It's about perfection today

Happy New Year everyone! Last night was a lovely worship service, though low attended, at Good Shepherd but I still got to see many of my friends again. Judy J. had her son in church with her, which was awesome, adding one male voice to the three or four others there. Judy wept through a couple of the hymns, as did I, because, appropriately, we sang, "I'm But A Stranger Here". Pete had sung this at my request at Timmy's grave site, so besides it being the perfect message for the evening, it was also the perfect message for Timmy's funeral. Judy asked me after church why we had to sing those hymns which bring tears, but she already knew the reason why.

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I thought today was the day to start working on that nasty financial stuff but decided I'd better work on the newsletters instead. I've been sitting here at this machine all day long, but evidently not long enough to make me get up and walk away. One newsletter, for church, is nearly ready to publish save for a few pieces of information for which I'm waiting. The Palace Press letter is also at the same point, having little information to write about due in part from being gone and not having had any Board meetings in recent months. Serious lack of input going on here these days. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Probably bad if I have nothing about which to write!!!

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Joanne and I spent much of the morning around the house, and I did even manage to put away some of the stuff from my luggage! She was trying to clean up in her room, doing some ironing, and a load or two of wash before heading off to work. We did run into a problem, however, in the kitchen, where I discovered the garbage disposal was stopped up. I pulled out handsful of garbage but nothing that should have prevented the blades from spinning. Pushing the reset button didn't make a bit of difference, nor did running hot water down the drain. A search for the little disposal wrench was unsuccessful so Joanne went to her car for an emergency tool kit she keeps. Unfortunately, the wrenches she had were not the correct size to help the problem. We were quite the sight as we each took a turn trying to work under the sink!!! I need say no more.......Guess I'll have to call Steve tomorrow for some professional help. Boy, I wish Dave the Doorman was still here!!!

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Joanne and I discussed our dinner plans, with her expressing how it used to be customary in OH to have pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. I mentioned that I had pork and sauerkraut in the freezer and one thing led to another.....my house is smelling just wonderful as I write! A couple hours ago Jennifer R. called to invite me to dinner at her house with her family---now what? I've always been of the mindset that if someone calls for dinner, turn off the stove and go! And I'll be doing the same thing tonight, except for turning it off, since Joanne and her father will be coming here to eat what I made. She was feeling badly for not getting over to his place to see him so this is the perfect opportunity for them to get together.

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Last night Joanne and I spent the evening, after I got back from church, dining on spaghetti and watching TV. We really tore up the condo with our wildness! By ten o'clock she was dropping off to sleep in the chair and I was ready to sleep too so we decided to go to bed. I hoped that the neighbors wouldn't keep her awake, and I was hoping the same for me, as the first floor people were having a rather noisy party. No worries, I was out in no time at all. The wind in the palm trees woke me about 8:00 a.m., and it sounded just like WI outside! Only no snow---white caps on the river---but no snow blowing. I felt badly for the football fans having to endure this chilly, windy weather but I heard one man on the radio comment that at least it was warmer here than in Nebraska!

A few more photos

Sorry the photo is so dark but it was difficult adjusting for the brightness coming through the windows. Gabe and Manny had a great time opening their presents while Grandma Lynn, Lisa, and Noah look on. One of their aunties got them Crayola toys which they immediately got busy playing with, freeing up the adults to open their presents. This was our second go-around with present opening as Lori, David, Dustin, and Kerry weren't able to make it on Eve for the first batch. Jamie and his family weren't able to come to Manitowoc at all this CHRISTmas because of complications with visitation for Hunter's biological father. Jill is on her way today to see them and take the rest of the presents to Brodhead for a third go-around of present opening!!!!

We got to spend some time with my Auntie Marie at her house on the day before leaving Manitowoc, and then Lynn took the two ladies to lunch at Perkins. We ran into them there when we showed up with Mona! Mom is a couple years younger than Auntie Marie, who I believe is 86 year old. I want to look and act like her when and if I'm ever that age!!! She is lively and still enjoys a good time. She is the lady standing behind my mom, in the rocker chair.

Justin and I visited Grandpa Arno at his assisted-living home, finding out later the same day that he has been asked to move to a memory care center. I guess the staff wasn't able to dedicate all the help he needed to adapt to his new surroundings. Mona can't believe that they wouldn't be more patient with him, and half-way suspects the management wants him out because they feel guilty about him hurting his back and they not knowing about it. Arno should be moving this week, if not already done.

My sister, Kerry, takes great delight in getting "boy kisses" from Gabe and Manny, and now she's getting a big smooch from Gabe. Dusty is too old for this game, but doesn't mind looking on at this display. Lynn and Lisa are looking at something but I can't tell exactly what. Lisa's home is an older one, and features the double doors entry, with a lovely stained-glass window in the hallway. Having the double door entry sort of helps with keeping the cold air from immediately blowing into the rooms, but the concept is lost when a stream of people are trying to come in!!!

This is the second big snowstorm we experienced during the visit, this one taking place after Justin got into town. I just love the look of snow draped on the evergreen branches just outside Mom's patio doors, and you can see the high snowbanks edging the parking area. Across the street from Mom's house is the local public utility and they were quick to remove their snow. We, on the other hand, had to wait and wait for the snow removal truck to come, and only one time did the management come to shovel our walks. Alayna used the house broom to make a path so Mom could get out to her car.....don't get me started on that management again!! Mom's daughters and grands really wish she'd move to another facility where this wouldn't be such an issue....Mom doesn't want to go through the effort of moving. I always remind her that Justin and I could have her whole unit packed up in one weekend---we're good at this!