reasonable night's sleep.

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Justin and I had breakfast in the same restaurant as dinner, this morning having eggs, toast, and breakfast potatoes. Justin was coaxing me to eat every bit of food on my plate but I just could not finish it all. I rarely eat all my food anyway and today was no exception. He felt like it was too expensive to leave anything plus we'd not have to eat lunch early if we had a big breakfast. We like to eat at the Cafe in the Met, so planned to do that later in the day so we'd be less hungry come dinner time. It's wonderful to have some sort of delicacy while gazing across at Central Park! Tomorrow, more about the Met and events of today....

Some more musings...

I just watered the lemon tree and am getting "so 'cited" to see how many lemons its growing right now! I've tried not to fuss over it very much, to spook it into dropping them, but so far, so good.

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For those who don't know the story of the lemon tree, I will tell (my foreign accent there!).........not long after Timmy died, his teacher, Mrs. Booth, called to tell us that Timmy's lemon seed had broken through the ground. What? We didn't know anything about this. Apparently after Christmas break, the pre-k class planted a seed from a lemon tree in a Styrofoam coffee cup and were watching for them to pop through the soil. They'd kept Timmy's going and when it sprouted, she called me. I picked up the cup when I got Justin after school and sure enough, there it was, a tiny tree!

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We nurtured it, moving the tiny plant into a larger container when it outgrew the foam cup. Eventually the seedling became a tree and we transplanted it into a large plastic planter on a wheeled stand, and let it spend some time outside in the sun and pollen. About four years ago it made a single lemon, more the size of an orange, which I promptly stored in the freezer. (I didn't mention that in my "Fond, Frozen Remembrances" posting....)

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The following year the tree surrendered three lemons, one of which I cut into, to harvest more seeds. I planted those seeds and eventually got several more seedlings to grow. They were divided into two pots, one of which "disappeared" from the base of the big tree. I gave a few of the seedlings to Timmy's father so he could have an off-shoot as well. I squeezed one into a sort of lemonade and froze the remaining one.

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Upon moving to the condo, the tree seemed upset, lost all its leaves two years in a row, and made no more lemons. Upon inspection, it became obvious that the tree had a disease of some sort, tiny bugs making white gobs under the leaves, and so on. Last early fall, Fausto, who is a Master Gardener, gave me a recipe for a concoction to spray on the tree every couple weeks to knock out the bugs, and IT WORKED!

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After re-doing my "river room" this past December, I decided the tree needed to come inside, to protect it from any further infestation. It is safe to do that now that Boots was gone, and wouldn't use the tree as a substitute cat box! I had to move the green plants from the funeral outside because of that rascal, and now have only a few of those left. Cats!!!

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And now, the lemon tree is trying to produce just a few more pieces of fruit for Mama, so she can cut them open to find more seeds to grow more seedlings......