A full, full day

Besides my time spent on-line exploring cruises this a.m., I also watched part of a "What Not to Wear" episode while waiting to hear from Joan and Haley about the movie plans. Originally we were going to the theater first for the earliest showing of the day, and then to lunch. Joan did call to report that Haley was hungry so we were having lunch first and then going to a later movie, which was fine with me. We met Haley up at Honey B's, their first visit. We each had a piece of pie for dessert, cutting off a portion to share with the others. Mine was sour cream and berry with a meringue top. Ymmmmm!

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Martie had called last evening to invite me to join her family in celebrating Ernie's birthday tonight. Instead of her cooking a meal, after working all day, we are going to eat at the China Buffet. I'd not been to a China Buffet since leaving Manty and now I'll be going twice in a month's time, the previous time being with Twila before Ladies' Group. Ernie is not much for socializing so this is a huge deal to have him go out to eat. We are punishing him on his birthday!

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Jen had called also last night, after their week in Orlando, to see if I could meet them for dinner. Nuts! I'd already accepted an invitation to attend a function at The Club for the debutantes, going as Olivia's "person". She didn't want to call me her 'date', so 'person' works for me. It's nice to be a person once in awhile!! We had a marvelous evening, all dressed up, Owen in his tuxedo and looking quite handsome. Olivia was drop-dead gorgeous in her mocha-colored dress, and Sandy spiffy in a two-piece black suit with a lovely broach to set it off. (Sounds like a fashion writer----I could write for J. Peterman's catalog!!!) The party theme was James Bond so there were gaming tables set up and some folks came dressed in Bond movie attire. Justin asked me if I was going to wear something backless...........Silly Justin! I wore the ruby blouse Mom gave me for my birthday and looked just fine fully dressed!

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Again I saw many of Justin's classmates as well as his friend, Ryan, resplendent in his tuxedo. His girlfriend remarked that not many guys his age own their tuxedos, but I know Ryan has gotten much use from his through high school and into college. Justin had seen of the guys at the movies the previous night, going to the midnight presentation of "The Dark Knight", a Batman movie. He was out so late that night, he overslept and was an hour late getting to work on Friday morning. I gave him the look and a tiny lecture about this sort of irresponsible behavior. I wonder if I'll lose any clout with him after he turns 21 next weekend.........

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Anyway, back to Jennifer----she called back today while I was in the car with Joan to ask me to join her parents at La Napolera for dinner. Rosses wouldn't be there but her folks, who like Justin and me, wanted me to come with them. I had to turn them down, too, since I'm already invited to the China Buffet, but accepted the offer to join them at their home for games and such after dinner. Rosses will be there in time for the "games to begin"! I'll do that when we're finished at the Buffet, since certainly Ernie won't want to hang around long afterward. Whew! What a breakneck pace to keep.....

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While waiting for my ride this a.m. my neighbor, Rose, asked me if I was going out to the pool today, because the rest of our "gang" was planning to be there. Our mutual friend, the skin care lady, Sharon, had been in a roll-over accident Monday on the way back from St. Augustine. Her friends' car was totalled but the two ladies sustained "only" patchable injuries, the kind requiring stitches and such. Thank the Lord no one was more seriously hurt! I told Rose my day was spoken for but will make sure to get out to the pool after church tomorrow. I missed everyone last week when they were gone or taking care of family, but I managed nicely by myself.

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My usual cake baker, Dena, is going to be on vacation next week so won't be able to make Justin's birthday cake. I asked Jen if Ricky would be around and interested in making a cake for Justin. They must check his schedule and such before committing to it, but I'll have Publix on stand-by to make the cake for him. I just love Dena's cakes, and am sorry it didn't work out. For my sake as well as hers, to help her business grow.

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It has begun to rain and lightning, just in time for me to head out. Travis had invited me to join in a bbq for the candidates over on Doctors Lake today but my schedule didn't allow. I'd gotten an entire box of stuffed bags ready for him to hand out as his team of walkers were hitting the neighborhoods off Moody Road before the bbq. I ran out of pens so had to quit stuffing yesterday. It's the least I can do, since I am not taking on the task of going door to door. I talk too much!