I'm so happy Judy's home!!!

....and all's right with the world!

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I feel so much better now that we will be back in regular contact. Judy R. wrote to report the great fun they had on their trip to Alaska, traveling with friends--some old friends and some new. One of the new friends she mentioned turned out to be the pastor and his wife from Ocala, FL! She said he's a real hoot, and I already know that to be true. He served Judy J. and her husband when they worshipped in Ocala and became quite close friends with them. Now, two of the Judys in my life are tied together from their association with Paul and his wife, Chris. Cool beans!

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Last night I met my former classmate, Marcy, and her hubby, Mark, at Salt Water Cowboy (bet Mom's mouth is watering already!) and I knew her immediately. She closely resembles her mom, plus I saw a recent picture. She said I looked just like me! What can I say? We had a lovely dinner, played some catch-up, and talked about, what else, church! Her husband and she are quite involved with their church, which is in the CLC synod, with Mark filling in since late winter for their ailing pastor. They enjoyed their time in St. Augustine but the time got away from them. A return trip is expected in the fall when it's cooler to catch the missed places. We sort of take it for granted since we live here, but when you come in fresh, yeah, there's lots to see and do!

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Marcy, besides working as a nurse, is dabbling in some free lance writing, focusing mainly on technical manuals and such right now. Perhaps at some point she'll try her hand at writing a book but isn't sure she's up to the challenge and demands of such a task. I wish her well, and told her what I've learned at Writer's Conferences: write about what you know. Go for it! It's only paper and ink..........or, in this day and age, it's only space taken up your computer memory!

Kim and Marcy in St. Augustine

Cindy just called and told me that she was thinking about me today, knowing about the cemetery clean-up Justin and I were going to do. She always offers great comfort, often reminds me about something Timmy said or did in the preschool. She also encouraged me to bring some of those memory pieces to the church/preschool for the front flower bed. She works there every day and will get to enjoy them more frequently up there. What a great perspective that lends me! Yes, I will do just that!

At the cemetery, Justin helped me get things gathered together and secured in the plastic garbage bag to suffocate any hiding spiders----don't want to introduce any more black widow spiders into my car! He returned my giant-sized wash basket which served us well for transporting the items. I did leave the marker that indicates the tree was dedicated, etc. and we'll see if the guys allow it to stay or not. Cindy feels like going over tomorrow to snag it and return it another time when no one is looking.....I don't know 'bout that, I'm willing to take my chances on them allowing it to stay. You know, I trust everybody, my downfall!

The lady at church who orders the flowers and Carol, the Altar Guild leader, very nicely arranged with the florist to put the Sunday flowers into the type of vase which will allow me to transfer them into the grave marker vase. Usually the bouquets came in a foil "bread pan" container which I simply stood on the marker, but that's a no-no, now, too. I appreciate it greatly that the ladies made this happen for me, starting today. I really want to be in compliance and not a problem for these fellas who've been so wonderful to me all these years. Really, I could thank them for forcing me over this hump, and I know Cindy is probably grinding her teeth having me say that. As I was leaving church today, Carol called my name and then said she had no words for offer, just to tell me she would be thinking of me, and so was Cindy! And my family. Thanks, guys!

After the clean up, Justin and I came home, changed our clothes, and went out to the pool. We ordered our meals, me getting my hot dog and Justin the chicken blt. He let me taste his and wow, it was good! I don't know if I'd not order the hot dog, but if for some reason I had to, a chicken blt would work!

Soon the ladies started to come down stairs and had reserved a table for us. Justin and I moved our belonging over there and I introduced him to my lady friends. He didn't have much to offer as far as conversation but was certainly polite and spoke up when he had something to say. Of course, it began to thunder and then lightning so we excused ourselves to change our clothes. We were going to a movie, and ended up seeing "WALL-E". Well, I'm glad it was only $5.00 each for us because that movie was so not worth it. Almost immediately, before any sound or dialog was introduced, Justin remarked that they hadn't even tried to mask the political implications. Just jam it down our throats, would you!!!???!!! My downstairs neighbors, Tracy and Jeff, were also there and had the same sentiment. Tracy said she didn't think a 6 year old would even get a movie like this, so I hope Lisa doesn't waste her time and money on this one. Ugh! The popcorn and soda was good, though.......

Of course, as always happens when I'm at the movies, we could hear the thunder and heard rain pounding on the roof of the theater. It was still raining when we came out so went to Fridays to have a snack. TGIF has "lite portions" perfect for Justin while I had my sesame Jack chicken appetiser. I was only able to eat half of them, though, this time. I also ate the cheese from his caprese salad which was part of his meal.

After dinner/snack we walked four and a half miles to where he parked the car. We came upstairs for a bit afterward and talked some more before he headed for home. Oh, I just thought of something----I told him his secret about seeing WALL-E was safe with me.......he didn't want his friends to know he saw a kids movie! We should have gone to Get Smart instead, but I'd heard there was a lot of innuendo in it, so wasn't in a big hurry to see it. My skin is getting thinner and thinner......

So, here it is, late on Sunday evening and I am ready for bed. I slept very nicely last night and will again tonight, I'm sure. Jill tried to send some pictures of her grandson but I couldn't view them. I hope she will try again, I want to see how Bryson has changed since I saw him in April!

Until tomorrow..........