It is nearly time to go....

...and I still have people to see! Where does the time go? And so quickly?? The cross-state traveling takes up time but was necessary to see Judy and celebrate ThanksLiving with Lori and family. Linda is already thinking of ways to get the three of us--Judy, Linda, and me---together, under one roof in the future. I cannot even imagine the great fun THAT would be!

*

Mom and I went shopping this a.m. as she had to fill a scrip again at Wal*Mart. Her insurance does not allow her to fill them all at once so has to do them almost one by one as they come due. Such a bother for an older person, or for any person as far as that goes. I bought a passel of CHRISTmas presents to wrap and leave behind for those not coming to FL to celebrate with the rest of us. I love shopping for the kids, the best fun of all is choosing the most fun toys and best books. Once the kids get older, the going gets tougher, but I think I did okay. I have gift receipts to accompany the packages if they don't work out.

*

Mom and I had lunch with Linda, who was our wheel man today, and enjoyed Thai-American food at a new place in town. Yummy food but a great deal of it so Mom will have another meal or two from our combined leftovers. A kettle of my delicious chili was brewed on the stove all afternoon once Linda and I got back from shopping at the Honey Pot. Cindy, the proprietress, was not in this afternoon so I did not get to greet her. Nor does she have to ship me any lovely glass as none caught my eye today. I think the holiday stuff in her shop took the place of the temptation and I walked away with only homemade chocolates in my bag. Linda did better than did I with a few exchange gifts taken care of today.

*

She was worn out from her busyness last night, preparing for and serving her table of guests at the Ladies' Advent Service at church. Jill, Mom, Alayna, Lynn, and I were seated at her table along with Joanie and two ladies she invited. The service was lovely, and I got a few pictures with my purse camera which I won't be able to download until I get home. I hope I like the photos from the little camera or else it is back to the giant Canon for my picture taking. Before I left there, I got and gave hugs to Tommy, who was doing dishes in the kitchen, and the two pastors, one also doing dishes and one carrying his newly born baby in her carrier. I think the baby needed her mama, if you know what I mean.

*

This afternoon while making my soup, I also chatted at some length with my cousin, Rochelle, who is caregiver to my sis-in-law, Sharon. It saddens us both that Sharon is rather "abandoned" since her mom died two years ago and her dad in an Alzheimer unit. My friend, Letty, took Sharon along to a concert at Lutheran High not long ago, being asked to do so by another friend of Sharon's who could not take her. Letty did not know Sharon before but took her along, only to be met by Mom and Lynn who informed Letty that Sharon was 'family'! Small world, is it not? I really wish there was something I could do, but it is out of my hands at this point. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to pick her up and take her to supper somewhere, and then am meeting my other sis-in-law, Barb, at her parent's house. Whew!

*

Mom, Jill, and I watched the funeral video this evening, at Jill's request. She had no idea, until I mentioned it recently, that Mom had a copy of it. To hear that sermon once more does not hurt a bit and there were fewer tears shed tonight than the last time I watched with Kelly T. During dinner I managed to spot my turtleneck with tomato sauce so off I went to launder it immediately. I had to go change the load over quickly and got back to Mom's apartment just as the sermon was about to begin. I can truck pretty quickly down the hall and back again when I have to, even with a loaded wash basket!

*

Joanne called with the weather report for Wednesday, saying high winds are expected that afternoon, with gusts up to 50 mph and potential for power outages. Nuts! I do not want any delays in getting back to Jax as we have church that evening and choir rehearsal afterward. The next day I am expected for Bible study at Victory followed by Ladies' Advent Service runthrough following the study. Whew! I will be right back in the swing of things as soon as I get back. Love it! Saturday is the service and I hope Martie remembers to ask off that day......we have an event at the Thrasher-Horne on Saturday night, too, so we fly from one end of town to the other Saturday. Sunday will be worship and football, and Monday night is our Ladies' Group CHRISTmas party AND Packer football. Did I mention I love it???

Back by popular demand...

...and a special shout-out to my faithful who missed me! Thanks for letting me know you kept checking...it is not easy to post when traveling, you know? I hear people stirring in the house and might have missed my chance for the shower, but can always sneak downstairs to use the shower in the lower level. I am staying in Lori's "bead room" and love being on the same level as the kitchen and bathroom. My knee, praise be to the Lord, has been doing just great, no more problems. Jessica was correct, not the time to panic!

*

Having a gimpy knee caused some reflection on my part, making me realize that I am getting older and the things I expect of my body are no longer realistic. At least, not with me in this present condition! Until something is gone, we often do not fully appreciate its value (don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til its gone...Joni Mitchell) such as working joints, clear vision, endurance, a sense of humor, to name a few. I rejoice that my humor is in place although sometimes I am laughing at myself or by myself! My heart is in good condition, too, in many ways, especially now since I am with my family and loading it up with great memories and fun times. Those two little guys, Gabe and Manny, are just a delight to me in my old age and cannot imagine loving them any more than I do now. Lisa and Noah are excellent, caring parents and it does not hurt one bit that the kids are so darn cute to boot!

*

Justin has been keeping in regular contact with me, sending me text messages when something strikes him as "Mom would love this" or to tell me how cold it was in Jacksonville that morning. He had it twice as warm in Jax as we had here, so we were both freezing! His holiday time was busy, too, with meals, shopping, a birthday party, and football watching. Yay! The Packers won!!! He said they decided not to shop overnight at Best Buy as the guy they were shopping for did not want anything. Justin was going to get jeans on sale, a huge markdown, at American Eagle. He needs new jeans since he has lost weight, because he is also loosing his pants!

*

Wednesday I drove to Judy's house in MN straight through from Manty and she met me in town at the visitor center. We left my car at her church and she took me to her home. There we visited and made some preparations for their dinner in advance so she would not have to do it all on Thursday. Their son and family arrived in the afternoon which was a true delight for me, to meet her people, or at least, some of them! We all went to church together and then Judy and Jerry got me lined up with the bridge back to WI. Only it was pitch black outside and rain/snowy mix...AHHH! It would not be so bad if I knew exactly where I was going and all that so it freaked me out totally. David gave me different directions to get to their house and I followed them, all the while with a death grip on the steering wheel as I made my way along the black roads in the snow. Oh, I was sooo glad to see their house and them coming out to meet me when I arrived!!! I am getting too old for this and my Superman glasses did not seem to help much at all with the navigating thereof!

*

The fireplace has been a blessing to me, a curse to Lori as she is as hot as I am cold. Always has been, or at least, has been for years, the case. Their home is lovely, they are excellent hosts, with six of us staying here and not banging into each other at all. Lisa and family are downstairs with Dusty taking the couch, Alayna sleeping in the living room on the second level, and me up here with the view of the bluff and the country road---and no steps!

*

The house is waking now so I had better get at my toilet, my shower, that is. We are meeting Mom and Lynn for breakfast, they staying in Holmen at a hotel, and then enmass we are driving back to Manty. Kerry is driving over from Oshkosh and Jill is making supper for us all this evening. Tomorrow will be worship and then in the evening is the Ladies' Advent Service where my sisters and Mom and Alayna will be seated at Linda's table. Lynn and Alayna will sing with the ladies choir, and Linda, too, I think. Cannot wait to kick off Advent this way but also face the end of my time here in the north. In a few weeks we will reconvene, at least a mess of them will, at my house in the south! Their hospitality here will be a tough act to follow but they are already aware that breakfast will be their responsibility....so funny!

*

Tuesday already?

My morning began early as we had to get to church to help with the newsletter assembly with Linda J. As I sat at the kitchen table waiting for the time to depart, I got a text from Justin with the simple statement: "Tucked or untucked" on it. Obviously, a "Seinfeld" reference. Once I answered him, my phone rang as he called me to discuss the episode that brought this to mind. He was thinking about the show where Jerry had nitrouos oxide at the dentist and felt he may have been violated while under the influence. Justin had a cleaning scheduled for this a.m. so that is why he thought of it. Justin is correct, every thing has a "Seinfeld" reference in life!!! He is looking forward to camping outside all night to be first in line for sales at Best Buy, but not for his own purposes---but as a surrogate!

*

Linda has a regular crew lined up to come for this monthly task of assembling the newsletter, even makes muffins to feed her hungry helpers. They are really supposed to begin at 9:00 a.m. but these ladies vie with one another to see who can get there first so the time gets moved and moved some more....Thankfully Linda is a good sport and manages to have things well in hand by the time the early arrivals show up.

*

Once finished, Pastor R. came around to put the letters in the member's mailboxes to pick up on Thursday or Sunday. Then he joined us ladies for some coffee and fellowship, which is so nice. We had a good chat, and then Pastor S. came in for coffee as well. When I saw Todd, the janitor, I leapt to my feet to give him a hug hello. He is a dear man. Someone commented that Pastor S. did not get a hug when he came in but he said, "Well, I got two on Sunday so that's okay..." They had warned him about me already in September....gotta love that!

*

Linda helped me to fax some documents to Travis for my insurance application, then Mom and I left to go to Wal*Mart. She had another prescription to pick up and while she did that, I wandered into the ladies clothing department to see the sweaters. My closet did not cough up many cold weather garments so I had determined to get some up here, makes sense, right? In short order, I found two lightweight sweater tops and a pair of jeans, checked out, and chatted with the checkout lady before Mom came rolling along with her scrip. We headed for home then, no other business to take care of today. Linda had invited me to her Evening Circle but I declined, planning to use the time to pack my suitcase again for going to Lori's in the morning. First to Judy's and then to Lori's!

*

Lynn came by after doing some shopping and watched "Jeopardy" with Mom and me before she went home for the night. I went to Jill's on the 2nd floor to use her printer again, trying to find Judy's house on the mapquest website. Nope, according to them, no such place exists! But I KNOW it does, I have been there! Guess I will have to call her when I get close to Holmen so she can either lead me in over the phone or with her car! I think I need a Garmin!

Let the fun begin!

Or, rather, continue! Monday morning and I am awaiting the arrival of my sis-in-law, Mona, who is going to come up to see Mom’s place and then we are going to have breakfast. Like with Linda J., we always have words leftover, too! Mona grew up only blocks from here so this is her former stomping ground. This afternoon Mom and I are going to see her neurologist together so I can ask questions if I wish to. Now I almost feel like I should after the dream I had last night…
*
Here we go on another dream trip with Kim! This time my friend who is a counselor (Tracy, maybe??? Or Jami, from Amarillo???) gets me as a patient as I became----confused, perhaps? See? I cannot even put into words the sensation I was experiencing in the dream, though I am not surprised at this. She becomes adversarial toward me, dismissive, probably more client/patient than friend. Given my mental state I was likely misreading everything.
*
I was still married in the dream, and my spouse was taking me to a session and on the way up the stairs I sat down and sobbed my heart out because I felt so badly about this happening to me. I feared I would start using filthy, horrible language and no one would like me anymore, or even recognize me with such language and attitude. Hmmm, it just occurred to me that I spoke with my friend from church on Saturday, whose hubby has early onset Alzheimer’s disease which might have triggered this dream.
*
Because I stopped on the steps to cry, I was late to the therapy session and no one acknowledged me as my spouse was already there, left me on the steps to sob. She kept talking without breaking stride, as though I was not there, but a bit later, tossed a booklet my direction which slipped into the water where we were all floating. Okay, this is weird….I grabbed it and saw it was a project she and I had been working on together until I became ill, with her tossing it to like indicating I was done. Now is when the inappropriate language should come forth, but did not. It is the sensation of not having control (I do have control issues!!!) of my mouth and mind that leaves me so frustrated and frightened, and would you, most likely, as well.
*
Mom and I might go do some shopping after her doctor visit, if she feels like it. I want to get as much done as possible while I am “home” to avoid having to ship at CHRISTmas time. On Facebook I read where some people have nearly finished their shopping already and have also wrapped their gifts. Like a game, it is like a contest to see who can buy the earliest and wrap the soonest, to say “DONE!” before all the others. I just don’t want to have to ship, that’s all. Other times I have purchased through Penney’s who will deliver to the home, and for extra fees, gift wrap and label for the shopper. Nice! I certainly cannot ask Mom to do that for me. We are only shopping for the kids on my side of the family as a rule, but rule breakers may also buy for anyone in their home on CHRISTmas Day (try to stop me!).
*
I have names on the exchange list with the other side of my family to shop for, seemingly easy ones, plus the nieces and nephew. Many ideas are circulating through my brain already but will wait to make decisions until I am in the store. I love the flurry of activity.
*
Tonight I am meeting Dolly for dinner at the Green Street Tavern---my first visit there since getting into town Friday night. THAT must be some kind of record! Dolly said she had not eaten there since we did during the springtime visit so she is due for some wonderful perch and great times together. Speaking of great times, I must get ready for Mona’s arrival. Have a blessed day all, and keep your language clean!

I hope I remember how to do this!

It has been days since I posted on my daily blog---hmmm, what is up with that??? Friday was spent pretty much traveling, where, thankfully, my knee held up nicely for my walk-about through the Atlanta airport. Another man traveling from Jax with me was in the same boat (all sorts of transportation that day!) as we sought our departure gate. The boarding pass for the 2nd leg had absolutely zero information other than a flight number and none of those matched the monitors. One person at least directed us correctly to the D concourse but once there, no Delta personnel could lead us to the gate. Finally I asked the same lady twice and she happened to be talking with a man who worked for the airport, and he knew exactly where we had to go. Midwest Airlines has one departure gate in the entire concourse and I would have certainly missed it if this man had not spoken up. I was so glad to have had two hours between flights or I would certainly have missed it. Instead of walking the airport I could have taken the cart ride, but had no idea of where to tell the driver I was going!

*

Justin picked me up Friday morning for the airport, right on time, in fact, called me to make sure I was up! All things were ready to go and he carried the bag of discarded clothes downstairs for me while I wheeled the suitcase. He was dropping the bag off at Brenda N's house for her friends and her to take to the Bahamas for the poor people. I had already taken a wheeled tote bag to Brenda at work Thursday so they could at least start loading their luggage around my donations. Another person had given her sheets to take to the families Brenda knows there so they will have an early CHRISTmas this year!

*

Justin was given my permission to raid the fridge when he came back over later that day so he relieved me of sandwich meat, cheese, leftover soup, and whatever else was not tied down or already decaying. He called me to ask if I had meant to leave my laptop behind and I told him I did, since I can use this machine when here and Lori's when at her house. Justin said he was relieved to hear I said yes because he was concerned about how he would ship it to me safely.

*

Friday night, now, Lisa and the boys came up to Manty after work and school, and joined us for dinner at Time Out. Jill took a break from packing and moving to have dinner, too, and took some dinner home for Danny. I had my first meal of perch right away Friday night, got it out of the way (te he he!) and got to spend time with Lynn, Jill, Lisa, the boys, and Mom, of course. It was too noisy for Mom to hear anything said at the table, so in the future, she will have to sit in the middle so she can hear better. Time Out is noisy which works well with little boys, but they are so well behaved that it does not really matter. Mostly I like that place because seating larger groups like ours is not a huge problem.

*

Saturday a.m. Lynn, Mom, and I walked, yes, walked, to the corner coffeeshop for coffee or soda and a piece of bakery from breakfast. Lynn had already washed a couple loads of clothes and hung them on the line before coming over to Mom's. Busy bee! Once we got back here, Mom and I went to the beauty shop for her haircut which she again wanted cut like mine. Last time that did not really work out because she was reluctant to do the styling but this time has promised to do what she must to make it look soft and feminine. From there we went to Wal*Mart for Mom's prescription and for me to do some shopping. I was making lunch for the movers and then also made supper for us. Mom's scrip was delayed so we had to wait another 20 minutes for the refill, while she ended up with the original medication at the end anyway. It worked out better as far as her deductible went but--yikes!, it was expensive. Jill had agreed to come up to Mom's (from the 2nd floor) to apply her drops twice a day so Mom can be sure they go into her eyes and not waste a drop of the liquid gold!

*

The move took place with me serving as door holder for the movers, which had three men plus Lisa and Lynn doing the hauling. I am so thankful Lisa and Noah came up, because even the boys did more hauling and running the stairs than I did! Little Manny came up to me with a trash can which held the cat food, and he showed me what he was carrying. He said, "It's heavy but I can do it!" and up the steps he went with this kitchen-sized can, almost taller than he is! I cannot express how much I love these boys! Gabe was pushing the wheeled carts loaded with boxes to elevator and loved to push the buttons to make it go up. (The other night he sang the first stanza of "Away in the Manger" for us...)

*

Lynn and I went down to Jill's after cleaning up our late lunch which we ate at Mom's to help get beds made and boxes removed. Lynn and I made Jill's bed and she did Danny's while I busied myself in the kitchen getting things put to right. By the time she got back after taking the moving truck back, the kitchen looked nice, she could walk through it and find the counters, and she dismissed us. We came back up to Mom's then and Lynn headed for home. She took some of the hot beef and pork I made for dinner along with her to eat later. I put the ice pack on my knee for a bit while enjoying the recliner and then Mom and I had a sandwich with the delicious meat. Not 20 minutes later did Jill call, asking if we had anything to eat because she was hungry! Certainly I did, and made up a "wimpie" sandwich for her as well. The meat roasting during the day smelled good all the way down the hall....mmm! Alayna came over to Mom's after she got done working, she had helped with the loading of the truck on Jill's end before going to work. Her daddy is hunting but he left her fixed up as far as food goes, even so far as pre-frying bacon for her BLT sandwiches, her favorite! She opted to go home to sleep instead of staying with us but we will see her this morning at church.

*

My original plan had been to be in Jill's apartment to meet the furniture as it came up and then wipe it down, dust, polish or whatever it needed before it was set in place. Since Hannah was upstairs with Bryson, she said she would do this job so I stayed downstairs to mind the door, building policy, so no interlopers enter the building. I met a few of Mom's, and now Jill's, neighbors which was fun but no one unauthorized got in. If they did, I gave them something to carry up with them!

*

Lynn and I are going to watch the Packer game today and Lisa said she might come up to watch with us. She is both a 49's fan and Packer fan so she is in a win-win situation. Those wimpie sandwiches will be a delight again today as the longer they sit, the better they get. The little boys clobbered my hullless popcorn yesterday so I might have to restock before the game. At the coffee shop I bought a tiny bag of puppy chow which I am nursing along, not to eat it all in one sitting. Lynn stocked the fridge here with Diet Coke but much of that went yesterday, too, with the movers, so I will need to keep an eye on that supply.

*

My phone went off yesterday with a call from Florida for a prayer chain request on behalf of one of our members who fell and broke her hip. Oh, my! I made my calls in the evening when things were quiet here and then also received another call from Kelly T. who asked me to pray about the voting going on in Washington last night. Oh well.....hopefully the prayers for Mary's speeding recovery from the broken hip will be an affirmative one!

I sure did not "kneed" this now!

But when is it ever good to have knee problems? Last time I was heading north it was my weary back giving me a fit and this time, my knee is acting up. Some of my friends think I might be allergic to traveling to WI! Or even NYC, since I had a gimpy knee when Lynn, Justin and I went to the Macy's ThanksLiving Day parade in 2004.

*

It all started when I was at the pediatrician's office with A'Keila. The only seats in the small waiting room were low upholstered benches, about the height and shape of a bench-style backseat in a car. The appointment was at 8:45 and they were taken back to the exam room in short order. I had my Bible study booklet with me and read through that while waiting but more and more people were coming with kids, making it difficult to read. Jill called me and the signs on the wall, walls covered with handmade notices, said not to use cell phones in the waiting room, so I went outside. At least I tried to---my knee locked up and begged me not to walk on it. Eventually I worked the popped knee into place and got outside to talk to Jill.

*

I kept working it back and forth as I stood in the sun by my car, feeling quite upset that this had to happen now, when I am ready to go on a trip. Another sign in the office said "No food or drinks" so I took my unopened soda with me outside and sat in the car in the sun. Nice and warm in there! By now, it was getting to be nearly 9:45 a.m., and I looked up in time to see a nicely dressed man enter the office from a side door on the building. My thought was, "This had better not be the doctor, first showing up now!" An hour after Sheila's scheduled appointment, the doctor shows up at the office. Huh? About 30 minutes later, the two came out of the office and got in the car. I asked Sheila is the doctor was Caucasian and she said he was (most of the staff and patients were not white). I told her what I saw and she said she wondered why she had to sit back there so long. He might have been making rounds or something medically related, but it still seems inconsiderate to have patients with sick children, waiting over an hour before he is even in the building.

*

As we drove off, I noticed she had prescriptions in her hand and asked if we should stop at the drug store on the way home. Sheila said, "No, but can you drop us off at Wolfson?" I asked, incredulously, "Wolfson? Downtown? The children's hospital???" That was hardly on the way home, but, of course, I would take them there. The doctor wanted to have A'Keila's lungs x-rayed to see if she has pneumonia, but it seems to me a place in Orange Park could do that for her, right? Well, I am guessing Wolfson accepts the Medicaid insurance Sheila has for her granddaughter, which would not pay for her transportation to the pediatrician. A paperwork glitch occurred which is why I was taking them to appointments.

*

After I got them downtown and deposited, I asked about the child's seat, still in my car. She did not want to take it with her because she was not sure how they would get home...ouch! I told her I would take it to church with me later and leave it just inside the door. I stopped at SteinMart and hobbled in with my returns. My other plans to take down the Luther display could wait until before choir, as I just wanted to get home.

*

My health insurance was due for renewal the 8th of next month and I figured I would take care of that in the afternoon. Not so fast! While I have used this same short-term insurance since my COBRA ended in 2005, they are not all that anxious to take me back! I reapply every year like a new client, not an actual renewal, which is not untypical with individual policies. So, now the search is on for a new policy for me, in a short period of time. More to fret about!

*

Last night I met Suzanne for dinner and was walking fairly well. Jessica, my upstairs neighbor who borrowed a cup of Internet a week ago, has her Masters Degree in physical therapy and I called her to pick her brain about the knee thing. She assured me over the phone and later in person, to keep walking on it, exercise it and the muscle in the thigh which supports the knee cap, etc. No wrapping it up, though, which was the reason I had called her in the first place. It would be like putting a cast on a broken bone not properly set---you stop the flopping but is not healing. After choir rehearsal, which we whipped through, I came home and changed my pants to capris so Jessica could see what she was working with. She had me lie down on the lounge chair and manipulated, worked, twisted, asked questions, had me do a few things, to figure out what was going on. I had to stand and sit over and over again, to strengthen the thigh muscle, clench the muscle, etc. She was so helpful and above all, reassuring that I will be okay. Originally I had made an appointment with the PA at my doctor's office but since have cancelled that since Jessica saw me. I do not want another "problem" to show up on my application for insurance, which Jessica's spouse is going to help me with. I love my neighbors! She gave me other "lifestyle" advice, too, when I brought it up and after I return from my travels, plan to incorporate nearly all the suggestions. I shall have to overcome my fear of the exercise bike and start riding, at her suggestion, 30 minutes at a time, working up a sweat. No worries, I will sweat just trying to get on!

*

Martie just called me with terribly sad news...Our shared friend, Chris, who had back surgery yesterday, came out of her operating room to hear that her son had died. Wade, in his 30's, had numerous health problems stemming from juvenile diabetes including kidney failure, heart problems, and pancreatic troubles. He had experienced several serious seizures since he had moved in with Chris and her husband and younger son, but this time, it seems to have been a massive coronary that took his life. Oh, my goodness! There she is, lying in the hospital after serious surgery, and now her son has died. I asked Martie to please represent me at the funeral service as I will be away. When I think I have problems......

A day of opposites

This is the morning sun today. I woke it up rather than the other way around!

*

Yesterday was a day without appointments or real deadlines but today begins early with an appointment. Not my own, though, but the granddaughter of one of our prospects at church. Sheila called to ask if I could take the little girl and her to the pediatrician today to check out A'Keila's earache. Of course, I can! There are other errands needing to be run today as well so it really helps to start early in the day.

*

Today I am taking down the Luther display at church to make room for the bake sale this weekend and then the Fellowship Sunday events which follow. The flowers at the cemetery will need to come out as I am sure they are all done by now, so will stop on the way through to take care of this. When Linda was here we shopped at Steinmart and a couple tops I bought there failed me, so will take them back today. I wonder if their bathrooms are repaired yet....My closet needs to be gone through to get the stuff ready for Brenda N. to take with her to the Bahamas which must be finished before I leave Friday. Whew! I am very close to finishing the newsletter for church, waiting yet on a few things to be submitted but can take care of it from WI, if I want to. Otherwise it can just wait until I get back. The Palace Press cannot be finished until after the BOD meeting tonight, which I cannot attend since we have choir rehearsal tonight. Like I said above, the opposite day of yesterday!

*

Last night I had a lovely dinner and drinks with Martie at Applebee's when she got done working. She had called earlier in the day to see if I wanted to attend a "Helping Bowls" fundraiser event nearby, where one can pay $20 to buy bowls made by local art students and then have a meal of soup and bread. Usually I like to go but chose to decline since I was so busy doing nothing. Instead, we met for dinner and spent several hours just hanging out and enjoying our meals, drinks and even shared a dessert. This will have to last us until I get back from WI. Thankfully, we both have Facebook and can stay in touch with that as well as telephone. Gotta fly!

A Tuesday of my own

This day brings zero appointments or real deadlines. This is extremely rare and I hope I make good use of the time, although, if you read the random list posted yesterday, you can see where sometimes you reach a certain point where you know you will accomplish nothing! I pray that will not happen to me today! Friday I depart for WI being driven to the airport by my chauffeur, Justin. He has promised to get up early enough to get over here, gather my things and me, and get to the plane on time. I asked him to sleep over on Thursday to ease my mind but he has something called "Trivia Night" that he is involved in at Atlantic Beach. He has no trouble waking in the morning, he claims, and I asked him if he had an internal alarm clock like Kramer does on "Seinfeld". Just don't hit the snooze button like Kramer did!

*

Justin called me in the afternoon yesterday asking, in his sad voice, if I saw the space shuttle, Atlantis, launch. YES, I did! He missed it somehow, even though he was listening to the radio when it went up. The station he listens to on podcast (I think that is the word) evidently did not break away and he totally missed it. He asked if the vapor trail was still showing but it was well over half an hour after the launch, with the wind breaking up the trail quickly. My neighbor, Karen, and I were at our rails when it went up and had a nice, clear view of the shuttle. Justin made me chuckle a bit as he lamented about the contractors who were supposedly to show up for punch work on a house, and did not. "I hate these contractors!" It is particularly worse when it is crunch time and the work must be completed prior to closing (today) and they are no-shows. I reminded Justin how I told Jimmie, in the midst of my remodeling on the lake house, that if I ever, ever again consider being a general contractor, just shoot me!!! Shoot me and have it over with!

*

In the morning I attended Bible study where we concluded our study of the Psalms. No more classes now until 2010 which seems like really long off! Pastor needs to concentrate on the Advent services coming up in December, ThanksLiving yet this month, as he serves both here and in Keystone Heights. His wife may be having breast cancer surgery in December at some point and he needs a fairly clear schedule for that as well. She is responding well to the chemo treatments, her final one taking place this Thursday. In December there will be no Tuesday evening classes either so I am basically "free" except for the Art Guild party on Tuesdays. What are we supposed to do now on Monday mornings and Tuesday nights????

*

Monday afternoon when I got home after lunch with the ladies at Steak 'n Shake, I worked on the newsletter a bit and then tackled the bag labels for the children's goodie bags for their reception after the preschool and kindergarten program. The fine tuning of this event will take place after I return from WI but I still wanted to get a jump on it. I am also responsible for obtaining the halos for the little angels to wear in the Sunday school CHRISTmas Eve service but have to find out how many we are talking about. I offered to lend some of mine.....te he he!

*

Verizon has an advertisement on TV where Elvis is singing "Blue Christmas" in the background. The first time I heard it, I thought, "Hmmm, that's nice..." but the 50th time, I was ready to throw a shoe at the television. Is it too frequent or am I done listening to his plaintive tones???? On the radio station I listen to, they have to play a certain number of PSAs during the day. The one series really annoys me as a haunting male voice counts down the minutes left in the day before the child has to go home and face an abuser, encouraging people to volunteer to be advocates for abused child. It sets my teeth on edge but it takes too many extra keystrokes (one is playing right now!!!!!!!!! AAAHHHHH!) to mute the computer. I need an advocate, too, I think.

*

Last night our Ladies' Group went to eat at Mimi's Cafe at St. Johns TCM. Twila, Jean, and Kathy rode with me, since Kelly backed out at the last minute. Kathy was going to ride out alone but didn't have to after Kelly cancelled. We were short a couple ladies but we had a marvelous time and meal in such a lovely dining room. The light fixtures are just awesome, it makes me feel right at home! Mom used to judge a restaurant by the price of the coffee and I judge it by the charm of the light fixtures! My entree was the grilled meat loaf and mashed potatoes---really! I have leftover Japanese food to eat up and must freeze the balance of the chicken noodle soup too as I leave Friday.

*

Joanne's daughter was supposed to deliver her baby in early December but the ultrasounds and other tests were showing the baby to be quite large, almost too large to deliver. The decision was made, after determining the lung maturity, to have the baby on Monday. Kimberly's labor was induced and after being run over by a Mack truck, she eventually delivered the little boy this early morning at 5:00 a.m. Evidently some scar tissue was inhibiting the launch of the baby and had to be "removed" in order to facilitate the birth. Instead of the estimated 11+ pounds the tests had determined, he was, in fact, "only" just over 8 pounds. We said a prayer for Kimberly at Bible study yesterday and afterward I commented that my guess was the baby was not nearly a huge as they thought it was. I wonder, though, what exactly looked like three more pounds than was there.....They will rest all day today, for sure, after that rough delivery, and so will Joanne, as she had little sleep all night, waiting to hear the news!

*

There was another chuckle yesterday---while I was at lunch with the ladies, my neighbor, Hugh, called, wondering if I was out of town. No, just having lunch.....He said he happened to be in the lobby when the mailman was putting the mail in the boxes and he asked Hugh if I had moved out or something. It seems my box was overflowing and he had to use the parcel box next to the regular boxes to store my mail. Early in the month when I am expecting my check, I go to the mailbox daily, but after that, maybe once a week or so. It is catalog season, folks, the box is filling up fast! Of the mail pieces, 11 of them were catalogs or coupon books. I promise to be more faithful with getting the mail through at least the end of the year as cards and letters may be stuck between the catalogs and junk mail. I cherish my CHRISTmas cards and look forward to sending out mine, too, so please, go to your mailboxes!!!

Random thoughts sent by a friend...

There are some REALLY good ones in here

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die. (Martie, have your finger on the trigger here!)

2. Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I regret all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a 'sarcasm font' on the keyboard.

5. How in the world are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this garment -- ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Missed it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice-mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste!

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Mom what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How do I respond to that? (I would reply, "Go to the car wash...)

19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. (Mine has one...)

20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

What could be more perfect?

Other than being with my peeps in WI, that is! Watching football all afternoon, a short nap after 3rd quarter of the first game, and then another game. Right now it is halftime of a rather slow moving Packer/Cowboy game but earlier it was a nail-biter victory for the Jaguars. Next week I will be watching football in Manitowoc, hopefully with a sister or two, maybe even a niece thrown into the mix. But, today, besides the phone calls that came in, I am watching by myself. Joanne was going to come over to watch the Jags game with me but she had a client flying in to put an offer on a house so she had to do business instead of yell at the TV with me.

*

Saturday came and went so quickly, ending with a lovely evening at Suzanne's house. I made a kettle of chicken noodle soup to take out there, plus the movie. Kathy came over here and we rode out together. Since my back was still weary from the vacuuming at church Friday and the kettle was too heavy for even Kathy to carry, I called Travis to come down to get the soup for us. He very nicely put it in my car for us. I love my neighbors! Yesterday morning I woke up to find a Diet Coke ornament hanging on the front door handle, with a note attached. It basically said that now I will not have to worry about running out of my precious Diet Coke....The little can even appears to be icy cold, and I was so touched to get this little token. It had to be one of my neighbors in the building....I have my suspicions!

*

Late morning I got a phone call from Tracy, my downstairs nieghbor, asking if she could borrow a can of soda since her hubby accidentally brought home decaf Diet Coke and she needed the "real thing", in more ways than one! Tracy also asked me to serve as "vice-secretary" on the BOD for The Palace and might even change the night the Board meets to allow for me to be in attendance. I just do not want anything to interfere with the important stuff in my weekly or monthly schedule off-site, if you know what I mean. The other day I called Justin to see if I needed a password or anything to get on my WI-FI because my upstairs neighbor, Jessica, as Justin joked, "needed to borrow a cup of Internet" while theirs was being repaired. Justin is so funny but so right! She was able to tap into mine and do her work, patient evaluations for physical therapy, and not miss a beat in between service providers.

*

Back to Suzanne's---Janet came after dinner since her plans had changed a bit from the original. She had dinner with her kids first and then came to watch the movie. Suzanne's neighbor, Jenny, with whom I have communicated via Internet in the past, also came over to watch. The kids watched the movie "Up" while the grown-ups watched "Freedom Writers". Kathy and Janet are both teachers so I hoped they would appreciate it from that aspect. It touched me that Janet was so moved by it, and she did not realize it was a true story until the very end, which made it moreso.

*

This is a dull game---only three points so far, a field goal by the Packers in the 3rd quarter. At church today, continuing the End Times season of the church year, we sang some new hymns from the Supplement, including one penned by our own Peter Prange. I had wondered what the melody was and snooped around on the Internet until I found one with the same tune. Sure, I know this one! Made singing it today much more confident.

*

We also sang "Jerusalem, the Golden" which most of the readers know moves me to tears, just listening to it, much less singing it. After the choir sang the psalm, I moved further up in the church to sit rather in back with the choir. I did this in part to help lead the liturgy singing with this less than familiar Divine Service 1, as well as to be closer to the front for communion time. I did not want to miss singing "Jerusalem...." which did end up being sung when the majority of the choir was in the aisle or at the rail. Since there were few people left behind me and the congregation not all that familiar with the hymn melody, I was singing seemingly alone, so HAD to hold myself together. A couple times I paused a bit to gather myself but had to press on with this hymn. (Justin sang this hymn at Victory two weeks ago and said many people, men and women, were wiping their eyes and noses, with the organist telling me she was among them!!) After worship this morning, Robbie, who played the entire service on the organ, told me he could hear me, that it sounded like I was the only one and was proud of me for hanging in there. Me, too, but that only happened through the Lord. The choir from Victory had invited me to come sing with them next week for Christ the King Sunday as they are having both the organ and piano playing "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name", but, sadly, or joyfully, I will be singing at First German!!! I can hail the power of Jesus' name up there, and look forward to doing so!

Waking to the sunshine

Now that's more like it! Clear skies and warm sunshine reflecting off the river of glass---oh, yes, a lovely fall morning! The Pioneers are waking up to the same thing, perhaps not the river of glass, but in tree houses instead, on their campout overnight. Even Kathy B. was along so she could play the guitar and lead music 'round the campfire. Hopefully she will be thawed by this evening as we venture out to Lake Asbury for movie night. Suzanne and the kids are alone this weekend and rather than have her try to keep them busy here at my house, we opted to take our "show" on the road, and my chicken noodle soup, to their house. Even Janet is going to come over, as they live in the same neighborhood. Suzanne requested "Freedom Writers" and I so look forward to seeing it once more, especially since two of us four ladies are teachers.

*

My day was spent with friends yesterday, starting early with Brenda N. When I arrived at her house, she was still on the phone trying to get her authorization from the insurance company. It sure was a good thing she had already taken one of the Valiums because she was getting extremely frustrated with the insurance people. Once finally in the car, she apologized for her "temper tantrum" which was hardly that, but she just could not believe the powers that be would wait so long to make this happen. She had a fistful of notes and papers she shoved in her purse and as she took her second Valium, decided her attorney needed to get a phone call from her about all this foot dragging going on. Already many of our medical decisions are in someone elses control....just wait! The neurosurgeon sending her for the test was not the one who could prescribe the Valium, that had to come through her primary doctor, more fiddling around!

*

She did just fine this time in the MRI machine, no panic attack or claustrophobic events. I waited until she had finally gone in to the room and then left to get my car filled up with Diet Coke at CVS. I dilly-dallied a bit in this fun store, so many interesting things to be found in a drug store besides my drug of choice. I only had to wait a few minutes for her when I got back, and she came out looking none the worse for the wear. We feared she would be too doped up, subdued, to have lunch but she was just fine. Off we went to Honey B's, and a wonderful, long-awaited visit. I saw a friend from Art Guild there who spotted me through my identifying laugh....her husband actually heard it first---busted!!! Carolyn was nursing a broken foot or toes, the result of leaping from her bed in the throes of a bad dream. She had landed flat on her back, too, and the doctors are still discussing the back problem, but for now, the foot gets the attention.

*

The waitress went back and forth taking care of us and the other patrons, finally deciding to leave the soda pitcher on our table for us as we sat, chatting and drinking our sodas. I ate only a small portion of my meatloaf sandwich and cheesy potato soup, as we both left room for our dessert. Brenda had chocolate peanut butter pie and I had bread pudding. I brought some of that home, too, but Brenda ate every bit of hers!

*

We made plans to meet next week before I take off for WI because Brenda is going to take my castoff clothes to the Bahamas with her at ThanksLiving. Our shared friend, Edda, is treating Brenda to a trip to her son-in-law's hometown in the Islands and is going to donate the much needed clothing to locals they have come to know. Nice! Now I must really get busy in the closet and start making decisions about my old clothes....

*

After dropping Brenda at home, I headed over to church to vacuum. All by myself....very exhausting! Once into it I thought, "Hmmm....where's Patty when I need her???" As long as I do not race through the cleaning, I do alright but my nature is to fly around. My flying around days seem to be behind me as I was thoroughly wiped out by the time I got done. I never even touched the fellowship hall, just didn't have it in me. As I drove home, I was wishing I did not have to stop at the grocery store but my soup was going to need the veggies. Hobble hobble hobble into the Winn-Dixie store for the frozen veggies. It was not until later that it occurred to me fresh vegetables would have worked, too...A lotta good that Pampered Chef intervention did last weekend!

*

Once finally home again, I worked on a few things for church, including bag labels for the goodie bags I am making up for the preschool and kindergarten kids. They have a little presentation on December 15th and the Ladies' Group is hosting their reception afterward, of which I am Chair. As I made some Prayer Chain calls, I also requested some homemade cookies to be made for this reception from the 'grandma ladies' of the congregation. Our friend, Gordy, is once again hospitalized so our prayers were requested on his behalf.

*

Joanne stopped by late afternoon with some more envelopes for me plus an additional list of people to get a holiday card from her. All her cards are addressed now and the next mailing is ready to go except for the newsletter inserts which will come when I am gone to WI. (Lynn--I just noticed I have 'happiness' on my bedroom ceiling!) Kelly T. was bringing the CHRISTmas booklets over last night for us to work on but she forgot some of the pieces, leaving only enough for her to work on. Good! I finished the envelopes while talking with Kelly, as we brainstormed ideas for gift baskets she is making up for her Realtor/neighbor to give to recent home buyers. Now THAT was fun and almost made me want to go shopping!

*

She finished her project and I mine, and then she asked me when we were going to watch the funeral video. I glanced at the clock and asked her if she had time right now. She did, so we did, both of us weeping as once more I heard that wonderful sermon, "Jesus Triumphs Over Tragedy". When it was over, she commented that this was most powerful sermon she has ever heard. Amen, Kelly, amen!

Yes, once more, I am cold!

The A/C ran this morning in order to cool my house for the cleaning lady and tonight the heat is on for me! Baby, it is cold outside, thank you very much, Ida! Last night I drove home in heavy drizzle and in chilly temps and today more wind to go with the cold. Mid-50's around here is bitter, no matter what you say! Justin said it felt "nasty" (say it with a drawl) but said it would be a summer day in WI! We went to Bible study at Victory this a.m. and then had lunch at the Japanese place at the Mall. At the next table one of the former chefs from Koko's was cooking and we were so happy to see each other.

*

My fingers are icy and have been all day. When Patty was cleaning today, I saw she had opened the patio doors which explained why my feet and hands were so cold. This must be my day for former waitresses or chefs! Patty used to work at Longhorn but since she lost her job is cleaning houses to make some money. She took good care of all my precious glass, making it all shine nice 'n clean. Mostly she cleaned my wood blinds and French doors which still wore some of the dust from the remodeling done in my bathroom and closet! The lady I used in those days was less than thorough but now I am totally confident in the work done today. I actually did go around and wipe my hand along the shelves and such to make sure all was gotten and did, in fact, find a missed section of shelves.

*

Frustration of frustrations! Justin was going to swing by yesterday to get my ladder out of the storage cubby for us to use today but after at least 9 trips forth and back trying to find the key for the closet, I had to call him back and tell him not to come. Where is that key??? It has been forever since we did anything in that cubby area so cannot say what has happened to the key. In my opinion, if the keys I ran back and forth do not open the church door or my doors, I do not need them. I should trash the whole works! Those are the only doors for which I need access, plus my car, of course. Hugh, my neighbor, opened the door this morning and brought Patty a ladder, though not my own. For his troubles, I left him two bags of cheese curds. Later he came by with a new key of my very own for the storage closet door, saying it was "a key for curds" program!

*

Patty was too cheap for all the work she did for me but I told her that I would tell others about her services so she can keep busy until she finds another job. Her daughter might be able to get her in at the bank where she works but Patty wants something where she can be on her feet and running, not sitting at a desk. That woman! She is a ball of fire, that is for sure. So, any of the readers of this site from OP and Jax, have I got a cleaner for you!

*

My dear friend, Brenda, just called to ask for a ride to a medical procedure in the morning. It will be my privilege to make sure she gets there safely and home again. She will have to be doped up and I have never seen her subdued, so this will truly be a treat! While she is being MRI'd, I will go to the pharmacy stores to take advantage of the soda deals my friends told me about via Facebook. I had a 24 pack in the back of my car which I had broken into, and as I drove today, I could hear the cans escaping and rolling madly about in the back. I feared all would be loose but only about eight found their way out of the opened box. Can't wait to pop one open and see what happens! I might have to have Patty come back to rewash the cabinets and touch up the ceiling, too, while she is at it!

Happy Veterans Day!

Oh, it feels so wonderful to have the sun back again! It has been gone since Sunday afternoon when we enjoyed our lunch el fresco at Aron's after church. Oops, I spoke too soon---the clouds have regained their strength and covered the sun again. That is what I get for dilly-dallying! My rhythm was interrupted because Justin sent me a text message to report he had water eyes listening to a tribute to the Veteran's on Neal's program. Then Justin called me while driving to tell me about his full day in front of him, readying a home for closing. Good, love to hear about those closings! He was also a bit upset because he got a chip in his windshield and is concerned about it breaking. Evidently he has huge speed bumps in his parking lot at home and is afraid it will shatter. I assured him the insurance will cover replacement or repair....that is what I pay for, anyway!

*

I read him the menu for the ThanksLiving Feast at The Club and he thought that Jesse and he should come over here to eat that day. Both the moms have memberships there so they could certainly enjoy this marvelous menu. Almost made me want to cancel my trip to WI---NOT! I would miss too much by staying here, but I also have lots to do before I go. Thankfully Mom has Internet at her house so I can work on a few things from her house. I also look forward to seeing Judy R. in Winona when I up north, as well as hanging with my sisters and Mom. And Linda! We will enjoy the Ladies' Advent Service on the 29th at First German, and a couple days later, another one back here in Florida. Victory is hosting ours this year, and hopefully we can return the favor next year!

*

I woke up to a JAG this morning, not on a jag, but to one! I had never seen this episode before and almost wonder if it might have been an episode made after the series went off the air. I will have to ask Jill if she knows. It has been forever since I last saw an episode so it took me a while to get my thoughts together when I first awakened.

*

Last night at Bible study, it was only Mike and me at first, as Debbie had forgotten about the class. She arrived a bit late but in the meantime, Mike and I reviewed some of the information the Long-range Planning group is putting together. Oh, goody, more committees! 'Running in quicksand', I liken it to. Anyway, he showed me what they have so far, with some fine-tuning going on yet. Hopefully it will not take too long to get it ready for presentation. He did tell me that the meeting I had planned for Sunday was postponed to January since we might garner more Greeters through the Time and Talent sheets. Okay, then. I was also waiting to hear about the banner for Christmas 4 Kids but it was suggested to get a changeable date sign so we do not have the expense every year. The banner people already told me that they cannot recycle the banners so I am not sure how to do this....Maybe I need a committee!

Here I am!

Some have been looking for me today but time escaped me, in a good way. Earlier today I had to go to the dentist for a teeth cleaning followed by the finishing of the tooth that had the last root canal. I had to wait in between the two appointments which was fine as I realize the dentist was having troubles fitting a patients' crown. I would certainly want mine to fit perfectly, too, so I waited. When it was my turn, they decided to try a new product on me, calling me a guinea pig. So far, so good!

*

When I went up front to pay, the doctor gave me her special pricing, a discount for being 'conservative' (just teasing) as Justin and I often see her at political functions. I have known her husband and she since before we built our office buildings on the Island, where she rented space from us in the new building. She takes good care of me when I have my regular emergencies....Justin is going in just before ThanksLiving for his cleaning and I cannot wait to hear how they go nuts, seeing him looking so svelte with his new physique, to go with his beautiful smile!

*

After the dentist I went over to get a soda because, obviously, my mouth tasted funny from the cleaning and then funky new product they used to seal my open tooth. Ahhhh, that was good! From Wendy's I went to Hang Ups to return a plate prop I borrowed and stay to visit for a bit. A man had brought in his mom's bottle collection, miniatures she collected when living in Alaska, including one tiny bottle used for opium! There were also ink bottles and other pretty colored glass, plus a pan used for mining gold. Neat stuff. Dee is going to photograph them for posterity purposes as he is writing a book about his parents. And Dee will be part of that, I guess, by taking the photos!

*

When I got home some time just after noon, I sat down at my desk to eat my lunch and work on the newsletter for church. Several e-mails went out in regard to the newsletter but none came back...wait, I had better go and check that tonight.....I have to work ahead due to my trip to WI later this month. Boy, I hope no one feels pressured by this pending deadline!

*

When my radio shows got done, I decided to rest and do some work on the computer other than newsletters. Kathy B. called to say she was on the Island and wondered if I was home and available. YES, come on up! We had a great visit, enjoying the river room although without sun due to the tropical storm passing nearby. She stayed until just before it was time for me to leave for Bible study. We found out our friend, Gordy, is back in the hospital, and Kathy told me she had gone to sit with him for a couple hours at his house so his daughter could go to work for a bit. Prayers for Gordy's return to health are in order....and for strength for Terri as she tends her ailing daddy!

You call this resting?

At this moment I am inclined on my bed, computer wobbling about as it is precariously perched where I can reach to type on it. Again I thank my typing teacher in high school for making us touch type! Maybe Justin will get me one of those desks that wheels up to a chair or bed, like in a hospital, for working on. I bought him one years ago and he said he uses it every single day! When he lived at home, he would set up a card table in front of his chair, which looked really trashy in the family room, so I got him the wheeled laptop desk.

*

I am supposed to be resting my writing hand but I guess instead typing is working it differently. Joanne's envelopes need to go out in late November but since I will be gone then, am working as much ahead as I can. That way her other staff members will not have to do it all. But my hand gets weary from writing the addresses on the envelopes, so this is my "break". Justin called earlier while I was working so I was distracted from the tired hand---hope the addresses are correct, though.

*

He was venting a bit on his long ride from Fleming Island to the gym, as he was cold, wet, and had his face stung by riding the jet ski to the boat launch in the rain. He was helping his father get the skis out of the water because of the coming storm, Ida. Of course, the whole enterprise took way too long and he was late for his appointed time at the gym with his friend. He was supposed to be doing this jet ski riding earlier in the day but there were "delays" in getting started so they ended up doing this when it was nearly dark. Justin knew he was going to be busy late afternoon with that project, so he came by at noon to do the vacuum cleaning here, while I was gone. The kitchen looks again as though nothing happened---just the way I like it! When I sent him a text message to thank him for doing it, I also reminded him he forgot the window sill in my bedroom. He wrote back, "Ach tu lieber!" which made me laugh. Only he would send a text message like that! Next time.

*

This morning was Bible study but with only six of us in the class today. I went earlier to re-do some of the bulletin boards and such, finishing just as the ladies began to arrive. During the class, a man came into the hallway and when I looked up, it seems he heard that there was a class going on, and put his hand over his mouth. I got up to see what he wanted and he apologized for interrupting but wanted some directions. (Funny, but when I order pizza there, no one can find us----only when they are lost can they find us!). He said, "I have to take my old lady, no, not my old lady, my grandmother, to the doctor, but I can't find it." I tried to help but I was not sure which way the addresses go, up or down as one gets closer to Blanding. The young man thanked me and left. When I came back to the table, Pastor said we should set up an information booth outside our church to help people find their way, and Bonnie piped up, saying, "and Kim can man it!" Thanks, Bonnie, only again, I do not know which way the addresses go......! Just another service I offer! Make them feel good even if they are lost! The name for the booth can be "We help the lost"....oh, the ideas are rolling around in my brain now...

*

Instead of going to Longhorn, due to the cost increases, we went to Steak 'n Shake. Funny, but the two who complained the most were not with us today....I had the Wisconsin Buttery Burger and Judy C. had the special, which came to just over $3.00 including the drink! The other ladies had their burgers, but Donna complained the fries were cold. I do not complain but since the waitress gave us two free plates of fries plus cheese dip, I enjoyed them. Wow! Now we had a ton of fries in front of us. My guess was the glass plates chilled the fries because in no time at all, the fresh fries were no longer hot. I like nothing better than excellent customer service and I left her a nice tip to show my appreciation for her service.

*

While we ate, the heaven's opened again, a driving rain which certainly soaked the front seat of the car parked next to mine with the driver's window opened. Oooh, I hate when that happens! Glad my windows were all closed. Hurricane Ida is supposed to bring us more of that, plus high winds. Excuse me, but did not the season end on November 1st??? Someone did not get the memo, Ida! From the restaurant I went to the cemetery to deliver the bouquet of flowers from church since Linda and I did not take it yesterday. The stark white flowers looked gorgeous and bright against the greyness around it. I hope the winds and rain do not beat them up too badly.

*

Speaking of Linda, I no sooner had spoken her name to the ladies than did she call me from Nevada, asking what the poor people were doing today. I laughed and told her we were talking about her! Donna asked if Linda was my sister, and while she easily could be, I explained Linda is my friend. And then the phone rang, with her on the other end! She was letting me know she arrived safe and sound, had a good night's sleep, and Tommy and she were now heading for the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The poor people were eating cold fries under cloudy skies and watching the rain pour.......