Ahoy! Manatee sighting!

Sure, make a liar out of me! Only Friday I told Marian and Biff that it was too cold yet for the manatees to be back here. I related about the past antics and frolicking they did right outside my windows, in front of my mother, no less! Shameless!!! Later on Friday, who spots the snouts of a pair of manatee but Christina and her daughter, Camille! They came all the way from Ohio to see manatees and now their wishes are fulfilled. As I write, a pair is splashing about near the inlet, at the end of the sandbar, sometimes barely visible about the surface. Ah, those beautiful sea cows!

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Saturday morning I went to church to set up for Holy Communion and got to hear Kathy and Suzanne rehearse their processional number for Easter Festival service. Oh, my, it was magnificent! As they ran through it the second time, Tamara and Jordyn came in before the Little Lambs session, and got to hear it too. As I told Justin, at points Kathy gets to pound on the "black set keys", as Timmy's piano teacher described them. Did I say magnificent???

Just look at Suzanne's face as she confers with Kathy prior to performing "The Lamb"

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Kathy also played "In Christ Alone" while Suzanne accompanied on viola and I sang along from the front of the church while setting things up. Again, they played beautifully, and all I could do was weep in anticipation. We reviewed the service folder for Easter Festival and I discovered a potential problem----the choir would be singing three anthems during this service, with one of them immediately following "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Suzanne suggested that I think about something funny when the hymn is sung, so I could sort of put the message out of my mind, and the memories it stirs. The value of that message is what is a blessing and makes the hymn so appropriate for funerals and Easter, so this advice, while appreciated, is easier said than done.

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My usual plan is to simply step out while it is being sung, which is what Justin suggested when I spoke with him on the phone. He called while I was setting up the communion ware in the kitchen and I told him about the situation. We were finalizing our plans for going to The Landing for the FairTax Rally that afternoon. Our official attendance confirmation paperwork said one time but the radio was giving another time, so we decided to speed things along so we could get down there and not miss a thing. Pastor was in the breezeway as I came out of the Fellowship Hall, me still wiping my eyes after talking with Justin about "I Know That....." and both ladies asked, "Still?!?" We all laughed, and I told them that Justin recommended I not wear any make-up on Sunday. I said that I had to at least start out looking half-way decent and make repairs as the day progressed. I did much better today than yesterday, got it sort of cried out!

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After setting up at church, I picked up my smoked turkey and honey baked ham, grabbed a few items from Publix and headed for home. Justin already knew to stop at my car to carry up items when he arrived, which he did. I carried up the perishables and got things stored away. In no time, we headed off for The Landing, with me driving because it really looked like rain and Justin is hesitant about driving in the rain. On the way down I mentioned that I have a dental appointment Wednesday just at the time the Tea Party is taking place, and I told him "Peggy" would certainly let me change it. She, my dentist, is a staunch, active Conservative, and we have seen her at other political functions in the past. Sure enough, as the event started to wrap up Saturday, here came Peggy and John, her hubby, to sit down by us! I told her about our conversation on the way downtown, and she said, "Yeah, we can switch things around, this is important!" John is going to come over for the Tea Party on his lunch, since he works right nearby so we are going to seek each other out Wednesday. Judy J. is going, too, but Kathy has to work so cannot join us. I must remember to call to change the appointment right away tomorrow so I do not forget or leave the hygienist in a lurch.

The jumbo tron shows some of the FairTax.org information, upcoming events, and other advertising for the gathering crowd.
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The rain never came and we easily found parking in the Modis building parking garage for only $5. The Landing's lot was already full which shows we made the right choice to leave earlier than planned. I had checked on-line before heading down there to see if we could carry our own chairs in but it said no chairs or coolers could be brought in. Nuts! Obviously no one else checked the website and they brought their own chairs, with no problems or questions asked. I would much have preferred my beach chair than sitting on the concrete curb where my feet kept falling asleep from the odd position. The rally was exciting, interesting, and a great way to help this movement from the grassroots upward. We heard speeches from legislators, public policy guys, radio talk-show hosts, the two authors of the FairTax book, one of which is a U. S. Senator. The sun cooked us nicely, and I am left with the shape of my heart necklace baked into my flesh! An awesome day with my Justin!!!

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I was pooped out when I got home and rested my bones. It was about time for the sundeck gathering so I went down there to sit. A wedding was taking place which we watched with the proprietress from The Club, who joined us on the deck. A very sullen lady, not good for my soul....Joanne and her family returned, and came walking down the promenade to see the wedding. She announced they were going to dinner and invited me along so I went upstairs to see what the plan was. We wanted something featuring outdoor dining (I miss Johnny Carino's!!!!) and I had the brain storm of going to Whitey's for some local flavor and el fresco dining. Sadly, the deck was full and we'd have to wait over 30 minutes for a seat, and then eat. They were going to stop once more at Joanne's dad's assisted living facility and did not want to show up there too late at night. We ended up eating inside but made the most of it. The two family members enjoyed their food and the decor at Whitey's, which would have been even better from outside! Oh well. When I got home I worked on a couple things in preparation for Easter feast and then went to bed. As you already read, I did not sleep a wink and am looking forward to winking all night long tonight!!