A quiet night at home---with the "Godfather"!!

Yes, normally I would be at Bible study right now but just before 5:00 pm Pastor called me to report our class is cancelled tonight. Oh, man! Next Monday no class because of it being Holy Week and now this! Pastor asked me to call the others and let them know, but three of us decided to still meet and have supper anyway. What? We still have to eat! And, once more, The Godfather I and II is on tonight.....great!!! No "Dancing with The Stars" for me---not when I can have a mob hit and horses' head in the bed!

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Linda, Judy J. and I met to have stromboli and spaghetti at Aron's where the waitress scolded us for missing last week. I very nicely explained that once in a while we eat somewhere else before Bible study, spreading our good company around the area. Leanne and Carolynn were both feeling poorly and might have missed class anyway so it probably worked out for the best having it cancelled. Linda ate all her stromboli but I brought about one third of mine home with me. I had to chuckle as I carried it upstairs in the aluminum pan with plastic domed cover. My plan to reheat in the container was "foiled" by the foil!!! I laugh at my own funnies!

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I just spent an hour and a half talking to Mona, my sis-in-law in WI, finalizing some of the arrangements for Justin and my trip to New York in May. They are taking their car so therefore can help get us from point A to point B once we arrive near West Point. It will be tight so I will skip a meal or two a week before we go so we all fit in their car!

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This early afternoon I went to the travel agency to get some help with the arrangements for the trip to West Point. One of my neighbors works at the agency but she was not available so another lady told me to come in and she would take care of me. I told her I would be there in a few moments and I was! She, Janice, was on the phone but motioned me to sit at her desk as she finished with the other client. I took out my blush and put the finishing touches on my face, which she scolded me for messing with perfection...well, almost. Janice asked me if I was wearing Mary Kay and I told her the blush was Cover Girl, all the while she complimented me on my make-up. When she finally understood I was not wearing any foundation (remember now, we had not officially met yet), she said she was going to reach across and slap me in the face for having such great skin! I knew the two of us were going to "hit it off" just fine!

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Competently and quickly, Janice found a hotel in the small town near West Point plus arranged for one-way airfare to the "international" airport serving this part of New York. Then she reserved a hotel and airfare for New York City, missing only the ground transportation between the airport and hotel in Newburgh, and then to catch the train to NYC. Mona said they will be able to haul us around so that is all set now too! We had to pay a bit more for the hotel in Newburgh due in part to the big weekend as well as wanting a non-smoking room. I want to keep the things which would give cause for murmuring to a minimum--and I do not murmur. My traveling companion has been known to, however....

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The only portion of the trip not paid for yet is our hotel in NYC which is reserved with a deposit to hold it. We are staying on Times Square which Justin will absolutely love and we got at an excellent rate. She mentioned a place across from the Waldorf-Astoria, explaining the par excellence of the Waldorf. I told her we had stayed there a couple times in the past but those days were now behind us----oh, shoot! She said, wistfully, "I only walked in the lobby...." Yeah, well.......Anyway, our place is the one where Ellen and Billie Powell stayed when they went to NYC so I took it! Now I am getting really excited----to see JR's graduation and the whole experience, plus a brief stay in The City with my favorite traveling companion!!!

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Once finished at the travel agency, I went next door to Winn-Dixie to get the ingredients needed for my egg and cheese frittata planned for Thursday's "Breakfast for Dinner" here. Again, I am excited about that, too! Such great food we are going to have! Joanne is making sausage gravy with biscuits plus my dish, so the house will smell extra good that day. In the morning I have Bible study at Victory and then am to attend a seminar at Edward Jones. Now I am wondering if I am allowing enough time to make my food and dress the table, etc. Might skip the seminar, and get a private class like earlier this month when Frank prepared my recent statements for me to take to Court. Hmmm...

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It has been raining or threatening all day, quite the gloomy Gus out there, but I know that is better than snow any day. As I told Judy R. in an e-mail, I can take gloomy all day long, as long as it is not snowing!!! Right now it is lightning and rain is pounding on the windows, which should make for good sleeping weather. I do not have to be anywhere until church tomorrow night but Chris and Martie are coming around noon Wednesday to paint. I will have to see if I get the paints out again or stick with the scrapbooking....Chris is a good influence on me so I may just get the paints out and see what happens. Dee is hosting an art show at Great Hang Ups in April so maybe, just maybe, I will enter something new!

A Beautiful Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

My friend, Cindy, sent a Comment about her attempts to save Timmy's lemon tree which died of consumption---it was consumed by some "buggies", as Cindy referred to them. Fausto, the Master Gardener, had a more technical, clinical name for them---"little bastards"! As we looked at them through his microscope, he said, "See the little bastards?" and sure 'nuff, there they were! That day he gently washed each remaining leaf with a cotton ball and water, and then sprayed them top and bottom with a mix of Dawn soap and veggie oil, which would suffocate the "buggies" and hopefully spare the tree. Sadly, that was not to be the case, and Cindy tried her best to save what was left after the dead branches were trimmed away. I greatly appreciate the attempts my church family made on this for me.

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Cindy mentioned that her hubby's favorite movie is "A Beautiful Mind", of which I watched portions on Saturday. It is really a great movie, a true story, but I must say, I would go bonkers if I had to work with theorums and calculations all day long. It seems as though "John"'s natural calling was doing the math, as it were, and eventually he won a Nobel prize for his work. This movie, plus "Good Will Hunting" feature men with the brilliant gift of figuring out the math in life, while struggling with a mental illness. I wonder, which came first......???

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Besides trying to rescue the lemon tree, Fausto is also busily working on another project for me. One time he had asked about the lamb in the flower bed by the church sign, wondering if he should paint it. I told him it was my lamb and if he wanted to freshen it up, he certainly could. One of the ears had come off, which was already glued on, and was probably the reason we got him at a discount originally. He repaired the missing ear and painted the lamb all fresh and new. Fausto has excitedly tackled the job of painting all the little garden decorations in that bed including the statue of the child reading a book which was a gift from the Douglases; plus a turtle, as well as a baby's head cradled in angel wings, donated by Cindy. He even brought me photos of the finished work, but is not bringing the pieces back to church until Yard Day to put in place once the mulching is done. Cindy's daughter, Tara, has mulch for the flower bed where her family and I attempted to plant bulbs (so far, nothing!) and then Fausto will replace the decorations. All will be fresh for Easter, even if no flowers bloom there!

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Already the sun is beaming on me, making me squint, adding character to my face through the wrinkles around my eyes, and I rejoice! Today is Bible study, our course in worship practices. Always makes for good discussion, especially when adiaphora is involved. Of course, lunch afterward at our favorite Monday place and then home until meeting Kathy B. for a baseball game. The manager at Longhorn gives us a 10% discount for being frequent shoppers plus some of the ladies order from the children's menu which means they get out of there for around $5-6.00 for lunch. Since I order the adult menu portion, mine probably equals theirs because half comes home for another meal.

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My time this afternoon will be used to put the finishing touches on The Palace Press and get it out to the Owners and residents. I need only print one copy for Gus, who has no e-mail. He just got back last week from CO where he spent the winter (backwards, I know!) and the first thing he asked me was "where is the lemon tree?" I had to tell him and he got a bit misty eyed, since he knew the value it had to me. A while back he had wanted to do a graft from his tree to mine, but then chose not to in case the graft harmed my tree. I am guessing he is thinking he made the right decision since it died anyway.

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Now I must send out my reminder to the ladies for our monthly dinner this Thursday, "Breakfast for Dinner". I can smell the bacon cooking already!

Another interrupted sleep!

"Here in the blood of Christ I stand..." Ah, Favorite Hymn Sunday!!! This was one I chose to have sung, and apparently I was not the only one or we would not have had it. After church in the Fellowship Hall, several came to me and said how much they enjoyed singing that anthem. Only those who attend Sunday Bible study would have sung it before using the CD as our accompaniment, or if they heard it when our choir sang for Reformation at Victory. For some, it was the first go 'round and we have a winner!

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Our closing hymn was "For All The Saints Who From Their Labors Rest" which is also bouncing around in my head as I write. It occurred to me that not all the hymns I have selected for my funeral must be sung in the service---some can be saved for the party afterward, when folks are eating their good "Kim" funeral food and smiley face cake from Wal*Mart....Will someone please remember to save some of the hymns for the party?? Alayna, don't forget about the Sarah Brightman song for the party, too, complete with applause....

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Well, last night I set off to bed in order to get caught up on the missed sleep from Friday night as lightning danced on the river. Nothing like a storm to set the proper sleeping mode. Because I keep my TV playing all night long, around 2:45 a.m. I found myself awakened by the urgent tone played before a storm warning. An announcement came in a mechanical voice saying we were under a tornado warning and those in its path should seek shelter in an interior area of the house. I thought I should go tell Joanne so as I headed toward her room, I saw Joanne was already up, watching the TV in the family room . She already knew about the storm warning and had been watching and listening to it for some time.

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She put the Weather Channel on and we watched the reports flowing in, but much was about the flooding or potential for it in Fargo. Every couple seconds or so they would break in with the tornado warning for the eastern portion of Clay County (us!!!) and tracked the storm from Green Cove toward the other side of the river. So, rather than seeking the safest room in the house, we two ladies stood in the river room and watched the endlessly flashing lightning and listened to the thunder rolling, in amazement. It was nearly light as daytime from the flashing and we could make out a belt of darker clouds amid the lighter colored ones, eerie looking. After a point, just after 3:00 a.m., we decided the threat was probably moving along and decided to go to bed again. A couple times it seems I woke up, especially when the thunder was pounding on the windows, but then slept through until nearly nine a.m. Guess that made my decision about whether or not to attend Bible study today! It is the same course of study from our Tuesday night class and we are ahead of the Sunday class anyway.

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Several of our regular choir members were out today but we had three others join us, so we were able to sing our "Hiding Place" song again. Would you not know it, it was ME who jumped offsides on Brian's part and started singing with him!?! And I knew better, too. Shucks! I was using Suzanne's music and it was clearly marked as his part but still, I simply could not contain myself. Let's put that piece of music away for awhile....

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Kathy B. asked me if I wanted to go with her to watch Anna Kuske play in her baseball tournament tomorrow afternoon and since I have nothing planned, or cannot remember having something else scheduled, yes, I think I would like to go. My beach chair is already in the car ready for good weather to come so I can take that along, and one for her, too, if she needs it. Go, Anna, Go!!!

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Joanne and I are attending the "Sunday Salon" at the Thrasher-Horne this afternoon, as my upstairs neighbor, Donna Wissinger, is performing with a musical partner, Stephen Robinson. I am going ahead of Joanne to stand in line at the Will Call window for our tickets. I told Joanne we are in the same area where we sat for Justin's graduation, which was the last time Joanne has been there. I will have keep her in mind for events in the future, my own live-in friend, missing out on all the fun! She thanked me for taking her away from the office today, and I say, "You're welcome!"

Saturday's come and gone

I had such a rough time going to sleep last night, for an unknown reason. Maybe my foot ached or cramps or something but it took me forever to nod off. Lynx kept giving me the evil eye, wondering when I was going to settle down, because, normally, I just get into position and do not move until morning. Not so last night! Maybe I was idle too long before trying to sleep because of watching a movie on DVD. It was called "Hanging Up" with Meg Ryan as the put-upon daughter of an eccentric Hollywood writer with dementia. Finally she gets her sisters to accept some responsibility for their dying dad and not leave it all on one. It was supposed to be a comedy but some of it did not strike me that way.

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When morning came, it caught me too soon. Nothing would have pleased me better than to roll over and sleep some more. But, being a Saturday, I had to be somewhere, of course! This week was church cleaning day as well as an organizational meeting for Little Lambs, a modified Sunday school class for infants to three years old. This group would then eventually meld into preschool and/or Sunday school. The young mom heading it up had approached me the day Justin and I went to the opera at AMC and the Hilchey's joined us, so it has moved from concept to actuality in no time at all! Oh, so exciting! My understanding is that a group like this exists at F. G. already and my niece might be helping out some day.

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So, anyway, a couple ladies were sitting inside the church on the front pew when I got there but they were not there to clean. They were, instead, waiting for the florist to bring the bouquet for Sunday. It will be my bouquet to take to the cemetary but I will leave it through worship on Wednesday night. Nothing could pursuade them to stay and help us clean, though, as eventually Janet arrived with her bucket of supplies. I had mine, too, and Jackie brought her stick vacuum cleaner which worked great for the pews. Janet and I split the pews and started the process of wiping them clean with Murphy's and water. She can still bend in the middle so took the lower portion of the pews while I did the tops and hymnal racks. We were a well-"oiled" machine, Murphy's Oil, at that!

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We had the doors opened to the street side for ventilation which proved delightful. Not too chilly, especially because I was sweating! Janet should have taken pictures because she will not see this again too soon. After a while Kathy B. came through the doors and pitched in with the vacuum cleaner on the floors. Before noon it had all come together, but not before Kathy played "In Christ Alone" on the piano, rehearsing for tomorrow's Favorite Hymn Sunday. Jackie, Janet, and I sang as Kathy played, the first time Janet has sung it. She loved it, too, and I am so glad!!

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I was bone weary by the time I got home and made my way upstairs to rest. My patio doors were opened as was my kitchen door which made for lovely cross ventilation. It is great to be finally warming up here, making it almost to 80 today. Storms are threatening including tornado chances but thus far, mostly just some gusty winds. Love the sound of the wind in the palm trees, the rustling they make. It made for quite the restful afternoon while I watched the end of "A Beautiful Mind". I worked a bit on the condo newsletter and read some blogs while listening to "Unfaithful" which made me feel quite uneasy, although I had seen it before. Uneasy, yes, a good way to describe it....

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Brian had mentioned to me before we left church this a.m. about going to eat at the Spanish restaurant and previewing a movie for the Youth Group. I called Kathy right after 5:00 to say I felt like staying in tonight, still tired from limited sleep and hard work, but they were already at the restaurant and insisted I come over. Quickly I changed clothes and made my way over, only a few blocks as the crow flies. Kristi and Bruce were with them, sharing "tapas", appetizers, some of which I liked and some I did not. Olives, yes, Cuban bread, yes, spinach in pastry, yes! Not so much the green pepper things or the shrimp things but the company, complete with dessert----magnifique!!

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But, I really did plan on staying in tonight so opted to forego the movie as the others went on. If "Unfaithful" was not enough, I came home in the middle of "American Beauty", another tragic story about people in mid-life "situations". Thank you, I would rather not watch. Is it a holiday or something, a significance to this theme today or what?

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Mid-afternoon the Rosses came by to pick up the golf clubs for Christopher to try on for size, in more ways than one! They are short, for me, and left-handed, for me, too! I hope Chris likes the sport and can make good use of my long-ignored clubs. The old medicine cabinet went with them, too, as Jennifer wants it for a fish pond or something, now loaded into their car. Rick said, as he loaded it, "You were right, it sure was ugly!" but then was concerned that he hurt my feelings. I assured him it was probably lovely in its time, the early 70's, but not so much now. Tomorrow is his birthday but we are not celebrating until next weekend. I will be sure to let Justin know so we can do our shopping. I love Rick almost like a son, as you may know!

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My friend, Cindy, has been trying to save Timmy's lemon tree but today she wrote that Mike put it out in the woods, to keep it close to home. I didn't make it...........

Fun and frustration in one afternoon!

Such a delight! First, I got to see my Justin early this a.m. as he stopped in to get his shipment from American Eagle and Payless. We ordered last week and they arrived on Wednesday less than an hour after he left here. This was his compensation for cleaning my black iron doors. He was going to have what he called a "fashion show" at the office today as he was to be there by himself, all day. I can picture him walking the catwalk in his new outfits....

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After he left I took care of the silver removal from my hair and such a mess I made! Instead of ruining another shirt, I decided to keep my nightie on until after I was done. I will never be able to wear that nightie for shopping or other social events, not with the smattering of stains I splashed all over, or "slinging it about", as Kathy described the messes she's made. Not only on my clothes, but on the counter, the sink, the faucet, the hand towel, the kitchen sink, the kitchen faucet.....Is this mess worth it? Yeah, I guess it is since the booty shops charge something around $40 for silver removal. I can buy several nighties and a new hand towel for less than that! What I need are some of those disposable paper gowns from the doctor's office or like the dentist wears, something to absorb the smattering!

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Once that mess was cleaned up and my mission accomplished, I was finally able to send off the church newsletter via e-mail. Normally I like to have it ready for e-mailing on Thursday because the secretary can then make the photocopies of it for those who have no e-mail access. Pastor was sending me some articles to include which were in my In-Box when I got home last evening. The secretary is not in on Fridays, no copies will be ready for Sunday. Maybe I will print off a couple for some of the ladies who specifically look for the newsletter.

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As I worked this late morning on The Palace Press, Kathy B. called to see if I had lunch plans. It seems she had a training class this a.m. and was available. She flattered me with needing "some Kim time", so we made plans to meet at the newly re-opened La Napolera for a bite. Just as I was driving up that way she called to report no parking places to be had at La Nap so changed our plans to meet at Sonny's. I thought of Tarren when I ordered beans and franks, knowing how much she enjoys their food, especially the beans! As always, it was a huge portion of food, plus the corn nuggets, and now I feel badly because Kathy treated me....and I brought more than half home with me!

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So much for the fun part of my day----Oh, wait, I did have more fun, stopping at Office Max after lunch! I needed a replacement cartridge for my printer, plus the last of my photo paper is in the other printer. I got a different type of photo paper in hopes of clearer images so we shall see. That was a pricey visit to the office supply store, but it always is when ink is involved!

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Now, let us add the frustration---I decided to visit the AAA place to have them help me with making the plans for JR's graduation trip. It is nearly impossible to find a room close to West Point so we must arrange transportation from NYC to the Academy. Mona has tried to help me but they rented a car to get back and forth and are staying closer to the area than are Justin and I. So, enter AAA and take a seat in the waiting area. As I waited, I could hear people on the phone and helping clients when finally a lady close by to where I was sitting asked if she could help me. When I explained, she sent me across the hall to speak with someone else about the ground transportation before she could help me with flights and hotel. Ookkaayy.....off I go, to be met by a Travel Counselor who took my information, took it again, and then once more. She asked me to take a seat at her desk and we went over the details again, only she was surprised they sent me to her since I had not yet made the other travel arrangements. Not good, not one bit good. Eventually she got the computer to respond to her urgings, and while she "attempted" to locate this region on her computer, she opted to get a tour book for New York.

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After several attempts at trying to open the computer to help me, searching in drawers and in stacks of paper on her desk for her password...ahem....I told her I was in a time crunch and had to go. I can only imagine how my former spouse would have reacted to this sad display.....This Travel Counselor for AAA, a travel business, suggested I use Orbitz or Travelocity to make my reservations, which is what she does. Huh.

My dear friend, Judy R., posing with a lovely bouquet of flowers sent by another lady friend. The flowers have brightened Judy's home and her spirits, and now ours!! Look at the sunshine on her floor.....

A great end to the day!

Here I am, back home from a fun late afternoon/evening with Joanne and Christine. Jo invited me to a "mixer" at Eagle Landing, a neighborhood very much like Eagle Harbor, and is, in fact, developed by the same people. My former company has several homes for sale in this community, west of my church in an area called "Oakleaf Plantation". At first, I sort of wrinkled my nose about the prospect of going out there, but then I thought, "Why not?" Christine, my lady friend who has attended the Writer's Conferences with me in the past plus a couple art classes, is now associated with Joanne at RE/MAX, another triangle relationship.

This is Christine, whom I met in 2000 when she served us "pulled pork" when Brenda W.'s dad catered Justin's Confirmation party. Wow, a long time ago!!

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I expected to see many people I knew at the mixer, some I might not wish to see, but took my chances. Right off the bat I got to say "hello!" to Beverly whom I have known since the E. H. sales office was in a trailer at the entrance, plus several other Realtors who have hung in there through the crumbling housing market. Bev and her hubby were among those who cleaned up the dishes and such from our dinner the night Timmy died, while we were all at the hospital.

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Some of the Realtors were of the feeling that a turn-around in the housing market is already taking place and for that I rejoice and praise God. I did get to see a former agent whom I had been close to years ago, around the time Timmy died, and she just happened to be in town and joined the fun. The last time I had seen her was with Justin at UNF at a function in the arts building, cannot remember the entertainment any more. (Since I wrote this, Justin reminded me it was to hear Newt Gingrich speak at UNF).

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This photo of Brenda N., was taken at Justin's graduation party in 2006
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Another couple people I got to see were the group where my friend, Brenda N. is working. Their staff, except for Jimmie, were well represented. I knew Brenda was coming and kept an eye out for her. She, too, worked the room as she tried to drum up business for her company. Her bosses, John and Linda, enjoyed telling others the story of how they had never taken an Alaskan cruise before, and when they did, who did they run into, but me!!!!! Wwaayy over in Alaska! On the ship, I had stood up to wave my arms so the rest of our group could find us in the theater, and all of a sudden a man's hands were on my shoulders from behind----of all people, John Long!!! He spotted me waving my arms, subtly, of course, and had to come down to say "hi"! Great fun, great coincidence!

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At the mixer, we three ladies got ourselves a drink from the bar before working our way to the dining room for the food. After all, that is what we came for, right? Wow, what a great spread they put out for us! Some of the foods, of course, were not my favorites so I passed but the stuff I did like was marvelous. Joanne's name was called for a door prize and when she went up to get it, it turned out to be Christine's card. She won a gorgeous baroque-looking candlestick and candle, which, when we got back to the office, they decided to give to me because it suited me so well...awww!

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The spouse of one of the Realtors was there, sitting at a table in the bar room, and I went to greet Mike. We had built a house for Mike and Carol umpteen years ago and we formed a great friendship which has remained. We used to see each other with some regularity at the E. H. Longhorn when I'd go with the Rosses and others but it has been a while. Mike would be there with his group of buddies but now he, too, is selling real estate and has no time to go out to eat with his friends any longer. Mike had me sit in the club chairs and pulled one up so we were knee to knee to chat. Mike was speaking first with a man named Jeff, who used to go with one of the women from our office years ago, and he also gave me a hug. Anyway, Mike and I had a nice time catching up, and he was incredibly complimentary to me, doing wonders for my spirit. I felt like my feet were off the ground after talking with him, he was so sweet to me. His wife is on vacation in China so I asked him to say "hello" from me, although I do get to see her now and again in E. H., often around Great Hang Ups.

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One of the superintendents with another builder, formerly a salesman at a lumber company we did business with, recognized me. His wife is also named Kim, and used to prepare our weekly floral bouquets which we used at the cemetery after Timmy died. I still have one made up with artificial flowers from when she closed her shop. Kim knew we liked the exotics so made the large arrangement from her leftovers. She was not feeling well last night so Bill was alone. He gave me a big hug and filled me in on family news, etc. His building company is keeping busy with some remodeling work and other projects, getting through the tough times any way they can. Many people, the Realtors and other builders, asked about Justin and were happy to hear that he is in college, although many cannot believe he is this old already. When we started in E. H., Justin was only about 7 or 8, and that is the way many still picture him. Lots of history, good times, and some not so good, with our E. H. connections. They really came through for us when Timmy died, something I hope we never forget.

Waiting for news

Not news news, but news for the church newsletter...that might be how it got its name! Ya' think?? Pastor sent me an e-mail this morning asking if I can wait with going to press until he gets me a couple articles or pieces for this coming month's Flock Talk. This rarely happens, so once I got up off the floor, I answered him that I will wait, of course. The preschool is also hopefully sending me something to use but so far, only the Pioneers have submitted their report. Bravo, Jen!!! Linda J. has many folks who contribute a report or article for F. G.'s newsletter but I do not have those resources. Our staff is small and no grade school, etc. to offer news.

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The other day on facebook, I saw that a "friend" from First German was rejoicing that her father would be celebrating Easter in heaven, and Judy R. wrote to me about it this a.m. I just supposed that Judy already knew through facebook, which is where I found out. Kari and Judy know each other as she was friends with one of Judy's daughter at Martin Luther College, and Kari is a member at F. G. We have a triangular shaped friendship, plus throw Linda J. into this mix! She is always in the mix! Kari is the young lady who remarked that Judy and I were "kindred spirits", and Judy had only that week given me a bag with that printed on it!!!! Talk about being pegged!

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Kari wrote a beautiful tribute to her father and posted it on facebook. In it she mentions three grandchildren her dad joined in heaven and I asked her to tell me about them sometime. In no time at all she wrote back about the babies, and told me how she mourned with my family and me about our Timmy. Basically she said whether I knew it or not, she mourned with me. My mom would mention to her in church how much she enjoyed hearing Kari's little boy say The Lord's Prayer, that it reminded her of Timmy. Oh, those little but important things we took we for granted.....

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Mom had sent me an e-mail this a.m. telling about how Kari played the organ on Sunday, including the chimes during the congregational singing of "Amazing Grace". At one point she stopped playing along and the congregation sang acapella for a bit. Mom said it was moving and beautiful, and did I mention, moving??? Jill told me about it on Sunday already so it left an impression on them. This week is Favorite Hymn Sunday at G. S. and hopefully I will get a peek at the list of chosen hymns to see if any of my suggestions made it. Once, when we got a sheet to write our favorites on, Richard S. said to me, "You are going to need more paper!" This time I limited my choices, but did include "In Christ Alone", hoping we get to sing it. Of course, afterward I thought of a few more but will wait until the next 5 Sunday month to put those in.

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Many years ago, Kim's sister, Lynn, made the remark after her cat died, that while she missed the cat, she did not miss walking in cat litter. I feel her pain! When I went to transfer the "soiled" cat box material into the garbage can, the liner began to tear. Not good! Plan B was to get an outside-type garbage bag to pour the entire contents of the first wastebasket into the green bag and hopefully not make a mess. What a great plan! But it did not work! Somehow litter eluded the bigger bag and ended up on the tile floor for me to walk around in. Crunch crunch crunch under my slippers.....guess I could get the vacuum cleaner out or the broom...ugh!

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My friend, Suzanne, would be happy to just have some gritty cat litter to clean up on her floors. She actually had to clean up after her cat, who, not once, but twice, delivered a bird into the house!!!! Perhaps I should simply count my blessings and sweep up the mess in the foyer!

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A "post" script to this posting: I received a letter from my doctor's office reporting that my mammogram was Normal so more "news" for today!!!!

Been to the store and back already

I had to do an emergency run to the store this morning, opting for a shorter run to the Winn-Dixie store only blocks away instead of Publix or Wal*Mart. The house was quiet when I came out of my room, so I figured Joanne had left for the day, then realizing her purse was still on the counter. Ah, she probably went out for her walk this a.m. I stood in the alcove by the elevator as I waited for it to come up for me, and when the door open, out charged Joanne! She was not expecting me to be there and about had an attack by the heart when she came face to face with me at the door!! Oh, how we laughed! I told her she could get her cardio workout just by seeing me outside the elevator door! And I was fixed up, not all ragged from climbing out of bed!

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So, the emergency?? Two of them actually.....cat litter and silver remover for my hair! Joanne had the doors open last night to air the house because it smelled too "uriny" from the cat box, and we hope and pray it was the box and not on the carpets anywhere. Ewww! There is hardly anything worse than the smell of cat **** or a yukky dish cloth! Seems we have had this discussion already....

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As usually happens, I came home with a few more items than only the two urgently needed so I managed to tote them upstairs in one trip. Cat litter is very heavy, I don't care who you are! The other two bags were not too heavy but I did have my purse, too, you know. The elevator took me upstairs and when the door opened----ta da!!! Hello, Joanne!!!!! Again!!! Oh, how we laughed....I pray no one was trying to sleep yet this morning at 9:00 a.m. with our howling on the landing. Twice in one day and never ever before, seems odd, does it not?

*

My back was aching from carrying my heavy load so I simply unloaded the bags onto the counter and came to my chair. In 30 minutes (get it, Mom?) will go change the cat litter and make my house fresh smelling again. Does anyone out there want a cat? Seriously....to a good home, heck, any home, a cat with a fresh box of litter! And I will throw in a container of tofu!

Some great excitement here today

Well, maybe not all that exciting but at least great fun! In my bathroom (can I say that??) I have a hand-held draw poker game for passing the time, as it were. Today I had the option of selecting four "cards" with clubs, and hoped the next card coming up, when summoned, would be also be clubs. Sure 'nuff, it was! I watched as the score kept climbing and climbing, not stopping, so I opened the cover to look at the back of the game to see what the high score was. Without my being fully aware, I had just picked a royal flush, all clubs. Wow!!! I won 5000 points just because I opted to keep four clubs! Would that not be fun if it were coins, rattling into the dish in front of me, clang clang clang and bells ringing? And I had no one here to tell about it---so I am telling you!

*

I ate my breakfast and lunch in today, more like brunch, as I went to the fridge to pull out the balance of my patty melt from lunch with Louise the other day. Of course, I had gotten sodas out all morning but for some reason did not pay attention to what else was in the fridge. Then, I spotted it----a container of of of of----tofu!!!! Ahhhh! In MY refrigerator!!!! I treated the container like it was a snake or a rodent, batting at it with a wooden spoon. Well, not quite that bad but the sensation I had was the same. I never thought I would see the day. What next??? Just, please, don't make me eat any of it....

*

Much of the day was spent working on the Flock Talk for church as well as chatting on facebook and with Justin between classes. He is going as my date to Kathy B.'s daughter's wedding next month. I got through a few of the stacks on my desk mainly because I was looking for my Ladies' Group Minutes from the previous meeting. I was starting to get a bit concerned because I really needed my notes, and was relieved to finally find them only a few inches deep in the stack. Whew!

*

Earlier in the day I also enjoyed a couple phone conversations, one with Mona and one with my friend, Judy R.!!! She was working on her prayer calendar and asked me for some ideas regarding the Resurrection. We tried to use facebook to chat but had troubles connecting. The next best thing---the phone! We did kick around a few passages plus she said the hymnal offers great gospel gems to use to fill in all the dates. Fortunately, she also has a calendar from a couple years ago to reference for ideas. It never hurts to recycle, especially when it's the Easter story!!!

Back from the meeting....

....with no bloodshed! Tonight's Palace Annual Owners' meeting went along famously, with little or no arguments, and in fact, one of the pot stirrers even begged for no more controversies! And here I had prepared my special speech just for the meeting, with no need for me to deliver it. But I did anyway, in a greatly modified form, turning into praise for our Board, thanks for their efforts, and for that of the committees. I told the assembly that I had been approached by more than one Board member to serve but I respectfully, repeatedly declined, because "my heart is like a tiny china doll" and I could not take "the heat in the kitchen" which is where the Board finds itself. My remarks were well received and the newsletter complimented, which was quite nice to hear, of course!

*

We are still going to have at least one more major assessment, which I am prepared for, that being the caulking, repairing of stucco, and painting of the building. A huge undertaking, much involved, but will hopefully put to rest many more of the leaking problems remaining. Somehow I avoided being on the Team making the color selections as I just finished that job at church. One of the non-resident owners is taking the job with help of Maureen, a woman with most excellent decorating sense. We will have three color choices to vote on, majority wins. The north end bulkhead needs to be repaired/replaced after the damage from TS Faye last August and they would like this done before the season starts again, for fear of additional erosion of our property.

*

So, the good news is I got out of there with the same jobs I went in with, editor of the newsletter and on the social team---yippee!!!

*

Saturday on my way to the Tupperware party at Wendy's house, I saw a sign for the Urgent Care facility in Oakleaf. Urgent Care----makes one think of cuts needing stitches, an ear infection, or a broken arm, right? Oh, no! This sign, under the name Urgent Care Center listed several items including Botox injections, laser hair removal, dermabrasion, and other seriously non-emergency health problems. What in the world??? I just had to laugh at the prospect of making a quick trip to the Urgent Care Center for a necessary laser hair removal!!!

"You mean these guys really lived?"

In the movie, "Secondhand Lion", a pre-teen boy is sent to live with his elderly great-uncles, uninvited, for a summer and hears the most amazing and fantastic stories about their lives. The stories were so "huge" that it was difficult for the young man to believe. At the end of the movie, an ancestor of one of the characters in the assumed "tall tales" shows up with his young son, who asked, "You mean these guys great-grandfather talked about really lived???" His dad turned to the now grown great-nephew who confirmed, both sadly and proudly, "they really did LIVE!", to the fullest.

*

I took the movie to church with me to return to Suzanne, but when Cliff saw me with it, we began discussing the story. One thing led to another and I very nicely let Cliff borrow Suzanne's movie from me! Hopefully they get a chance to watch it and return it to the rightful owner promptly. And I also hope they enjoy it as much as Joanne and I did!

*

My kitchen is smelling so good right now with my roaster back in the oven with last night's supper cooking once more. The last time I did this, I ended up the pork in my hair when it spit mightily at me. A good clean shot, too! That is not it for re-runs, however; I am also being entertained by "Godfather II" again this afternoon on AMC network. As much as I enjoy watching these two movies, the ads for upcoming "network" programming is getting on my nerves. I feel as though I have seen the entire show already through the trailers and promotions.

*

Last night when getting my bedtime Diet Coke, I realized it was the only can in the box. My pantry showed no more cases in there, when I was certain more existed. It is heck to get old, and worse to know there was no more soda! Joanne offered to go get some but I told her thanks, but no, I would get some in the a.m. The final can lasted until this a.m. when I finished it off before my shower. On the way to church I stopped at Sonic and got my Route 44 Diet Coke. Ahhh! Tasted soooo good!

*

I posted the new photos on the Flock Board to help fill in where the blanks were but one new family's photo just could not be made small enough for the Board without cutting off their heads or faces. After church I asked this family to pose once more for me in an attempt to squeeze them onto a four by four piece of paper! Brian also asked me to retake his photo because he sports a new, modern look and wants the Flock Board to reflect this.

*

Immediately following worship was a congregational/voters meeting with much to discuss including a sharing of ministry and duties with an area congregation whose pastor, already part-time, is taking full retirement. There is a proposed plan for one of our members who has been trained in our Synod schools and served as a principal at a Lutheran grade school to become certified as a Staff Minister and work with our pastor and others in serving this congregation in some ways, and ours in other ways. Whew! A Greek sentence.....run on.....

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(Editor's Note: I deleted the portion here which would have connected this next paragraph)

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I am glad Justin came out of our family mess minimally scathed. In our household, having lost his brother in the midst of the foolishness sort of outweighed the rest of the junque going on. I should not say this definitively, only Justin really can answer that question and perhaps only time will tell. I rejoice that he remains in the faith and enjoys worshipping at Victory, where they make him feel welcome. Even "fighting" over who gets to sit with him when he goes to have supper before mid-week services! He is still quite the ladies' man, even if they are old enough to be his grandmothers! (So no one worries or wonders, what transpired at our congregational meeting in no way affects or reflects anything regarding Justin, but another young man going through similar things Justin did years ago....)

*

And now, some Tylenol and pork roast!

Thinking about my friends tonight....

............after hanging up with Linda J., who just returned from visiting her new granddaughter, Amanda this weekend. It's really quite simple---we love and care about each other!! And just so she does not get jealous, she already knows about my other friends, a few I will mention here. Please do not feel slighted if you are not mentioned, okay? I love and care about many other peoples, too. (A Timmy expression: peoples) Linda has the joy of hosting a WELS singer and her family at her home when Wendy Sue comes to Manty next month. Mom, Justin, and I saw and heard Wendy Sue perform here in Florida several years ago and I believe Mom has her CD, autographed, mind you. I wonder if Mom will remember her....

*

Today our choir sang a psalm called "Hiding Place", based on Psalm 17, and boy, we could have used just one more run through before worship! No one complained but we knew a rehearsal would have helped get the bugs out of it. There is one section where Brian sang alone as the female voices did "oh's and ah's", and I do not know how close we came to hitting the right notes. No babies were crying so it could not have been THAT bad....We sang the final stanza or refrain acapella and I think that went well, except that Brian was our leader and I looked toward Kathy instead....ooops! I even knew better but...

*

Anyway, Kathy is such a sweetheart, spending time with me on Friday at the Wine Tasting Party and having a great conversation. We could have skipped the party and just talked but then would have missed meeting those other fine folks. Ever widening the circle........We met a lady recovering from a cancer similar to Judy R.'s, so that was inspiring, hearing the success story from another survivor.

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A couple weeks ago, Suzanne sent me the link to listen to "Hiding Place" any time I needed it, and seemed to already sense it was rattling in my brain and heart before she sent it over. It was the right medicine needed before going through all my court preparations and meetings. Awesome! "I will search in the silence for your hiding place. In the quiet, Lord, I seek your face...." My heart is warmer just from knowing this!

*

A member of church who is presently worshipping elsewhere for awhile reported to me that her little boy "misses Miss Kim", mentioning me specifically. Wow again! Little Caleb, son of Rick and Jen at church, who seldom speaks or acknowledges me (probably because I stare at him so much, because he reminds me of somebody....) wished me a "good morning' today! He is so somber but still he said it as he flew past me. Little Daniel, Suzanne's son, came and showed me his wrapped up arm, which will be put in a full cast tomorrow.....I cannot imagine the job they had trying to keep him settled this weekend, the way he flew around at church. He sure did not mind having a sore arm! Best wishes tomorrow, John, as you take him in for the cast! I want to sign it on Wednesday night!

*

Linda told me about a wonderful book she is reading, a devotion a day book, that she said made her think of me and is going to send me a copy. She is too much! Between Judy R. and Linda, they are going to make a reader out of me yet! Judy sent me a reference the other day from a hymn that was included in a card she received, and wanted to share it with me. Those hymns and Bible treasures go a long way in healing the hurting, and putting joy in our hearts and on our lips!

*

Speaking of that, my bro-in-law, David, who is also a friend, gave a sermon at his church in WI as part of a testimonial event they had going on. He sent me the link so I could read it, and I was impressed. He stopped short of mentioning me in it, except when he talked about where Lori and he were married (in my family room!), but that's okay, maybe he will get another turn!!! He spoke about his "calling" to serve the Lord, and is now a musician singing and leading in church after being away from church for a long time. Bravo, David, and thanks for the testimony! "Lead me in your footsteps along your ancient way, let me walk in the love of the Lord....." Hiding Place, Psalm 17.

"...you're my brother, and I love you....."

.......but don't ever take sides against the family again.....ever!!!" From Michael Corleone to Fredo, the turn-coat older brother, who defended a hotel and casino owner from a takeover by the "family". Michael would have none of that! In one scene Michael grabs Fredo's face, gives him a huge smooch (it is New Year's Eve) and tells him he knew it was him all along who betrayed the family. "I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart, you broke my heart!" Eventually it will be curtains for Fredo, who finds himself on the outside of "the family" looking in, at least as long Mama is alive. Once she is dead, good-bye Fredo..........great drama! But I don't want to give it all away......

*

Joanne and I ate dinner at home tonight, enjoying some ribs baked with golden mushroom soup with roasted carrots and potatoes. I made it, so, naturally, our meal was delicious! While dining in the family room, we watched a movie Suzanne let me borrow called "Secondhand Lion" which was really, really good! Thank you, Suzanne! It was such a wonderful movie, complete with unexpected turns of events, my favorite being the bar fight! Two old guys still full of character, among other things! And then the end when the helicopter lands....Rent it, or get it from the library, it is worth the viewing! Almost as good as "The Godfather" series!!!!

"The Social Contract"

There seems to be so much anger these days, all around us. Even inside of us. It seems I have written or thought enough about grumpy stuff these past couple days. The Board Meeting started this ball rolling, where I had to fend-off being pressured to serve but agreed to speak on behalf of the Board at the Annual Meeting next week. Yikes!

*

I am now listening to a House episode called "The Social Contract" where a man suffers from some brain malady which "forces" him to say exactly what he is thinking, removing his inhibitions and politeness. He says hurtful things to those he supposedly loves, criticizes others around him, including their physique, or praises their physique if he is not related to them. Quite crass and vulgar things. How come never truly praiseworthy? Is everything ugly that is left unsaid??? One of the doctors was told by the patient that his nose was too large and another doctor had a false bedside manner. When discussing it later, the two doctors reinforced each other, playing down the large nose and friendly nature each other has, according to "the social contract". We just do not do those things which are deliberately hurtful or cruel----right?

*

This was sort of like what my dad experienced when he was manic during his bipolar episodes. The psychiatrist claimed this was the real "Bob" coming out, and at the time, we felt like the doctor was out of his mind. In hindsight, what the doctor was saying was most likely true, but fortunately our "balanced" nature is to mind our manners, keep inappropriate thoughts out of our mouths and heads, and pray that the Lord will make that happen in us. Something chemical or physical can remove the "brakes" on our nature which keep us within the "social contract" of decency, morality, and not saying the first thing which comes into our heads.

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The Lord has worked in us, helped us to keep impure thoughts and actions away from our lives, and gave us the strength we need to battle against the old evil foe. It seems nowhere is safe, nowhere or nothing we can do to avoid hard, hurtful feelings, sometimes even from people whom you would not expect to dish it out. Whether in our homes, at church, out in public, in courtrooms, on the street, on the news, endless doses of acrimony and dissension. Just wait until the Congregational Meeting and Annual Owners Meeting this coming week......

*

Once this patient is cured, fixed with brain surgery, Dr. House remarks that now this man can return to his normal "happy hypocrite" state, which means not saying the first thing that comes to his mind, keeping his snide and hurtful comments to himself. Why does this sound so negative instead of positive??

Judy has more good news!

During the Building Committee meeting last night, my phone was going nuts with one friend calling twice just to make sure I got the message. My friend, Jen, was wondering if I still had my left-handed golf clubs and if so, could her son use them? Yesterday afternoon when Justin and I were getting the roosters and hens down from the shelf, I saw my clubs in the corner and had the passing thought that they probably would never see the light of day again. I really enjoyed the golfing, mostly at the driving range, but not enough to want to go out and do it again. In fact, my clubs had crossed my mind Wednesday night, when I was thinking of things to send to Joanne's yard sale. Thursday, on the way to Victory, I drove past a lighted driving range and thought about my clubs....and then Jen called. Hmmmm, what would you call that?????

*

One of the other calls was not about golfing at all---in fact, it was more like a singing telegram, telling me "God is so good"!!! Judy had gotten an excellent report from the oncologist indicating no spreading of her cancer or further involvement. Leave it to Judy to write a song about it, with the refrain asking for more "thank you" prayers to the Lord for His mercy on her. Please, ladies of age, make sure you get your diagnostic tests done so you can avoid an unpleasant or life-ending experience! Judy is now, and already was, a champion of the breast cancer survivors. She volunteers in an area mammo clinic and so has first-hand knowledge and contact with the ladies who come in. Go Judy! And thank you, Lord Jesus, for sparing my friend!!!!

*

I guess I should not worry too much about not being a good golfer because I am a better bowler than PresBO, but I shouldn't feel too proud because after all, well, he told a bad joke about his skills on Leno last night..............Tennis lessons were fun, too. Andy, the pro at Eagle Harbor, really liked me, but made me promise not to tell my then spouse that I had better hand/eye coordination than did he! Both of us were taking lessons at the time, him first and then me. Justin, Timmy, and I would go to the tennis courts and use the ball machine to shoot balls at us. Once, Timmy was standing at the "receiving end" of the court, trying to pick up the balls, when, WHAM!!, I hit him smack in the forehead with a ball! He was such a trouper, that kid, it bothered me far more than it bothered him!

*

The recent death of the actress who died after falling on the skiing practice hill brought back to mind my brush with learning to ski. And I did! Once I learned how to ski, I went to the lodge to wait for the hot doggers to come back. But, while we were learning how to ski, four of us from our company, I was the only one who never fell down. In fact, my former spouse was taken over on the side for some private instruction while I continued skiing in circles and around where the instructors told us to go.

*

Even getting on and off the gizmo which takes people up the mountain involved training and somehow I managed to get on and off without falling. Mostly my goal was to not fall, because heaven only knows how in the world I would get back up again! I felt like a champ because I stayed upright, which is truly the intent of skiing. Sometime later on this trip, my already estranged spouse critically announced that only someone who has fallen is considered "a real skier". Oh, don't worry, I was not robbed of my pride! I was not the one taken off on the side for remedial training! And I did not fall and bump my head, like the actress did. Was that not the weirdest thing?

*

Today brings a phone meeting with my attorney to discuss a few matters yet unsettled, as we await the Judges' signature on his recent decision from the hearing. After this phone call, I am available until 1:00 pm when I have a lunch meeting with Louise from Art Guild, my "boss" regarding new members and their mentoring. We are blazing new territory as there is no established plan for "assimilating" people into the group. I have some knowledge of assimilation (I used to be a Borg!) so we can get a plan in place to help folks in the Art Guild. The Guild has grown by nearly three times its former size and this was not usually a problem. Everyone knew everyone, but now, not so much. I feel like Kramer, wanting to put up photos and names of everyone to help identify newcomers (re: The Kiss Hello episode). Funny!!!!!

*

This evening my time is being spent with some church family as we are invited to a Wine Tasting party in Mandarin. The hostess, Tamara, told me to invite "my girls" so I have two friends joining me in the fun. Tomorrow is a Tupperware party at Wendy's house, to help her friend kick off her business. Truly there must be some other way to make extra money than Tupperware but Jennifer and I are going to go to show our support. Lisa, get ready for more Tupperware!!!!

"Hot as a Pancake"

The above expression was used at the Building Committee meeting I attended tonight and really made us all laugh. The Chair, Mike, was telling about a client he has right now, waiting to get his sun room installed, and it is not happening fast enough. He said the guy was "hot as a pancake" about it, which just tickled our funny bone. Oh, good! We found a reason to laugh during a Building Committee meeting!!!!

*

My handyman, Butch, arrived this a.m. only moments before I had to leave for Bible study so I could only get him started before heading out the door. He is the cutest little fella, on his second or third career, and is even shorter than I am! He can do it all, though: he can do the plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, and carpentry work plus do all the hauling up and down the elevator. And Butch calls me "sweetheart" which I really like. Justin said I call people that, too, and I call him "Sweets"....no wonder I like it!

*

My drive over to Victory was a bit delayed because I stopped to let the maintenance lady, Connie, know about my renovation in case there was an interruption in water service when Butch shut the water off or, God forbid, another leak situation!!!

*

The church doors were all locked but Pastor heard me at the door and came running to let me in. Although the video had already started, I was not the last one to come in. We are following a program from the "Focus on the Family" group, discussing today, "Who Is God?", from "The Truth" series. It is sooooooooooo good, interesting but quite deep, but still "learnable" for us lay people. The professor who serves as instructor is an excellent teacher and I feel like I am a college student on Thursday mornings!

*

On the way over to Victory, I got a phone call from Ellen, my neighbor whose husband died suddenly in late January. She is trying to recover and re-gain her footing after his death and we were going to perhaps get together today for lunch, her first time out. I like it that she reaches out to me, since no one else in the building has been able to speak with her. She is living away from The Palace right now as it is hard on her to be around his belongings and such. Unfortunately, she had a doctor appointment which was going to interfere today but she plans to keep next week open for us. And she wants to have some poolside time as soon as the weather improves, and I am also up for that!

*

The afternoon found me busy on the computer working ahead on the church newsletter and downloading photos from my memory card. I had over 350 photos stored on it so they needed to be removed to the computer. When I got home, Butch showed me the make-shift plumbing he discovered when taking the wall apart. One pipe in the wall was secured with a hose clamp!! The water supply for the hot water was so brittle that it nearly snapped off in his fingers. He said it would not have been long before it let go and then we'd really have trouble!!! I am so glad I decided to go ahead with this project and get that creaky plumbing taken care of before it affects my downstairs neighbors!!!

*

When Justin came over after work, he was totally bummed out because his co-worker/friend was told that tomorrow is his last day. He felt the guy should have been given a bit more notice than one day. I hope the fella comes in tomorrow so Justin can at least give him a proper send-off. Now Justin is the lone go-fer guy left and will have to do all the grunt work. Today they moved a mess of furniture from a model home which was sold. Oh, good, a sale!!

*

He helped me to get a bunch of my rooster and chicken collection together as Joanne is having a yard sale at her church, the perfect place to donate them. I had made up my mind to not collect them any longer and to free myself of some of the things taking up space. I did keep some which had special memories for me especially the ones given to me by Joe, our trim man. He gave me many gifts and I still have them all, including two stuffed roosters and a ceramic one with measuring spoons as the tail! Justin had given me a stained glass lamp rooster which I wished to keep and perhaps even find a place out here in the rooms to plug it in.

*

The deal we made was for him to clean my black doors which he thought would be much easier than it was, and for that work, I would get him some new shorts and a pair of shoes. I probably did end up with the "raw" end of the deal but I am more satisfied with having clean doors than he is with new shoes, I think....We placed the order this afternoon before he went over to pick up his carpool buddy. The purchases are being delivered here because it is better than at his student housing place, and I am cool with that. Just brings him back to his mama one more time! We had planned on having lunch with some church friends on Sunday but he doesn't want to wait until after our congregational meeting. Nuts! He said we will try again for a week where less is going on------like, when exactly??????

Saturday's Rally

Well, it's about time I write about the Lutheran Womens Mission Society (LWMS) Rally in Ocala. I told about the laughs on the way there and back but not about the content of the theme. "Special Ministries" was the full theme, and we heard a report from the pastor in charge of this regarding the ministry to prisons, campuses, visually/hearing impaired, among others. The focus that day was ministry to the military, and in particular, those in the war zones.

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Our speaker, Pastor Ziemer, was cute little guy with a heart for the warriors, both here in the USA as well as those deployed. More than once he got teared up when talking about what the soldiers and sailors endure, the separation from their families, their hunger for the Word. He told stories about plans being made for special worship for his WELS guys and them bringing their friends, only to have to abbreviate the worship or cancel all together because of a mission. A different, opposite mission than his.

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Pastor Ziemer has to keep top secret his locations, his travel plans, when he has been "over there" or when he plans to return. It is considered a "black operation" and must be kept so for safety and military reasons. When he takes a photo, it cannot be panoramic or show any type of identification of a camp, location, or country. He stays usually in Kuwait City and has been escorted out of the country by our government (soldiers) for his own safety, but not willingly, because he still had some souls to serve. My eyes were red-rimmed by the time he was finished. His passion for the military and those he serves was evident, and he begged for our prayers for all in harm's way.

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The work he does is not funded by the Synod, and each trip costs approximately $6000. Where does the money come from? One major source is donations from the OWLS!!! My mom is part of this group, as were my in-laws, the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors, with their offerings dedicated to support our ministry to the WELS and others serving in the war zone and elsewhere. Another major contributor is the LWMS, and his bosses felt it so valuable for him to come speak to our Rally that a man from Synod came down to cover for him at his home congregation in Fayetteville, NC.

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One of those with whom Pastor Z. works closely is Mark Vance, who is a former member of Good Shepherd and was my Elder for several years---poor guy! I really put that guy through the ringer with my troubles. His wife, Dawn, and daughter, who is my friend, Tarren were also supportive during the loss of Timmy and then my marriage. Tarren married my friend, Pete, and so the circle widens. Mark's mom was at the Rally and it was absolutely delightful to see her again, as she is recovering after breast cancer. Ruth is now a blond, quite a different look from her normally red hair. We write to each other now and again via e-mail but it was wonderful to actually give a real live hug instead of only wishing her one!

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At the beginning of the Rally was a devotion by Pastor Lemke, who serves at Living Hope, Ocala. He was originally from Morrison, in Manitowoc County, WI. He had been on a cruise with some friends who joined a fun group out of Winona, MN, last summer-----none other than Judy and JerBear!!!! What a small, small world! He is a great speaker and I wish his devotion would have lasted longer, but we had business to attend to before the Guest Speaker.

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The devotional hymn we sang was selected stanzas from "Abide with Me" including the one which provokes tears: "Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes, shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me." Janet glanced to her left and saw my tears so she held my hand as she sang. These types of songs simply prompt the tears, as I so long to see what those gone ahead of us get to see in the presence of the Lord....

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I digress: During the break for lunch, Pastor Lemke was dashing about setting up chairs and pouring water and being the perfect host, etc. I did manage to corner him for a moment to speak to him about the Ruserts and the trip to Alaska last year. I told him about Judy's cancer and her successful surgery and he was relieved to hear the news. Then, he said he wished he had more time to spend with Jerry and talk about engines. What? Talk about engines?? I guess Jerry and he connected over the subject of some type of engine in the design or thought-phase, and Pastor liked what Jerry had to say about it. I am blown away by my friend, Judy, and he is interested in talking about engines------well, I guess.......

*

Oh, I am just chuckling here about the talk about Barney and His Friends in Washington DC, all in a lather about the AIG bonuses and such. The guys doing the imitations are just a hoot, and I am certain his party is so proud to have him be their spokesman to the nation. Yikes! This is truly a 'what is this world coming to?' time in our history, with slobbering Barney at the mike!

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Sunday I spoke at church with a visiting professor from Martin Luther College who brought me greetings from Alice, a member at my home church, First German. When the prof. was a practice teacher many moons ago, he lived with Alice and her hubby, and has remained close to her over the years. He is also a friend of Judy R.'s and I told him about the breast cancer. John told me he went to see her when he was up in Winona recently but that was the weekend she was away with her kids at the Dells, at the indoor waterpark in the middle of winter!!! He said he left her a gift or a card and hoped she would get it. John served as her principal when Judy still taught. It's a small world in the WELS.....

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.......which brings me to the little song we sang in the afternoon session at the Rally. Someone wrote a song to the tune of "It's a Small World" from Disney, but the lyrics are about the WELS. You can't swing a cat without making some kind of connection in our Synod and the song goes on to point that out. I am not sure I can repeat it verbatim but part of it goes on this order: "and the organists son is at the sem, the pastor's wife's father was in school your father's kid brother....". You get the picture. It turns into a "who beget whom" session, like it did with John Minch and Pastor Lemke!

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Oh, I almost forgot to mention how Pastor Z. has men training to serve as lay leaders in the war zone, to conduct a modified worship when the civilian chaplains are not available. Because the men have enough to carry and do not wish to haul a hymnal with them, many have taken to memorizing some hymns so they can sing during their makeshift worship. Imagine that! And we are sometimes told our Sunday school kids cannot memorize hymns. I will bet many of these soldiers are glad they did! When he travels to the stationary camps, he has a mess of hymnals that he takes with him, donated by a church in none other than Manitowoc, WI! He pointed right at me when he said that! His uncle, Augie, was wounded 17 times during WWII and kept in the fight. After the war he worked the rest of his life at Dick Brothers Bakery in Manitowoc, WI!!! You can't swing a cat..........