Oh, where to begin?

I could write in the format Jami often uses in her blogs, keeping thoughts and subject matter separated by the dots or paragraph breaks...My brain sort of won't allow that to happen, needing to keep the paragraphs in order as the thoughts are popping around as if on a burner!

Mona called this a.m. to go over the plans for next week when I'm in Manty and they are in NY for JR's ring reception and ball. I am proud of JR for his accomplishments! She said John is keeping track of any details and information those of us sitting with Arno will need, which I deeply appreciate. I'm already thinking of different things to make, in order to keep Arno as well-fed as he's used to being fed. A nice thing is that Meals on Wheels continues to bring his lunch weekdays which means he'll get at least one "good" meal a day whether I make it or not. I can do it, have no doubt, and will give me some pleasure to have someone to cook for who most likely won't murmur about it!

Since my other sister-in-law will be staying with Arno on Friday night, I'll be free to go scrap booking with Linda. Mona told me a funny story about the new scrapbook store. Saturday was a big Harley-Davidson event in the state (WI is home to H-D headquarters) and motorcyclists by the droves (get it?) were pulling up in front of this scrapbook store all day Saturday, thinking it was still a Harley dealer! One of Mona's neighbors made the remark about how funny that so many Harley riders are also scrapbookers! That did it! I spit all over my desk and keyboard!!!

Evidently there is also some clothing items and such that no one wants, thus I offered to take these things to the MLHS re-sale shop for donation. Maybe, just maybe, I can coax Arno into having breakfast at Perkins one morning. Mona said once or twice he's agreed to go so maybe he'll give in to me. Especially since it will be under the guise of having an errand to run.

This morning's first phone call was of a different nature, however. My neighbor, who is running for public office, called to run some stuff past me regarding the rest of his campaign. Evidently, I made an impression when I said if it got down and dirty, I was out. In thinking about the conversation, I am wondering if perhaps he wanted me to write something. I think it's more like he wanted to see what I thought about a few things. I'll come right out and ask him if that's what he wanted.

Anyway, he asked my thoughts and I gave them, reiterating his campaign must focus on all the highly positive things about Travis and his accomplishments and plans for the "entire" district. The opponent recently jumped party affiliation in order to run against him, which is public information and can be used. I didn't say "against" the opponent but more emphasis on Travis' steadfastness and party loyalty.

In the building business and seminars, we learned about how to give a client the soft "no": tell them "no" about something without really being "negative" about it.

So, anyway, I was pleased Travis felt like he could/should ask me about these things before proceeding. Apparently it matters to him. This self-acknowledged "queen of quips" came up with having Travis take the "high road" vs. only "River Road", which the opponent represents.....Travis will represent the whole 3rd District and not only those supposedly affected by the Dog Track/Poker Room.

Last night was our first Art Guild meeting for 2008-09, with our presenter conducting a brief class on Artist Trading Cards, similar to the Pokemon or baseball cards people collect. Martie and Chris, my painters who come on Wednesday are both involved with swaps, trading their hand-made ATCs with folks in other countries. They have cards in their collection from as far away as New Zealand and Belgium. When Martie and I left, many folks were still hard at work on their first project of making ATCs. I'd taken Martie's folder of cards along and showed it around so folks could see the wonderful assortment of designs and ideas Chris and she have done or received. It's sort of making a tiny collage or painting or scrapbook page, 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" in size!!!

I'd foolishly planned on having three ladies from church come for dinner last night and watch a video afterward, but when it occurred to me that it was also Art Guild night, I had to hustle! I sent e-mails to all three and followed up with text messages to make sure they knew we couldn't meet. Only one got back to me, which was sort of okay, because it meant they weren't going to be able to make it anyway. Some of the finalities were in the air due to one lady serving on a jury this week. We have rescheduled for Thursday now, which is tomorrow. Having a holiday in the week messed up my internal calender, having me nearly miss a whole day in my life. Ooops! I double booked!!!!

I did manage to have the wits to remember taking my painting to the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Art Guild show due to open next week. I'll miss the opening reception because I'll be away. Dee said she'll pick up my painting if it doesn't get juried into the show (boo hoo!!!). I hope they accept it, but understand if it's not, seeing the others which have been submitted. Wow, some gorgeous pieces. Our theme was supposed to be about Clay County but I think the requirements were eased in order to get more submissions. My painting is done in purples, trees reflected in the water, could be Clay County---perhaps in the purple forest????

I did something quite, quite uncharacteristic, however: one of the ladies dropping off her artwork invited me to join her group for lunch, a place yet to be determined, and I (listen to this!) declined!!! What??? As I drove off, I was kicking myself because, regardless of my just eating a Filet-a-Fish sandwich from McDonald's, I could easily have gone along to have soda and/or dessert. Believe it or not, I said in my head, "What the hell were you thinking??" Sometimes I have to get rough with myself! I could have turned around but didn't. No reason why not, other than having already eaten, but from now on: never, never pass an opportunity to hang out with friends-----EVER!!!! Shame on me!

In the afternoon, Louis, the locksmith, paid me a visit and determined that both my deadlocks need to be replaced. He described himself as being a dinosaur when it comes to locksmithing, and our metal doors take only the dinosaur locking devices. These locks are not readily available-I am glad I didn't try buying my own at Home Depot or Lowe's. He's ordered two for me and will have them on Thursday, in plenty of time before the storm and my trip. I need a key for the condo Board so they can access my house in case of an emergency (Hanna, Ike, and Josephine), etc.

Speaking of TS Hanna, it appears now that she's moving further east and our area should only be affected by the passing of her, about 100 miles off the coast. I hope and pray this is true, and our part of Florida will merely experience the same or less damage as when TS Fay came through. I have a wash basket with towels and sheets ready to go to sop up the drips. I've asked Justin to come by to help move my TV away from the wall and pull out the love seat so I can get towels in a place, a preemptive move on my part. Or, the move will be on Justin's part, as it were......