What started out with thunder storms, heavy rains, cloudy skies, and high winds ended up being a perfectly lovely day. As my sister, Lori, would say, "It's going to be a nice day yet after all!" I am not the only silver-lining person in my family, it appears! Presently the temperature shows 70 degrees above zero, which is close to being alright in my book! Our lows tonight are expected to be in the 30's again, a dramatic drop from 70 right now. The doors are open in the river room and foyer to allow for free air passage in the rooms, while my bedroom door remains closed to hold the heat in. Gotta have it hot, or at least, warm in here.
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I met my friend, Wendy A., at The Club for lunch and as she was running a bit late, I soaked up some rays while waiting out front on a bench. Mmmm, felt too delicious on my face. Another customer came by and remarked that I looked comfy sitting there and I told her I felt like a cat, snoozin' in the sun.
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Once Wendy arrived we were seated along the windows and like any first-time diner, was blown away. The view, the ambiance of the room, the other diners, plus the food and service---all remarkable! Tarren and Pete may get a kick out of this: one of the first things Wendy asked me, trying not to pry, was if I dated anyone, if I had a gentleman friend. The face, arms and hands were immediately in defense mode as I earnestly shot down any idea of being in THAT arena at all. She got such a surprised look on her face---I do not know if it was answer of ABSOLUTELY NOT or my being so adamant about the suggestion! We have talked and talked in recent months but usually not about me, as the theme of our luncheon ended up being "sometimes it is NOT about me", so I guess that is why the topic never arose before. I assured her I was perfectly fine in my life the way it is now, having much and many in my days the way it is. No need for complications beyond what is already there. She, on the other hand, has a gentleman friend, of whom little was spoken.
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Wendy had wanted to pick my brain about the option of her starting her own housecleaning business which she could work around the time she has with her sons before and after school. Wendy shares custody of the boys with her former spouse and hates to lose a moment with them. She is now deeply religious, makes me appear pagan by comparison. Wendy had formerly been the secretary at our church, prior to me getting on board there. Since we talked so much about miscellaneous topics, we must meet again to further discuss the business plan and surrounding matters of being self-employed. I am honored she came to me with this. Initially she had asked me if I could mention her name to people in my building in case they needed a cleaning lady, and I told her it was no problem since I write the newsletter! She was beside herself with glee!
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After lunch we came up here and she was again blown away, this time by my home, view, and Santorini! It seems she had been to Santorini herself not too long ago when her former bosses gave her the trip, which they had won in a contest. Apparently her boss was not a traveler so off they went on her described "bittersweet" cruise to the Greek Islands with her then soon-to-be former husband. The plans are for her to come back in the very near future and look at some of my albums from my trips and continue the discussion of starting a cleaning business. Too bad I have a son on retainer to do my cleaning or I would hire her myself! She also does organizing for people, such as people with desks like mine!!!
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Later this afternoon I called my sister-in-law down south to check on them. It had been awhile since we had spoken and I wondered how my brother-in-law was feeling. Tina told me he was not well and that they had decided not to move to Palm Coast in order to remain close to medical facilities. Biff was recently found to have additional nodules in his lungs and is going to have a PET scan done as soon as the insurance company gives its permission (and then we invite MORE intervention into our medical care!!!). I told Marian I would call back again to see what the tests show, and toward the end of the conversation she sort of whispered that the doctor thinks it might be cancerous because of the number and speed of growth. Oh, brother! Biff also has trouble seeing at all from his left eye, has cataracts forming on both eyes, and now will be wearing glasses for reading as well as distance. Neither of them can see or respond well enough to drive..........oh, mercy me!!!
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Marian told me they have no income and I interrupted her with the question of "What???". I asked her about Social Security and she admitted they both are now collecting on disability but it is barely enough to make ends meet, with no wiggle room for emergencies or extras. Just when you think you have it bad, someone else has it that much worse! I praise God that Lynn, who is their age, has no health problems to speak of and continues to work over 30 years at LTC. Praise be to God! Marian was saying that her "church" told it was okay if she could not give any money, which is how she got on the subject of not having "income". I reminded her there were other ways to support her church, like helping with mailings, bulletins, newsletters, making phone calls, etc. If you do not have monetary treasures to share, certainly time and talents can be pressed into service. She said she helps out with a couple things but, again, has so many physical limitations that do not allow her to do much.
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After speaking with her, I was a bit drained, but have recovered enough to write this posting. I know Tina must be terribly torn about her parents' health and the five hours separating them, but that is just the way it is. Marian remarked that their long-time friend was coming from Milwaukee soon and she had asked him to install a bathtub for her. Evidently she has one of the swinging door tubs advertised on Hallmark TV for folks who cannot climb into tubs any longer to bathe. She hopes he realizes she was serious because she really wants it installed, since they decided not to sell and move up this way. I do hope Elroy can put it in as I doubt Biff has it in him to do physical labor any longer. I am so glum after talking with her. Think I will go over to church for the meeting with the LES Team, that might cheer me up!
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Everyone----count your blessings!!!!
