I really should be packing....

....but decided to write a bit before getting busy. Judy J. is taking me to the airport tonight, as I'm staying at the Clarion overnight and will catch the shuttle in the morning. I hate having to lug my luggage so many times but I also hate having to ask someone to get up so early in the morning to take me out there. Judy and I will have a bite to eat before she takes me over, so I'll get some Longhorn to hold me until I get home!

*

My legs are tired as I did much standing, as usually happens on Sundays. This reminds me of my sister who used to get tired from standing up in church (sorry, Jill!!!!). You know, you say something one time and they never forget it!!!! After recording the attendence in the early part of worship, before which is socializing and getting things set-up in the breezeway---whew!, it feels good to finally sit down during the service.

*

After church I stood at the door with a giant baby bottle bank to collect change (and paper money) in support of the New Beginnings Home in CO, for unwed moms and their babies. Everyone got a kick out of the baby bottle, and the little ones liked trying to get their coins into the slot on top. Next week someone else will have to stand there with the bottle or maybe only have it available to collect the change. I joked about the hard plastic nipple on this bottle, about 3" high: "I'd like to see Timmy bite the end off of this bottle!" He did that once in church and I had milk running down my back as I held him. Time for a sippy cup!!!

*

Suzanne played the viola during worship as well as pre- and post-service music. Even though I was outside the doors, I could hear them playing one of my favorites, "Be Still My Soul". Ah, it was glorious! Afterwards I came in and thanked them for playing it. I mentioned to Suzanne that I recently watched the funeral video and asked her if she'd like to watch some time. Oh no, not for her! She expressed his death was a landmark in her life, one she didn't want to revisit, even though she'll remark about how much Daniel reminds her of Timmy! She's the lady who said the smell of syrup reminds her of Timmy, too.

*

The river has many, many boats on it today, as it's absolutely gorgeous out there. The temps are in the low 90's and the water calm, perfect for mullet to jump out after the bugs. I see no birds right this minute but yesterday a huge osprey entertained Justin and me, swooping and soaring ever nearer the windows.

*

This afternoon I served as hostess for an art show at Great Hang Ups, this time for the Jacksonville Collage Society. Many of the artisits are cross overs into Art Guild so were familiar faces, plus I met some new ones. One lady was particularly taken by me, admired my hair at first. Later she sidled up to me and introduced herself as Lisa, saying she loved my energy, and that I gave off an aura, which made her want to be my friend. Well!!! and Wow!!! Don't beat around the bush, there, Lisa! My initial reaction was to sniff myself to see if I really did have aura, but am glad I didn't do that, behaved myself. Lisa said she's an artist, dabbling in several mediums, but didn't enter in this show. There were other people met but this lady was the kicker.

*

I also had a great conversation with a lady who used to teach English and writing. She'd remembered meeting me before, because she said, "You're the lady who sits above the river and writes." Yep, this would be me. I told her Justin teased me about having books about punctuation lying around, saying to me, "You're such an English person!" I guess that's all right, isn't it? I don't follow the punctuation rules closely and am the queen of run on sentences, so books like this are valuable to have lying on ones' dresser!