At the end of the day.......

.........we have a dramatic electrical storm! And yes, I am on my computer during the best of it! The storm came as quickly as it is leaving, at least, it appears to be moving south quite rapidly. The waves are white, crashing against the breakwater, and a lone osprey is soaring, riding the wind, as it were. Impressive! Lightning is striking on the opposite side of the river, and since it is not night time yet, looks creepier than if it were.

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Joanne got home only moments before the storm, which thus far has not brought rain, because on Monday nights she watches The Bachelor on TV. I vacated the family room so she can enjoy her program. I know of some others who also watch this show plus various programs of the same ilk, and then they wonder "Why?"...She reported that the north end of the building has already been painted, which I never would have known unless I walked down there. I saw some white on the face of the one portion but assumed it was primer/sealant. I wish we could have gone somewhat more daring with the color choice, but as Donna, one of my neighbors, told me, "Kim, you are our accessory!" I was wearing a particularly outspoken shirt that day with many of the colors I would have preferred instead of the blah yellow that was chosen. It really does not matter, in the big picture, because the mildew will be gone with the building looking fresh again when they are done.

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This afternoon I spent some time poolside, enjoying the lovely hot weather. I was not alone, others were there for the same reason. While I was sitting at the table, I gave Mom a call just to chat, and in the course of the conversation, she observed her parking lot full of police cars. Four of them, this time! Enough!!!! Mom said she made some phone calls this morning to get prices on apartments, including the nice place we toured with Clara Petska. Yesterday she heard someone pounding on the neighbors' door, begging to be let in because he had just gotten out of jail.........Okay, so when can we start packing the boxes????

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My late morning/early afternoon was spent at the funeral, and what an interesting service it was! Steve was buried from his church, which I am sure was a blessing for his parents and family, and had planned his service months ago with his son. The hymns he chose were all CHRISTmas ones, even "Silent Night", because, according to the service folder, Steve felt that this day was when all people feel "peace". It was nice to see his former spouse, Margo, again and their daughter, whom I had not seen since she was an infant. Margo is not working right now, having been laid off from her brokerage job. I felt so terrible for her, having to deal with all this right now, but she was holding up.

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When Timmy died, my sister, Lori, remarked that she had never before seen so many grown men openly crying. One of those men was serving as an usher today and I reintroduced myself to him as Timmy Day's mom. Immediately his arms were around me, as yes, he did certainly remember me. When I answered that I am doing just fine, he was so glad to hear it. He knew Timmy well because his son was in the same classroom. This man's wife did not remember who Timmy was, and I can safely say here in this venue that she not as "hands on" as the dad was with the kids. Sort of a role reversal. We had been at their home for Steve's parents' 50th wedding anniversary party years ago, but I cannot remember exactly when that was....

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My neighbor, Pat, was also at the funeral so we sat together. She was familiar with the order of service plus knew many more people than I did, because she is also a Realtor. Isabel was holding up quite well, but Steve's dad was not.There were many photos and momentos on the table in the narthex, including his wedding photos and pictures of his youngest daughter, Rebecca. His older son is married and has a child of his own, and his older daughter appears to be in her late 20's, at least. Steve's family who remembered me asked about Justin, which pleased me greatly. After all these years and all these events, they still remembered Justin!